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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Patrol Team Kills Police Inspector

A Police Inspector, Clement Onwueguta, attached to Uwani Police Division in Enugu South LGA was shot dead, last weekend, by a police patrol team that mistook him for an armed robber. Four members of the police patrol team, who killed the police officer have been detained and are currently being interrogated. It was learnt that the deceased officer, who was dressed in mufti at the time of the incident on Friday night, was sighted with a pistol and was ordered by the police patrol team from Ogui Police division to stop for a search. Rather than complying with the directive, the late inspector reportedly took to his heels, prompting the patrol team to pursue. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident, said the inspector was running toward the Uwani police barracks, which is about 100 metres away, when one of the policemen shot him.

Chevron Rig Fire May Burn for Months

A gas-fuelled fire, with flames as high as 5m, may burn for several months in waters off the Niger Delta, Chevron has disclosed. The fire started in an explosion on the rig in January. Two workers died after the explosion at the KS Endeavour exploration rig, owned by Chevron. Chevron spokesman, Lloyd Avram, says that the situation is now under control and no oil is leaking, even as the fire rages. The company is trying to put out the fire. Almost 100 people have left towns close to the fire and local chiefs are asking Chevron to relocate more.

US Court Hears Suit against Shell on Ogoni Killings

The United States’ Supreme Court will, on Tuesday, hear arguments on whether or not Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) can be held liable for complicity in human rights abuses outside the country (US). Specifically, the suit was filed by the widow of one of the nine Ogoni indigenes executed in 1995 for protesting Shell's operations in the area. Similar cases filed by relatives of the slain Ogoni leader, Ken Saro-Wiwa, resulted in a 2009 $15.5 million settlement by Shell for the plaintiffs and Ogoni people. Shell officials vigorously denied any involvement in the killings or in any human rights abuses, but said they acknowledged the plaintiffs and others had suffered.

Imoke Wins Cross River Guber Polls
…Navy Provides 10 Gun Boats, Police Deploys 9,000 Personnel

Former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has been declared winner of the February 25th Governorship election in the state. Imoke of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) polled 451,544 votes, to defeat his closest rival, Pastor Usani Usani of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), who scored 31,026 votes. The INEC Returning Officer, Professor James Epoke, announced the result. To ensure a hitch free governorship election in Cross River State, the Eastern Naval Command deployed 10 gun boats in the riverine areas to provide security as well as carry the electoral materials to the polling units, while the State Commissioner of Police, Samson Wudah, disclosed that about 9000 policemen were deployed in the election.

Vessels Collide in Bonny, One Man Missing

A Nigerian Navy vessel, NNS Thunder, collided with a vessel owned by Total on Tuesday. The incident happened approximately 5 miles upriver from Bonny. Total vessel capsized. One man - a member of the Navy - is reported missing in this incident. Another vessel belonging to Bourbon was first on the scene and secured the Total vessel to its side.  Search aircraft and other support vessels were immediately dispatched  The stricken vessel is a small patrol craft owned by Total but crewed and operated by a well company which operates many supply boats and other craft in the region. The Nigerian Navy has issued no statements at the time of filing this report.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Gunmen Rob Man, Abduct Wife in Warri

Gunmen, penultimate Sunday, abducted a woman, Sandra Omote, on her way to church in Warri, Delta State. Mrs Omote was going to church with her husband, Isaac, when armed men intercepted them near their house and marched them back to home at gunpoint. After taking what they could lay their hands on from the house, the hoodlums left with the woman and their vehicle. It was alleged that a former gate man, who was recently relieved of his job by the couple was behind the kidnap, as the gunmen alluded in the course of their invasion that he was fired unjustly. Mr. Omote, a businessman, confirmed the abduction of his wife.

