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Update : How popular Ibadan thug, Auxiliary’s gang killed 36-year-old father of newborn twins

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Thirty-six-year-old Rahmon Azeez was full of life on Wednesday and nothing suggested that death loomed.Our correspondent learnt that he just got a visa to travel to the United States of America to see his wife and twins, who he had never carried physically since they were born abroad. He arranged for his wife to travel to the US where she delivered of the babies. But his hope of reuniting with his wife and children was cut short.

Our correspondent gathered that the deceased recently bought a Toyota Camry and drove the car to the Iwo Road Shopping Complex in Ibadan, Oyo State, built by his mother popularly known as Mama Ahmed. However, on getting to the spot, the entrance was said to have been blocked by commercial bus drivers dropping and picking passengers despite the place not designated as a bus stop.

He was said to have asked the drivers to leave the entrance to allow customers and visitors to the complex to access the building. But his speech, it was gathered, reportedly resulted in an altercation. The drivers were said to have reported him to the park managers who were accused of swooping on the young man and dealt him blows and slaps.

Being a popular person at the complex, his mother’s tenants and phone sellers were said to have rescued him from the hands of the drivers and park managers. Not satisfied, the assailants reportedly left to mobilise and invaded the complex with weapons.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with our correspondent said the hoodlums targeted Azeez and hurled stones, sticks and other sharp objects at him before he was stabbed in the chest.

One of the shop owners at the complex, Taye Salawu, told our correspondent that Azeez’s assailants made sure that he was dead before leaving. He noted that they later hid under the cover of the melee to loot and vandalise shops in the complex.  Salawu said, “Not satisfied with the level of destruction, they looted shops and carted away phones and other electronic devices.’’

The deceased’s mother, brother and the entire family were left heartbroken after the violence and traders counted huge losses.

Azeez’s grieving elder brother, Ahmed Azeez, told our correspondent that the leader of the Park Managers, Alhaji Lamidi Mukaila, popularly known as Auxiliary, led armed members who killed his brother at the complex.

Asked if he saw Auxiliary at the scene of the attack, Ahmed said, “There is video evidence to back it up and I saw it.  My brother was 36 years old. His family resides in the US and he already got a visa to visit them. His wife gave birth to twins. He had not seen the babies since their birth. He planned to see his family but that never happened.  We have buried him. I am heartbroken. I can’t talk for long. I don’t know if this is a dream.”

Tension was palpable at the complex and from under the bridge to the Abayomi Bus Stop area when our correspondent visited the area on Thursday. Shops were shut and some traders were seen hanging around the area.

The area was taken over by the police, Operation Burst, a joint security outfit, including soldiers and Amotekun corps. About 25 patrol vans were stationed there to prevent a further breakdown of law and order in the area.

Our correspondent observed that the hoodlums took their time to vandalise the shops. Every glass there was shattered and the floor filled with broken glasses and bottles.

Some of the affected traders took our correspondent to the spot where Azeez Rahmon was killed by his attackers. He was said to have got to a dead end where his assailants pursued him and dangerous weapons freely used to attack him.

Our correspondent gathered that neighbours, his mother’s tenants at the complex and friends picked his corpse later and enraged youths took his corpse to the Governor’s Office at State Secretariat, Agodi, to protest the killing.

Traders recount losses, cry for justice

One of the traders, Akeem Yusuf, told our correspondent that the hoodlums after killing Azeez and injuring many others looted their shops. He added that the thugs returned on Thursday morning and stole the remaining wares in the shops.

Another trader, Mr Kayode Ismail, alleged that soldiers attached to Operation Burst and some Amotekun corps were present when the armed hoodlums invaded the complex and wreaked havoc there.

He said, “The problem started with a complaint that the drivers blocked the entrance of the complex with their vehicles. Azeez came and wanted to park his car but there was no way  for him to enter the complex.  He complained and that led to an altercation.  The drivers called the park managers and they attacked the young man. This led to a fight but some shop owners came to his rescue and the park managers went away and returned fully armed.

“They chased Azeez and he fled before he fell down and they started hurling sharp objects at him. They stabbed him and stoned him. They ensured that he died before they left while others started breaking our shops, stealing and destroying the ones they could not steal. Where were the policemen and soldiers now around? Some of the soldiers and Amotekun were around yesterday when they killed Azeez. They did nothing to stop the drivers.”

