Prominent Nigerians mourn Abba Kyari; his last words to Nigerians

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April 18, 2020

Abba Kyari President-Muhammadu-Buhari-resumes-office-8-890x395 — Late Abba Kyari with Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa.

Following the death of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, condolence messages now trail Mallam Abba Kyari’s passing.

Among prominent persons who have reacted to the demise of the late administrator is Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

In a message posted on his verified twitter page, the presidential candidate in the 2019 general election wrote: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I am saddened by the death of Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari. May Allah SWT comfort his family, forgive his sins and grant him AlJannah Firdaus. Ameen”.

Former Presidnet Goodluck Jonathan has also condoled with Prsident Buhari and the Kyari family. He wrote in a tweet “May Allah grant him Al Jannah Firdaus & strengthen his family & friends during this moment of grief.”

A one-time Senator who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sanni also noted that the President has lost a trusted & loyal friend. Sanni described Abba Kyari as “a man who took the bullets of his master with smiles, calmness & silence. We knew his cap and his colors but never his mind or his own side of his story. He will be missed.”

A staunch critic of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode has commiserated with the Federal Government over the loss of its Chief of Staff.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity confirmed that the former Aviation Minister called to condole with President Buhari.

“Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, phones in to condole with Presidency on passage of Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari. A great lesson for those who rejoice in evil. Fani-Kayode is morbidly anti-Buhari, but human enough to express his condolence.”

The late Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, will be buried on Saturday (today).

This was made known by the Personal Assistant on New Media to the President, Bashir Ahmad.

However, Ahmad did not state in his tweet where prayer service would be held for the late CoS or where in Abuja he would be buried.

His tweet read: “Mallam Abba Kyari will be buried later today in Abuja according to Islamic rites.

In his last statement to Nigerians, which incidentally was rare through his time in office, Abba Kyari had urged Nigerians to be calm in the face of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Kyari appreciated the efforts of frontline workers: “I want to thank all our fantastic, talented and brave healthcare professionals, working across the country in such a difficult time; all the good Samaritans looking out for the most vulnerable in our communities.”

He also stated that he hoped to be back at his desk soon, alas he would never be back.

Abba Kyari’s last words to Nigerians: The full statement.

I am writing to let you know that on medical advice, I will transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation. This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.

I have made my own care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures. Like many others that will test also positive, I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home. I hope to be back at my desk very soon. I have a team of young, professional, knowledgeable and patriotic colleagues, whose dedication has been beyond the call of duty, who continue to work seven days a week, with no time of the day spared. We will continue to serve the President and people of Nigeria, as we have for the past five years.

I want to thank all our fantastic, talented and brave healthcare professionals, working across the country in such a difficult time; all the good Samaritans looking out for the most vulnerable in our communities; the key workers that will keep our country going through this; friends and family and often strangers, who have sent me such warm wishes and displayed such a generosity of spirit.

We should be calm, measured and diligent – be meticulous in your hygiene, especially with cleaning hands, if possible stay at home or keep your distance. Listen to good advice from the proper authorities: pay no heed to quack cures or fake news from social media. President Buhari will do whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of our people and get the country back on its feet as soon as possible.

Like the whole world, we are dealing with a new disease. Our experts are learning more all the time about coronavirus, what it does and how we can combat it. What we do know is that while some may become very sick, many others who contract the virus will not, and may have no symptoms at all. This is a disease that recognises no difference between north and south, men or women, rich or poor. We are all in this together.

Sincerely

Abba Kyari
Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari

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Controversy: Odumakin insists FSARS arrested Olakunrin’s killers; No arrest made – Police

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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April 9, 2020

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Funke-OlakunrinMr.-Yinka-Odumakin — Late Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Fasoranti; Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere spokesman.

The controversy surrounding the arrest of suspected killers of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Fasoranti might not be over yet.

Yinka Odumakin, who is Afenifere’s spokesperson on Wednesday, confirmed to echotitbits that the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS) indeed arrested suspects connected to the July 2019 murder of Funke Olakunrin.

On how he (Odumakin) knew about the said arrest, the Afenifere spokesman noted that “We were worried for the husband until last Saturday when the Commander of Federal SARS in Ondo came to him to break the news that they have arrested four suspected killers.

