News
Police Arrest Officers Who Extorted N3 Million From Man At Gunpoint
Police Confirm Arrest of Officers in Bayelsa Extortion Case
The police have confirmed the arrest of officers accused of extorting N3 million from a Nigerian man in Bayelsa State, located in South-south Nigeria.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi announced the development on his X account on Thursday.
PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that some police officers allegedly extorted money from Kelechi Isaac on August 26 at Odi Axis, Bayelsa State.
Isaac, who lives in Ghana but hails from Nguru Nworie in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria’s South-east, recounted that five officers stopped his vehicle while he was returning from a marriage ceremony with two friends.
He said the officers forced him at gunpoint to transfer N3 million to two separate bank accounts.
Officers Arrested
On Monday, the police announced that the officers involved in the extortion had been identified.
The operatives belong to Zone 16 Police Headquarters, which oversees Bayelsa and Rivers States in South-south Nigeria. Previously, it was unclear whether the officers had been arrested.
However, spokesperson Adejobi confirmed on Thursday that the officers have indeed been arrested.
“The policemen involved in this extortion case have been arrested,” Adejobi said.
He added that Zone 16 Police Headquarters has been instructed to present the officers at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
“The Force Headquarters will continue to cleanse the system and ensure justice is served in all reported cases,” Adejobi wrote on X.
‘Money Recovered, But Not Returned’ — Victim
In a Thursday morning conversation with PREMIUM TIMES, Isaac revealed that while the N3 million has been recovered from the officers, it has not yet been returned to him.
Isaac said he was informed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 16, Paul Omata, that the money is currently in Bayelsa.
“They haven’t returned the money. I was in Bayelsa yesterday (Wednesday). The AIG said the money is there but won’t be returned to me until the IGP gives an order,” Isaac explained.
He added that the officers are being transferred to Abuja, but have not yet arrived for the IGP to issue any directives regarding the money’s return.
The spokesperson for Zone 16 Police Headquarters, Gunn Ewhoborwo, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment.
Federal Government Refutes Age Restrictions for NECO and WAEC Exams
The Federal Government has dismissed rumors suggesting that age restrictions apply to the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, clarified this in Abuja on Friday, affirming that there are no age limits for taking these exams. He explained that the age restriction applies only to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and university entry, which will start at 18 years beginning in 2025.
Sununu pointed out that the National Policy on Education specifies that children should start primary school at age six, spend six years there, and then proceed to three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, totaling 18 years.
His remarks came during a briefing for the 2024 World Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Sununu addressed the confusion, stating, “We have clarified this issue in various forums, but the misinformation persists. Neither the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor I have announced any age limit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams.”
He added, “Some individuals have misinterpreted our comments regarding UTME age restrictions and mistakenly applied them to WAEC and NECO. Our previous statements only pertained to university entry age, as outlined in the National Policy on Education.”
Sununu also highlighted that the policy supports teaching children in their local language or mother tongue until primary three, after which English is introduced. This approach, he noted, facilitates better communication and learning.
President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.
Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.
During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:
“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”
President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai
On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.
During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.
The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.
President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”
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