Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 52

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Ex-Ambassador Shot Dead in Abia

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Gabon and Ukraine, Ambassador Ignatius Ajuru has been shot dead. The retired Diplomat, an indigene of Rivers State, was gunned down by suspected assassins, penultimate Sunday evening at Obehie in Abia State. Already, the Rivers State government has protested the incident being the fourth of its kind involving indigenes of the State in the boundary community. The Rivers State Police spokesperson, Mrs Rita Inoma-Abbey (DSP) confirmed the incident but stated that the Command was yet to receive details of the incident.

Imo Deputy Governor’s Orderly Kills Driver

It was  a sad  weekend  for  the family  of the Imo State  Deputy Governor, Mrs Ada Okwuonu, as the official driver attached  to her husband  was shot  dead  right  inside  their  compound  in Ezinihitte Mbaise  by one  of the mobile  police men assigned  to her husband. The late driver, Emma Acholonu, was allegedly shot several times on his chest by the policeman during an argument. Meanwhile, the police officer who shot late Acholonu has been detained at the police headquarters, Owerri while the corpse of the deceased was deposited at the Federal Medical Centre Mortuary, Owerri.

Ex-MEND Leader Opposes Renewed Attacks

An ex-commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Sobomabo Jackreece ‘Egberipapa’, has condemned the resumption of hostilities in the Niger Delta by MEND and warned militant groups against further attacks. He said any such attack would meet dire consequences. The call came less than 48 hours after MEND announced it had hit crude oil facilities in Abonnema, Rivers State said to be jointly owned by Shell and Chevron. The attack has, however, been denied. Ending a two-month ceasefire, MEND had blamed the attack on the Federal Government, which it said was using President Yar’Adua’s illness to stall the peace talks.

Abia Community Orders Non-Indigenes Out, Denies Kidnap Charges

The Ukwa Ngwa people of Abia state have ordered non-indigenes with no visible means of livelihood to leave their community, warning that they will henceforth not guarantee their safety. The quit order was announced at the palace of Ezeukwu Ngwa Ukwu, Bernard Enweremadu, the traditional head of Ngwa land at a meeting held under the auspices of the Ukwa Ngwa Security Summit. The meeting exonerated Ukwa Ngwa indigenes from recent kidnapping for ransom and armed robbery spree in Abia State. Meanwhile, three suspected members of a notorious kidnap gang that has been terrorising Aguata Council, Anambra State have been arrested while a manhunt is on for other members of the group. Chairman, Oko Community Vigilante, Lazarus Okafor, disclosed this on Wednesday.

Ex-Militants Protest in Bayelsa

Ex-militants in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, once again protested the non-payment of their December allowances forcing several commercial banks to reinforce security. Police deployed heavily armed men to the Amarata axis of the state capital which was the focal point of the renewed protest. The ex-militants were venting their anger on a new generation bank where they ought to have received their allowances. This followed a directive that they should open accounts with the bank to receive their allowances in line with the FG’s e-payment policy. But the bank could not confirm the authenticity of the names of those who had opened accounts by the Presidential Amnesty Implementation Committee, Abuja.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Ex-Militant in Delta Warns Kidnappers

Ex-militant and leader of Deadly Underdogs, a militant group in Warri North Council area of Delta State, General Ezekiel Akpasubewei, has warned kidnappers to desist from bringing their hostages to Delta State. Ezekiel said when caught, they would be killed and their corpses handed over to the government. He spoke at Koko General Hospital where a rescued lady, Mrs Joyce Onyeama, 39, kidnapped five days earlier at her residence in Ore, Ondo State and taken to Nana Creek area of Benin River, was receiving treatment. Handing the woman over to the Police, Akpasubewei said the Federal Government should be given time and allowed to develop the region for the good of all. He also commended his boys for their bravery in securing the release of Mrs Joyce Onyeama.

Armed Soldiers Stationed in Warri over Resumed Attacks

Heavily armed soldiers were put on red alert on Warri Rivers in Delta State, penultimate Sunday, following claims of attack on some oil facilities in Abonnema in Rivers State by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Sources said that strategic areas prone to attacks by militants had been manned by the operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Warri.

