Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 48

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Parleys Community against Militancy

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has adopted a community engagement strategy to control the resurgence of kidnapping and terrorism in the Niger Delta. This strategy will encourage communities to give information on dissident ex-militants desirous on criminality in the creeks. The Sector 2 Commander of the JTF, Col Victor Ezugwu, who disclosed this during a visit to the paramount Ruler of Olugbobiri Community in Bayelsa State, HRH Seiminitefa Kokumo, appealed to the royal father for support in promoting the existing peace in the creeks. The change in strategy is coming barely a few hours after former militant commanders in Bayelsa State expressed concern over visits by the military to their abandoned camps, as they re-affirmed their sincerity towards the FG amnesty deal.

Court Sentences Man to Death for Kidnapping, Murder

A High Court in Abia, Abia state, Monday, sentenced one Loveday Ahuchaogu, 30, to death by hanging, for kidnapping and murdering his victim. Ahuchaogu and others still atlarge were facing a four-count charge for kidnapping and murdering Mr Francis Ajayi on July 28, 2008. Justice Theresa Uzokwe, in her judgment ruled that the accused was found guilty of the offences as charged. Mrs. Ngozi Obioma, the Director of Legal Services in charge of the Public Prosecution Division (PPD) of the Abia State Ministry of Justice, said that said that the evidence against the accused was overwhelming as he was caught red-handed in the banking hall on camera while trying to cash the third tranche of the ransom money.

Policeman Shoots 2 Dead in Bayelsa

Two persons including a motorcyclist were, on Wednesday, shot dead by a policeman in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State. The was confirmed by the state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, stating that the officer involved had been arrested, while the matter is being investigated. The deceased were reportedly heading for one of the branches of the United Bank of Africa (UBA) when the tragic incident occurred. A source disclosed that the bike rider was flagged down by the policeman but his refusal to comply angered the policeman who then fired a shot at the bike.

Police Kill Imo Monarch in Error –CP

Police in Imo State on Thursday, owned up that a slain Imo traditional ruler, Eze Emeka Njoku, died as a result of bullet wounds he sustained during exchange of fire between two police groups. The Commissioner of Police, Aloysius Okorie, explained that a Police division received a distressed call that armed robbers were operating at the Aladinma Estate and dispatched four armed policemen. But the policemen, who left with an unmarked vehicle, were unable to do locate the place. That was when the Monarch, being escorted by two policemen in another car, approached. The two vehicles were flagged down by the first group of policemen, but they did not stop. But the two mobile policemen escorting the monarch, thinking that those who flagged them down were armed robbers opened fire and the police patrol team retaliated, also thinking that they were robbers. But by Monday morning, they discovered the monarch dead in his car. Okorie dismissed insinuations making rounds that the death of the monarch had political motives.

CDS Warns MEND over Criminal Activities

Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyin Petinrin, has warned the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) and other unrepentant militants to surrender their arms and embrace amnesty or face the wrath security operatives. He gave this warning at the Naval Officers Mess in Calabar, Cross River State, on the occasion of Operation NEMO, a four-day joint operation organised in conjunction with the Army and Air Force to test their fighting capability. He warned that any ex-militant that went back and began to perpetrate any form of criminality should be treated as a criminal.

Ex-Militant Leader Found Dead in Bayelsa

An ex-militant leader, Olali Abogha, popularly known as Commander Areama in Akassa area of Brass LGA of Bayelsa state, was found dead in his room in a pool of his own blood following several machete cuts. Abogha’s death was confirmed by the State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, who said that the circumstances surrounding his death were being investigated. His corpse has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Abia Police Arrest 29 Suspected Kidnappers in 3 Months

Abia state police command, Tuesday said it has continued to record successes in the ongoing war against criminal elements in the state with the arrest of 29 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and killing of four suspects in several operations across the state in the last three months. Assistant commissioner of police in charge of State CID, Mr. Joseph Micloth, said the suspects, also included two young women. One significant breakthrough was the arrest of a dreaded suspected armed robber/kidnapper, one Emmanuel Eze, alias Osimiri, who was at the head of an eight-man gang at Obingwa LGA. Osimiri was said to have fallen into police drag net after sleeping in the bush for four days before he sneaked into the house of one Ezinwa Ezeribe, where he was arrested following a tip off.

