Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 22

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Repels Attack On Oil Vessel

Unknown gunmen on Thursday attacked a security vessel working with Total Oil Nigeria Limited along Bonny waterways in Rivers State.  The incident caused a serious gun battle between the Joint Military Task (JTF) and the hoodlums. It was, however, learnt that the hoodlums were overpowered by the men of JTF. The attack was not successful.

Rivers Govt Parades Alleged Hostage Takers

Eleven kidnappers arrested by the Rivers state Police Command were paraded on Thursday at a stakeholder’s forum of the state in Government House.  This was after governor Rotimi Amaechi in his opening remark had condemned kidnapping, saying it makes nonsense of the agitation by the region for attention. Among those paraded was a 70-year old man who allegedly connived with his son to abduct some children in the state.

MEND Claims Sabotage of Oil Facility, Troops' Death

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) on Monday said it has sabotaged a major oil flow station belonging to oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in River State and killed 11 soldiers it encountered during the operation. The group's spokesman, Jomo Gbomo said the attack was carried out in response to government's failure to "ensure peace, security and reconciliation in the Niger Delta region" after one year in office. However, the spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col. Sagir Musa confirmed the incident but denied the death of any soldier.

Police Arrest Robbers, Kidnappers In Imo

The Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has said that some armed robbers and kidnappers, who have been terrorising innocent citizens in the state, have been arrested by the police. Ohakim, who dropped the cheering news after commissioning some projects, reiterated his determination to make the state investor friendly.

Gunmen Kill PDP Chieftain

A landlord of Dutch oil giant, Shell in the highly volatile Cawthorne channel in Rivers State has been gruesomely murdered. Chief Idalah Pollyn who was also a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart was murdered by unknown gunmen on Wednesday night in his village, Kalibiam, a satellite community of Bonny Kingdom. No arrest was made. The Divisional Police Officer, Bonny, Mr Aliu Garba (CSP) confirmed the killing.

Sylva Inaugurated Amid Tight Security

Chief Timipre Sylva was on Tuesday evening inaugurated as the Governor of Bayelsa State for the second time, amid tight security by the officers and men of the Joint Task Force, Police, State Security Service and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.

Fire Outbreak At Port Harcourt Refinery

There was an alleged fire outbreak on Thursday at the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex, Rivers State. Although a source said that the fire started after midday on Thursday, the Manager, Public Affairs, Pipeline and Products Marketing Company, Mr. Ralph Ugwu, said there was no iota of truth in the story.

Erosion Cuts Off C/Rivers Communities

The seven local governments of northern and central Cross River State including Yala, Ogoja, Bekwarra, Obudu, Obanliku, Boki and Ikom have been cut off from the rest of the state following four gullies around Alise and Obubra community along the Calabar-Ikom-Katsina Ala Highway. Vehicular movement along the road has become impossible, causing travellers along the highway to remain stranded for upwards of four days, even as there may be no hope in sight.

Orji Bemoans Spate Of Kidnapping In Abia

The rising menace of kidnapping in Abia State has been most worrisome to the governor of Abia State, Dr. Theodore Orji, in his one year in office. Orji said that though this menace started about two months ago, it has remained the activity that has threatened the peace and cool atmosphere his government has enjoyed in the state since inception.

Amaechi Dares Militants, Vows To Demolish Their Houses

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of River state has vowed to demolish any building belonging to militants in the state. This is an apparent move to discourage ill-gotten wealth. The governor said this on Wednesday at a stake holders meeting in Government House.

Security Man Murders Boss In Rivers

The police in Rivers State have arrested a man, said to have murdered his employer, one Mrs. Esther Ebomode, a business woman, last Saturday and tried to steal her jeep and thousands of dollars. The command also informed of a shooting at Mile 3 Park Saturday night in which one person was reported dead and eight others severely injured.

