Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 27

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Five Feared Dead As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Rivers

Gunmen have beheaded a worker on a houseboat at the Shell Petroleum Development Company's (SPDC) Oloma flow station in Rivers State. Four other persons were also feared dead in a cross-fire between the gunmen and soldiers on Bonny Island. Military authorities disclosed that two of the dead were bandits. The incident has led to the deployment of more men of the Joint Task Force (JTF).

Gunmen Abduct Joseph Yobo’s Brother

Unknown gunmen, Saturday, abducted Norum Yobo, a brother to Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo. Norum, it was gathered, was abducted from the Rumuomasi area of Port Harcourt while returning to the hotel where he was lodging. No group had claimed responsibility for the act as at the time of filing this report but the men of the state’s police command had already gotten on the case.

Robbers Kill 6 In Anambra

An armed robbery gang on Thursday killed two mobile policemen and four civilians at Nimo, Njikoka LGA of Anambra State, a witness said. The gang reportedly ran into a Police check-point and opened fire, killing four civilians and two policemen.

Police Kill Secondary School Student

A 19-year-old Secondary school student, John Ukpong, was shot dead by policemen in Calabar, Cross River State. The teenager was shot dead close to his father’s residence when policemen, who raided the area, in search of criminals, allegedly started shooting sporadically. There has been tension over the incident as some residents are now up in arms, calling for justice against the suspected cops.

4 Die In Imo Erosion Disaster

Four people, including three children and an adult, have been confirmed dead, while property valued at over N2.6 billion have been washed away by erosion at Urualla, Ideato LGA of Imo State.

Two Illegal Petrol Merchants Arrested

Two persons suspected to be dealers in illegal petroleum products, last weekend, were arrested in Onitsha by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Army Day: Army Commences Free Medical Service In Imo

The 34 Field Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Obinze, has commenced free medical service at Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, as part of activities marking this year’s Army Day celebration. The officer in charge of the Brigade’s Medical Centre, Dr. (Capt) Mark Ogbudu, also said that they were involved in treating and counselling.

Anxiety Over Death Of Militant Leader

All is tense on the waters ways of Bayelsa State, following the unconfirmed death of a militant leader, Prince Igodo, and news of fresh military Troops deployment. The tension was worsened at the weekend when a medical doctor was kidnapped and killed in Ogbia LGA by unknown gunmen early Saturday. Igodo was reportedly wounded last weekend in a battle between him and a former subordinate, Ogumbos.

Policeman, Three Robbers Killed In P/Harcourt Gun Duel

Four persons, an Inspector and three robbers, were killed, Monday morning, when men of the Rivers State police command and a five-man robbery gang exchanged fire in Port Harcourt. A sergeant was injured during the encounter, while a robbery suspect, who sustained gunshot wound, was arrested and is helping the police in their investigation and the bid to arrest the fifth member of the gang.

Ex-Gov Arrested Over Murder

Former Anambra State governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, has been arrested over alleged forgery and conspiracy in the murder of former Nigerian Bar Association Chairman, Onitsha branch, Barnabas Igwe and his wife, Amaka. His desperate effort to stave off his arrest failed as the judge refused to grant order stopping the police from arresting him.

Presidency Orders Probe Of Late NBA Chairman's Murder

President Umaru Yar'Adua has ordered a fresh probe into the murder of the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Onitsha branch, Barnabas Igwe and his wife. A petition by some lawyers on the killing of the Igwes has also been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police, with a mandate to follow the leads and clues provided by the petitioners.

Power Outage Causes Diversion Of Lagos Flights To P/Harcourt

Lagos-bound flights were on Tuesday diverted to Port Harcourt for landing. This was as a result of power failure, which affected the radar and air traffic control at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Ado Sanusi, attributed it to a decision by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to cut power supply to the agency's facilities at the airport.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Failed Assassination Attempt: Delta Ex-Speaker Flown Abroad

Arrangements are underway to fly former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Daniel Igbrude who narrowly escaped death in the hands of suspected assassins abroad for treatment. Igbrude was shot by unknown gunmen while returning from Warri, penultimate Thursday, the same day the governor’s convoy was ambushed on Benin-Warri highway. His brother-in- law was shot dead in the attack.

