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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 26

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Kills 6 Suspected Pirates in Bayelsa

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF), on Sunday, killed six suspected Sea Pirates during a gun battle on the waterways at Agge Community, Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa. According to the Media Co-ordinator of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the sea pirates opened fire on JTF troops during routine patrol and the troops retaliated immediately, leading to the killing of six pirates, while another member of the gang managed to escape. Nwachukwu said that the fleeing pirate sustained gunshot wounds, adding that a 200 horse-power speed boat, two single barrel guns and seven GSM telephones were recovered from the gang. He added that other items recovered were two hard saws, three hard saw blades and four wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

Cult Clashes Claim Several Lives in Enugu
…Police Arrest Nine

There was panic around the Artisan Market in Enugu, penultimate Sunday, when three men suspected to be cultists shot dead a man, believed to be a student of Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT). It was learnt that about 14 people had been killed in last two weeks. The state police command said it had arrested nine persons in connection with the killings. The arrest came as authorities of ESUT denied involvement of ESUT’s students in cult-related killings in the state. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ebere Amaraizu, said that items recovered from the suspects included a mask, two rounds of AK-47 ammunition and an ECOWAS passport.

Police Arraign 5 for Murder, Kidnap in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has arraigned five men suspected to be brains behind the kidnap and murder of late Emmanuel Uchenna Alaribe, before an Ngor Okpala Magistrate Court. According to the five-count charge, the accused persons and others now at large, on January 21, 2012, conspired to take one Alaribe hostage. The suspects were also charged for demanding N3.5 million from the family with threats and assault. The suspects were accused of killing Emmanuel Uchenna Alaribe.

Kidnappers Demand N100 Million for Abducted Wife of Lawyer

The wife of a Lawyer, Ifedayo Adedipe SAN, was, on Tuesday, kidnapped at her residence in Rumuodomaya, Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. Adedipe is the lead counsel to Amaechi in the reconstituted Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Port Harcourt. Eye witnesses said Adedipe’s wife was snatched at a junction between Woshikem and Okpowowabasi Streets in Rumuodomaya. One of the eye witnesses, said the gunmen, numbering four, drove in a Toyota car, with which they blocked the lawyer’s wife, shot sporadically into the air and dragged her out of her vehicle into their and drove off. Adedipe said that the kidnappers have demanded N100m as ransom for her release, as he appealed to his wife’s captors to release her unconditionally. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ben Ugwuebulam, said security agents had intensified investigation into the incident with a view to arresting the suspects and ensuring that the victim was rescued.

Cross River CJ Releases 34 Awaiting Trial Inmates from Prison

Thirty-four suspects awaiting trial at the Afokang Federal Prisons in Calabar, Cross River State have regained their freedom. Twenty-three armed robbery suspects and six persons awaiting trial for stealing were among those who regained freedom when Justice Dorothy Iyamba, the Chief Judge of Cross River State visited the Prison last weekend. Others set free are those awaiting trial for kidnapping, child trafficking and conspiring to cause communal conflict. Justice Iyamba who reviewed the cases of over 200 of the 650 awaiting trial inmates set 34 of them free following procedural defects in their trial, shoddy police investigation, poor health of inmates, missing case files and prolonged period of detention without trial.

NDLEA Arrests 136 in Akwa Ibom in 6 Months

Akwa Ibom State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has between January and June 2012 arrested about 136 offenders in the state. This was disclosed by the state commander, Josephine Obi. March recorded the highest number of arrests with 51 males and three females, totaling 54 arrests in that month. According to Obi, seven persons are at large within the period, adding that, about 86.766kilo grams made up of 17.100gms of cocaine, 46.602gms of heroin and 86.702kg off cannabis sativa were seized.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Two Beheaded as Varsity Students Clash

Two students of Igbinedion University in Okada, Edo State were reportedly beheaded on Sunday during a clash between ex-militants recently enrolled at the school and suspected student cultists in the institution. State Commissioner of Police, Olayinka Balogun, confirmed the clash. A source disclosed that trouble started when some cult members impounded the ex-militant students’ vehicle, adding that the process of trying to retrieve the vehicle from the cult members degenerated into a full blown crisis and a free-for-all. But Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, says there are no erstwhile militant students enrolled at the institution. According to him, the students are beneficiaries of the Federal Government Scholarship Scheme under the Implementation of the Niger Delta Master-Plan.

