Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 43

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

25 Perish in Enugu Auto Crash

A family of seven was among over 25 persons that died in a ghastly motor accident that occurred at Onyeama hills on the outskirts of Enugu on Wednesday. The accident, which involved multiple vehicles including two trailers, also claimed the lives of all the occupants of an 18-seater commuter bus. Eye witness reported that the accident was caused by a trailer being towed by another lorry, which lost control when the rope with which the trailer was tied to the towing vehicle cut. The trailer, which hit other vehicles in the process ended up in a valley. The Onyeama hill, near the Onyeama Mines, has become a nightmare for drivers and travellers as it has recorded accidents in which lives were lost.

Traditional Rulers, LG Boss Indicted in Abia Kidnapping

Two traditional rulers and a Local Government Transitional Committee Chairman have been indicted by security reports on kidnapping and other crimes in Abia State. Chief Anthony Agbazuere, the Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the onslaught against crime in the state led to the dethronement of two traditional rulers and the suspension of five other traditional rulers. Agbazuere said nobody would be spared in the onslaught, no matter how highly placed.

DPO Implicated in Girl’s Death

A Divisional Police officer (DPO) in Aba, Abia State, who allegedly raped a lady, one Chinasa Uwakwe, to death inside his office and was subsequently arrested, is alleged to be employing dirty tactics to get his freedom. The DPO attributed her death to complications arising from over dose of a supposed hard drug. The DPO, a day after the incident, was said to have instructed one of his officers, simply to plant some hard drugs in the bag of the late lady which was left behind in his office when she was rushed to the hospital. But according to a younger sister of the deceased, who has also alleged threats to her life, the DPO instructed one of his officers to plant the drugs in her sister’s handbag. She alleged that her sister was drugged and raped to death, as she challenged the police to make the investigation open.

Torture Cell in Onitsha

A torture cell has been found at the busy Upper Iweka market in Onitsha, Anambra State, which is said to have been set up by armed touts operating in the area. The touts were alleged to be on the payroll of revenue agents of the Anambra State government. It was gathered that the touts had, for months held traders and residents hostage, inflicting bodily harm on victims in a bid to extort money. Eyewitnesses described the torture cell as one small enclave that, under normal circumstances, could hardly accommodate two people but was being used to detain at least over 20 people everyday. The Chairman of Corpus Christi Plaza at Onitsha Main Market, Chief Innocent Ogbudike, in a petition to the Inspector General of Police and Governor Peter Obi, called for urgent measures to check their activities.

3 Murdered in Ebonyi

Terror and bloodbath resurfaced in Ebonyi State recently, when three persons were murdered in cold blood by unknown assassins at Ezza-Ezillo community in Ishielu LGA of the state. The state Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Yahaya Garuba, said the victims were in the farm when they were attacked by unknown hoodlums and murdered. He maintained that the police in collaboration with other security agencies have put machinery in motion to fish out those implicated in the murder.

Kidnappers Seize Speaker’s Father in Akwa Ibom

Few days after Mobil Pegasus School Headmistress, Mrs Lakmir Tom Bush, was abducted in a daylight operation at Eket, the father of Akwa Ibom State Assembly Speaker, Pa Sunday Etuk has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen. According to report, he was abducted by gunmen at about 2am in his village in Nsit Ubium LGA of the state amidst several gunshots. Report has it also that a policeman attached to the septuagenarian was killed while another officer sustained several gunshot wounds.  The kidnappers were also said to have made away with a new Toyota Corolla car.

One Killed, Houses Burnt as Soccer Fans Go on Rampage in Rivers

A soccer fan has been confirmed dead following disagreement between the supporters of Chelsea and Spartak Moscow in Tuesday‘s UEFA Champions League match. The Rivers State Police Command also said that some houses were burnt in the Gokana LGA where the incident occurred. Police spokeswoman, Rita Abbey, said that youths from B-Dere and K-Dere communities of Gokana LGA clashed while watching the match. She said the youths disagreed on the 2-0 outcome of the match in favour of Chelsea. Abbey said the police had arrested five suspects.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

8 Killed AAU Cult Clashes

Eight persons have been reportedly killed in a resurgent clash between rival cult groups at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, in Edo State. It was gathered that the clash was between a group known as the Maphite Confraternity and the Black Axe, and that the killings occurred within the last five days. The Police Public Relations Officer, Peter Ogboi, who confirmed the clash, said only three persons died.

