FAMILY OF GUNSHOT VICTIM APPEALS TO IGP
BY PATIENCE OGBO
The family of Blessing Isabor who was shot by a police corporal identified as Emmanuel Okujo has called on the federal government and the Acting Inspector General of Police , Mohammed Abubakar to come to their rescue in footing the medical bill.
The victim’s mother Doris Isabor, a widow is also appealing to the IGP to track down corporal Emmanuel who also kidnapped her 17 years old daughter Patience after he shot Blessing for trying to stop the kidnap.
Blessing is undergoing series of surgery at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja following the gunshot wound she sustained from corporal Emmanuel’s rifle which shattered her cheek bone and fingers .
The incident happened at at Sawmill area Ifako Bariga on February 10th.
According to Mrs Isabor, corporal Emmanuel who is attached to the Ifako Police station attacked her two daughters about 7.00pm in her apartment.
“ I am a nanny in a private crèche and I have been taking care of my two girls since their father died in 2001. My children and I are struggling to survive and we have lived peacefully with our neigbours all these years; I started noticing corporal Emmanuel coming to our compound last year and he will greet me like every other person in our compound but since I do not stay at home all the time I will not know much about his visit.
From what I heard, Emmanuel barged into my room; he ordered Patience the younger one 17 years old to follow him but she refused .Blessing stood up to him that he cannot take Patience anywhere without my consent, that was how he brought out his gun and told Blessing to close her eyes and say her last prayers, so that was how he shoot her four times on the cheek and on her fingers ; the blood stain is everywhere in my room; it was a neigbour who called to inform me about what happened and that corporal Emmanuel took Patience away.” Mrs Isabor said .
A case of kidnap.
Mrs Isabor rejected police claims that Patience eloped with corporal Emmanuel.
“ it is not true that Patience eloped with corporal Emmanuel, because a neighbour who witnessed the whole incident said after Emmanuel shot Blessing, he pointed a gun on Patience’s head and forced her to scale through the fence, he also scaled the fence but Patience ran into a nearby shop and was trying to hide but he ran after her and threatened to shot the man that was trying to help her so that was how he kidnapped her and fled on a motorcycle.”Mrs Isabor said.
The Isabors are accusing the police of playing games with the lives of their daughter.
Kevin the girls’ uncle said the family will petition the IGP and the presidency over the case.
“ It is unfortunate that the police are saying that Patience eloped with the corporal. How can a minor give her consent ? A corporal had just shot her sister in her presence and is pointing a gun at her; even if it is the DPO, he will succumbed and do what the person holding the gun wants; the police is not ready to find the erring officer and Patience life is at risk,
also the DPO has to explain why he did not default Emmanuel and collect his rifle from him after he closed from work that day; the family with the help of the community has been footing Blessing medical bills . The DPO gave me N63,000 but we have spent more than N200,000 and the hospital is saying Blessing needs to undergo plastic surgery as her cheek bone has been shattered, her fingers are also shattered by the gunshots; I have written to human rights organisations and we are also writing petitions to the presidency and the IGP on this injustice” Kelvin said .
It was also gathered that Patience has called some of her friends and family members that corporal Emmanuel locked her up in an undisclosed apartment at Ikorodu .
“Patience called and said she is at Ikorodu that Emmanuel locked her inside; she said she was calling with his phone but the number was hidden” Mrs Isabor said.
The Lagos state police spokes person Jayieoba Joseph assures the family that the police is on the trail of the erring policeman.
“We have began a manhunt for him and he will be arrested soon and be made to face the full wrath of the law”
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PATIENCE OGBO
8:07 PM (14 minutes ago)
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FAMILY OF GUNSHOT VICTIM APPEALS TO IGP The family of Blessing Isabor who was shot by a police corporal identified as Emmanuel Okujo has called on the federal government and the Acting Inspector General of Police , Mohammed Abubakar to come to their rescue in footing the medical bill. The victim’s mother Doris Isabor, a widow is also appealing to the IGP to track down corporal Emmanuel who also kidnapped her 17 years old daughter Patience after he shot Blessing for trying to stop the kidnap. Blessing is undergoing series of surgery at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja following the gunshot wound she sustained from corporal Emmanuel’s rifle which shattered her cheek bone and fingers . The incident happened at at Sawmill area Ifako Bariga on February 10th. According to Mrs Isabor, corporal Emmanuel who is attached to the Ifako Police station attacked her two daughters about 7.00pm in her apartment.“ I am a nanny in a private crèche and I have been taking care of my two girls since their father died in 2001. My children and I are struggling to survive and we have lived peacefully with our neigbours all these years; I started noticing corporal Emmanuel coming to our compound last year and he will greet me like every other person in our compound but since I do not stay at home all the time I will not know much about his visit. From what I heard, Emmanuel barged into my room; he ordered Patience the younger one 17 years old to follow him but she refused .Blessing stood up to him that he cannot take Patience anywhere without my consent, that was how he brought out his gun and told Blessing to close her eyes and say her last prayers, so that was how he shoot her four times on the cheek and on her fingers ; the blood stain is everywhere in my room; it was a neigbour who called to inform me about what happened and that corporal Emmanuel took Patience away.” Mrs Isabor said . A case of kidnap. Mrs Isabor rejected police claims that Patience eloped with corporal Emmanuel.“ it is not true that Patience eloped with corporal Emmanuel, because a neighbour who witnessed the whole incident said after Emmanuel shot Blessing, he pointed a gun on Patience’s head and forced her to scale through the fence, he also scaled the fence but Patience ran into a nearby shop and was trying to hide but he ran after her and threatened to shot the man that was trying to help her so that was how he kidnapped her and fled on a motorcycle.”Mrs Isabor said. The Isabors are accusing the police of playing games with the lives of their daughter. Kevin the girls’ uncle said the family will petition the IGP and the presidency over the case.“ It is unfortunate that the police are saying that Patience eloped with the corporal. How can a minor give her consent ? A corporal had just shot her sister in her presence and is pointing a gun at her; even if it is the DPO, he will succumbed and do what the person holding the gun wants; the police is not ready to find the erring officer and Patience life is at risk, also the DPO has to explain why he did not default Emmanuel and collect his rifle from him after he closed from work that day; the family with the help of the community has been footing Blessing medical bills . The DPO gave me N63,000 but we have spent more than N200,000 and the hospital is saying Blessing needs to undergo plastic surgery as her cheek bone has been shattered, her fingers are also shattered by the gunshots; I have written to human rights organisations and we are also writing petitions to the presidency and the IGP on this injustice” Kelvin said . It was also gathered that Patience has called some of her friends and family members that corporal Emmanuel locked her up in an undisclosed apartment at Ikorodu .“Patience called and said she is at Ikorodu that Emmanuel locked her inside; she said she was calling with his phone but the number was hidden” Mrs Isabor said. The Lagos state police spokes person Jayieoba Joseph assures the family that the police is on the trail of the erring policeman.“We have began a manhunt for him and he will be arrested soon and be made to face the full wrath of the law”
Friday, 24 February 2012
MEN AS SILENT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
BY PATIENCE OGBO
Last weekend, a middle age man simply identified as Ifeanyi Anasekwe, was allegedly murdered by his wife Chikodile Anaekwe following a fight in their apartment at Ago-Okota .
