Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 31

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Abducted Expatriates Regain Freedom

Eight expatriates kidnapped penultimate Saturday along the Bonny Rivers have been released unconditionally. One of the key players in their company, Global Gas and Refining Limited, who hails from Degema LGA of the State, allegedly protested to all Ijaw armed groups over the kidnap and killing of his staff. Following the outcry, some groups in the region, were asked to fish out the expatriates wherever they may be. They were located as their captors were preparing to demand for ransom.

Five Russians Kidnapped in P/Harcourt

A Swedish vessel with 11 expatriate sailors working for Italian oil servicing company, Saipem, was attacked, penultimate Friday, off the coast of Bonny, Rivers State. The hijackers allegedly freed the vessel with only six of its 11 occupants. Five others, said to be Russians, were held. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and no ransom has been reportedly demanded.

Court Stops Transfer of Bakassi to Cameroon

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday put a temporary halt to the handing over of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. Nigeria and Cameroon had agreed to a final handing over of the oil rich peninsula to the latter on August 14, 2008. But at the resumed hearing in a case filed by some indigenes of the disputed peninsula, Justice Mohammed Umar asked the Federal Government to maintain the status quo until the determination of the case. He adjourned further hearing in the case till October 20, 2008 when the court is expected to resume from vacation.

Oil Shut-In Rises As Militants Attack Two Facilities

Nigeria suffered another setback last week as militants in the Niger Delta struck twice on facilities belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).  The management of SPDC said the incidents led to fresh production shut-in. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claimed responsibility for the attacks. MEND had threatened to resume attacks on oil facilities following claims by the NNPC Group Managing Director, Abubakar Lawal Yar'Adua, that the corporation paid N1.4 billion to militants to gain access to a damaged pipeline in the Niger Delta. But this statement has since been refuted by the NNPC, as it claimed that the money was paid to the communities.

Gani Warns against Use of Force in the Niger Delta

Human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, has warned President Yar'Adua against using violence to curtail crisis in the Niger Delta, insisting that only convocation of the Sovereign National Conference (SNC) could end the crisis in the zone. Gani also lamented the alleged degree of oppression at the Niger Delta.

Two Arrested, Tanker Impounded Over Illegal Bunkering

A tanker driver and a conductor have been arrested with 33,000 litres load of petroleum condense by members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State. Mr Adeyinka Fasiu, the Sector Commander, said that the truck had two different registration numbers. The command had also impounded 1,085 litres of adulterated fuel in Jerry cans, two Mitsubishi buses and four cars being used by the vandals to perpetrate the illegal act.

Kidnappers Strike Again In Akwa Ibom, Kill One

Panic has again gripped residents of Akwa Ibom State following the abduction of an Uyo-based businessman, Ubong Obot by gunmen on Sunday. A 23-year-old man identified as Israel was killed in the operation. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a N30 million ransom. The State Police Commissioner, Mike Zuokumor, has pledged that the command would apprehend the kidnappers.

N125bn Projects Abandoned As Julius Berger Quits Niger Delta

Projects worth over N125 billion have been abandoned in the oil-rich Niger Delta region following the withdrawal of Julius Berger, the largest construction company in Nigeria for over 40 years, due mainly to unfriendly environment manifesting in theft and continuing insecurity of its staff, especially expatriates. Roads top the list of projects affected by the withdrawal as the company had been contracted to build various roads envisaged to open up more communities in the Niger Delta.

Convoy Ambush: Orji Petitions Yar’adua

Abia State Governor, Dr Theodore Orji has written to President Yar’Adua and the some national security agencies, urging them to investigate the daring attack on his convoy, by armed gunmen along the Enugu Port Harcourt highway, penultimate Tuesday. He also called on the Abia state police command to arrest, the state chairman of the PDP and his officials explain their role in the July 22 attack.