Two Killed in Abraka

In two suspected cult killings, two persons suspected to be ex-students of the Delta State University, Abraka, (DELSU) were brutally murdered in the university town. While one was a female, who was shot dead, the other, a male was butchered with a machete at a popular motor park, leaving blood spill all over the place. Witnesses suspect that both killings were cult related. The bodies were taken away by the police. It is also reported that at least 17 persons have been killed in similar circumstances in the last two weeks.

Four Kidnapping Suspects Arrested in Delta

Four suspected kidnappers have been arrested in Delta State by the special anti-kidnapping team set up by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. The suspects were apprehended at various times and different places in an operation that started penultimate Friday. It was learnt that heavily armed security agents stormed Eku and Okunnan in Ethiope East LGA of the state in search of suspected kidnap kingpins, identified simply as Akpama, a.k.a Mamus, and Stanley Ogbeh, for the abduction of one Martha Egwujabo and her sister, Lucy. Security sources disclosed that the kidnap kingpins were known to be the brains behind the spate of abductions in the state and had been under the surveillance.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

IGP Orders Cop’s Arrest over Fraud

The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, has ordered the immediate arrest and interrogation of an Inspector of Police attached to Area F Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, David Afam Egbon, over allegations of fraudulent enrichment, conspiracy and threat to the life of a German-based Nigerian, Dickson Utuke. The directive followed a strongly-worded petition by solicitors to the German-based Nigerian, Leke Olatunde and Co, to the Police boss calling for his immediate intervention to prevent the Police Inspector from using his position to eliminate the complainant in order to take possession of his properties.

15 Arrested over Murder of Ekiti Transport Worker

The Ekiti State police command has arrested eight persons in connection with the murder of a member of the National Union of Road Transports Workers (NURTW) in the state, Mr Femi Aluko, penultimate Saturday. Though sources disclosed that about 15 persons were being held at the area command, eight people “strongly suspected” to be behind the murder were now in the cell of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) over the murder. The police spokesman said the arrested suspects were already helping the police to unravel the murder, while another culprit, who was said to be on the run, was being hunted by the police. Mr Aluko was stabbed in the stomach in a brawl that ensued among members of the union, leading to his death.

Body of Pupil Found in Septic Tank

Academic activities at King of Kings Nursery and Primary School in Ago, Okota area of Lagos were brought to a halt on Tuesday following the discovery of the lifeless body of one of its pupils, two-year-old Uchechukwu Nwazue, inside the school’s septic tank. Uchechukwu had been declared missing three weeks ago. When news of the discovery got out, parents rushed to the school to pick their children. Policemen prevented journalists from taking photographs.

Ondo Govt Vows to Fight Kidnappers

Ondo State government has decried the kidnapping of the 80-year-old mother of a Commissioner in the state, Madam Pege Esther Tewe and her 12-year-old grand daughter Rachael Lawrence. The Information Commissioner, Mr. Ranti Akerele, vowed that government would not negotiate with the kidnappers who were described as criminals and ungodly. About 10 gun-wielding militants, penultimate Friday invaded the home of the Commissioner, Chief Tola Wewe, at Sabome in Ese Odo council area of the state and took away the aged mother and her grand daughter. Akerele, however, assured the people of the state that security operatives were working to ensure the release of the victims from their captives.

Welfare Receives 4 Abandoned Babies in Ibadan

The Oyo State Principal Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Adebayo Salami, has decried the rate at which some callous mothers abandon babies on the streets. Salami came down hard on such mothers when four rescued babies were handed over to him recently, by some good Nigerians. He disclosed that some of the babies were found in the bush after some parts of their bodies had been eaten up by ants. He advised women with unwanted pregnancies to seek advice from the social welfare department instead of delivering such babies, only to abandon them in the bush. Salami also advised members of the public to always bring abandoned babies to their office after recovery. He commended those who rescued the babies and brought them to the social welfare department.

NUJ Calls for Fresh Investigation in Dele Giwa’s Murder

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Tuesday, called for fresh investigations into the murder of the founder and publisher of Newswatch Magazine, Mr Dele Giwa. Giwa was killed by a letter bomb he received on October 19, 1986, and the perpetrators of the crime are yet to be found. Speaking at a presentation of the book “Murder of Dele Giwa, The Answered Question” written by Mr Richard Akinola and published by Lagos NUJ, the chairman of the council, Mr Wahab Oba, called for the unravelling of the murders of other journalists that had been killed.

