The shocking tale of tenant oppression, harassment, and criminality at 24 Miami Escape, Karu Site, Abuja, has reached a boiling point, as caretaker Ms. Offiong Bassey faces mounting legal battles over allegations of gross mismanagement, fraudulent practices, and energy theft. This disturbing case has not only highlighted the plight of one family but also brought to light the pervasive struggles tenants endure in Abuja, where the unchecked actions of unscrupulous caretakers threaten livelihoods and safety.

Electricity Bypass: A Criminal Breach
At the heart of the scandal is the illegal bypass of electricity at the property, a brazen violation of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act. The bypass, supervised under Bassey’s watch, allegedly resulted in erratic power supply, with electricity illegally connected at specific times to avoid detection by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) officials. This practice, beyond denying tenants reliable power, poses significant legal and safety risks to all residents.
Hon. Hyellamada, a tenant has called on the AEDC and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the illegal energy practices at the property, urging swift action against Ms. Offiong and her cohorts. Hyellamada, who has provided photographic evidence of the illegal bypass, insists that such flagrant criminal acts must not go unpunished.

Harassment Under Cover of Darkness
As if the illegal electricity activities were not enough, Ms. Offiong is also accused of orchestrating acts of intimidation against tenants. Hyellamada recounts incidents of late-night harassment, where letters and messages were delivered under the cover of darkness, leaving his family in fear for their safety. Such actions constitute not only a breach of the tenants’ peace but a violation of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, which criminalizes harassment and intimidation.

Fraudulent Quit Notice: A New Low
Adding insult to injury, Ms. Offiong issued an illegal quit notice demanding Hyellamada vacate the property by November 12, 2024, or face a penalty of ₦20,000 per day. This notice, based on a falsified timeline, disregards the Recovery of Premises Act, which outlines clear legal procedures for evictions. Hyellamada, who has steadfastly maintained his tenancy began anew in December 2023 after reclaiming the apartment due to Ms. Bassey’s refusal to refund his rent, has vowed to challenge the fraudulent notice in court.

Offiong Bassey Set for Court Appearance
With evidence mounting, sources confirm that Ms. Offiong is set to be arraigned in court for her alleged role in these criminal activities. The case has sparked widespread outrage among Abuja residents, many of whom see this as a rare opportunity to address the systemic issues tenants face in the city.

Speaking on the matter, Hyellamada declared:
“This fight is not just about my family but about the rights of tenants across Abuja. We will ensure Ms. Bassey and all those involved are held accountable. Every tenant deserves to live in dignity, free from harassment and deceit.”

The Plight of Abuja Tenants
This case underscores a broader crisis in Abuja’s rental market, where tenants often fall victim to exploitation by unscrupulous landlords and caretakers. Issues such as fraudulent agreements, poor maintenance, illegal electricity connections, and harassment are rampant, leaving many feeling helpless.
Access News Abuja is committed to following this case to its conclusion, ensuring that justice is served not only for Hyellamada and his family but for all tenants in the city. We call on the relevant authorities, including AEDC, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to intensify their efforts to protect tenants’ rights and curb the illegal activities of rogue caretakers.

What’s Next?
As the legal proceedings begin, all eyes are on the courts and law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability. Will Ms. Bassey and her associates face the full weight of the law? Will this case inspire long-overdue reforms in Abuja’s rental market?
Access News Abuja will continue to provide updates on this developing story. For now, tenants across the city are watching closely, hoping that this case marks the beginning of a new era where their rights are respected and protected.

Mr Stefano De Leo, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, says mixing Italian ingredients with Nigerian flour is good for baking his country’s pizza.

Leo said this at the ongoing inaugural event of Italian 9th International Week of Cuisine scheduled from Nov. 15 to Nov. 23 in Abuja.

According to him, the Italian cooking technique and ingredients can be used with Nigerian ingredients or ingredients found wherever Italian citizens resident in the world.

“The Italian cooking techniques and ingredients can also be used with ingredient from a far land and this can be sustainable by using local products of our host community instead of importing flour from Italy.

“So, by patronising Nigerian flour, it will add value to Nigerian flour market, also what we are saying is that we can make a lot of things without importing our products from our country.

“So, this will boost the local economy and attract interest to Nigerian food sectors, by invariably encouraging the local farmers in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Leo also said that the event was celebrated as Italian lifestyle which was also part of the country’s income generated sector.

“The embassy celebrates the Italian lifestyle because it’s part of our economy which includes pasta, pizza, tractors, seeds, technology and agriculture and whatever is linked to food is what makes Italy important for tourists.

“Tourists go to Italy to taste the pizza and wine which is part of our economy and that’s why we celebrate the Italian lifestyle all around the world in November.

“ To share with our host communities and friends on our kind of lifestyle by enjoying life with them. Also looking for partners who will want to buy our wine, invest in agribusiness and buy our technology.

“So, the main focus of this event is to entertain our guests and to partner and share business ideas of what Italy can do for our host community to promote business opportunities,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pizzas showcased at the inaugural event were top Italian pizzas such as Neapolitan, Sicilian, Roman and Bagel pizzas among others.

Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024