Govt to Repair Damaged Pipelines in Niger Delta

The Federal Government said plans have reached an advanced stage to repair damaged pipelines and other infrastructure in the Niger Delta region, and ultimately increase the country's oil production. The Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah recently said as the attacks in the Niger Delta region continued to abate, the government is poised to repair the pipeline infrastructure, thereby increasing the present production level. Egbogah stressed that Nigeria has the capacity to produce 3.67 million barrels per day (mbpd) and it is positioned to increase the oil production to around 2.506 mbpd.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

CJ Frees 34 Prison Inmates in Lagos

At least 34 inmates at the Ikoyi Prison were on Tuesday set free by the Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Inumidun Akande. The Chief Judge, who ordered their release during a visit to the prison, said the exercise was meant to decongest the prisons.  Those freed were those who had been in prison custody for a period longer than the maximum period of imprisonment which they would have served if convicted of the alleged offences. According to the chief judge, a similar exercise will be conducted in April 2010, as soon as the list compiled by the Director of the Office of Public Defender (OPD) Mrs Omotola Rotimi is ready.

Osun Governor’s Lawyer Murdered

As most families prepared to celebrate the Christmas festivities on Thursday, the camps of the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola were thrown into morning, as unknown assassins killed Mr. Jonathan Adebisi Ogundere, the oldest lawyer in the defence team of the governor in the ongoing election petition. Ogundere was abducted on Christmas Eve from his country home and later set ablaze. The late Ogundere was called to the Bar in 1970.

Mother, Son Arraigned For Fraud

A woman, Mrs. Iyabode Adetona, 55 and her son, Saheed Adetona, 39, have been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for obtaining various sums of money estimated at N950, 000 from Miss Elizabeth Anjorin on false pretext. Saheed, who claimed to be an auto dealer, was first arraigned on 10 September for the offence, while his mother was later co-joined and charged with assaulting the popular actress, Anjorin. Saheed is alleged to have, on 18th of December 2008 obtained the said sum from Elizabeth, but converted the money to his own use.

NDLEA Beams Searchlight on Nigeria-Brazil Route to Check Trafficking

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), according its Murtala Muhammad International Airport commander, Alhaji Hamza Umar, has beamed its drug control searchlight on the Brazil-Nigeria route as part of its measures to intensify and intercept more drug traffickers. This followed a crackdown through surveillance activities by the NDLEA, which yielded positive results, with the arrest of six suspects for attempting to smuggle 6.397 kilogrammes of cocaine through the airport. Five out of the suspects were coming from Brazil while one was arrested on his way to Pakistan.

Police Recover 10 Corpses after Ijebu-Ife Mayhem

The Ogun State Police Command on Monday said 35 suspects had been arrested and 10 corpses recovered in connection with the clash that occurred at Ijebu Ife on December 5, 2009. The state Commissioner of Police, Hashimu Argungu, who was testifying however denied an allegation that his officers resorted to shooting and killing people after the death of the Area Commander, Omolodun Oladokun, saying  they only used canister tear gas. He added that some expended cartridges and 7mm ammunitions were recovered from the scene. The police commissioner said to ensure proper investigation, some places were visited and individuals were spoken to by the investigation team.

Explosion Rocks TV Station in Lagos

A parcel bomb exploded in the premises of Superscreen, a private television station, in Lagos on Tuesday, ripping off the right hand of the conveyer of the explosive device. The incident sparked fears among staffers and other occupants of the multi-storey building. It was gathered that the young man, whose mission and sponsors remain a mystery, had stormed the television house with parcel bombs disguised as Christmas gifts, and was said to have requested to see the most senior official of the television station. Police spokesman, Mr Frank Mbah, confirmed the incident and said the bomb disposal unit had certified the building safe, but warned people to stay away from the area till further notice.

GENERAL

Nigerian in Attempted Bombing of US Plane

A Nigerian passenger, Umaru Farouk Abdul Mutallab, 23, on an international flight bound for the United States, on Friday ignited a small explosive device in an attempted terrorist attack, a senior official said. Another passenger quickly helped subdue and isolate Farouk with the aid of the cabin crew. The suspect has been placed in custody and is being treated for burns, according to authorities. The suspect, said to be son of a former chairman of First Bank Nigeria Plc, who is also the current Chairman of Nigeria's first Islamic bank, Jaiz International Plc, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, is said to have confessed to having a link to al-Qaeda in Yemen. Alhaji Mutallab had warned US authorities last month of Farouk’s extreme views, say officials.  US sources confirm a file was opened, but say the information did not warrant placing the accused on a "no-fly" list.

23 killed in Zamfara Road Accident

Twenty-three persons aboard a trailer loaded with cattle were confirmed dead after a crash in Zamfara State. Twenty passengers were killed on the spot in the accident on Wednesday night at the Gidan Kano village along the Sokoto Gusau road. Another three died in a hospital. An eye witnesses said the trailer's driver lost control when he approached a very sharp bend at high speed at Gidan Kano and could not control it. The articulated vehicle then skidded off the road and somersaulted, witnesses said.

