Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 14

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GENERAL

MEND Issues Ultimatum

Threats of unrest loomed again in the Niger Delta as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Monday, gave organisations operating in the region up to May 28 to withdraw. One of MEND’s frontline commanders, Akpos Nabena, said that the option was being forced upon the group by government’s refusal to honour documents giving people of the region the right of self-determination.

JTF Mounts 24hrs Surveillance on Notorious Bunkering Spots

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has said that its recent success in smashing bunkering in most parts of the Niger Delta was because the force now monitors most of the notorious criminal spots in the region for 24 hours. JTF spokesman, Major Omale Ochagwuba said that there was no longer any hiding place for bunkering and kidnappers in the region as the force was now fully prepared.

World Oil Demand To Skyrocket By 1.2m Barrels Per Day

United States Energy Department has reported that World oil demand will skyrocket by 1.2 million barrels a day in 2008 even with declining consumption by U.S citizens. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) also said that there is a high probability that oil remains at an average of $101 a barrel this year.

Okah’s Secret Trial Will Heighten Tension In Niger Delta –Aturu Warns FG

Lagos based human rights activist, Barister Bamidele Aturu, has warned the Federal Government against trying the Niger Delta warlord, Henry Okah, in secret, as that would heighten the tension in the Niger Delta area. Aturu also said that there can be no moral justification for a secret trial in this country in this century.

Six Robbery Suspects Escape From Gusau Prison

Six armed robbery suspects awaiting trial for over three years at Gusau medium security prison in Zamfara State have escaped from custody. The six escapees believed to be from Niger Republic, escaped from custody on Monday. They are Malami Danbatto, Aliyu Buda, Chidi Alhaji Garba Kusa, Mohammed Kadir, Mohammed Wantau and Bande Kwaire.

Why Bellview Plane Crashed In 2005, by FBI

Fresh facts emerged, Monday, that the 2005 Bellview plane crash in Ogun State was probably caused by a low level explosion, according to preliminary findings by a team of United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. A Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Belleview Airlines had crashed on October 22, 2005, killing 117 passengers, barely three minutes after take-off.

Oil Prices Hit New Records At $112 Per Barrel

Crude oil set yet another record at $112 a barrel on Wednesday in the futures market. The United State’s Department of Energy Information Administration (EIA) report also said crude oil supplies fell by 3.2 million barrels last week against a 2.4 million forecast.

Benue Communal Clash Claims 10 Lives, Over 100 Houses Destroyed

The renewed communal clash between the peasant communities in Gwer West and Konshisha LGAs of Benue state has claimed not less than 10 lives.

Cyber Crimes: Nigeria Is Weakest Link in Global Security’

Nigeria is the weakest link in the cyber security chain world-wide and unless the global community comes to its rescue, the rest of the world would equally not be secure, according to the Minster of Science and Technology, Mrs. Grace Ekpihwre.

EFCC Prosecutes 250, Recovers $500bn

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has convicted 250 people and recovered over $500billion in cash and property with over 1,000 cases pending while daily complaints remains at about 300 in its five years of operation.

EFCC Probes Past Govts On $500bn Oil Revenue

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it would soon carry out a critical examination into what past administrations in the country did with the $500 billion generated from oil in the last 50 years.

US May Dump Nigeria's Oil

America may have begun shopping elsewhere for oil as it rates Nigeria too unstable a supplier. The US had initially turned to Nigeria as an alternative to the volatile Middle East. Currently, Nigeria is the fourth largest supplier of oil to the US.

Police Commission Orders Okiro To Recall Sacked DIG

Police Service Commission (PSC) has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, to withdraw his letter sacking a former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kieran Dudari, because he lacked the powers to sack him. Okiro recently retired Dudari from the force on allegation that he forged his entry into the force from 1947 to 1948 and later to 1949.

Firm Plans Refinery, To Sell Fuel At N50 Per Litre

An indigenous firm, BSM International Limited, has stated its readiness to begin refining of crude oil in the country at less than N50 pump price per litre. The company is coming into Nigeria with transportable system of filling stations.

Shoreline Energy Acquires QITC Ltd

Shoreline Energy International, a leading infrastructure and energy group, in Sub-Saharan Africa has acquired 60 per cent majority stake in Quality Inspection Testing Certificate Limited (QITC). The acquisition, according to a statement, complemented the group’s existing interests in Schlumberger Testing and Production (Nigeria).

