Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 47

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

MEND Accuses JTF of Threatening Ceasefire over Raid

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) on Tuesday traded blame over alleged raid of the home of a repentant militant leader in Rivers State. MEND accuse the JTF of threatening the ceasefire in the region by raiding Kula community in search of weapons and destroying the home of one of its former commanders, Christian don Pedro, who had earlier handed over his weapons for the Federal Government’s amnesty programme. JTF spokesman, Lt. Colonel Timothy Antigha denied the raid, saying the security outfit only responded to reports of shooting in the area, and had merely gone to the area to investigate. He also denied the allegations that Don Pedro’s home was destroyed.

Traders Lament Frequent Attacks by Sea Pirates

Suspected sea pirates on Monday attacked fish boats and local traders along the creeks of Bayelsa State and Calabar Channels, using local canoes. A captain in one of the affected fishing boats, Lucas Uduak, said the assailants came with sophisticated weapons. There was no confirmation of casualties.

Ex-Militants on Rampage, Protest Non-Payment of Allowances

Thousands of former militants on Monday left their rehabilitation camp in Aluu, Rivers state, near the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, and took to the streets to protest the non-payment of their allowances. The protesters also clashed with men of the Joint Task Force (JTF). No casualty was recorded. Two women were allegedly raped, but ex-militants denied the rape allegation, stating that they had been going about begging people in the neighbourhood for food, because the government failed to pay their allowances. Rivers State Coordinator of Amnesty, Mr. Bestman Nnwoka, said the protest was uncalled for, insisting that only allowances for last weekend was being owed. He called on security agencies to stop the ex-militants from taking the law into their hands.

One Killed, 27 Arrested in ESUT Riot

One student of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Victor Mgbejiofor, was allegedly shot dead by the police on Tuesday during the students’ demonstration in Enugu, while another was seriously wounded. The State Police Command denies that no student was killed in the incident, but confirmed that 27 students had been arrested for allegedly engaging in criminal activities during the demonstration. One of the arrested students, Emmanuel Agbo, said that the students were only on a peaceful protest against the renewed industrial action embarked upon by lecturers of the university barely one month after their five months strike was called off. He denied the involvement of the students in any criminal activities.

Reps Want FG to Drag Cameroon to UN, AU over Attacks in Bakassi

Worried by the recent attacks on Nigerians in the Bakassi Peninsula by Cameroonian gendarmes, the House of Representatives Thursday advised the Federal Government to formally report to the United Nations Organization (UN), the African Union (AU) and other relevant bodies to compel Cameroon to abide by the Green Tree Agreement (GTA). The House also called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work in conjunction with Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA] to immediately resettle the Nigerian returnees from Cameroon. This resolution comes on the heels of reported attacks on Nigerians living in the Bakassi Peninsula by Cameroonian gendarmes. While leading the debate on the motion, the lawmakers expressed regrets that Cameroon had failed to comply with stipulations of the GTA.

EU Gives Nigeria $1bn for Niger Delta

The European Commission has signed a $1 billion for peace and development in the Niger Delta region. The EU development agreement with Nigeria is also aimed at addressing corruption in the country, and target electoral reform alongside with improving human rights. A substantial amount of the funding will be spent on resolving conflict in Niger Delta, according to the EU's development chief.

Amaechi Orders Restriction of Ex-militants to Camp

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State on Thursday read the riot act to security agencies guarding the militant camp in Aluu to restrict their movements within the camp. Amaechi warned that having benefitted from amnesty does not mean that they were free to commit crimes, adding that those who violate the laws of the land would be made to face justice. He promised that there would be no repeat occurrence of what happened when the militants stormed out of their camps destroying properties, looting personal effects and raping girls in the open as all measures have been put in place to check a repeat.

Abia First Lady Implicated in N3.3b Fraud

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have stormed Abia State in search of the wife of the governor, Mrs. Theresa Odochi Orji, and others over alleged laundering of over N3.3billion, following a complaint filed by an American, Mrs Miranda Nwadieyi, who was alleged to have been awarded a bogus contract by the wife of the governor to supply 1,500 units of Chevrolet AVEO cars. Checks reveal that the contract went sour when the American was informed to open an off-shore covert account to enable the Abia State government pay money into it without public knowledge. Mrs Nwadieyi was said to have refused. EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Femi Babafemi confirmed that operatives of the commission were in Abia state but declined knowledge of their mission.

