Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 45

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Repels Attack on Chevron Facility

Militants in eight speed boats, Friday, attacked a Chevron facility at Robert-Kiri in Rivers State, but were repelled by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) who sank one of the boats carrying 12 militants while one naval personnel was killed. Sources said the militants attacked the facility with a view to knocking it off and taking arms from the naval component of the JTF on guard, but met them on alert.

Two Feared Killed as JTF, Militants Clash

Two persons were killed and several others injured following a gun battle between militants and the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Bayelsa state. The dead victims, including a civilian, were caught in the crossfire. Although, there is no confirmation of the militant group that carried out the attack, but the JTF said that none of its troops was killed.

Ateke Tom Plans to Hijack Vessels, Says JTF

The Joint Task Force (JTF) on Tuesday said it had uncovered plot by Ateke Tom and two others to hijack seagoing vessels along the coast of Bonny within the next week. JTF Spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Rabe Abubakar who disclosed, gave the names of others in the alleged plot as one Egbewripapa and Pastor Reuben. He however assured Nigerians that the troops were up to the task to check any illegal activities in the Niger Delta.

N’Delta: FG Gives Conditions for Troop Pull Out

The Defence Headquarters on Tuesday said that Government was ready to pull out all troops in the Niger Delta region once there were guarantees of peace and stability in the area. It said government decided to deploy troops to the area mainly because of the unacceptable high level of criminality that was enveloping the zone. The Director of Defence Information, Col. Chris Jemitola, said the area was too strategic for the government to allow criminality to thrive unchecked.

MEND Admits Presence of Foreign Instructors

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Wednesday, admitted having foreign military instructors for weapons familiarisation and other courses. But it denied having foreign fighters. Director of Naval Information, Commodore David Nabaida, had on Tuesday said due to the importance of the hydrocarbon resources in the Niger Delta, some foreign elements have been conniving with the militants in the area.

Govt, JTF Deny Paying $3m to Kill Militant Leader

Rivers State government and the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Wednesday debunked claims by Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), they paid $3m to infiltrate MEND’s camp and kill Farah Dagogo, a militant leader. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbonna Nwuke, dismissed the claim as an obvious lie, while Spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa, dismissed it as mere propaganda.

Community Demands N15bn from AGIP

The Ikebiri community in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State is demanding N15 billion from Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) as compensation following an alleged spill from the latter’s oil pipelines. Paramount ruler, HRH Francis Timi Ododo, Wednesday, noted with sadness that the livelihood and economic well-being of the communities had been destroyed by the oil spill, while three persons had died from the epidemics occasioned by the oil spill. He however denied any act of sabotage in the spill, stressing that the pipes were old having been installed since 1972 by NAOC without maintenance.

N/Delta Militancy, Bank Robberies Worry Police

Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, has identified militancy in the Niger Delta and incidences of bank robberies as the highest challenges facing the police, saying however that the security situation in the country has improved with the lowest crime rate recorded during the last sallah period in five years. The IGP said there was need to partner with the police to reduce crime in the country.

NLNG Invests over $13bn in Natural Gas

The Nigerian LNG Limited has invested over $13bn on its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project as part of the solution to global challenge of energy security and diversity. With such huge investments, the company has not only become one of the fastest growing LNG firm in the world, but has also accounted for over nine per cent of world LNG supplies.

Banks Close Shop to Protest Robbery Attacks

Commercial banks in Aba, Abia State, on Thursday shut their doors against customers to protest the increasing wave of kidnapping and armed robbery in the town. They vowed to proceed on an indefinite strike should government fail to act fast on their demand.

Oil Exploration to Create 2000 Jobs in Anambra

About 2000 jobs are expected to be created in the first nine months when oil prospecting begins at the Anambra basin. Managing Director of Ager, the oil and gas company handling oil and gas prospecting in the area, Mr. Obi Nwasike said the company would spend about $200 million on the project by 2010.

Christian Clergy Abducted

Gunmen, Thursday, abducted Rev Gabriel Gborogbosi in Garoka, Gokana LGA of the Rivers state. The spokesperson of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the state Col. Musa Sagir said the hostage is father of a Shell staff, and that effort was in top gear on the part of security operatives to track down those behind the kidnap.