SSS Foils Attempt to Kidnap Commissioners

An attempt to kidnap Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Ben Igbakpa, has been foiled by men of the State Security Service (SSS). Parading the suspect on Wednesday, the State Director of the SSS, F.O. Oghre-Ikanone, said a 34-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, was arrested in connection with sending threat messages to kidnap and assassinate one Frank Olu and Ben Igbakpa. He said another suspect was also arrested for sending threat messages to Omordi George Ugbomah, a former Commissioner in the State.

Ibori Pleads Guilty

Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, has reportedly pleaded guilty to 10 counts of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud in his trial in London. Ibori had initially denied guilt on the charges. British police accuse Ibori of stealing £250m over eight years. Ibori was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2007, but a judge threw out the lengthy charges brought against him by the commission. The former governor then fled to Dubai after he was to be re-arrested by the EFFC. However, a British warrant led to him being detained in the Middle East nation and despite spirited attempts to fight his extradition, he was later sent to the UK to face trial.

Companies Lament Upsurge in Oil Theft

Oil companies in Nigeria are battling against a rising theft that is costing them an estimated 150,000 barrels of crude each day. Ian Craig, vice president for Shell Exploration and Production Africa said militant attacks on oil installations in the southern Niger Delta region had slowed down, but oil theft has surged. The stolen oil fuels a lucrative black market across Africa's top oil exporter and its neighbours.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Woman Kills Husband in Lagos

A middle-aged man, identified as Ifeanyi Anaekwe, slumped and died during a scuffle with his wife in their apartment in Ago-Okota area of Lagos State. It was gathered that the deceased and his wife had an argument over money to buy diapers and baby food which degenerated into a fight. It was gathered that during the fight, the widow, Chikodili Anaekwe, allegedly grabbed a pestle and hit her husband on the head which made him to slump. When he slumped, she allegedly stabbed him several times. Mr. Anaekwe was said to have died before help came. Lagos Police Command Spokesman, Joseph Jayeoba, confirmed the incident.

Lagos Gives Tanker Drivers 72-Hour Quit Notice

Tanker drivers, were on Monday, issued a 72-hours ultimatum to quit the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos. The expressway was the scene of the petrol fire in which three people died and 39 vehicles were burnt, last weekend. Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa and his Special Duties counterpart, Dr. Wale Ahmed, gave the deadline after an on-the-spot assessment of the scene the scene. Opeifa blamed the incident on the carelessness of the tanker driver. Opeifa alleged that the driver of the truck, who has not been found, ignored all entreaties to stop after one of the rear wheels plunged into a ditch, before it subsequently went up in flames. Transporters, whose vehicles were burnt, continued counting their losses.

NDLEA Uncovers Illicit Drug Laboratory in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tuesday, uncovered a laboratory in Lagos used for the illicit production of methamphetamine. Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said three Bolivians and a Nigerian were arrested in connection with the laboratory. Giade said that the laboratory was detected by operatives attached to the Lagos State Command, adding that the items recovered at the production area include 41.150 kilogramme of ephedrine, 4.8 kilogramme of methamphetamine, other chemicals and sundry gadgets. The NDLEA boss said two others, Solomon Azuka Uzoka and Basil Ikechukwu Uzoka, are wanted for questioning by the agency. He urged members of the public to watch out for various clues to identify secret laboratories in any part of the country and promptly report such to the agency.

Two Shot as Robbers Attack Banks in Ogun

Suspected armed robbers, on Wednesday, attacked a commercial Bank in Ijebu Ode, a day after a similar attack on a branch of the same bank in Ilaro, Ogun State, where two security guards were injured. The hoodlums also raided the Sapida Microfinance Bank in Ijebu East Local Government. Eyewitnesses said the robbery operation lasted about 45 minutes. The bandits were said to have carted away money at the counter as well as deposits brought by customers, but failed to break the bank’s vault. A bank official lamented that, despite making distress calls to the police, they failed to respond.