SSG’s Son Kidnapped, Freed in Delta State

A 28-year-old man and son of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ovuozorie Macaulay, was kidnapped on Monday at the family’s country home in Isoko North LGA of Delta State, when he went visiting his grandmother. But the police in a swift move arrested three persons, who provided information that led to his rescue. The SSG’s son, Markson, was released on Tuesday. The state Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, said that the victim was released at Ofoma-Kokori in Ughelli South LGA, explaining that his release was made easy by the information given to the police by three suspects arrested.

Delta Opposes Death Penalty for Kidnappers

The Delta State government has reiterated its opposition to a bill currently in the House of Assembly, which prescribes death penalty for kidnappers. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Ajuya (SAN), defended the state government’s opposition against the death penalty, saying that giving long-term jail sentences to kidnappers was a better alternative. Ajuya said that only a few people have been successfully prosecuted so far in the court and sentenced to various prison terms. The Attorney General said experience had shown that death penalty has not in any way slowed down the activities of hoodlums.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Mob, Police Clash in Ibadan Claim 3 Lives

Three people were feared dead while a police post, 11 vehicles and nine motorcycles were destroyed in the Bodija area of Ibadan last week after a fight between two men over a prostitute snowballed into a major violence. The bloody clash forced thousands of marketers and traders out of the Bodija market. Some butchers whose shops are close to the scene of violence left their meats on the table and ran for dear lives. Investigations revealed that the violence was triggered by a fight between a Hausa man and a Fulani man over a prostitute in the area. The Fulani man was alleged to have stabbed the Hausa man in the process. Fellow Hausas swooped on him, arrested and took him to Bodija police station penultimate Thursday, demanding justice. However, the crowd regrouped in front of the police station on the following day and became uncontrollable.

Lagos Begins Coroner’s Inquest on Dana Air Crash

A Coroner inquest, investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash of Dana Airline in Lagos on June 3, which claimed no fewer than 160 lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira, commenced sitting in Lagos on Monday. The Chief Coroner, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, sequel to the application made by Mrs. Funmi  Falana, granted the request to issue summon on the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Odua; Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State; Dana Air management; security agencies; government agencies and some individuals to give evidence on the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, former president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; and Falana and Falana Chambers, had separately, requested an inquest into the cause of the air crash. The coroner, meanwhile, adjourned further sitting till July 12, for the parties to be served with the summons and to enable the chambers of Olisa Agbakoba prepare its papers for the inquest.

Police Arrest Kidnappers, Victim for Fraud

The Lagos State Police Command has nabbed eight men suspected to be kidnappers at the Festac area of the state. It was learned that the victim, identified as Arinze Igboba, found a piece of paper in his detention room, scribbled on it, stating that he had been kidnapped. He pleaded in the note that anyone who found the note should quickly alert the police. He threw the paper out of the window, after tearing open the window net.  A man in the next compound saw the letter and took it to the Police. The police stormed the building where the victim was being held hostage at Iyano-Iba area and rescued him. Upon investigation, the police found out that the victim had duped the other members of the group, under the pretext of getting china visa for them.

NDLEA seizes 936,000kgs of Hard Drugs in Lagos

The Lagos State Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Aliyu, has said the agency seized 936,675 kilogrammes of hard drugs in six months. He also said no fewer than 117 suspects were arrested in the state for drug-related offences. Aliyu, who stated these on Wednesday, said 35 suspects were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment by the Federal High Court in the state. Aliyu said in compliance with the global trend, the command was giving emphasis to drug demand reduction.

DPR Uncovers Illegal Jetty in Lagos

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Tuesday, uncovered an unlicensed jetty in Marina area of Lagos where adulterated petroleum products are allegedly discharged. The officials also arrested two suspects at the jetty. The DPR monitoring team led by its Assistant Director, Products Distribution, Depots and Jetties, Francis Buraimoh, suspected that the products brought to the Lagos shore would have been stolen from the Niger Delta creeks. Buraimoh said the agency had been on surveillance in the area due to a tip off it got about illegal activities at the Defence Jetty, Marina.