Twin Sisters Found Dead at Business Centre

Decomposing bodies of teenage identical twin sisters was discovered inside a business centre at Enugu. The bodies were discovered on Monday when neighbours were attracted by the stench oozing out of the business centre. The sisters are suspected to have died of suffocation after inhaling carbon dioxide from a generating set. The police are working to unravel the real cause of their death.

Ritual Killers on Rampage

Rising incidents of ritual killing bedeviling Okigwe town in Imo State in recent times have thrown the residents into panic. Latest in the series took place last October, 30, when two farmers Mr. Banabas Onuoha, 50, a childless widower; and Mr. Alexander Ezuma, 42, and father of four, were attacked on their farms by a group of suspected ritual killers. The traditional ruler of the area, Eze Dr. Bob Ezuma, accused the police ''of not doing much to check the growing rate of insecurity in the area.''

Generator Fumes Kill Prophet, Three Wives in Bayelsa

A prophet and his three wives died Monday night in Etegwe community, Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa state after inhaling gaseous fumes from a generator. Prophet Okeke, who was the head of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Etegwe Bethel, Yenagoa, and his wives suffocated and died from the carbon-monoxide fumes emitted by the generator.

Oil Marketers Stage Demonstration at Calabar Depot

Petroleum products marketers in Calabar staged a peaceful demonstration requesting the overhauling of the management of NNPC Calabar Depots, after the depot management stopped discharging petroleum products to them for no reason even as it is said the product was available. The demonstrators alleged high-level fraud in the depot.

Court Remands 7 over Murder

An Umuahia Magistrate Court has remanded seven persons in prison custody for murder. The suspects, had on May 26, 2007 at Mbutu village in Obingwa LGA, allegedly conspired together and murdered 3 persons.

Lebanese, Banker Kidnapped in Rivers, Freed by MEND

An expatriate worker of Homas Construction Company was on Monday kidnapped by gunmen in Port Harcourt. The Lebanese engineer was supervising work at the Choba/Port Harcourt road when he was abducted at the site in Choba. Also kidnapped from his residence was Mr. Patrick Akorojola, the branch manager of a new generation bank. Both persons regain freedom on Wednesday, and MEND claims to have rescued them. The release of the Lebanese was confirmed by the Joint Military Task Force.

Kidnappers Abduct NMA Chairman

Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Anambra State, Dr. Tochukwu Mbachu, was on Monday kidnapped from his home which also serves as his clinic, by unknown persons who were yet to give reasons for their action.  But the police said the man has been found and released.

Police Nab 7 Kidnappers, 14 Robbers

Enugu state Command of the police on Monday paraded seven suspects accused of kidnapping two people for ransom. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Sani Magaji, said that the suspects were arrested when they went to collect the ransom they had demanded. But three of the suspects denied the allegation. The Police also paraded 14 robbery suspects who were arrested at various points in the state.

Amaechi Tasks Local, Int'l Firms on Job Creation

The Rivers State Government has appealed to companies in the state to accord attention to job and wealth creation among indigenes as a way of reducing crimes. Governor Amaechi said some of the youths carrying guns were doing so because they had no acceptable alternatives. He urged corporate outfits to be positively disposed to the needs and yarning of the people of the state.

Police Investigate Alleged Kidnap of Two Shell Officials in Bayelsa

Bayelsa State police command has commenced investigation into the alleged kidnap of two officials of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the state. The kidnappers had trailed the officials from Port Harcourt and finally swooped on them along the Okordia/Zarama road.

Policeman Kills Cyclist over Alleged N20 Bribe

A policeman in Onitsha on Monday shot dead a commercial motorcyclist over a N20 bribe. The incident reportedly occurred when a bike rider refused to give the police N20. The police then pulled his trigger but the bike man quickly threw the money on the floor and sped off, but the bullet hit an oncoming bike rider, who died instantly. The trigger happy police man fled the scene immediately. A senior police officer confirmed the incident.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

FG Accuses Oil Companies of Flouting Safety Rules
…Insists on December Deadline for Gas Flaring

Federal Government, Monday, accused oil companies in the country of engaging in acts that destroy the environment and pose health risks to their employees. Minister of State for Energy (Petroleum), Mr Odein Ajumogobia, admonished the firms for non-adherence to rules and regulations on safety. Complaints by Labour Organisations have highlighted some of these lapses. The FG has insisted on the end of year deadline given them to stop gas flaring or risk losing their oil fields. The government has already imposed a fine of $3.50/million cubic feet of gas flared by the companies.

