Crime
Zenith Bank in messy loan scandal as Ekiti Commissioner cries out
By NGIJ team of Oluwasegun Abifarin and Olawale Abideen
After gleefully announcing a gross earnings of 166.8 billion naira and a Profit Before Tax of 58. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
Mrs Olajumoke Owoola, a Commissioner in the Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM is crying for help over a loan snare laid for her by EKSU branch of Zenith Bank in Ekiti State.
Her ordeal actually began on December 22nd, 2019 when one Mr. Olusegun Aribisala, a relationship manager with bank approached the Commissioner to move her salary account from Union Bank to his Zenith Bank with a promise of a N3 million loan to the deal.
An excited Owoola informed her Chairman at TESCOM, Honourable Babatunde Abegunde and her other colleagues, such as Yetunde Adamu and Hon. Bayo Akerele of the Board of Technical Education; Hon. Idowu Ayegbe and Mr. Osuolale Olorunnisola, a fellow Commissioner in TESCOM.
Banking on Aribisala’s assurance that the loan processes will be through in three days after moving their accounts to Zenith Bank, Owoola and her friends swallowed the bait.
No sooner had they move the accounts, that Aribisala started a discordant tune: First, he told Owoola that the three days was not realistic again, since her January salary was yet to enter the account. The second story was that she should go and collect a letter of authorization from her office.
Owoola and her friends complied and dropped the letters and all other documents. Yet, Owoola maintained that “the story keeps on changing.”
Almost two months later, Aribisala brought another excuse that there was a machine error in his office and thereafter brought another set of forms for Owoola and her friends to fill.
This was followed by another request that they should all pay N55, 000 for processing, and gave a personal account (Omolara Aribisala) for them to pay to. “All of us paid into the account,” Owoola told our correspondent.
After this, Aribisala’s assurance that the loan will be ready in another one month did not materialized, a development which forced Owoola’s colleague, Ayegbe to pull out of the arrangement and went back to his Union Bank.
Frustrated, Owoola later went to the Ekiti State University, EKSU branch of the bank to report Aribisala to the Branch manager, Mrs. Olaore Okunola.
Coincidentally, her Boss, the TESCOM Chairman met her there, but Okunola continued to beg and plead with them. “The woman begged and pleaded without making any commitment, after which she gave me a pack of fruit juice and gave a bottle of wine to my boss,” Owoola said.
The Commissioner later called the Zenith Bank’s Lagos office to narrate her ordeal. “But Ayoola Kusimo, the man who spoke to me from the bank’s corporate communications department merely begged me not to go the press and promised to call Ekiti branch..and till today, nothing has happened,” she maintained.
Owoola later decided to go to the bank’s online platform to complain as well, but she merely got an email reply that only her account manager can talk to her…and nobody has talked to her since then. “My effort on the bank’s Facebook account merely raised my fraud antenna, when the person chatting with me was asking for my PIN..and I backed off,” Owoola said.
Now the commissioner is crying for justice to get her loan and if not, a refund of her N55, 000 “processing fee” paid to Aribisala.
When our correspondent called Kusimo on May 6, 2020, the excuse was that bank was just resuming after the Coronavirus lock down and that he had contacted the Ekiti branch which had promised to sort out the problem in ten days.
Twenty days after, it was angry Owoola that sent wattsapp message on May 27, to inform us that nothing had been done about it. According to her, “I was about to call you at dawn when I saw your message. You can go ahead please. I care less again.”
Before the recent controversy, Zenith bank has run into a wild storm of controversy brewed from its IGR collection activities in far-away Niger State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the nation’s anti-graft body has been alerted that Bank is in a mud of a N359.2 million IGR controversy in Niger state.
Before the misadventure in Niger State, the same bank has been dressed in similar robe in Nasarawa State where forensic investigation assessed that it withheld about N176.2 million due to the state.
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Crime
Police Confirms Killing of 3 Officers by Gunmen in Kogi
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three of its officers by unknown gunmen in a checking point in Egbe, a community sharing boundary with Kwara State.
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The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP William Ovye Aya who confirmed the incident noted that it happened in the early hours of Wednesday, September 10th, 2025.
Aya asserted that the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye has deployed Police tactical team to the area adding that they are on the trail of the gunmen.
“I can confirm to you that three of our officers on duty was killed today in Egbe; a border community with Kwara State.
“The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical squad to the area. We are currently on the trail of this Men of the under world and they will all be arrested”he started.
Meanwhile the Kogi State Government has commended the swift response of security agencies and local hunters, which led to the rescue of 17 passengers kidnapped along the Lokoja–Obajana road on Thursday.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Government confirmed that the victims were freed following the prompt intervention of the Nigerian Army and local hunters, who pursued the abductors and ensured the safe release of all passengers. The rescued victims have since been taken to medical facilities for examination and care.