NNPC, RSG to Resuscitate Oyigbo Gas Plant

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Rivers State government have pledged to work together to restore production activities at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)-operated Obigbo Gas Plant, in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State. Production activities at the facility were halted two years ago, following massive invasion of pipelines right of way by inhabitants of Umuebulu Community. NNPC's Group Managing Director, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, and Rivers State Governor, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, resolved to embark on measures which would bring the plant back on stream, in line with the National Gas Master Plan.

FG Commences Payment of Allowance to Ex-Militants

The Federal Government has commenced payment of arrears of allowances owed former militants in various camps in the Niger Delta. Each repentant militant is entitled to an allowance of N65, 000 per month for the period of rehabilitation.There are two rehabilitation camps in Rivers and Delta States. This comes on the heels of protests by former militants camped at Aluu, near the University of Port Harcourt, on November 16 over non-payment of their allowances and alleged neglect by government. The Media Coordinator of the Amnesty Implementation Committee, Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, disclosed this development.

Ex-Militants Clash in Aluu Camp

Some ex-militants on Wednesday clashed at their Aluu rehabilitation camp. But the timely intervention of soldiers on ground saved the situation from escalating, according to some of the ex-militants. According to them, there are about five different groups being quartered at the rehabilitation centre, and factions are being drawn. The clash reportedly erupted after one of the ex-militant leaders led about 20 boys loyal to him to attack another ex-militant leader at a drinking spot in front of the rehabilitation centre.

Military to Continue Fight against Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

The army says it will continue to beef up security around oil facilities in the Niger Delta to forestall illegal lifting of crude oil. Suspected oil thieves have increased attacks on oil facilities. The Joint Task Force (JTF) says its strategy of fighting a network of criminal gangs involved in crude oil theft remains unchanged. JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Timothy Atingha, said some suspects have been arrested and investigations are ongoing to establish suspects behind the massive oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Fire Renders 15 Homeless in Calabar

A fire outbreak in Ekorinim community in Calabar Cross River State, on Wednesday afternoon has rendered 15 people homeless. Narrating his ordeal, the 23-year-old landlord, Mr. Ito Mesembe Asikpo, said he was at work when the disaster occurred. No further details of the incident were available.

Rivers Passes Child Rights Act

Lawmakers in Rivers State on Thursday passed the Child Rights Bill 2009 into law. The bill, which enabled the state to align with the United Nations Convention for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, would also improve the welfare of children in the state. The bill also amended the penalty for anybody who abuses a child sexually from life imprisonment to 14 years in line with the provision of the Criminal Code for a rape case. Wife of the state governor, Mrs. Judith Amaechi, who paid an advocacy visit to the House before the passage of the bill, urged the lawmakers to make it compulsory for anybody living with another person's children below the age of 14 to train them in schools. She also recommended a special court to handle all injustices against children.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Naval Chief Tasks Niger Deltans on Illegal Bunkering, Security

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, has declared that until the people and government of the Niger Delta make security a priority in their agenda, the problem of illegal oil bunkering will not end. Ibrahim made this assertion during a visit to Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan on Wednesday. He noted that militancy in the Niger Delta may end, but criminality would not because "saboteurs would continue to introduce more sophisticated dimensions to achieve their aims". The CNS, who was in the state to appraise the security situation in the waterways, noted that the recent arrest made by his officers is a pointer that there is more struggle ahead to achieve the desired security and safety.

Violence in Oleh over Killing of Middle-Aged Man

Violence rocked Oleh in Isoko South LGA of Delta state following the killing of a middle-aged man, Isaac Oboma, by persons identified as children of the paramount ruler of the community. Trouble reportedly started when the deceased challenged the youths who were attempting to cart away an electrical transformer in the community at about 2.00 am, and alerted the local vigilante group. But the suspects, who have been arrested by the police, allegedly trailed the deceased and shot him dead at about 3.00am. The monarch was said to have escaped from the palace before an angry mob attacked the palace. The state government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the area, while the police have commenced investigation.