Senate Assesses Work on $5.9bn Gas to Liquid Project

The Senate Committee on Gas will visit Escravos to confirm the level of work done at the $5.9 billion Escaravos Gas to Liquid project being constructed by Chevron Nigeria Limited and ascertain whether the work done is commensurate with the $2.5 billion Chevron said it had already expended on the project and also form an opinion on the ability of Chevron to deliver expeditiously on the project and in a manner that will ensure national comfort.

Delta Accuses Oil Firms of Concealing Oil Spill

Delta State Government has accused oil companies operating in the state of delay in reporting cases of oil spill to the relevant authorities and has decided to set up a committee that would help in monitoring the environment. Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Fred Majemite, on Tuesday frowned at what he called serious environmental pollution and degradation by the oil companies and individuals alike.

Delta Alleges Moves to Dump Toxic Waste in Nigeria

The Delta State Government, Tuesday, alleged plan by unidentified persons to dump toxic waste in the country, purportedly believed to be coming from Ukraine.  It has therefore directed all LGAs in the state to be on the red alert so as not to be taken unawares.

Dockworkers Threaten Strike, Give 7-day Ultimatum

Dock workers arm of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), have petitioned the management of Delta Ports, urging it to prevail on Chevron Nigeria Limited to allow them discharge vessels berthing at the Chevron Jetty within the next seven days, failing which members would down tools and withdraw their services in Warri and its environs.

JTF Destroys 300 Illegal Refineries

The Joint Task Force (JTF), Tuesday said it had destroyed over 300 illegal refineries in Delta and Bayelsa States. It also handed-over ten suspects arrested for illegal bunkering activities to the EFCC. The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC) LT. Col Rabe Abubakar, also expressed dismay over the continued attacked on the JTF team, and said the JTF will not be intimidated in anyway

Oil Firms Owe Host Communities N11.8b in Niger Delta

Multinationals operating on the oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria still owe their host communities $100 million (about N 11.8 billion) compensation, an action which might prolong the crises rocking the region. Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clarke, declared that unless the oil companies compensate the people, there would not be peace in the region because of the effect of environmental degradation.

Total Acquires Interest in Two Offshore Operations

French oil giant, Total, announced on Tuesday, that it had signed an agreement with two Nigerian firms to acquire interest in two deepwater offshore operations. Specifically, Total has acquired 25.67 per cent interest in OMEL (1) Energy Nigeria Limited (OENL) in OPL 285 and 14.5 per cent of OMEL Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (OEPNL) in OPL 279. Total stated that OENL would remain the operator for Block OPL 285, while OEPNL would operate Block OPL 279.

Police Kill 3 Armed Robbery Suspects in Asaba

The police in Asaba, Delta State, Wednesday, killed three armed robbery suspects, who were part of an eight-man gang which operated in a compound behind Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Five other escaped, while a VCD, bag of clothes, cutlass, a ladder and seven expended cartridges recovered.

Two Students Feared Killed

Two students of a tertiary institution in the South-South are feared killed in an auto accident in Edo State. The Zonal Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Benin Zone, Alhaji Zakari Nda, who confirmed the accident said that the vehicle had an illegal registration number. He said that four other persons sustained varying degrees of injury.

Groups Demand Independent Monitoring For Niger Delta Ministry

To ensure the support of youths and build the confidence of the people of the Niger Delta, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have asked government to put in place an independent monitor to the activities of the Niger Delta Ministry. The CSOs, numbering over 40 participated in a roundtable dialogue in Warri, Delta State, on the multiple challenges and opportunities that face the new Ministry.

20 Families in Benin Get Death Threats

Over 20 families in Benin have received threat letters from a gang, asking them to drop N50, 000 at a certain location or their family members would be kidnapped or killed.  The Edo State Police Command said it had deployed a team of detectives to the area to investigate the matter and arrest those behind the letters.

Community Facilitates Abducted Shell Workers Release

The leaders of Uzere community in Delta State aided the release of three abducted Shell workers. One of the community leaders, Chief Iduh Amadhe, who condemned the behaviour of the youths, however blamed SPDC staff for entering their Location 14 of Uzere oil field, where a spillage occurred, after it was unanimously agreed that all parties should steer clear from the area.

