Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 8

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

15 Crushed to Death in Onitsha Bridge Accident

About 15 persons were crushed to death on Thursday close to the Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, when a truck loaded with two containers lost control and fell on passersby. Witnesses said the accident occurred when some urchins allegedly collecting emblem fees for the Anambra State government attempted to stop the truck coming from the Asaba end of the bridge.  The accidents also involved seven other vehicles, four of which were crushed. An angry mob went on the rampage and set the make-shift office of the emblem collectors on the Onitsha/Asaba highway ablaze. The state Police spokesman, Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the incident, adding that only two persons died.

Dickson Sworn-in as Bayelsa Governor

Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, having been declared winner of the February 11 governorship poll in Bayelsa state, on Tuesday, took the oath office. Dickson, who was sworn-in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri, asserted that “the days of enrichment without labour and funding the greed and avarice of a few are over.” In his inaugural speech, the governor promised to plug all leakages and sources of corruption. He declared that his administration would have zero tolerance for corruption.

Fuel Scarcity Hits in Rivers

The Scarcity of premium motor spirit (PMS) got worse in Rivers state as long queues still persist. Due to the scarcity, black market dealers sold 10 litres for as much as N5,000; while 20 litres went for N8,000. Residents have bemoaned the severe pains the situation has brought to them as they lamented the sporadic increase in transport fares. Worried by the painful development in the state, the state government on Monday convened a meeting with Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), marketers of petroleum products and the security operatives, to resolve the crisis, which began since last week.

NDLEA Arrests 261 Suspects
…NDLEA Denies Role in Death of Suspect

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State, last week, gave the statistics of the arrest it made in 2011. The agency’s commander, Mrs. Josephine Obi, said the command arrested 261 suspected drug peddlers, seized 1,108.3kilogrammes of various drugs, such as cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin and 136 litres of combination of alcohol and cannabis sativa. Obi also denied allegations that Mrs. Alice Imah, 56, was beaten to death by staff of NDLEA. Obi said though the cannabis vendor allegedly died in the hands of men of NDLEA, Imah actually died of shock after hemp was discovered in her shop and house. However, Mr. Bassey Imah, husband of deceased, alleged that his wife died from the effect of brutal force applied by officers of NDLEA. Residents alleged that NDLEA officials kicked and beat the woman, who suddenly slumped and died.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Dismiss Officer over Killing of Brothers

The Delta state police command has announced the dismissal of a police inspector, Mr. Henry Manager, after an Orderly Room Trial at the headquarters over the killing of two brothers. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka, who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the killer policeman partner in the crime, Corporal Osakwe Famous was under investigation. Muka said that the woman who allegedly gave the police false information that led to the killing would be charged to court at the end of investigations. The two brothers, Ike and Izuka Anebogun, in their early 20s were brutally shot when their aunt told the police that the boys were members of a criminal armed gang.

Electric Pole Crushes Man to Death

A tricycle rider was killed, penultimate Sunday, in Warri, Delta State, when an electric pole fell on him. The incident occurred after a truck dragged a set of high tension Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) cables across the highway, breaking an electric pole in the process, which fell on the tricycle rider. The falling pole also crushed the legs of a lady. The driver of the truck ran to safety immediately the incident occurred to avoid being lynched. A police patrol team from the “A” Division, led by Mr. A. Jattu, battled with hundreds of youths who were bent on setting the truck ablaze, before he succeeded in taking it to the police station.

Mother of Ex-Council Chief Abducted

Tiro Otirhue, mother of former Chairman of Okpe Local Council of Delta State, Joseph Otirhue, has been kidnapped. Otirhue was reportedly abducted, penultimate Saturday, at from her husband’s compound at Mereje town by armed men. It was learnt that Mrs. Otirhue’s captors set the car in which they came for the operation ablaze before abducting her. The state police command said it had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers. The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Tsafe, confirmed the kidnap.