Police Constable Kills Colleague, 2 Others in Abuja

A police constable in Abuja, Tuesday, shot dead a police corporal and two other people after a quarrel. A witness said the police constable collected a gun from the corporal to threaten a passenger who refused to obey his instruction, but accidently pulled the trigger, killing the corporal, the passenger and a motor park official. The Police Public Relations Officer in Abuja DSP Moshood Jimoh confirmed the story and said the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police John Haruna has ordered the arrest of the killer police constable and directed investigation into the matter.

Calm Returns to Nasarawa as Police Intensify Patrol

Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shehu Babalola has assured the people of the state that normalcy is  being restored to the troubled zone after bloody clashes that claimed over 30 lives with scores of others injured in feud between farmers and nomads in a village near Nasarawa town. The police boss said the intensified police patrol has restored normalcy to the area as fully armed anti-riot policemen and other security agents scourged the zones on the trail of trouble makers. The commissioner would however not be specific on the number of arrests made and other details on the bloody clashes which began on Friday.

221 Sacked Police Officers Recalled

About 221 retired police officers from Kebbi State have been recalled and reinstated by the Nigeria Police Force. The officers were among 2,074 police officers retired from the state between January and February 2007 during the police reorganization exercise. The state police commissioner, Alhaji Muktari Ibrahim confirmed that the 221 officers were reinstated by the police service commission after thorough investigation. Investigation revealed that about 1,300 of the retired officers were earlier recalled and reinstated by the police between 2008 and this year.

Nigeria, Cameroon Demarcate Boundaries

Nigeria and Cameroon have flagged off the final pillar fixing along their 2000 kilometre boundary from Lake Chad to Atlantic Ocean as defined by the October 2002 International Court of Justice ruling. The exercise was performed at the border town of Banki in Borno State. It was meant to emplace 3000 pillars in which 500 pillars would be main and 2500 as intermediate pillars, a project that was carried out recently by the Nigeria/Cameroon Mixed Commission under the supervision of the United Nation. Director General of National Boundary Commission, Saddiq Marafa Diggi, said Nigeria and Cameroon are now establishing a legal boundary in which the entire world especially governments of both countries, and border would know and clearly see the limits of their jurisdiction.

Nigeria’s Oil Reserves Dwindle

The Nigerian Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has alerted that the Nigeria's oil reserves are dwindling to the extent that the nation's Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota might be under threat if the slide is not checked. The corporation has however set a target of $29 billion (about N1.8 trillion) revenue from petroleum resources in 2010. NNPC's management also urged lawmakers to persuade the Federal Government not to relent in its efforts to ensure security in the Niger Delta region while the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) now before the National Assembly is passed. The corporation said if the security situation in the Niger Delta deteriorates, it would lead to deferred production and revenue from oil resources could be adversely affected.

Oil Majors Shun New Projects in Nigeria

Uncertainty over the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has prompted International Oil Companies (IOCs) to suspend new investments, especially in deep offshore, where the PIB imposes stiffer conditions on the operators. Investigations reveal that oil majors are citing lack of enabling legislation, multiple taxation and issues affecting the Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) as reasons for channeling major investments to Ghana, Angola, Senegal, Gabon, Australia and Brazil. Although the Government has pledged to modify some areas in the PIB, industry sources said oil and gas companies are counting their losses due to the financial crunch and would want to invest in countries where they are sure of recouping their investments.

14 Killed in Auto Crash

Fourteen persons died, penultimate Saturday in an auto crash at Sabongida-Tasharanda village, on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis. A witness, Malam Muhammadu Bawa said that the accident occurred at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, and involved two cars coming from opposite directions, having a head-on collision. According to him, as soon as the accident occurred, one of the cars caught fire, and efforts to rescue the passengers failed.  The acting Sector Commander of FRSC in Bauchi, Mr Kachalla Mahmud, said the charred remains of the victims had been deposited at the Specialist Hospital. Mahmud advised motorists to be more careful and adhere to speed limits, as well as ensure that their vehicles were in good shape before embarking on journeys.

Fuel Scarcity Persists, Price Hits N150 per Litre

Pump price of petroleum products, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has been increased by marketers across the country as most filling stations now sell for as much as N150 per litre, while black market price is as much as N450, in the face of the acute scarcity of the product. This is coming as the members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), on Monday resumed lifting of products following the suspension of an earlier strike which began penultimate Friday. Consumers and travellers have lamented the untold hardship which this has caused many.