Itsekiri Groups Threaten Attack on Urhobo Villages

The alleged Kidnap of an Itsekiri man identified as Richard Tuedoneye by some youths from Okpe LGA of Delta state may set off another round of fighting between the Urhobos and the Itsekiris in the council. Three Itsekiri militia groups have issued a 21- day ultimatum to the people of Ugbukurusu and Ikerensa, both Urhobo communities to produce dead or alive Richard Tuedoneye believed to have been kidnapped by them last Saturday, or face their wrath.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Brutalised Lady Sues Navy, Demands N100m Damages
…Navy Probes Assault on Woman

The Nigerian Navy has set up a board of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding assault on a lady in Lagos last Monday by some naval ratings. On the said Monday, a lady, Miss Uzoma Okere, daughter of the Sergeant-at-Arms at the National Assembly, Col. Emeka Okere (rtd) was allegedly assaulted by naval ratings attached to the convoy of the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Logistics Command, Sapele, Rear Admiral Henry Arogundade. Director of Naval Information, Commodore David Nabaida, confirmed the setting up of the panel. But Uzoma has dragged the Navy and the rear admiral alongside the naval ratings to court, demanding N100million for the violation of her rights.

Police Kill Two Suspected Robbers in Ondo

A six-member armed robbery gang, which invaded Ondo State from neighbouring Delta State, was last Wednesday smashed by men of the State Police Command. The policemen killed two of suspected robbers during an exchange of gunfire in Okitipupa. A statement by the command's spokesman, Adeniran Aremu, said that the slain suspected robbers were indigenes of Agbaro in Delta State, as confessed by the colleagues who were arrested, while three others escaped. Attempts to apprehend the others are ongoing.

Court-Martialled Soldiers Allege Extortion, Torture

Four of the 28 soldiers who are being court-martialled at Owena Barracks, Akure for alleged mutiny made their statement under duress, according to Femi Falana. Falana said that they were tortured by the investigating army officers before their statements were obtained before the trial. He also accused the investigating officers of collecting $150 from some of the accused soldiers who were let off the hook.

Container Kills Three at Tin Can Island

Tragedy struck at the Tin Can Island Container Terminal Ltd (TICT) when a container which was being placed on a truck with a forklift fell and killed three persons. Business activities have been paralysed at the terminal, while operators are angry with the Tin Can Island management for using obsolete equipment.

Armed Robbers Lay Siege to Lagos

Armed robbers have literarily taken over Lagos metropolis, unleashing terror on citizens. In the last week, it had been tales of robbery from parts of the state. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has also turned to the devil‘s den as a result of the operations of men of the underworld. The incidents are coming in the wake of the introduction of joint military-police patrol in the state. Meanwhile there indications that armed robbers, with sophisticated weapons, suspected to be foreigners have taken over major highways in the country unleashing terror on innocent people.

NAFDAC Seizes Toxic Ice Cream, Milk in Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed toxic ice creams and milk powder containing quantities of melamine. The products were imported from China by a Nigerian company. NAFDAC said the milk powder and ice creams seized from the company located in Ogun State contained 21.1 mg/kg of melamine, which is far above the acceptable maximum limit of 2.5 mg/kg.

Explosion Rocks Abule-Egba

A high tension electric cable fell on a plastic-making workshop, at Abule-Egba in Lagos causing an explosion. The fire from the explosion caused the destruction of properties worth millions of naira. It took the intervention of men of the Lagos State Fire Service to put out the fire.

Police Arrest Four Robbery Suspects in Kwara

Police in Kwara State have arrested four armed robbery suspects, including a graduate of Oro College of Education, who allegedly robbed a telephone handset and accessories' dealer in the town at gun point. Luck ran out on them when a neighbour raised an alarm, which led to the over-powering of one of the suspects by some passers-by.

Man Beats Brother-in-Law to Death

A 60-year-old man identified as James Akpan, on Sunday, allegedly beat to death his brother-in-law, Kingsley Udo for abandoning his sister (Udo‘s wife) in the village shortly after she gave birth to a baby. In a related incident, a middle-aged woman in Ekiti state allegedly killed her husband in a domestic squabble over money. Sources said that the husband had threatened her with a knife during the fight, but she later grabbed the knife and stabbed him. Her father handed her over to the Police.