“It was Federal SARS that arrested the killers. They were taken to Police Command at Ondo town before they were moved out of Ondo state but I will not want to mention where they are now.

“They also arrested the driver to Funke Olakunrin just two days ago (Monday).The regular Police Command as I said have been totally irresponsible. The way they are behaving over this matter is enough to make us lose confidence in the police forever”, Odumakin said.

He berated the Police saying “if the Police Command in Ondo is yet to know that the Federal SARS arrested these people then it is a shame”

Odumakin confirmed that it is true that the Police in Ondo did not arrest the alleged killers of Olakunrin but accused the command of negligence.

In his response to echotitbits, Odumakin accused the regular police command and its state SARS formation in Ondo of doing nothing on the case. He made it clear that “It was the Federal SARS that I was talking about, and as I am talking to you now, they are interrogating the suspects.”

In a case like this it is expected that as a matter of procedure that certain steps be made in the process of unraveling the identities of the killers. But according to Odumakin the Ondo State Police Commissioner is incompetent and showed no seriousness in investigating the case.

“The car in which Funke Olakunrin was killed, that is the most glaring evidence at the scene of crime, that car was released to the family in few hours. We asked, have you done forensic on this car, they said no. I called Frank Mba Police Headquarters PRO that was when they returned to pick the car for forensics”

He narrated further that the Police was not ready to conduct an autopsy but retuned for the corpse two days before burial only when he (Odumakin) called Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer the second time.

“They have not even once in 9 months visited Pa Fasoranti to even say we are investigating. They didn’t come to papa to give him briefing. The man is in agony, he was so sad, he couldn’t sleep at night, to eat was a problem”, Odumakin noted.

On whether there might be connivance between some officers of the Ondo State Police Command and the driver to the late Olakunrin, Odumakin said, “I will not want to prejudice FSARS investigation. They are doing their job I just want them to do it professionally and come out with their report.

While Odumakin commended the effort of the FSARS for a job the regular police in Ondo State failed to do according to him, he had an advice for the Police Public Relations Officer in the state.“ That PRO called me yesterday (Tuesday) and I told him he should not open his mouth on this matter again and stop embarrassing themselves.”

However, the Police Command in Ondo State has maintained that no arrest in connection to the killing of Funke Olakunrin was made.

In a short whatsapp response sent to echotitbits, the Public Relations Officer for the Police command in Ondo State, Tee-leo Ikoro reiterated that “first, there was no arrest. It was a misinterpretation of the favour FSARS needed from Pa Fashonranti. And to say the Command is not doing anything to ensure arrest of culprits is not true”.

The deceased Funke Olakunrin was murdered in July 2019 when heavily armed men ambushed her and fired at her vehicle between Kajola and Ore along Ondo-Ore road. Olakunrin, who was with a family member, her maid and two other men at the time of the incidence was badly hit by bullets and later died at the hospital.

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Fire guts Office of the Accountant General of the Federation – watch video!

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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April 8, 2020

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Treasury House Fire — Treasury House Building, FCT, Abuja

The Treasury House building which has the Accountant General of the Federation’s (AGF) office was on fire this morning, Wednesday 8, 2020.

The source of the fire remains unknown for now but workers in the complex as at the time the fire broke out said it started at about 10:25am from the fourth floor where the office of the Assistant Director, Capital is located.

In a video circulating online, an unidentified man was heard lamenting that “the Treasury House is on fire and the Nigerian government can’t do anything about it.

The man added that “oh my goodness our national resources is going”.

By the time men of the Federal Fire Service arrived, the fire had spread to the building which houses the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

In a tweet posted at exactly 11:56am, the Federal Fire Service stated that “the fire at the Accountant General’s Office has been extinguished.

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Police arrests suspected trafficker again, rescued 27 children

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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April 7, 2020

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Trafficker Mary Yakubu — Mary Yakubu (File Photo)

Officers of the Nigerian police in Taraba State have once again apprehended a suspected child trafficker identified as Mary Yakubu.

Mary Yakubu who had been previously arrested twice for trafficking was apprehended on Sunday with 27 children.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in Taraba, David Misal disclosed that this is the third time security officers will arrest Yakubu. He noted that a total number of 60 children have been rescued from her.