Court Remands Nine Suspected Militants in Prison

An Ekwulobia Magistrate’s Court in Aguata Magisterial District, Anambra State has set aside the bail conditions of nine suspected militants. It transferred the matter to the High Court following a fresh charge instituted by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). The magistrate ruled that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and the powers to grant bail to the suspects. She ordered that they be remanded in prison until they are arraigned at the High Court

New Rebel Group Attacks Cameroon Soldiers in Bakassi

Camerounian Defence Minister has disclosed that ten insurgents and two Camerounian soldiers were killed in an attack in the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula. The Defence Minister said eight of the assailants were captured in the attack. The group, Niger Delta Defense and Security Council, oppose Cameroun's ownership of the Bakassi.

Army to Use Minimum Force in N’Delta

Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Mohammed Sani Saleh has assured that soldiers deployed to the Niger-Delta will continue to apply minimum force on the militants no matter the level of provocation. Saleh, who gave this assurance on Monday, said that the militants are Nigerians and everybody has the right to express his dissent, but if they go beyond the reasonable limit in expressing their dissent, the army will respond accordingly.

Akwa Ibom Police Boss Urges Policemen to Be Computer Literate

Akwa Ibom state police commissioner has threatened that officer in his command who does not become computer-literate before December 21, 2008, may find himself celebrating the coming Christmas at home as a civilian. The commissioner, Mike Zuokumor gave this directive last week while declaring open a two-month computer training programme for the police.

Gunmen Abduct 59-Year-Old Monarch

A traditional ruler, Rising Ekwenna, 59, was on Thursday abducted from his palace in Rivers state by gun-wielding men. Ekwenna's subjects watched helplessly as armed men took him to an unknown destination. The identities of his abductors remain unknown, as no group has claimed responsibility for the action.

Maduekwe Blames Militants For Tension In Bakassi

Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Minister of Foreign Affairs has blamed detractors and militants for the tension at the Bakassi Peninsula.

Militants' Attack: Oil Prices Jump To $126.02, Shell Misses Supplies

Global oil market reacted to the latest attacks on a major pipeline in the Niger Delta with prices rising by 18 cents to $126.02 per barrel in London. With the attack, Shell declared a force majeure for its oil export till September. That decrease in production comes at a time of increased demand from oil-hungry regions such as China, Russia and Latin America.

NNPC, Mobil Open $1.3b Gas- To-Liquid Project

As the nation continues to suffer a decline in oil output due to militant attacks, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in a joint venture with the NNPC has commissioned $1.3 billion natural gas to liquid project. The strategic plant called, the East Area Natural Gas Liquids II project will produce and sell natural gas liquids, thereby providing a new source of energy and economic benefits. The project will also reduce environmental degradation.

20 Gunmen Attack UBA In P/Harcourt

The police in Rivers State said that they recovered N359 million, $50,000, and £2,000 from gunmen who robbed United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Port Harcourt. Over 30 policemen were said to have taken part in foiling the robbery. Police authorities said 20 robbers were involved in the robbery. Four rifles and one multi-purpose gun were recovered from the gunmen.

Kidnap Suspect Dies In Detention

A 300-Level Law student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Sarowiyo Nneege, who was involved in the foiled kidnap of two children on July 17, at Abacha Road, Port Harcourt, has reportedly died in detention, on Tuesday. The Rivers State Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, who confirmed his death, said his death was connected with the injuries he sustained during his arrest.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Civil Groups Protest N'Delta Militarisation, Burn British PM's Effigy, Flag

Opposition to foreign military assistance to resolve the Niger Delta crisis continued as civil society groups and rights activists at the weekend in Benin City burned the effigy of the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and the British national flag to protest the country's move to provide military support to the Nigerian government in the Niger Delta. The peaceful protest was organised by the Edo State chapter of Nigerians United for Democracy.

NUPENG Threatens To Cripple Oil Sector

Warri zonal council of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Thursday threatened to cripple both the downstream and upstream of the oil sector if Globestar / Acergy failed to urgently address “slave treatment” of its members. Comrade Williams Akporeha, Warri zonal council Chairman of NUPENG, said that the Union would not hesitate to call on its members to put down their tools to protest the anti-labour and anti-human activities of Globestar /Acergy.