NDLEA Seizes Tons of Cannabis in Ondo

The Ondo State Command of the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), penultimate Friday, seized 13.176 tons of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp. The drug, which was packed in bags of various sizes, according the NDLEA boss in the state, Mr. Walter Nicholas, was seized in a single operation. Nicholas said it took his men three days to locate the point where the drug was packed in a forest. He said while his men were evacuating the bags containing the drug, they were resisted by the owners. Also, the state Commissioner for Natural Resources, Mr. Lasisi Oluboyo, raised the alarm that virtually all the forest reserves in the state had been taken over by hemp farmers.

Public Complaints Bureau Revived

The Oyo State Police Command has dismantled all roadblocks as directed by the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar. Police spokesman, Femi Okanlawon, said any policeman or officer that acts unprofessionally would be arrested and dismissed. As directed by the Acting IGP, the command has resuscitated the Police Public Complaint Bureau in the office of Police Public Relations Officers. The public can reach the bureau on the following numbers: 08090625741 and 02-6282812.

Lagos Urges Prevention of Lassa Fever

Following recent cases of Lassa fever outbreak in some parts of the country, Lagos State Government, has enjoined Lagosians to ensure proper and adequate personal and environmental hygiene at all times. Members of the public were also expected to contact the Directorate of Disease Control in the state Ministry of Health on noticing a suspected case of the epidemic. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, who gave the advice as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the state, urged Lagosians to avoid contact with rats. Idris stressed the need for people to cover their food and water properly, cook all their food thoroughly, as well as block all rat hideouts and holes through which rats can enter their homes.

Truck Crushes Four in Ogun State

No fewer than four persons were crushed to death by an articulated vehicle, belonging to a manufacturing company in Yewa North LGA of Ogun state while three were critically injured. The cement-laden truck was coming from Ibese, the site of the recently commissioned cement plant and headed to Papalanto before it lost control and crushed a car, killing three occupants instantly who included a baby boy. The truck driver immediately after the accident; took to his heels prompting angry youths to attempt to burn the vehicle. The angry mob was prevailed upon by security operatives.

Oil Spillage: Ondo Communities Seek Compensation

About 17 communities in Ilaje Council of Ondo State have appealed to concerned authorities for compensation and cleanup of their environment in the aftermath of an oil spill, which they alleged, was caused by the operations of a multinational oil company in the area. In their appeal to the authorities at the weekend, traditional leaders of two of the affected communities, the Alagho of Odonla, Oba Elias Ikuomola and the head of Ikorigho community, Erejuwa Omadele, said the spill had destroyed fishing activity, which is the mainstay of their economy and contaminated their sources of fresh water.

Court Jails Man for Manslaughter

An Ikeja High Court has sentenced a middle aged man, Thank-God Ukwueze, to five years imprisonment over the death of his niece, Nkiru Iruka, eight years ago. Ukwueze was charged for murder, but the court convicted him for manslaughter. Justice Adebisi Kayode-Ogunmekan held that though he was found culpable for the death of Nkiru, the facts and circumstances of the case made it more appropriate to convict him of manslaughter as his action might not be a deliberate one to kill her. According to the prosecution, the accused person, Ukwueze, allegedly killed Nkiru, who was then 22 years old, by hitting her on the head and throwing her down from a three-storey building. Ukwueze claimed that he did not know how the deceased slipped from the third floor of the storey building.

Policeman Kidnaps 17-Year-Old Lover

A police Corporal, Mr Emmanuel Okoye, attached to the Ifako Police Station in Lagos, has allegedly kidnapped a 17-year-old girl, Patience Isabor, from her residence in Bariga, Lagos when Okoye allegedly entered Patience’s home after shooting her elder sister, Blessing. Blessing, 19, has undergone series of surgeries to remove bullets from her body. According to sources, Okoye has been dating Blessing and later dropped her to settle with Patience. The mother of the girls, Mrs Isabor, opposed the relationship of her two daughters with the police officer. Lagos State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr Joseph Jaiyeoba, who confirmed the incident, said the police command was looking for Okoye.