Police Parade 9 Suspected Armed Robbers

The Lagos State Police Command, Tuesday, paraded a nine-man syndicate of suspected armed robbers, including a security guard and his two brothers. The gang allegedly stole exotic vehicles from the employer of the security guard and sold the vehicles for N10 million, but the vehicles have been recovered by the police. The state command’s spokesperson, Ngozi Briade, disclosed that the vehicles were recovered from Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom State, by detectives attached to the Lagos State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Briade said the security guard, who allegedly masterminded the operation, connived with his brothers, who later co-opted others that stole the vehicles and disposed of them to a receiver in Akwa-Ibom State. The police spokesperson, however, disclosed that the vehicles have been recovered.

Repair Works to Commence on Third Mainland Bridge

The Federal Government will commence the routine repair works on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, between Sunday, July 1 and Tuesday, November 6.  During the period, there will be diversion and delay of human and vehicular movements. However, motorists and commuters have started imagining the agony and pain they would be subjected to during the period the repair works would last. The five months duration, according to the commuters, was a lengthy period, as they were now appealing to the agency concerned to expedite action on the repair works, and possibly reduce it to two months.

5 Drown in Lagos Flood

About five people were reported to have drowned in Oke Odo, Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos State, as flood ravaged parts of the state, following a heavy downpour. The deceased were said to have been drowned and swept into the canal at Alabede Street Junction, at Oke Odo, on Thursday evening, immediately after the heavy downfall that lasted for more than three hours. Two of the drowned victims have, however, been identified as a father and his daughter, who were reportedly trying to rescue each other before they were swept away. Residents claimed that the Thursday incident was not the first time that people would drown around Aboru and Oke Odo, as some people had lost their lives during the rainy season last year. They appealed to the government to come to their aid.

GENERAL

Boko Haram Storms Yobe Jail, Releases 40 Inmates
…Plans to Recruit 300 Suicide Bombers

Boko Haram Islamist sect has stormed a prison in Yobe state, freeing 40 inmates. Confirming the attack on the prison, the state commissioner of police, Patrick Egbuniwe, said that the sect members attacked the prison through the Emir palace, and 40 inmates escaped. According to him, they attacked with rifles, the police and the joint taskforce confronted them, and the Boko Haram members that were shot were carried away by the sect. He said two of the attackers were shot dead and some policemen were injured. Boko Haram also confirmed that a senior member blamed for a deadly Christmas Day church bombing has been killed by security forces. The sect also announced that it is commissioning 300 suicide bombers to spur a Christian bloodbath to get revenge for security forces killing Boko Haram guerillas.

JTF Kills Four Suspected Boko Haram Members

A combined team of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and State Security Service (SSS) operatives, penultimate Sunday, conducted a dawn operation at Ungwar Uku, Tarauni LGA of Kano State, during which four militants were killed under heavy artillery fire and sporadic gunshot were heard in the area for hours, which forced residents to remain indoors. According to the JTF Spokesman, Lieutenant Ikedichi Iweha, the hideout was suspected to be the media centre of terrorist elements operating in Kano. Iweha said that four members of the group were killed and the security agents recovered 1 pistol, several rounds of assorted ammunitions, internet cables/accessories, improvised explosive devices, four police identity cards, 12 Laptops, 2 scanners, I printer and over 1000 CDs. The JTF spokesman also called on members of the public to continue to remain vigilant, report any suspicious movements of persons to the Police and other security

Gunmen Kill Police Officer in Kano

Gunmen, on Wednesday, attacked a police check point near the Sani Abacha Youth Centre in Kano state leaving a police officer dead. According to reports, the gunmen drove up to the check point and opened fire on the policemen. The policemen were able to repeal the attackers, but lost an officer in the gun battle. Police spokesman, Rilwan Mohammed, confirmed the attack. Rilwan said that an inspection of the abandoned vehicle revealed that it was loaded with some explosives. He said the police anti bomb squad was able to successfully detonate the three explosives found inside the gunmen’s abandoned vehicle.