Community Accuses Chevron Of Intimidation

Aja-Omaetan community in Warri North, Delta State have accused Chevron Nigeria Limited of deploying heavily armed security men to the area following agitation by the people against the unbearable suffering imposed on them and their environment by CNL. The state governor has been urged to urgently intervene to starve off imminent bloodshed in the area. The community also alleged that the security operatives are now intimidating and molesting the people.

Five In Police Net Over Abduction Of Delta SSG’s Father

Five persons have been arrested by the police in connection with the kidnap of the septuagenarian father of the Secretary to Delta State Government, Chief Arthur Okowa. The suspects are currently being held at the headquarters of Zone 5 of the Nigeria Police Force, in Benin, Edo State. He regained his freedom after six days.

70 Vessels Expected in Warri Port

The management of the Delta ports has said that the port in Warri is expected to receive about 70 vessels in the next 18 months.  Disclosing this, Mr. Obumneme Onuenyenwa, the Port Manager, said that the Delta government has been able to create the right environment for shipping in the oil city.

Niger Delta Leaders Solicit Return To Parliamentary System

Leaders and elders in the Niger Delta region under the aegis of Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of the Niger Delta, last weekend, called for a return of the country to parliamentary system of government where ethnic nationalities would be the federating units. They also called on the Federal Government to set up a constituent assembly of ethnic nationalities to prepare a new constitution for the country, arguing that the 1999 constitution was foisted on the people by the military and thus cannot be amended.

Two Die In Uncompleted Well In Delta

Tragedy struck in Asaba, the Delta State capital, last weekend when two Hausa men died in an uncompleted well. The victims, in their 20s, met their untimely death while trying to recover a gallon containing a chemical substance, suspected to be gas, which fell from their hands into the well.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Corps Member Found Dead Behind Monarch’s Palace

The body of a male corps member, Abiodun Yusuf Odebiyi, was found dangling from a tree behind the palace of the Monarch of Itire in Lagos, Oba Dauda. Abiodun’s parents have accused the Oba and his chiefs for the death of their son, alleging ritual killing. But police spokeman, Frank Mba and a palace spokeman believe the late Abiodun committed suicide as he had been unable to get Canadian visa, which he had been pursuing for years. Meanwhile, the ruler was invited to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for questioning.

Police Arrest Eight In Oyo Bye-Election

About eight persons were arrested by the police in Oyo State during the bye-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the weekend to fill two vacant seats in the state House of Assembly. The bye-elections were ordered by the Election Petition Tribunal in two constituencies following petitions that the previous elections were marred by violence.

Woman Conceals Cocaine In Wig

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 34-year-old woman, Joy Joseph, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for packing wraps of substances that tested positive to cocaine in her wig.

NAFDAC Drug Mart Takes Off In Ekiti

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Ekiti State chapter, has completed the first model drug mart in the country. The concept of drug mart introduced by the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili, was strongly opposed by PSN Lagos branch. The Lagos PSN argued that most fake drugs in the country emanate from open drug markets.

Defence Corps Arrests Woman With 26 Children

Men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State chapter last weekend smashed a suspected human trafficking ring. According to source, a suspected trafficker, Mrs. Rachael Abel, 45, arrested with her driver, Uma Ezekiel was allegedly conveying 26 children in a bus to Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where they were to be given out as housemaids. She was reportedly coming from Benue State with the children, whose ages ranged between two and 15 years.

Tsunami Is A Possibility In Lagos – Expert

Mr. Ephraim Iroakazi, Chairman, Nigerian Environmental Society, Abia State chapter, said on Sunday that the possibility of a tsunami occurring in Lagos could not be ruled out.

Vehicle Plunges Into Lagos Lagoon

A Honda car plunged into the Lagoon along third mainland bridge in Lagos killing its lone occupant, penultimate Sunday.

Air Force Man Murdered In Lagos

There was tension around the Sam Ethnam Air Force Base, on the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway on Sunday, after an air force officer was allegedly murdered. The circumstances that led to the killing of the soldier were hazy as his corpse was found in front of the base‘s gate early in the morning. There is a belief that the air force men had suspicions that their colleague might have been killed by policemen.