Edo Chief Judge Slumps Dead at 61

Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Michael Irohun Edokpayi, 61, is dead. He slumped and died in Abuja on Monday where he was attending Judges’ Conference. He was said to have been confirmed dead at the National Hospital, Abuja. Justice Edokpayi was appointed Chief Judge by former Governor Lucky Igbinedion in 2006. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has ruled out foul play in his death, and categorised it under Sudden and Unnatural Death (SUD). Meanwhile the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, announced the appointment of Hon. Justice Cromwell Osamwonyi Idahosa as the Acting Chief Judge of Edo State, with effect from November 18, 2009.

JTF Patrol Takes Off in Edo

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Tuesday, launched the Joint Military and Police Patrol in the state with an appeal to all, irrespective of social class or status to submit themselves to inspection at road blocks. The state governor emphasized that nobody will be above the law in the exercise to combat crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and other vices. The Governor further restated that the administration is determined to guarantee and restore the confidence of the people in the state.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Lagos Pilgrim Arrested in Mecca with Fake Dollars

A Muslim pilgrim from Lagos State, currently in Mecca for this year’s hajj has been arrested by the Saudi Police for being in possession of fake $22, 000.  The state commissioner for home affairs and culture, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, who is in Saudi Arabia as leader of the delegates, refused to disclose the name of the suspect. It was learnt that the pilgrim had already converted $100 to Saudi Riyal undetected before his eventual arrest.

Ondo Youths Shut Oil Platform

Irate youths in Ondo state shut down a 25,000 barrel per day (bpd) Conoil production platform in Ilaje, Ondo State. Numbering about 100, the youths, suspected to be members of the local militant group, the Gwama Boys, forcibly took over the Mr. P Platform, where they disarmed the security guards on duty last weekend and stopped exploration activities. Their spokesman, Felix Rawa, accused Conoil of breach of agreement in the provision of scholarship and employment for qualified indigenes of the communities. Meanwhile, former Petroleum Minister, David-West, has cautioned the government against selling the country's refineries, warning that if the government sells the refineries, then it would have mortgaged the future of the country.

Woman Arrested with Heroin in Hair

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 31-year old lady with 14 wraps of heroin stuffed inside her hair. The suspect, Ms. Angela Okiri, who hails from Oredo in Edo State, also ingested 56 wraps of the drug and packed 22 other wraps inside a sanitary pad in her handbag. NDLEA’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said on Monday that Angela was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, while attempting to board an Alitalia flight to Italy. Also arrested, were three suspects with various quantities of cocaine.

Osun LG Chairman Arrested for Assault

The Chairman of Ilesa West LGA in Osun State, Mr. Ibukun Fadipe, was on Sunday arrested by the police for assaulting the Chairman of DHL Limited, Chief Ade Komolafe, at a filling station in Ilesa. Fadipe was said to have attempted to jump the queue at the petrol station but was resisted by Komolafe and many other motorists joined Komolafe. Fadipe, who felt affronted by the resistance championed by Komolafe, left the petrol station in annoyance to invite a group of youths to unleash terror on hapless motorists. Komolafe alleged that "The thugs with their boss also succeeded in forcibly removing two of my 62-year-old mother-in-law’s teeth when she tried to persuade them to stop their shameful act”.

Ogun Police Arrest 3 for Kidnapping

Three suspects alleged to have abducted a 16 year-old student for a N5 million ransom, have been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command. The suspects allegedly lured and kidnapped Opeyemi Olabode from his parents' home. They were among the 30 crime suspects paraded by the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Hashimu Arugungu at the Command's Headquarters in Abeokuta. The commissioner said that the suspects got in touch with the victim's father, Mr. Olabode William asking him to pay a ransom of N5 million, but William reported the case to the police and with the co-operation of the bank, police detectives arrested the suspects.

Fire Guts Ejigbo Fuel Depot

A fire outbreak on Tuesday disrupted operations at Ejigbo Depot belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Lagos. Confirming the fire incident, Public Affairs Manager of Pipelines Products and Marking Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, Mr. Ralph Ugwu said that the incident was a normal operational challenge and there was no casualty. This is coming as the long queues, which resurfaced in Lagos on Sunday and Monday gradually eased yesterday, owing to what marketers called “a slight improvement in fuel supply to filling stations.”