US-Based Citizens Oppose Gambari At Niger Delta Summit

From home and in the diaspora, voices of opposition have continued to rise against the appointment of Professor Ibrahim Gambari as head of the summit proposed by President Yar'Adua on the problems in the Niger Delta. Professor Wole Soyinka, suggested former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan and former United States President, Jimmy Carter for the assignment.

Police Nab Fake EFCC Officer For Extortion

A 42-year old man, Mr. Kayode Olawumi, has been nabbed by the police in Benin City for allegedly extorting money from the Edo State Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Sylvester Ewanehi, on the pretext that he was an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Olawumi allegedly demanded N3 million from the commissioner to help him do away with a petition purportedly accusing him of misappropriation of state funds when he was an LG chairman.

Replace Gambari Or No Summit – Lawmakers

Lawmakers in Delta State have joined the voices of other Niger Delta people in criticising the appointment of former United Nations’ envoy, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, as the chairman of the proposed Niger Delta Summit. They faulted the appointment on the grounds that Gambari was alleged to have openly supported the execution of the Ogoni activist, Mr. Kenule Saro-Wiwa. Meanwhile, Gambari is said to have decided on consultations with the presidency over the rejection of his appointment by the people of the Niger Delta.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Group Alerts CP On Police Operation

The new Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Alhaji Audu Abubakar, has been alerted on the use of commercial vehicles for operation by policemen in Lagos. President of the Concerned People of Lagos State (CPLS), Prince Olu Ologbese, urged the CP to stop the practice of police using commercial buses to raid suspected hoodlums at bus stops.

Lagos Curbs Police Powers Of Arrest, Interrogation

A new enactment in Lagos state, Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2007(ACJL), is expected to curb what has, for long, been described as the excesses of Police officers in the apprehension and prosecution of crime suspects. Under the new regime, Police officers can no longer arrest relations of fleeing suspects and cannot arrest crime suspects without immediately putting the Magistrate within the area on notice.

Robbers In Diplomatic Vehicles Shoot Police Sergeant

A police sergeant in Lagos is battling to survive after he was shot by armed robbers driving diplomatic Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). The robbers in four cars with foreign number plates and flags slowed down and shot at a team of policemen apparently to snatch their AK 47 rifles. The policemen engaged the robbers in a gun battle but the robbers managed to escape, leaving four of the policemen wounded.

Employer Drags Salesgirl Before SFU

A 25-year old salesgirl, Miss Ebere Omere, has been arrested by police detectives from the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police, Ikoyi for allegedly stealing her employer’s N1 million cash. She confessed to taking the money, but said she no longer had it.

Police Warn Against Fraudsters

Policemen at the Special Fraud Unit, Milverton Road, Ikoyi, have warned the general public against the fraudulent activities of a syndicate that calls itself solicitors, using the ploy to dupe unwary house seekers. Their method of operation is to place advertisements in the print media. Through this dubious means, Michael Enokela has been declared wanted. Enokela had allegedly obtained the sum of N3.3 million under the false pretence.

Police Nab Graduate Over Armed Robbery

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Adebowale Adekanmbi, over the theft of a car in Ibadan, Oyo State, by a band of armed robbers, whose operation was punctured in Ibafo on Tuesday night. Parading the suspect in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Solomon Olusegun, said the manner the suspects drove attracted men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad on patrol in the Ibafo area, who decided to monitor their movement.

Bad Day For Trans-Border Robbery Gang In Lagos

The newly formed anti-robbery police squad from Zone 2 command a few days ago arrested suspected trans-border armed robbers, tracing their activities to the Republic of Benin. The robbers were alleged to have hidden under the guise of smuggling to wreck havoc on travelers.

PHCN: Vandals Plunge Ilorin Into Darkness

Vandals at the weekend compounded the problem of epileptic power supply to Ilorin, Kwara State, as they vandalised and carted away the Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s (PHCN) equipment along Eyienkorin-Jebba Road. The equipment carted away are said to be worth millions of naira. No arrest has been made.