The PRO explained that the 27 children rescued from her on Sunday at Tashan Takalma community in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State include 14 boys and 13 girls.

Misal stated that while the suspect is undergoing court trial, 33 children have been reunited with their family so far.

He said the 27 children rescued during Sunday’s arrest have been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs in Taraba State.

On February 26 2020, detectives from Bali Police Division first arrested Yakubu for child trafficking while trying to transport 23 children to an unspecified destination.

The suspect was again arrested on March 4, which led investigation police officers to rescue another 10 children at Mararaban Donga, In Donga LGA of Taraba State.

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UK PM Boris Johnson admitted to intensive care

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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April 7, 2020

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UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to intensive care on Monday April 6 2020, days after he went into self isolation since testing positive for coronavirus.

Johnson’s Downing Street Office said “Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.”

Officials also noted that the Foreign Minister, Dominique Raab is to take over Mr. Johnson’s duties where necessary.

The government explained that Johnson was transferred in case there was a need for him to use a ventilator.

The PM was admitted to London’s St Thomas’ Hospital last Sunday having developed a temperature and a cough. He tested positive for coronavirus on March 27, making him the highest ranked world leader to have contracted the disease that is rapidly spreading across the world.

Johnson who is 55 years old had been in self-isolation in his Downing Street apartment until Sunday evening when he was moved to a state owned hospital on the advice of his doctor.

When questions were raised about whether Prime Minister Johnson could still run the country, government officials explained that the move was only a precautionary step.

At the initial stage and as the virus spread, the British Government refused to order that its citizens stay at home like the country’s European counterparts did.

The Prime Minister who only ordered a nationwide lockdown 2 weeks ago had in early march said that he was still shaking hands with people.

It is now feared that the UK might be heading towards a serious outbreak with over 50,000 cases and more than 5,000 deaths recorded so far. The daily death rate is now put at 439.

Other high profile leaders in the UK who had been infected with the disease are Health Secretary, Matt Hancock and Heir to the throne, Prince Charles. They have both recovered.

On Sunday night, the Queen, Elizabeth II made a rare public address that evoked the spirit of World War II. In her remarkable speech, she urged Britons to stay unified.

“We will be with our friends again, we will be with our families again, we will meet again,” she said.

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Rape Threat: Nigerian Army arrests soldiers

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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April 4, 2020

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The Nigerian Army has arrested two of its soldiers who threatened to rape women in Delta State in a viral video.

The media had reported that two soldiers in the 26 seconds viral video claimed that residents of Warri, Delta State killed a soldier last Thursday, which was day two of the coronavirus lockdown ordered by the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa. The video also revealed how the two rogue soldiers threatened to attack women in Warri as a revenge for an unconfirmed and unproven killing of a Soldier.

The video threat came hours after some soldiers killed a 28-year old man on Thursday leading to a faceoff between security officers and residents of the area. The soldiers were said to be members of a team deployed to the area to enforce the stay-at-home order by the State Government to combat the ravaging coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed that the deceased, identified as Joseph Pessu, was shot dead by soldiers. The Police also confirmed that no soldier was killed in Delta.

In the viral video, one of the rogue soldiers wearing a military camouflage could be heard saying in Pidgin English “Warri people, una don buy job! Una kill soldier, baa?

“Your mother…. I’ll make sure she carry HIV! Your daughters will carry HIV, your wives will carry HIV!”

The Police Command in Delta described the video as detestable adding that it is much of a video the deadly Boko Haram terrorist group could have produced. They however assured residents that the incident is under investigation.

The Nigerian Army on Friday, posted on its official Twitter page stating that the soldiers in the video have been arrested at 9 Brigade Ikeja Military Cantonment Lagos.

The post read – “The general public should be assured that the investigations will be swift and fair in accordance with applicable military laws. The outcome of the investigations will determine the most appropriate disciplinary measures that can be taken in the circumstances.”

The Army did not disclose the rank or identity of the soldiers but stated that they are being investigated.

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Lockdown: Delta tasks Military over alleged killing of 28-year old

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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April 3, 2020

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Ifeanyi-Okowa1 — Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State (File Photo)

The Delta State Government has called for investigation to unravel what led to the alleged killing of a 28-year old man by security agents in Warri.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, the state government said it is worried about the incident.