Robber Bites Off Council Official’s Ear

A member of a three man armed robbery gang has bitten off part of a victim’s left ear after the robber was said to have been overpowered by the victim in a duel. The victim, Alhaji Kyari Kaka, is the education secretary for Mobbar LGA of Bornu state.

8 Polytechnic Students In Court For Cultism

A magistrate court in Borno State, Friday ruled that eight students of the Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri; standing trial over their involvement in cult activities have cases to answer. The court ruled that the students belong to an illegal cult group, a crime punishable under sections 95, 96 and 97 (b) of the penal code.

Police Holds Two Over Cable Theft

Police in Adamawa State has arrested two persons and declared another wanted in connection with the massive theft of electrical cables that threw the state into darkness. The police alleged that the suspects cut about eight bundles of cables and stole more than 43 insulators, throwing parts of the state into total darkness.

72 Million Nigerians Lack Decent Housing, Says Minister

About 72 million Nigerians have no access to decent shelter, the Minister of State for Housing and Environment, Mr. Chuka Odom, has said. He added that bridging the gap would require the provision of 12 to 16 million housing units. In a related development, the minister of Energy (Power) has said that 60 percent of Nigerians do not have access to electricity.

Reps Move To Amend Tobacco Smoking Control Act

Moves to amend the Tobacco Smoking Control Act of 1999 have been perfected as a bill to that effect will soon be passed at the National Assembly. The bill has passed the second reading at the Federal House of Representatives.

NNPC, IPMAN Settle N17bn Dispute

As the nation groans under the crippling effects of fuel scarcity, the end may be in sight with the resolution of the delayed release of the N17 billion owed Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). The association is believed to be behind the current dearth of petroleum products as the marketers failed to lift products owing to the debt.

New Naval Acquisitions Not For Offensive Activities -Adekeye

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, on Monday explained that the planned delivery of new acquisitions for the Nigerian Navy were not meant to carry out offensive activities on Nigerian waters, especially in the Niger Delta area. Adekeye said the acquisitions were to create conducive atmosphere for the passage of goods and services, offshore exploratory activities and for fishing trawlers.

Radar Equipment Wastes Away At Sea-Port

The multi-billion naira Total Radar for Nigeria (TRACON) is idling away at the Apapa Wharf, Lagos, owing to the inability of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to clear the equipment since November. The port authorities, it was learnt have perfected plans to auction it off in order to decongest the port.

U.S. Worries Over Nigeria's Oil Supply

Worries of persistent political crisis and concern for what has been described as Nigeria's growing inability to make available surplus oil supplies in the international market have been expressed by the United States (U.S.). However, they were cheery that natural gas supplies from Nigeria next year have been projected to boost their gas supplies.

Bad Fuel: We Have No Test Labs —DPR

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) statutorily mandated to test and issue Quality Control Certificates for refined petroleum products, Tuesday, told the House of Representatives that it (DPR) had no laboratories or equipment to carryout its mandate, hence the over-flooding of  the country with bio-fuels.

EFCC Seeks Abolition Of Multiple Banks Accounts

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has called for abolition of multiple banks accounts by the three tiers of governments and corporate individuals, saying the practices promotes money laundering and other financial crimes in the country. The Acting Chairman, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, urged financial institutions to promote strict a credit administration to discourage local and state governments from operating multiple accounts.

Probe Obasanjo Or Risk Mass Action—NLC

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday in Bauchi State gave indication of its plans to mobilise and lead a mass action to compel President Yar’Adua to probe the eight years of his immediate predecessor, Chief Obasanjo.  NLC also demanded that government should severely punish all those responsible for the current fuel scarcity in the country.

MEND Alleges Plot To Poison Okah

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has raised alarm over an alleged plot to poison its detained leader, Henry Okah. Chief Edwin Clark has also called on the Government to stop the secret trial of Okah, otherwise he would be forced to drag the government to court. Clark, who noted that the Ijaws condemn any act of criminality and were not defending Okah, said that the Ijaws are only calling for justice.

President Rejects Report On Oil Sector Reforms

An interim report by the Oil and Gas Reforms Implementation Committee (OGIC) on the sweeping reforms in the oil and gas sector has been turned down by the Presidency. President Yar'Adua rejected the report because of the duplication of offices that emerged from the new firms and regulatory agencies created out of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other government-owned companies in the industry.

