News
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
By: Dayo Thomas
(A journalist)
The case of Dele Farotimi and Aare Afe Babalola is indeed a disturbing example of how state power can be misused to persecute individuals who dare to challenge powerful people in Nigeria.
This case involves a dispute between Dele Farotimi and Afe Babalola, with Farotimi accusing Babalola of exerting corrupt influence over the Nigerian judiciary. The situation escalated with Farotimi facing persecution and intimidation, highlighting the risks faced by those who speak truth to power in Nigeria.
As a journalist, I have a perfect understanding that it is a demonstration of the dangers of unchecked power and corruption in Nigeria, where individuals with influence can manipulate the system to silence critics and opponents.
As a journalist in Nigeria, I have had my fair share of encounters with those in power. I had many encounters, but one particular experience stands out when I was with the National Interest Newspaper and investigating a financial fraud story involving a bank managing director and a PDP chieftain in Anambra State. It was terrible!
While carrying out my legitimate assignment, I faced intimidation, harassment and bullying from the Department of State Services (DSS) for daring to challenge the ‘owners of Nigeria’.
After our initial discussions with the managing director on phone, we were “invited” by the MD to balance our story and hear his own side. The interview lasted for just few minutes, but what followed was as dramatic as it was intriguing. In a twinkling of an eye, heavily armed men appeared and ordered us to raise our hands and surrender our phones. “Hands up, you bastards,” echoed the leader of a team who ordinarily was supposed to mediate in a civil matter.
We were matched down the stairs like criminals and forced to raise our hands amidst unfriendly sun and enthusiastic bank customers and then in a James Bond version driven in a 504 station wagon to DSS headquarters in Shagisha, Lagos where the second leg of the intimidation commenced.
This encounter is a testament to the challenges journalists and others face in Nigeria when trying to hold those in power accountable.
My story highlights the bravery and resilience of journalists and others who risk their lives and safety to expose corruption and wrongdoings in our system
It also underscores the importance of a liberal criminal justice system and a free press in holding those in power accountable.
As I said, “Don’t pity Dele, it’s the lot of people’s defenders to face the wrath of Nigeria’s powerful elite for daring to ask them to account for their stewardship.
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a bandit attack on vigilante operatives in Edogi, Lafiagi axis of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred during a clash between the vigilantes and suspected bandits, also left four persons with gunshot wounds. Among the injured are Mohammed Ndagi,Saidu Jiya,and Philips John,all members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). A civilian passerby, Babangida Daniel was also caught in the crossfire.
They were rushed to the General Hospital in Lafiagi for emergency treatment. However, the VGN Commander, Mohammed Yatsu (50), and Babangida Daniel were confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The remaining injured victims have been referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for further medical care.
Meanwhile, ASP Sado Sunday, who was reportedly involved in the operation, remains missing as search efforts continue.
Security sources say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint security operation has reclaimed several deserted villages in the Horop District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, following persistent attacks and occupation by suspected Fulani militias.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the clearance operation was launched after residents of Hokk and neighboring villages fled their homes, reporting that the attackers had taken over their communities and erected temporary shelters.
In response, a combined troops of the Nigerian Army, team of Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel were deployed to the area to restore order and secure the villages.
The troops, encountered strong resistance from the armed attackers. A fierce gun battle ensued, but the attackers were eventually overpowered and forced to retreat into nearby bushes.
During the operation, several makeshift huts erected by the militias were destroyed, and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing assailants were recovered.
Authorities say patrols and security presence in the area have been intensified to prevent further incursions and allow displaced villagers to safely return to their homes.
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint security operatives have arrested 25 suspected bandits and kidnappers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina-Ala–Takum Federal Highway in Benue State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the patrol, which was conducted on Monday, was initiated following intelligence reports of planned attacks on Tor-Donga town by suspected armed herdsmen and bandits, the Benue State Police Command said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, credible intelligence led the patrol team to Gbisetown, a known flashpoint along the highway, where four suspects were initially apprehended after attempting to flee upon sighting the security convoy.
“While returning to Tor-Donga, the operatives again sighted suspicious movement around the same Gbisetown area. A general raid of the surroundings was carried out, leading to the arrest of 21 more suspects believed to be linked to recent kidnappings and banditry in the area,” said the sources.
Security has been heightened in Katsina-Ala and its environs in response to growing concerns over armed herdsmen attacks and kidnapping incidents.
Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
Fourteen arrested bandits confirmed loyal to notorious militia leader Konyo in Benue
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics3 weeks ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