Mrs Anaekwe allegedly used a pestle to smash her husband's head and when the man was unconscious, she allegedly used a knife to stab him several times all over the body following her husband's alleged inability to provide money for diapers and their baby's food.
Also on February 3rd, Hadiza Abutu , a mother of one was rearrested by the police after she was granted bail by an Abuja court following her alleged role in the death of her husband , Ibrahim Abutu .
The incident happened on December 28th 2011 when Hadizat allegedly murdered her husband at their Parakou Crescent home Abuja barely one day after her husband took a second wife in Gombe state.
Mrs Abutu allegedly used a double barrel gun to shot her husband at close range in the chest following an argument.
Mrs Abutu was subsequently arrested by the police; she however claimed that her husband shot himself.
Despite Mrs Abutu’s claim that she is innocent, her late husband’s family is seeking justice as they maintained that their brother was a victim of domestic violence .
Also
Domestic violence has been viewed in many quarters as a crime against women as the media has reported overwhelming cases of domestic violence against women but very few cases of violence against men .
One of such violence against women that provoked public outcry was the gruesome death of the former Skye bank staff, Titilayo Arowolo 26, a mother of one who was allegedly killed by her husband, Akolade in their home at Isolo last year.
While Titilayo’s death was one of several cases of domestic violence against women ,investigations however reveal that violence against men is on the rise in the country and like the women , men are silent victims of domestic violence; Mr. Abutu’s death is a clear indication and a typical example of domestic violence against men.
Another gruesome case of domestic violence against men was that of Kazeem Ademoye .
Mr. Ademoye until his death was a computer expert allegedly murdered by his wife- Ngozi at their home at Magodo Phase 2, Lagos on September 16th 2011.
In her statement to the police at the Homicide department at Panti Yaba ,Mrs. Ademoye maintained that she killed her husband in self defense adding that her husband had turned into a monster after a fetish incantation in his secret room and had attempted to kill her but she miracously overwhelmed and killed him with a heavy object .
Also in November last year Mr. Daniel Iyamu a SUBEB staff and a popular entertainer in Benin city in Edo state was allegedly killed in his sleep by his wife Grace .
Mr Iyamu was said to be sleeping at their Agonse Street, Ugbihoko residence in Egor North East Local Government council when his wife allegedly used a pestle to smash his head several times killing him instantly.
Mrs Iyamu has since been arraigned but her lawyers are claiming that she is insane.
It can also be recalled that 43-year-old Vincent Omeje, would live each day grateful as he escaped being killed by assassins allegedly sponsored by his wife Chidera in November last year.
Mr. Omeje a trader was attacked in his apartment at No. 10, Awka-Etiti Street, Comfort Obot, Kirikiri, Lagos by a five man gang .
The assassins beat Omeje mercilessly with dangerous weapons and left him for death following allegations from his wife that he was seeking a divorce.
Mr. Omeje survived the attack and reported the incident to the police which led to the arrest of his wife and her brothers as the assassins who attempted to kill him.
Dr. Adeolu Olusode , a medical doctor with the Star Clinic at Ebutte- metta said domestic violence against men is a daily occurrence but such cases are not reported due to the stigma, and male chauvinism .
“Indeed there are cases of domestic violence against women but there is no doubt that men are also experiencing violence from their wives and girlfriends
The issue is that these men do not come out to tell people that they were beaten by their wives or violated by their female lovers; they even hardly tell such things to their friends due to the fact that it is seen as a shame for a man to be beaten up by a woman so due to this many men do not talk about the violence they face at home except the case had become extreme and people found out about it” Dr. Olusodo said .
Dr. Olusodo added that domestic violence is not gender based as both male and female are victims of violence in their homes .
“There have been cases where we have treated men who claimed that the injury was sustained from beating they received from women; the truth is that more women than men experience domestic violence because women are seen as the weaker sex and they can come out to speak about their suffering but a lot of men are also victims of domestic violence” Dr. Olusodo said .
Reports on domestic violence show that women are victims of domestic violence ten times the men and such violence against men by the women folk is usually viewed by experts as violent resistant or what is popularly known as self defence .
In the case of Mrs Ademoye she confessed that her husband would have killed her in his rage but she defended herself.
It is based on the instinct of abused women to defend themselves that Gloria Egbuji the Chief Executive Officer of Crime Victims foundation, a not for profit organization in Lagos state calls on the government to take women’s rights seriously.
According to Egbuji, government has not shown enough resolve in upholding women’s rights and as a result women are left to fight for themselves; a development she said if not checked will lead to multiple violence.
“ A lot of factors contribute to women being violent. When women begin to react violently its shows that they have been pushed to the wall and they have to fight back for their lives—such women would have suffered years of psychological trauma, pent up anger over abuse they have suffered in the hands of the men.
Also envy is another reason for women to become violent ,as she has a husband that is not caring for her but wasting the family resources on other women despite the fact that both the man and the woman worked for the money so such behavior by the men can make the women to become violent .
Mrs Egbuji added that statistics on domestic violence show that violence against men is “ still miniature compared to what men do to women; this is because culture impedes the fight against domestic violence; culture that says women can be seen but cannot be heard, such culture reduces women to men’s object and it is sad that the government and the law enforcement agencies are dominated by the men and so they cannot make or enforce laws that will affect them—that is why you hardly see the court prosecuting men for bigamy” Mrs Ebuji said .
Proffering solutions to the issue of domestic violence, Dr. Oni Fagbouhougbe, a lecturer in the department of Psychology at the University of Lagos said women are becoming more aware of their rights.
“Psychologically, when we look at the structure of our personality, we have the ID, the ego and the super ego. The ID is irrational, aggressive and cannot delay gratification; ego is more pragmatic, while the super ego plays a more superior role in stopping anti-social behaviour
Research has however shown that the ID is prominent in the women than in the men and that is why women are easily deceived and by nature can be irrational; but culture has contributed in controlling and taming the ID in women which teach women to be tolerant and patient; sadly our culture and values have been eroded by westernization , the internet and technology generally played significant roles in creating awareness on women’s rights and our women are now more enlightened than before.”Dr. Fagbouhougbe said.
Dr. Fagbouhougbe urged men to put the needs of the women first and refrain from abusing women’s rights.