Ifelodun/Tsaragi Cummunal Crisis: 2 Policemen Killed

The crisis between Share and Tsaragi communities in Kwara State over land on Monday claimed two out of 200 policemen deployed to maintain peace, while 20 persons are now in police net. On Monday, one person was reportedly killed, while three others were seriously injured. Also, dangerous weapons were recovered from the two sides during house- to-house search by the police.

GENERAL

Major Shake-up in Air Force
....New Air Officers Commanding Appointed

The Nigerian Air Force at the weekend made a major shake up in its hierarchy as ordered by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin. In the shake up, three new Air Officers Commanding were appointed. They are Air Vice Marshal J. O. Babalola, who is now Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Markudi, while Air Vice Marshal Victor Usoro is the new Air Officer Commanding Logistic Command, Lagos and Air Vice Marshal Mohammed D. Umar is the new Air Officer in charge of Training Command, Kaduna.

Fire Guts Shops in Kano

Barely a week after over N130 million property was lost to the fire that gutted Singer Market in Kano, another market in Sabon-Gari area was, Sunday,  razed by  fire while  500 shops with goods worth over N500 million were lost to the inferno. Governor Ibrahim Shekarau who visited the scene ordered a probe to unravel the cause of the fire incident.

Plateau Governor Convoy in Auto Crash, Two Die

Two persons, including a policeman, lost their lives when the convoy of plateau state governor, Mr Jonah Jang, was involved in a fatal accident on Thursday. The accident occurred when a back-up security vehicle in the convoy had a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle and the escort commander, an inspector, died on the spot while others who sustained injuries were rushed to the plateau state hospital in Jos.

House Committee Warns Against Zenon/AP Merger

The House of Representatives Committee on Capital Markets has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) not to permit the proposed merger between African Petroleum Plc and Zenon Oil and Gas Limited until a number of conditions are met. The committee observed that it had received complaints regarding the state of health of Zenon Oil and the dangers of a merger.

Global Warming May Displace 48m Nigerians, UN Warns

Over 48 million Nigerians face displacement across the country as a result of effects of the prevailing global warming, according to the United Nations (UN). The world body also explained that one millimetre rise of the sea level may dry up Lake Chad completely, while desertification would consume 70 per cent of the Savannah region. These changes are caused by emissions of greenhouse gases.

Commission to Review Rape, Sexual Laws

Mrs. Abimbola Coker, Secretary, Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC), said on Tuesday that the Commission would review and reform laws relating to rape and other sexual related offences. She said that a review and reform of the existing laws were imperative due to the increase in rape and sexually related cases in the society. In a rape case, the Kebbi police command has arrested two men for allegedly raping three teenage girls at Gehiru village in Jega LGA of the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Muhtari Shehu, said that the suspects had confessed to raping the three girls.

Drug Trafficking: 7 Get Jail Terms

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced seven drug traffickers arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja to various jail terms. The NDLEA boss, Ahmadu Giade, was particularly pleased with the sentence of one of the convicts, Felix Oraegbunam, 47, that got the highest jail term of 15 years without an option of fine.

20-Year-Old Lady in Trouble for Killing Own Day-Old Baby

A 20-year-old lady, Rabiatu Umaru, is in police custody in Kebbi state for killing her day-old baby boy. Rabiatu said she was rejected by her supposed fiancé and her parents rejected her when she got pregnant. She stayed with a trader but was later accused of theft, which sent her into forced labour. She decided to run into the bush where she gave birth to the baby unaided. She killed him by placing a heavy cement block on him.

Former AG Warns on Unresolved Murder Cases

Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has warned on the possibility of increase of high profile murder cases, unless previous murder cases are resolved. Osinbajo said that the lingering murder cases remained a sore point on the nation’s police authorities.

Police Nab 3 over N269m Bank Fraud

Three staff of a new generation bank were among seven people arrested for allegedly defrauding the bank to the tune of N269 million. Speaking while parading the suspects, Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Mr. Mike Ehidiamen, said that the sum of N129 million had been recovered during the course of investigations into various banks fraud since he assumed duties.

House Assures Army of Support

The House of Representatives has assured that it would make adequate legislations to ensure that Nigeria has a standby combat ready army at all times. Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Mr. Wale Oke, Tuesday, said it was unfortunate that over the years, dilapidated infrastructure existed in the Nigerian Army. He said they will do everything within its reach to ensure that the Army receives budgetary allocation commensurate with the size of infrastructural decay in the Army.

