Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Sunday, 14th February 2021.
1. Buhari Appoints New Chief of Defence Intelligence
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Maj. Gen. Samuel Adebayo, as Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).
Naija News reports that Adebayo, who assumed office on Friday, took over from leadership of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) from Air Vice-Marshal Muhammed Usman.
It was gathered that the Deputy CDI, Maj. Gen. Gbolahan Oyefesobi acted for a few days after Usman’s retirement but handed over to Adebayo at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
2. Makinde Shuts Down Popular Oyo Market, Declares Curfew
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has ordered the immediate closure of the Shasha market in Akinyele Local Government Area of Ibadan.
Recall that three people were reportedly killed in a clash between Hausa speaking people and the Yorubas at Shasha Market.
It was learnt that the disturbing event led to the destruction of shops and properties by hoodlums who took advantage of the clash. It was reported that residents were forced to flee the troubled area around 5:30 pm.
Some lucky residents were said to have hurriedly picked a few clothes with them as they were unsure whether the violence would not escalate. Confirming the report to newsmen, police operatives revealed that one person died in the attack, contrary to the claims by traders.
3. Insecurity: Presidency To Meet Governors, Religious Leaders, Others
The Presidency has announced the plan to meet governors, religious leaders, and other stakeholders on Monday to address security challenges facing the country.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) made this known in a statement on Saturday. The statement said the meeting is to bring about lasting peace in the country.
The statement added that the meeting, which would start in Kaduna on Monday, is to address the crimes and criminality being perpetrated against Nigerians.
4. Police Arrest Mr Macaroni At Lekki Tollgate
Popular comedian Debo Adebayo, also known as Mr Macaroni, has been arrested by the Nigerian Police at the Lekki toll gate.
In a live Instagram post before his phone and those of other arrested protesters were seized, the comedian lamented that “Lekki is under military rule.”
Mr Macaroni was arrested on Saturday after the police told him “we don’t want you here”.
5. [Video] Police Caught Assaulting #OccupyLekkiTollgate Protesters
A video has emerged showing men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) assaulting #OccupyLekkiTollgate Protesters at the Lekki Tollgate.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday apprehended no fewer than 18 protesters at the Lekki toll gate on Saturday.
Confirming the arrest, one of the coordinators of the protest, Kunle Ajayi, told the PUNCH that the youths were arrested and are about to be taken to an unknown location.
“Police have just arrested 10 protesters – Four ladies and six guys. They were beaten mercilessly and injured,” he said.
6. Bandits Planning To Buy Anti-Aircraft Missiles, Attack Military – Gumi
Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has disclosed that bandits are planning to acquire anti-aircraft missiles to repeal attacks from the Nigerian military.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Saturday, the cleric noted that the bandits raised the money to buy the sophisticated weapons from ransom collected from families of kidnapped victims.
He noted that the bandits took to crime to revenge the killing of their families by cattle rustlers and the military through airstrikes, adding that they were victims seeking justice.
7. #OccupyLekkiTollGate: Adeyanju Reveals Who Ordered Mr Macaroni, Protesters Arrest
Popular activist Deji Adeyanjuhas accused President Muhammadu Buhari of ordering the arrest of End SARS protesters at Lekki toll gate in Lagos State.
Naija News reports that #OccupyLekkiTollGate protesters were on Saturday arrested by a combined team of security agents.
Adeyanju said the police arrested popular comedians, Mr. Macaroni and other protesters on Buhari government’s orders.
8. Adegboruwa To Withdraw From Lagos Panel Over Arrest Of Protesters
A human rights lawyer Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN) has announced his intentions to withdraw from the Lagos State judicial panel over the arrest of #OccupyLekkiTollGate protesters.
Naija News had reported that the protesters were arrested and assaulted by men of the Lagos State Police Command on Saturday at the Lekki Toll Gate.
In a statement on Saturday, the senior lawyer condemned the police for subjecting the youths to inhumane conditions. Adegboruwa said he is stepping down from the panel due to fresh assault on the youths.
9. #OccupyLekkiTollGate: Lagos Police Boss Orders Release Of Mr Macaroni, 34 Others
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered the immediate release of 35 people arrested today at the #OccupyLekkiTollGate protest.
It was gathered that the police boss asked the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at the Area J Police Command Elemoro, Ibeju Lekki area of the state to release the protesters immediately.
10. Tension As Fulani Herdsmen Attack Ogun Communities, Kill Four
Fulani herdsmen have reportedly attacked some villages in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State killing four persons on Friday night.
It was also gathered that many, including children, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Speaking to DailyPost, a source said the suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Orile-Igbooro, shooting sporadically and setting houses on fire.
“Presently at Orile-Igbooro, Fulani herdsmen are attacking the people of the community. They are burning the houses and shooting the villagers presently,” the source said.