Over 500 Homeless As Bauchi Govt Demolishes 50 Houses

At least 500 people have been rendered homeless by the Bauchi State Government following the demolition of 50 houses at Fadamar Jaji, Federal Low-Cost Quarters in the Bauchi metropolis. Speaking, Mohammed Hamisu Musa, whose house was partly demolished, accused the state government of insensitivity to the plight of the masses, claiming that when he bought the plot of land, he was issued a Certificate of Occupancy by the Ministry of Lands and Surveys, but did not receive any notice of impending demolition. He appealed to the government to have a rethink, saying that government officials should be blamed for approving the sale of the lands in the area and subsequent erection of structures.

VP, Minister Meet over MEND’s Fresh Attacks

Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday held a closed door meeting with the Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd.), over the reported resumption of attacks on oil installations by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. MEND had, penultimate Saturday, said it had breached major crude oil delivery pipeline in the creeks of Abonnema, Rivers State. A source informed that the Federal Government was jolted by the reports of resumed attacks by MEND.

FG to Investigate 'Missing' 90m litres of PMS

The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) have said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) does not have fuel stock that could last for 41 days as claimed. Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Mr. Obafemi Olawore, said that evidence showed that NNPC had stock sufficient for only five. His statement was corroborated by officials of the DPR who during a presentation had told the minister that the NNPC had 4.3 days sufficiency. Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, said the government would investigate the 90 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) allegedly imported by the Pipeline Products and Marketing Company (PPMC) that could not be accounted for.

Fire Razes Maiduguri Market

A fire on Monday destroyed 200 shops at Bulumkutu Market in Maiduguri, but there was no human casualty. It was put off after three hours by fire fighters. Items lost to the fire include provisions, clothing materials, shoes, GSM phones and food stuffs. A security guard at the market said that the fire started from a shop where petroleum products were kept.

Onovo Orders of Arrest Errant Convoy Drivers,

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ogbonna Onovo, has ordered that any security personnel found contravening traffic rules and regulations should be given summary trial. He, however, stressed that the trial must be in accordance with service rules and appropriate punishment. Onovo, who was represented by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Haruna John, gave the order at the joint news conference with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Abuja on Tuesday. According to him, the FRSC and the Police have set up monitoring teams to carefully evaluate the driving behaviours of convoy drivers.

Defence Corps Arrests Man for Vandalism at Army Hqrs

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday arrested a man while vandalising the PHCN electricity distribution box in front of the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The Commandant-General of the corps, Dr Ade Abolurin, while commending his men the arrest, emphasised on the need for Nigerians to be patriotic and vigilant. A release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Emmanuel Okeh, said such act had sinister motive to disrupt power supply to people of the environment, including the Army Headquarters.

Police Dismiss Threat of Boko Haram Attacks

Police in Borno State has dismissed rumours that the banned Islamic sect, Boko Haram will attack the state during the Xmas and New Year celebrations describing the video clips being shown around on the purported attack as fake. The dismissal came after the meeting of the Borno state Security Council on the video clips being circulated among residents of Maiduguri and the neighbouring towns on the alleged planned reprisal attacks by the Boko Haram against the government and security agents. The circulated video clips, according to a State Security Council member was to cause "confusion and panic" among the residents of Maiduguri and other strongholds of the sect in Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Kano states.

Aggrieved Sisters Cut Tenant's Genitals

It was a sad Christmas for the people of Ugbokpo in Apa Local Council of Benue State as two sisters cut off the genitals of a popular youth in the area leading to his death. The sisters had fought with the deceased who was a tenant in their father's house. The deceased overpowered the two ladies and was said to have beaten them mercilessly until one of them used a club to hit him on the head. The late Ogaje, according to an eyewitness, fell and became unconscious and it was at this stage that one of the two sisters brought out a kitchen knife and severed his genitals. The ladies were promptly overpowered by onlookers and handed over to the police.

INTERNATIONAL

Thousands Stranded over Breakdown of Britain-France Train Link

After a series of breakdowns trapped thousands of persons in a tunnel for hours in claustrophobic conditions, the only rail link between Britain and France was closed for testing last weekend by the company managing the train services, Eurostar. Passengers were stranded in the dark without food, water or air conditioning for more than 12 hours after the breakdowns, which were initially blamed on severe weather. But the company managing the train services is running special trains through the tunnels in a bid to pinpoint the problem, its press officer, Anelle Mouhaddib, said.