NDLEA Arrests 70, Jails 49 In 6 Months

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command has arrested 70 suspected drug dealers and seized 4,309.04 kilogrammes of Indian hemp in the first half of the year. The agency also secured the conviction of 49 drug suspects.

Secondary School Student Arrested For Armed Robbery

A Senior Secondary School One (SSS I) student, Lucky Adedeji, was arrested in Lagos for armed robbery. He claimed that he went into robbery to fund his education. Adedeji and one of his gang members, Olusola Mustapha, were among the 40-man robbery gang, which terrorized residents, motorists and passengers along Badagry expressway.

30 Escape Death As Fire Guts Petrol Station In Abeokuta

No fewer than 20 motorists and 10 petrol attendants narrowly escaped death penultimate Saturday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when a petrol station went up in flames. Trouble was said to have begun at the petrol station when a car that was being fuelled suddenly caught fire. Passers-by and residents immediately mobilised to stop the fire with the help of men of the fire service.

Police Quiz Ajimobi Over Alleged Assassination Plot

The Oyo State Police Command has commenced investigations into the allegation by the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate, Senator Abiola Ajimobi that some government officials were plotting to assassinate him.

Nine Die In Multiple Accidents - 2 Killed As Police, Robbers Exchange Fire

Nine persons, including a police corporal and an Army private, lost their lives in auto accidents in several parts of Lagos state, penultimate weekend. The police in the state have since begun investigations into the increasing number of auto accidents in the state. Also, two suspected robbers who engaged policemen in a shoot-out were killed while three others were arrested. One revolver, 5 live ammunitions and a motorcycle were recovered by the police.

Fake Cross-Border Soldiers Arrested

Two persons were recently nabbed for impersonation inLagos. The suspects allegedly provide security for smugglers so as to beat policemen at checkpoints.

Ondo Communities Fight Loss Of 260 Oil Wells To Delta State

Oil-Producing communities in Ondo State have rejected the ruling of a Federal High Court in Benin that ceded 260 of their oil wells to Delta State. Consequently, they are ready to be joined in the appeal already filed by the state government against the ruling of the High Court.

GENERAL

Ex-Minister To Unmask Forces Behind Air Disasters

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the former Minister of Aviation, has vowed to unmask those responsible for the chains of plane crashes recorded in Nigeria during the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.  Also to appear before the panel, are three other past ministers in Chief Obasanjo’s administration – who will account for their roles in the alleged mismanagement of the Aviation Intervention Fund.

Police Intercept N.1m Barracks-Bound Cannabis

Sixty kilogrammes of weeds suspected to be cannabis allegedly meant for delivery to one of the barracks in Kaduna has been intercepted by the Kaduna State Police Command and the couriers arrested. The arrested suspects, Caroline Ofor, and her cousin Sunday Okechi, confessed that the substance, worth over N100, 000, was to be received by a soldier called Jerry.

Boat Capsizes In Lagos - 2 Declared Missing

The Marine Police in Lagos have declared missing two passengers of a boat that capsized on Monday on Lagos high sea. The victims were scheduled to supply foodstuffs to some sailors on board a vessel, MT. NIKKI. The Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, said investigations were still on to find the bodies of the other passengers of the boat

Seafarers Under Siege By Pirates

Nigeria’s territorial waters and the high seas are no longer safe as blood thirsty pirates are everywhere. Their mode of operation is odd. They usually kill their victims after dispossessing them of their valuables. Prior to this latest twist in their operation, pirates’ attacks were not regular and their targets were the goods or valuables in the ship.

Bauchi NDLEA Marks UN Drug Week With Huge Seizures

The Bauchi State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has so far seized over 404.623kg of Indian hemp, secured 32 convictions of offenders and rehabilitated about 54 inmates as well as taken about 40 people into custody for investigation since January 2008 till date.

Gunmen Kill Royal Father In Zamfara

Unidentified gunmen, last weekend, struck at Rukudawa village, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara state and killed the village head, Malam Abubakar. The incident occurred when the gunmen invaded his residence and asked him to produce an unnamed councillor. Late Malam Abubakar was said to have told them that he does not know the whereabouts of the councilor, they then demanded for money, which he refused to give them. He was instantly shot dead.