Police On Alert Over Protest Rumour In Ondo

There was heavy presence of policemen and other security agents in strategic areas of Akure, the Ondo State capital last week following the rumour that some people were planning to cause mayhem over the nullification of Governor Olusegun Agagu's election by the Elections Petitions Tribunal.

Two Pipeline Vandals Arrested

Men of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Monday, arrested two men for scooping fuel from petroleum pipelines. The suspects were arrested at Ajegunle area of Lagos State following a tip-off by the concern residents of the area.

Robbers On The Rampage On Badgary Expressway

Robbery incidents along the ever-busy Lagos-Badagry Expressway now occur daily as bandits lay siege to the highway, robbing motorists and commercial vehicles plying the road, especially at night.

Police Smash Robbery Gang In A Shrine

Police in Oyo state have arrested five members of a robbery gang in a shrine in Ibadan, Oyo state. Luck ran out on the suspects when the policemen stormed the shrine and overpowered them after a fierce exchange of gun fire.

Police Discover Oil Bunkerers’ Hideout In Lagos

The police in Lagos State had discovered a building used for oil bunkering in Ajegunle area of the state while 65 kegs of liquid content, suspected to be petroleum product, was also recovered. Three people have also been arrested in connection with the bunkering activities while police was on the trail of the owner of the alleged building.

GENERAL

Court Strikes-Out Gani’s Suit against IBB on Oil Windfall

A Federal High Court in Lagos last weekend struck out a suit by Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), seeking to compel one time military head of state, Gen Ibrahim Babangida and four others, to account for the $12.4billion oil revenue earned by Nigeria during the Gulf war. In his judgment, Justice Dan Abutu, said the plaintiff had not locus standi to institute the suit, adding that he failed to specify the law which he claimed was breached by the defendants, which necessitated the suit.

Diesel Price Are Manipulated -NUPENG

President, Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Peter Akpatason last weekend stated that the price of diesel is being manipulated. He stressed that unless government deregulates diesel, uniform price would not be achieved, as the capacity provided by the local refineries are not sufficient.

Foreign Investors To Get Ultimatum On Oil Blocs

As the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) disclosed that some foreign companies awarded oil blocs in 2006, and expected to invest in the downstream sector of the oil industry have not lived up to expectation, the House Committee investigating deals in the oil sector between 1999 and 2007, has said it would recommend that the government insist that foreign companies awarded oil blocs in 2006 should commence full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed or have their blocs revoked.

Why ICC Can Not Try Obasanjo Over Odi Killings

The International Criminal Court has explained that it cannot try former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo over the Odi genocide as the killing was done before the court came into being and it has no provision for retroactive laws.

New Tax Policy Coming Next Year

A new tax regime in which the National Assembly may play a key role is to be introduced next year. The Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Tax Policy, Mrs. Ifueko Omogui-Okaru, said that a major highlight of the new policy was the proposition that the duty of fixing taxes and rates should be vested in the Nigerian people through their representatives in the National Assembly.

One Million Nigerians Blind, Says Govt Survey

A survey in which over 13,000 Nigerians were examined across the country has shown that over a million Nigerians are blind and half could be cured by trained eye specialists.  The survey was undertaken by the Federal Government over the period 2005-2007 with support from state governments across the country.

PENCOM: NLC To Compile Names Of Defaulting Employers

The National Pension Commission (PENCOM) has warned that it may take defaulting employers in pension contribution to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution. Similarly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to commence the compilation of defaulting employers for onward submission to PENCOM for appropriate sanction and prosecution.

Police Officers May Lose July Salary

Policemen and men at the Police Service Commission may not be paid July salary. This, according to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Mike Okiro, is because “the police have to pay a N10m fine for a case.” Okiro decried the huge losses to fines and compensations. He disclosed that the Nigeria Police have paid about N650m as fine and compensations in recent times, and directed the officers in the legal department to henceforth defend police cases without waiting for bureaucracy from the office of the Attorney General.