2 Kidnapped Victims Rescued in R/State

Two kidnap victims have been rescued by the Rivers State Police Command at a border village in Omuma LGA of the state. The victims, who were abducted on November 17 this year, were rescued on Monday night when a police patrol raided some villages in the area, following a tip off. The police team uncovered a kidnappers’ hideout and freed the two persons. However, no arrest was made because the kidnappers escaped before the arrival of the policemen. Similarly, the police foiled four separate armed robberies in Port Harcourt. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Akin Fakorede, said six suspects were rounded up in connection with the failed robberies. Two of the suspects were said to have died during a gun duel with policemen.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Militants Threaten to Shoot Down Military Aircrafts

The Niger-Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, led by militant leader, “General” John Togo, on Tuesday, threatened to take down any aircraft, belonging to the military, oil companies and commercial airlines that fly between two to three miles, near its new base, christened “Israel Barracks”, some kilometers away from the Atlantic Ocean on spy mission. Spokesman of the NDLF, which detonated explosives to destroy its initial camp in Ayakoromo, Delta State, penultimate Thursday, after a gun battle with men of the Joint Task Force (JTF), “Captain” Mark Anthony, also warned commercial airline operators and oil companies not to give their aircrafts to the JTF for such a mission, as anyone used for the purpose would be destroyed. However, the siege by the JTF on the waterways of the state and major exit routes in Burutu and Bomadi LGAs has not been relaxed.

MEND Blows up Pipeline in Delta

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND) said, on Tuesday, that it attacked and destroyed the Obidi pipeline on two day earlier. The pipeline conveys crude oil to the Warri Refinery in Delta State. The group’s spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said that the attack does not mark the start of their avowed campaign against the Nigerian oil industry. He warned that similar attacks on pipelines which will take place within the next few days would be a reminder to the Nigerian government of the futility of wasting the nation’s resources in combating militancy without addressing the underlying causes of agitation in the Niger Delta.

Robbers Lay Siege Benin-Warri Road

The Benin-Warri Expressway has become more dangerous as robbery incidents are recorded daily on different spots on the route. The robbers, it was learnt, operate in groups of over 20. Robbery incidents on the route increased recently after youths from Elume blocked one section of the road with fallen timber before the Elume Bridge. The youths allegedly took the law into their hands after a fatal accident at Elume junction, which reportedly killed three persons. Every night, the blocked spot becomes a ready scene for violent robberies and rape. It was learnt that penultimate Thursday was one of the bloodiest, as the robbers commandeered vehicles into the bush, robbing and raping commuters. The lucky ones escaped into the bush where they hid. They were eventually rescued by members of a Joint Task Force who arrived at the scene.

Group Tasks JTF to Restrict Assault to Militants

A Niger Delta group, Ijaw Peoples Congress (IPC), has called on the Commandant of the Joint Task Force to limit their attack only to militants in Ughelli South and Burutu local government areas of Delta State. National President of the IPC, Mr. Ekanpou Enewaridideke, expressed worry over the deployment of soldiers to the council areas in the state, noting that the councils were in no way connected with militancy. Enewaridideke condemned the resurgent militancy in the Niger Delta and promised that the IPC will assist in any designated capacity to curb the menace of militancy. Meanwhile, Peeved by the hardship faced by the Burutu LG Riverside community of Ayokoromo, a group, known as Ayakoromo Federated Community, has vowed to assist the JTF to fish out Niger Delta Revolutionary Force (NDRF) leader, “General” John Togo, who is on the run.

Attack on Pipeline May Cut Power Supply

The renewed attacks by Niger Delta militants may take its toll on the nation’s national grid, with the blowing up of Escravos pipeline, servicing Egbin Power Station, Lagos and the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo). The Egbin power plant is the biggest power station in the country with an installed capacity of 1,320 megawatts of electricity. This is coming on the heels of the destruction of part of an oil pipeline at last weekend. Already, Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), has unfolded plans to expand its transmission network across the country. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) confirmed on Monday, that militants attacked the Warri-Lagos Escravos pipeline, disrupting the flow of gas.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Military Equipment Impounded at Lagos Port

Six trucks mainly used for military combat maneuvers and some military uniforms, a carton of bullets, an automatic pistol, military boots and tents have been impounded by the operatives of Nigerian Navy. The navy said the hardware were impounded last weekend at the Tin Can Island port during examination of a container from the United States. It was gathered that the container was laden with communication equipment and military generators used to provide electricity for troops in theatre of war. The naval intelligence officers said the hardware were allegedly imported in the container tagged personal effect but which contents turned out to be weapons when proper examination was conducted.

