Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 2

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GENERAL

FG Plans 5% Tax for Road Maintenance, Labour Threatens Protest

The Federal government has proposed a 5% user tax on petroleum products as a way to source funds for sustained road maintenance in the country. But the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of direct consequences if the planned tax was approved. The NLC said it would resist any price increase under any guise.

Civil Society Groups Call For Prosecution Of Obasanjo

Civil society groups in the country on Thursday strongly called for the prosecution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as they described his government as total abuse of rule of law and that of irregularities.

House Confirms Return Of N217bn Unspent Funds

The House of Representatives, Thursday, confirmed the return of N217bn as unspent funds in 2007 and about N80bn yielded from the 16 undisclosed accounts. It is also probing an alleged $674m “dedicated” account with the Central Bank.

Strike Paralyses Activities in Plateau

As Plateau workers on Thursday resumed the strike they suspended on Nov. 18 over the demand for a 15% salary increase, government activities remained paralysed.

S’South Caucus Seeks Budgetary Provisions for Bakassi Resettlement

House of Representatives members from the South-South have called for budgetary provisions for the resettlement of displaced people of Bakassi, decrying the fact that only N1bn was set for the development of Bakassi LGA.

Another Nigerian Killed in South Africa

Police in Johannesburg, Thursday confirmed the death of a Nigerian man, shot by armed robbers in South Africa, two weeks after a metro police officer shot a 37-year-old Nigerian, who is still on danger list at a Johannesburg hospital.

Strange Explosion Rocks Sokoto

An explosion, Wednesday from a heavy metal–like object rocked Sokoto. The object fell from an unknown location and landed at Mana in Sokoto South LGA. Anti-Bomb men of the Police have taken the object for investigation. There was No casualty.

Abuja Hosts Oil Conference

Experts in offshore oil and gas exploration and production are expected to converge in Abuja between January 29th and 31st for the 12th yearly Offshore West Africa Conference and Exhibition. It is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates and visitors from all over Africa and other energy centres of the world.

Fears Over AFRICOM Unwarranted -U.S. official

A senior United States (U.S.) official, Donna Blair, the new Consul-General to Nigeria has allayed fears that the African Command (AFRICOM) was mooted to foster closer relations with African countries and not for any ulterior motive.

Sudan Denies Attack On UN-AU Convoy

Sudan says its forces were not involved in an attack on a convoy of the United Nations-African Union hybrid peacekeeping force (UNAMID) in Darfur.  Sudan’s denial is prompted by "strong protests" from the UN.

Yar'adua To Present New Energy Plan To N’Assembly

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua on Wednesday agreed with the National Assembly that the way out of the epileptic power supply was to carry out a review of government intervention and presenting a new plan that would arrest the problem.

22 Policemen, Others Die In Pakistani Suicide Blast

Two weeks after the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, a suicide bomb attack on Thursday killed about 22 policemen and four civilians outside the high court in Lahore.

EFCC Closes in on Igbinedion

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday filed a 142- count charge against former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion, before a Federal High Court in Kaduna. A warrant of arrest against the former governor has been issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja to answer charges.  The EFCC is reported to have brought the International Police (Interpol) into moves to arrest him.

Corruption: US Court Dismisses Case Against NNPC

A United States Court has dismissed the case of corruption against NNPC brought before it by Gulf Petro Trading Co, et al for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

Defence Chief: No Soldier Joined Rigging

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Owoye Azazi has denied the miltary involvement in rigging the 2007 elections. The Army is the 810th respondent in the petition filed by the presidential candidate of the Action Congress (AC) in the elections Alhaji Atiku Abubakar challenging the victory of President Yar’Adua.

Blame Niger Delta Elite For Restiveness – Hon Mohammed Ibrahim

A member of the NDDC, Hon. Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, has said that the elite of the Niger Delta are to blame for the neglect of the region, accusing them of squandering the resources meant for developing the area.

Ribadu: British Lawmaker Seeks EU Sanction Against Nigeria

A member of the British House of Lords, Eric Avebury, is working towards securing a sanction by the European Union against Nigeria for alleged attempts to undermine the anti-corruption campaign in the country.

Police Arrest 10 Robbery Suspects In Army Uniform

The joint patrol team of the five northern states and the FCT on Tuesday arrested 10 suspected armed robbery suspects on military uniform. The suspects were arrested with many dangerous weapons, mostly collected from slain security men.

