News
IPOB number two man killed, as security forces raid operational HQ
The Nigerian Army on Saturday disclosed that it has led a combined team of security forces to raid the operational Headquarters of the “IPOB/ESN terrorists in Awomama Village, Oru East LGA of Imo State.”
According to a statement signed by Army spokesman, Mohammed Yerima, the early morning Saturday raid was carried out by troops of “the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS),”
The operation was put in motion “following a detailed intelligence report on the location of the terrorists’ Operational Headquarters and the movement of the overall Commander popularly known as Ikonson Commander.
“The IRT and DSS teams along with troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have been on the trail of the terror group since the unfortunate attacks on the Imo State Police Command and the Owerri Correctional Center on 5 April 2021.
“The said Ikonson Commander who was the mastermind of those attacks in addition to multiple attacks in the South East and South South regions, was neutralised along with 6 of his top Commanders.
“The joint intelligence team had earlier interviewed several arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists in connection with the April 5 attacks and they all confessed that Ikonson Commander who was named as Vice President by their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was the one that mobilized men and resources as well as ordered and orchestrated the attacks on Owerri.
“They equally revealed that Ikonson was responsible for many other attacks on Police stations across the two geo-political zones.
“The intelligence team later tracked the IPOB/ESN top leader to his exact location in Awomama village where he (Ikonson) and his to Commanders were hibernating and plotting dastardly acts against the Nigerian state.
“On noticing the presence of the joint operations team, IPOB/ESN terrorists brought heavy volume of fire on the raiding team who swiftly responded and overwhelmed them with superior fire power that neutralised Ikonson and six of his top Commanders. Sadly however, a Second Lieutenant and three IRT operatives paid the supreme price in the fire fight that ensued. The four officers who fought gallantly have already been evacuated to a military facility in Owerri
“So far, 3 AK 47 riffles, a Toyota Sienna van belonging to the terrorists and several other items of value including drugs suspected to be psychotropic substances were recovered and are being processed by the intelligence team to assist in further investigations and operations in the area.
“The joint security team is already dominating the general area while preparations for further operations are in top gear.
“The neutralised Ikonson Commander had in several occasions posed for photographs with the fugitive leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu”, the statement continued.
Yerima further noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru has lauded the security officials involved in the operation.
“He prayed for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers who lost their lives in the operation, stressing that their sacrifice will never be in vain.
“The Nigerian Army along with other security agencies will sustain intelligence-based kinetic operations in the South East and South South until the regions are free of terrorist activities”, the Army Chief assured.
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.
According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.
In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.
He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.
“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.
He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”
Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, President of the Institute of Personality Development & Customer Relationship Management (IPDCRM), has announced the 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference and Awards, set to take place at Lead City University, Ibadan.
Themed “Investment in Leadership Education and Personality Development: A Valuable Asset, Timely Rescue Anchor, in a Depressed Economy,” the conference will bring together some of Nigeria’s and the world’s leading voices in leadership, innovation, and policy to address economic challenges through strategic development.
Inspiring Leadership for Economic Resurgence
As Nigeria faces the ongoing complexities of a depressed economy, the 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference will serve as a transformative event. It will convene policymakers, corporate executives, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the powerful role of leadership education and personality development in driving economic recovery.
The programme includes keynote speakers, prominent presenters, and thought-provoking discussions, all aimed at using human capital to foster productivity, sustainable growth, and innovation.
Corporate Charisma Awards: Honouring Organizational Excellence
A key highlight of the conference will be the Corporate Charisma Awards (CCA), designed to celebrate organisations that excel in sustainable development. Recognising businesses with a strategic vision for customer loyalty, innovation, and growth, IPDCRM’s awards programme evaluates nominees through its Organisational Performance Profile (OPP) and Grand Analytics Method (GAM), a rigorous data-driven model.
These awards aim to establish a prestigious “C500” list, a “Fortune 500” of Nigeria, celebrating organisations that inspire national pride, community recognition, and economic impact. Among this year’s honorees are The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Bellagio Airlines, recognised for their people-centered and impactful business models.
Induction Ceremony for New Members
The 2024 conference will also feature an induction ceremony for new IPDCRM members, each of whom has demonstrated excellence in personality development, customer relationship management, and leadership education. This cohort will join a growing network of professionals dedicated to fostering economic resilience and promoting growth through transformative leadership.
Collaborations, Networking, and Youth Empowerment
Beyond its awards and induction, the event will serve as a hub for strategic collaborations across industries, reinforcing the value of leadership education in economic resilience. A focus on youth empowerment will take center stage, with panel discussions dedicated to equipping the next generation with the leadership skills essential for navigating today’s economic challenges. The conference aims to emphasise the long-term return on investment in leadership education—not only for individuals but for corporate entities and national growth.
Exhibition of Leadership Innovation
An exhibition at the event will showcase the latest in leadership training and personality development tools, offering participants insight into innovative strategies for strengthening both individual and organisational resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.
A Call to Action for Economic Recovery
The 2024 Corporate Charisma Conference serves as a call to action, urging leaders across sectors to recognise leadership education and personality development as vital assets for economic revitalization. Dr. Ayobami Owolabi emphasises that IPDCRM is committed to fostering a new generation of visionary leaders equipped to drive Nigeria forward.
For more information or to register, contact:
Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, FPD-CR
President, IPDCRM
Tel: 08033237874
Email: ayowolabi2002@yahoo.co.uk
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of controversial crossdresser and social media personality, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, at the Seme Border. The arrest took place on Monday as the celebrity was reportedly attempting to flee the country.
In a statement issued Monday night, NIS spokesman DCI KT Udo revealed that Bobrisky had become a person of interest following a series of public controversies.
Udo noted that the arrest was part of the Service’s broader effort to maintain order and integrity at Nigeria’s borders.
“He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action,” Udo said. He further reassured the public that the Service would remain civil and professional in carrying out its duties.
Bobrisky’s arrest comes amid serious allegations that have swirled around him in recent months.
Blogger Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, had previously accused Bobrisky of bribing officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with ₦15 million to drop money laundering charges against him during an incident in April, where Bobrisky was seen spraying large sums of naira at a public event.
Following that event, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment by a court, with the sentence being carried out earlier this year. He was released in August, but new controversies emerged as the blogger claimed that Bobrisky had paid millions of naira to secure special privileges while serving time in prison.
The allegations triggered widespread concern, prompting investigations by both the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The House of Representatives also initiated a probe into the matter, and the Federal Government suspended several senior NCoS officials pending the outcome of investigations.
On September 30, 2024, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated a special committee to look into the allegations of gross misconduct within the NCoS. The committee submitted its report on Monday, confirming that while Bobrisky served his jail term, he was afforded preferential treatment, including access to television and a fridge.
The full extent of Bobrisky’s legal challenges remains unclear as the investigation continues, with authorities now working to determine the next steps in the case.
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