Nigeria Lost N8.4 Trillion To Gas Flare – Association

Indications emerged on Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria lost N8.4 billion to gas flare in the last 36 years. President, Nigeria Gas Association (NGA), Chris Ogienmwonyi, who quoted the figure at the second Quarterly NGA Business Forum, said available data revealed the country lost the money between 1970 and 2006.

Six Companies Seek To Crash Cooking Gas Price By 83%

The six off-takers appointed by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to distribute Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), otherwise known as cooking gas in the country are collaborating with other LPG dealers to crash the prices of the product. The price reduction projection, if achieved, would represent a decrease of 83 percent of the December 2007 figure.

Inflation: CBN Cautions Govt On Oil Earnings

To guard against spiralling inflation, the Federal Government must retain the country's budget benchmark of $59 per barrel for crude oil, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The inflation rate rose from 8.2 per cent in April to 9.7 per cent in May, raising fears of an imminent return to double-digits.

Sierra Leone Contests UN Security Council Seat with Nigeria

A diplomatic face-off is currently brewing between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, over Africa's slot in the non-permanent membership of United Nations' (UN) Security Council. Currently, both countries are eyeing the same seat to be opened next year to represent Africa in the highest decision-making body of the Security Council.

UN Accuses Nigeria Of Human Rights Violations

The United Nations has accused Nigeria of violating women’s rights. Chairperson of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Ms Dubravka Simonovic, said that the failure of Nigerian government to incorporate UN Women’s Bill of Rights into its domestic statute book violated their rights.

EFCC Investigates Adamawa

Fear has gripped top government officials and several staffers of many ministries and agencies in Adamawa State as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) began investigating alleged financial wrongdoings in the state.

Chevron’s N315.9 Billion EGTL On Track As Agbami Comes On Stream

Chevron’s $2.7 billion (N315.9 billion) Escravos Gas-To-Liquid (EGTL) project remains on track to meet its start up date and economic viability projections despite recent upward review of the project cost. Ali Moshiri, president of Chevron, Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production, explained that having recorded significant progress towards its completion, the EGTL joint venture project would start up in 2011.

N’Delta: House to Enact Laws on Security

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, has said that the House will continue to support the Federal Government through the enactment of relevant laws that would guarantee enduring peace, security and development in Niger Delta. Bankole said the problem in the Niger Delta has assumed global dimension, adding that all stakeholders must join hands in finding a lasting solution.

Yar’Adua: Why Niger Delta Summit Must Hold
•NLC wants Gambari dropped

President Yar’Adua on Thursday insisted that the proposed Niger Delta Summit must hold in the interest of peace and security and for the development of the oil-producing region. He said the summit was crucial to the implementation of policies of his administration. Meanwhile the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to the federal government to consider dropping Professor Ibrahim Gambari as chairman of the summit to retain the integrity of the summit.

FG Launches Attacks Against Militants

Military operations may have commenced in parts of Rivers State as the Federal Government carries through its threat to sack militants from the Niger Delta region. Sources hinted on Thursday that an air assault on suspected camps of militants in the Cawthorn Channel area had began. The operations took off just as the police killed two and arrested five suspected armed robbers in Port Harcourt.

Senator Faults N400b For Niger Delta Security

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator James Manager, Thursday, faulted the Federal Government’s proposal of N79 billion for the commission against the provision of N400 billion for security in the region. He said the forthcoming summit on the Niger Delta would address the contradictions in the Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the region.

Army Chief Sues For Peace In Niger Delta

The Chief of Army Staff, General Luka Yusuf, has urged elders of the Niger Delta to call their children to order for peace to reign in the area. Yusuf said every family should be involved in the efforts to return peace to the region. He said the peace process would not yield desired results if the family unit continued to perceive it as the business of only the Federal Government.

12 Students Die in Auto Crash

Twelve students of Government Science Secondary School, Lokoja, Saturday, lost their lives while 19 others sustained injuries in an auto accident along Mount Patti Road when the students were returning from an excursion to the top of the Mountain. The vehicle allegedly lost control as they were descending the slopes of the Mountain, when the driver of the bus, who is still at large, turned off the ignition of the vehicle to save fuel.