60 Killed in Kaduna, Zaria Church Attacks

Over 60 people were killed, last weekend, in three separate coordinated bomb attacks on churches in Kaduna, Zaria and retaliatory attacks in Kaduna state. Following the bombings and reprisals, the state government declared a 24-hour curfew. It was gathered that the first attack was at a Children Sunday School at ECWA Church. A witness said that five men ran up to the church and hurled home-made bombs through its open door. They were allegedly chased down and reportedly beaten to death. The attacks provoked Christian youths in Kaduna and its environs. Mosques and property belonging to Hausa/Fulani Muslims were torched and reports said three Muslims were killed in the retaliatory attacks.

Govt Imposes 24-Hour Curfew Damaturu, Kaduna

Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, and Kaduna State were shut down Tuesday following attacks by Boko Haram and reprisals by irate youths, respectively. The Yobe State Government imposed a 24-hour curfew on Damaturu where suspected members of Boko Haram engaged soldiers in a protracted gun duel on Monday night. At least 30 people have been reported killed in the attacks. It was gathered that the terrorist group had attacked security agents on Monday night in a bid to free some of their leaders who were arrested during a recent clampdown on Boko Haram members. The police confirmed that three policemen were killed in coordinated attacks by the Boko Haram sect in Damaturu. Kaduna State was also forced to restore the 24-hour curfew it had relaxed on Monday, following spiralling reprisals that trailed Sunday’s bombings of three churches in Kaduna and Zaria. But the curfews in both states were relaxed on Friday and Sunday to allow both Muslim and Christian worshippers observe their prayers.

JTF Arrests Six over Church Attack in Maiduguri

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Maiduguri, Borno State has apprehended six suspected members of the Boko Haram sect over the recent deadly attack on the Ekilisiya Yanuwa’a Nigeria (EYN) Church, Biu. The JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, who disclosed this, also informed that Boko Haram members are currently desperate to steal or snatch vehicles that could be laden with explosives for their terror attacks. Musa urged car owners whose vehicles had been stolen to report to the nearest police station or the JTF so that they would not be treated as “collaborators and accomplices if such vehicles were used for terrorist acts.”

Bomber Killed in Untimely Explosion

A suspected suicide bomber was killed in Bauchi on Wednesday as the improvised explosives devices (IEDs) he was conveying, went off untimely, maiming him in the process. The incident occurred along Gombe Road near the Federal Government Girls College, Bauchi. A pistol was reportedly found on the suicide bomber who did not die immediately from the blast and gave his name as Abdurrahman Abu Huzaifah. The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Ladan and the Army Public Relations Officer, Maj. Michael Etete, both confirmed the incident. According to eyewitnesses, the IEDs went off shortly after Huzaifah alighted from a car and was walking briskly to an unknown destination. The bomb threw the courier into a grassy ditch and sent those at the scene scampering for safety.

NNPC strengthens Pact with Security Agencies over Illegal Refineries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it is strengthening its partnership with security agencies to rid the country of illegal refineries. The NNPC acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Mr Fidel Pepple, said this on Thursday in Abuja. Pepple, who decried the menace of illegal refineries and oil theft, urged all stakeholders to join the fight against the menace. According to him, the nation loses about 180,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd) to oil theft and illegal refineries. He, however, added that there had been a better coordination in the operations of security operatives. He appealed to host communities to volunteer information to security operatives about the hideout of miscreants, so as to arrest and destroy their warehouse.

NDLEA Arrests 149 Suspects in Jigawa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Jigawa State Command, has disclosed that it arrested 149 suspects with 79.718kg of cannabis sativa, psychotropic substances and others in six months. Jigawa State Commander of the NDLEA, Ibrahim Abdul, who made the disclosure, said out of the 149 suspects arrested within the period, 32 were counseled and released.

Kidnapped PDP Chief Found Dead

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Raphael Aliyu Olorunpomi, who was kidnapped in Kabba, Kogi state on Tuesday, has been found dead along Okehi-Kabba road. The Kogi State Police spokesman, Ile Simon, who disclosed this, stated that crack detectives from the command were investigating the matter in order to fish out those behind the deadly act. However, sources informed our correspondent that the victim may have been killed for defiling the tradition of the land by opening for business his beer parlour during the “Oro festival” in Kabba. The victim was kidnapped in his beer parlour and taken away in his car to an unknown destination.