Oil Production Reaches Two Million Barrels

Nigeria’s crude oil production at the end of September pushed higher by 5000 barrels per day to peak at two million bpd. Latest production statistics from Africa Oil Journal showed the country had maintained its lead among the four African members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, since regaining it in August.

Kaduna Refinery to Spend $2.9bn on TAM

The Managing Director, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Mr Olayinka Agoro, said on Thursday that the company would spend $2.9 billion on its Turn Around Maintenance (TAM), which would commence on November 15 and last 60 days.

N17bn Debt: IPMAN Plans Indefinite Strike

Members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have threatened to go on indefinite strike, to demand for settlement of the outstanding N17 billion owed them by Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF).  Alhaji Umaru Ngelzarma, the North East Zonal Chairman of IPMAN, said on Wednesday that some petrol dealers were owed various sums of money by the Fund and had their business activities grounded.

Police Warn Minna Residents to Stay Away from Military Shooting Range

Minna residents living within the 31 brigade shooting, military cantonment Minna have been warned by the Nigeria police in Niger to stay off the shooting range to avoid any accident during military exercises.

Teenagers Die in Kaduna River

Two teenagers, Benedict Oga and Samuel Ango Bala, both 15, said to be children of serving police officers died while swimming in River Kaduna. The incident occurred at the Rafin Guza axis of River Kaduna where the water is said to be very cold and dangerous. Residents say this brings to 10 the number of people who have died in that axis of the river. The Police confirmed the incident.

N2.3b Car Purchase: Keyamo Made False Claims -NASS

Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, was on Wednesday accused of parading false documents to back up his allegation of impropriety in the purchase of 380 units of 407 cars to members of House of Representatives. The house and Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria (PAN) denied the documents paraded by Keyamo as belonging to them. The two institutions, however, acceded to Keyamo's claim that a different range of Peugeot vehicle was supplied to the House, different from the original quotation. Meanwhile the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger-Delta, (MEND), has vowed to destroy the 380 cars if sighted.

Man Arrested for Stabbing a Policeman

Sokoto police command has arrested 21 year old Wadata Isah for allegedly stabbing to death, a police Constable, Hamidu Mohammed. The police constable was returning from work when Wadata and others at large attacked him.

Yar’Adua Approves 30% Reduction in Ports’ Charges

President Yar’Adua has approved across board slashing by 30 per cent of all charges, fees and fines by all regulatory agencies on goods being cleared at the ports. He has also sanctioned the abrogation levies on rice, textile and sugar as well as terminal charges by the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and plant hire charges. Yar’Adua however, retained port development levy, which will be used “strictly” for ports development.

Communal Crisis Claim 7 Lives

Seven people were feared killed in a communal crisis between the Fulani and Bandana people at Bandawa village in Karim–Lamido LGA of Taraba Sate. Confirming the report, the state commissioner of police, Aliyu Musa, explained that the crisis started after a Bandawa who went to farm was later found dead with his head and hand caught off. He said few members of his tribe who suspected that he was killed by nomadic Fulani went into the bush for a reprisal attack against the Fulani.

FG Demands $231m Signature Bonus from Korean Firm for Two Oil Blocks

The FG has said that Korean National Oil Company (KNOC) would have to pay the $231 million signature bonus on two oil blocks allocated to it in 2006. The firm was granted waiver on the payment by the Obasanjo administration as it unfolded a $6billion investment package to help mobilise resources towards the rehabilitation and construction of some infrastructure in the country. But, years after the oil blocks, work is yet to commence on any of the projects.

American Firm Drags Nigeria-Sao Tome to Court over Oil Blocks

ERHC Energy Inc. an American oil and Gas company on Tuesday announced it has filed suit to stop any tampering with its rights in Joint Development Zone (JDZ) Blocks 5 and 6. The lawsuit comes after the JDA and the Joint Ministerial Counsel (JMC) of the Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe JDZ failed to give a satisfactory response to the ERHC's letters seeking clarification on the company's rights in JDZ Blocks 5 and 6.

Yar’Adua to Support Naval Resolutions

President Yar’Adua has expressed optimism that after four days of brain- storming by men of the Nigerian Navy, they will be in a position to strengthen their skills, and enhance performance of their oversight functions. The president said he would give full support to the implementation of all resolutions taken by the naval staff.