Chevron Eyes More Crude, Natural Gas Offshore Nigeria

Chevron Corporation has announced that major upstream capital projects offshore Nigeria, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and in Kazakhstan will deliver more crude oil and natural gas this year. Important projects in the Gulf of Mexico, the Sour Gas Injection/Second Generation Plant in Kazakhstan and Agbami in Nigeria - are planned to increase production capacity in 2008.

NNPC, Police Raid Illegal Dumps For Diesel, Kerosene

Three illegal dumps for petroleum products were raided on Monday in Abuja, by the officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Police. The Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, said such illegal activities are the root of the scarcity of the petroleum products.

SGBN: CBN Drops Plan to Appeal Court Ruling

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Tuesday said it would no longer appeal the rulings of the Federal High Court which invalidated its revocation of the operational license of Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria (SGBN). The CBN said their decision was mainly to protect the interest of the suffering depositors of the bank.

Measles, CSM Hit 10 Northern States
•Claim 400 lives in 3 months

A wave of measles and Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) is sweeping through some states in the northern part of the country. The diseases have claimed about 400 lives in the affected states.

Agric, Energy, Security to Dominate India-Africa Summit

As the first forum of India-Africa Leaders opened, Wednesday, in New Delhi, India, challenges in agriculture, human resources development, telecommunication technology as well as climatic change, energy and security will dominate the talks.

Yar’Adua Signs 2008 Budget

The 2008 Appropriation Bill has been signed into law by President Yar’Adua. This is part of the agreement reached between him and the National Assembly at a meeting held on Tuesday. They also agreed that Yar’Adua should, after signing the budget, present an amendment bill to the National Assembly on some agreed areas.

EFCC Arraigns Ex-Ministers on 56-Count Charge
•Iyabo At Large

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two former Ministers of Health, Prof. Adenike Grange and Gabriel Aduku at the FCT High Court alongside nine others on a 56-count charge. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello who is one of the accused persons was not in court and was declared to be at large by the EFCC. Those arraigned remain in EFCC custody until the next hearing on April 17.

CBN to Issue New Rules On Cash-In-Transit, Currency Sorting

After about two years of delay, the guidelines for Cash-In-Transit (CIT) and currency sorting operations for companies and banks will soon be released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The guidelines will signal the entrance of foreign firms in conjunction with their Nigerian counterparts into the new segment of the market, a development that will free the CBN from those chores and create employment for Nigerians.

US Congress Dumps NOPEC Bill

Indications have emerged that the Non Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act introduced into the US Congress last year have hit a brick wall. The NOPEC bill seeks to outlaw the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) and would empower companies to bring lawsuits against it in US law courts.

FG to Revive Automobile Industry

Nigeria is to embark on large-scale manufacture of motor vehicles under the new Nigerian Vehicle Project. Commerce and Industry Minister, Charles Ugwuh, however said that the focus will be on the manufacture of light vans, trucks and other vehicles required for mass movement of persons and goods.  He also disclosed plans to establish workshops and garages nationwide for the maintenance of vehicles in the country.

Virgin Nigeria Gets Approval on US Route

Virgin Nigeria has been granted approval by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to commence direct commercial flights from Lagos to various destinations in America. Virgin Nigeria is one of the three airlines approved by the Federal Government to fly to the United States. Others are Arik Air and Bellview Airlines.

Senate Probes Sale of FG Houses in Abuja
•Summons el-Rufai, Abba-Gana

The Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has summoned three former FCT Ministers to come and defend their actions with respect to land allocations,revocations and sale of FG houses during their tenure. The chairman of the committee said that over 230 petitions and memoranda had been received by the committee in respect of the seven-day public hearing that would begin soon.

S/Africa Police Apologises Over Shooting Of Nigerian

The South African police have apologised to the Nigerian Consulate over the shooting of a Nigerian, Abuchie Oseloka, by a police officer. The police have also invited the Nigerian community to a stakeholders meeting on Wednesday (today) to discuss the issue.

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Kidnap Lawmaker’s Wife

Gunmen, penultimate Sunday, in Port Harcourt, kidnapped the wife of Honourable Asita representing Ahoada Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The kidnappers reportedly called the lawmaker and apologized for the kidnap, claiming that it was a case of “mistaken identity”. They, however, asked Asita to give them a token for the release of his wife since they had incurred expenses in the process.

Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct 11-year-old Boy

Gunmen, penultimate Sunday, attacked a vehicle conveying the family of Mr Chidi Nzerem, the boss of DMS, an Oil and Gas company in Rivers State and abducted his 11-year-old son after killing his driver and a policeman attached to the family. They left his wife severely wounded with bullets.