Another trader at the shopping complex who identified himself only as Toyeeb said the loss suffered by traders at the complex was huge.

The traders were enraged when the state governor, Seyi Makinde, visited the scene and addressed them. In unison, they accused Auxiliary of masterminding the attack on Azeez and their goods, urging the governor to ensure his arrest, removal from his current position and prosecution.

Deceased’s mother speaks

The deceased’s mother, Alhaja Salmot Azeez, told journalists on Friday that she wanted justice in the case. She said Azeez was a graduate of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, and was not a cultist.

She said she allowed drivers to use part of the entrance even though their activities usually obstructed movement into shops in the complex.

Salmot said, “A former Commissioner of Police, Adisa Bolanta, intervened and resolved that we should allow them to use part of the entrance and I allowed them. Even a Divisional Police Officer at the time, Ilori, took a photograph of the way the commercial drivers were disturbing us to the then CP and the matter was resolved.

“But this is the way they paid me back by killing my son. My first child whom they attempted to kill studied in London, United Kingdom, but he decided to return to Nigeria. My slain son had a shop where he was selling phones in the shopping complex. He was never a cultist. He was a phone dealer. I don’t know how I offended Auxiliary that made him kill my son. I don’t know what I did to him. He knows me and I usually give him something. I gave him whatever he asked me. This is a great loss.”

Besides, Ahmed said he was the target of those who attacked his brother.

He said, “I was the one they were after. If they were able to lay their hands on me that day, I wouldn’t have been here today. I don’t know why the man is still on the street now. By now, he should be in police custody.”

He said somebody like Auxiliary should not have been appointed by the government to head any place.

In his reaction, the Public Relations Officer for the Park Management System, Alhaji Emiola Jelili, told our correspondent that Auxiliary neither killed nor attacked anybody.

He stated that some politicians were behind the allegation, adding that he also called on the police to carry out a thorough investigation into the crisis and punish whoever was found culpable.

Jelili said, “ Oga (Auxiliary did not attack anybody). He received calls that there was a crisis at Iwo Road and we went there. I was with him that day and thank God that before we got there, the police, soldiers and Amotekun were there and this gave him the confidence that the government had taken steps to bring the situation under control. The alleged attack happened before he got there. He wasn’t there when the crisis happened. He got there after the whole thing. If you analyse the videos in circulation, you will see that he was asking people to leave the place.

“No clashes have been recorded at any motor park since the Park Management System was introduced. But those not satisfied that the government should get from the revenue generated from parks will stop at nothing to tarnish his image. Iwo Road is a big place and three local governments have big parks there so, if Auxiliary was told that there was a crisis there, I don’t think it is out of place that he went there to see what happened.

“The back of the shopping complex is a hideout for cultists and the issue of entrance obstruction was used as a smokescreen. What we heard was that someone bought a phone and the phone was bad. He brought it back the next day but the seller refused to change it, saying he would repair it. The buyer was said to have insisted on getting a refund or a new phone and this led to a clash. The two parties were said to belong to two different cult groups. The allegation against Auxiliary is false and the public should discard it. People should wait for police investigation into the case.’’

Governor, CP promise justice

While inspecting the vandalised complex, the governor appealed to the traders who are mostly youths to allow the police carry out investigation, promising them that justice would be served. The governor who told them that he grew up in the area, said parking at the spot had been an age-long problem which would be solved.

Also, the state Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko, who was at the scene on Thursday shortly before the governor arrived, also told the aggrieved traders that the crisis would be painstakingly investigated and culprits would be prosecuted.

 

 

 

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Dangote Refinery to Begin Nationwide Distribution of PMS, Diesel, for smooth logistics to marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it will begin distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel nationwide.

The statement added that the Refinery has invested in the procurement of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers to ensure smooth take-off of the scheme, which will continue over an extended timeframe

The statement said, “To ensure the smooth takeoff of the free logistics for marketers and petrol dealers buying from Dangote, the statement further disclosed that the refinery has procured 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers.

“This phase of the programme will continue over an extended timeframe. The refinery is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution.

This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.

“Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support. Key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from this transformative initiative, as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth. Players in these key sectors and others can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it will begin distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel nationwide.

In a statement on Sunday, the company said effective from 15th of August 2025, it will begin the distribution of the products to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users across the country, with free logistics to boost distribution network.

The move, according to the company, was a significant national initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fuel distribution landscape.