5 Killed in Lagos NURTW Clash

At least five people died in fresh clash between rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) that disrupted normal business activities in Lagos Island axis of the state on Monday. It was learnt that the fracas is a renewed clash between Isale-eko and Onola/Agarawu/Itafaji boys over the ongoing crisis involving two factions of the NURTW workers in Lagos Island. The clash also resulted in the vandalism of over 20 vehicles and a building. A resident said that the “Isale eko boys’ with help from outside, numbering over 60 youths, armed with dangerous weapons stormed Onola area around 2am. The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman, Jaiyeoba Joseph, said he could not immediately confirm if there was any casualty in the incident.

GENERAL

Two Killed in Borno, Yobe

Suspected Boko Haram members at the weekend scaled up their attacks on individuals and places of worship in Niger, Borno, and Yobe states. One of those killed by the suspected terrorists allegedly received a threat letter from the group, which accused him of supporting one of the state government’s crack-down on their members with prayers. In the Yobe and Maiduguri incidents, suspected Boko Haram gunmen attacked the residences of the District Head of Geidam in Yobe and an Islamic cleric in Konduga, Maiduguri killing them before their wives and children. The Borno State Police Command Public Relations Officer Samuel Tizhe, said no arrest had been made, noting that the nature of the attacks and killings were similar to those carried out by Boko Haram.

FG Hands over Seized Arms to Police Ministry

The Federal Government at the weekend handed over five containers of arms seized by the Nigerian Navy to the Police Affairs Ministry and another consignee identified only as Renocraft. The handing over of the container laden with arms came also with a 48-hour ultimatum to the consignees of the two remaining unclaimed containers, that it would be forced to go after the owners, after the stipulated time given by government expires. The Federal Government earlier last year set up a committee to verify documents of seized imported arms and ammunition onboard Chinese Vessel, MV FENG SHAN.  The Chairman of the Committee, Commodore O.F Oduyemi stated that, having gone through the content of five out of the seven containers seized in January, 2012, the committee discovered that the consignees actually had valid documents to import the explosives.

Shop Owner Killed in Bauchi

A three-man robbery gang, penultimate Saturday, killed a shop owner in Bauchi, after robbing him of a large sum of money and recharge cards. The robbers, allegedly riding a motorbike, fired gunshots to scare away people and demanded for money from the shop owner, which was handed over to them, after which they snatched a bag that contained recharge cards. The gunshots led to commotion in the area as people initially ran for dear life only to return later to the scene after the robbers had escaped to find the 40-year-old Ustaz Aliyu in the pool of his own blood. The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mohammed Barau, said the police rushed to the scene but the robbers had gone by that time.

Bloodbath Averted as Bomber Targets Suleja Church

Another church was targeted in Suleja, Niger State, penultimate Sunday, as a bomb exploded from a vehicle. The car was reportedly parked on the roadside close to a few others by an unknown person who walked away shortly before the explosion. One person was feared dead and four others injured in the blast, which occurred close to a Christ Embassy Church, believed to be the target. Residents noticed a man who parked a car without number plates by the roadside and left immediately. Having noticed that the car was parked close to the church and its occupant's sudden disappearance, residents, alerted security men who advised that nobody should go close to the car until the owner reappeared. The state Police spokesman, Richard Oguche, confirmed the incident.

8 Killed as Explosions Rock Borno

Multiple explosions rocked the popular Fish Market of Baga Road in Maiduguri, Borno State, killing eight suspected members of the Boko Haram sect while three persons were seriously injured. The traders in the market, who noticed an unusual movement of a person within the market square, quickly alerted the JTF. According to an eye witness, it was members of JTF that arrested a suspect and killed eight others in their attempt to unleash terror on the innocent traders. Confirming the incident, the JTF Spokesman, Lt. Col. Hassan Mohammed said some suspected members of the Boko Haram sect invaded the Market and shot 3 civilians. He stated that his men were able to kill eight members of the sect and detonated three explosives. At least 30 people were killed.