Man Sentenced to Death over N2100 Armed Robbery

A Jos High Court, Tuesday, sentenced a 26-year-old man, Obinna John, to death by hanging for robbing a woman of N1705 at gunpoint. The convict was also said to have robbed his victim, one Dorothy Olaniyi, of two rolls of sachet peak milk, valued at N400. The prosecution counsel had told the court that John, in company of an accomplice, also named John, now at large, on November 18, 2005, robbed the woman in her shop, at gunpoint. Justice Yargata Nimpa said the evidence before the court had shown that the accused committed the offence and sentenced John to death by hanging.

Fresh Violence in Kaduna

A gang of men wearing military uniform, Wednesday, stormed Kujama community in Kaduna, killing people and burning down properties despite the 24 hours curfew imposed by the state government. This was just as fresh violence between Muslims and Christian youths erupted in Barnawa, Malali, Ungwar Dosa and Ungwar Gado areas, with scores of death and properties burnt beyond recognitions. Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin who was in Kaduna to ascertain the level of the situation, assured the state government that the situation would be a thing of the pass.

United States Puts Boko Haram Leaders on Terror List

The United States, on Thursday, labelled the acclaimed leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, and two others –Abubakar Adam Kambar and Khalid al-Barnawi – global terrorists as part of its efforts to stem the tide of terrorism in Nigeria. But the sect was not designated a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). A statement by the State Department said the designation under Executive Order, blocks all of Shekau’s, Kambar’s and al-Barnawi’s property interests subject to US jurisdiction and prohibits US persons from engaging in transactions with or for the benefit of these individuals.

Another Christmas Day Bomber Arrested in Yobe State

Security agents, Thursday, arrested one Habeeb Bama, one of the alleged masterminds of the Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State last year. Bama was apprehended in Damaturu, Yobe State. On January 14, security agents had arrested another suspected mastermind of the Madalla bombing, Kabiru Sokoto, at the Borno State Government Lodge in Abuja. The JTF Commander, Col. Dahiru Abdullsalam, said Bama was arrested following a tip-off from some residents in Damaturu and Potiskum.

Judge Threatens to Discharge Boko Haram Suspects over Prosecution Delays

Justice Abdul Kafarati, of a the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, threatened to discharge the 24 suspected Boko Haram members standing trial before the court. The judge, who granted the police a last adjournment for September 18, said the prosecution counsel had not showed diligence in prosecuting the case. Thirteen months after the police arraigned the suspects, no witness had been presented. Mr. Bernard Nnamdi, the counsel for the police, filed an oral application for the adjournment of the case because of the absence of the prosecution witnesses. The application was opposed by counsel to the accused on the grounds of lack of diligent prosecution. They also said Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act empowered the judge to discharge the accused if the prosecutor failed to provide the cause of action.

Man Sues Army for Continued Detention

A High Court in Yola has fixed July 4, for ruling in a case filed by one Halilu Gimba, demanding for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights. The plaintiff’s counsel, Mr. E.A Ibrahim, sued the Brigade Commander of 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola, the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army as first, second and third respondents over his continued detention. The plaintiff, among others, wanted the court to determine whether or not the respondents have the right to arrest and continue to detain him since March 15, 2012. The plaintiff sought eight reliefs, including an apology to be published in two national dailies and N50 million compensation alongside N2 million as cost of litigation. The trial judge, Justice Hapsatu Abdurahman has fixed July 4, 2012 for ruling in the case even as the respondents did not make any appearance or send representatives during the hearing.

Secretary, Others Killed In Kaduna Communal Clash

The Private Secretary to the Kumana Chiefdom in Kauru LGA of Kaduna state and five other people have been killed while several houses were burnt down in a renewed clash between two villages in Kauru LGA. According to reports, the incident occurred when the private secretary to the Kumana Chiefdom went to resolve a tensed argument on a land dispute between some settlers of Kaibi district and Kabari village. He was said to have been shot by gunman from Kaibi village. This singular act resulted to a reprisal attack on the people of Kabari by the youth of the victim’s village. Confirming the incident, the chairman interim management committee of Kauru Local Government council, Afiniki Ango, condemned the act, saying that security agents have since been deployed to the area and that those behind the incident shall be brought to book.