Taylor's Trial Over War Crime Resumes

Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor, appeared in court, Monday, as trial resumed in the war crimes suit against him. He is accused of controlling militia, which killed, maimed and raped thousands in Sierra Leone. He denies the charges.

I Inherited N541m Debt From Ehindero –Okiro

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, has said that he inherited N541m debt when he assumed office, but debt payments would not be his priority. He also said that no policeman would be promoted unless they attended a mandatory training or course.

N’Assembly Has Details Of Secret Accounts -Presidency

The Federal Ministry of Finance has given details of the 16 secret accounts” operated by the Federal Government to the National Assembly, a source in the Presidency has said. The ministry submitted details of those special accounts to both chambers of the National Assembly in December.

FCT Plans Foundation For Fallen Heroes

For their sacrifice, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Wednesday, announced plans to set up a foundation to cater for families of men and women of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty.

37m Nigerians Are Blind – FG

Minister of Health, Adenike Grange has decried the increase in the number of Nigerians suffering from cataract and other eye diseases, disclosing that about 37m Nigerians are either blind or suffering one form of visual impairment.

10 Feared Dead in Measles Outbreak in Kano

Ten children were feared dead, Wednesday in Kano State following an outbreak of measles, while another 100 are receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state.

Contractors Drag Minister Before EFCC

Some contractors have dragged  Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr Sayyadi Abba Ruma before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over the cancellation of their contracts without regard to due process.

FG Pays $6m On Non-Existing Judgment

Minister of Justice has disclosed that a part payment of $6m was made by the last administration on a non-existing court judgment. Meanwhile, the government has planned to settle out of court $100m judgment debt entered against Nigeria on the death of Moshood Abiola, winner of the annulled 1993 Presidential election.

42 Killed In 45 Accidents In Abuja, Niger

37 persons died in 45 road accidents in the FCT and Niger State in December 2007. The zonal commander, FRSC Zone 7 Command, Mr Danjuma Garba said statistics showed that most of the accidents occurred during the yuletide period.

PENGASSAN Tasks FG on Refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has charged the Federal Government to resuscitate the nation's refineries before the May 2008 dateline to ensure availability of adequate petroleum products for both domestic use and exports to reduce the effect of international market vagaries on petroleum price regime in the economy.

Double Taxation: Yar’Adua Sends Bill to Senate

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has sent a Bill on the executed agreement on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes income and capital gains between Nigeria and South Korea to the Senate.

Oando Wins $150m Oilfield Contracts

Oando Energy Services Limited, a subsidiary of Oando Plc, has won competitive oil field service contracts valued at $151.1million, with some major upstream companies operating in Nigeria.

NAHCO Workers’ Protest Distrupts Flight at MMA

Passenger and Cargo handling activities were, Tuesday, disrupted at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos when workers of the National Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) protested against the poor condition of service and the inability of the management to reach a compromise over the new welfare package.

2007 Poll: Police Back Yar’adua

The Police in support of the election of President Yar’Adua have asked the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to dismiss former Vice-president Atiku Abubakar’s petition as they claim he has no evidence to sustain his allegation that the election was rigged in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Ribadu Dragged To Court Over N668m Houses

A Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to compel the Inspector General of Police, to probe the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, on alleged acquisition of a $3.9m villa in Dubai and a N200m house in Abuja. Ribadu denies that, challenging anyone with proof to expressly seize such.

Yar’adua Explains The Need For Police Reforms

President Yar’Adua, on Tuesday while inaugurating the Committee on the reform of the police, said the Police cannot meet the challenges of securing the nation without being reformed as they are far behind in modern trends. The committee has three months to come up with a practical roadmap for the regeneration of the Force.

FCT Crime Control Squad Recover N17.5M, 67 Cars in 6 Months

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Modibbo Umar, has said that no less than N17.5m and 67 cars were recovered from hoodlums by the anti-Crime Control Squad made of the six adjoining states and the FCT in the last six months.

Decentralize EFCC, Daniel Urges Yar’Adua

Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has called for the decentralization of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying it could not achieve its objective without decentralization. Daniel said that the EFCC as presently constituted is incapable of monitoring the entire Federation.

Apex Petroleum Enters Nigerian Market

Apex Petroleum Corporate, listed as one of the fastest growing companies in America, has expanded its operation to Nigeria, courtesy African Business Roundtable, ABR, (the umbrella body of private sector business on the continent).