Security Agencies Identify Source of Boko Haram’s Explosives

Investigations into the nature of explosives used by Boko Haram operatives in recent bomb blasts detonated across the country have confirmed that the sect secured most of the explosives from its raid from construction companies in four states, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe and Sokoto. Investigations carried out by a combined team of security agencies confirmed that most of the explosives used by the Boko Haram sect in its recent operations were looted from warehouses of construction companies in the states. Some loyalists of the sect were said to have carried out the alleged theft of the deadly explosives called Type C4 when they raided stores of some quarries.

Man Kills 22-Year-Old Woman

The Police in Lafia on Monday confirmed the arrest of a 22 year old man for the alleged killing of a girl, Ador Terngwu, at the State House Hotel in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The Police spokesman, Cornelius Ocholi, said the suspect allegedly stabbed the girl on Sunday over a misunderstanding. Ocholi said the suspect was said to have gone to the hotel at about 9:00pm and after an exchange of words, he allegedly descended on her and stabbed her to death. The spokesman said investigations had shown that the two were lovers, and had been quarrelling for over two weeks when the deceased purportedly decided to quit the relationship.

Zakari Biu Dismissed from Police
…PSC Promotes Lamorde, Others

The escape of Boko Haram suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, from detention has led to the dismissal of Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of investigations, Mr. Hassan Zakari Biu, from the Police Force. Biu was the man in charge of the case when Sokoto, who has since been rearrested, escaped. Biu's dismissal takes immediate effect, barely one month to what would have been his voluntary retirement from the Force after 35 years of service. Meanwhile, there was also a wave of promotions, with the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim A. Lamorde, elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). The Police Service Commission (PSC) also approved the appointment of seven Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs).

Britain Pledges Cooperation to Fight Terrorism in Nigeria

Prime Minister of Britain, Mr. David Cameron, has promised to cooperate with Nigeria in whichever way to tackle global threat of terrorism. He also commended the Federal Governor for its efforts in checking terrorism in the country. Speaking during a meeting President Goodluck Jonathan, who is in London at a Conference on Somalia, Cameron said he was happy with the role Nigeria was playing in the international arena where they have common interest. Cameron therefore charged Jonathan to be steadfast in their “shared agenda of vigorously tackling terrorism and international security issues”, which was a move in the right direction.

Minister Reads Riot Act to Prison Chiefs

Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, has warned that Comptrollers of Prison will hence forth be held responsible for jail breaks in their respective commands. Moro also constituted a five-man Investigation panel headed by Mr. John Odah, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Koton Karfe jail break. The warning came against the backdrop of the recent jail break in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, where 119 inmates escaped, though 43 have been re-arrested. He pointed out that the case in which inmates in Bauchi, Port-Harcourt and Koton Karfe were set free by hoodlums posed serious challenge to the service. Moro said his visits to some Prison formations revealed that negligence and administrative ineptitude were responsible for some of the problems.

Jail Break: 9 Fleeing Prisoners Arrested in Niger

The Niger State police command said it has arrested and transferred back to prison nine inmates who escaped from the Koton Karfe jail in Kogi State, where about 119 inmates were set free. The Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Richard Oguche who disclosed this, said five out of the suspects were the first to be arrested before the state commissioner of police ordered men of the Criminal Investigation Department to intensify search for more inmates which eventually yielded result that led to the arrest of the remaining four within the same area.

Shot Kaduna Official Dies

The Kaduna State Director of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Information, Pastor Isua Kiforo, who was mistaken for a Boko Haram member and shot by armed soldiers and other security agents at the Government House died last weekend. Kiforo had undertaken a surgical operation to remove bullets from his legs and lower abdomen, at the 44 Military Reference hospital and was recuperating. The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Saidu Adamu, confirmed his death.

US to Open Consular Office in Kano

The United States is planning to set up a consular office in Kano State. The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence P. McCulley, disclosed that the US was considering opening a consulate in Kano, despite threats by fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram. The US is working with Nigeria's police to help them learn how to carry out forensic investigations, while a bomb expert from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been working with authorities on how to detect explosives planted by the group before they detonate, McCulley further disclosed. The US also would be open to training Nigeria's military in counter-terror techniques.