Soldiers Chasing Robbers Killed in Road Accident

Two soldiers attached to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) were killed in a motor accident at Okpare-Olomu, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, while chasing suspected armed robbers that had robbed a petrol station. The soldiers, upon hearing that the robbers were robbing another petrol station, chased after them, but lost control of their vehicle while negotiating a sharp curve, causing their patrol van to somersault. The two soldiers died on the spot, while others, sustained severe injuries. Spokesman of the JTF, Lt Col Timothy Antiga, confirmed the accident. The State government is to deploy soldiers to patrol the streets to complement the efforts of the police. Secretary to the State Government, Ovuozourie Macaulay, appealed to the people to cooperate with the military.

FG Orders Chevron to Provide Electricity to Delta Oil Communities

The Presidency has ordered Chevron Nigeria Limited to provide stable and sustainable power supply from the Escravos Tank Farm to Ugborodo and Gbaramatu communities in Warri South West LGA of Delta State as part of its corporate social responsibility. The directive was given, after a meeting presided over by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state, Gbaramatu youth leaders and representatives of Chevron. The youth leaders agreed that with this, work on the Escravos Gas pipeline project, which was stopped by the aggrieved communities would resume immediately. It was gathered that Chevron has over 90 megawatts of power out of which only 40 megawatts is currently in use, while all the host communities of Ugborodo and Gbaramatu communities wallow in darkness.

Ex-Militants Allege Threat to their Life by JTF

The ex-militants invited for questioning by the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in connection with the attack on AGIP truck line in Brass, Bayelsa State have cried out over the threat to their lives. The ex-militants said they are only agitators that wanted inclusion into the amnesty programme and have no connection with the bombing of the pipeline. Speaking for the ex-militants, Ramsey Umukoro said there was no way they could have reported at the JTF headquarters as directed because their lives are not safe. According to him, since the JTF released the names of those it wanted to speak with, it has launched a man-hunt on members of the Third phase amnesty, while the Department of State Security has arrested and detained three known members of the group.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

16 Killed in Lagos Rainstorm

An early morning rain storm that tore through parts of Lagos, on Monday, claimed at least sixteen lives. The 15 minutes storm, which was preceded by winds that blew at an estimated 65 kilometres per hour, blew off rooftops, uprooted trees and collapsed walls and fences; as floods also submerged some neighbourhoods. A man died at Obalende when an internet mast tore away from its moorings and struck him in the head, according to Yushau Shuaib, the spokesman for National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Twelve pupils and two women also perished in a boat mishap which occurred at Agbede, a riverine community in Otto-Awori Local Council Development Area in Ojo, Lagos. The boat had 22 onboard. Ten pupils, however, survived the mishap. The rain also destroyed about 20 buildings at Sabo, Yaba area and led to the collapse of some telecom masts.

111 Suspects Arrested as Security Agents Raid Lagos Island

The combined team of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Enforcement on Sunday arrested 111 persons who have been terrorizing people living on the Lagos Island.  A member of the task force said that following disturbances in the area, the state government gave directives that all those involved should be brought to book. Chairman of the task force, Bayo Sulaiman, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed that 111 suspects were arrested.  Sulaiman said the police decided to carry out the raid to protect lives and property of people in the area as miscreants have been disturbing the peace on the Lagos Island.

5 Killed as Hoodlums Clash in Lagos

Five people were, between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, killed, as factions of social miscreants, known as area boys, renewed their hostilities in the Fadeyi area of Mushin in Lagos State. Several people were also severely injured and many vehicles badly damaged as the miscreants battled for control of territory. Residents of the areas, who could not continue to live at the mercy of hoodlums, protested to the Lagos State government, carrying with them corpses of three of the victims. It was gathered that the hoodlums invaded Bajulaye and Akoka areas with assorted weapons, leading to two deaths, before policemen forced them to flee on Tuesday. The crisis continued on Wednesday, as 3 persons were similarly killed. Police spokesman, Joseph Jaiyeoba, confirmed the deaths.