OPEC Blames High Oil Price on Nigeria

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has linked the Niger Delta crisis to rising crude oil prices, despite denials by Nigerian officials. OPEC also warned that the high price of oil may continue until the end of March 2008.

Nigeria, Norway Seal Deal on Gas Flaring, Oil Spill
•FG sets up ad hoc flare committee

The Federal Government in conjunction with oil companies operating in the country has set up an ad hoc Flare Reduction Committee with a mandate to come up with a road map for elimination of routine gas flaring within a realistic time frame. This is coming as the FG and Norway seal deal on Gas Flaring reduction.

N’Assembly Seeks Review of MoU with Oil Companies

The National Assembly has indicated interest to dump the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the oil companies in Nigeria and the Federal Government in 1986 when oil sold for $9 in the international market.

Race For EFCC Top Job Hots Up

There are indications that a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Mrs. Farida Waziri, alongside a serving AIG, Mr Haruna Yusuf and Police Commissioner Mr Yinka Balogun are being considered for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) top job. There is no certainty on the right choice yet.

INEC Deletes 400,000 Fake Names from Voters’ Register

No fewer than 363,303 fake names from Kebbi state have been deleted from the voters register by the Independent Nation Electorial Commission (INEC)).

FG Approves Expansion of Abuja Airport

Federal Government said it has given approval for the expansion of facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and improve its service capacity to enable it match the increasing volume of air traffic operations in the country.

U.S. To Defend Israel Over Iran Attacks

The United States (U.S.) president has vowed to defend Israel if Iran attacks Isreal. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday that Israeli troops would escalate attacks on Gaza in response to continued cross-border rocket fire.

Govt Earns N1.6 Trillion Tax Revenue

Over N1.6tr revenue was collected last year from taxpayers in Nigeria and offshore through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the agency in charge of taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT) administration.

Labour, Govt Meet On Fuel Price Increase

President Yar'Adua directed two ministers to meet with organised Labour on how to strike a balance between the energy crisis and the well-being of Nigerians. Meanwhile the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the National Assembly to ensure the sustenance of prices of petroleum products as agreed in June 2007.

Oil Price Drops Over Fears of US Recession

Gloomy United States economic data, and the likely impact on demand should it slip into recession this year, may have led to a decline in the price of crude oil in the international market, Monday.  US light crude for February delivery eased 54 cents to $97.37 a barrel by midday in London, extending Friday's $1.27 decline.

Foreign Firm Announces $35m Investment in Nigeria

An international private equity firm, Emerging CapitalPartners (ECP), Monday, announced a $35 million investment in Ocean & Oil Investments Limited (O&OI), Oando's largest shareholder.

Policemen, Warders to Face Trial over Agodi Prison Crisis

The Federal Government on Monday said it had ordered the prosecution of some policemen and Prison officials implicated in last year’s violence at the Agodi Prisons in Oyo State. Investigations into pregnancies among female prison inmates, resulting in prisons being swarmed by children have also begun. Over 300 children are delivered in Nigerian prisons in suspicious circumstances.

No Plan To Avoid Probe Of Obasanjo, Says Andoakaa

Minister of Justice, and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Michael Aondoakaa, Monday, said that the Present administration was not averse to probing the tenure of former President Obasanjo. He challenged anyone with information against Obasanjo to come forward with it.

Shehu Sani Urges Action Against Terrorism In The North

Chairman of Socialist Front, Mallam Shehu Sani, has urged the FG to strengthen security in northern states to avoid terrorist acts, debunking claims by the Sultan of Sokoto, that the North was free of terrorist acts.

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Military Begins Full-Scale Onslaught Against Militants

The Federal Government has ordered military formations in the Niger Delta region to begin an offensive against all known militants and their hideouts. The order was signed by General Andrew Azazi. Azazi asked all military formations located in the region to prepare for full scale battle, and warned against allowing the militias to overrun their formations.

Ateke Tom Threatens All-round Terror

Wanted Niger Delta warlord, Ateke Tom, has threatened all-round terror in River State if he is not compensated for the damages he suffered after the attack on his camps by the JTF. Ateke maintains his vow to fight Governor Amaechi and has advised residents of Port Harcourt to stay indoors from 9pm as he plans assault on the state.