Couple, Others Beat Landlord to Death

Four people, including a couple, Dr and Mrs Adedeji Tella, have been arrested for allegedly beating their landlord, Mr Kehinde Okuola (60), to death at Agbowo area of Ibadan, Oyo State. They were said to have beaten the retired military personnel to death on Monday during an argument over refuse collection. It was learnt that the deceased had arranged with a refuse collector to come and pack the refuse in the evening. But when he arrived for the exercise, an argument ensued, prompting the refuse collector to go and to lodge complaint with the deceased’s wife, Mrs Elizabeth Okunola, at her shop but before he came back, the man had been beaten to death.

NDLEA, US Agency Seizes Heroin at Port

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with United States Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) and Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) of Britain have discovered additional heroin inside a container impounded at Tin Can Island Port Lagos recently. The NDLEA said that the latest discovery was made in 463 pieces of sewing threads packed in cartons. This brings the total weight to 137.73kg, NDLEA said. The Agency also declared the alleged importer, Michael Kenneth Egbuka, wanted over the heroin imported from Iran.

Man Arrested with 28 Bags of Cannabis

Police in Akure, Ondo State, on Monday stormed a residential building and seized 28 bags of cannabis, also known as Indian hemp arrested the suspected owner of the hemp, Mr. Alonge Bolaji and six other residents of the building. The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Station, Mr. Hamza Ameyi, explained that the co-tenants of the drug owner did not report his activities to the police despite the fact that they knew what he did for a living. They were however set free soon after.  Bolaji confirmed that the substance was found in his room, saying that he was contracted to buy the substance by one Alhaji Adamu from Kano.

Police Nab Four Suspected Kidnappers in Oyo

Police in Oyo State have arrested four suspected kidnappers who abducted a housewife, her two children and sales girl in Ibadan, Oyo State capital during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Two members of the five-man gang who demanded a ransom of N100 million were relations of their victim’s husband. The suspect, Oyebanji was paraded before newsmen on Tuesday at the Eleyele Police Command, along with three of his accompanies. The suspects were arrested by the police who stormed their hideout in Akobo area of Ibadan where their victims were also freed last Wednesday. The state Police Commissioner, Adisa Bolanta, however, said the police were pressing besides kidnapping, the charge of armed robbery against the men as they allegedly also robbed their victim of valuables. Recovered from the suspects were the vehicle of the victim, fake metal gun and charms.

Ex-Militants Go on Rampage, Barricade Road in Ilorin

About 30 ex-militants from the Niger/Delta taken to the Ilorin National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) for training, on Thursday, protested alleged poor status of the place where they were kept for the training and non-payment of their allowances. The ex-militants, who got to the place on Tuesday for training, were said to be complaining about the location and conduciveness of the venue. They asked to be relocated from the place. But when they could not get positive feedback from the authorities, they took to the streets and blocked the Ilorin-Ajase-Ipo road for several hours to register their protest. The Acting Executive Director of NCAM, Ilorin, Dr. Ikechukwu Azogu, said that their action was very unfortunate and premature.

Court Sacks Oyinlola, Installs Aregbesola as Osun State Governor

An Appeal Court sitting in Ibadan, on Friday, annulled the election of Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun and installed, Rauf Aregbesola of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The court ruled that Olagunsoye Oyinlola of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) had been wrongly declared elected in the 2007 polls and ordered the immediate swearing-in of Aregbesola as governor of Osun state. Friday's court ruling comes just over a month after the state of Ekiti, also in the southwest, was handed to the ACN after a prolonged legal battle.

2 in Custody over New Arms Shipment

Barely one month after the interception of 13 containers loaded with arms and ammunition at Apapa Container Terminal (ACT), Lagos, by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS), men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos have uncovered over 1,431 arms and ammunitions concealed in a container imported into Nigeria. Customs Area Controller (CAC), NCS, Tin Can Island Port Apapa Command, Comptroller Augustine Warikoru who disclosed in on Tuesday, expressed dismay that the seized container passed through various security agencies operating within the port vicinity unnoticed. Warikoru, said that the vessel, MV Safmarine Texas, that brought in the container from the United States had since gone back, adding that the importer and the clearing agents had been arrested.