Gunmen Kill Two Policemen in Kano

Kano State police command has confirmed that unknown gun men attacked and killed two policemen and injured two others on foot patrol on Thursday morning. The attack occurred along Bayero University Kano (BUK) road by Island in Kano metropolis. Spokesman of the police, Musa Magaji Majiya, confirmed that unknown gunmen on four motorcycles attacked the policemen. The two injured policemen are now receiving treatment at a hospital in the state. Majiya explained that 15 suspects have been arrested while the incident is being investigated. Four other suspects were arrested during a shootout at Hotoro general area, according to the spokesman of the Joint Security Task Force (JTF), Lieutenant Ikedichi Iweha. He did not give details of any casualty.

UN Re-Elects Nigeria to Head of Peacekeeping Panel

Nigeria has again been re-elected to the chair of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations as the panel resumed its yearly session. The Special Committee re-elected Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. U. Joy Ogwu as Chair. Nigeria has held that position at the UN for decades now and the re-election on Tuesday is seen by diplomats as a renewal of the appreciation of country’s contribution to international peacekeeping.

Wamakko Sworn-in as Sokoto Governor

Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko was, on Tuesday, sworn in for a second term as governor of Sokoto state. Wamakko was sworn in at 2pm by the state Chief Judge, Justice Aishat Sani Dahiru. Wamakko said he would do everything to justify the “unsurpassed confidence reposed in him as evidenced by his landslide victory in the February 18th governorship election. He said that he was bound by his oath of office to regard the whole state as his constituency and expressed his determination to carry all citizens along as they all have their quota to contribute to the development of the state as stakeholders.

Army Recovers Overseas Training Videos of Boko Haram

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirjka, Tuesday, announced that videos and DVDs of overseas military training of violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram,have been recovered. Ihejirika said security agencies in the country have made tremendous achievement in the fight against the menace of the sect. General Ihejirika made the disclosure at the commissioning ceremony of completed abandoned buildings at the Ojo military cantonment, along Lagos/Badagry Expressway.

Four Policemen Killed at IG’s House

Gunmen suspected to be members of the terrorist Islamic sect, Boko Haram, on Thursday killed four policemen and injured another two near the house of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar. In Minna, Niger State, some gunmen suspected to be members of the sect similarly killed two policemen. Also, a bomb suspected to have been planted by the sect was discovered at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located on Church Road, Minna, by members who attended the Ash Wednesday mass. A statement by the spokesman for the Kano State police command, Magaji Majiya, confirmed the incident but said only two policemen were killed in the attack.

NAFDAC Wants Stiffer Penalty against Drug Counterfeiters

The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called for a stiffer penalty for manufacturers and importers of counterfeit drugs into the country. The Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, while speaking at an award ceremony organised by the Institute for Government Research & Leadership Technology, said this would help immensely to sanitise the industry. He urged the relevant government authorities to collaborate with NAFDAC to stem the tide of fake drugs. He recommended stiffer penalties for couriers and manufacturers of fake and counterfeit drugs such as life imprisonment, and called on lawmakers to ensure that victims of such drugs are compensated.

INTERNATIONAL

Nuclear Agency Visits Iran for More Talks

Officials with the U.N. nuclear watchdog begin a second round of talks with Iranian officials over the country's nuclear program. This comes a day after Iran cut off crude exports to Britain and France in retaliation for a new round of sanctions imposed on it. Meanwhile, Israel is making clear it is pondering an attack on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, while Iran warned it could cut off the narrow strait through which oil tankers sail in and out of the gulf. It is believed that Iran may be trying to develop nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for civilian energy production, but has refused nuclear inspectors access to its facility. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said it is up to Iran to disprove the allegation. Iran exports 2.2 million barrels of oil a day, 18% of which is bound for European markets.