While the government decried the alleged killing of the victim by security operatives, Aniagwu enjoined residents to remain calm.

The Commissioner stated that a state government delegation has been instructed to visit the home of the deceased and condole with the family.

Aniagwu added that military authorities have been tasked with conducting an investigation into the matter.

On Thursday, day two of the lockdown order by the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, news had broke out that military operatives deployed to enforce the restriction had shot down the victim in Ugbuwangue community in Warri South Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Onome Onovwakpoyeya confirmed the killing. She said “yes, it is true, it just happened today, as I was told”, she however noted that details of the incident were still unclear

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Queen of Waka, Salawa exposes blackmailer who threatened with nudes

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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April 2, 2020

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Salawa-Abeni-Sahara-Reporters — Nigerian Waka singer, Salawa Abeni

Veteran Nigerian singer Queen Salawa Abeni has exposed an unidentified individual for threatening to upload her nude pictures on the internet.

The 58 years old waka musician, who came to lime light in 1976 with a debut album titled Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed took to her verified Instagram page to condemn at attempt to blackmail her for money.

Salawa, whose debut album became the first recording by a female artist to sell over a million copies in Nigeria had revealed the blackmail on Wednesday April 1, 2020.

She wrote “I am very disappointed that someone somewhere will try to tarnish my image and threaten to destroy my career of over 45 years. This morning, I received messages from somebody threatening to expose very old pictures of me and in the process, blackmailing me for money.”

She noted that the pictures which the alleged blackmailer claimed to possess could have been taken while on hospital bed or with her partner many years ago.

The queen of Waka pleaded with Nigerians to be careful stating that “our current situation has made people very desperate. I am almost 60 years old, I have worked very hard and made a name for myself for somebody to believe that they can threaten and trample on my feelings, this is very sad.”

Salawa explained that she had uploaded the pictures herself for everyone to see so as not to be bullied by a blackmailer.

“Thank you and God bless you! For you the blackmailer, I refuse to be bullied by you as I’m sure that I’m old enough to be your MOTHER!!, “ she added.

Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians who responded to the call-out have encouraged and praised the Waka crooner for daring to be bold and not yield to intimidation by faceless elements.

Celebrity publisher, Dele Momodu wrote “Blackmailers are usually COWARDS… Well my very dear @officialsalawaabeni”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-b1PRop_d4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In their reactions, celebrated Nollywood thespians Ajoke Silva and Mercy Aigbe wrote respectively- “Well done girl. You took the power away from the fool” and “Now this is how you do it….. Respect ma! You are an epitome of strength! A Queen in all ramifications! Nothing and no one can bring you down! Sending you lots of love ma.”

In a show of respect and love for Abeni, others advised that the phone number of the faceless individual be reported to the authorities for investigation in a bid to make the blackmailer face the wrath of the law.

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Wife of Ogun State Governor, Bamidele Abiodun To Empower Widows

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B.O.B Echoload

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June 25, 2019

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By Tobiloba Kolawole

Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has declared support and unwavering commitment to the plight of Widows in Ogun State through the provision of skills acquisition, financial management and emotional management programmes.

Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun made the declaration while addressing Widows from all Local Government Areas in the state at the commemoration of the International Widow’s Day 2019 that was held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta the State capital.

In her speech, the First Lady reiterated the commitment of the current administration in the state to address and improve the welfare of the people.

She said: “This administration brings to you a renewed sense of hope to prosper, a supportive community and a sincere action towards achieving fulfillment and recognition for our mothers, sisters and daughters who have been neglected in the society.”

Her Excellency, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun noted that the present government has a strong will to end the scourge of poverty and disabuse that widows often experience.

“We are committed to empowering our widows by providing them with the tools, skills and support necessary to create a life for themselves and their children following the death of their husbands.”

To develop specific need-based programmes that will directly improve the lives of widows, Mrs. Abiodun stated that: “It is important to this administration to have good knowledge and understanding of their needs.”

We will be meeting with widows’ representatives from various communities across all Local Government Areas.”

The First Lady ceased the occasion to announce her upcoming plans that is aimed at eradicating poverty and emotional sufferings amongst widows in Ogun State.

She stated as a critical enabler of her programmes, “the creation of a database where all widows in Ogun State will be registered.”