Family Demands Corpse of Debtor, Who Died in Police Custody

The family of a man, Ademola Lawrence Adedeji, who died mysteriously on February 9th while in custody of the Area F, Ikeja Police Division has cried foul over his death and the disappearance of his corpse. Ademola was a distributor with Rites Food Ltd.  He was accused of owing the company N12 million which caused the company to order his arrest. His family and friends were greeted with the news of his death, the next day. According to the police, the suspect suddenly took ill, at night and was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where he died. But the family is yet to get the corpse. The spokesperson, Joseph Jaiyeoba, confirmed the death of Ademola. He, however, said the deceased probably died of food poisoning. The wife has since filed a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IG), on the mysterious death.

Tanker Drivers Protest Alleged Killing of Colleague by Naval Rating

Pandemonium broke out, on Thursday, along the Apapa/Oshodi expressway, Lagos, as tanker drivers protested the alleged killing of their colleague by one naval personnel. Trouble started after several warnings to the tanker drivers to evacuate their trucks from the expressway or station them appropriately to allow free flow of traffic was not heeded. Nobody could however tell what necessitated the shooting of one of the tanker drivers. Spokesman for the Western Naval Command, Lieutenant Commander Jerry Omodara, said that the Navy would not shield any of its ratings, who committed a crime.

3 Policemen Arrested in Lagos over Killing of 2 Drivers

The police in Lagos State have arrested three policemen in connection with the killing of two men, who have been identified as drivers in a company. The state Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Alkali, directed the homicide section of the state Criminal Investigations Department to thoroughly investigate their death. A source stated that the two drivers were riding on a motor bike when the police team stopped them and allegedly demanded for money. The drivers reportedly refused to give the policemen money and attempted to ride off, when one of the policemen opened fire on them.

Woman Stabs Lebanese Lover to Death

A 52-year old Lebanese, Habeeb Haschem, was, on Thursday, stabbed to death in his room at Palace Chinese Restaurant, in Lagos state. It is believed that his girlfriend, identified as Precious Tochukwu, was responsible for his death as they were both see that evening before his death, and she is currently on the run. The deceased was discovered by his friend, who called at his residence that evening. The deceased was stabbed all over his body and he had tooth bite on his cheek, and beside him was a knife allegedly used to kill him. An identity card of his girlfriend, Precious, was also seen in his room. The police are on the trail of the fleeing girlfriend.

Man Sentenced to Jail for 10 Years over N9.2m Fraud

Justice Olubunmi Oyewole of a Lagos High Court, Wednesday, sentenced a middle-aged man, Omenogor Romeo, to 10 years imprisonment for defrauding a bank the sum of N9.26 million. Romeo, who was a former staff of the United Bank of Africa (UBA), conspired with his childhood friend whom he assisted to open an account in the bank, but was not aware he had other accounts in the bank for aiding and partaking in a N9.26 million fraud. Justice Oyewole found him guilty on the 30-count amended charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

2 Arraigned Docked for Defrauding Man with Python

Two suspected fraudsters, Mr. Jamiu Adeyemi and Mr. Kayode Oseni, have been arraigned before an Ejigbo Magistrate Court, Lagos, for allegedly using a live python to defraud one Alhaji Jelili Kuku of N40,000. It was gathered that the accused persons had hid the live python in Alhaji Kuku house and allegedly collected N40,000 from Kuku to purchase a ram for sacrifice. The suspects were said to have told their victim that his sufferings was as a result of an evil supernatural being inside his house. After their arrest, Adeyemi and Oseni allegedly told the police that they planted it to swindle Kuku. They however pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against them. Trial Magistrate, Mrs. M. Folami, admitted them to bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

GENERAL

Gunmen Kill 2 in Kaduna Attack

Unknown gunmen, last weekend, attacked Ungwan Musa, a village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna, killing two, while others were reported injured. The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Bala Nasarawa, confirmed the attack, saying that investigations had since commenced into the incident. According to an eyewitness, the gunmen stormed the village at night and attacked a house, where two persons, including a young woman, were reportedly killed. Youths in the area, however, took to the streets, demanding a search for the gunmen and their sponsors.