AGF Seeks ICC, AU’s Support to Combat Terrorism

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, Monday, bemoaned the increasing spate of terrorist activities in the country, and solicited the collaborative support of International Criminal Court (ICC) and the African Union (AU) towards stemming the tide and prosecuting financiers. Adoke said it was high time the ICC paid closer attention to the worsening security situation in Nigeria. According to the AGF, despite the large number of African state parties to the Rome status of the ICC, the relationship between the organisation and AU has remained less satisfactory.

Igbo Youths Threaten Reprisal over Boko Haram Attacks

No fewer than 30 different Igbo youth groups rose from an emergency meeting in Enugu on Monday threatening to commence reprisal attacks on all northerners in the South-east, if the Federal Government failed to checkmate the increasing spate of bombings of churches in the north. This is coming even as the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South east chapter Monday equally expressed dismay over the frightening dimension which the activities of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, has assumed in the country, vowing to declare war against Muslims in the area. Chairman of the CAN in the zone and Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, said the way and manner the members of the Boko Haram are detonating bombs at Christian worship centres was worrisome.

350,000 Cancer Cases Diagnosed in Nigeria Annually

The Director-General (DG) of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, has said no fewer than 350,000 cases of cancer is now being diagnosed annually in the country. The NAFDAC boss noted that the disease was spreading fast, due to chemicals in food intake. He noted that the agency was not resting on its oars to ensure the control of packaged foods in the country, particularly imported foods. Orhii advocated locally-made food items which, he described as better than imported foods. Orhii, who also lamented the challenges posed by the use of fake drugs in the country, said Nigeria’s law against sub-standard drugs was the most lenient, compared to other countries, most of which stipulated death penalty for offenders.

Man, 60 Lynched for Homosexuality

A 60-year-old man, alleged to be a homosexual, has been lynched by a mob in Yola, Adamawa state. The deceased, identified as Hassan Buba, admitted that he had carnal knowledge of his victim, a 20-year-old man, for over four years. He was accused of subjecting the victim to indecent acts, which have left him with a strange illness. The source said Buba was killed after his victim told his parents that his illness was caused by the defilement Buba subjected him to. The deceased reportedly confessed using supernatural means to hypnotise his victim.

Italian Suspect Dies in EFCC Custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tuesday, announced the death of a 52-year-old Italian suspected fraudster, Mauro Zanin, in its custody. A statement by its spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said the Italian might have committed suicide using his bed sheet. The commission said the matter had been reported to the Nigeria Police station, Maitama for investigation. The deceased was arrested by officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service following a complaint by one Ahamefula Chibuzor Ewuzie that he fraudulently obtained the sum of $111,000 from Gladwaters Nigeria Limited, and transferred to the Commission on May 30, for further investigation. The Commission had filed a five count charge against him in court. Zanin allegedly took his own life a day to his scheduled arraignment. He was supposed to be arraigned before the Court on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Police Parade 7 Fake Pastors

Seven persons have been apprehended by the police for allegedly faking as pastors and prophets during a revival programme in Lokoja, Kogi State. The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Katsina, who paraded the suspects on Monday, said the seven were arrested during a stage-managed deliverance exercise being conducted on unsuspecting worshippers in a revival organised by one of them. According to Muhammed, Bishop Bamidele who is the pastor-in-charge of Eagle Kingdom Church, Lokoja was said to have contacted Pastor Chuks from Port Harcourt to help raise money for his book launch. However, a member of the congregation who felt uncomfortable with the way the pastors were conducting the deliverance, reported to the police and the suspects were arrested. Another suspect, Osita Chukwu, who posed as mermaid said she was promised N16000, but they only got N1, 000 pending the conclusion of the botched revival programme.

NAFDAC Seals Pharmacy, Drug Shops in Katsina

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off a pharmaceutical and 15 patient medicine shops in Katsina State. The agency’s deputy director, Mr Adeleke Adefolarin, Tuesday, said the shops were shut down because the operators denied it access to inspect them. According to him, some of the shops owners, on sighting the agency team, closed down their shops and ran away to avoid been sanctioned. He said during the routine inspection, banned and fake drugs worth over N1 million were confiscated. The NAFDAC team leader, however, appealed to the Katsina State government to put in place a machinery to check drug abuse and avoid the sales of drugs in market places.