“The ministry of women affairs will be responsible for ensuring that this database is up to date”, Abiodun added.

For proper coordination, Mrs. Abiodun said: “Wives of Local Government Chairmen will ensure to have quarterly meetings with all widows in their local governments so as to monitor and track their development.”

This will also foster a sense of community and sisterhood among widows in all Local Governments.”

While lamenting the neglect of widows who go through the effect and limitations of poor emotional and mental well-being and issues such as grief from the loss of a husband, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun pledged that never again will such abandonment happen.

She said: “We will be taking on mental and counseling programmes across various communities in all Local Government Areas.”

Before the end of the year, there will be a 2day workshop for widows below the age of 55 on financial literacy and tips to manage personal finance as well as to develop and manage business activities.”

Her Excellency, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun further reiterated her commitment to ensuring a successful implementation of these programmes by partnering with private organizations and private individuals who will sponsor widows in Ogun State.

The event, which was first of its kind in Ogun State was graced by the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

In his address, the governor disclosed that his administration will soon begin a Micro-Credit Scheme for women traders, which will cut off challenges associated with raising funds from commercial financial institutions but give them access to grants.

The scheme which is tagged Oko’wo Dapo, is one of the welfare programmes of the governor Dapo Abiodun led administration.

Governor Abiodun stated that “our government is committed towards eradicating the rate of unemployment among youths in the state.”

He assured the people that the process to enable government establish a Job Creation and Youth Employment Agency is in line.”

He said further that the agency will be saddled with developing a portal that will house the database of youths across the state, indicating their skill set for the purpose of matching such with employments.

The event, which was themed Renewed Hope for Widows was organized by the Office of the First Lady of Ogun State in line with the United Nation’s objective of drawing attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.

Dignitaries who attended the event include the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele; newly sworn in officials- Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olatokunbo Joseph Talabi and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Shuaib Afolabi Salisu.

Others are Wife of Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs Victoria Oluomo; Wife of Head of Service, Alhaja Oluyemisi Bisiriyu; Olori Bimpe Gbadebo; wives of Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly; wives of permanent secretaries and other invited guests.

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Police Brutality: Ruggedman asks Nigerians to take advocacy beyond social media

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B.O.B Echoload

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May 5, 2019

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Nigerian-police2 — A file photo of men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

By Tobiloba Kolawole.

A Nigerian music artiste, Ugochukwu Stephens popularly known as Ruggedman has charged Nigerians, who through social media actively advocated justice for the slain Kolade Johnson, to attend the hearing of the case against the killer cop, which comes up on Monday.

In a post he uploaded on social media, Ruggedman admonished interested persons to take the advocacy against extra judicial killings by officers of the Nigerian police force outside social media.

The rap star who is one of the few celebrities that has lend their voices to protest the killings of Nigerians, especially youths by police wrote on his Instagram handle @ruggedybaba:

“Forget social media brouhaha, the man that killed Kolade Johnson will be in court tomorrow at Ebute Metta. Are you all mouth and no action? All of you that have hashtagged #justiceforkolade I hope you will be in the court tomorrow morning.”

He also noted that “revolution won’t start with you behind your keypad.”

The hearing will hold inside Court 14 at Ebute Meta Magistrate court at 9am.

The alleged killer, former Inspector of police, Olalekan Ogunyemi was found guilty in April at an orderly room trial conducted by the Nigerian Police Force after an outcry against the murder of Kolade Johnson in Lagos.

At the end of the trial, the adjudicating officer, CSP Indyar Apev ruled that the accused officer, Olalekan Ogunyemi was found guilty of shooting and killing Kolade Johnson.

Apev described Ogunyemi’s act as a discreditable conduct that is prejudicial to discipline in the Nigeria police Force.

He said Ogunyemi is guilty of “unlawful and unnecessary exercise of authority by using unnecessary violence, by using AK 47 rifle on the deceased in total neglect to the provisions of Force Order 237 on the use of Firearms.”

Apev described Ogunyemi’s act as a discreditable conduct that is prejudicial to discipline in the Nigeria police Force.

He said Ogunyemi is guilty of “unlawful and unnecessary exercise of authority by using unnecessary violence, by using AK 47 rifle on the deceased in total neglect to the provisions of Force Order 237 on the use of Firearms.”

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