CP Found Culpable in Suspects Escape
… To Be Charged With Dereliction of Duty

Police Commissioner, Zakari Biu, under whose custody the alleged mastermind of the Madalla church Christmas Day bombing, Kabiru Dikko, also known as Kabiru Sokoto, escaped, is to be charged with dereliction of duty and unprofessional conduct. Six other policemen, who were involved in the incident, will also face a disciplinary committee. Sokoto has however been re-arrested by the State Security Service and the military in Taraba State. The disclosure emerged as the panel set up by the Police high command to investigate Biu’s involvement in the episode submitted its report to the acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar. Sokoto escaped while being taken to his house in Abaji area of Abuja for a search. The panel had found Biu culpable for Sokoto’s escape in that he did not display a high degree of professionalism.

Kaduna Bombed Again, Policeman Blown Up

A policeman, with the anti-bomb squad lost his life on Tuesday as he tried to detonate a bomb after multiple bombs exploded in Kaduna metropolis. The man was killed as he was tried to use a bomb detector to scan an object dumped by the roadside allegedly by the Boko Haram sect at Ungwan Sarki area, near the Sultan Bello Mosque. Two others were also injured. The state Commissioner of Police, Ballah Magaji Nassarawa, confirmed that there were two explosions. The first improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in a gutter near a parked 15-seater Ford bus. No one was affected until the second explosion occurred when a police anti-bomb officer, one Sergeant Sunday Badang was about to detonate it. The IED exploded and he was killed instantly.

IGP Gives Out Phone Numbers for SMS

In a bid to redeem the battered image of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, has asked Nigerians to directly report unethical conduct of police officers to him through Short Message Services (SMS), via numbers 08077446699, or 0810255581, for prompt disciplinary measures against such erring officers. Abubakar said the measure would help curb the excesses of some officers who hide under the cover of the force to unleash havoc on Nigerians. The IGP warned that any officer caught violating the code of conduct of the force would be dismissed.

Man in Prison for Raping 14-Year-Old

A magistrate court in Gombe, on Tuesday, ordered Tasiu Ahmed, a resident of Fikayel village in Bayo LGA of Borno State, to be remanded in prison custody for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl in the bush. The Police Prosecutor, Gayos Lapai, told the court that the accused person allegedly committed the offence on January 21 Gombe State. Lapai said the accused raped her in the bush while he knew that he was HIV positive. The accused person pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

32 Burnt to Death in Head-on Collision

An automobile accident on Azare- Potiskum road in Bauchi and Yobe states on Thursday claimed 32 lives, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said. The Spokesperson for FRSC in Bauchi, Ibrahim Geidam, confirmed that the accident involved two Yobe Line buses. He said that all occupants, including the two drivers, died when the buses coming from opposite directions collided and caught fire. Geidam said one of the buses was coming from Kano to Potiskum while the other was coming from Damaturu and heading to Kaduna.

Boko Haram Suspected of Killing Two

Violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, is believed to have struck again with the killing of a Muslim cleric in Konduga, Borno state, and the district head of Geidam in Yobe state. Police are investigating the killings and no arrests have been made. Borno state police spokesman, Samuel Tizhe, confirmed the Borno killing, while Yobe police chief, Tanko Lawan, confirmed the killing of the district head. Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for multiple blasts and attacks in northern Nigeria.

500 Million Children at Risk Malnutrition in Nigeria, Others

Except urgent measures are taken, about half a billion children could grow up physically and mentally stunted over the next 15 years because of malnutrition, a new report has said. The charity Save the Children organisation, a UK-based non-governmental organisation, said that much more needs to be done to tackle malnutrition in the world’s poorest countries. The charity found that many families could not afford meat, milk or vegetables. The survey covered families in India, Bangladesh, Peru, Pakistan and Nigeria. According to the report, one parent in six said their children were abandoning school to help out by working for food, while a third of parents surveyed said their children complained about not having enough to eat.