US Downgrades Nigeria on Human Trafficking Control

The United States has rated Nigeria's human trafficking control unsatisfactory. The Department of State, in a report by Secretary of State Mrs. Hilary Clinton, downgraded the country from Tier 1 to Tier 2 in its efforts to combat modern-day slavery. The report praised the National Agency against Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) but said government has not done enough.  While the National Agency for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is doing well, it cannot be done without increased support and resources from the government. The TIP Report, said the statement, is backed by the U.S. Congress, through its passage of the 2,000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act, as amended.

INTERNATIONAL

Yemeni Army Commander Qatan Killed in Suicide Attack

The Yemeni army commander leading the fight against militants in the south of Yemen has been killed in a suicide attack. General Salem Ali Qatan was killed in the city of Aden by a man wearing an explosives belt, reports said. Yemen is battling militants linked to al-Qaeda who have taken control of parts of the south of the country. The army has recently recaptured several strongholds in the restive southern province of Abyan. At least four other people were reported to be wounded in the attack. Gen Qatan was appointed in March shortly after newly elected President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi took office.

Israel, Hamas in Cross-Border Attacks

Fighting along the Israel-Gaza frontier got worse on Tuesday as Israel launched air strikes, killing two Palestinians, and Hamas firing its first cross-border rocket barrages in more than a year. The surprise decision by the Gaza Strip’s Hamas Islamist rulers to re-engage militarily with Israel after months of staying on the sidelines and discouraging smaller militant groups from firing rockets holds the prospect of wider conflict. Since Monday, Israeli air strikes have killed six Palestinians, about four of them militants. Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman, said the attacks prompted the group’s military wing “to take a firm stance” and launch rockets. Israeli security officials said no fewer than 14 rockets were fired at southern Israel on Tuesday, causing no casualties. Israel sealed off a stretch of its southern border with Egypt on Monday as part of a manhunt for militants who launched an attack against Israelis working on a security fence being erected between the two countries, authorities said.

Gunmen Attack Tunisian Consulate in Egypt

A group of armed gunmen stormed the Tunisian consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi on Monday to protest against an art exhibition in Tunisia which they said insulted Islam, a security guard who works inside the building told Reuters. Kamal al-Gehani said the group of about 20 young men carrying Kalashnikovs forced their way into the building and burnt the Tunisian flag inside. Suleiman al-Gehani, an official with the foreign ministry who was called to help defuse the situation, said security officers had to negotiate with the group until they were convinced to leave. He said no shots were fired and no one was injured. Thousands of hardline Muslim Salafis rioted in Tunis this week to protest against the art exhibition which features a work that spells out the name of God using insects.

58 Missing After Indonesia Boat Sinks

Rescuers said 58 people were still missing two days after a wooden boat sank off eastern Indonesia. The boat was carrying 70 passengers, including crew members, when it sank, and 12 have been rescued, rescue official, Rebekka Gultom, said. Search and rescue officials said Sunday that only 27 people were on board and that 12 had been rescued. "The manifest showed that it carried 27 people but it turned out that the boat carried more, Gultom said. She said that search and rescue team had not found any dead bodies. The boat, which was also carrying food and building materials, left Ambon city late Saturday in Maluku Island. It was lashed by towering waves and strong winds two hours into its journey to Namrole town in Buru Island. Indonesia's 240 million people are spread across more than 17,000 islands and are heavily dependent on a network of ships and boats, which have a poor safety record.

Rights Chief Accuses Eritrea of Torture, Killings

The United Nations (UN) human rights chief, Navi Pillay, has accused gold-rich Eritrea, which holds a strategic stretch of the Red Sea coast, of carrying out torture and summary executions. Pillay told the UN Human Rights Council that there were between 5,000 and 10,000 political prisoners in Eritrea that has been ruled by a single party and president since independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Eritrea, where former anti-Ethiopia guerrilla leader, Isaias Afewerki, has been head of state for nearly two decades, is rarely mentioned in the 47-nation council, where African and Asian countries often work to shield each other from criticism. One European Union representative said the 27-nation grouping backed Pillay’s comments on the Red Sea state, whose population is mainly Christian but includes a large Muslim minority.

