News & Announcements

Ademoye Adewale, a cotton candy vendor who sold snacks to Chrisland Schools Opebi students at Agege Stadium in Lagos during the school’s recent sporting events, informed the coroner appointed to determine Whitney Adeniran’s cause of death on Monday that the autopsy performed by the Lagos State Government was incorrect.

He asserted that contrary to what the autopsy report claimed, Whitney did not pass away from electrocution.

At the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Ogba, Adewale said that he creates Shawarma, Candy Floss, Popcorn, and Barbecue upon request. He made this claim in front of Magistrate Olanike Fajana.

According to the post-mortem findings, Whitney died from asphyxia and electrocution, the state authorities had previously reported.

The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital provided the report, which was dated March 1, 2023.

The 12-year-old student apparently collapsed and passed away on February 9 at the Agege Stadium during the school’s interhouse competitions.

Adewale said the coroner at the case’s resumed hearing on Monday that the school administration had prevented him from selling Shawarma and Candy Floss at the pool on the day of the incident.

The witness, who was subjected to cross-examination by the late person’s family attorney, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, claimed to be an independent seller at Agege Stadium, where he had registered in order to operate his business.

Adewale informed Magistrate Fajana that he had registered his company in February 2013 and had been regularly present at the stadium. When Chrisland School came to inspect the stadium, they noticed him and took a liking to him.

Adewale claimed that at all of the events where he had sold snacks, he had never had a machine electrocute him.

He claimed that he did not see the deceased when she fell, but that he did witness students and teachers swarming around the student on the ground.

“When I went to check what was happening, I saw teachers and pupils surrounding her and I asked what happened, they said she slumped,” he explained.

He added, “To the best of my observation, the deceased did not die of electrocution. There was no naked wire, the autopsy was erroneous and from where the deceased was, it was 5cm from where my machine was and it was unplugged.

“I don’t know if the deceased died of electrocution. Other organisations have conducted tests and there was nothing like electrocution”.

The case was again postponed to May 22 so that the hearing may continue.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his desire for more young Nigerians to emulate Chef Hilda Bassey Effiong, often known as Hilda Baci.

This was expressed by Buhari in his congratulations to Hilda, who set a new record for the longest cooking session, entered the Guinness Book of Records, and brought attention to Nigeria on a global scale.

He praised the 27-year-old chef for transforming her ability and passion into a job, which had a positive ripple impact on the economy. She currently leads the globe in resiliency, tenacity, and consistency in the kitchen and manages a restaurant in Lagos.

Femi Adesina who signed the statement noted that; “The President notes the antecedents of the restaurateur, who dazzled at the Jollof Face-off Competition, 2021, preparing mouth-watering dishes that won the choice prize, and settled an age-long rivalry with Ghana on which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof- rice.

“President Buhari believes Hilda Baci’s drive and ambition have brought more interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food, as another cultural icon, with huge tourism benefits, hoping more young people will follow in her footsteps.

“The President thanks the sponsors of Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon, government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, celebrities from the bubbling music and movie industry, and fans of the chef for all the support that has brought glory to the country. President Buhari wishes Hilda Baci more grace for a prosperous career.”

Zainab Ibrahim, who was trying to break up a disagreement between her kids Inusa and Usman, passed away in the process.

Although the exact reason for the altercation was unknown, Inusa is rumored to have accidentally macheted her mother on the left hand.

The event took place on Saturday in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory’s Kpaduma II neighborhood of Asokoro.

Zainab was transported to a private hospital, where she passed away, according to a local resident who went by the name Saliu Shehu.

He said, “The two brothers are of the same parents. They were engaging in a serious fight. Their mother came in and tried to separate them. Inusa, however, left and went to bring a machete with which he intended to use on his brother in the process, he mistakenly cut his mother on her left hand. She was taken to a private hospital where she died.”

When contacted, Josephine Adeh, the FCT command’s spokesman, stated that Inusa was at large and that the case was still under investigation.

She said, “We received a distress call and rushed to the scene. The mother was taken to the hospital where she was confirmed dead. Usman is in custody while Inusa is at large. An investigation is, however, ongoing on the matter.”

Following the Federal Government’s refusal to accede to its requests, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors issued a five-day warning strike.

The strike, according to the resident doctors, would start at 8 am on May 17 and terminate at 8 am on May 22.

This was the conclusion reached following the virtual, six and a half-hour long National Executive Council meeting on Monday.

On April 29, 2023, NARD gave the Federal Government a two-week deadline to comply with its requests or risk industrial unrest.