Kano Compensates Families of Bomb Blast Victims

The Kano State government has disbursed over N200 million to the families of the 185 people who lost their lives during the January 20 bomb blast that rocked the city of Kano. Each family got N1 million. But the families of the five deceased senior police officers got N1.5 million each. Presenting the cheques to the affected families in Government House, Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, explained that the monies were released from public spirited individuals and organisations who want to help alleviate the sufferings of those who lost their loved ones during the incident. Meanwhile suspected members of Boko Haram and the Joint Task Force (JTF) were engaged in an hour gun battle in Maiduguri, Borno State. The Boko Haram men had ambushed some soldiers deployed in Gwange, the sect’s flash-point, leading to the death of one of the soldiers.

Boko Haram Invades Immigration Office, Cart Away Passports

Boko Haram Thursday invaded the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Office in Damaturu, Yobe state, carting away six Nigerian passports. Reacting to the incident, the Comptroller-General of NIS, Mrs. Rose Uzoma, urged members of the public to be on the lookout for the six passports that have been declared missing. Their numbers are A02915421, A0295422, A0295423, A02915428, A02915472, and A02915473. In Borno state, a lone gunman was arrested inside the popular Baga fish market in Maiduguri. The gunman was about pulling out his gun when he was wrestled down by some traders. In the process several gunshots were released. The gunshots drew the attention of the soldiers to the scene and the gunman was finally suppressed and taken away.

Northern Governors to Agree to Battle Boko Haram, Insecurity

The governors of the North Central geo-political zone of the country and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) otherwise known as the Group six (G-6) have agreed on several security initiatives to tackle emerging security challenges within the zone. The group agreed to embrace the use of vigilante groups in internal security operations. The group also resolved that there was the need to engender a robust synergy between the chief executives of the states and the various chiefs of security in those states.

Boko Haram Invades Kogi Prison, Sets Suspects Free
…25 Fleeing Inmates Re-Arrested

The Kogi state Command of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) on Thursday said 25 of the 119 awaiting trial inmates who escaped during the attack on the Koton-Karfi Prison, in Kogi State on Wednesday had been re-arrested. The Command’s spokesperson, Mrs. Hadiza Aminu, said none of the convicted inmates escaped. But while Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack, which they said was to free 7 of the members there, Aminu said the attackers were suspected armed robbers. She stated that the re-arrested fleeing inmates were apprehended at various locations in Koton-Karfi and other villages along Lokoja-Abuja Highway between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Abdulmutallab Gets Life Sentence

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 25, the Nigerian who attempted to bomb a Detroit-bound plane on Christmas day in 2009, has been sentenced to life in jail. Abdulmutallab had last October pleaded guilty to charges filed against him. Terrorism charges in US carry mandatory life sentence. Delivering judgment on Thursday, US District, Judge Nancy Edmunds slammed four life sentences plus 50 years on him.

Nigerian Youth Jailed for Murder in UK

A Nigeria, belonging to a gang that killed a young athlete in London has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years. Sodiq Adeojo, 20, of Shurland Gardens, Peckham, was found guilty at the Old Bailey in December 2011 of murdering Sylvester Akapalara, 17, who was chased by youths armed with a gun and knives and found bleeding to death in a stairwell in December 2010. The court heard that Adeojo was a member of a gang who were looking for rival gang members when they came across Sylvester and his friends, who were also stabbed.

Police Foil Bomb Attack in Kaduna

The Police, Thursday, foiled an attempt by Boko Haram to set off a bomb in Kaduna. The bomb was planted near a police station in Kabala Doki. The Kaduna State Police spokesman, Aminu Lawal, who confirmed the incident, said that a black polythene bag was discovered along Old Cemetery Road in Kabala Doki and the attention of the Police was drawn to it. The anti-bomb squad promptly moved in and successfully defused it. Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, has called for more international support for Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism.