The statement added that the Refinery has invested in the procurement of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers to ensure smooth take-off of the scheme, which will continue over an extended timeframe.

“This phase of the programme will continue over an extended timeframe. The refinery is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution.

“This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.

“Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support. Key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from this transformative initiative, as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth. Players in these key sectors and others can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.”

The statement added that the refinery will offer a credit facility to those purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres, which would allow them to obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee.

It described the effort as a milestone in its vision to revolutionise the Nigeria’s energy sector.

“This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in our vision to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector. Dangote Refinery is dedicated to ensuring that no place is left behind. Our goal is to provide equitable access to affordable fuel for all Nigerians, regardless of location, making energy more accessible and sustainable for everyone, wherever they may b

 

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NMA FCT Issues Indefinite Strike Threat Over Alleged Ethnic Victimisation and Unjust Dismissal of Three Abuja Doctors

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Tensions are rising at the National Hospital Abuja (NHA) as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) FCT Branch threatens an indefinite strike following the controversial dismissal of three medical doctors. According to insider sources, the crisis is unfolding under the leadership of Dr. Mahmud Raji, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), who is alleged to be using his office to intimidate these doctors—believed to have been targeted because of their opinions. This disturbing allegation has intensified outrage within the medical community, raising serious concerns about fairness, professionalism, and ethnic bias within the healthcare system.

In what is fast becoming a major flashpoint in Nigeria’s embattled healthcare sector, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) FCT Branch has issued a 14-day strike ultimatum to the management of National Hospital Abuja over the controversial and unexplained disengagement of three medical doctors who have served the hospital diligently for years.

In a strongly worded notice dated June 11, 2025, following its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held at the VIP Hall of the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, the NMA FCT leadership formally communicated its dissatisfaction with the National Hospital’s refusal to reinstate its disengaged members. The affected doctors, who completed their residency training in 2020, were appointed as locum consultants in March 2022 after working as post-Part II fellows. After three years of dedicated service, they were abruptly dismissed without any stated reason—unlike their contemporaries who remain in service. The hospital only stated that “their services were no longer needed” and advised them to reapply when vacancies arise.

The association described the move as selective victimisation and scapegoating, pointing out that 30 doctors were employed under similar terms, yet only three were let go. Multiple advocacy efforts—including visits from the NMA President, FCT Chairman, and a committee of senior, reputable medical professionals—have all been ignored by the hospital’s leadership.

The NMA expressed deep frustration that despite its peaceful engagement efforts, the hospital remained unmoved, even in the face of the ongoing “japa” wave—mass migration of medical professionals abroad—leaving Nigeria’s healthcare system dangerously understaffed.

“This disengagement worsens an already fragile system, adding to the mental and economic burdens of doctors, increasing anxiety and threatening family stability,” the NMA noted in its communiqué.

The association has now declared that if the doctors are not reinstated, members at National Hospital Abuja will embark on a total and indefinite strike from June 30, 2025, following a two-week warning strike from June 15–29. If after seven days of this action no resolution is achieved, the entire NMA FCT branch will join the strike in solidarity.

Investigations within the hospital revealed that the affected doctors had no records of disciplinary actions or professional misconduct. Their Heads of Department (HODs) had recommended them for continued service, and it was confirmed that they were already on the IPPIS scale, meaning they posed no additional financial burden to the hospital.

The outrage is further fueled by the irony that, while NMA is pushing for an increase in doctors’ retirement age to 70 due to acute personnel shortages, National Hospital is disengaging young, skilled doctors who chose to remain in Nigeria instead of seeking better opportunities abroad. “Are we saying NHA has enough specialists to let go of such committed professionals?” the association questioned.

Doctors familiar with the affected doctors shared personal testimonies: “I worked with Dr. Fernandez during the COVID-19 pandemic. We carried out countless caesarean sections when fear was palpable. Only a doctor with heart would do that. Is this how the system rewards bravery?”

Emotionally charged reactions have poured in from across the country. A senior doctor lamented: “It’s difficult to believe that doctors would ignore juicy offers abroad to make the sacrifice of practising in Nigeria, only to be treated like trash for speaking up on poor welfare. How do you keep a doctor as locum for 3 years, earning barely ₦400,000, and expect them to live a dignified life? This is the reward for years of service?”

He added that the refusal of the hospital to heed the advice of the NMA President and respected elders “is deeply worrisome” and raises concerns of possible hidden motives.