2 Die In Boat Accident, 2 Others Missing

Two girls, on Thursday, died in a boat accident in River Khan in Koko/Besse LGA of Kebbi State. A statement by the information officer of the local government, identifying the deceased did not state when the incident occurred. It also stated that the whereabouts of two other girls who boarded the same boat were still unknown. The missing girls are Asama’u Yahaya and Fatima Bala.

IG Parades Suspected Kidnappers, Cultists

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, on Wednesday paraded seven suspects who allegedly kidnapped a four-year-old and three foreign nationals from who they received a N18 million ransom. He also paraded three suspects allegedly involved in cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

Brazilian Firm, Petrobras, To Pump Oil From Nigeria

Brazil’s state-run Petrobras on July 21 will start pumping oil from Nigeria’s offshore Agbami oil field, in partnership with Total and Chevron-Texaco. Currently rated at 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), the Agbami oil field is expected to yield 250,000 bpd next year, one third of which belongs to Petrobras, a company statement revealed.

Saudi To Decide Condemned Nigerian’s Fate

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, has said Saudi Arabia will have the final say on a Nigerian, Suleiman Olufemi, on death row in that country. He said the government could only engage the Saudi government in mutual talks on the fate of Olufemi and 12 others in Saudi prisons. Olufemi is one of the 13 Nigerians arrested in September 2002 in connection with the murder of a policeman in Jeddah

FG Appeals To International Community On Criminals in N/Delta

The Federal Government has called on the International Community to assist Nigeria in stopping the illegal acts of gun-running and oil bunkering in the Niger Delta. Vice President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who acknowledged the genuine grievances of the people of the Niger Delta, however, said that some criminals “had seized the opportunity to continually perpetuate crime in the region”.

43 Ships To Discharge 471,751.738 Tons Of Petroleum Products In One Week

A total of 43 ships out of 64 billed to do business at the Lagos ports will be discharging 471,751.738 metric tons of various petroleum products in the next one week. Out of the 43 ships, 16 will be bringing in 50,500 metric tons of diesel, while 19 vessels will be coming in with 322,490 tons of petrol.

FG, Stakeholders Set To Clash Over Report On Diesel

Stakeholders in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry are heading for a showdown with the Federal Government over government’s report on the recommendations of the committee on the sector. According to the report, government approved an increase in freight charges and other incentives for transporters of petroleum products.

Reps Oppose $5.5b Excess Crude Funding For Power Emergency

Ahead of the declaration of emergency in the power sector by President Yar'Adua this month, the House of Representatives, Monday, said it will amount to illegality to revive the ailing sector with funds from the controversial Excess Crude Account. The opposition came on the eve of the increase in electricity tariff by 16.7 per cent, compelling Nigerians to pay more on every kilowatt of electricity consumed.

Oil Sector Reforms: FG Gets Draft Recommendation

The Federal Government has received a draft recommendation of the review of the Oil and Gas Industry Committee (OGIC) report from the Implementation Committee and all appears set for it implementation. Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), said although implementing the report would take a while, the next stage would be to build a legislative framework.

EFCC Nabs Fani-Kayode, Borishade

Agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday swooped at the National Assembly Complex and arrested two former ministers of aviation in the last administration, Prof. Babalola Borishade and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode over alleged misapplication of the N19.5 billion aviation intervention fund.

N2b Aviation Fund Went To Odili's Presidential Bid, Ex-FAAN Boss Says

More damning allegations were made as the Senate probes into the N19.5 billion Safe Tower project in the aviation sector. Former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Alhaji Yusufu Mohammed, disclosed that N2 billion from the N19.5 intervention fund was allegedly diverted to finance the failed presidential bid of former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili.

INTERNATIONAL

Rising Oil Prices: EU, OPEC Underline Importance Of Dialogue

The fifth ministerial-level meeting of the Energy Dialogue between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) ended in Brussels with a resolution by producers and consumer nations to engage in regular dialogue as a way of resolving the rising crude oil prices.

