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Ooni Refutes Allegations Of $180,000 Scam

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Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has categorically denied allegations that he was involved in a $180,000 marriage scam.

This controversy erupted following claims by a US-based woman, Ms. Fagbule, who accused the monarch of defrauding her under the pretense of a marriage proposal.

The allegations, which surfaced on social media, particularly from a handle named “99% OPPRESSED” on X (formerly known as Twitter), suggested that the Ooni had promised to marry Ms. Fagbule and subsequently solicited funds from her.

The funds were purportedly intended for the establishment of hospitals in Southwest Nigeria.

However, the palace has responded with strong rebuttals, dismissing the claims as unfounded and a deliberate attempt at character assassination aimed at gaining cheap popularity.

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The Palace’s Response

Moses Olafare, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s palace, stated that the Ooni does not engage in personal online interactions, and any alleged communications with Ms. Fagbule were fabrications by unscrupulous individuals.

Olafare emphasized that the Ooni’s social media accounts are managed by the palace’s media team, and he does not have any personal accounts on platforms like Facebook or Twitter.

An Invitation to the Palace

In an effort to resolve the matter, the Ooni has extended an invitation to Ms. Fagbule to visit the palace in Ile-Ife.

The palace has offered to assist her in working with law enforcement agencies to uncover the true perpetrators behind this alleged scam.

The statement from the palace highlighted the Ooni’s commitment to justice and his willingness to provide fatherly assistance in such matters.

A Caution to the Public

The palace used this opportunity to caution the public, especially women, against falling victim to internet marriage scams.

They reiterated that the Ooni does not engage in any personal relationships online and urged individuals to be wary of imposters posing as the monarch or other influential figures.

The palace also pointed out that any official communication from the Ooni would bear distinct official letterheads and signatures that are easily verifiable.

This incident underscores the growing menace of internet scams and the importance of vigilance in online interactions.

The Ooni of Ife’s swift response to the allegations serves as a reminder of the need for due diligence and the dangers of unchecked social media narratives.

Crime

Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia

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A police officer is reportedly dead and another injured following an attack by unknown gunmen on a police checkpoint in the Ohafia area of Abia State.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Ugwu Abba Asaga, has sparked concerns over the rising wave of insecurity in the region.

The Abia State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack. However, when contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, assured reporters that she would provide updates, but no further details had been shared as of the time of this report.

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This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Abia State. On Monday, the Abia State government accused unnamed politicians and external parties of fueling kidnappings and violence targeting security personnel and civilians since May 2024. In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.

“The promoters of violence and insecurity in the state will pay a heavy price,” the statement read.

However, John Okiyi Kalu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, criticized the government’s position. He argued that insecurity in the state should not be politicized but rather addressed through actionable measures.

The attack has heightened tensions in the state, with citizens calling for swift action to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents and security personnel alike.

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Crime

Ebonyi Police Crackdown Leaves Labourer Dead, Three Others Injured

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A yet-to-be-identified labourer was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, while three others sustained critical injuries, during an altercation involving the Crack Squad of the Ebonyi State Police Command at Ugwuechara Junction in Abakaliki.

Witnesses say the incident began when members of the Crack Squad stopped a motorcycle rider, accusing him of fraud and attempting to seize his motorcycle.

The rider reportedly identified himself as a member of the military but was allegedly assaulted by the operatives.

 

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An eyewitness recounted, “As the policemen removed his cap and started hitting him with their guns, the bike man tried to resist them, possibly to snatch one of their guns.

“One of the team opened fire, which killed one of the labour seekers, who usually gather at the junction to look for daily jobs. Three persons were wounded and were rushed to the hospital.”

The deceased, a labourer waiting for work at the junction, was struck by the gunfire. Among the injured are a young apprentice at a barbershop and a female passer-by.

Witnesses say the police operatives took the body of the deceased and the motorcycle rider to their station after the incident.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.

However, Obinna Mbam, the Special Assistant on Internal Security to Governor Francis Nwifuru, confirmed the incident.

“Normalcy has returned to the area,” Mr. Mbam said. “The state government will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Ebonyi State, who have raised concerns about the increasing cases of police brutality, extortion, and indiscriminate arrests.

Many residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the Crack Squad, which was established as part of police reforms following the disbandment of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020.

 

 

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Crime

IGP Files Fraud Charges Against Ex-Senator, Two Others Over N400m Scam

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed criminal charges against former Nigerian senator Andy Uba and two others, accusing them of defrauding a complainant, George Uboh, of N400 million.

The charges, which include two counts, were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Uba, who represented Anambra South in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, along with Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu, is alleged to have conspired with Hajiya Fatima, who remains at large, to defraud Uboh in 2022.

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According to the charges, the accused individuals falsely claimed they could secure the appointment of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone who could pay N400 million.

“The accused persons collected the N400 million from Mr. Uboh and converted it into their personal use,” the police said, describing the actions as a violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act of 2006.

The police also revealed that six witnesses would testify against the accused parties.

The case was officially filed on 10 October 2023 by Abdulrashid Sidi from the Police Legal/Prosecution Section.

During a hearing on 13 November, the prosecution informed the court that the defendants had been evading the service of court documents despite being granted administrative bail.

“The defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order, which had prevented the police from bringing them to court,” said M.L. Anthony, a lawyer for the prosecution.

“It was only after the order was lifted that the defendants were finally charged before the judge.”

The trial, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was adjourned until 18 February 2025.

This delay allows time for the defendants to appear in court and take their plea, following the prosecution’s efforts to ensure they are properly served with legal documents.

 

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