Mitee Urges Focus On Core Niger Delta Problems

President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ledum Mitee, says the Federal Government cannot solve the security challenges in the Niger Delta without addressing the devastation of the environment, which threaten the people's existence. Mitee said that one of the prime drivers of the persistent conflict and insecurity in the region was the tendency by the state to conceive national security in terms of the military action and project it to prime position over everything else.

Imo Launches Anti-Crime Campaign

Worried by the upsurge of crime in the state, Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim has inaugurated the state chapter of the National Crime Prevention Campaign (NCPC). The governor charged the body to help fight crime in the state and make the state safe.

Akpabio Wants NDDC's Funds Released

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has appealed to the Federal Government to release the N326 billion it owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Witchcraft: Mother Sold Soldier Son at N800 in Akeddei

A sad case of alleged witchcraft played out at Akeddei Community in Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa state, after the alleged death of an army Lieutenant Colonel, who was a member of the community. Besides the Lieutenant Colonel, two others were beaten to death by some youths, while the mother of the soldier and her colleague in alleged witchcraft are said to be awaiting their penalty. When news filtered in that their army son had died in mysterious circumstances, the community embarked on a 'traditional investigation' and discovered that the mother of the soldier had 'spiritually' sold him for N800 to the representatives of a witchcraft society in the community.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Hoodlums Hijack Bullion Van in Delta

Armed hoodlums on Friday hijacked a bullion van conveying millions of naira from a commercial bank in Ughelli, Delta State. The hoodlums laid ambush for the bullion van, overpowered the bank personnel and the policemen on escort and made away with the bullion van. They also collected the rifles of the policemen.

Delta CP Orders DPOs to Hunt for MASSOB

Delta State acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jacob Oshiomogho, on Wednesday called on all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to go into surveillance for members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State Of Biafra (MASSOB) and get them arrested. The CP who made the call while reacting to the recent hoisting of Biafran flags in some parts of Asaba also called on members of the public to volunteer information on the whereabouts of the MASSOB members to the police.

N91.5m Snatched in Issele-Uku Bullion Van Robbery – Police

Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Jacob Oshiomogho said on Thursday in Asaba that investigation into the recent bullion van robbery on Asaba-Benin highway showed that the bandits stole the sum of N91.5 million. The bullion van was conveying money from one of the new generation banks from Anambra enroute Benin-City in Edo state when it was ambushed on the 13th of May between Ubulu-Okiti and Issele-Uku.

Police Parade Couple with Human Head

The Zone 5 Police Command in Benin on Wednesday paraded a couple, arrested with a human head in Asaba. The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), Mr Ebi Orubiri, said they were arrested on May 23 in Asaba. The couple, who appeared in white garments, held the human head during the parade. They are suspected to be members of a secret cult. Investigation is ongoing.

Hundreds of People Benefit from Nigeria Navy Free Medicare

Hundreds of people, Monday visited the Uvwie Local Government council Secretariat, Effurun, Delta state to take advantage of free medical services offered by the Nigerian Navy as part of the programme to mark this year's celebration of the Navy week.

Uduaghan Challenges Speaker, CJ over Child's Right Bill

Activities marking the 2008 National Children's Day celebrations climaxed in Delta State on Tuesday, with an appeal by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to parents not to see the child rights bill as a threat to their authority, but as a set of laws to protect and promote the overall well-being and development of children.

MEND Plans To Bomb Parts of Delta

The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND has threatened to bomb military installations, pipelines and oil installations in Delta State and has warned the people of the State to steer clear from these areas to avoid being hurt.

Oshiomhole Urges Vigilance to Save Nigerian Democracy

Immediate past President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, has appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and work towards the successful entrenchment of democratic values in the country, noting that despite certain imperfections, the country would fair better under a system that allows for electorate not only to elect but critically engage their chosen leaders.

Uduaghan Urges Peace, Unity

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Thursday, stressed the need to ensure that peace reigned supreme in the state.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Police CP Vows to Flush out Criminals

The new Commissioner of police for Lagos state, Alhaji Audu Abubakar, has assured the people of the state that he will do everything humanly possible to rid the state of criminals.