Taliban Behead Four Alleged Spies in Afghanistan

Taliban militants have beheaded four men for allegedly spying for the government in southern Afghanistan, an official said on Tuesday. The bodies of the men were discovered in Washer district of volatile Helmand province. The militants, who have in the past used beheading as a punishment on alleged spies and traitors, were not immediately available for comment.

Taxi Drivers Shot Dead in Mexico

Five taxi-drivers have been shot dead in the city of Monterrey in northern Mexico. According to reports, gunmen with assault rifles fired on the drivers as they waited for passengers at a taxi-rank. The drivers may have been targeted by criminal gangs who extort money from local businesses. Monterrey is a prosperous industrial city, but in recent years it has become a focus of drug-related violence. The city has become a battleground for the rival Zetas and Gulf drugs cartels, fighting for control of smuggling routes into the US. On Sunday 44 prisoners were killed during a riot at a jail outside the city, and 30 other inmates escaped.

Several Dead, Injured in Argentine Train Crash

A commuter train ran into a retaining wall at a railway terminus in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday, leaving at least 49 dead and 550 injured. Witnesses said passengers were hurled on top of each other and knocked to the floor. Civil defence officials said at least 550 people were injured in the crash, which witnesses said occurred after the train's brakes failed as it was arriving at a station on the western outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Afghanistan Demands Public Trial of Koran-Burners

Afghanistan wants NATO to put on public trial those who burned copies of the Koran at a NATO base, President Hamid Karzai's office said on Thursday, after a third day of bloody protests over the incident. Karzai had earlier accused a U.S. officer of "ignorantly" burning copies of the Koran. Demonstrations have drawn thousands of angry Afghans to the streets, chanting "Death to America!" amid violence that has killed 11 people including two U.S. service personnel. US President, Barack Obama, has apologised for the burning of the Korans, after Afghan labourers found charred copies while collecting rubbish at the sprawling Bagram air base. Obama told Karzai the incident was not intentional. NATO had earlier apologised for the Koran burning.

Afghan Soldier Kills Two NATO Troops

An Afghan soldier on Thursday killed two NATO troops after opening fire on members of the US-led International Security Assistance Force, the military said. ISAF did not identify the nationalities of the dead soldiers and gave no further details of the incident, which came on the third day of fierce protests against the burning of the Koran at a US-run military base. Afghan troops defending a foreign base in eastern Nangarhar province had "joined demonstrators and opened fire on foreign troops", a protester said.

Iraq Attacks Kill 60

Simultaneous attacks on mostly Shi'ite targets across Iraq killed at least 60 people and wounded dozens on Thursday. The violence breaks weeks of relative calm as Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and Sunni leaders have sought to resolve a political crisis that threatened to unravel their power-sharing agreement following the U.S. withdrawal. At least 32 people were killed in blasts in Baghdad where 10 explosions tore through mainly Shi'ite neighbourhoods during rush hour and other attacks targeted police patrols, commuters and crowds gathered in shopping areas.

Syria Forces Kill More Civilians as Red Cross Calls Truce to Deliver Aid

Syrian forces killed 58 civilians Tuesday in the city of Homs and a village in Idlib province, monitors said. This is as the Red Cross sought a truce to deliver aid and the UN demanded access for humanitarian workers. The latest killings came as Russia, a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, said it will boycott a conference in Tunis this week aimed at seeking political change in Syria. At least 33 civilians were killed by Syrian forces in the village of Abdita in the north-western province of Idlib, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. And despite a plea by activists to allow women and children to flee Homs' besieged Baba Amr neighbourhood, more troops were sent to the outskirts of the restive city, with activists expressing fear they were preparing to storm it.

Western Journalists Killed in Homs

Two Western journalists were reported killed in the city of Homs, as government forces continue their assault on the city. Activists said an American and a French national had died after a shell hit a makeshift media centre in the Baba Amr area, which has come under bombardment. Several other people were also killed and wounded, the activists added. Activists said more than 40 died on Tuesday, including Rami al-Sayed, a man who broadcast a live video stream from Homs used by world media.