The broader concern is that this crisis could demoralize others in the system. “We are already overwhelmed, underpaid, and understaffed, yet our sacrifices are ignored,” the doctor continued. “Meanwhile, national honours are reserved for political loyalists, while real heroes are discarded.”

He appealed to the NMA and well-meaning members to establish a financial support plan for the affected doctors, who have now been unpaid for three months, pushing them to the brink emotionally and economically.

In his final remarks, he called for unity: “All hands must be on deck to preserve the Hippocratic brotherhood we swore to uphold. A brother should not snuff the life out of another. This is not the future we envisaged. We must fight to leave a better one for the next generation.”

As the clock ticks toward June 30, the healthcare sector in the FCT braces for what may become one of the most consequential strikes in recent years—one born not just from policy failure, but from a cry for justice, equity, and professional dignity.

The NMA is also using this opportunity to call on the Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, to urgently intervene before the situation escalates further. At a time when the country is grappling with critical challenges in the healthcare sector—and the President is actively working to reverse the “japa” trend and restore stability through the Renewed Hope Agenda—it would be deeply unfortunate for such avoidable crises to undermine those efforts. Supporting doctors who have chosen to remain in Nigeria is essential to rebuilding trust and encouraging others, both at home and abroad, to return and contribute to the nation’s healthcare revival.

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BREAKING: Tinubu honours Abiola, Kudirat, Soyinka, Onanuga others in State of the Nation address

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on more than 80 Nigerians—both living and deceased—during his inaugural State of the Nation address in honour of this year’s Democracy Day.

The President, who reeled the names out with other messages while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly to mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria on Thursday, also announced the granting of full pardon to the heroes of the Ogoni Struggle, identified as the Ogoni nine.

The president used the solemn occasion to commemorate key figures in the June 12 pro-democracy movement, notably Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, his late wife Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her role in resisting military rule, a struggle that ultimately led to her assassination. Tinubu described her as the “heroine of the June 12 struggle.”

Also honoured was the late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who received the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest national honour typically reserved for heads of state.

He was recognised for mobilising political resistance to military rule and advancing democratic reforms.

Other posthumous recipients included key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement: Professor Humphrey Nwosu (CON), who chaired the National Electoral Commission during the 1993 elections; Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON); Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR); Bagauda Kaltho (OON); Chima Ubani (OON); Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON); Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON); and Chief Frank Kokori (CON), among others.

The list extended to civil rights advocates, journalists, politicians, and unionists who lost their lives in the pursuit of justice and democracy.

Honourees included Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Fredrick Fasehun, Professor Festus Iyayi, Dr. John Yima Sen, Alhaja Gambo Sawaba, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Alex Ibru, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Senator Polycarp Nwite, and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo.

In a move described as symbolic of national reconciliation, Tinubu posthumously recognised Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow environmental activists known as the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995 under the regime of General Sani Abacha.

Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were each awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The President further announced that he would invoke his constitutional powers to grant a full state pardon to the Ogoni Nine and others, whose names will be released following consultations with the National Council of State.

Living icons of democratic activism and intellectual freedom were also celebrated. Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while renowned journalism scholar Professor Olatunji Dare received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Related NewsProminent journalists and media pioneers were similarly honoured: Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Seye Kehinde (OON).

Among the human rights lawyers and activists honoured were Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON), Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), and Professor Shafideen Amuwo (CON).

Other notable recipients included Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Honourable Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr. Nick Dazang (OON), Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), and Professor Segun Gbadegesin (CON).

Further commendations went to Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Professor Bayo Williams, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, and Senator Ameh Ebute, who were also recognised with honours ranging from Commander to Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.

Veteran journalist and Vanguard Newspapers founder Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu was honoured with a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a day before his 90th birthday.

President Tinubu also formally decorated the current presiding officers of the National Assembly, who had previously received national honours:

Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio (GCON)

Speaker of the House of RepresentativesTajudeen Abbas (GCON)

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (CFR)

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR)

“The honours were not just symbolic, but a national acknowledgment of those who defended truth, fought repression, and expanded Nigeria’s democratic space”, Tinubu said.

He called on Nigerians, particularly political leaders, to uphold the values of the June 12 movement in their actions and policies.

“We must rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12: freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed”, he said.

President Tinubu concluded his address with a call for national reflection and progress, urging the country to move beyond symbolic recognition and build a future anchored on the sacrifices of past heroes.

 

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