NDLEA Arrests 3 For Trafficking In Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 45-year-old man Amogu Ugbaja Kalu and two other suspects on Thursday for testing positive for drug ingestion at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA), Lagos. They tested positive for drug ingestion at the Lagos airport during routine check of passengers on KLM flight from Lagos to Amsterdam on their way to Athens where they live.

Nine Persons Injured in Another Pipeline Fire

Nine persons were severely burnt on Tuesday as a vandalised pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Mosimi, Ogun State caught fire. Those who sustained varying degrees of burns in the latest incident, which affected the Mosimi-Ibadan line, included five riot policemen attached to the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and four community security guards. The damaged pipeline supplies products to Ibadan and Ilorin depots, raising fears of imminent products shortage.

NAFDAC Seizes Fake Drugs At Ports

A container allegedly brought into the country with fake pharmaceutical products on May 15, 2008, at the Apapa Port has been impounded by the National Agency for Foods and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The drugs, billed for transportation to the Onitsha International Market, were seized and evacuated from Apapa Port to the NAFDAC office in Oshodi. But, nobody has been arrested in connection with the incident and no one has claimed ownership of the drugs.

NNPC Averts Another Pipeline Disaster In Lagos

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Tuesday, averted what could have been another fire disaster when a pipeline leakage was plugged at Mosan/Aboru community in Ipaja, Alimosho Local Council of Lagos State. The oil spill was discovered on Monday. NNPC officials said that the spillage would have been averted immediately on Monday, but every effort in that direction proved abortive due to a heavy downpour.

Lagos Consumers Revolt, Send Back Electricity Bills

A revolt of some sort in Lagos and other parts of the country among a section of power consumers may have commenced with their refusal to pay electricity bills of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) owing to the abysmal level of power generation, supply and distribution nationwide. In Lagos, many residents and businesses have threatened to discontinue the payment of the bills which according to them is fast becoming fraudulent.

Residents Decry High Incidence Of Car-Snatching

Residents of some areas in Lagos State have raised the alarm over what they called the increasing rate of car-snatching cases in the metropolis. But contrary to the claim, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Frank Mba, has said that the statistics at the command’s disposal showed a decline in such cases.

Water Tanker Set Ablaze

Another vehicle - a bus belonging to the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, The DAF water tanker, was burnt down on Saturday night by yet to be identified arsonists. The vehicle which the former governor uses to supply water freely to the people in the state was parked on the premises of Spotless Hotel, GRA area of the state capital where it was set on fire by the arsonists.

Gunmen Invade Archbishop Alaba Job's Residence, Injure Aides

Four gunmen on Wednesday stormed the Ibadan residence of the President, Conference of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, Archbishop Alaba Job and injured three of his aides. Though, it could not be confirmed whether the intruders were assassins or armed robbers, a source said that they were suspected to be assassins.

GENERAL

Police Parades Kidnappers of Wife of ABC Transport

Suspected kidnappers of the wife of Nigeria's transport mogul, Mr. Frank Nneji, who runs ABC transport, were on Thursday paraded by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro in Abuja. While parading the suspects, the IGP stated that the incidence of kidnapping has taken a front burner in recent times within the polity, noting that the ugly trend which was first noticed in the Niger Delta is fast spreading to other parts.

Panic in Minna as Prisoners Break Jail

Panic engulfed Minna, Niger State capital as over 12 criminals and suspects from both the Condemned and Awaiting Trial cells of the Old Prison in Minna broke jail and escaped from custody. They made their escape by cutting the burglary door of the prison last Thursday. Men of the Niger State Police Command, State Security Services and other security operatives were drafted to assist the Prisons authority in effecting the arrest of the escapees. Eight of them have been arrested.

EFCC Storms PEF over N1.7b Withdrawal

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last weekend stormed the office of the Police Equipment Fund (PEF) in Abuja. They removed files and machines. The EFCC was allegedly, battling to identify the beneficiaries of the N 1.7 billion withdrawn from a PEF account in December 2007.