GENERAL

6 Die as Flood Sacks Niger Community

Six persons were feared dead as flood again sacked Muregi community in Bida LGA of Niger State, following days of heavy downpour. Hundreds of persons were rendered homeless as a result of the flood. It was learnt that villagers had been fleeing the area in their hundreds while all economic activities had been paralysed. The village head of Muregi, Alhaji Mohammed Muregi, stated that the community had been under the siege of flood since 1964 with the government doing little or nothing to arrest the situation. Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Umar Maali, said that the Federal Government had been showing nonchalant attitude to issue of flooding in that area.

MEND Threatens More Bombing

A statement attributed to the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) on Tuesday warned supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan against attending his campaign rallies. The group reiterated its warnings to Abuja residents about a fresh bomb blast which has heightened security alert. MEND’s warning was premised on what it called “the split” Jonathan had initiated, “and the corruption and split in the Niger Delta”. It also said the detention “of our respected brothers of the land” and the assassination “of their character” was a great concern that could not be ignored. While the lead suspect in the October 1 bombings, Henry Okah, is in a legal battle in South Africa, his elder brother, Charles Okah, and four others have been arrested in Nigeria in connection with the bombing.

Military Joins Forces to Contain 'Boko Haram'

Security agencies are beefing up efforts to contain the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in the Northern part of the country, with the launch of a joint army and police exercises and using attack helicopters in patrols. Army Chief of Staff, Lt-General Azubuike Ihejirika, on Tuesday, that he had put the security forces on the red alert after a string of attacks by members of the sect. The group launched an uprising in Borno State last year, in which hundreds died. Suspected Boko Haram members razed a police station in Maiduguri, last week, and have been blamed for the targeted killings of police officers, politicians and traditional leaders in recent weeks. Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, said the targeted shooting of police officers meant the situation had gone beyond the control of the police.

Cholera Claims 9 Lives in Sokoto

An outbreak of cholera at Lugu village, in Wurno LGA of Sokoto State, has claimed nine lives from October 7, 2010. It was also confirmed that the victims, including adults and children were from the isolation camp set up in the village by the Medicines Sans Frontiers and assisted by health officials from the LGA. An LGA health official overseeing the operations of the camp, Mallam Sambo Idris said so far 1,185 cases had been recorded at the camp. He further stated that 18 patients were currently on admission at the camp while the rest had been discharged. The chairman of the LGA, Alhaji Al-mustapha Isa Matawalle, attributed the problem to the contamination of sources of water due to the recent flood disaster in the area.

Army, Other Security Agencies in Joint Training

The Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, began a three-day field training with other security agencies tagged, “Exercise Sting ray.” The exercise, which started at the Shittu Alao Barracks, Keffi, Nasarrawa State, was a routine training to test the responsiveness of the brigade to civil strife. The exercise was in collaboration with the Police and other para-military agencies. The Guards Brigade Commander, Col. Emmanuel Atewe, said the army decided to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that there was prompt response to civil strife.

Charles Okah, 6 Others Arraigned Secretly over Independence Day Bombing

Charles Okah, brother of Henry Okah, and six other persons suspected to have masterminded the twin bomb blasts that claimed over 10 lives on Independence Day in Abuja were on Thursday dragged before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja. Fully armed operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) barred lawyers, journalists and relatives of the suspects from entering the court while the session lasted. Lawyers to the accused lamented not being allowed into the court to see their clients and condemned the secret arraignment. Over 50 SSS operatives arrived at the court premises and cordoned off the nearby Makeni Street. A secondary school student, Nelson Akula, who was making a phone call in front of his house on the street was allegedly beaten and whisked to an unknown destination by the operatives.

Abducted Boy Rescued from Kidnapper‘s Den

A four-year-old son of a former deputy governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Bello Dantani, was on Wednesday, rescued from his kidnapper by vigilant neighbours at Aliero Quarters, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The boy was abducted on Tuesday at a Qur’anic school. One of rescuers said that they heard the cry of the boy at 5.30am after the morning Muslim prayer and the continuous crying made them force the house open only to meet the boy alone. They took him away and kept watch on the building. Luck, however, ran out on the alleged kidnapper, one Chukwuemeka Kingsley, who came to the house, saying he was looking for his younger brother, but attempted jumping the fence of the house and was arrested by the people who took him to the police station.