The Government also expressed deep concern over the reported attack on security operatives in Yagba West Local Government Area, which resulted in the death of some police officers. While expressing condolence to the families of the slain officers, the State described them as gallant men who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rid the State of criminal elements, assuring that personnel and security equipment are being deployed to strategic locations to restore security.
He called on citizens to cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information, stressing that the perpetrators of the attacks will be brought to justice.
“The Government of Kogi State will never submit to acts of terror. Together with the support of the people and the commitment of our security agencies, we will overcome those who seek to disrupt the peace of our land,” the statement added.
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Crime
Ododo Donates Security Equipments To Kogi Poly
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
In a proactive move to enhance safety of lives and properties across tertiary institutions in Kogi State, the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration has donated advanced security gadgets to Kogi State Polytechnic, covering both the Lokoja and Itakpe Campus.
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The donation includes installation of modern CCTV surveillance cameras, lithium-powered torchlights and rapid response scooters, all aimed at strengthening campus security infrastructure.
This initiative reflects the Governor’s commitment to the safety of students, staff and educational facilities across Kogi State.
Engr. Sani Isah of Sufpay Limited, Project Executor, who handed over the items to the Polytechnic management, stated that the items were carefully chosen to meet the specific security needs of the institution.
According to Engr Isah, “the CCTV cameras will ensure real-time monitoring of critical areas, the lithium-powered torchlights will support night patrols, and the rapid response scooters will guarantee swift mobility in emergency situations”.
He also emphasized that designated security personnel would undergo technical training to ensure the efficient and effective use of the equipments, noting that continuous support would also be provided.
In his remarks, the elated Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman commended the Governor for his tremendous security support, describing the intervention as timely, strategic and impactful.
Prof Usman further stated that, “we are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the people’s servant and the Executive Governor of Kogi State for yet another remarkable, generous and thoughtful gesture. These tools in the addition to the recent fencing of the Itakpe Campus will significantly boost our internal security framework and help maintain peace and order within our campuses”.
The Rector specifically highlighted the Governor’s visible commitment to the institution’s security architecture, referencing recent infrastructural achievements such as the historic fencing of the Itakpe Campus which has helped prevent land encroachment and enhanced security.
Professor Usman stressed further that the CCTV installation and other safety devices would help prevent internal disturbances and ward off intruders who may pose threats to peace and order on campus. He pledged that the Polytechnic would ensure the judicious use of the donated items, stressing their critical role in sustaining a peaceful and conducive academic environment.
The presentation was done in the presence of the Principal Officers and the Chief Security Officer of the Polytechnic.
Highlight of the brief ceremony was the tour of the security installation within the Lokoja campus and virtual demonstration of the installation at the Itakpe Campus.
Ends.
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Crime
COAS Urges Young Nigerians To Shun Criminality
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has cautioned young Nigerians against engaging in social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, and other criminal activities.
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The COAS gave the advice at the public speaking engagement held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu LGA, to commemorates the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.
The Commander 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi, who spoke on behalf of the COAS, emphasised the importance of positive values and responsible behavior among young people.
He said this year’s celebration was particularly important as it highlights the army’s resilience and commitment to national security amidst various internal security challenges.
Represented by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, the Commander expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the Army’s victories and challenges overcome in the past year.
He emphasised the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to national resilience and security, highlighting the COAS’ command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force.
He said the public speaking engagement aimed to enlighten young Nigerians on patriotism, the Nigerian Army’s ethics, criteria for joining the Army, and advocacy against drug abuse and cultism.
He admonished the students to be patriotic citizens, embracing honesty, and shunning criminality.
The Commander appreciated the Odo-Ape community for their warm reception, and encouraged the students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills for their personal growth, community development, and the nation’s progress.
The commander reaffirmed the determination of COAS to continuing strengthening the Nigerian Army in its operational strategies through various engagements.
He reiterated Army’s commitment to strengthening national security, the rule of law, and economic prosperity, emphasising its role in contemporary security and defense management.
In their respective lectures, Lieutenant Gbemisola Ojowa and Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah, conducted interactive sessions with the students, providing insights into the Nigerian Army’s career paths and the necessary qualifications.
They also enlightened the students on patriotism, imbibing the principles of honesty and integrity at all times.
They advised the students to avoid criminal company and criminality, cultism, as well as drug and substance abuse, and its attendant consequences.
In his vote of thanks, the School Principal, Mr Alfred Obayelu, thank the COAS and the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army for the choice of their school to mark the 2025 NADCEL.
“I believe the choice of selecting Odo-Ape community school is a warning signal to criminal elements in the area to relocate.
“We thank the Nigerian Army for the gesture,” Obayelu said.
The students’ representatives: Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme has broaden their knowledge on career paths in Nigerian Army, and the danger of cultism, drug abuse and social vices.
The highlights of the event was the presentation of educational materials to students, and souvenirs to dignitaries at the occasion.
The week-long activities commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, which includes special Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking, among others.
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