“Men must stop taking women for granted this is because our value system has changed and they should know that they do not have monopoly of violence . Also , women need to get counseling to control their ID and other abuse they have suffered which can trigger them to becoming violent , in
BY PATIENCE OGBO
Last weekend, a middle age man simply identified as Ifeanyi Anasekwe, was allegedly murdered by his wife Chikodile Anaekwe following a fight in their apartment at Ago-Okota .
Mrs Anaekwe allegedly used a pestle to smash her husband's head and when the man was unconscious, she allegedly used a knife to stab him several times all over the body following her husband's alleged inability to provide money for diapers and their baby's food.
Also on February 3rd, Hadiza Abutu , a mother of one was rearrested by the police after she was granted bail by an Abuja court following her alleged role in the death of her husband , Ibrahim Abutu .
The incident happened on December 28th 2011 when Hadizat allegedly murdered her husband at their Parakou Crescent home Abuja barely one day after her husband took a second wife in Gombe state.
Mrs Abutu allegedly used a double barrel gun to shot her husband at close range in the chest following an argument.
Mrs Abutu was subsequently arrested by the police; she however claimed that her husband shot himself.
Despite Mrs Abutu’s claim that she is innocent, her late husband’s family is seeking justice as they maintained that their brother was a victim of domestic violence .
Also
Domestic violence has been viewed in many quarters as a crime against women as the media has reported overwhelming cases of domestic violence against women but very few cases of violence against men .
One of such violence against women that provoked public outcry was the gruesome death of the former Skye bank staff, Titilayo Arowolo 26, a mother of one who was allegedly killed by her husband, Akolade in their home at Isolo last year.
While Titilayo’s death was one of several cases of domestic violence against women ,investigations however reveal that violence against men is on the rise in the country and like the women , men are silent victims of domestic violence; Mr. Abutu’s death is a clear indication and a typical example of domestic violence against men.
Another gruesome case of domestic violence against men was that of Kazeem Ademoye .
Mr. Ademoye until his death was a computer expert allegedly murdered by his wife- Ngozi at their home at Magodo Phase 2, Lagos on September 16th 2011.
In her statement to the police at the Homicide department at Panti Yaba ,Mrs. Ademoye maintained that she killed her husband in self defense adding that her husband had turned into a monster after a fetish incantation in his secret room and had attempted to kill her but she miracously overwhelmed and killed him with a heavy object .
Also in November last year Mr. Daniel Iyamu a SUBEB staff and a popular entertainer in Benin city in Edo state was allegedly killed in his sleep by his wife Grace .
Mr Iyamu was said to be sleeping at their Agonse Street, Ugbihoko residence in Egor North East Local Government council when his wife allegedly used a pestle to smash his head several times killing him instantly.
Mrs Iyamu has since been arraigned but her lawyers are claiming that she is insane.
It can also be recalled that 43-year-old Vincent Omeje, would live each day grateful as he escaped being killed by assassins allegedly sponsored by his wife Chidera in November last year.
Mr. Omeje a trader was attacked in his apartment at No. 10, Awka-Etiti Street, Comfort Obot, Kirikiri, Lagos by a five man gang .
The assassins beat Omeje mercilessly with dangerous weapons and left him for death following allegations from his wife that he was seeking a divorce.
Mr. Omeje survived the attack and reported the incident to the police which led to the arrest of his wife and her brothers as the assassins who attempted to kill him.
Dr. Adeolu Olusode , a medical doctor with the Star Clinic at Ebutte- metta said domestic violence against men is a daily occurrence but such cases are not reported due to the stigma, and male chauvinism .
“Indeed there are cases of domestic violence against women but there is no doubt that men are also experiencing violence from their wives and girlfriends
The issue is that these men do not come out to tell people that they were beaten by their wives or violated by their female lovers; they even hardly tell such things to their friends due to the fact that it is seen as a shame for a man to be beaten up by a woman so due to this many men do not talk about the violence they face at home except the case had become extreme and people found out about it” Dr. Olusodo said .
Dr. Olusodo added that domestic violence is not gender based as both male and female are victims of violence in their homes .
“There have been cases where we have treated men who claimed that the injury was sustained from beating they received from women; the truth is that more women than men experience domestic violence because women are seen as the weaker sex and they can come out to speak about their suffering but a lot of men are also victims of domestic violence” Dr. Olusodo said .
Reports on domestic violence show that women are victims of domestic violence ten times the men and such violence against men by the women folk is usually viewed by experts as violent resistant or what is popularly known as self defence .
In the case of Mrs Ademoye she confessed that her husband would have killed her in his rage but she defended herself.
It is based on the instinct of abused women to defend themselves that Gloria Egbuji the Chief Executive Officer of Crime Victims foundation, a not for profit organization in Lagos state calls on the government to take women’s rights seriously.
According to Egbuji, government has not shown enough resolve in upholding women’s rights and as a result women are left to fight for themselves; a development she said if not checked will lead to multiple violence.
“ A lot of factors contribute to women being violent. When women begin to react violently its shows that they have been pushed to the wall and they have to fight back for their lives—such women would have suffered years of psychological trauma, pent up anger over abuse they have suffered in the hands of the men.
Also envy is another reason for women to become violent ,as she has a husband that is not caring for her but wasting the family resources on other women despite the fact that both the man and the woman worked for the money so such behavior by the men can make the women to become violent .
Mrs Egbuji added that statistics on domestic violence show that violence against men is “ still miniature compared to what men do to women; this is because culture impedes the fight against domestic violence; culture that says women can be seen but cannot be heard, such culture reduces women to men’s object and it is sad that the government and the law enforcement agencies are dominated by the men and so they cannot make or enforce laws that will affect them—that is why you hardly see the court prosecuting men for bigamy” Mrs Ebuji said .
Proffering solutions to the issue of domestic violence, Dr. Oni Fagbouhougbe, a lecturer in the department of Psychology at the University of Lagos said women are becoming more aware of their rights.
“Psychologically, when we look at the structure of our personality, we have the ID, the ego and the super ego. The ID is irrational, aggressive and cannot delay gratification; ego is more pragmatic, while the super ego plays a more superior role in stopping anti-social behaviour
Research has however shown that the ID is prominent in the women than in the men and that is why women are easily deceived and by nature can be irrational; but culture has contributed in controlling and taming the ID in women which teach women to be tolerant and patient; sadly our culture and values have been eroded by westernization , the internet and technology generally played significant roles in creating awareness on women’s rights and our women are now more enlightened than before.”Dr. Fagbouhougbe said.
Dr. Fagbouhougbe urged men to put the needs of the women first and refrain from abusing women’s rights.