Julius Berger Named in Bribe-for-Contract Scandal

Nigeria’s embarrassing reputation as a haven of bribe-for-contract scandals is set to be further damaged with the new revelations coming from Germany. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the civil engineering giant which dominates construction contracts in Nigeria, has been named as a conduit in the bribery of top officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – but the company has stoutly denied the allegation of being part of the alleged scandal.

Nigeria’s Debt Stock Now N2.681tr

Nigeria is currently carrying a total debt burden of N2.681 trillion, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has said. A breakdown of the nation’s debt portfolio from DMO revealed that external debt stock was $3.755 billion (N450.6 billion) at the end of   March 31, 2008, while the total domestic debt stood at N2.231 trillion. The level of the external debt was lower at $3.397 billion in September 2007 but increased slightly in December to $3.6 billion.

FG, States, LGs to Bear Cost Of Fuel Subsidy

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Emmanuel Paulker,  has said government proposal in this year’s budget, to spend over N300 billion on fuel subsidies would be borne by the three tiers of government. Paulker said the regime of subsidy would continue, until the petroleum sector was completely deregulated. But full operations by private refineries that would mark the complete deregulation of the sector is according to him, being hampered by lack of power.

Court Sentences Ethiopian Ex-Dictator to Death

Ethiopia's Supreme Court on Monday sentenced former dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam to death in his absence, along with 17 senior officials of his regime, overturning a previous life term on appeal. The court followed the request of the prosecution to toughen the sentence imposed in January 2007 on Mengistu, who has lived in comfortable exile in Zimbabwe since he was toppled in 1991. Mengistu, an army lieutenant colonel, ruled Ethiopia from 1974 at the head of a Marxist junta known as the Derg. The genocide charges arose from a crackdown against opponents in 1977-78 known as the Red Terror.

Burundi, Rebels Sign Ceasefire Deal

Burundi's government and last active rebel group on Monday signed an unconditional ceasefire agreement, raising hopes of a definitive end to the small central African nation's 15-year civil war.

Iran Chemical Plant Blaze Kills 30

An inferno at a chemical plant near the city of Arak in central Iran has killed 30 people and injured 38. A container, containing 60,000 litres of inflammable products, exploded during welding work nearby and the fire quickly spread. Some of the dead were burnt beyond recognition and 23 of the injured suffered severe burns.

Rising Oil Price Raises Fears of Global Air Fare Increases

With crude oil prices rising to an all-time high of $135 per barrel, there is palpable fear in the global aviation industry of further increases in air fares. Already, the increase in the price of crude oil has been forcing mergers and causing job losses, pay cuts and increase in air fares among stronger airlines in the United States (U.S.), Europe and some Asian countries. In Nigeria, airlines have for some time been considering a further increase in air fares to accommodate their overhead costs and other sundry charges.

NNPC, SPDC Sign $3.1bn Pact

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Tuesday sealed a $3.1bn financing agreement with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The signing is in furtherance of the corporation's effort to seek alternative funding for the development of the oil and gas sector.

Local Content: FG Faults Implementation

The Federal Government has picked holes in the implementation of the local content policy in the oil and gas industry, which was formulated by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Government is of the view that there are discrepancies between the jobs the government set aside for the local operators and the capacities that exist among them.

South Korea Protests Breach Of Oil Shipping Accord By NNPC

The recent oil shipment deal, undertaken by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), through a partnership arrangement with NIDAS International Limited and South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Limited (DSME), may have run into troubled waters.  One of the partners-DSME, through its home government, has complained of being short-changed by NNPC in the deal. Specifically, the Korean government is protesting against the NNPC's refusal to work in terms with the contractual agreement entered into in the lifting of the crude.