Undergraduate to Hang for Friend’s Murder

A Maiduguri High Court has sentenced an undergraduate, Ahmed Abatcha, to death by hanging for killing his friend, Bashir Alhaji Busami. He was said to have stabbed his friend after which he ran over him with the deceased’s car. Abatcha, who claimed to be a sociology student of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), was arraigned on a two-count charge of culpable homicide and robbery. He was said to have committed the offence on September 10, 2007. The deceased’s father, who reported the matter to the Police, said his son, Busami, travelled with his friend, Abatcha, on the day he met his death in a very suspicious manner. Abatcha could not give satisfactory explanation on the whereabouts of his friend when he was questioned.

EFCC gets Terrorism Threat, Tightens Security

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday raised the alarm over receipt of text messages from unknown people threatening to bomb its headquarters on November 6. But the EFCC said it was already probing some clues and is on the trail of those behind the threats. The anti-graft agency confirmed that it is collaborating with the State Security Service (SSS), the Police and other security agencies to unmask the latest bomb syndicate.  According to the Head of the Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the bomb threat messages were sent on Wednesday, October 20.

Oil Marketers Accused of Adulterating Diesel

Some oil marketers have been alleged to mix products allocated to them by the NNPC at their tank farms before loading it into tankers for onward transport to different fuel stations across the country. This revelation was made by oil workers under the aegis of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) through their President, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, who alerted the government and Nigerians to the circulation of adulterated diesel in the country. According to Ogun, these marketers, most of whom are independent owners, mix the diesel with either water or kerosene. He called on the supervisory agencies to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and sanctioned.

Governor Urges Council Bosses to be Security Conscious

Following the threat to lives and property in parts of the country, the Niger State government has organised a security workshop for LGA leaders in the 25 LGAs of the state, to help them to tackle security matters in their areas. The state governor, Dr Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, stressed the need for all public officers to be more security conscious, as there could be no development in an atmosphere of chaos. The governor enjoined the participants to build a direct communication mechanism with security agencies for the collective interest of the people.

Task Force Averts Reprisal in Jos after Man, Cattle Were Killed

The Military Special Task Force (STF) in Jos has averted a reprisal that would have led to a full-scale crisis in Plateau State. The attempted reprisal followed the killing of a Fulani herdsman and his 30 cows by unknown assailant in Gero Tsohuwa village of Jos South on Wednesday. The killing of the Fulani herdsman and his 30 cows was said to be as a result of the encroachment of the cattle on the farmland in the area. The STF, spokesman, Lt.-Col. Kingsley Umoh, said the situation had been brought under control, adding that seven persons were arrested and had been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

Community Leader Raises Alarm on InsecurityPlateau

The Hausa community in Jos North LGA of Plateau state has charged the government to urgently introduce measures that will douse the tension in the state before next year’s general elections to avoid plunging the state into another round of crisis.  Spokesman of the community, Alhaji Sani Mudi, advised that government should not be deceived by the relative peace being enjoyed in the state but take drastic measures to ensure that the coming elections were conducted in a free and fair manner. He noted that communities in the state have been polarized along ethnic and religious lines, stressing that the development is a prelude to crisis in the coming elections unless government takes urgent measures check the situation.

US List Nigerian States as Unsafe

The United States (U.S.) has issued a travel warning to its citizens who reside in Nigeria, describing most of the states as unsafe and replete with violence. The U.S. verdict was contained in a Travel Warning in which it cautioned all Americans of the risk of travelling to Nigeria, stating that violent crimes committed by individuals and gangs wearing police and military uniforms, remain a problem throughout the country. It listed Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Abia, Imo, Bauchi and Borno states as the most unsafe travel destinations in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Nigerians have been told that the issue of security could no longer be the exclusive preserve of the military, according to the JTF Commander in the Niger Delta region, Major-General Charles Omoregie.

Boko Haram Kills Policeman, Traditional in Borno

Few hours after the launching of a new security outfit "Operation Mesa" and the deployment of helicopter gunships to Borno State, suspected members of the Boko Haram sect have shot dead another police inspector at Jajeri in Maiduguri. Inspector Shettima Bukar who was said to be head of patrol team of the area was on Wednesday shot dead at his residence by the Boko Haram suspects. An eye witness alleged that the deceased was trailed by his assassins while coming back from work and shot at the back of his head after which they shot in the air to scare people and escape. The Police Public Relation Officer, Lawal Abdullahi, confirmed this. Also on Saturday, a traditional ruler in the state was killed by suspected Boko Haram members.