“Men must stop taking women for granted this is because our value system has changed and they should know that they do not have monopoly of violence . Also , women need to get counseling to control their ID and other abuse they have suffered which can trigger them to becoming violent , in
EFFECTIVE SECURITY AND JUSTICE SYSTEM WILL BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH
BY PATIENCE OGBO
”The impact of security and justice issues on economic development”, was the theme of a one day conference organized by the Justice For All (J4A ) in Lagos on Tuesday.
The conference was a partnership between the government and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) aimed at addressing the challenges confronting the country’s security and justice sector with a view to finding practical solutions to these problems .
Participants at the event which include lawyers the Lagos state justice department , civil society groups, security agencies among others call for a complete overhaul of the security and justice sector in order to save the country’s collapsing economy.
Bob Arnot the J4A national programme manager in his speech said J4A has set up four interrelated components aimed at “ improving the capability, accountability and responsiveness of the key organisations in safety and justice sector with a view to supporting the key organisations to work together alongside civil society institutions as part of a coherent coordinated sector”.
Explaining what these components are, Mr. Arnot said Component One focuses on Safety and security; ensuring that more effective and accountable policing and remand services are delivered while Component Two focuses on Justice aimed at improving access to justice and equitable results
Component Three focuses on Anti-corruption by strengthening the capacity and capability of selected anti-corruption agencies, while Component Four aims at cross sector coordination among the sectors , linkages and over sight.
Mr. Arnot added that the programme will include the federal , state and local levels and in five focal states: Enugu Jigawa, Kaduna , Kano and Lagos ; while other states will be encouraged to replicate successful iniatives .
Dignitaries at the event include justice I.E Akande, Justice Philips represented the Lagos state governor Babatunde Raji Fashola , Mr. Ade Ipaye the Attorney General and commissioner for justice in Lagos state and Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, the Solicitor – General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice , Lagos state.
Mr. Ipaye delivered the main paper “ Impact of security and justice issues on economic development : the Lagos state experience” said Lagos state has made giant strides in addressing its security and justice sectors but stated that the state’s peculiarities are challenging.
“Lagos state does not control the law enforcement agencies , the state does not control people migrating into the state from neighbouring states and countries” .
These peculiarities among others according to Mr. Ipaye take heavy toll on the state’s budget and infrastructure as the government has to cater for an already over populated state .
According to Mr. Ipaye the Lagos state government in addressing the issues in the justice sector came up with intervention through the justice reform agenda since 1999 which has led to the establishment of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre , creation of the office of the Public Defender , the establishment of Lagos Multi Door Courts , the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the provisions of street lights and the establishment of 767 emergency response centres.
The discussants at the events include , Professor Bolaji Owasanoye who delivered a paper on the “ Justice issues and economic development”; Mr. Arthur Fola Worrey delivered the paper on “ Security Issues and economic development while Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje gave a speech on the “Impact of corruption on economic development”
The discussants said there is the need to engage the informal sector of the economy as a viable space in addressing the issues of security and justice in a quest for economic development .
Mr. Agbaje links corruption to poverty which in turns leads to breakdown of law and order; while explaining the impact of corruption on the economy Mr. Agbaje said “ 112.25million Nigerians are relatively poor in 2011 and this population is expected to rise ; the danger is that the 40% of the unemployed are in the age range of 15-24years; so we see where the Boko haram come from, and where other vices like the area boys , kidnappers, armed robbers , cultists and the like come from”
To tackle corruption in the system, Mr. Agbaje urged the government to “close gaps and spaces that gave rooms for corruption as we have lost the morality but by employing structural approaches , like fiscal responsibility, market liberalization, due process, procurement and transparency, freedom of information and enforcement we are closing the gap and spaces that allow corruption to thrive”.
Other solutions preferred by participants at the events include; bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, strengthening other security agencies like the neighbourhood watch, and vigilante groups, proper funding and motivation for police officers, strengthening leadership and addressing institutional frustration in doing business and strengthening the informal sector.
Others include amendment of the constitution to give powers to the states to control the police and prisons and the amendment of the police Act.
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PATIENCE OGBO
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EFFECTIVE SECURITY AND JUSTICE SYSTEM WILL BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH
”The impact of security and justice issues on economic development”, was the theme of a one day conference organized by the Justice For All (J4A ) in Lagos on Tuesday. The conference was a partnership between the government and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) aimed at addressing the challenges confronting the country’s security and justice sector with a view to finding practical solutions to these problems . Participants at the event which include lawyers the Lagos state justice department , civil society groups, security agencies among others call for a complete overhaul of the security and justice sector in order to save the country’s collapsing economy. Bob Arnot the J4A national programme manager in his speech said J4A has set up four interrelated components aimed at “ improving the capability, accountability and responsiveness of the key organisations in safety and justice sector with a view to supporting the key organisations to work together alongside civil society institutions as part of a coherent coordinated sector”. Explaining what these components are, Mr. Arnot said Component One focuses on Safety and security; ensuring that more effective and accountable policing and remand services are delivered while Component Two focuses on Justice aimed at improving access to justice and equitable results Component Three focuses on Anti-corruption by strengthening the capacity and capability of selected anti-corruption agencies, while Component Four aims at cross sector coordination among the sectors , linkages and over sight. Mr. Arnot added that the programme will include the federal , state and local levels and in five focal states: Enugu Jigawa, Kaduna , Kano and Lagos ; while other states will be encouraged to replicate successful iniatives . Dignitaries at the event include justice I.E Akande, Justice Philips represented the Lagos state governor Babatunde Raji Fashola , Mr. Ade Ipaye the Attorney General and commissioner for justice in Lagos state and Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, the Solicitor – General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice , Lagos state. Mr. Ipaye delivered the main paper “ Impact of security and justice issues on economic development : the Lagos state experience” said Lagos state has made giant strides in addressing its security and justice sectors but stated that the state’s peculiarities are challenging.“Lagos state does not control the law enforcement agencies , the state does not control people migrating into the state from neighbouring states and countries” . These peculiarities among others according to Mr. Ipaye take heavy toll on the state’s budget and infrastructure as the government has to cater for an already over populated state . According to Mr. Ipaye the Lagos state government in addressing the issues in the justice sector came up with intervention through the justice reform agenda since 1999 which has led to the establishment of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre , creation of the office of the Public Defender , the establishment of Lagos Multi Door Courts , the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the provisions of street lights and the establishment of 767 emergency response centres. The discussants at the events include , Professor Bolaji Owasanoye who delivered a paper on the “ Justice issues and economic development”; Mr. Arthur Fola Worrey delivered the paper on “ Security Issues and economic development while Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje gave a speech on the “Impact of corruption on economic development” The discussants said there is the need to engage the informal sector of the economy as a viable space in addressing the issues of security and justice in a quest for economic development . Mr. Agbaje links corruption to poverty which in turns leads to breakdown of law and order; while explaining the impact of corruption on the economy Mr. Agbaje said “ 112.25million Nigerians are relatively poor in 2011 and this population is expected to rise ; the danger is that the 40% of the unemployed are in the age range of 15-24years; so we see where the Boko haram come from, and where other vices like the area boys , kidnappers, armed robbers , cultists and the like come from” To tackle corruption in the system, Mr. Agbaje urged the government to “close gaps and spaces that gave rooms for corruption as we have lost the morality but by employing structural approaches , like fiscal responsibility, market liberalization, due process, procurement and transparency, freedom of information and enforcement we are closing the gap and spaces that allow corruption to thrive”. Other solutions preferred by participants at the events include; bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, strengthening other security agencies like the neighbourhood watch, and vigilante groups, proper funding and motivation for police officers, strengthening leadership and addressing institutional frustration in doing business and strengthening the informal sector. Others include amendment of the constitution to give powers to the states to control the police and prisons and the amendment of the police Act.