Breach of Due Process: Senate Panel Clears Waziri

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, a retired assistant inspector general of police, faced the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes to answer questions on whether or not she has resumed work at the Commission’s office when she has not been confirmed by the Senate as stipulated by the constitution.  But report of the committee, which was still being put together by the Committee Chairman by yesterday evening, according to preliminary feelers, points in the direction that a verdict of not guilty might be passed on Waziri, as she claimed she has not formally resumed work at the Commission

Hamman Ahmed Now Comptroller General of Customs

The Federal Government on Tuesday appointed a new Comptroller General of Customs. He is Alhaji Hamman Kajoli Ahmed. Ahmed replaced Mr. Jacob Gyang Buba whose four-year tenure has expired.

Senate Orders Investigation Into Death Of Troops

Lamenting the state of infrastructure in the country, the Senate, on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the accident that claimed the lives of 46 military personnel, who just returned from peacekeeping mission in the Sudan.The Senate resolution was upon strong misgivings upon the state of infrastructure in the country which the lawmakers said contributed to the fate of the deceased troops

Families Of 68 Slain Police Officers Get N30.5m Compensation

The Police high command, Tuesday, compensated families of 68 police officers who were either killed by armed robbers or met their untimely death in the performance of the duty of ensuring a crime free society with a total of N30.5 million with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ogbona Onovo urging the families to see the death of their loved ones as sacrifice to the nation.

Kaduna Police Arrest 50 Youths Over Lynching

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 50 youths for allegedly lynching one Kingsley Onu over the alleged disappearance of the manhood of one Israel Seth (25) at Jagindi-Tasha, Kafanchan, in the state.  The suspects were alleged to have invaded a police station in the area and forcefully removed the deceased who was in custody before lynching him and setting his shop and personal belongings ablaze. They later went back to the police station and also allegedly burnt it. However, the principal suspect, Seth whose claim of the ““stealing”” of his penis by Onu sparked off the violence, insisted in an interview with newsmen that though his organ had been restored, it has ceased to function.

30 Feared Dead As Bus Plunges Into River

At least 30 people are feared dead after a bus on Tuesday crashed into a river in the Eastern Cape town, near Durban, South Africa. Police spokesperson said that there are about 30 people still trapped inside the bus and paramedics are also treating patients at the scene. He explained that the driver of the bus was believed to have left his lane and went over a cliff into a river. As at the time of filing this report, further details were still sketchy but it is believed about 80 people were on the bus

Peacekeepers Are Abusing Children — Group

Children as young as six are being sexually abused by peacekeepers and aid workers, says a leading UK charity, save the children, has said. According to the charity, children in post-conflict areas are being abused by the very people drafted into such zones to help look after them. After research in Ivory Coast, southern Sudan and Haiti, the charity proposed an international watchdog be set up.

Naira May Gain Against Dollar On Govt Bond Sales

Nigeria’s naira may gain 0.1 per cent against the dollar this week to 117.7650, its strongest level in a month, as investors seek to fund purchases of government debt. The currency may appreciate as investors sell foreign exchange to purchase bonds that will be on sale on May 28, a Bloomberg News survey of five traders in Lagos showed.

Dana Airlines Set To Begin Operations

Dana Airlines is set to begin operations in Nigeria in the third quarter of 2008. A statement from the airline said that arrangements were being concluded for it to resume operations at the scheduled time.

UK to Return £40m Stolen Funds to Nigeria

The British government has expressed its willingness to return another £40 million stolen funds recovered from some Nigerian government officials. This is in addition to the £150,000 cheque handed over to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, last Wednesday.

NIPP: Gas Pipeline Ready in June

The Federal Government on Thursday said the nation’s power sector may get a major break next month when the construction of gas pipelines for the National Independent Power Projects plants commissioned by the Obasanjo administration would be completed. The Minister of State for Energy (Power) Fatima Balaraba Ibrahim said that the completion of the gas pipelines will help to increase the nation’s electricity generation capacity. The NIPP are located in Omotoso, Geregu, Papalanto and Alaoji in Ogun State.