120,000 Displaced by Malian Clashes

About 120,000 people have been forced from their homes in Mali since Tuareg-led rebels launched an independence bid last month in the country’s desert north, United Nations figures showed. Fighting in three of Mali’s eight provinces also threatens the holding of an election due in April. More than 60,000 civilians have crossed into neighbouring countries while a similar number have fled their homes but remained in Mali. Malians have scattered across Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Algeria. The UN said 11,000 people had returned back to Mali from Niger.

South Korea Carries Out Military Drill

South Korea fired live artillery on Monday in a military drill near the country's heavily armed border with North Korea. North Korea has described the exercise as a provocation. The drill involved howitzers, mortars and attack helicopters. South Korea notified the North on Sunday of the drill, a regular live-fire exercise that lasts an hour. In late 2010, North Korea responded to a South Korean military exercise in the same area by firing artillery at Yeonpyeong Island, killing two South Korean marines and two civilians.

15 Killed In Baghdad Suicide Blast

Overnight attacks in Iraq killed nearly 15 people, when a suicide bomber detonated a car rigged with explosives at the main entrance of the police academy in eastern Baghdad, Iraqi police said. The attack wounded at least 21 others. The attacker had his car parked close to the building and waited for a group of recruits to walk out before he drove up and detonated the device. While nobody claimed responsibility, officials said they believed al Qaeda in Iraq was behind the attack. The Baghdad police academy is the only one in the capital and is within the compound of the heavily guarded Interior Ministry, but has a separate entrance.

Gun Battle in Philippines Prison Claims 3

At least three people have been killed after dozens of gunmen attacked a jail in the southern Philippines, police say. At least 50 gunmen stormed a jail in Kidapawan City, penultimate Sunday night. Police say the attackers were from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and were trying to free a leader of the group. But the rebel group denies this claim. Eyewitnesses said that the gunmen missed their target, and police fired back. The gunmen fled after launching more grenades.  A Red Cross worker, who was reportedly trying to bring wounded civilians to hospital, was among those killed in the crossfire.

Libya Sends Troops to Stem Clashes in Southeast

Libya has sent military forces to stem clashes between rival tribes over control of territory in the far southeast of Libya, the armed forces chief said. Clashes broke out last week in the city of Al Kufra, with dozens of people killed. Gunmen from the Zwai tribe have been clashing with fighters from the Tibu ethnic group led by Isa Abdel Majid, who they accuse of attacking Al Kufra backed by mercenaries from Chad, according to a security official from the Zwai tribe. The Tibu, however, said they were the ones to come under attack.

30 Inmates Escape after Mexican Prison Riots

Dozens died and 30 inmates escaped during a weekend prison riot in northern Mexico, an official said. The prison's director and 18 guards have been removed from their positions and are under investigation, Nuevo Leon Gov. Rodrigo Medina, said. Authorities are offering a reward of 10 million pesos (about $788,000) for information leading to the escapees' capture, Medina said. Preliminary reports indicate the escapees were members of the Zetas drug cartel, he said. A fierce rivalry between drug cartels likely fueled the fighting that killed 44 people Sunday inside the prison in Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, state security spokesman Jorge Domene, disclosed.

Kofi Annan Nominated as UN Envoy on Syria Crisis

The United Nations on Thursday named its former Secretary General, Kofi Annan, as the envoy in a bid to end the Syrian government's deadly crackdown on protesters. As special envoy for the UN and Arab League, Annan will "provide good offices aimed at bringing an end to all violence and human rights violations, and promoting a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis", according to reports. UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon and Arab League chief, Nabil el-Arabi said they were "grateful to Annan for accepting this important mission at a critical time for the people of Syria." A deputy envoy from the Arab region is to be named soon. More than 7,500 people have been killed in 11 months of protests against President Bashar al-Assad in Syria and there is growing international pressure for an initiative seeking to end the murderous government crackdown.