BY PATIENCE OGBO
”The impact of security and justice issues on economic development”, was the theme of a one day conference organized by the Justice For All (J4A ) in Lagos on Tuesday.
The conference was a partnership between the government and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) aimed at addressing the challenges confronting the country’s security and justice sector with a view to finding practical solutions to these problems .
Participants at the event which include lawyers the Lagos state justice department , civil society groups, security agencies among others call for a complete overhaul of the security and justice sector in order to save the country’s collapsing economy.
Bob Arnot the J4A national programme manager in his speech said J4A has set up four interrelated components aimed at “ improving the capability, accountability and responsiveness of the key organisations in safety and justice sector with a view to supporting the key organisations to work together alongside civil society institutions as part of a coherent coordinated sector”.
Explaining what these components are, Mr. Arnot said Component One focuses on Safety and security; ensuring that more effective and accountable policing and remand services are delivered while Component Two focuses on Justice aimed at improving access to justice and equitable results
Component Three focuses on Anti-corruption by strengthening the capacity and capability of selected anti-corruption agencies, while Component Four aims at cross sector coordination among the sectors , linkages and over sight.
Mr. Arnot added that the programme will include the federal , state and local levels and in five focal states: Enugu Jigawa, Kaduna , Kano and Lagos ; while other states will be encouraged to replicate successful iniatives .
Dignitaries at the event include justice I.E Akande, Justice Philips represented the Lagos state governor Babatunde Raji Fashola , Mr. Ade Ipaye the Attorney General and commissioner for justice in Lagos state and Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, the Solicitor – General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice , Lagos state.
Mr. Ipaye delivered the main paper “ Impact of security and justice issues on economic development : the Lagos state experience” said Lagos state has made giant strides in addressing its security and justice sectors but stated that the state’s peculiarities are challenging.
“Lagos state does not control the law enforcement agencies , the state does not control people migrating into the state from neighbouring states and countries” .
These peculiarities among others according to Mr. Ipaye take heavy toll on the state’s budget and infrastructure as the government has to cater for an already over populated state .
According to Mr. Ipaye the Lagos state government in addressing the issues in the justice sector came up with intervention through the justice reform agenda since 1999 which has led to the establishment of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre , creation of the office of the Public Defender , the establishment of Lagos Multi Door Courts , the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the provisions of street lights and the establishment of 767 emergency response centres.
The discussants at the events include , Professor Bolaji Owasanoye who delivered a paper on the “ Justice issues and economic development”; Mr. Arthur Fola Worrey delivered the paper on “ Security Issues and economic development while Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje gave a speech on the “Impact of corruption on economic development”
The discussants said there is the need to engage the informal sector of the economy as a viable space in addressing the issues of security and justice in a quest for economic development .
Mr. Agbaje links corruption to poverty which in turns leads to breakdown of law and order; while explaining the impact of corruption on the economy Mr. Agbaje said “ 112.25million Nigerians are relatively poor in 2011 and this population is expected to rise ; the danger is that the 40% of the unemployed are in the age range of 15-24years; so we see where the Boko haram come from, and where other vices like the area boys , kidnappers, armed robbers , cultists and the like come from”
To tackle corruption in the system, Mr. Agbaje urged the government to “close gaps and spaces that gave rooms for corruption as we have lost the morality but by employing structural approaches , like fiscal responsibility, market liberalization, due process, procurement and transparency, freedom of information and enforcement we are closing the gap and spaces that allow corruption to thrive”.
Other solutions preferred by participants at the events include; bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, strengthening other security agencies like the neighbourhood watch, and vigilante groups, proper funding and motivation for police officers, strengthening leadership and addressing institutional frustration in doing business and strengthening the informal sector.
Others include amendment of the constitution to give powers to the states to control the police and prisons and the amendment of the police Act.
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PATIENCE OGBO
Feb 22 (2 days ago)
to c.ozordi, Cheta, chinedu.ozordi, bcc: Sesan, bcc: mezi201, bcc: xavier, bcc: segunadio
EFFECTIVE SECURITY AND JUSTICE SYSTEM WILL BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH
”The impact of security and justice issues on economic development”, was the theme of a one day conference organized by the Justice For All (J4A ) in Lagos on Tuesday. The conference was a partnership between the government and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) aimed at addressing the challenges confronting the country’s security and justice sector with a view to finding practical solutions to these problems . Participants at the event which include lawyers the Lagos state justice department , civil society groups, security agencies among others call for a complete overhaul of the security and justice sector in order to save the country’s collapsing economy. Bob Arnot the J4A national programme manager in his speech said J4A has set up four interrelated components aimed at “ improving the capability, accountability and responsiveness of the key organisations in safety and justice sector with a view to supporting the key organisations to work together alongside civil society institutions as part of a coherent coordinated sector”. Explaining what these components are, Mr. Arnot said Component One focuses on Safety and security; ensuring that more effective and accountable policing and remand services are delivered while Component Two focuses on Justice aimed at improving access to justice and equitable results Component Three focuses on Anti-corruption by strengthening the capacity and capability of selected anti-corruption agencies, while Component Four aims at cross sector coordination among the sectors , linkages and over sight. Mr. Arnot added that the programme will include the federal , state and local levels and in five focal states: Enugu Jigawa, Kaduna , Kano and Lagos ; while other states will be encouraged to replicate successful iniatives . Dignitaries at the event include justice I.E Akande, Justice Philips represented the Lagos state governor Babatunde Raji Fashola , Mr. Ade Ipaye the Attorney General and commissioner for justice in Lagos state and Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, the Solicitor – General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice , Lagos state. Mr. Ipaye delivered the main paper “ Impact of security and justice issues on economic development : the Lagos state experience” said Lagos state has made giant strides in addressing its security and justice sectors but stated that the state’s peculiarities are challenging.“Lagos state does not control the law enforcement agencies , the state does not control people migrating into the state from neighbouring states and countries” . These peculiarities among others according to Mr. Ipaye take heavy toll on the state’s budget and infrastructure as the government has to cater for an already over populated state . According to Mr. Ipaye the Lagos state government in addressing the issues in the justice sector came up with intervention through the justice reform agenda since 1999 which has led to the establishment of the Citizen’s Mediation Centre , creation of the office of the Public Defender , the establishment of Lagos Multi Door Courts , the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, the provisions of street lights and the establishment of 767 emergency response centres. The discussants at the events include , Professor Bolaji Owasanoye who delivered a paper on the “ Justice issues and economic development”; Mr. Arthur Fola Worrey delivered the paper on “ Security Issues and economic development while Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje gave a speech on the “Impact of corruption on economic development” The discussants said there is the need to engage the informal sector of the economy as a viable space in addressing the issues of security and justice in a quest for economic development . Mr. Agbaje links corruption to poverty which in turns leads to breakdown of law and order; while explaining the impact of corruption on the economy Mr. Agbaje said “ 112.25million Nigerians are relatively poor in 2011 and this population is expected to rise ; the danger is that the 40% of the unemployed are in the age range of 15-24years; so we see where the Boko haram come from, and where other vices like the area boys , kidnappers, armed robbers , cultists and the like come from” To tackle corruption in the system, Mr. Agbaje urged the government to “close gaps and spaces that gave rooms for corruption as we have lost the morality but by employing structural approaches , like fiscal responsibility, market liberalization, due process, procurement and transparency, freedom of information and enforcement we are closing the gap and spaces that allow corruption to thrive”. Other solutions preferred by participants at the events include; bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, strengthening other security agencies like the neighbourhood watch, and vigilante groups, proper funding and motivation for police officers, strengthening leadership and addressing institutional frustration in doing business and strengthening the informal sector. Others include amendment of the constitution to give powers to the states to control the police and prisons and the amendment of the police Act.
