National News
Itunnu: Father Rejects Autopsy Report, asks for FG support
Itunnu: Father Rejects Autopsy Report, asks for FG support
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
Emmanuel Babalola, father of late Itunnu Babalola, a.k.a Bekky Paul, who was wrongfully jailed and died in Cote d’Ivoire prison, has rejected the autopsy report carried out on the body of his 24-year-old deceased daughter.
Mr. Babalola made his opinion known when he paid a thank- you visit to the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa in her Lagos office.
A statement by the spokesman of NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the deceased’s father described the autopsy report which was written in French that did not reflect the true situation of the cause of death of Itunnu.
Babalola, who wept uncontrollably, said he got somebody who interpreted some aspects of it to him, and expressed dissatisfaction with the result of the post mortem test.
He said: “My daughter was framed up and was wrongfully jailed. It is painful that they lied against her after breaking into her apartment and stealing her property. But it is even disheartening that she died mysteriously in prison after the intervention of your Commission when she was about to be freed.
“I don’t believe that she died of natural causes. I spoke with her on Wednesday in good health . How come she died two days later vomiting blood and claiming it was ” sepsis complicated by acute respiratory distress”. This is unacceptable.
“That is why I’m here to thank you for all you have done for me on her and through you appealing for justice for my late daughter.
Babalola reiterated his call on the Federal Government to ensure that his daughter’s name was cleared of the allegation and to make sure that those who framed her up as well as those responsible for her death were brought to justice.
He further stressed that while in prison his daughter complained of poor treatment while in the custody of the Ivorian Government. She was poorly looked after and suffered from health complications. Her health deteriorated so badly that she had to be admitted to a military hospital. She unfortunately died under mysterious circumstances, days after she was admitted to the hospital.
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She told me how they took her to hinterland prison from the Cote d’Ivoire Capital Abidjan, a journey of about five hours, and imprisoned her there in order to discourage those championing the case as well as frustrating the cause of justice.
Responding, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa condoled with the Babalola family again and assured the father that the matter would not be allowed to go away like that.
At the solemn occasion , the NIDCOM boss who confirmed that the autopsy said Itunu died of “ sepsis complicated by acute respiratory distress” said the autopsy indeed left a lot of doubts because there are gaps in the medical report which calls for more investigation.
The NIDCOM Chairman also insisted that the Ivorian Police man, the DPO, implicated in the Itunnu’s frame up has questions to answer.
Dabiri-Erewa said that some groups of lawyers have indicated their willingness to take the matter up with the ECOWAS court to seek justice for Itunnu.
On behalf of the Commission, she provided some financial support for the family to cushion the effects of losing a breadwinner.
Itunnu died on November 14 at Ivorian military hospital and was buried on December 4 at Sango cemetery in Ibadan at the age of 24.
She had been wrongly and unjustly convicted of human trafficking , sentenced to 20 years imprisonment , which was later reduced to 10 years.
She had served two out of the 10 years sentence before the father raised an alarm on behalf of his daughter .
The Nigerian High Commission in Côte d’Ivoire immediately employed the services of a lawyer to appeal the judgment, got the case transferred to Abidjan and the lawyer was on the last lap of finalising the appeal before her sudden death in prison.
Itunnu: Father Rejects Autopsy Report, asks for FG support
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
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