Landslide destroys building at Bayelsa

About 10 houses and properties worth several millions of Naira were destroyed as landslide hit the Okoloba community in Bayelsa State. Many people have been rendered homeless, while several others live in fear as there are noticeable cracks on most buildings which may lead to defective foundations.

JTF Allays Fears Over Attack Threats By Militants

Spokesperson for the JTF Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, has said that security agents have been monitoring all militants groups in the region and will return fire for fire should MEND make good its threat to attack them. This is coming just as the JTF arrested four ocean-going barges, three oil tankers and two pickup trucks from vandals at Forcados, Warri.

Rivers Govt Vows To Deal With Militancy, Crime

The Rivers State government determined to restore the state glory and make the state the safest haven for investors in the Niger Delta, has vowed to deal with the menace of militancy and crime in the state.

Declare Anambra Disaster State, Obi Urges FG

Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, Thursday urged President Yar’Adua to declare the state a disaster one against the backdrop of the problems it was confronted with.

Onitsha Traders Vow To Resist Ejection Order

Traders and Motor Park operators in Onitsha who were displaced following the recent demolition exercise, have vowed to resist the ejection order. They lamented that their structures were demolished without prior notice.

Militants Arrest Pirates in Bayelsa

The peace pact between militants, the Federal and Bayelsa State governments last December, is now yielding results, following the arrest on Sunday of two pirates by militants in the state. The pirates have been handed over to the police.

A’Ibom Private Refinery to Cost $100m

The Akwa  Ibom  State  government has stated that its first privately owned refinery in the country would cost about $100 million. The state also said NEXIM Bank and the American International Bank are also involved in the project. The refinery is to commence production by 2009.

You Can’t Arrest Militants’ Parents, Group Tells Amaechi

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HRWAN), has faulted the recent threat by Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, to arrest parents of members of militia groups. The group said the action would   amount to executive lawlessness and it is unconstitutional, illegal and an uncivilised way of law enforcement.

19 Die in Bayelsa Road Accident

Nineteen people died, Tuesday, when an 18 seater passenger bus belonging to Affordable Motors, a Warri based bus service collided with a truck belonging to soft drink manufacturing company along the East/West road. All the victims were passengers and driver of the bus.

Dokubo Condemns Attack On Ateke

The leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, has condemned the recent attack on Ateke Tom in River state. Dokubo said he would prevail on Ijaw leaders to appeal to Ateke to cease fire, but if the attack on him continues, he would be compelled join forces with Ateke.

Owerri Airport: Senators Protest Airlines’ Withdrawal

Some senators from Imo State have protested the withdrawal of airline operators from  Owerri Airport, following the reopening of Port-Harcourt International Airport, describing the action as unfair to the state.

Police Arrest Suspected Fake Drug Dealers In Ebonyi

Three men with 560 cartons of suspected fake drugs were, Sunday, arrested by Police in Ebonyi State while the truck conveying the substances was also impounded.

Gunmen Attack 4 Ships in Bonny Island

Four oil service ships were on Wednesday, separately attacked by unknown gunmen, on the channel leading to Nigeria's largest oil and gas export complex on Bonny Island. Two people were injured, but none of the vessels were boarded.

Gunmen Abduct Lawmaker’s Sister, Son of PDP Scribe

Gunmen who abducted an Akwa Ibom State Lawmaker’s sister on New Year’s Day are demanding the sum of N100m as ransom for her release. In a related development, the 15-year-old son of the Secretary of the River State PDP was abducted. The kidnappers are demanding for N60m.

LACON Secures Freedom For Nine Prisoners In Abia

Nine persons serving terms at the Umuahia Prisons, in Abia State, have had the fines imposed on them paid by the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON). The beneficiaries had the option to pay fines but were unable to do so. In Plateau State, participants at a workshop have canvassed the enactment of a law that to stop prisons from receiving persons wounded by policemen during torture.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

MEND Admits Mercenaries Are In The Niger Delta

Reports that foreign mercenaries were operating in the Niger Delta have been corroborated by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). MEND said that the mercenaries were training youths in several camps. It however condemned the decision to allow gas flaring beyond January 1, 2008.

Delta Moves To Recover Ceded Oil Wells

In it’s determination to return the state to its number one position in crude oil production in the country; Delta State Government has decided to adopt all legal means this year to ensure that oil wells lost to neighbouring states are recovered.

Guinness Shuts Benin Plant Over Fire

Guinness Nigeria Plc has closed its Benin plant following a fire outbreak penultimate Friday night that razed a section of the production plant.