Bolivians , Nigerian arrested for drug production
The
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Ahmadu Giade has announced the arrest of three Bolivians and a Nigerian in
connection with a clandestine laboratory for the illicit production of
Methamphetamine at satellite town, Lagos. The Agency warned that it will not
treat the development with kid gloves as it threatens public health and safety.
Speaking
on the development, Giade said that the laboratory was detected by operatives
attached to the Lagos State Command. Items recovered at the production area
include 41.150kg of ephedrine, 4.8kg of methamphetamine, other
chemicals and sundry gadgets used in the laboratory. Three vehicles, a Honda
Accord Saloon car, a Honda CRV Jeep and a Toyota 4 Runner Jeep were also
impounded.
Apprehended
in connection with the laboratory include three Bolivians Yerko
Artunduaga Dorado,
19 years old; Ruben Ticona Jorge, 21 years old; and Hugo Chavez Moreno, 39
years old. The fourth suspect is a 23-year-old Nigerian, Uba Ubachukwu Collins.
However, Solomon Azuka Uzoka and Basil Ikechukwu Uzoka are wanted for
questioning by the anti-drug Agency.
Giade
stressed that Clandestine Laboratories constitute a serious threat to societal
peace and security. In his words, “It is important to stress that such
buildings are not safe for habitation. A house used for the illicit production
of methamphetamine is simply a death trap. Tenants moving into new buildings
are hereby advised to carry out discreet investigations on the previous
occupants”.
He
also stated that the ugly development has led to the recruitment of youths in
smuggling the drugs across the borders. “Besides the environmental pollution,
gullible and unemployed youths are being used to smuggle these drugs to
countries with high demand. Several methamphetamine traffickers have been
caught at the airports and land borders”.
While
condemning the existence of clandestine laboratories in the country, the Agency
urged Members of the public to watch out for various clues to identify a
clandestine laboratory. It would be recalled that the NDLEA discovered the
first Clandestine Laboratory in the country in 2011. The accused persons have
been charged to court and the case is on-going.
Some
of the tips include chemical smells coming from a building, skin irritation and
coloured waters in gutters. Clandestine Laboratories have no sign posts. Unlike
normal laboratories that are opened to the general public with known members of
staff, clandestine laboratories operate covertly.
Most chemicals found in
such laboratories are flammable, corrosive and toxic. Unprotected exposure to
such chemicals could cause headaches, watery or burning eyes, burning skin,
coughing or choking feeling, weakness and dizziness. Investigation into the
case has commenced.
Methamphetamine
is a powerful
addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous
system. It is produced using precursor chemicals. Findings
show that there may be insignificant local abuse as it is mainly meant for
export.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Ahmadu Giade has announced the arrest of three Bolivians and a Nigerian in
connection with a clandestine laboratory for the illicit production of
Methamphetamine at satellite town, Lagos. The Agency warned that it will not
treat the development with kid gloves as it threatens public health and safety.
Speaking
on the development, Giade said that the laboratory was detected by operatives
attached to the Lagos State Command. Items recovered at the production area
include 41.150kg of ephedrine, 4.8kg of methamphetamine, other
chemicals and sundry gadgets used in the laboratory. Three vehicles, a Honda
Accord Saloon car, a Honda CRV Jeep and a Toyota 4 Runner Jeep were also
impounded.
Apprehended
in connection with the laboratory include three Bolivians Yerko
Artunduaga Dorado,
19 years old; Ruben Ticona Jorge, 21 years old; and Hugo Chavez Moreno, 39
years old. The fourth suspect is a 23-year-old Nigerian, Uba Ubachukwu Collins.
However, Solomon Azuka Uzoka and Basil Ikechukwu Uzoka are wanted for
questioning by the anti-drug Agency.
Giade
stressed that Clandestine Laboratories constitute a serious threat to societal
peace and security. In his words, “It is important to stress that such
buildings are not safe for habitation. A house used for the illicit production
of methamphetamine is simply a death trap. Tenants moving into new buildings
are hereby advised to carry out discreet investigations on the previous
occupants”.
He
also stated that the ugly development has led to the recruitment of youths in
smuggling the drugs across the borders. “Besides the environmental pollution,
gullible and unemployed youths are being used to smuggle these drugs to
countries with high demand. Several methamphetamine traffickers have been
caught at the airports and land borders”.
While
condemning the existence of clandestine laboratories in the country, the Agency
urged Members of the public to watch out for various clues to identify a
clandestine laboratory. It would be recalled that the NDLEA discovered the
first Clandestine Laboratory in the country in 2011. The accused persons have
been charged to court and the case is on-going.
Some
of the tips include chemical smells coming from a building, skin irritation and
coloured waters in gutters. Clandestine Laboratories have no sign posts. Unlike
normal laboratories that are opened to the general public with known members of
staff, clandestine laboratories operate covertly.
Most chemicals found in
such laboratories are flammable, corrosive and toxic. Unprotected exposure to
such chemicals could cause headaches, watery or burning eyes, burning skin,
coughing or choking feeling, weakness and dizziness. Investigation into the
case has commenced.