IGP Reads Riot Act Policemen

The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Abubakar, has instituted measures to rid the police of corruption and other vices. He ordered the dismantling of all intra-state and highway road blocks, especially in Lagos and Edo States as well as in the South-eastern states, describing them as nuisance. He also disbanded all squads, teams and other operational or investigating outfits and directed such groups to collapse into the original structures recognised by police standards. He also ordered the withdrawal of all approved police escort from private individuals and corporate bodies. He vowed to hold Command Operation Officers and the Assistant Commissioners of Police CIDs responsible for operational and investigative misdemeanours in their jurisdiction.

Pirates Kill 2 in Cargo Ship Attack

Suspected sea pirates, on Monday, attacked a cargo ship off the Nigerian coast. The attack occurred following the fast advancement of two speed boats used by the pirates about 70 nautical miles off Nigeria coast. Two persons, the ship captain and chief engineer were said to have died of injuries sustained during the attack, according to an official of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), Cyrus Mody. He said most of those on-board the unidentified cargo ship fled into a secured room as a gunfight raged, while those on the bridge remained at their posts. The bureau also mentioned that pirates hijacked a tanker - likely one carrying crude oil from Nigeria -about 80 nautical miles from Cotonou, recently.

Civil Servant Mistaken for Suicide Bomber
…Shot in Kaduna

A Director in the Kaduna State Ministry of Information, Iswa Kiforu, was mistaken for a suicide bomber and shot by security operatives on Monday. He was shot after allegedly trying to force his way into the state Government House in Kaduna, even when he was stopped by security officials. Kiforu, who was also said to be a pastor at the Living Faith Church in Kaduna was later identified as a director in the Ministry of Information, and was immediately rushed to the 44 Army Reference Hospital. The Kaduna State Police Command said nothing incriminating was found on the man who was shot.

12 Killed as JTF, Boko Haram Clash in Borno

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in Borno state and suspected Boko Haram members clash, penultimate Sunday night in Maiduguri. Spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Col. Hassan Ifijeh Mohammed, who confirmed the gun battle with the sect at Budum area in Maiduguri, said the troops killed 12 members of Boko Haram, while two of their personnel were injured. The JTF said it has observed that some individuals were allowing their places of worship and business centres as well as residences to be used by the Boko Haram to launch attacks on security agencies. He warned that the task force “will deal with the issue appropriately.” Also, seven people were reportedly killed in another attack at Baga, a border community with Chad Republic, 267 kilometres North-East of Maiduguri.

SSS Declares Ex-Soldier Wanted over Madalla Bombing

Following the arrest of two Boko Haram suspects, Abul Qaqa and Kabiru Sokoto, the State Security Services (SSS) Wednesday declared a former soldier, Habibu Bama, wanted. It is believed that he is wanted in connection with the Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State. Source said Bama was strategic to the operations of Boko Haram and played critical role in the Christmas Day bombing. The SSS said Bama was a former soldier, a Kanuri by tribe from Bama in Borno State. He was also said to be known by the following names; Habib Bama, Shuaibu Bama, and Habib Mamman. Anyone with any useful information that could lead to his arrest is urged to immediately contact the nearest Police Station, Military formation or any other security agency.

Senate Confirms Lamorde as EFCC Chair

The Senate, Wednesday, confirmed the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde for appointment as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His confirmation hearing followed the submission of his name to the upper chamber by President Goodluck Jonathan on January 19, in accordance with the EFCC Act, 2004. Lamorde has been acting as EFCC chairman since November 2011, following the removal of Mrs. Farida Waziri. Senate President David Mark implored the new anti-corruption czar to perform his duties satisfactorily. Lamorde appealed to Nigerians to support the efforts of the commission in fighting corruption by volunteering information.

FG Cuts Spending, Proposes N888 Billion Subsidy in 2012
…Senate Alleges N1trn Fraud in 2012 Budget

Following the failure to remove the subsidy on petrol, the Federal Government has revised the 2012 budget proposal, of which it intends to spend N888.1 billion as subsidy on petrol and kerosene this year. The government cut aggregate expenditure by N100.25 billion, to bring total expenditure to N4.648 trillion, down from the N4.749 trillion in the budget proposal submitted last December, according to Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Meanwhile, the Senate, on Tuesday, alleged that out of the N4.7 trillion budget estimates submitted to the National Assembly, some government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) secretly smuggled in over N1trillion projects into it. According to the Senate, over 40 per cent of projects were not captured in the budget estimate indicating that the budget may have been doctored.