Israel Threatens to Use Force against Jewish Settlers

Israeli military officials have announced that special commando units, unmanned spy planes and cell phone-jamming equipment could be used to enforce a moratorium on new settlement construction in the West Bank. Enraged settlers have vowed to resist the plan, but Defence Minister, Ehud Barak, warned that settlers would face the full wrath of the military if they continue to flout the 10-month construction slowdown. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the settlement slowdown in an attempt to restart peace talks with the Palestinians. But the Palestinians have rejected the plan because it allows for construction to continue in 3,000 settlement homes already under construction. The issue of settlements on lands the Palestinians claim is a key sticking point in Mideast peace efforts, with the Palestinians demanding a halt to all settlement construction.

British Troops Get New Camouflage after 40 Years

British troops will get new camouflage uniforms for the first time in more than 40 years, based on computer modeling of Afghanistan's terrain, the Ministry of Defence announced, penultimate Sunday. The "multi-terrain pattern," as the military has dubbed the new design, is specifically designed with Afghanistan's Helmand province in mind, the ministry said in a statement. The British military have suffered heavy losses in the southern province this year. More than 100 British troops have died in Afghanistan in 2009, making it the deadliest for UK troops in many years.

Dutch Navy Release Suspected Somalia Pirates

A group of suspected Somali pirates detained on a Dutch warship has been released because no country has agreed to prosecute them. A Dutch defence ministry statement said the European Union had decided that the 13 detainees had to be freed because it was impossible to bring charges. The suspects were seized in the Indian Ocean two weeks ago after allegedly attempting to attack a cargo ship. They were put back on their own speedboat with some food and fuel. They had been on board the Dutch warship Evertsen since early December after they were tracked down following the alleged attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship MV BBC Togo failed.

Afghan Senator killed in Police Ambush

An Afghan senator was killed when he drove through a police ambush set for Taliban militants in north Afghanistan, officials said. Mohammad Younus, also known as Shirin Agha, was returning home early morning when the incident occurred in Puli Khumri, capital of Baghlan province. Mr Younus failed to stop at the police check post and the police opened fire. His driver was killed along with him. An investigation has been ordered into the incident, officials said. Mr Younus was a member of Afghanistan's upper house of parliament from Baghlan.

Indian Policemen Killed in Kashmir

Suspected militants have killed two policemen in Kashmir, the police said. A third policeman was injured in the attack which happened in Pampore Township, south of the summer capital, Srinagar. No militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Separatist violence has declined sharply in Indian-administered Kashmir in the past few years, though sporadic incidents happen, correspondents say. Police said Tuesday afternoon's incident happened when the militants fired at a police patrol. The three injured policemen were taken to the hospital, where two of them died of their injuries.

Freezing Weather Brings Death in Europe

Freezing weather which has killed more than 90 people is continuing to cause transport problems across Europe. Air, rail and road services have been severely disrupted but some routes have resumed. In Poland, where 10 people died in a single day, the winter death toll now stands at 79. The bitterly cold weather across much of the continent combined with heavy snow in some areas has caused cancellations and delays at airports and forced train lines to close. The disruption has come during the busy Christmas holiday season, affecting many people's travel plans.

Security Council Urges UN Peacekeepers on Civilians’ Protection in DR Congo
The United Nations Security Council has called on United Nations peacekeepers to "use all necessary means" to protect civilians from threats from any party. Faced with widespread reports of massacres and other serious human rights abuses by Government soldiers and rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the 15-member body stressed that ensuring effective protection of civilians is the first priority of the UN mission in the DRC, which has been aiding the national army (known as FARDC) with logistics and firepower to keep rebels from reclaiming areas previously under their control. The council also extended the 10-year-old mission's mandate until 31 May, with the intention of renewing it then for a further 12 months.

Salvation Army Major Shot Dead on Christmas Eve

A Salvation Army major was shot dead in front of his three children on Christmas Eve in North Little Rock, Arkansas, authorities said. Maj. Philip Wise, 40, was gunned down Thursday. Wise was at the Salvation Army building with his three children, ages 4, 6 and 8, when two men carrying handguns approached them and demanded money before shooting Wise. The suspects fled on foot. Wise had been active in the Salvation Army for 16 years and was assigned to the Baring Cross neighborhood of North Little Rock for the past three years.