On May 13, 2023, a Saturday, the ultimatum was lifted.

The Consolidated Medical Salary Structure must be immediately increased by 200 percent of the existing gross physician salary, according to the doctors.

The doctors also demand that the measure that would require recent medical and dental graduates to serve a five-year mandatory military service in Nigeria before receiving full licenses to practice medicine and dentistry be immediately withdrawn.

In addition, they demand that CONMESS be put into effect right away, that the Medical resident Training Act be domesticated, and that all state governments and private tertiary health institutions that conduct any kind of resident training examine the hazard allowance.

The strike affected both emergency and clinical procedures at the hospitals, according to NARD President Dr. Emeka Orji, who spoke to The PUNCH.

Despite the administration being given an ultimatum that expired on May 13, according to Dr. Orji, the government refused to bargain with the doctors about their requests.

The Nigerian government’s interference in the political process during the country’s 2023 election cycle prompted the United States government to take action and place visa restrictions on a number of persons.

Anthony Blinken, the secretary of state, announced this in a statement on Monday that was posted on the US official website.

“Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.”

While noting that, “the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,” Blinken added that the visa restrictions “are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.

Blinken added, “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy.”

However, as of the time of filing this report, no name of any individual has been published.

“These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.”

According to the US government, the decision to take action to impose visa limitations is a reflection of the US government’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s efforts to improve democracy and the rule of law.

A world cooking record was successfully broken by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, and the Guinness Book of Records has recognized her valiant effort.

The acknowledgment was given in response to a question from one Alexander, who had asked why Baci’s achievement hadn’t been recognized by Guinness World Records, in the early hours of Monday, May 15, 2023.

Alexander wrote; “Why is Guinness World Records not showing or talking about Hilda’s cook-a-thon? Can’t see anything on their pages (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube).”

In response to the inquiry, the Guinness Book of Records wrote on their official Twitter handle; “We’re aware of this amazing record attempt, we need to review all the evidence first before officially confirming a record.”

Lata Tondon now holds the record for the world’s longest cooking marathon, having finished it in Rewa, India, in 2019 in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds.

Seun Kuti, the Afrobeat singer who was the subject of the incident that resulted in his arrest and imprisonment on Monday, apologized and gave the officer who was assaulted $12,000 so that he could have his car fixed on Saturday.

Akin Osiyemi’s apartment off Allen Avenue in Ikeja was where the officer had followed Seun Kuti after the musician damaged his car on the Third Mainland bridge, according to reliable individuals with knowledge of the incident who spoke to our correspondent on Monday.

A source said, “Seun Kuti was the one that bashed the officer’s vehicle, and the policeman followed him to call his attention to it, but the musician alighted from his car and slapped the policeman as seen in the trending video. However, the officer reported the incident at the Police Command in Ikeja.”

“The policeman was alone. After the altercation, he followed Seun Kuti to his home in Ikeja, and the musician apologised to the policeman and gave him ₦12,000 to repair his damaged vehicle.

“But the officer reported the incident at the Area F Police Command in Ikeja, and deposited the ₦12,000 at the counter while he gave a written statement concerning the incident,” another source said.

Following a visit to the FCID regarding the alleged assault, it was learned that Seun Kuti is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, also known as Panti, in Yaba, Lagos State.

A legal representative for Femi Falana, SAN’s law company, Falana & Falana Chambers, which represents the well-known human rights campaigner, was there with the performer.

In response to a question regarding Seun Kuti’s apology and financial tip, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated in a phone interview with our correspondent on Monday that Seun Kuti had on Saturday apologized to the assaulted policeman and given him the amount of $12,000 for vehicle repair.

Hundeyin said, “Although the investigation is still ongoing, but your correspondence is correct. Seun Kuti apologized to the officer on Saturday, and gave him ₦‎12,000 to repair his damaged vehicle, after the officer followed him to his house in Ikeja after the altercation.

“Fortunately, the policeman had earlier reported the incident at the Area F Police Command, and deposited the ₦‎12,000 with the Command, before the video of the assault went viral on social media.”

The Anambra State Police Command, along with representatives from the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has detained Mrs. Chinyere Ifesinachi, a 25-year-old mother of three, for abusing her eight-year-old housekeeper.

The small child, whose name has been provided as Idimmachukwu, reportedly suffered multiple major injuries as a result of Ifesinachi’s abuse. This incident took place in the state’s Idemili North local government district at Nkpor.

