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Ones dies , others injured in Lagos tanker accident

A yet-to-be-identified woman was killed over the weekend, and many others were injured in a multiple-vehicle accident involving a fully loaded tanker at the Kila bus stop along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

The tanker, fully loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, crashed into two passenger buses in the accident that occurred late on Saturday evening.

In the aftermath of the incident, officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were attacked by hoodlums attempting to scoop fuel from the accident container.

Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, stated on Sunday, “Following a distress call received at 16:30 hrs on Saturday, December 2, 2023, through the agency’s 112/767 toll-free lines, LASEMA activated the Lagos State Emergency Response Plans and arrived at the incident scene with all necessary light and heavy-duty equipment.”

“The LASEMA boss added that upon the arrival of the agency’s LRT at the incident scene, it was observed that a white MACK Petroleum Oil Tanker, registration number unknown, laden to capacity with 45,000 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), a white Hi-Ace interstate bus, registration number EPE 958 YD, and a commercial Volkswagen Vanagon bus with registration number JJJ 270 YD were involved in a road traffic accident at the aforementioned address.”

“Investigations conducted at the incident scene revealed that the accident occurred when the oil tanker was traversing an undulating portion of the road and fell on two commercial buses, killing an adult female in the process, while other lucky occupants of the two buses escaped unhurt.”

According to him, “The rampaging miscreants employed all forms of tactics in attempts to disrupt the operation in a hostile environment; this included barring the recovery of the commodity before it was finally extricated and handed over to Police Officers from Ojokoro Police Station.”

Oke-Osanyintolu noted that “LASEMA coordinated the recovery operation, putting all necessary precautionary measures in place and barring all activities that could lead to an explosion of the fallen oil tanker that was leaking PMS through sparks and ignition of the spilt PMS.”

He, however, pointed out that “The fallen oil tanker has been recovered successfully. The salvaged contents were translated into two 20,000-litre oil tankers and safely driven off the incident scene. LASG Fire and Rescue Services has well blanketed the entire area to ensure safety.”

The LASEMA boss also said, “The agency’s LRT conducted a post-recovery assessment to confirm the total safety of residents and road users in the axis. All secondary incidents have been averted, and the road has been fully reopened to the public for vehicular activities.”

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Those found guilty of corruption should not enjoy pardon —AGF

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has stated that those found guilty of corruption should not be granted state pardons. He also advised law enforcement agencies to avoid shoddy investigations, urging them to have all necessary facts before summoning individuals for questioning.

The AGF made these remarks at a roundtable organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for state Attorneys-General in Abuja on Monday. “I will suggest in our next constitution review exercise that we expunge those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from powers of ‘Prerogative of Mercy’ to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

In a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Fagbemi emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders, particularly the Attorneys-General, in the fight against corruption. He urged them to avoid nepotism, political witch-hunting, rivalry, and bigotry in their efforts to fight corruption merely to please their governors.

The minister further stated that there should be no justification for rationalizing corruption or other crimes. He advised that legal opinions on cases should be based strictly on facts, as is the practice in advanced countries, adding, “We should not give in to public sentiments. In Nigeria, we are polarised along political lines.”

The AGF also urged participants and anti-graft agencies to conduct thorough investigations before arresting suspects to prevent unnecessary media trials. “Let us be thorough and take our time before inviting someone for questioning. Don’t do a shoddy job and be quick to say we have caught a big fish…You will catch a big fish. If it is two or three big fish you are able to get in a year and you are thorough, it is alright,” he stated.

Additionally, Fagbemi advised against filing exaggerated or bogus charges against defendants to create public frenzy. He said, “Nobody wants a 50-count charge…make it five or six and be sure. Make sure you get him (suspect) in.”

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Tinubu condoles with families of victims, Niger govt over traffic petrol tanker explosion

President Bola Tinubu has sent heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State on the petrol tanker explosion on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai- road on Sunday in Niger State, which claimed the lives of 48 people and livestock.

According to the Niger Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), many people were injured in the accident, which also involved a truck loaded with cattle and passengers.

President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the dead and injured victims. He also sympathised with the owners of shops affected by the tragedy.

He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The President commended the federal and state emergency agencies for their swift response. He similarly commended the good-spirited Nigerians who mobilised to the incident scene to assist the victims.

He pledged continued support for efforts aimed at providing relief to those affected.

President Tinubu has directed relevant federal agencies in transportation and road infrastructure to redouble their efforts and work with state governments to enhance the safety and security of travellers and residents.

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Nigerian businessman Ogionwo charged for $300,000 scam in Oil deal

The Inspector General of Police, through legal officer S.O. Ayodele from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, has filed a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretenses and theft against Nigerian businessman Ebi Otisaye Ogionwo.

In the charges presented before the Federal High Court in Lagos, Ayodele alleges that in 2022, Ogionwo fraudulently obtained $300,000 from Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Beltzemo Nigeria Limited. The funds were purportedly meant to finance an oil trading business, but this representation was false.

The charges against Ogionwo are in violation of Section 1 (1) (c) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.

The two count charge as filed before the court

Count one:

That you, Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo “M” sometimes in 2022,in Lagos, within the Judicial Division of this Honorable Court, did by false pretence and with intent to defraud obtained the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars (S300,000:00) from one Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Boltzemo Nigeria Limited under the guise of using the said funds for financing Oil Trading Business, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offer contrary to Section 1(1)(c) and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fec,raud and other Related Offences Act 2006, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Count two:

That you Ebi Otsaye Ogionwo “M” on the same date, time and place, and in the aforementioned Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did steal the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) from one Mr.Oluwatosin Adefila of Belztzemo Nigeria Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 383 and punishable under section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Act,Cap C 38,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004.

Meanwhile, 14th of October, 2024 has been fixed for the arraignment of the defendant.