Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 8

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Life Imprisonment for Kidnappers in Rivers state

Kidnappers in Rivers State now risk life imprisonment as the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the Kidnap Prohibition Bill into law. The bill also proposed 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine for failed kidnap attempt. The Bill had generated a lot of interest with the Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, canvassing for death penalty for the offence which has turned the state into a ghost of its former self.

Militants give Agip, Saipem 3-day Ultimatum

Militants in the Niger Delta region have issued a three day ultimatum to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, (NAOC) and Saipem to leave the area. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) threatened to resume hostilities based on the Italian government collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria to supply combat craft to battle criminality in the Niger Delta.

N’Delta Crisis: Shell Shuts in 180,000bpd
...As gunmen invade Nembe Creek Flow station

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has reportedly been forced to shut in production of 180,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil following renewed attacks on its facilities. Suspected loyalists of Kitikata, a militant leader linked with the recent killing of soldiers in the Niger Delta region, Wednesday invaded the company’s Nembe Creek flow station in Bayelsa State. SPDC spokesman, Precious Okolobo, has, however, denied any attack on the facility, saying activities were ongoing. But Shell’s Chief Executive, Jeroen van der Veer, confirmed that the lost production was due to the heightened insecurity in the region.

Militants, JTF in Gun Battle at Mobil Operations Base

Soldiers of the Joint Military Task Force in Akwa Ibom State and a group of suspected militants clashed on Tuesday night at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean near Mobil Producing Nigeria’s Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT) operation base. But the gunmen were repelled by the task force even before they could berth at the shore. The militants were forced to retreat when the firepower of the task force overwhelmed theirs. No arrest, injuries or death was reported. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Gabriel Ngban (ASP), confirmed the incident.

2 Russians Escape from Kidnappers Camp

Two Russians, Mr Sergey Zermotaluv and Korstantin Aksemon, who were kidnapped last December when suspected militants invaded the premises of the Aluminum Smelting Company (ALSCON) in Akwa Ibom state, escaped from militants' den, and were picked by a Joint Military Task Force (JTF) patrol team along Akassa creeks on Thursday. But the men could not name the militant group that kidnapped them. Spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa, said his team ran into the two men in the course of their routine patrol. The Russians said they were able to master the terrain and watched the operational style of the kidnappers, who had relaxed security around them. They said they had wandered in the creeks for five days, before they ran into the JTF team around Akassa creeks.

Suspected Kidnappers of Elechi Amadi Charged to Court

The three suspects, who allegedly kidnapped Captain Elechi Amadi, the famous writer, from his village in Rivers state, have been arrested, and charged to Court. A three-count charge of kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy was preferred against the suspects. They pleaded not guilty. They were remanded in Port Harcourt prison, as no bail was granted and their case has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecution, for further advice.

Gunmen kidnap Former Rivers AG

Former Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice in Rivers State, Chief Orabule Adiele, was, penultimate Saturday, kidnapped by unknown gunmen. He was abducted from his Iwofe residence in Rumuolumeni community in the state. He was said to have been led into a waiting boat and driven away to an unknown destination. There was no report of contact with the kidnappers at the time of filing this report. He regained freedom four days after in circumstances that could not be explained except a confirmation that he was freed. The spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Mrs Rita Inoma-Abbey confirmed the incident, saying that she was yet to get full details from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Rumuolumeni Police Station.

Ogoni Crisis: Shell Denies Involvement

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has denied the allegation by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) that it was involved in fuelling the crisis rocking some communities in Ogoni land, Rivers State. The company’s media officer, Precious Okolobo, said Shell was not in any way involved or connected with the reported crisis in K-Dere or elsewhere in Ogoni land, and is not sponsoring any persons or group in any such conflict.

Court Strikes out Sekibo's Suit against Amaechi

A Federal High Court in Abuja, Tuesday, struck out a suit challenging the election of Rotimi Amaechi as Rivers State governor in the 2007 election. The suit filed by Dr. Abiye Sekibo, a former Minister of Transport and one Gabriel Pidomson had urged the court to interpret the constitution in respect of the decision of the Supreme Court, which upheld the election of Amaechi. Justice Mohammed Umar, in the judgment, struck out the suit on the ground that the court lacked jurisdiction to review the decision of the Supreme Court.

Enugu Assembly Passes Bill on Capital Punishment for Kidnapping

The Enugu House of Assembly has passed a law making kidnapping with the use of a gun, a capital offence in the state. The law, however, stipulates a 10-year imprisonment for anybody found guilty of kidnapping without the use of a weapon. The law, which takes effect from February 19, was an amendment of the original law which carried 10 years imprisonment.

Sylva Blames Postponement of LG Poll on Militants’ Activities

Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, explained on Thursday that the militants sponsoring candidates for LG election in the state made the state government to postpone last December's council election in the state. He said security and intelligence reports suggested that there may be a break down of law and order in the state if the elections was held because most of the candidates were allegedly sponsored by militant groups. Sylva insisted that the decision was taken with the interest of the people at heart to avoid blood letting.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

JTF Deploys Gunboats in Delta

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has deployed gunboats in Forcados, Burutu LGA of Delta State to secure the 24 barges carrying over 150,000 barrels of stolen crude oil. The development followed concerns in military circles that some illegal bunkering kingpins had concluded plans to free the vessels. It was gathered that the barges carried over 20,500 metric tonnes of crude oil valued at about N1.35 billion at an estimated market price of $50 per barrel. The task force made the big haul during a military operation at Chanomi Creeks on February 10. It repelled an attack by militants to free the barges a few hours later.

Arrested Chiefs Freed, Suspect Dies in JTF Custody

Two community Chiefs arrested by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in connection with the recent armed attack on the Utorogun Gas Plant, Otu- Jeremi, Delta state have regained their freedom after the security task force's investigation vindicated them. Meanwhile, the lead suspect caught by the JTF has been reported dead in custody. Meanwhile, there are indications that more deaths occurred during the attack on the facility as farmers were reported to have walked into three decomposing bodies presumed to be among those involved in the gun battle.

Delta Partners NNPC on Security In Niger Delta

window.google_render_ad(); The need to uphold safety and security of installations in the Niger Delta region was the center of discussions, Tuesday, when Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo met in Abuja. Uduaghan said he was at the corporation to seek ways of ensuring greater partnership between the state and the NNPC, to guarantee the safety of not only the facilities, but also the oil workers in the state. The governor re-iterated the longing of the state government to play a vibrant role in the proposed Gas Master Plan because of its belief in all aspects of securing the facilities in the Niger Delta.

AIG Decries Police Investigation Method

The Nigeria Police still depends on elementary methods of investigation as against the now scientific methods being employed in developed societies. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, Mr. Suleiman Fakai, disclosed in Warri, Delta State.  He lamented that while the world was employing methods such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), finger prints and other scientific data base to combat crime, the Nigeria Police still relied more on direct evidence. He, however, expressed hope in community policing to assist in crime fighting in the country. He also disclosed plans by the Police to acquire more armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to curb the wave of robbery in Edo and Delta states.

Undergraduate Hacks Mum to Death over Money

A young undergraduate of Novena University in Delta State, has allegedly killed his mother over money and buried her in a shallow grave. The mother of the student was reportedly hacked to death following her alleged refusal to release money demanded by the son. Informed sources said that the boy, in connivance with some accomplices after killing her, buried her body in a shallow grave at a dump site on Asaba-Benin highway. The boy has since been arrested. State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Charles Muka, confirmed the story.

Kidnapped 8-Year-Old Freed

Delta State Police Command on Thursday in Asaba, secured the release of the kidnapped eight-year old daughter of the Chief Accountant of the Delta State Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Tare Isiaye. Tare was last Thursday kidnapped in Asaba. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka, confirmed her release from a hideout in an uncompleted building along Okpanam road. One of the suspected kidnappers was gunned down dawn while attempting to escape, while one of the suspects was arrested in Anambra State by men of the State Security services (SSS). He said his men arrested 10 suspects.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

One Killed, Three Houses Razed as People Celebrate Valentine

Tragedy struck at Adiyan, near Agbado, in the Ifo Local Government Council Area of Ogun State, penultimate Saturday, as a young was found lying lifeless in the pool of his own blood, having fallen victim of some hooligans, who decided to forcefully terminate his life during a stampede. It could, however, not be ascertained, what really transpired between the deceased and his assailants. While a source attributed the incident to a lingering disagreement over a relationship with a girl, another said one of the assailants was drunk and suddenly took on the victim. The Ogun State police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said one of the suspected assailants had been arrested, adding that the police were on the trail of the remaining three.

Court Orders Arrest of AIG for Allegedly Selling Impounded Vehicle to Self

The Federal High Court, Lagos, Wednesday, ordered the arrest of a former Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), A.M. Bello, for allegedly selling two impounded vehicles to himself. The judge, Akinjide Ajakaiye,  also issued a warrant of arrest for Inspector David Ogbonaya, Deputy Commissioner of Police Chris Olakpe and one C. C. Okonkwo, for their alleged involvement in the deal. The Judge also ordered that Commissioner of Police in Anambra or his representative must appear in court on the date of next hearing.

Policeman Commits Suicide

A police constable, Godwin Aleghe, 37, in Lagos, shocked his neighbours when he allegedly took his own life by hanging himself on the ceiling fan in his room. Aleghe, who was a bachelor, was said to have left a note behind. The deceased had his 15 year-old niece, Juliet Aleghe, a JSS III student living with him. Juliet said her uncle had eaten his meal the previous night and bade her goodnight before retiring to bed, before they found him hanging the next morning.

Security Group to Train 50,000 Youths

A new security outfit, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), is poised to train 50,000 youths in the South-West as part of measures to curb crime. VGN South-West Commander Isa Akintolu, who disclosed during the week in Lagos, said that VGN was established three years ago but did not enjoy the Federal Government’s support until last year. He said the organisation was working with the police and the State Security Service (SSS), adding that some of the would-be trainees included young combatants, professionals and academics, who will be trained in basic security issues.

Court Voids Ekiti Guber Polls, Orders fresh polls in 10 councils

The 2007 governorship election in Ekiti state, which returned Olusegun Adebayo Oni as governor was terminated, Tuesday, by the Court of Appeal. The order to vacate the office came from the unanimous judgment of the appellate tribunal in Ilorin, in a petition filed by governorship candidate to the Action Congress (AC) in Ekiti State, Mr. John Fakayode Fayemi against Oni in the April 2007 elections. The results of the governorship election in 10 out of the existing 16 local councils in the state have been cancelled, while a re-run election must be conducted in the affected councils within the next 90 days. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olatunji Odeyemi, will act as governor for the next 90 days.

Man Defiles 12-year-old

A man, Olanrewaju Bello, 27, without remorse admitted having sex with a 12-year-old girl in Lagos. The girl was rescued from him after her parents searched for the daughter whom they had sent on an errand but did not return. The Olanrewaju allegedly forcefully had canal knowledge of the girl three when he abducted her and kept her in his room through the night. The girl is receiving treatment while he remains in police custody for further investigations.

Police Recover Stolen Jewelleries

Anti-robbery policemen at the Zone’2’ police headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, have held two suspects in connection with the jewelleries stolen from a foreign Airport.  The four bags of Romanian gold jewelleries were a part of the 10 bags which the owner had sent to Nigeria enroute South Africa. When the importer got to Lagos, she discovered that four of her jewellery boxes were missing. The investigation which took police team to various markets, led to the discovery of the exhibits, which were being sold at ridiculously low prices at the International Trade Fair, Ojo and the Lagos Island market, Idumota.

Police Apprehend Human Parts Dealer, Pipeline Vandals, Robbery Suspects

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested more than 35 persons, suspected to be armed robbers, pipeline vandals and human parts seller. The suspected human parts seller, Adebayo Raheem, 45, claimed to have got them from a cemetery. He was arrested by members of a vigilance group in Atiba LGA and handed over to the Police. The police recovered a locally made gun, cutlass and a motorcycle, from the suspect, whose name was given as, Bubal Bahashi. The other suspects were arrested at various points in the state.

GENERAL

Pollution: Stiffer Penalties Await Oil Firms –FG

The Federal Government has said it would come up with effective legislations to tackle oil spill and other environmental degradation activities by organisations and individuals. The new move, which was contained in a statement issued by Special Assistant to the Minister of Environment, Mr Rotimi Ajayi, involves development of national legislations, which will spell out the liabilities, response actions and compensations for damages caused by activities to the environment in very clear terms.

Trafficking: Nigeria, Italy Sign Bilateral Agreement

Nigeria and Italy, Wednesday, signed a bilateral agreement to jointly combat human trafficking, organised crimes and drug-related crimes. The agreement, signed by Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro, on behalf of Nigeria, while the Head of the Italian Police and Internal Security, Mr Antonio Maganelli, signed on behalf of his country. Secretary-General of INTERPOL, Mr Ronald Noble, who facilitated the agreement, also signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under the agreement, five Nigerian police officers are to be trained by the Italian government in Italy, under the auspices of INTERPOL.

Police to Charge Dismissed Officers for Mutiny

Police authorities may prosecute seven Police officers dismissed from the force on Wednesday. The may be charged for mutiny to serve as deterrent to others still hiding in the force. The seven were accused of being the mastermind of the strike threat issued last January. The seven Police officers had been given orderly room trial last weekend and their dismissal announced by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training,

Mark Wants an End to Oil and Gas Crisis

The President of the Senate, David Mark, has charged the Petroleum Minister, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman to bring his wealth of experience to bear in addressing the crisis rocking the oil and gas sector. Mark noted that there is an urgent need to put palliative measures to check the negative impact of the downward trend in oil and gas sector. Rilwanu briefed the President of the Senate of plans by his ministry to reposition and restructure the oil and gas sector in order to serve Nigeria in a more meaningful way. Rilwanu stated that the proposed programme would bring fresh ideas that could address the crisis.

Govt Raises Teams to Combat Lassa Fever, Meningitis

Following the recent outbreaks of Lassa fever and the Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in Gombe, Nassarawa and Edo states, the Federal Government has increased surveillance on the diseases. Minister of Health, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, said government had raised a forum of medical professionals, and ordered 1.5 million doses of meningitis vaccines. Osotimehin said government was working towards preventing possible major meningitis outbreak in March and had set up machinery to contain it. The recent outbreaks have reportedly claimed over 15 lives this year, while more than 30 persons were killed and over 229 others hospitalized in 2008. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Isa Umar, emphasised the need for the people to immediately report any suspected case of cerebra spinal Meningitis or fever, catarrh and stiffness of the neck to the nearest medical centre.

Nigeria Set to Make APCs and Rifles

The Director General of the Defence Industrial Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Nnaemeka Maduegbunam, said penultimate weekend in Kaduna that the corporation and the Nigerian Army, would soon produce Nigerian made Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC). The DICON boss also said that the corporation would soon embark on the mass production of ammunition of AK47 rifles. According to him, a Chinese company, China New Era Group, had been contracted to establish the production line with funding from the PTDF, adding that the Federal Government approved the production line late October last year.

Mass Retirements to Hit Police Soon

There are indications that the high authority of the Nigeria police is set to retire about 28 senior police officers who have been presented with their retirement notice in a wave of mass retirements soon to hit the Police. The retirement of the senior officers which is seen as a prelude to the retirement of about 100 other policemen of various categories, is due to their attaining the age of 60 years or having met the 35 years in service as contained in the civil service rules.

NNPC to Remit N100bn into Federation Account

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been ordered to pay N100 billion into the Federation Account. The amount was the difference between the oil revenue collected by the corporation on behalf of the Federal Government and what was actually paid into the Federation Account over a period of time. Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, disclosed this in Abuja

Nigeria Loses Oil, Gas Investments to Angola, Ghana

There are strong indications that investment inflow to the Nigerian oil industry has started dwindling as foreign investors now choose Angola and Ghana over Nigeria for investments. This trend will threaten Nigeria’s capacity to grow its crude oil reserves and may also result in job cuts in the industry. Nigeria is targeting 40 billion barrels proven reserves by 2010. Analysts have identified insecurity in the Niger Delta and unstable fiscal policy as key reasons while investors are gradually leaving Nigeria for more stable business climes.

Four Die in Niger Communal Clash

Police in Niger State have arrested 12 persons in the recent bloody clash between Gada and Kasanga communities in Mashegu council of Niger state, which claimed four lives. The cause of the problem, according to sources, was relocation of a market from Gada to Kasanga. Gada community had instituted a legal action restraining the council from relocating the market. But when the market was eventually relocated, youths from Gada community were said to have mobilised and launched attack on Kasanga people. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Niger State Command, ASP Richard Oguche, confirmed the crisis.

NBA Pledges Better Criminal Justice Administration

The National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Rotimi Akeredolu, has stressed the determination of the NBA to ensure that the problems associated with the dispensation of justice on criminal matters are removed. He gave the assurance in a speech at the opening of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the association in Osun State. Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, has expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of cooperation by the judiciary in the prosecution of some former governors. She said there are many roadblocks erected on the path against the anti-corruption war.

IG to Assist Families of Slain Officers

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mike Okiro, has assured families of slain officers killed in the wake of the various armed robbery incidents across the country that the police will not abandon them. Okiro, who described the death of the affected policemen as a big loss to Nigeria, said the security arm is now battle ready to confront the dare-devil robbers. He gave the assurance that all the officers who died in the course of duty would be given special recognition by the police authorities to boost the morale of other colleagues and Nigerians at large.

Aviation Workers Threaten Strike

Twenty-Four hours after the Federal Government sacked the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Ado Sanusi and 15 other directors, workers in the aviation sector are warming up for a strike over alleged pay disparity and conditions of service. Through their various unions, the workers have asked their counterparts with some foreign airlines to join the strike from midnight of February 23, 2009 if the NAMA management failed heed to their demands.

Okiro Warns Police Chiefs

The Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, on Thursday read the riot act to senior police officers on the need to carry out orders issued by the Police High Command, warning that the authorities would sanction any police officer that misuses his powers or displays excesses of his authority. Okiro blamed the police chiefs for their failure to compel their subordinates to fall in line with the mission of ensuring a crime free society.  The police boss said that his directives on inspection of pending and abandoned case files at the Zonal/State CID'S must be enforced while that on the control of indiscriminate police actions that result in avoidable garnishee orders must be enforced as well.

Minister Warns against Toxic Waste Dump

Minister of Environment, John Odey, Thursday, said developing countries would face a major health crisis, unless stringent measures were taken to stop dumping of toxic wastes in their territories. He gave the warning at the on-going EU/African Environment Ministers’ meeting in Nairobi. The minister also said that dumping of the hazardous chemicals in the countries posed great danger to health of their citizens.  He noted that uncontrolled exposure and disposal methods of toxic wastes could cause brain damage and impair the peoples' reproductive systems and kidneys.

Mystery Fire Kills One, Renders Others Homeless

A mystery fire which broke out in Karkashi and two other villages in Kiyawa LGA of Jigawa State, Thursday claimed the life of seven-year old Hauwa’u Sabo as it destroyed property worth hundreds of thousands of naira and rendered scores homeless.  The fire outbreak, it was gathered, occurred in the afternoon in Masanawa, Karkashi and Garko villages, while most male residents were out conducting their various businesses leaving women to fight off the fire which was enhanced by the afternoon wind. Nobody could explain the cause of the fire as it was already blazing when it was noticed.

US Pledges More for Projects for Nigeria

The United States Mission in Nigeria has said its home government will continue to support Nigeria’s efforts on democracy, health, education, economic growth and trade, especially in agriculture and capacity building in the security sector. The mission also said the partnership between the US, Nigerian people and their governments would be strengthened.

Oando Acquires $53.5m Oil Rig

Oando Plc, an indigenous company in both upstream and downstream of the Nigerian petroleum industry, has acquired a $53.5 million oil rig, which would enable the company to drill in depths in excess of 30,000 feet in the Gulf of Guinea.  This emerged as ONGC Videsh (OVL), an Indian oil company, said it would send a team of experts to Nigeria to evaluate prospects of the two deepwater oil blocks offered by the Federal Government for a payment of $291 million.  The evaluation would enable the firm pick up a 60 per cent stake in blocks 321 and 323. The two exploration blocks have estimated in-place oil reserves of 5,550-12,950 million barrels and 4,430-9,550 million barrels.  Chief Executive Officer of Oando Energy Services, Mr. Uche Dimiri, said.

Alleged Murder: Police Arrest Star Witness in Court

The star witness of the police in the murder of the late chairman of kwali LGA, Saumuel Gwamna, in Abuja was arrested at an Abuja High court premises after he confessed that the police were forcing him to bear false witness. Mr Oni Adeyemi was forcibly taken away by armed policemen amidst sporadic gunshots. Adeyemi had penultimate week disclosed that he was tortured by the police to make statement and to be used as prosecution witness in the case. Justice Talba Abubakar ordered that the witness be produced in court hale and healthy within 24 hours. He also ordered the IGP to produce the FCT commissioner of police before the court to explain the effrontery exhibited by his men, who might have acted on instruction.

INTERNATIONAL

Germany Pledges Support for Iraq's Reconstruction

Germany's foreign minister has met with top Iraqi leaders in Baghdad and promised to help Iraq rebuild now that security has improved. Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit - the first by a German foreign minister since 1987 - followed a similar trip by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, penultimate week.