PEF: Reps Want Martins, Others to Refund N1.5bn

The House of Representatives Committee which probed the allegation of fraud in the management of the Police Equipment Fund (PEF) has recommended that the National Coordinator of PEF, Mr Kenny Martins and his partners should refund the sum of N1.5billion illegally withdrawn fund. The report also recommended that "the N774 million paid to the firm of NIGERSTALG from the N7.7billion funds of the Presidential Committee on Police Equipment Fund for the benefit of Chief Kenny Martins, Ibrahim Dumuje and Mrs Dora Agharite (NIGERLSTAG) be paid back to the Nigeria Police Force.

S’Africa Govt Moves to Assist Victims Of Riot

The South African cabinet, Thursday, met in Pretoria to discuss an action plan for assisting victims of the violence directed against Nigerians and other African immigrants resident in the country. The meeting resolved just as the country reassured the Nigerian government that it would continue to encourage the growth of the "external diplomatic relations between the two countries. The cabinet meeting would approve plans to set up seven large camps which would house some 30,000 people who have been displaced during the xenophobic riots.

Africa's Air Passenger Traffic Drops

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recorded a drop in passenger traffic for April, showing that African carriers continued their free-fall with a 5.6 per cent contraction in traffic and an 8.7 per cent reduction in capacity. International cargo demand growth remained sluggish at 3.7 per cent, it noted. The association stated that April figures contained several distortions, adding that the impact of an early Easter holiday in 2008 would have reduced comparative year-on-year traffic growth by about two per cent in April.

PENGASSAN Threatens Protest Over Planned Job Cut in Shell

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that should Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) go ahead with its planned sack of 2,000 Nigerians of its 7,000 workforce, it would mobilise its workforce in the oil and gas sector for a protracted mass action against the plan.

Fake Drugs Violate Rights -Akunyili

Drugs counterfeiting is a high level of human rights abuse that compromises the quality of life, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Dora Akunyili, has said. Akunyili stated that NAFDAC would collaborate with the Human Rights Commission and anti-corruption agencies to ensure that the rights of Nigerians are respected.

France Donates To Human Trafficking Victims

To ease their re-integration into the society, the French government has donated rehabilitation materials worth N9 million to victims of human trafficking in Nigeria. Making the donation in Abuja yesterday, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Michel Dumond, said the assistance was in addition to rehabilitation of some 40 young girls in 2006 and 2007 in Niger and Kwara states.

Mobil Chief Wants Private Sector To Run Depots, Refineries

The Federal Government has been urged to enhance the free flow of petroleum products by divesting from the key-supporting infrastructure such as jetties, pipelines, depots and refineries. At the 30th yearly general meeting of Mobil Oil Nigeria (MON) Plc on Wednesday in Lagos, its Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Olumide Onakoya, said government's control of the facilities was behind fuel supply in the country.

FOI Act Will Be Used To Fight Corruption –Rep

The proposed Freedom of Information Act will be a general purpose tool for all Nigerians to fight corruption and will not be restricted for the use of the press, Rep. Chukwuma Umeoji (LP, Aguata, Anambra State) has said. Umeoji in a statement issued in Abuja while seeking support for the passage of the FOI Bill presently before the two chambers of the National Assembly said the FOI law would also serve as a platform for the public to monitor the press and free innocent legislators from speculations about their involvement in contracts.

Maduekwe Demands Amnesty For Nigerian Immigrants In Europe

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, has said that it is time for European countries to grant amnesty to Nigerians living in Europe without relevant travel documents. He said that the move would facilitate a stronger tie between Nigeria and Europe, particularly with regards to the strategic economic partnership.

Police Arrest 4 Security Men over Stolen Food Items

The police in Jigawa have arrested four night guards over the sudden disappearance of some food items from the kitchen of Government Senior Secondary School, Maigatari. The items, meant for the students of the school, include eight Jerry cans of palm oil, 14 Jerry cans of vegetable oil, four bags of rice and three bags of beans.