Methamphetamine
is a powerful
addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous
system. It is produced using precursor chemicals. Findings
show that there may be insignificant local abuse as it is mainly meant for
export.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Police arrest robbers, recover arms
February 10, 2012 by Eniola Akinkuotu 1 Comment
Men of the Lagos State Police Command on Thursday smashed a robbery syndicate that specialised in robbing customers leaving banks.
The police engaged the robbers in a fierce gun battle around the Charley Boy Bus-Stop, off Oworonsoki Expressway, and arrested one of them.
It was gathered that about 11am on Thursday, the suspects allegedly robbed one Kolawole Bakare of N280, 000 after he had left a branch of Guaranty Trust Bank in the area.
PUNCH Metro gathered that on sighting the robbers, the policemen along with some okada riders chased after the suspects.
Bakare said, “Around 11:30am, I went to withdraw money from GTbank, Ilupeju branch and was attempting to cross the road and return to my office when two robbers approached me. The robbers, who were on an Okada, hit me in the head and collected all the money from me.
“I fell to the ground and the hoodlums shot in the air sporadically before escaping and running towards Oworonshoki Expressway.”
PUNCH Metro learnt that, the Divisional Police Officer, Ilupeju, Mr. Gbolahan Olugbemi, on receiving the information, mobilised his men and they engaged the robbers in the gun battle.
Olugbemi said, “I was on my way to a security meeting at Odi-Olowo Local Government Area with a crew of anti-robbery policemen when we heard gunshots at GTbank.
“We moved to the scene and met six armed robbers on two motorcycles who had dispossessed Bakare of his money.
“In the ensuing gunfire, one of the suspects was shot dead while one of the others three arrested was badly injured. They will be taken to the State Special Anti-Robbery Department.”
It was, however, learnt that two of the six suspects managed to escape.
Two of the suspects, Henry Atabel and Olosomo Gabkuet, who were paraded before newsmen at the Ilupeju Police Division, admitted that they robbed Bakare. But the third suspect, Seyi Nasara, said although the suspects were his friends, he denied participating in the robbery.
Atabel said, “My friends called me to follow them around GTbank but they didn’t tell me that they wanted to rob.
“It was when they brought out guns that I knew they had guns. I have followed them for operation just three times.”
A mini drama unfolded outside the station as scores of okada riders, who had gathered disowned the suspects.
Insisting that the suspects were not okada riders, they said the robbers had been dispossessing banks’ customers of their money for a while in the area.
“These suspects have been terrorising the area for quite sometime and they give us a bad name. Most times, they lay siege to banks during the daytime and dispossess customers of their money. It’s even worse on Friday because more customers visit banks,” one of the okada riders, who declined to give his name, said.
The DPO assured the residents that security had been beefed up in the area, adding that a meeting would be held with bank managers in the area.
The spokesperson for the command, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba, described the arrest as an accomplishment for the command.
He said, “The arrest is in tandem with the directives of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.
“The items recovered from the hoodlums include, five cut-to-size double barrel guns, one dagger, a knife N250,000, a motorcycle and two expended cartridges.”
Jaieyoba urged members of the public to continue to give the police vital information that could lead to the arrest of
February 10, 2012 by Eniola Akinkuotu 1 Comment
Men of the Lagos State Police Command on Thursday smashed a robbery syndicate that specialised in robbing customers leaving banks.
The police engaged the robbers in a fierce gun battle around the Charley Boy Bus-Stop, off Oworonsoki Expressway, and arrested one of them.
It was gathered that about 11am on Thursday, the suspects allegedly robbed one Kolawole Bakare of N280, 000 after he had left a branch of Guaranty Trust Bank in the area.
PUNCH Metro gathered that on sighting the robbers, the policemen along with some okada riders chased after the suspects.
Bakare said, “Around 11:30am, I went to withdraw money from GTbank, Ilupeju branch and was attempting to cross the road and return to my office when two robbers approached me. The robbers, who were on an Okada, hit me in the head and collected all the money from me.
“I fell to the ground and the hoodlums shot in the air sporadically before escaping and running towards Oworonshoki Expressway.”
PUNCH Metro learnt that, the Divisional Police Officer, Ilupeju, Mr. Gbolahan Olugbemi, on receiving the information, mobilised his men and they engaged the robbers in the gun battle.
Olugbemi said, “I was on my way to a security meeting at Odi-Olowo Local Government Area with a crew of anti-robbery policemen when we heard gunshots at GTbank.
“We moved to the scene and met six armed robbers on two motorcycles who had dispossessed Bakare of his money.
“In the ensuing gunfire, one of the suspects was shot dead while one of the others three arrested was badly injured. They will be taken to the State Special Anti-Robbery Department.”
It was, however, learnt that two of the six suspects managed to escape.
Two of the suspects, Henry Atabel and Olosomo Gabkuet, who were paraded before newsmen at the Ilupeju Police Division, admitted that they robbed Bakare. But the third suspect, Seyi Nasara, said although the suspects were his friends, he denied participating in the robbery.
Atabel said, “My friends called me to follow them around GTbank but they didn’t tell me that they wanted to rob.
“It was when they brought out guns that I knew they had guns. I have followed them for operation just three times.”
A mini drama unfolded outside the station as scores of okada riders, who had gathered disowned the suspects.
Insisting that the suspects were not okada riders, they said the robbers had been dispossessing banks’ customers of their money for a while in the area.
“These suspects have been terrorising the area for quite sometime and they give us a bad name. Most times, they lay siege to banks during the daytime and dispossess customers of their money. It’s even worse on Friday because more customers visit banks,” one of the okada riders, who declined to give his name, said.
The DPO assured the residents that security had been beefed up in the area, adding that a meeting would be held with bank managers in the area.
The spokesperson for the command, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba, described the arrest as an accomplishment for the command.
He said, “The arrest is in tandem with the directives of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.
“The items recovered from the hoodlums include, five cut-to-size double barrel guns, one dagger, a knife N250,000, a motorcycle and two expended cartridges.”
Jaieyoba urged members of the public to continue to give the police vital information that could lead to the arrest of
Lagos seals off factory where machine killed worker …says safety was compromised
February 10, 2012 by Simon Utebor Leave a Comment
The Lagos State Government has sealed off IMPCO Company Limited where a 21-year-old machine operator, Happiness Okon, was killed by a plastic moulding machine on January 23.
The government said the failure of the firm to fully adhere to standard safety laws led to Okon’s death.
Metro had on Tuesday reported the story of Okon, who was killed barely five days after she was employed in the company.
Okon’s death has led to a dispute between the family and the company with the family members insisting that the latter was economical with the truth about the real cause of the girl’s death.
Following PUNCH Metro’s report, the Lagos Safety Commission paid an unscheduled visit to the company on Wednesday and sealed it off.