Dubai Court Orders Ibori to be Extradited

A court in Dubai has granted the request of the British government that former governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori, be extradited to the United Kingdom (UK) for trial over charges of money laundering, fraud and official theft. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accused Ibori of stealing over N43.5 billion, after failing to penetrate the security built around him by his kinsmen, declared him wanted, after which he fled Nigeria to Dubai.  According to reports, Ibori immediately appealed before the Supreme Court. The EFCC welcomed Dubai court’s ruling. The British investigators added that Ibori put much of the money in UK’s banks.

INTERNATIONAL

Gunmen Attack Chechen Parliament

At least six people have been killed and several others injured in an attack on the parliament in the restive Russian Republic of Chechnya. Two security personnel and a civilian worker died after militants ambushed the building in the capital, Grozny. Two attackers blew themselves up and at least one other also died. Chechen President, Ramzan Kadyrov, said that the operation is over and all militants have been killed. Kadyrov added that all the deputies inside the parliament were alive and safe, after being evacuated from parliament. Reports say at least 10 people were injured in the violence.

Forces Make Huge Marijuana Seizure in Tijuana

Mexican security forces have seized 105 tonnes of marijuana with a street value of at least $340m (£214m) - the biggest such haul in the country in years. Heavily armed troops and police raided several homes in the city of Tijuana, on the border with the US, exchanging gunfire with suspected traffickers. Drug gangs are increasingly producing marijuana in Mexico, rather than smuggling the drug from South America. The operation began after municipal police came under fire from gunmen in a convoy of vehicles as they were on patrol in Tijuana. One officer and one suspect were injured in the exchange of fire. Eleven people were arrested, who then led the security forces to several addresses in the city.

Somali Rebels Ban Mobile Phone Money Transfers

Somali Islamist group al-Shabaab has ordered mobile phone companies to stop their popular money transfer services, saying they are "unIslamic". Al-Shabaab and its allies control much of southern Somalia. Despite years of conflict, Somalia's telecommunications sector is thriving. Mobile phones are a common sight in the capital, Mogadishu, and three companies currently offer mobile phone banking. But the al-Qaeda linked group has given them three months to stop. Al-Shabaab says mobile phone banking could expose Somalia to interference by Western countries. But observers believe the ban may be intended to block a rival to the traditional money transfer systems, known as hawala, which al-Shabaab can influence, or tax, more easily.

Aid Worker Killed in Sudan Landmine Blast

A British man has died after a landmine exploded in South Sudan. Stephen Allan was clearing mines near the town of Kapoeta on Friday when he was critically injured in the explosion. The 52-year-old from Portsmouth died several hours later, his employers, the Mines Advisory Group, said. No-one else was injured in the explosion. The technical field manager, known as Darby, was formerly a diver for the Royal Navy and had been involved in mine clearance for the humanitarian organisation for four years. Mines Advisory Group's chief executive Lou McGrath paid tribute to Mr Allan's sacrifice and his lifesaving humanitarian work.

Whooping Cough Outbreak Claims 10 Babies Dead in California

Whooping cough, also known as Pertussis, has claimed at least 10 babies in California, in what health officials are calling the worst outbreak in 60 years. Since the beginning of the year, 5,978 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of the disease have been reported in California. All of the deaths occurred in infants under the age of 3 months, says Michael Sicilia, a spokesman for the California Department of Public Health. Nine were younger than 8 weeks old, which means they were too young to have been vaccinated against this highly contagious bacterial disease. Sicilia says epidemiologists estimate that 50 percent of the children who have gotten sick were infected by their parents or caregivers.

Typhoon Megi Kills 11 in the Philippines
…as China Braces for Megi

The death toll in the Philippines from Typhoon Megi reached 11 as the powerful storm moved away from the country. But parts of the Philippines could still be vulnerable to mudslides and landslides. The typhoon could approach Hong Kong and mainland China in a few days and China has braced for the typhoon. China has evacuated more than 150,000 people and recalled more than 50,000 fishing boats to port as its southern coast braces for Typhoon Megi. Officials in China have issued the highest of four warnings, bracing for possible devastation in coastal areas. The typhoon affected an estimated 258,844 Filipinos, leaving thousands homeless.