Ivoirien PM Rules Out Force Against Rebel Soldiers

Cote D'Ivoire's Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, has ordered that force should not be used against soldiers who staged a short-lived weekend uprising.  The uprising, penultimate Saturday, in the centre west towns of Seguela and Vavoua was not a mutiny, according to the PM. It was more the work of "disgruntled elements."

British Ex-Ministers Urge Nuclear Weapon-Free World

Citing the need for urgent reduction in the stockpile of nuclear weapons, four former British foreign and defence secretaries have pressed for global diplomatic efforts to eventually rid the world of the deadly arms.

Journalist Commits Murder

A journalist, Vlado Taneski, 56, with a Macedonian Newspaper, was arrested penultimate Friday and charged with two brutal murders. Security operatives were hoping to talk to him about a third body and another missing woman, but he sooner committed suicide in custody. His alleged victims were all elderly women.

S/Africa Pays Tribute To Victims Of Xenophobia

South African President, Thabo Mbeki, Thursday, read an address in Pretoria where his country is organizing a national tribute in honour of those killed in the wake of attacks on foreigners by South Africans. At least, 60 people were killed in a recent wave of violence against foreigners in South Africa.

Girl Beheaded In S/Africa For Refusing Male Advances

A girl, 21, Stacy Wilson in South Africa was brutally beheaded at a bus terminal by a man, Shorn Samuel, after she brushed off his advances. Shorn, according to Stacy’s mother was a distant relative of theirs and had been stalking Stacy for a year, calling her his wife. Shorn was apprehended and is in police custody.

Britain Suggests Military Option For Zimbabwe

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Thursday, said the international community could send a peacekeeping force to stabilise Zimbabwe. Meanwhile opposition politicians and ordinary citizens are flocking to the United States Embassy in Harare to seek refuge.

Three Die, Dozens Hurt In Jerusalem Bulldozer Rampage

A Palestinian man on Tuesday killed at least three people and wounded 45 more when he rammed a bulldozer into buses and cars in central Jerusalem before being shot dead by police. Meanwhile, a group, Imad Mughnieh unit of the Brigades of the Liberators of the Galilee, has claimed responsibility for the heinous act, but Police claim that the man was working alone. It is not clear if the incident will have any impact on the faltering Middle East peace process.

Stop Harassing Crude Oil Producers, OPEC Warns US

Abdullah el-Badri, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary-General, has warned the United States (US) to stop harassing members of the OPEC. He said this while speaking on a move by the US congress to allow the justice department to sue OPEC members for conspiring to restrict oil supplies or drive up prices.

Bemba Arrives UN Court On War Crimes Charges

Former Congolese rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba has arrived in the Netherlands to face war crimes charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Bemba was transferred to Hague from Brussels where he was arrested on an ICC warrant on May 24. He faces five counts of war crimes and three of crimes against humanity.

India Spurns Opposition, Presses Ahead With US Nuclear Deal

Despite threats by left-wing allies to bring down the India's coalition government, the ruling Congress Party has decided to press ahead with a nuclear energy deal with the United States. Faced with losing its majority in parliament because of communist opposition to the pact, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Congress party has been trying to strike a deal with other parties that would keep it in office.

Mugabe Takes Oath For Sixth Term

Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, has been sworn in for a sixth term in office.  He took the oath of office an hour after the electoral commission declared him the winner of the polls in which he was the sole candidate. The election has been condemned by the international community, but Mugabe claims to be contented with the status quo.

Israel Approves Prisoner Swap With Hezbollah

A prisoner swap deal has been reached between Hezbollah and Israel. Under the agreement two soldiers held by the Lebanese guerrilla group, and believed to be dead would be returned. The move came as Israel, on Monday, reopened three of its border crossings with the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip following a halt to Palestinian cross-border shelling attacks that had strained an Egyptian-brokered truce.

Pakistan Claims Success In Anti-Militant Assault

Authorities in Pakistan have claimed success in anti-militant offensive after troops saved the northwestern city of Peshawar and pushed forward on the second day of a major offensive against the rebels. The government, under pressure from Western allies over its peace talks with militants, launched the operation on Saturday to counter rebels threatening Peshawar.