GENERAL

Nigerian Refineries to Resume Production in December -Minister

Minister of State for Petroleum, Odein Ajumogobia, on Wednesday declared that the Kaduna and Warri refineries are now fully rehabilitated and are awaiting the supply of crude oil to commence production by mid December. Ajumogobia noted that the importation of petroleum products would be reduced by 40 per cent when the refineries begin full operation. He attributed the delay in their production to the poor state of pipelines. He ruled out any plan by the Federal Government to build new refineries, saying "the government cannot afford it. And no private investor would want to invest when he is not sure of getting returns on investment. That is why we are pushing for the deregulation.

Contractor Threatens to Quit Excavation of Unexploded Bombs
…Alleges Bribe Request

The consultants to the Ministry of Defence undertaking the Humanitarian Demining Exercise, (RSB Holding), to clear all Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and Unexploded Ordinances (UXO) from the Civil War affected areas, on Wednesday threatened to leave behind about 3,500 bombs already recovered in the affected states, thus putting lives of inhabitants of the areas in danger. The consultant, Dr. Bala Yakubu, alleged that an official of the Ministry of Defence has continued to demand bribe of N2 million from the firm if the job must be completed. The bomb experts have located about 3,500 explosives, which have been underground in the residences of people in Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia and Nasarawa states.

Editors Angry over New Media Bill

A bill before the Federal House of Representatives seeking to curtail press freedom and control the practice of journalism in Nigeria has been described by the Nigerian Guild of Editors as totally unnecessary for the profession and the Nigerian public, but Legislators claim the bill would enhance the practice of journalism. The bill seeks to create a media regulatory council whose chairman will be appointed or dismissed at the pleasure of the president on the recommendation of the minister of information and communications. The editors advised the House to devote its efforts to the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) which the guild says would promote accountability and transparency.

Gaslink Reconnects Customers

Gaslink Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Oando Plc, has commenced reconnection of gas to its customers whose indebtedness is within the range of N2million, as the Minister of Petroleum Resources has waded into the face-off between the company and manufacturers over discontinuation of supply to some companies in Lagos State. Executive Director, Corporate Development, Oando Gas Power, Mr. Olanrewaju Falade, said only customers who violated the terms of agreement contained in the Gas Sales on Purchase Agreement (GSPA) were disconnected from the company’s gas grid.

FG Urges Banks to Resume Lending

The Federal Government has asked commercial banks to resume lending to the real sector immediately. This comes on the heels of the recent release of $2 billion stimulus into the economy. Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, asked the banks to perform their pivotal role of strengthening the economy by immediately resuming prudent lending to the real sector. He said the financial intermediation from the banks outweighed the fiscal stimulus which the Federal Government had provided through the release of excess crude proceeds.

France Returns Stolen Artifacts to Nigeria

Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, last weekend, received two stolen Nigerian artifacts worth $55, 000 recently returned to Nigeria by France. The artifacts were traced to the Bakar people of Cross Rivers State, and were reportedly smuggled into France in 2004. Maduekwe said the decision to return the stolen stone to Nigeria underscored France’s sensitivity to the issue of works of arts that were illegally removed from their countries of origin. He called on countries still harbouring art works stolen from Nigeria to take a queue from France.

Police Get 150 Dogs for N37 Million -Minister

Police Affairs Minister, Ibrahim Lame on Wednesday disclosed that N37 million was spent by the Nigeria Police to purchase 150 trained security dogs and their accessories this year out of the N50 million budgeted for it. It also emerged that the Police has spent more money buying bullet proof vests than on the procurement of arms and ammunition this year. He said N370 million was spent on the purchase of bullet proof vests and ballistics and N267million to procure arms and ammunition. He also used the occasion to again deny that N3.5 billion meant for the pilot scheme of Strategic Crime Prevention and Control in seven cities was misappropriated, saying that only N750m was released and it has since been committed to the project.