After the child the girl was carrying fell while struggling, the woman is accused of beating the girl.

In order to secure the girl’s safety while she is undergoing treatment in a hospital, the police have now rescued her and are holding her in their care.

The woman was detained as a result of a viral video and a public outcry from the locals who witnessed Idimmachikwu with numerous degrees of injuries across her body, according to state police PPRO Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga.

According to Ikenga, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department SCID, for comprehensive investigation as directed by the state Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng.
Ikenga said: “The CP frowned at such inhuman treatment subjected to some housemaids by their guardians and assured that the command will continue to do everything within its power to protect the vulnerable from such treatment.”

According to the PPRO, the case will be brought before a judge after an inquiry, guaranteeing that justice will be done.

Seun Kuti, an Afrobeat musician who assaulted a police officer, reportedly sought the legal counsel of human rights attorney Femi Falana on Sunday.

Falana, who told our correspondent about the development, added that the artist had every justification to stand his ground.

He said, “I am his lawyer and he has briefed me. He certainly has evidence. This is not the first time he is dealing with the police.”

There were rumors that Kuti was not there when a police team sent to make the arrest arrived at his house.

However, attempts to get the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, to answer the phone to confirm the development from the police authorities failed.

In response, Falana said that the troubled singer would surrender on Monday.

He said, “He is going to report himself to the police tomorrow morning. There is no problem at all.”

However, attempts to get the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, to answer the phone to confirm the development from the police authorities failed.

In response, Falana said that the troubled singer would surrender on Monday.

He said, “He is going to report himself to the police tomorrow morning. There is no problem at all.”

Meanwhile, in a Saturday night Instagram post obtained by our correspondent, Ṣeun Kuti noted that the police officer in question had apologised over an alleged attempt to murder him and his family.

Kuti said, “He tried to kill me and my family. I have the proof but I no dey chase clout.
“He has apologised and I have agreed not to press charges. Make una mind una business make the poor guy no lose his job.”

However, following the IG’s order for his arrest, Mr Kuti in another Instagram post, said, “I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation! I also pray to the IG that whoever is wrong should be indicted.”

Olabode George, a former deputy national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, has outlined the factors that led him to congratulate Bola Tinubu on becoming president.

According to a Vanguard story, senior Lagos State residents organized the peace conference where George, a longtime political foe of Tinubu’s, spoke in an effort to mediate a settlement.

The elders requested his cooperation and assistance as the former governor of Lagos State takes office on May 29.

Remember that George had long been an opponent of the President-elect and had even vowed to leave the country if Tinubu were to win the election and be sworn in as leader of the nation.

Speaking at the meeting, George said, “They made a request which we are all looking at. They requested that someday we should also congratulate Asiwaju and we said yes, but that I belong to a political party. They are all in the courts now.

“Let us finish the court cases. Whichever way that goes, the issue of congratulating him or not will come to fruition.

“I have nothing personal and nothing happens without the almighty God. As a believer, that is my school of thought.”

He pressed, “Let me say there are no political differences between Tinubu and I. Justice Olorunnimbe is like a father, we respect our fathers in Lagos.

“When I got an invitation from Papa Olusi that he wanted to come and see me the first time, I told my friend who delivered the message that I should go and visit him and not the other way round. But Papa Olusi said he had to come and see and that it had to do with the situation in Lagos.

“This is the second time Papa Olusi is visiting. We had detailed discussions that bothered the unity of Lagos. I must say we re-established the fact that the culture of Lagos is to accept and accommodate other tribes.”

I have explained to Baba Olusi that there is no issue with working together after the PDP chieftain reacted negatively to working with Tinubu by saying a divided house will be a defeated house.

“The kind of platform we are trying to have is for a unity of purpose in Lagos State, irrespective of party affiliations.

“On the bottom line, you are a Lagosian though we can have different political affiliations.

He cleared that he had had no battle with Tinubu, adding, “We have no battle, nothing personal between him and I.”

“What had happened has gone, vengeance is not mine but the almighty God. We will have differences, we will disagree but we must not be disagreeable.

“This union and discussion we have had is a positive step towards a new Lagos,” he maintained.

The meeting, which went on until Saturday, was attended by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the head of the party in Lagos State, the Senior Special Assistant to the President for the Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele and Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, both of whom served as deputy governors of Lagos State.

Other attendees were Chief Remi Akitoye, a former acting PDP secretary; Major General Tajudeen Olarenwaju, a former minister of communications; Chief Gbadebo Dallas; and Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi.