Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 12

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GENERAL

Kaduna Refinery Begins Operations

There were anxieties and mixed with hope among businessmen, petroleum product marketers and residents of Kaduna as the KRPC commenced operations penultimate Sunday.  The hope of an increase in business activities in Kaduna State and the North in general has however been rekindled.

Nigeria Targets $20bn Investment In Gas

President Yar’Adua plans to raise $20-billion (N2.32-trillion) from energy companies to invest in harnessing gas reserves to solve the country’s chronic power crisis.

Missing Plane: Senators Want Top Aviation Officials Sacked

Senators, Wednesday, demanded the resignation of senior officials in the aviation sector following their failure to find the Wings Aviation plane four days after it went missing. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said they had elicited the assistance of Fulani cattlemen, hunters and farmers in the search for the plane.  Meanwhile The Federal Government has offered a N45m reward for any information leading to the discovery of the plane that disappeared on Saturday.

Oil, Gas: National Assembly to Investigate 1986 MoU

Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Hon. Tam Brisibe, has said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed to increase exploration activities for 15 years which lapsed in 2003, is presently being investigated by the National Assembly. Brisibe also disclosed that the Energy bill will soon receive the House's attention,adding that the national assembly will also pass the local content bill and harmonise it for presidential assent.

Belgore, Bankole, Fashola Advocate Police Overhaul

Immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Alfa Belgore, Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola,  have advocated for  restructuring of Nigeria Police Force (NPF), for  efficient service. This, they said is to reduce crime rate in the country and to re-orientate and members of the force.

Global Energy Signs N384m Production Contract On Oil Blocks 907, 917

Global Energy Company (GEC), a Nigerian international energy resources and infrastructure services group, recently signed Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) for OPL 917 and OPL 907.

Petroleum Engineers Hold Energy Forum For Media, Bankers In Lagos

A semi-yearly Energy Forum Series, designed to feature leading experts in the oil and gas industry to deliver lectures and workshops on burning and critical issues  in Nigeria and the world, is being put together by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The workshop is scheduled to hold at the Banquet Hall of Eko Hotels and Suites from 27 and 28 March 2008.

Okiro Ordered To Probe Kogi Mayhem

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, to investigate the crises which erupted in Kogi State before and after April 2007. Justice Babs Kuewumi gave the order while ruling on a suit filed by seven Action Congress (AC) chieftains seeking an order compelling the IGP “to arrest, investigate and prosecute some alleged culprits of the mayhem’’.

Police Train Anti-Terrorist Squad

The Nigeria Police Force, on Tuesday began the training of 308 of its officers on anti-terrorism. Also on Tuesday, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, urged members of the force to cooperate with the Police Reform Committee in its determination to make the force one of the best in the world.

African Leaders Escape Unhurt in Presidential Guards’ Brawl

A free-for-all fight by presidential guards at the opening ceremony of Africa’s largest mosque in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, culminated in several people sustaining injuries. Although none of the nine visiting African leaders was hurt, the clashes, however, put their lives in danger.

Ogbulafor Moves Against Ali, Dissolves PDI Board

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vincent Ogbulafor, on Wednesday moved against his predecessor, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, with the dissolution of the governing board of the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI). The PDI is the intellectual and resource department of the PDP.  Its governing council was inaugurated by the Ali-led executive on February 4, 2008.

PENGASSAN Calls Off Proposed Nationwide Strike

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Senior Staff Association has called off its proposed nationwide strike. The industrial action, which was scheduled to commence on Wednesday 10 am, was called off after an elongated meeting between the leadership of the association and representatives of the government.

Fuel Scarcity Hits Aviation Sector

Scores of air travellers were on Wednesday stranded at various airports across the country following the scarcity of aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A-1. The scarcity was noticeable mostly at the Lagos and Abuja airports, where the scarcity bit hardest.

Cameroun, Nigeria Sign Pact On Oil Boundaries

Nigeria and Cameroun have signed an agreement demarking their disputed borders in oil-rich coastal waters under the terms of an International Court of Justice ruling, the United Nations has said.

Government Gives Conditions To Increase Electricity Tariff

The Federal Government has said it will consider increasing electricity tariff only when electric power supply becomes sustainable and readily available to Nigerians.

NARD Gives Condition for Peace

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has said that the only way to put an end to the incessant doctors' strikes is for the government to create operational referral system in the health care institutions in such a way that, treatment could flow in sequence of primary, secondary to the tertiary health care.

SEC Orders Suspension of Trading in Afroil, Capital Oil Shares

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered the immediate suspension of trading in the shares of Afroil Plc and Capital Oil Plc on the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). SEC had last February commenced investigation into an alleged manipulation in the share prices of six companies.

Nigerians Join US Army
…Deployed to Iraq warfront

Hundreds of Nigerians, who joined the American Army as a quick path to citizenship are now fighting in Iraq as the country marks the fifth anniversary of the unpopular war. Pentagon officials have refused to release the number of those who may have been killed or injured in action, saying that those who are fighting in Iraq freely signed up “knowing the risks they face.”

Customs Impounds Vehicle, Contrabands

Customs operatives attached to the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ have impounded some vehicles conveying contraband goods to Nigeria. Some of the impounded vehicles were said to belong to some Local, State and Federal Government, Flourmills Limited, a transport company and a newspaper company.

Kwali Chairman’s Death: Traditional Ruler Fingers Vice Chairman

A traditional ruler in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Alhaji Shaban Audu Nizazo III, has accused the vice chairman of Kwali Area Council, Mallam Adamu Ashara for the gruesome murder of the late council chairman, Mr. Samuel Gwammna. The monarch alleged that Ashara, unhappy with his removal as the supervisory councilor for education, masterminded the killing of his boss

Arms Deal: ICPC to Quizes Ehindero

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC) is set to quiz former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero over allegations of corruption in the management of N557million for the purchase of arms for the police.  Two directors in the Ministry of Interior were recently arrested for allegedly diverting N27m out of the N557m vote for arms and ammunition.

Car Thieves In Police Net

The Bauchi police command have arrested nine persons suspected to be members of a notorious gang that specializes in car theft. The arrest was made when detectives from GRA police division acting on information discovered the hideouts of the suspected criminals at Federal Lowcost Estate and Tirwun village last weekend.

DPO Killed By Armed Robbers

Mr Shettima Alkali, the Divisional Police Officer for Gwoza Division in Gwoza LGA of Borno, was on Sunday killed by armed robbers.

S/African Robbers Attack A Nigerian

South African police have confirmed that a Nigerian businessman had been robbed in Johannesburg. Four gunmen on Wednesday held up the Nigerian as he stepped into the reception area of Westcliff hotel in Johannesburg, where he had booked a room. The hotel spokesperson said that two other guests were also robbed.

Nigeria, EU Parley on Corruption, N’Delta

Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have commenced discussions on how to tackle development challenges centered on corruption, Niger Delta and good governance.

FG Explains High Cost of LPG

Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah, has attributed constant rise in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), to policies, formulated to favour gas export more than domestic consumption. According to him, Nigeria's natural gas reserves is estimated to be about 184 trillion cubic feet, and almost 40 per cent of these reserves are not available in the short term, as they are stranded in gas caps and not accessible until after the production of oil.

NIPOST Seizes N28bn Fake Currencies

The Postmaster General, Mallam Ibrahim Mori Baba, has revealed that the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) last year intercepted over 100 forged certificates and fake currencies amounting to N28, 810, 230, 644.80. The agency also intercepted 7,831 scam letters meant to defraud international businessmen and investors.

Waziri May Replace Ribadu As EFCC Boss

Baring any last-minute changes, The Presidency may soon submit the name of Mrs. Farida Waziri, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, to the Senate for confirmation as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Waziri headed the investigation department of the police before she bowed out of service.

Nigeria Laments Non-Implementation Of Durban Human Rights Declaration

Since the World Conference on Racism and Related Intolerance was held in Durban, South Africa, seven years ago, the Declaration and Programme of Action has not been implemented, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Minister of Foreign Affairs has said. He regretted that there has been perceived design to scuttle and reverse the gains of Durban.

IGP Tasks Police Border Patrol Commanders on Incursion

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro has charged the Nigeria Police Border Patrol Officers to ensure they prevent the incursion of criminals into Nigeria from Neigbouring countries.

Senator Allays Fears on Withheld NDDC Fund

Senator Heinekin Loikpobiri said that he is optimistic that the over N200bn owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the FG will be released, as he disagreed with President Yar'Adua that the fund has elapsed.

34 Unregistered Firms Got N6.2bn Power Contracts

The House of Representatives on Monday said 34 unregistered companies got contracts worth N6.2 billion from the Ministry of Power and Steel under the leadership of Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who is now the Governor of Ondo State and such contracts were awarded by the Minister and the Presidency.

Motor Insurance Policy Defaulters to Pay N250, 000

Frequency of accidents on Nigerian roads has propelled the National Insurance Commission (NICOM) into emphasising the urgency for all vehicle owners to embrace the Motor Insurance Policy. Driving a vehicle on Nigerian roads without genuine insurance cover is an offence under the law, and is punishable by a penalty of N250, 000, one year imprisonment or both.

Nigerian Varsities Unable to Access $180m W’Bank Funds

A staff of the Federal ministry of Education, Mrs Mercy Agunbiade, has said that no tertiary institution has been able to access World Bank's $180 million grant approved for science and technology education in Nigeria. The Fund has been lying fallow, due to failure of the institutions and researchers to submit proposals that meet the minimum requirements before grants are disbursed.

Unilorin 49 Won’t Be Recalled, Says NUC

Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Julius Okojie, said on Monday that the FG would not recall the 49 lecturers sacked by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN). Okojie said that the lecturers were retired and their benefits have been paid. But the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) faulted Okojie's submission, saying they were sacked and not retired.

Nigeria Ranks 20th On Global Hunger Index

Despite averaging over 0.49 per cent growth since 2000, Nigeria has achieved less than half of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal targets in hunger and is 20th on the Global Hunger Index of 118 countries.

Nigerian HIV Patients Killed in Libya’

The General Manager, Sea Squard Records Limited, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwabufor, has raised the alarm that Nigerians living with HIV/AIDs are being killed by some doctors in Libya. He called on the Government to urgently stop this trend, lamenting that the Nigerian embassy in Libya had done nothing about that.

No plan to withhold N242bn NDDC fund —FG

The Federal Government, weekend, doused the growing anxiety in the Niger Delta triggered by its alleged withholding of N242 billion fund, of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on the excuse that the allocation had expired, saying it never contemplated any such action to confiscate funds that are constitutionally approved for any agency.

Nigeria’s Non-oil Export Hits $1.38bn in 2007

The Federal Government has put the value of non-oil export from Nigeria in 2007 at about $1.38 billion, up from the $751.5 million announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2006. The $628.4 million increase represents about 45.5 Per cent growth in the nation’s income from non-oil products.

Group Flays Multinationals over Local Content

Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) on Monday raised alarm that multinational companies in the oil and gas industry are out to sabotage the Federal Government's local content drive, on the excuse that it gives too much to indigenous firms. The Association believes that the policy was the surest way to develop indigenous capacity.

Senate Moves to Reform Judicial System

Chairman, Human Rights Committee of the Senate, Senator Umaru Dahiru, Monday, said the intention of the Senate to initiate a reform in the judicial sector would transform it from its current crude state to a technology-driven sector. According to him, all his committee members are lawyers who know very well that the judiciary is in dire need of reform and thus require urgent measures to reposition the sector.

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Oil Spill: Akpabio Sets Up Committee

In orderto forestall an imminent clash between Mobil Producing Nigeria and some coastal communities in Ibeno LGA of Akwa Ibom State, the State government has taken a decisive action by intervening in claims of an oil spill which purportedly occurred two weeks ago. The governor has announced the formation of a Committee to liaise with experts and authorities of Mobil Producing Nigeria to determine the claims of the spill.

Trial of Okirika royal father: Prosecution witness shot dead

Gunmen have shot dead a prosecution witness in the on-going trial of the Amayanabo of Koniju, Okrika, Captain Neimi Oputibeya X, for alleged cultism. It was gathered that Prince Gemel Obom had until his death received series of death threats. He was killed on penultimate Sunday before he was scheduled to testify before the court. He was also said to be a key informant in the headway made by the JTF in the fight against cultism in the state.

Mobil Oil Spill Blamed on Technical Fault

The recent oil "sheen" reported by the management of ExxonMobil has been traced to a technical defect in the pipeline at Qua Iboe Terminal, Ibeno. According to the Joint Venture Manager, the integrity and dynamics checks on the Idoho pipeline were done two weeks before the March 7 incident.

Electrician Electrocuted in Eket

A middle-aged man, who specialised in restoring electricity supply to disconnected houses, was at the recently electrocuted at Okon in Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom. Jackson Inyang, an electrician, met his untimely death while restoring power from a high tension cable to a private residence.

JTF Foils Pirate Attack

Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in Rivers State on Wednesday, foiled a pirate attack on passenger boat plying Port Harcourt- Bonny route, on Wednesday after a gun battle after which pirates the took to their heels. No casualty was recorded.

Kidnappers Threaten To Kill Bayelsa Lawmaker's Wife

Kidnappers of Mrs. Dorathy Otele, the wife of Franklin Otele, a Bayelsa State House of Assembly member, have threatened to kill her except they are paid N200 million ransom being demanded. Six gunmen dressed in police uniforms on Tuesday went to Mrs. Otele's hairdressing salon in Port Harcourt and kidnapped her.

PDP Recruited Ateke Tom to Win Polls, Royal Father Confesses

The Amanyanabo of Koniju, King Captain Nemi Oputibeya Iyala, currently on trial has confessed that Ateke Tom, a militia leader in Okrika, Rivers State was recruited by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to help secure victory for the party in the area in the 1999 general polls. The monarch who was also alleged to be sponsoring cultism in Okrika, allegedly confessed to the crimes.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Soldiers, Armoured Tanks Deployed In Benin

Ahead of the judgment on Thursday of the Election Petitions Tribunal in Edo State for the April 2007 governorship election in the state, security has been beefed up in Benin city. About 5,000 soldiers, 50 amoured tanks and 3,000 mobile policemen have been deployed to strategic areas of the state capital to forestall breakdown of law and order after the judgment.

Delta Riverine Communities Warn Oil Thieves

Leaders in Riverine communities of Delta State have pledged to collaborate with Joint Task Force (JTF) to checkmate the nefarious activities of oil thieves. They have also warned the perpetrators of the crime to leave their area or face the wrath of the community.

JTF Trails Arms Depot in Warri, Effurun

Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Brigadier General Nanven Rimtip says the military is on the trail of a large cache of arms, moved to some parts of Warri and Effurun by some criminals to disturb the peace in Delta State. Rimtip further stated that the JTF would not watch hoodlums disturb the peace that has returned to Warri and environs.

NGC to Shut Gas Supply to Egbin Power Station

The Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) has announced that it will shut down gas supply to the Egbin thermal station from Thursday (today) to Friday to enable it evacuate accumulated condensate from the main pipeline, which runs from Warri to Egbin. This would affect power supply to many parts of the country.

Navy Curbs Oil Theft, To Buy Warships, Others

The Nigeria Navy has said it has cut down the volume of crude oil theft by militants and pirates from 80,000 barrels per day (bpd) to about 14,000 bpd in the Niger Delta. Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, who announced this, also said that the Presidency has approved the procurement of naval platform including middle class warships, patrol crafts and ammunition to beef up its strength.

Police Kill 4 Robbery Suspects In Edo

Four armed robbers were shot dead while four police officers sustained injuries, recently, when the robbers attacked a filing station at Ekpoma, Edo State.  The robbers numbering about five met their death after they dispossessed people of their money and other valuables, and snatched a jeep to ease their escape.  On getting the information, the police laid siege for them at the Benin by-pass and there was an exchange of gun fire.

NLC Threatens To Cripple Delta Govt's Activities

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has threatened to cripple government activities in Delta State by the end of March if the state government fails to address the non-payment issue of Warri South Council workers who are being owed three months salary arrears.

Shell Reschedules Forcados Cargoes

Royal Dutch Shell has said three cargos of its Nigerian Forcados crude have been delayed from April into May as production recovers from a shut-in. Nine Forcados cargoes were originally scheduled to load in April. Forcados production was cut in January after an oil export terminal was attacked.

Seven Die In Road Mishap

Seven traders are feared dead in a fatal motor accident at Agbor, along the Onitsha-Benin express way, while 12 others sustained injuries. The tyre of their vehicle was said to have burst, making the vehicle somersault severally. The traders were said to be on their way from Onitsha to Ondo state when the accident occurred.

Delta CJ Tasks Justices of Peace on honesty

The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Roseline Bozimo, on Monday threatened to sack any Justice of the Peace (JP) found wanting in the discharge of his or her duties, saying the appointment to the exalted office comes with enormous societal responsibilities.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Lagos Re-files Tobacco Suit

The Lagos State Government has re-filed its suit against tobacco companies at the Lagos High Court. The state government had on February 21, 2008 withdrawn an earlier suit. In the suit, the plaintiffs were seeking extensive judicial pronouncements that would regulate tobacco smoking, especially among the youths. They were also seeking special, general, punitive and anticipatory damages to the tune of N2.7 trillion from the defendants.

3 Die As Alao-Akala Wins At Tribunal

The Election Petition Tribunal in Ibadan on Monday upheld the election of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala as the elected governor of Oyo State in the April 14, 2007 governorship polls. However, no fewer than three people died in the wild jubilations that followed. But a dissenting judgment, delivered by Justice Wali Bashir, nullified the election based on non-compliance with electoral rules.

Four Masquerades, Six Others In Police Net Over Violent Clash

Ten men, including four masquerades, have been arrested for ‘malicious damage and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace’ as principal actors in a violent clash between rival factions of masquerades in Abeokuta after a fracas that reportedly claimed three lives and injured several others, destroying properties.

Car Snatchers Crash In Snatched Car

Azeez Dofunmi and Sherif Abiodun, two members of six man armed robbery gang, were arrested after they got involved in an accident with a stolen car. They had abandoned thecar and boarded a bus that had a policeman passenger, whose curiosity was alerted when he noticed some developments. He then apprehended the duo after the other four had escaped.

Itsekiri Youths Move To Uphold Peace

Itsekiri Youths across the country have set up a Committee to sustain the existing peace in Warri kingdom, further unite the people and project the image of their ethnic nationality. The Itsekiri National Youth Council was able to bring together all the groups, which have agreed to henceforth speak with one voice.

894 Robbery Suspects In Police Net

About 894 armed robbery suspects were nabbed by the Lagos State police command, last month. Former commissioner of police, Mohammed Abubakar said that 779 suspects have been prosecuted, while eight lost their lives in gun duels with the police.

Suspect In Illegal Detention Reports To Police

The prime suspect in the illegal detention of a physically challenged girl in Ibadan, Mrs Gladys Idogo, has submitted herself to the police. Idogo was interrogated, along with three other suspects earlier arrested over the incident.  She confessed that she actually picked up the girl from the streets about 15 years ago.

NDLEA: Drug Baron Bags 20-Year Jail Term

A drug baron, Akindele Ikumoluyi was on Tuesday sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos, for exporting and importing 11kg of cocaine. The judge sentenced Ikumoluyi to five years imprisonment on each of the four charges preferred against him but said the sentences would run concurrently from the date of his arrest.

Soldiers, Lastma Officials Clash In Lagos

Several people were on Thursday severely injured and lots of vehicles damaged as soldiers clashed with officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and policemen in Oshodi, Lagos State. The fracas started when LASTMA officials stopped a bus conveying a soldier for flouting traffic rules.

Mobile Policeman, 3 Others Die In Toll Gate Robbery Attack

Men of the underworld on Thursday unleashed terror on innocent Nigerians at the old Toll Gate in Ogere Remo area of Ogun State, causing pandemonium which led to the death of a mobile policeman and three others. The incident lasted for several hours as people ran helter-skelter for dear lives.