DPR Bars Customs From Monitoring Crude Oil Exports

A peep was, on Monday, let into the factors that may be responsible for Nigeria's reported failure to ascertain the actual quantity of crude oil being shipped out of the country daily. A top official of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) says his men are never allowed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to monitor operations at that level. According to him, this accounts for the failure of his command to account for the crude oil being shipped out of the country.

Gulf Of Guinea: Nigeria, Cameroon Plan Joint Force

Nigeria and Cameroon, Monday, discussed the need to establish structures and a force to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea. To this end, President Yar’Adua has called on Cameroon to play a leading role in the process. Yar’adua also reassured Cameroon that Nigeria is committed to honour the Green Tree Agreement over the Bakassi.

EFCC Recovers Missing Documents From Ex-official

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has recovered some of the anti-graft agency’s documents from the house of an ex-official who was until recently the head of economic governance unit at the Commission. This disclosure, according to a statement by the Commission, became necessary following media enquiries over claims that the former official was arrested.

Road Safety Marshals Abducted

About three federal road safety marshals have been abducted by drivers in Kebbi State, within two months. Kebbi State Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) warned that FRSC would no longer tolerate abduction of its officers.

DPR Declares Documents On Oil Blocks Missing

The committee of the House of Representatives investigating the operations of the oil sector in the country from 1999 to date was on Tuesday told by Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) that some sensitive documents relating to 2005 oil block allocations were missing.  The committee was also told by Tony Chukwueke, a director of DPR, that the DPR put a total of 44 oil blocks on sale but the report presented showed only 36 blocks.

NDLEA Convicts 2088 For Drugs

A total of 1,459 persons were convicted for drugs related offences in 2007 while 629 were also convicted from January to July 2008, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said.

30 Die In Abuja Building Collapse

About 30 persons, mostly women and children, died on Monday while scores were trapped when an uncompleted five-storey building collapsed in the Jabi area, Abuja. The collapsed building in Abuja is located in a swampy area. The collapsed building was reputed to be the largest ware point in the FCT, harbouring about 700 shops. The incident was blamed on the engineers, who were accused of not using strong pillars for the building.

Auto Crash Claims 19 Lives

Sokoto State is also still reeling from the anguish of another human disaster as an auto crash that has claimed 19 lives. A tyre of a passenger bus burst in motion. The driver, in an effort to control the vehicle, ran into a nearby dam, killing its occupants.

NNPC Probe: FG Lost N21b To Shell In 2000 Oil Bid

House of Representatives has discovered that Government lost N21billion to Shell Nigeria Exploratory Petroleum Company (SNEPCO) as unpaid signature bonus in 2000 oil bid rounds. It also discovered N27billion as an outstanding signature bonus yet to be paid to the department by other oil companies that participated in the same bid. Igo Aguma, chairman of the committee investigating the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries concluded that the nation lost the money because of the laxity in the operation of the DPR.

Oando Buys Into Agip Exploration

Nigerian energy group Oando on Friday announced the acquisition of 15 percent of Italian oil giant Agip Exploration’s interest in production-sharing contracts off the Nigerian coast for $188.4 million.

Ocean Tankers To Establish Rig Building Plant In Nigeria

Ocean Tankers Marine and Logistics Services Limited (OTMALS), a subsidiary company of Oracle Nigeria Limited, a Nigerian company, has signed an agreement with LoadCraft Industries Limited, a United States (U.S.) based, Land Rig manufacturing company to establish the first Land Rig building plant in Nigeria.

African Petroleum Kick-Starts Retail Operations In Ghana

In a bid to become a trans-national oil company, African Petroleum Plc, last weekend flagged-off its first official station in Accra, Ghana. According to the company, the station also houses the AP headquarters in Ghana.

Nigeria Commences Training For Seafarers To Remain In White List

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced the training of the Nigerian seafarers to international standard as stipulated by the IMO's convention. The training covers only the mandatory aspect of the course to qualify the beneficiaries to be gainfully employed on board vessels anywhere in the world.