UK Stops Russian Ship with Attack Helicopters to Syria

Authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) have stopped the journey of a cargo vessel allegedly carrying refurbished Russian-made attack helicopters to Syria. The vessel, MV Alaed, had its insurance withdrawn by The Standard Club in London while it was off Scotland’s north coast. Withdrawal of insurance prevents the MV Alaed from sailing until its owner could secure new cover. The UK and United States (US) have raised concerns with Russia about shipments of weapons to Syria, which is subject to a European Union arms embargo. Russia has confirmed that the ship was carrying attack helicopters destined for Syria. Russian ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich, said, the helicopters had been repaired by Russia according to agreements and underlined Moscow’s insistence that it is not supplying Syrian government with hardware that can be used against peaceful demonstrators.

Boat with 200 Passengers Sinks

A boat believed to be carrying about 200 asylum-seekers capsized off Christmas Island, Australian officials say. The Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said the boat sank in Indonesian waters, 120 nautical miles (220km) north of the island. At least 40 people have been seen on the hull of the vessel, but police said many others were feared to have died. Indonesian and Australian rescue vessels were in or heading to the area. Jo Meehan, a spokesperson for AMSA, said that an Australian customs surveillance aircraft alerted had them to the capsized boat. She said three merchant vessels and two Australian patrol boats were in or near the area and that these had night searching capabilities that could aid in the rescue.

Couple Rescued from Somali Pirates after Nearly 2 Years in Captivity

The South African government, Thursday, confirmed that Somali security forces have rescued Debbie Calitz and Bruno Pelizzari, a South African couple, who were held captive for almost two years. Calitz and Pelizzari were sailing in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya in 2010 when their yacht was hijacked. The department of International Relations and Corporation expressed gratitude to Somalia’s Transitional Federal government and the Italian government for facilitating the release. The department’s information officer, Nelson Kgwete, said the South Africans were released unharmed and were receiving consular support from the South African mission to Somalia, which is based in Kenya.

Indonesia Jails Bali’s Bomb-Maker 20 Years

A court in Indonesia has sentenced a bomb-maker, Umar Patek, to 20 years’ jail for his role in the 2002 Bali bombings. Patek, 45, was found guilty of charges related to the twin suicide bombings on a Bali nightclub and bar that killed 202 people and other charges related to the Christmas Eve bombings in 2000 on several churches that killed 19 people in Jakarta. Prosecutors had sought a life sentence, sparing Patek from the firing squad, which executed three other key players in the attacks, because he had shown remorse. Patek claimed that he was against it from the start and had tried to stop the attack at the 11th hour. He has also apologised to victims and their families. During the trial, Patek maintained he played a minor role in assembling the explosives and denied having any bomb-making expertise.

Syrian Military Pilot Defects

Jordanian authorities, Thursday, disclosed that a Syrian fighter plane has landed at a military air base in Jordan and its pilot has asked for asylum. The Syrian state news agency (SANA) named the pilot as Col. Hassan Mirei al-Hamadeh. Syria authorities denounced the air force pilot as a “traitor” and said it wanted to recover the Russian-made MiG-21 warplane he used to flee, officials said. It is believed to be the first such defection by a Syrian pilot with his plane. Meanwhile, Britain and the US have discussed offering Syrian President Bashar al-Assad immunity from prosecution if he steps down as part of a political transition package. This is as violence continues to prevent Red Cross teams from moving civilians out of the old city of Homs.

Over 80 Dead in Myanmar Unrest

Over 80 people have been killed in a wave of communal violence in western Myanmar, a government official said. He said about 71 people had died in more than a week of clashes, in addition to 10 Muslims killed earlier in the month by a Buddhist mob seeking revenge for the rape and murder of a local woman. Rakhine state has been rocked by rioting, arson and a cycle of revenge attacks involving Buddhist Rakhine and Muslim Rohingya. Myanmar officials and many Burmese, including the mostly Buddhist ethnic Rakhine, consider the Rohingya to be illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. Rohingya leaders say the real number of dead could be much higher than the figures given by authorities.