Boko Haram Threatens GSM Providers

Members of the violent Islamist sect, Boko Haram, Tuesday, threatened to attack GSM service providers and Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) offices for their alleged role in the arrest of their men. They accused the service providers and the NCC of collaborating with security agencies to arrest their members. The purported spokesman of the dreaded group, Abul Qaqa, said the arrest of some top leaders of the sect will not stop the “holy war”. He added that the killing of their leader, Mohammed Yusuf, and some of the sect’s members did not stop them from what they are doing. Meanwhile, former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, has described as spurious and unfounded the allegation by Sheik Sani Haliru that he is one of the sponsors of Boko Haram.

INTERNATIONAL

Kosovan get Life Jail for Killing US Airmen

A Kosovo-Albanian that killed two US airmen and wounded two others in a gun attack at Frankfurt airport in March 2011, was, penultimate Friday, sentenced to life in prison by a court in Germany. Arid Uka, 22, had confessed to the attack and said he acted after seeing a video apparently showing U.S. soldiers raping Muslim women. Uka's defense counsel Jens Joerg Hoffmann said after he was found guilty that he would appeal against the sentence within a week.

Bomber Injured in Bangkok Attack

A man thought to be Iranian has had both legs blown off after attempting to throw a bomb at police in the Thai capital, Bangkok, officials said. Two other explosions were reported in the same busy commercial district of the city, injuring four other people. Police said one blast took place at the house the injured man rented with other Iranians. One of those men also threw a bomb at a taxi. The blasts come just a day after two bomb attacks targeted Israeli diplomats in India and Georgia. Israel has accused Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah of orchestrating the attacks Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, denied Iran’s involvement, saying that Iran condemns all acts of terrorism.

Al-Shabab Celebrates Alliance with Al-Qaeda

Al-shabab insurgents staged rallies across Somalia on Tuesday to celebrate their group’s recognition by Osama bin Laden’s successor as a member of the Islamist Al-Qaeda network. “The unification of Al-Shabab with Al-Qaeda breaks the hearts of the enemy,” Shabab spokesman, Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage, said, addressing a crowd of several hundred in rebel-held Afgoye. Extremists chanting anti-Western slogans ordered people to attend the rallies. Al-Qaeda chief, Ayman al-Zawahiri, had announced that Shabab fighters had joined ranks with the Islamist network. Shabab fighters still control large parts of central and southern Somalia but are facing increasing pressure from regional forces, with Kenya in the far south, Ethiopia in the south and west, and African Union troops in Mogadishu.

Riots in Greece as Parliament Approves Austerity Measures

Despite protests by Greeks, the Greek parliament has approved new austerity measures. Buildings were set on fire in Athens and police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. But the European Commission urged Greek officials to “take ownership” and fully implement the reforms, demanded by the EU in return for a huge bailout. Greek officials are trying to secure a 130bn euro ($170bn; £110bn) bailout from the EU and IMF to allow it to repay its debts. But the lenders have insisted that Athens implements deep cuts and austerity measures before the money is released. It is the second major programme of cuts the Greek government has promised to carry out.

Assad Rejects Arab League’s New Peace Proposal

Syria has "categorically rejected" an Arab League resolution calling for a joint Arab-UN peacekeeping mission to end the country's 11-month conflict. The resolution also said the League was ending all diplomatic cooperation with Syria. The Arab League also said it would be "opening communication channels with the Syrian opposition and providing all forms of political and material support to it", and urged opposition groups to be more united. Activists say more than 400 people have been killed since security forces launched an assault on opposition-held areas on the city earlier this month. Human rights groups say more than 7,000 have died throughout Syria since March 2011. Arab diplomats will “ask the UN Security Council to issue a decision on the formation of a joint UN-Arab peacekeeping force to oversee the implementation of a ceasefire.”