Transcorp Bought NITEL With Fake Oil Block - Reps Probe Panel

The House of Representatives panel probing the oil and gas sector on Tuesday established that Transcorp Corporation bought the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in 2006, using an untitled oil block; OPL 281 as collateral. The probe panel had sought the confirmation of the deal between Transcorp and NITEL in respect of the controversial oil block from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and got an affirmative response.

Addax Probed Over Oil Bloc Bribery Scandal

Addax Petroleum Limited last week came under scrutiny over its involvement in an oil bloc bribery scandal at the ongoing probe of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee. The committee has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Addax and others connected with the $35m bribery allegation on oil bloc 291 to appear before it.

$2bn Oil Block Sold for $5m, NNPC, DPR Officials May Be Prosecuted

For selling a national asset for mere pittance, the House of Representatives Committee probing the oil sector may resolve to recommend for prosecution officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR).  The issue at stake is the sale of oil block OML 65 which was later renamed OPL 298 for $5million, after the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company had invested $2billion on the development of the block, to the Chinese National Petroleum Company (CNPC).

House Accuses Nigerdock of Gun-running

House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, on Thursday accused management of Nigerdock Nigeria Plc, of gun-running business. Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Njidda Ahmed Gella, said the committee received several petitions against company, alleging importing firearms and ammunition for militants in the Niger Delta region.  Security agencies have been ordered to look into the allegations.

Court Halts Sale of Texaco

A Federal High Court in Lagos, Thursday, granted an interim injunction restraining Chevron Group from divesting 60 per cent of its stake from Texaco Nigeria Plc. Justice Lambo Akanbi, who gave the order, restrained Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc and Chevron Nigeria Holdings Limited from bidding, selling, alienating, transferring, disposing and or parting with the possession of the shares held by the Chevron group pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice in the suit.

Oil Firms Declare Record Profits: ExxonMobil N1.4tr, Shell N1.02tr

It is a record profits time for oil companies that have been reaping bountifully from escalating oil prices. US energy giant, ExxonMobil, the second largest producer in Nigeria, reported a 14 percent jump in second quarter net profit to a record $11.68 billion (about N1.4 trillion). Similarly, Shell, despite a considerable oil shut-in in the country, declared a net profit of $8.6 billion (about N1.02 trillion).

SSS Raid Dokubo-Asari's Residence

Operatives of the State Security Service have raided the home of the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples' Volunteer Front (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari. A statement from his lawyer, Mr Festus Keyamo, said that no search warrant was displayed and no court order was shown to have been obtained and called on the security operatives to make public any evidence they have against on Asari or publicly apologise for the raid.

Apo 6: Accused Rejects Free Legal Service

The Abuja High Court hearing the case of six policemen accused of killing six traders at the Apo Mechanic Village in Abuja was, Wednesday, forced to adjourn hearing as one of the accused, Ezekiel Acheneje, rejected the lawyer appointed for him by the court. The accused rejected the lawyer from the Legal Aid Council on the ground that he did not know the mission of the legal practitioner in his criminal case. The court adjourned the case till October 2, to allow the accused get a lawyer of his choice but with the alternative that the rejected lawyer will be made to appear for him if he fails to secure his own lawyer

Vigeo Acquires N 4.7b Offshore Vessel To Boost Oil, Gas Services

Vigeo Holdings has acquired an offshore platform service delivery vessel at an estimated cost of $40million (N4.7bn) as part of its strategy to boost activities in the deepwater exploration and production operations in Nigeria and beyond.

Marketers Ask Govt To Force Down Diesel Prices

The Federal Government has to ensure ready availability of diesel in order to force down its escalating price. He explained that the bulk of the diesel consumed in the country is being imported at about N124.50 per litre or $1223 per metric tonne, excluding other charges like finance, shipping/freight, port demurrage and storage.

EFCC Arraigns Beninoise For N1.7m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned a Beninoise, Aholou Tobi, before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly stealing N1.7m.Tobi is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy to defraud and stealing the alleged sum from a couple Tobi allegedly committed the offence in collaboration with one Femi who is now at large.