N’Delta Crisis: Production Shortfall Imminent, Shell Warns

Chief Executive Officer of Shell, Jeroen Vander Veer has warned that production would fall rapidly if investment in the Nigerian oil fields were discontinued due to the escalating Niger Delta crisis. He however stated that the company would continue to invest in Nigeria provided its employees can work safely.

Oshiomhole Petitions IGP, Alleges Threat To Life

Immediate past President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Action Congress (AC) gubernatorial candidate for Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police alleging threat to his life by a senior official of Edo state government and a member of the Mobile Police Unit in Benin.

Militancy, Not Helping S/South Dev – Speakers

Speakers of Houses of Assembly in the South-South geo-political zone, on Monday in Uyo, condemned the activities of militants.

Explosion Rocks Pipeline In Delta

Hopes that the Warri and Kaduna refineries would resume operations in January may have been dashed as the Chanomi Creeks Pipeline which supplies crude oil to them has exploded in Delta State. This may shift the resumption date of operation of the refinery to the end of January, Investigations have revealed.

Ibori Moved To National Hospital

The former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has been admitted at the National Hospital in Abuja following his failing health.

Pipeline Vandalisation: Uduaghan Blames Oil Workers

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has blamed the problem of pipeline vandalization in the Niger Delta on the active connivance of some oil workers as well as security agents manning the installations.

Shell’s Forcados Output Hits 100,000 Barrels Per Day

Crude oil production from Shell’s Forcados crude oil terminal has risen from 36,000 barrels per day (bpd) to about 100,000 bpd and is expected to reach 200,000 bpd by April. This is a significant step in the effort toward restoring the estimated 500,000 bpd shortfall in production due largely to sabotage of oil terminals.

Delta To Disengage Illegal Workers

Delta state governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan has vowed to disengage workers in the Local Government Service, who were illegally recruited. He also said that redundant personnel in the state civil service would also be shown the way out.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Lagos Councilors Protest Over Pay

Councilors from the 20 LG councils of Lagos State stormed the state secretariat, Wednesday, to protest the non-payment of their salaries. The Councilors, who served between 1999 and 2002; 2004 and 2007 said the government owed them for six years.

SSS Arrests Suspected Ritualists In Akure

Three suspected ritualists who use human parts for their business have been arrested in Akure by the Ondo Command of the State Security Services (SSS).  The suspects were apprehended as they tried to use one of their victims for ritual.

38 Get Jail Terms Over Cannabis

38 persons, out of 172 arrested with over 10,000 kilogrammes of cannabis last year by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have been convicted in Ondo State.

Bank Robbers Reap Death

Five robbery suspects, who allegedly tried to rob a bank in Kwara State recently, met their waterloo as they were shot dead by policemen. Other robbery gang members were also killed as they tried to rob at a filling station. The CP explained that two robbery suspects were also arrested while attacking some residents.

Police Van Crushes 2 In Oyo State

Two men were on Tuesday in Oyo State, crushed to death by a police van pursuing a vehicle that refused to “settle” them. The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bisi Okuwobi, said the policemen, who committed the offence, had been detained.

Fashola Challenges Lagos Obas On Security

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Monday, raised a 51- member State Council of Obas and Chiefs. He pleaded with the traditional institution in the state to help maintain social harmony and security, necessary to deliver quality service to the people.

Extortion: Police Kill 2 Protesting Youths

Two young men were last weekend, killed by the police in Ondo State as they protested against alleged police extortion. The deceased and others who are receiving treatment were said to have been shot by policemen on their way to the police station to protest the detention of their colleagues on the order of the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO).

Violence Trails Lagos NURTW Chief’s Murder, Oshodi Market Set Ablaze

Hoodlums went on rampage in protest against the murder of the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the State chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Saka Saula, who was killed by unknown gunmen. At Oshodi as several people were severely injured and shops were burnt. Police has arrested a suspect Saula’s assassination. More than people are feared dead.

Ekiti Demands Fayose’s Release to Face Murder Charges

The Ekiti state government has demanded for release the former governor of the State, Ayo Fayose for arraignment in court. An Ado-Ekiti High Court had ordered the authorities of the Ikoyi Prisons to produce Fayose to answer the charges of murder against him, but the prison authorities failed to produce him in court, forcing the trial judge to adjourn hearing to January 24.