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Capsized boat: 54 bodies recovered, others remain missing

Published
5 months agoon
By
Ekwutos Blog
No fewer than 54 bodies have been recovered from the boat accident involving about 200 traders in Kogi State.
The figure was disclosed to our correspondent on Saturday by the Head of Operations covering Kogi State at the National Emergency Management Agency, Justin Uwazuruonye.
Uwazuruonye said, “The figure of the recovered bodies as of today (Saturday), according to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, and NEMA is 54. They were recovered dead.
“We tried to know if they could make the manifest available, but they said there was no manifest, and if there is no manifest, we can’t say the exact number of passengers on the boat. Besides, it was a night journey, and none of them had life jackets on.”
The National Inland Waterways Authority confirmed the boat accident on Friday.
The Head of NIWA’s Media Department, Suleman Makama, stated that the traders were traveling to a market in Niger State on the boat when it capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger.
Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has called for inter-agency collaboration to prevent waterways accidents.
Ododo, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah, expressed sadness over the accident, saying he was concerned that most of the victims were women, petty traders, and artisans involved in legitimate business activities.
He expressed concern about the dangers on the waterway linking Kogi with Niger State.
“The waterway linking Kogi and Niger State is becoming increasingly dangerous as a result of frequent boat accidents,” he said.
The governor called on relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures were put in place to minimize risks associated with water transportation in the country.
“Efforts should be made through inter-agency collaboration to prevent further accidents and coordinate emergency response,” he noted.
Ododo commiserated with the families of those involved in the accident, promising that the government would support those injured in their recuperation.
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Construct speed breakers to stop accidents on Apete-Akufo road – Residents to Makinde

Published
7 hours agoon
April 24, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Residents of communities along the Apete -Akufo road have appealed to Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde to construct speed breakers and bumps om the road.
The residents noted that this is necessary in order to avoid incessant road accidents on the road.
Our correspondent reports that the road serves over 50 communities within Ido local government area.
Ekwutosblog gathered that the 12.5 kilometers road – which is the first concrete road in the state – was executed by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Many road accidents have occurred along the road since its construction.
The residents of the communities appealed to Makinde to provide speed breakers and bumps to avoid future occurrences of accidents on the road.
The residents in a statement signed by the Deputy Provost, Comfort Estate, Araromi, Professor Onyekachi Ireanus Okoro, said that many accidents have occurred on the road.
Okoro, in the statement made available to Ekwutosblog on Thursday, said that reckless driving habits of commercial motorcyclists, tipper truck drivers and other vehicle operators pose a significant threat to the lives of residents and travellers in the affected communities.
Okoro in the statement titled ‘Urgent call for road safety measures’, insisted that the current situation puts the lives of residents, commuters and pedestrians at risk.
“We, the community, are concerned about the increasing number of accidents on the Apete-Akufo Highway. The reckless driving habits of commercial motorcyclists, tipper truck drivers, and other vehicle operators pose a significant threat to the lives of residents and travelers.
“We kindly request the installation of speed breakers or bumps along this highway to reduce speeding and prevent accidents. This measure will help save lives and prevent unnecessary pain and suffering in our communities.
“The current situation puts the lives of residents, commuters, and pedestrians at risk. Speed control measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.We are concerned about the impact of accidents on families and the community as a whole.
“We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this issue. The installation of speed breakers or bumps will be a significant step towards ensuring the safety of all road users.
“We believe that with the implementation of these safety measures, we can reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for everyone. We look forward to a positive response to our request”.
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US indicts Nigerian man for $690,000 fraud, lying to obtain American citizenship

Published
11 hours agoon
April 24, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Oladapo Fadugba, a Nigerian-born United States citizen, risks 27 years imprisonment over his alleged involvement in a $690,000 wire fraud scheme and making false declarations to obtain US citizenship.
This was contained in a statement by the US Attorney for the District of Florida, Gregory Kehoe, on Tuesday.
Kehoe said Fadugba was indicted for multiple charges, including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements during his naturalisation process.
He noted that between October 2020 and July 2023, the suspect allegedly diverted $690,000 in funds belonging to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, which was meant for reimbursement to a major local healthcare provider.
It was also alleged that Fadugba used another person’s identity to facilitate the transfers into different bank accounts under his control.
The statement read in part, “According to the indictment, beginning on October 30, 2020, and ending no later than July 11, 2023, Fadugba had more than $690,000 of Department of Veterans Affairs funds, intended for reimbursement to a large local healthcare provider, transferred to his personal bank accounts.
“Fadugba then wrote cheques to himself or to businesses associated with him, which were subsequently transferred to other bank accounts under his control. It is alleged that he used the identification of another individual to carry out these transfers.
“The indictment further alleges that Fadugba, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Nigeria, made a false statement under oath during his naturalization proceeding. Fadugba allegedly falsely stated he had not committed any crime or offense for which he had not been arrested.
“An indictment is merely a formal charge that the defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.”
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Jude Okoye released after 2 months in jail

Published
15 hours agoon
April 24, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Jude Okoye, elder brother and former manager to the iconic P-square duo has finally regained his freedom after spending over two months behind bars.
The celebration of his release didn’t come quietly, especially from Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, who took to Instagram with a fiery post.
“Jude is finally out after 2months + .. all their efforts to frustrate his bail has finally collapsed. Welcome home brother @judeengees. And happy birthday,”
Paul wrote in his Instagram story.
His words appeared to be more than just a welcome note, they carried an undertone of resentment, likely directed at his twin brother, Peter Okoye.

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