AD Chieftain Decries FG’s Indifference to Kidnapping

Alliance for Democracy chieftain, Chief Audu Ogbeh has decried Federal Government's indifference to the incessant cases of kidnapping in the country. Ogbeh, who spoke against the backdrop of the gruesome murder of four children in Suleja, Niger State, warned that the murders depict a “steady march towards barbarism.” He observed that the nation cannot move forward with the continuous cases of insecurity in the country. He therefore urged President Umaru Yar’Adua and security agencies to double efforts in battling the dastardly acts of criminality in order to give greater confidence to Nigerians.

EFCC Makes 74 Convictions, Recovers N15bn in 2008

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed in its 2008 annual report that it recorded 74 criminal convictions and recovered assets worth over N15 billion from those investigated and prosecuted. The Commission said that it filed 123 cases in court out of which 30 involved Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).  It did not give specific details of the convictions, assets recovered assets, the 123 cases and the 30 PEPs who are involved.  The report, signed by the Commission’s Chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, covered the period from June 5, 2008 to June 5, 2009. The Commission disclosed that its seizures of funds from suspicious transactions rose from N3, 980,000,882 in 2007 to N9, 306,598,179 in 2008.

Senate President Tasks Security Agencies on Cartels

Senate President, David Mark, has charged security operatives to put necessary measures in place to dismantle all kinds of cartels in the oil, energy and transportation sectors. Mark, who addressed participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 2 at the National Institute for Security Studies, in Abuja, stated that dismantling the cartels or cabals in the three sectors would mark a turning point in the drive to revive the country's economy. He pointed out that the cartels had been frustrating government's efforts to make the sectors perform. Mark also tasked security agents to deploy their expertise to reduce the level of corruption in the country.

Fire Guts NAFDAC Office in Abuja

A dawn fire on Thursday razed two floors at the Abuja head office of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The fire affected the Administration and Pharmaco-Vigilance departments, both on the right wing of the ground and first floors. The director-general's office was however saved because of the recently installed protective doors in the section and the timely intervention of the men of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service.

IGP Signs Cheques for Compensation to Families of Slain Officers

The families of policemen who lost their lives while in active service across the country may get compensation soon as the Police high authority is set to make the payment. About 155 policemen reportedly lost their lives between January 2006 and December 2008. Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, disclosed that the Inspector General of Police has signed cheques of compensation to the bereaved families. According to him, all cheques have been sent to all the state police commands where families are expected to meet with the Commissioner of Police to receive their cheques.

Police Parade Suspected Killer of Varsity Lecturer

The Police high Command in Abuja has paraded a 20-yearold man, Wisdom Onyekwa, as the actual killer of the late Professor Ifeoma Okoli, former lecturer of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State and her 7-year-old daughter, Jewel, who was raped to death in her house in Awka on January 24. Police efforts to apprehend the suspect paid off as Wisdom Onyekwa, was arrested on October 17 in his village, Amunda, Rivers State. The gory incident was discovered when a neighbour to the deceased observed that Wisdom, a labourer, who was seen working in the house, had suddenly disappeared without completing the job and left the main gate open. The neighbour then drew the attention of a cousin to the deceased, Dr. Eric Anazodo, who opened the door only to find their lifeless bodies.

Bauchi Police Apprehend Crime Suspects

The Police in Bauchi State Thursday paraded a total of 20 suspects ranging from thugs, pipeline vandals, robbery suspects, drugs dealers and counterfeit merchants. According to the State Commissioner of Police, Atiku Yusuf Kafur, the suspects were apprehended at various places in the state. Kafur further disclosed that one locally made toy pistol, one jack knife, 101 suck and die liquid substances, three cutlasses, 9 knives and three wraps of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered. Others are fake currency of N5, 500 in N1000/500 denominations, large quantities of dangerous drugs, 1 bow and 2 jerry cans of kerosene.

Oil Majors Accused of N10b Customs Duty Fraud

The onslaught unleashed on customs duty evaders by the Nigeria Customs Service has revealed some oil majors as among the individuals and organisations that may have been depriving the federal government of customs duty revenue. The Customs Duty Investigation Team 'B' has uncovered revenue losses to the tune of N10 billion through large scale breach of clearance procedures and unpaid assessments. The interim report of the investigation team submitted by the Head, Hassan Mundu, an unpaid sum of N9, 389, 477,000.00 made up of customs duty and other charges are outstanding against the companies due to non-utilisation of Risk Assessment Report (RAR), in 2007 and 2008.