Indonesia Investigates Torture of Papuan Villagers by Soldiers

Indonesia has admitted that the men seen torturing Papuan villagers in a video uploaded on the internet earlier in the week are members of the military. The minister for security said the soldiers' actions were excessive and unprofessional. The military says the investigation is still under way. The footage shows men dressed in military uniforms, kicking, abusing and interrogating the villagers, and accusing them of having links to rebel groups and separatists. The second part of the video shows a Papuan man tied up on the ground, being tortured by a group of unidentifiable men. The video momentarily shows his genitals being scorched with a burning stick. But the rest of the footage is edited out because “the images are too disturbing”. The video, which has caused international outrage, was uploaded on the website of Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission.

Cholera Outbreak Kills 138 in Haiti

Haitian Health Ministry officials have informed that 138 deaths are a part of a fast-moving cholera outbreak north of Port-au-Prince, a UN official said. Imogen Wall, the UN humanitarian spokeswoman in Haiti, said that in addition to the deaths, 1,526 cases are also part of the outbreak in the Lower Artibonite region, north of Port-au-Prince. "This is a situation that's developed very quickly. It's only been 48 hours and we've already got 138 deaths confirmed," Wall said.  Dr. Michel Thieren of the Pan American Health Organization described the outbreak as "severe," and noted that officials were still trying to track how far it had spread.

Rescuers Search for Survivors Ferry Mishap

A small passenger ferry capsized in a canal near Amsterdam in the Netherlands Friday morning, after it was hit by another ship, Dutch police said. It was not immediately clear if anyone was on board the ferry, which is used to transport people and bicycles, according to Carine Portengen with the Dutch Police Agency. A police helicopter with sonar and fire department divers are searching the waters for any possible victims. None had been found several hours after the accident.

Cuba to Free Five More Prisoners not on List

Cuba's Roman Catholic Church on Thursday announced the names of five more prisoners to be freed who do not belong to a group of 52 jailed dissidents originally set for release. The five were incarcerated for crimes that include hijacking and terrorism. Since July, Cuba has begun releasing larger numbers of political opposition leaders imprisoned during a government crackdown on internal dissent in March 2003 under then-president Fidel Castro. Thirty-nine of 52 prisoners have since been released. But now the government has also begun releasing prisoners who were not a part of the original list. Earlier this month, nine others were added to the list, many of whom were convicted of violent crimes, according to the nation's independent Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation.

Military Commander gets Life Sentence for Killing Two

Highly decorated Canadian military commander Col. Russell Williams was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences on Thursday for the murders of two women, several sexual assaults and dozens of so-called fetish burglaries. Williams, 47, will serve a minimum of 25 years before being eligible for parole. Williams told the victims' families he pleaded guilty to spare them more pain and suffering. Prosecutors presented evidence that included the dying pleas of the two slain women. Williams methodically saved and catalogued hundreds of photos, videos and hundreds of pieces of lingerie as "trophies" of his crimes, prosecutors said. The colonel held some of the most sensitive and powerful positions in Canada's air force.

AU Seeks Air and Naval Blockade in Somalia

The African Union has asked the United Nations Security Council to back a naval and air blockade of Somalia. A blockade would stop piracy and the flow of arms reaching insurgent groups fighting the transitional government, said Ramtane Lamamra, AU commissioner for peace and security. He also repeated a call for international troop numbers to be increased from under 8,000 to 20,000. Somalia's fragile government is battling an Islamist insurgency. The al-Shabaab militia - which now controls much of southern and central Somalia - is linked to al-Qaeda. However, the government, backed by AU troops, has recently gained some ground.

Security Guards Questioned over Deportee’s Death

Three security guards have been arrested over the death of a man on a plane at Heathrow Airport, as he was being deported from the UK to Angola. Jimmy Mubenga, 46, was being escorted on to a British Airways flight by staff from the private firm G4S on Tuesday. Passengers said he had been restrained and was struggling to breathe. Three male G4S employees have been questioned by the Metropolitan Police. They were released on police bail until December. Mr Mubenga's 16-year-old son Roland said on Friday he was "angry and upset" and claimed "it wasn't a natural death". A second post-mortem test is to be held as the cause of his death remains unclear.