Over 350 Killed Honduras Prison Fire

A massive fire swept through an overcrowded prison in Honduras and killed more than 350 inmates. A senior official at the attorney general's office, Danelia Ferrera, said 357 people died in the blaze on Tuesday night. There are frequent riots and clashes between rival street gangs in the cramped prisons in Honduras. But it was not clear if the prison fire was started during a riot or if it was an accident. President Porfirio Lobo said he suspended the director of the Comayagua prison and the head of the national prison system to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

Protests in Senegal over Wade’s Third Term Bid

Riot police fired tear gas Wednesday to disperse protesters attempting to assemble for a banned march against President Abdoulaye Wade’s third term candidacy in February 26 polls. Police pushed back groups of opposition protesters who attempted to converge in the suburb of Medina, later firing tear gas as they tried to begin the march to Independence Square in the heart of the city. With less than two weeks to the election, government has blocked the opposition from protesting, and police on Tuesday blocked youths from settling in another square in Dakar where they planned a permanent sit-in. Before the ban was announced, coordinator of M23, a coalition of opposition groups, Alioune Tine declared: “We are going to hold our march tomorrow, nobody can stop us.”

Govt War Planes Blow up Oil Pipeline in Syria

A massive plume of thick, black smoke billowed from the Syrian city of Homs on Wednesday, punctuating the chaos that has plagued the opposition stronghold for months.
According to the Local Coordination Committees of Syria, an opposition group, government war planes flew over Homs and blew up an oil pipeline. Sounds of sustained attacks were reported from inside Homs on Wednesday. Opposition activists say government forces are set on flattening every neighborhood that might hold dissidents calling for the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

NATO Offers Condolences for Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan

NATO expressed "deep regret" Wednesday following a coalition airstrike that killed eight Afghan youths recently. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) offered condolences, and said it is investigating the strike on a village in Kapisa province, northeast of Kabul to ascertain the exact circumstances of the tragic incident, and is taking appropriate action to ascertain the facts, and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Afghan President Hamid Karzai strongly condemned the strike. Civilian deaths as a result of action by the NATO-led international coalition have long caused anger in Afghanistan, adding pressure on international forces to withdraw. The international force has said avoiding civilian casualties is a high priority.

Tribal Clashes Claim Lives in Libyan Town

Fresh tribal clashes erupted on Tuesday in Libya’s southeastern desert. A witness said five members of his clan had been killed. Clashes between the Zwai and the Toubu tribes in the town of Kufra continued on Wednesday after 17 people were killed in fierce fighting on Sunday and Monday. Mohammed al-Harizi, spokesman for the NTC, confirmed yesterday’s clashes but said they were of “low intensity and between smugglers helped by foreign elements and thuwar (revolutionaries).” Meanwhile, a Tunisian court has cleared Libyan former Prime Minister Baghdadi al-Mahmudi on a charge that he had crossed illegally into Tunisia as he fled Libya last year. Tunisian authorities gave no indication about whether they intended to free Mahmudi and he remains the subject of two extradition requests from Libya, which he fled following the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

Sudanese Army Bomb Disputed Region

Spokesman of Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), Philip Aguer, confirmed on Tuesday that the Sudanese army bombarded the border area of Jao two days ago and caused injuries to four SPLA members. The bombardment took place in the disputed area of Jao in Unity state, which is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan. There is an expansion of the Sudanese army which move on the border between the two countries, he added. Sudan and South Sudan on February 10 signed a security agreement to avoid armed conflicts between the two sides. The agreement stipulated that each side should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the other and reject any use of force.

Red Cross Urges Aid in Sahel Region

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned that more funding is needed to avert a humanitarian disaster in Africa’s Sahel region where up to 14 million people are suffering from food shortages. The emerging crisis in the desert area is underfunded because early warnings are going unheeded, the IFRC said. The United Nations (UN) estimates that as many as 23 million people could be hit by the food crisis in Niger, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Senegal, spurred by poor harvests in 2011. The Sahel belt is particularly sensitive to drought and famine.