20 Die of Cholera in Borno, 2000 Infected

About 20 people have lost their lives and over 2,000 hospitalised following a cholera outbreak in Borno State. The fresh outbreak started in Madube village of Gwoza LGA of the state, and has spread to other areas. The situation, according to reports, is becoming worrisome considering the rate at which cholera is spreading in the state. The Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Zubairu Maina, said that the state government has sufficient drugs and personnel that will take good care of the affected persons, and the ministry has started a serious campaign on the importance of drinking clean water.

INTERNATIONAL

Pirates Hijack North Korea Tanker

A chemical tanker with a crew of 28 North Koreans was on Monday hijacked by pirates near Somalia, the European Union's naval force says. The EU naval force (Navfor) operates in the region to protect shipping. Nobody was hurt aboard the Lady Juliet, which bears a St Vincent and the Grenadines flag, and any casualties among the pirates could not be confirmed.

Fort Hood Shooter Charged with Murder

The Army psychiatrist accused in the Fort Hood shootings has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder in the military's legal system, making him eligible for the death penalty if convicted, while President Barack Obama has ordered a review of all intelligence related to Major Nidal Malik Hassan, the suspect. US Army Criminal Investigation Command spokesman Chris Grey said that additional charges may also be filed against Hassan.

NASA Launches Space Shuttle

NASA space shuttle 'Atlantis' successfully rocketed into orbit on Monday, with six astronauts and a full load of spare parts for the International Space Station. The supply run should keep the space station humming for years to come, and the shuttle astronauts in space for 11 days. Atlantis shot smoothly through a partly cloudy afternoon sky, to the delight of about 100 Twittering space enthusiasts who won front-row seats.

Ivoirien Military Deploys Troops in Abidjan

The Ivoirien army has deployed troops in the streets of Abidjan in what was described as a step intended to discourage any attempt to undermine security in the country. Troops were reported present at strategic points of the port city. Some 2,000 soldiers last week carried out searches in the Banco forest surrounding Abidjan, known as a spot favoured by militants for arms caches. There has been no indication that anything was found. Authorities are due to announce a new date for a long-delayed presidential election. Rivals of incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo accuse him of manipulating the timing of the polls to maximise his chances of winning, an accusation he rejects.

5 to Die for Post-Election Protests in Iran

Iranian authorities on Tuesday sentenced five people to death and another 81 to prison terms of 6 months to 15 years for their roles in the protests that followed the country's disputed presidential elections. The five who received death sentences were convicted of membership in terrorist groups and for carrying out bombings across Iran, according to the Tehran Judiciary. The Judiciary said the defendants can appeal the verdicts. Thousands of Iranians demonstrated against the official result of the vote, which saw the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The government said he won by a landslide, but his opponents accused officials of rigging the results.

U.S Ship Escapes Pirate Attack

The U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama, which played a central role in a bloody hijacking drama early this year, was attacked again Wednesday. The ship evaded the attack by Somali pirates by firing back, the European Union's anti-piracy force said. Pirates fired automatic weapons at the ship. Guards aboard the ship fired back, repelling the attack. No casualties were reported. The Danish-owned ship was previously hijacked in the Indian Ocean in April. The pirates seized the ship's captain, Richard Phillips, and held him hostage after their failed attempt to hijack his ship. Five days later, U.S. Navy snipers fatally shot three pirates, rescued Phillips and arrested a fourth pirate.

Denver Police Uses Relative's DNA to Track Suspect

Denver police this year used DNA samples from relatives to track down a suspect. The Denver district attorney's office said that in February 2008, two cars were broken into and Police found blood at both scenes and ran the samples through DNA databases but couldn't find a match. Then, as part of a study being conducted, investigators used new software to see whether the DNA in the blood was close enough to potentially be from a family member of someone in the criminal DNA database. The software came up with six potential matches and one led police to a convicted car thief and, ultimately, that man's brother, Luis Jaimes-Tinajero. After further investigation, Jaimes-Tinajero in September pleaded guilty to one count of criminal trespass. District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said the matches to family members won't be used as evidence itself.