Fuel Scarcity Looms as Vessels Remain Trapped at Sea.

Depot congestion at the Apapa ports may lead to petroleum products scarcity, as vessels are unable to berth to discharge products due to inadequate facilities. The development may lead to products scarcity, particularly during this Yuletide period, when products are in high demand due to increase in activities.

S/Korea Offers to Bail Nigeria Out of Energy Crisis

Nigeria’s energy sector has been offered a lifeline by the South Korean Government. President, Korean Energy Economics Institute, Mr. Ki-Yual Bang, and President, Korean Electric Power Corporation, Mr. Jin-Sik Sim, asked Nigeria as well as other African countries to bring forth proposals for projects, where they needed assistance in their energy industries.

FG, Committed to Human Rights – Maduekwe

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Monday, reiterated Government's commitment to promoting human rights in the country and this led to its recent diplomatic shuttle to Indonesia, where 18 Nigerians were on the death row for drug-related offences. He called on civil society organisations to collaborate with the government to build a strong system of human rights advocacy. Meanwhile the condemned criminals are appealing for a retrial and pardon in Indonesia.

DPR Threatens to Sanction Unregistered Marketers

The Department of Petroleum Resources has threatened to sanction marketers who refused to renew their operating licenses for the year 2009/2010. The Operations Controller of the DPR in Kano, Alhaji Sayyadi Abubakar, told the Marketers that his Department had commenced renewal of operating licenses for the year 2009/2010.

INTERNATIONAL

AU: Nigeria Calls for Emergency Meeting over Congo

Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, has called for an emergency meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU). Maduekwe said the deteriorating character of the conflict in the Congo (DR) has become a major threat to continental peace and security and is diverting attention from economic growth.

Obama in Historic Victory

The US Democratic Party presidential candidate, Barack Obama was on Tuesday elected the 44th president of the US, having won of a significant number of the 538 electoral votes. His election has been widely celebrated around the world. He is the first black man to be elected into the white house.

Crude Oil: OPEC Targets $80 per Barrel

The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Chakib Khelil, has warned that member countries must implement agreed production cuts if they want stable oil prices – even as the cartel targets prices ranging between $70 and $80 per barrel in the months ahead. Oil prices currently hover around $65 after enjoying a lengthy period of boom.

Minister Escapes Bombing as Iraq Attacks Claim Seven

Iraq‘s deputy oil minister, Saheb Salman Qutub, survived an assassination attempt on Monday as the Iraqi capital was hit by four bomb attacks that killed seven people and wounded at least 30 more in Baghdad‘s central commercial district of Karrada. The attacks, according to reports showed that despite an overall decline in violence, insurgents were still capable of striking the heavily guarded capital with ease.

Guineans Demanding Cheaper Fuel Clash with Police

Several people were injured in Guinea‘s capital, on Monday in clashes between police and youths demanding cheaper fuel. On Saturday the government reduced petroleum prices by a little over 20 per cent, but the protesters say that falls short of the drop in world crude prices. Police could not be reached for more details on the number of people injured.

49 Die in Vietnam’s Floods

Floods triggered by torrential rains in northern and central Vietnam have killed about 49 people in the worst flooding in more than two decades. Floods on Hoang Long, Buoi and Ca rivers in northern Vietnam remained on “very high level,” according to reports.

Gunmen Kidnap Aid Workers on Airstrip

Gunmen stormed an airstrip in central Somalia on Wednesday, kidnapping a group of Aid Workers. French-based Action Centre La Faim charity confirmed that four of its people were taken. Aid workers have been increasingly targeted for assassination and kidnap in Somalia, where Islamist insurgents are fighting the Somali government.

Militants Fire Rocket Barrage on Israel

Hamas militants pounded Southern Israel with a barrage of rockets on Wednesday hours after Israeli forces killed six gunmen in a fresh bout of violence that threatened to a five-month-old truce that has brought relief to both Gaza and southern Israel. The clashes began late on Tuesday after the Israeli forces burst into Gaza to destroy what the army said was a tunnel being dug near the border to abduct Israeli troops. Despite the outbreak of violence, both parties said they wanted to restore the calm. Police said the rocket landed in an empty area and there were no reports of injuries or property damage.