Six Persons Arraigned Over Bishop’s Death

Six persons, including two young girls were recently arraigned by the State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Umuahia for allegedly killing Bishop Ogbonnaya Onyewububu, an Anglican Bishop. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the three count charge of possession of firearm, murder and robbery of the deceased and his sister, Mrs. Lilian Onyewububu on Nov. 4, last year.

Police Superintendent Assassinated In Imo

A police Superintendent (SP), Ikechukwu Duru, was on Wednesday assassinated by in Owerri, Imo state. He was returning to his station at Anambra with his wife when the incident happened.  The Imo State Police confirmed the incident, saying the command has already started full investigations.

IPMAN Executive’s Kids Kidnapped in PH

Two toddlers, Francis and Deborah, children of an Executive of the Independent Marketers Association, Mr. Uduak Sunday Effiong were kidnapped by armed robbers who stormed his Aleto Eleme home, penultimate Friday.  The robbers after ransacking the house, allegedly asked Effiong to pay them N10million cash, which he did not have.

New Militant Group Emerges in Niger Delta

Anew group of militant youths has emerged and they are threatening to deal deadlier blows on the Nigerian state, if the government insists on trying Okah in camera. The group, Musketeers is a breakaway faction from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Succession: Police Seal Council HQTRS

Antiriot police on Friday sealed off the headquarters of the Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State, ordering the staff out of their offices. This followed the reinstatement of the former chairman of the council, Chief Oshieze Vincent Ehirim, by the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt.  The court had on Tuesday April 8, 2008 ruled that the three-year tenure of Chief Oshieze Ehirim as the executive chairman of the Council commenced on the 24th of June 2005, the date of his second swearing-in and not 13th April 2004.

Police Rescue Kid From Ritual Killers

Police in Imo State have arrested two people for kidnapping one Ifeoma Mmerichukwu, an eight-year old girl, at Mbaitoli LGA on Wednesday.  The kidnappers became unlucky when police detectives trailed them to Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the state where he was arrested.

Man Beheaded In Onitsha

A yet to be identified headless body was discovered in Onitsha, Anambra State on Monday morning.  The body was found in front of Ministry of works opposite Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. A team of detectives have already swung into action to get the perpetrators.

Akpabio Denies Threatening Igbokwe's Life

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godwill Obot Akpabio, has denied threatening the life of a foremost Nigerian musician, Chief (Mrs.) Christy Essien Igbokwe and her family. Mrs. Igbokwe had in a letter alleged that there was a threat to her life and her family by agents working for him (the governor).

Bakassi: Resettlement Committee Inaugurated

In a bid to alleviate the problems of Cross Riverians from Bakassi who were displaced following the International Court Of Justice (ICJ) Judgment that ceded the territory to Cameroon, the state government has inaugurated a fifteen member committee to look into the issue.  Nigeria has barely five months from August 2008 to completely withdraw its authority from the Peninsula.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

JTF Arrests Youth Leader In Delta With Illegal Arms

Operatives of the Joint Task Force have arrested a prominent youth leader in Ekpan area of Delta State with a cache of arms and ammunition. Chief Newton Agbofodoh, was arrested during a cordon and search operation on Monday by the JTF following intelligence report that he had an amoury in his house.

Military High Command To Secure Oil Pipelines Nationwide

A fresh security arrangement to secure the nation's network of pipelines is underway following persistent vandalism by oil thieves and militants in the Niger Delta. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Luka Yusuf and his Navy counterpart, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, gave this hint while on a working visit to Escravos, Delta State, to inspect oil pipelines in the area.

Group Protests Chevron’s Employment Of Expatriate

Nigeria National Filters Association, Delta zone has protested the employment of expatriate filters by the Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operations in the state when there are qualified indigenous filters and its efforts to get the company to correct the situation were rebuffed.

Commotion In Delta Assembly, Dep Speaker Suspended

A Band of thugs on Monday invaded the Delta State House of Assembly to prevent moves to impeach the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Funkekeme Solomon. The commotion led to the manhandling of a former Speaker, Mr. Frank Enekorogha.
Mobile policemen were drafted there to maintain peace.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Two AC Supporters Shot in Ekiti House Crisis

Two Action Congress (AC) loyalists in Ekiti State were on Monday shot in a mob action to stop the House of Assembly from constituting the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). They were said to have been shot by the House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Femi Bamisile. The incident triggered a showdown between AC supporters and those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Gunmen Kill Industrialist in Akure

Gunmen have killed an Akure based industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Joshua Fagbola, 73, popularly called "Titilayo". It was gathered that one of his relatives known as Wale also died after the attack at his residence.