Niger Junta Head Sacks Spy Chief

Niger Republic Junta leader, Salou Djibo, has promised to hold elections by February 2011. The military ruler in Niger has sacked his intelligence chief following the arrest of several junta members accused of plotting a coup. There are fears that the splits in the junta could threaten the transition to civilian rule. A referendum is due to be held later this month on a constitution that would reduce the power of future presidents, with elections scheduled for January. The junta has promised to hand power back to civilians before the first anniversary of its ousting of ex-President, Mamadou Tandja. Mr Tandja was ousted in February after he changed the constitution to give him more powers.

37 Killed in China Coal Mine Gas Leak

The final death toll from a coal mine gas leak in central China's Henan Province has risen to 37 after bodies of the last five miners trapped underground were found, rescuers said on Tuesday. More than 2,500 metric tons of coal dust smothered the pit after the gas leak, hampering efforts to reach the miners, said Du Bo, deputy chief of the rescue headquarters. The gas leak occurred in Henan province when 276 miners were working underground. A total of 239 workers escaped. An initial investigation showed that 173,500 cubic meters of gas leaked out in the accident. The same mine reported another explosion in August 2008 that killed 23 miners.

Protests in France Take Violent Turn

Workers and masked youths clashed with police and set fires in cities across France on Tuesday as protests against a proposed hike in the retirement age took a radical turn. The protesters are trying to prevent the French parliament from approving a bill that would increase the retirement age from 60 to 62 to help prevent the pension system from going bankrupt. Many workers feel the change would be a dangerous step in eroding France's social benefits. President Nicolas Sarkozy's government points out that '62' is among the lowest retirement ages in the world, and the French are living much longer than they used to, while the pension system is losing money.

Abducted Aid Worker Released in Somalia

A British security consultant kidnapped by gunmen in Somalia has been released, the charity organisation, Save the Children says. Zimbabwean-born Frans Barnard was seized in the town of Adado penultimate Thursday. A local colleague, also seized, was freed the next day. Frans Barnard had gone to the area to see if it was safe enough for Save the Children to set up a new base to help malnourished and sick children, along with their families. But on Thursday evening, a group of masked gunmen stormed the building used as a staff residence and fled with their hostages into an area said to be controlled by the hard-line Islamist group al-Shabaab.

Jordanian Jailed for 24 Years for Bomb Plot

A US court has sentenced a Jordanian man to 24 years in prison for attempting to blow up a skyscraper in Dallas, Texas. Hosam Smadi, aged 20, pleaded guilty in May to one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction in 2009. Just before being sentenced in Dallas, Smadi said he was very sorry for his actions. Smadi was arrested in September 2009, after he was ensnared in an undercover FBI operation. He also renounced al-Qaeda, calling its leader Osama Bin Laden "a bad man". Smadi earlier admitted leaving what he thought was a truck bomb in a garage beneath the 60-floor Fountain Place building in 2009.

Police, Civilians Clash in Guinea

Guinea's police and supporters of favored presidential candidate, Cellou Dalein Diallo, fought in Conakry on Monday and two supporters of Diallo were killed as the people demanded the removal of election commission head Lounceny Camara. Guinea is due to vote in its much-delayed presidential runoff election between two candidates -Diallo and Alpha Conde, but a dispute over the head of the electoral commission has cast doubt over the feasibility. Bah accused the ruling military of trying to incite violence. It was unclear who or what started the clash. Meanwhile, Guinea has replaced its election chief in a move seen as aiming to quell rising violence linked to the vote. Junta leader, Sekouba Konate, named Siaka Toumany Sangare as the new election commission head.

Zambia Charges Chinese Mine Managers in Shootings

Officials in Zambia have charged two Chinese mine managers with the attempted murder of 11 of their employees at a coal mine in the southern part of the country recently. The suspects, Xiao Li Shan and Wu Jiu Hua, are expected to remain in custody as they await trial. The managers at the Chinese-run Collum coal mine in Sinazongwe district allegedly shot and wounded 11 miners during a work dispute, said Sinazongwe District Commissioner Oliver Pelete and Zambia Police Inspector-General Francis Kabonde. The management of the mine has repeatedly battled employees over pay and working conditions. After the shooting, Zambian Labour Deputy Minister, Simon Kachimba, warned the government would not allow investors to abuse workers.