Woman Nabbed For Concealing Heroine In Chocolate Containers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives have arrested a female trader in Lagos state, Mrs. Andoyi Folashade, 30, for being in possession of 142 wraps of substances, suspected to be heroine. Folashade was said to have concealed the hard drug in chocolate containers.  She was nabbed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (NMIA) on arrival from India.

Waziri Inspects EFCC’s Detention Facilities In Lagos, Promises Speedy Trial

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mrs Farida Waziri last weekend, visited the EFCC detention facilities in Lagos with a view to ascertaining the condition of suspects in custody.  Waziri also solicited for the CJ’s support for quick hearing of EFCC’s cases.

INTERNATIONAL

Indian Leaders Appeal For Calm As Blasts Kill 45

Indian authorities have appealed to the people in the western city of Ahmedabad to remain calm after a terrorist attack left about 45 person killed.

Aid Groups Task Darfur Hybrid Force On Civilian Protection

Despite being severely under-equipped and under-manned the United Nations (UN) peacekeepers in Darfur, have been urged by aid groups to do more to protect civilians in the war-torn Sudanese region. The Darfur Consortium, a coalition of more than 40 aid groups operating in Africa said the joint UN-African Union force known as UNAMID is "in danger of becoming the world's latest broken promise.''

Bush Approves Soldier’s Execution

United States President George W Bush has approved the US Army’s request to execute a soldier convicted of several charges of rape and murder. It is the first time in more than 50 years that an American president has authorised a death sentence for a member of the armed forces. Private Ronald Gray was convicted in 1988 over crimes committed while he was based with the army in North Carolina.

42 Dead, Many Missing After Boat Sinks In Congo

No fewer than 42 passengers drowned and more than 100 are missing after their boat sank on the river Oubangui in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rescue workers had saved 22 passengers, but recovered 42 bodies. A barge was carrying 182 passengers when it sank. Boats frequently sink in DR Congo's network of lakes and rivers due to overloading beyond their safe limits.

Two Women Eaten By Lions

Two women have reportedly been eaten by lions near a national park in northern Mozambique, bringing the number of people killed by wild cats in the region to 16 in six months. The number of attacks continues to rise as humans and animals share diminishing resources such as water and pastures.

Genocide Conviction Handed Down

Bosnia's war crimes court has sentenced seven Serbs to heavy jail terms after finding them guilty of genocide for the murder of more than 1000 Muslims during the 1995 Srebrenica massacre.

Top Al-Qaeda Chemical Expert Killed In Attack

Al-Qaeda’s top expert on chemical and biological weapons is believed to have been killed on Tuesday in a suspected US missile strike in Pakistan.

Blank UK Passports Stolen

A van-load of 3, 000 blank passports destined for British embassies abroad were stolen as the documents were being transported to a military airport in Britain, the Foreign Office said on Tuesday. The documents were taken from a security van which was hijacked en-route to London but sources say the document would be useless to the thieves as the security features render the passport unusable.

Suicide Bombers Kill 50 In Iraq

Three female suicide bombers killed 50 people and wounded about 242 person when they blew themselves up at different locations in Iraq on Monday.

US, Iran Inch Closer To Resolution Over Nuclear Weapons

Iran said Monday it wants to seek "common ground" with the West over its nuclear ambitions as it faces an international deadline to halt uranium enrichment. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that a new approach by the United States towards his country could yield positive results, as he reiterated that his country is not interested in developing a nuclear weapon.

Ritual Killers Target Tanzania Albinos Again
• Police accused of involvement

A male albino man was recently murdered in Tanzania, the 26th victim in less than a year. His wife, also an albino, was hurt in the attack. Unidentified attackers reportedly severed his right foot and genitalia. In an undercover report recently, a BBC correspondent was allegedly offered albino body parts by witchdoctors, who said their clients also include police officers.

NATO Kills Talibans in Afghanistan

NATO killed dozens of Taliban insurgents in an air strike on Sunday in Afghanistan’s south-eastern province of Host. Violence has escalated in Afghanistan over the past two years, after the ousted Taliban regrouped and launched their insurgency against the government and the foreign troops backing it.