Children Strangulate Octogenarian Father Over Land Proceeds

Two children of a 75-year-old man on Monday in Abeokuta strangulated their father, owing to their displeasure over the sharing formula of the proceeds from the sale of a land. The suspects are now police custody.

16 Filling Stations Closed For Hiking Prices

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State on Tuesday sealed-up the premises of 16 filling stations that allegedly sold petrol above the original pump price.

Lagos Seeks N7Trillion For Infrastructure Development

The Lagos State government currently requires over N7 trillion to build infrastructures and upgrade ageing ones to meet the demands of the city. The state government has also said it is uncomfortable with the recent classification of Lagos as Africa's second most expensive city and the 59th in the world.

Police Take Custody Of Ekiti Asembly's Mace

Following the violence at Ekiti State Assembly, the state police command has taken custody of the symbol of authority in the assembly, the mace. The mace was handed over to the police on Monday by the leader of the Action Congress (AC) lawmakers, Mr Funminiyi Afuye who insisted that the mace could only be released after the stakeholders had sorted out their disagreement.

AC Seeks Trial Of Ekiti Speaker Over Alleged Shooting

A call was made on Wednesday by the Action Congress (AC) in Ekiti State for the prosecution of the Speaker of the State Assembly, Mr. Femi Bamisile, over the shooting of two of its members on Monday during a protest against the screening of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). Bamisile has denied shooting the AC members.

Armed Robbers Kill Man, Injure Three Others In Failed N4 Million Heist

Tragedy struck in the Isolo, Lagos state on Tuesday when armed robbers killed one person and wounded three others in an attempt to steal money estimated at over N4million. The deceased, simply known as Owode, and three of his customers, were returning from a bank when the robbers stopped them and tried to force open the boot of the car in order to carry the money. But when they saw people running towards them, shouting, they abandoned the money and escaped," he said.

Six Feared Dead As Aworis, Egbas Clash

Pandemonium broke out, Tuesday in Ota, Ogun State when the indigenous Aworis clashed with the Egba over some chieftaincy disputes. No fewer than 6 persons lay dead and 20 others badly injured including an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the clash. Vehicular movement in the commercial town was hindered and all shops closed and the streets deserted.

Osun Police Chief Reads Riot Act To Officers Over Crime

Osun State Police Commissioner, Mr. John Moronike, on Monday read the Riot Act to top police officers who man divisions in the state to check activities of hoodlums who rob banks and innocent citizens or be prepared to face the music. The warning came on the heels of increasing rate of armed robbery which has put the integrity of policemen at stake.

Unknown Gunmen Kill Oil Dealer in Ibadan

An Ibadan-based oil dealer, Mr Gbenga Taiwo, was shot dead on Tuesday by unknown gunmen at his residence in Ibadan. There was no report of stolen items.
Meanwhile, the police have arrested two people in connection with the assassination.

Ekiti To Pay Medical Bills Of Robbery Victims

Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni, has visited victims of a recent armed robbery incident with a pledge that government would off-set the medical bills of the victims who are receiving treatment at the State Specialist Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.

Four Men In Court For Forgery

Oyo State chief magistrate’s court has arraigned 4 persons on a two count charge of conspiracy and forgery, an offence contrary to and punishable under section 467 (b) of the criminal code cap 38 vol.2, laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000. The four accused persons were also alleged to have forged and issued to people the National Certificate of Education (NCE) of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education.

Death Penalty: Court To Hear Rev King’s Appeal On April 30

The Court of Appeal in Lagos on Thursday fixed April 30 for the hearing of an appeal by Emeka Ezeugo (a.k.a Rev King) against a death sentence passed on him. Ezeugo was in January 2007 convicted of murder and sentenced to death by hanging by Justice Joseph Oyewole of the High Court of Lagos, Ikeja Division.

Gaslink Okayed For Operations In Lagos

The main section of the Greater Lagos Phase III gas pipeline system operated by Gaslink Nigeria Limited a subsidiary of Oando Plc. has been certified ssafe for operations following a successfully conduction of hydrostatic pressure last month. With this exercise, the infrastructure has met with global technical specifications and environmental safety standards.