Security Threats Forcer Low Profile Christmas in Iraq

Explosions targeting Shiite Muslim pilgrims killed 13 people and injured 74 on Friday, authorities said, raising fears of further sectarian attacks at the approach of Shiite Islam's most solemn holiday. Meanwhile Christmas celebrations will be under tighter wraps for Iraqi Christians than usual as it comes at the same time as Ashoura, a period of Shiite mourning and self-flagellation. Therefore, with the Shiite Islam's most mournful ceremony this year, indications show that the Iraqi Christians will have to keep a low profile during the Yuletide. Security around churches is heavier since the 2003 United States (U.S.)-led invasion. A bombing during the week targeting a 1,200-year-old church in Mosul, killing two passers-by, underscored their concerns.

Woman Arrested for Threat to US First Lady

U.S. authorities arrested and charged a woman in Hawaii last week for allegedly threatening to kill President Barack Obama's wife, Michelle. Kristy Lee Roshia was arrested on December 19 in Kaneohe, Hawaii, by the U.S. Secret Service after determining she had made the threat and had information about where the Obama family would be staying during their visit to Hawaii. She was charged with making the threat against the first lady and assaulting a secret service agent after she was arrested. A federal judge on Wednesday postponed a detention hearing for Roshia until a mental competency exam is conducted and she will remain in custody until then.

Gunman Holds 3 Hostages at Virginia Post Office

A daylong hostage standoff ended late Wednesday when an armed, disabled man wheeled himself out of a post office in Wytheville, Virginia, and was taken into custody, police said. The alleged gunman, identified by police as Warren "Gator" Taylor, 53, of Sullivan County, surrendered in a wheelchair, said Wythe County Sherriff’s Office Chief Deputy Keith Dunagan. All three hostages walked out without injury. Dunagan said that the man seemed neither angry nor disgruntled but did utter complaints about government and taxes.

Philippines Raise Alert Lever over Volcano Threat

Philippine authorities on Sunday raised the alert level of the country's most active volcano to level 4 and established an extended danger zone around it, saying an eruption is imminent. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said the central Philippine volcano continues "to exhibit a high level of activity," adding that 222 volcanic quakes and tremors have been recorded in recent days. The institute recommended extending already-established danger zones of nearly five miles (8 kilometers) south of the summit and 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) north of the summit.

Cuban Leader Alleges U.S Plots to Destabilise Cuba

President Raul Castro has accused the United States (U.S.) of trying to destabilise Cuba. The accusation is coming on the heels of the nation's recent detention of an American who is said to have distributed communications equipment to Cuban dissidents, reports indicate. The U.S. State Department had announced the detention a week ago, but declined to provide details. Also, Raul Castro said the U.S. had allocated some $55m "to support a supposed democracy, the defence of human rights and aggression by radio and television against Cuba".

Fugitive Recaptured in Missouri after 30 Years

A man who escaped from a Florida work release center in 1979 while serving a sentence for armed robbery has been recaptured in Missouri, authorities said Monday. Oscar Eugene Richardson, 61, was arrested penultimate Saturday in Ridgedale, Missouri, as a result of information received through a police hot line. He is the first fugitive captured as part of the Florida "12 Days of Fugitives" campaign. Richardson escaped from the Kissimmee Work Release center in March 1979 after serving less than two years of his 10-year sentence, police said.

Iran Dismisses Alleged Nuclear Bomb Tests as U.S. Forgery

A document showing plans by Iran to test a nuclear bomb trigger has been dismissed by Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as a "United States forgery." Ahmadinejad said that the criticism of his country's nuclear programme had become "a repetitive and tasteless joke". He also dismissed a year-end deadline set by the Obama administration for Iran to accept a UN-drafted deal to swap enriched uranium for nuclear fuel. A senior adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama, David Axelrod, said it was "nonsense" that the America had fabricated the documents as "Nobody has any illusions about what the intent of the Iranian government is".

Ethiopian Sentences Five to Death for Assassination Plot

An Ethiopian court on Tuesday sentenced five people to death and 33 others to life in prison for planning to assassinate government officials. Many of the accused were reportedly sentenced in absentia, including the alleged mastermind of the plot, United States (U.S.)-exiled Berhanu Nega, who accuses Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's regime of stealing the 2005 polls. The judgment is coming after the Ethiopian government claimed in April it had uncovered a plot to kill government officials and sabotage infrastructure by a group called "Ginbot 7" allegedly led by the main opposition challenger in the disputed 2005 elections. The death sentences were handed down to the alleged political leaders of the plot while most of the 33 slapped with life in prison are active or retired army officers.