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JUST IN: 119 Inmates Escape As Rainstorm Destroys Suleja Correctional Centre Fence

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It’s unfortunate that 119 inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, due to the havoc caused by a rainstorm. The damage to a part of the facility enabled their escape. This situation highlights the vulnerability of prison facilities during natural disasters and the importance of robust infrastructure to prevent such incidents. Authorities will undoubtedly be working to apprehend the escaped inmates and ensure the safety of the public.

The Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer, AS Duza, stated on Thursday morning that a heavy downpour on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State. This resulted in the destruction of a part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, allowing 119 inmates to escape. Efforts have been intensified to recapture the escaped inmates, with 10 of them already retaken into custody. Duza also mentioned ongoing efforts to modernize and upgrade custodial facilities across Nigeria, with the construction of new centers and renovation of existing ones.

The heavy rain damaged parts of the building, particularly the perimeter fence protecting one of the cells where inmates were housed. Babangida Turaki, a resident of Suleja, reported that a part of the fence, which was undergoing repairs, was brought down by the rain. Security reinforcements managed to return some of the escaping prisoners, and efforts were underway to locate and arrest the remaining escapees.

Despite the incident, normalcy has returned to Suleja town, with a continued search operation to recover the remaining prisoners.

This escape incident occurred as the Federal Government is stepping up efforts to decongest correctional centers across the country. Plans were announced in November to release 4,068 inmates nationwide, particularly focusing on indigent inmates who cannot afford to pay their fines. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated that the government has allocated N585 million for the payment of fines to secure the release of these inmates.

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Reps Launch Investigation into NPF Amidst Allegations of N50 Billion Procurement Fraud

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House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged contract racketeering in the Nigerian Police amounting to billions of naira.

The decision was taken after a motion of urgent national importance moved by the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency, Abia, Rep. Ibe Osonwa during the plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Osonwa had raised concerns over the alleged award of N6 billion contact by the Nigerian Police Procurement department without due process which according to him was erosion of public trust.

“The Nigeria Police Force Procurement department allegedly awarded N 6 billion contract to Crown Natures Ltd.

By splitting it into 66 separate contracts in a deliberate attempt to circumvent the public procurement Act of 2007 particularly in procurement of uniforms,” he said.

The lawmaker who expressed concern over the violation of section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended by the Police, called for urgent action to address the allegation.

Mr Osonwa, further called the attention of his colleagues to undermining of the country’s internal security architecture by the Nigeria Police with its award of contract for procurement of arms to private companies in violation to procurement rules.

The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas referred the motion to the committee on public accounts and public procurement for further legislative actions.

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Peter Obi’s brother Lagos Property: We didn’t carry out the demolition – Omotosho

Omotoso said Obi’s allegations on the demolition are “disturbing and without facts

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• Peter Obi at the scene of the demolished property

The Lagos State Government has commenced an investigation into the demolition of a property belonging to the brother of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.

Obi had alleged that a property belonging to his younger brother was demolished in the Ikeja area of Lagos State without a court order.

Reacting to the demolition via a statement on Thursday, June 26, the Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said no agency was involved in the demolition.

Omotoso added that the investigation will help clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and ensure that any necessary actions are taken.

The former governor of Anambra State, in a post on his X account on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, disclosed that the property owned by his brother’s company had stood for over 15 years before it was demolished.

Omotoso said Obi’s allegations on the demolition are “disturbing and without facts”.

The commissioner stated: “We wish to categorically state that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other arm of the Lagos State Government did not carry out the said demolition.

“Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser, eGIS & Urban Development, who supervises LASBCA, has confirmed that the agency was not involved in the demolition.

“The Lagos State Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

“We will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violations of extant laws. Any individual or group found involved in such acts will be brought to justice,” he said.

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BREAKING: President Tinubu Vetoes NDLEA Bill Due to Crime Proceeds Clause

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President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Bill, 2025 into law.

The President’s decision not to sign the bill passed by both chambers of the National Assembly was contained in a letter read in the Green Chamber on Thursday during plenary.

The President, citing Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), explained that the proposed law seeks to empower the NDLEA to retain a portion of the proceeds from drug-related crimes, a move he said contradicts existing financial regulations.

He noted that under the current system, “All proceeds of crime are paid into the government’s Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.

Disbursements to any recovery agency, including the NDLEA, can only be made by presidential approval, subject to the consent of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.”

The President maintained there was no compelling reason to alter a process designed to uphold accountability through executive and legislative oversight.

Details later….

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