UN Tasks G20 Leaders on Climate Change

World leaders meeting in London in April should kick-start a "Green New Deal" to fight climate change and revive the crippled global economy on a sustainable basis, a major United Nations (UN) environment meeting has urged. High on the agenda for more than 100 environment ministers gathered in Kenya this week will be how to draw attention to "green" issues amid job losses and worldwide financial turmoil. UN climate scientists says rising greenhouse gas concentrations are stoking warming likely to cause floods, droughts, heat waves, rising seas and extinctions. More than 190 nations have agreed to negotiate a new global deal by the end of 2009 to succeed the UN's Kyoto Protocol, which sets carbon dioxide limits for 37 industrialized nations.

Gunmen Attack Equatorial Guinea's Capital

Gunmen in motor boats, Tuesday, attacked oil-producing Equatorial Guinea's island capital, triggering a fire-fight with government forces. Equatorial Guinean government spokesman Jeronimo Osa as blaming the attack on an armed group operating in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea around Nigeria's Niger Delta. Gunmen from the region have previously launched sea-borne attacks on Cameroun and Equatorial Guinea. The country has suffered decades of instability and in 2004 dozens of foreign mercenaries were caught trying to overthrow the president. The gunmen's objective was not immediately clear.

Founder of Islamic TV Station Accused of Beheading Wife

The founder of an Islamic television station in New York aimed at countering Muslim stereotypes has confessed to beheading his wife, authorities said. Muzzammil Hassan was charged with murder after police found the decapitated body of his wife, Aasiya Hassan, at the Bridges TV station in the Buffalo suburb of Orchard Park. Hassan was arrested Thursday. His slain wife had filed for divorce January 6, and police had responded to several domestic violence calls at the couple's home, police authorities said. Hassan reportedly went to the police station after his wife's death and confessed to killing her.

12 Killed as Bus Plunges into Gorge in India

A bus carrying several Hindu pilgrims fell into a gorge in southern India Tuesday, killing twelve and injuring 41 people, authorities said. The bus was headed for a Hindu temple when it fell 20 feet down from a bridge, authority added. Officials could not immediately say what caused the crash.

ECOWAS Members Adopt Plans for Arms Control

Officials of ECOWAS Commission and member states have adopted plans for the implementation of regional programmes, particularly the control of small arms. The body recommended establishment of a consultative framework to improve coordination among various institutions involved using an agreeable mechanism to improve effective coordination and implementation of ECOWAS programmes. Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Jean de Dieu Somda, stressed the need to consider the potential contribution of various stakeholders to the ratification on Small Arms and Light Weapons and its implementation as well as institution of the various structures for its proper functioning.

IMF Urges Global Cooperation to Save World Economy

President of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dominique Strauss-Khan, has painted a gloomy picture of the global economy, especially in 2009. However, he gave tips on how to weather the storm. The IMF boss advised governments and central banks to revisit the way they operate. He asserted that recent data on the world economy pointed to downside risks to IMF's latest forecasts, issued last month, which forecast global growth of 0.5 per cent in 2009, the weakest since World War Two. He urged that Governments around the world should improve co-operation and resist the temptation to work on their own as there were signs that this was beginning to happen.

West African Countries, a Hub of Drugs Flow

West Africa is now a major hub for the smuggling of cocaine from South America to Europe, according to a report by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). More cocaine seizures have been effected on the high seas of the Gulf of Guinea and on the African mainland, indicating that West Africa has become an important transit and stockpiling area for cocaine consignments from Latin America to Europe. However, the work done by Nigeria is reportedly stemming the tide with more discoveries, arrest and prosecutions, making her the most successful among many countries of Africa in the fight against drug abuse.

North Korea Accuses U.S. of Nuclear Action

North Korea has accused the United States of planning a nuclear attack. This comes just as U.S Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, arrived in Seoul for talks on defusing North Korea's military threat. North Korea has repeatedly threatened in recent weeks to reduce the South to ashes. Pyongyang is thought to be readying its longest-range missile for launch in what analysts say is a bid to grab the new U.S. administration's attention and pressure Seoul to ease up on its hard line. It was the latest in increasingly angry rhetoric by North Korea.

OPEC Implements 65% of Production Cuts

Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said at the weekend that its members have implemented nearly two-thirds of the production cuts of 4.2 million barrels per day (bpd) agreed last September. The group also indicated further reduction in its global demand estimates for 2009. OPEC members, excluding Iraq, have reduced their total oil output by 2.7 million bpd so far, 64.7 percent of the volume they agreed to cut back in two tranches since last September. OPEC said global oil consumption would shrink by 0.67 percent to 85.13 million bpd this year, lowering its previous forecast by 530,000 bpd.