Suicide in US Army

Suicides among soldiers this year have topped last year's record-breaking numbers, but Army officials maintain a recent trend downward could mean the service is making headway on its programs designed to reduce the problem. Since January, 140 active-duty soldiers have killed themselves while another 71 Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers killed themselves in the same time period, totaling 211 as of Tuesday, Gen. Peter Chiarelli, U.S Army vice chief of staff, disclosed. But he said the monthly numbers are starting to slow down as the year nears its end. For all of 2008, the Army said 140 active-duty soldiers killed themselves while 57 Guard and Reserve soldiers committed suicide, totaling 197, according to Army statistics. The Army is still trying to tackle why soldiers are killing themselves.

Zimbabwean Migrants Under Attack in South Africa over Job Tensions

About 1,500 Zimbabwean migrants have fled their homes in a shantytown in rural South Africa, after South Africans on Tuesday physically prevented them from getting on to trucks taking them to their farm jobs in the grape lands around De Doorns, according to senior police superintendent, Hendrik Olivier. Fearing the incident could lead to further attacks, the Zimbabweans fled their shacks and turned to local authorities. Many of the Zimbabweans had seasonal jobs tending grape vines, but South Africans accused them of taking away their work by agreeing to longer hours and lower wages. The incident sparked sharp memories of the xenophobic violence that rocked the nation in May 2008.

Israel Dismisses U.S Anger over Settlement Plan

An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed United States (U.S.) anger at Israel's approval for new homes in a settlement near Jerusalem, saying it was part of a routine building programme. U.S. President Barack Obama said Israel's latest move to build hundreds of new apartments in a neighbourhood claimed by the Palestinians complicates the administration efforts to re-launch peace talks. Obama and the Palestinians have demanded that Israel halt settlement construction. The Jerusalem city government moved forward on Tuesday with plans to build settlement in a Jewish neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, which Palestinians claim for their future capital.

Egypt Cautioned on Rockslide Path

Rights group, Amnesty International (AI) has warned Egypt to take immediate action to ensure there is no repeat of a 2008 rockslide that killed more than 100 residents of a Cairo shantytown. A cliff face collapsed on dozens of homes in Cairo's Manshiyet Nasser slum on September 6, 2008, killing at least 100 residents. Residents blamed the disaster on work that had been going on for several weeks on the Moqattam plateau overlooking the shantytown, and said the authorities had been warned of the dangers of just such a disaster. In its report, Amnesty called on Egyptian authorities to "alleviate the threats to lives in the 26 'unsafe areas' in Greater Cairo, and to protect the residents rights to health and adequate housing."

Zimbabwe Withdraws Security Agencies from Diamond Fields

To meet Kimberley Process reforms over human rights abuses, Zimbabwean security forces have started withdrawing from the its eastern diamond fields. Mines Minister Obert Mpofu, Thursday, said Zimbabwe had complied with more than 90 per cent of the requirements set by the global watchdog, Kimberley Process, which monitors trade in conflict diamonds. Early this month, Zimbabwe escaped a Kimberley ban despite calls for the country to be suspended and the schemes own citation of "unacceptable and horrific violence against civilians by authorities" in the eastern Marange diamond fields.

Russia Confirms Ban on Death Penalty

A constitutional Court in Russia has effectively outlawed the death penalty and said that a moratorium on capital punishment should remain in force until the nation fully bans executions. The Constitutional Court chief, Valery Zorkin, said that Russia must extend the moratorium on executions until it ratifies a European convention banning the death penalty. Russia announced a moratorium on capital punishment when it joined the Council of Europe in 1996 and pledged to abolish it, but has not done so. Persistent violence in the North Caucasus region has prompted some to demand the death penalty for those involved in terrorism, and there is also public pressure for convicted serial killers, murderers and child abusers to be executed.

Israeli Aircraft Hits Gaza in Retaliation to Rocket Attacks

In response to recent rocket attacks, Israeli aircraft on Thursday struck a weapons-manufacturing facility and two smuggling tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip. But Palestinian security officials reported no injuries. According to a military's count, 270 rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel since a three-week offensive ended on January 18. But Israel says weapons and weapons-making components still reach militants through tunnels under Gaza's border with Egypt. The Israeli military said that it would "respond to any attempt to disrupt the calm in Israel's southern communities."