The commission, it was learnt, found out that there were evidence to show that the company’s safety policy had been compromised.
The Director-General of the commission, Mrs. Odebunmi Dominga, who led a team of experts and professionals to the factory on Wednesday, noted that the premises were not properly ventilated.
She also said protective equipment such as masks and boots were grossly inadequate.
“Investigation also revealed that the death of Miss Happiness Okon could have been avoided if the blow moulding machine was guarded and factory workers given better orientation,” she added.
Dominga, who decried the spate of avoidable accidents in the country, however reiterated the state government’s resolve to punish all those found wanting in order to reduce the incidence to barest minimum.
The director-general called on health and safety environmental management departments of all organisations operating in the state to register with the commission.
The measure, she said, would go a long in reducing the incidence of avoidable accidents in factories and workplaces.
An IMPCO source, who craved anonymity, said some officials of the state government were at the company on Wednesday.
He said when the officials came they checked the factory and other places and thereafter ordered that the factory be sealed off.
“Maybe they came because of Happiness (Okon) death. She was killed by a machine recently. When they came, they went round the company. By the time they finished, they sealed off the factory and said the management should see them within 48 hours,” the source said.
When our correspondent visited the company on Thursday, it was observed that the workers of the company did not come to work.
February 10, 2012 by Simon Utebor Leave a Comment
The Lagos State Government has sealed off IMPCO Company Limited where a 21-year-old machine operator, Happiness Okon, was killed by a plastic moulding machine on January 23.
The government said the failure of the firm to fully adhere to standard safety laws led to Okon’s death.
Metro had on Tuesday reported the story of Okon, who was killed barely five days after she was employed in the company.
Okon’s death has led to a dispute between the family and the company with the family members insisting that the latter was economical with the truth about the real cause of the girl’s death.
Following PUNCH Metro’s report, the Lagos Safety Commission paid an unscheduled visit to the company on Wednesday and sealed it off.
The commission, it was learnt, found out that there were evidence to show that the company’s safety policy had been compromised.
The Director-General of the commission, Mrs. Odebunmi Dominga, who led a team of experts and professionals to the factory on Wednesday, noted that the premises were not properly ventilated.
She also said protective equipment such as masks and boots were grossly inadequate.
“Investigation also revealed that the death of Miss Happiness Okon could have been avoided if the blow moulding machine was guarded and factory workers given better orientation,” she added.
Dominga, who decried the spate of avoidable accidents in the country, however reiterated the state government’s resolve to punish all those found wanting in order to reduce the incidence to barest minimum.
The director-general called on health and safety environmental management departments of all organisations operating in the state to register with the commission.
The measure, she said, would go a long in reducing the incidence of avoidable accidents in factories and workplaces.
An IMPCO source, who craved anonymity, said some officials of the state government were at the company on Wednesday.
He said when the officials came they checked the factory and other places and thereafter ordered that the factory be sealed off.
“Maybe they came because of Happiness (Okon) death. She was killed by a machine recently. When they came, they went round the company. By the time they finished, they sealed off the factory and said the management should see them within 48 hours,” the source said.
When our correspondent visited the company on Thursday, it was observed that the workers of the company did not come to work.
Killer tanker driver nabbed in Ogun
February 10, 2012 by Temitayo Famutimi Leave a Comment
The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday arrested the driver of the Conoil tanker that killed a four-year-old boy, Michael Daniel, in a compound at the Ikotun Egbe area of the state.
The Public Relations Officer for the command, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba, told our correspondent that the driver, Musa Ashiru, was arrested in Ogere, a settlement along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
Ashiru had gone to discharge the contents of his 33,000-litre tanker into some containers in a compound next to the place where Michael and his family members reside.
However, the tanker had some difficulties moving out of the compound as the tyres were stuck in the sand. A tipper was consequently hired to pull it out.
During the process, the hook attached to the tipper got detached forcefully and the tanker rammed into security post of the compound and the wall fell on Michael who was playing in his residence. The boy was buried under the rubble.
Michael’s sister, Joy, had said, “I was sitting in front of the house when I saw the tanker which was being towed suddenly rammed into the fence. Everybody around the scene at that time scampered for safety as the security post built at the entrance of the building collapsed.”
By the time Michael was brought out from the rubble, he had lost so much blood. He was rushed to a hospital where he was certified dead.
Ashiru, a native of Potiskum, Yobe State, is being detained at the Ikotun Police Division.
Jaiyeoba said, “The driver of the Conoil tanker that killed Michael has been arrested. The police acting on a tip-off nabbed him in Ogere Trailer Park in Ogun State this morning (Thursday) where he had been seeking refuge.
“Police investigations have so far revealed that the house where the incident happened was been used as a kerosene depot and that Ashiru had lifted the kerosene he offloaded in that compound from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.”
Jaiyeoba assured the public that the matter would be painstakingly investigated before charging Ashiru to court.
He added that the police had concluded arrangements for the towing of the tanker to the police station to serve as an exhibit during prosecution.
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February 10, 2012 by Temitayo Famutimi Leave a Comment
The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday arrested the driver of the Conoil tanker that killed a four-year-old boy, Michael Daniel, in a compound at the Ikotun Egbe area of the state.
The Public Relations Officer for the command, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba, told our correspondent that the driver, Musa Ashiru, was arrested in Ogere, a settlement along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
Ashiru had gone to discharge the contents of his 33,000-litre tanker into some containers in a compound next to the place where Michael and his family members reside.
However, the tanker had some difficulties moving out of the compound as the tyres were stuck in the sand. A tipper was consequently hired to pull it out.
During the process, the hook attached to the tipper got detached forcefully and the tanker rammed into security post of the compound and the wall fell on Michael who was playing in his residence. The boy was buried under the rubble.
Michael’s sister, Joy, had said, “I was sitting in front of the house when I saw the tanker which was being towed suddenly rammed into the fence. Everybody around the scene at that time scampered for safety as the security post built at the entrance of the building collapsed.”
By the time Michael was brought out from the rubble, he had lost so much blood. He was rushed to a hospital where he was certified dead.
Ashiru, a native of Potiskum, Yobe State, is being detained at the Ikotun Police Division.
Jaiyeoba said, “The driver of the Conoil tanker that killed Michael has been arrested. The police acting on a tip-off nabbed him in Ogere Trailer Park in Ogun State this morning (Thursday) where he had been seeking refuge.
“Police investigations have so far revealed that the house where the incident happened was been used as a kerosene depot and that Ashiru had lifted the kerosene he offloaded in that compound from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.”
Jaiyeoba assured the public that the matter would be painstakingly investigated before charging Ashiru to court.
He added that the police had concluded arrangements for the towing of the tanker to the police station to serve as an exhibit during prosecution.
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