Lagos CP Seeks 58 Armoured Vehicles for 2011 Polls

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, has said that the police will need 500 motorbikes, 500 patrol vans, 58 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 200, 000 bullet proof vests, 20 gunboats and two helicopters for effective policing and adequate monitoring of 2011 elections. The police commissioner said this at a town-hall meeting by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Tuesday. He added that the crime rate in the state had reduced by 79 per cent. AT the event, Governor Babatunde Fashola urged individuals and corporate organisations to assist in upholding the security of the State by donating to the LSSTF.

NDLEA Intercepts 17kg Cocaine from Brazil

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), penultimate Sunday, said it had intercepted 17 kilogrammes of cocaine unlawfully imported from Brazil through the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, according to the Head of Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju. Consequently, the anti-narcotic agency said it had placed the Brazil-Nigeria route on “red alert” “Several arrests of passengers on the Brazilian route have necessitated the red alert by the NDLEA to cripple illicit drug traffickers. Five suspected drug traffickers are also undergoing interrogation over their alleged roles to smuggle drugs through the Lagos airport. The NDLEA also arrested an airline manager and official of a major ground handling company (NAHCO) in connection with the movement of 500mg of cocaine intercepted by the agency.

GENERAL

Jonathan Gives Military New Mandate on Militancy

Against the backdrop of renewed unrest in the Niger Delta, as well as sectarian violence in parts of the country, President Goodluck Jonathan has issued a new mandate to the armed forces and that is “immediate elimination of kidnapping, militancy and sectarian violence.” Consequently, the Nigeria Army has commenced the implementation of a new Order of Battle, ORBAT, leading to the formation of a new Special Brigade for the Force to be located within the 82 Division. Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika who made the disclosure, Tuesday, pledged that “no effort will be spared in the bid to accomplish this task. Meanwhile, the media coordinator of the JTF, Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, has declared that no amount of provocation would make the taskforce spill innocent blood in its efforts to stamp out militancy in the Niger Delta.

Murderer of 3-Yr-Old Gets Death Sentence in Jigawa

A High Court sitting in Jigawa State has passed a death sentence on Abubakar Abdullahi, who confessed that he beheaded a 3-year-old girl in Tazarce village in Gwaram LGA of the state. Justice Ahmed Isa declared that his court is satisfied beyond doubt because the suspect confessed before the court that he committed the offence. The  judge also directed the court’s registrar to release the copy of the earlier ruling of the court, where the second, third and fourth accused were discharged and acquitted to the office of the state Attorney-General as requested for an appeal. They were released following the confession of the Abdullahi.

FG Arraigns Iranian Diplomat, 3 Others over Arms Shipment

The Federal Government, on Thursday, arraigned an Iranian diplomat, Azim Aghajani, and three Nigerians, before an Abuja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly importing arms into the country. They were remanded in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) till January 31 next year to enable the SSS operatives to have easy access to them in their investigations. SSS said the quantity of the sophisticated arms allegedly imported into the country by the Iranian diplomat and three other international businessmen could sink a whole nation in just three hours. Chief Magistrate Hafsat Sadiq Soso, who ordered their remand, however, directed the security operatives to allow lawyers, doctors, and their families’ access to them.

Gambia Cuts Ties with Iran over Arms Seizure in Nigeria

The Gambia has reacted to the recent seizure of arms at the Apapa Port in Lagos by the State Security Service (SSS) by cutting off diplomatic relations with Iran and sending its foreign officials home.  The arms which were loaded at an Iranian port were confirmed by the country’s Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, as heading to The Gambia.  SSS intercepted the haul of rockets and other explosives in October. Foreign Affairs Minister, Odein Ajumogobia, said it appeared the weapons were to be transshipped to The Gambia though investigations are ongoing.

Policeman Shoots Passenger over N20

The Eid-el-Kabir celebration turned sour in Bauchi as a police inspector, attached to the highway patrol team, allegedly shot and wounded a passenger on the Bauchi- Jos road over N20 tip. The State’s Acting Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abdulkadir Indabawa, said that the Police have commenced investigation over the shooting in order to know the actual reason the police inspector did the shooting. Indabawa further said that already the inspector had been arrested and removed from the highway patrol duties and would be adequately punished if found culpable.

170 Suspected Sect Members Arrested in Borno

At least 170 suspected members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, have been arrested by the police, the Borno state command of the Nigerian Police claimed on Monday. The command had been rocked by hit-and-run killings linked to the Boko Haram members. Investigations are ongoing to determine the culpability or otherwise of the suspects, the state police spokesman, Lawan Abdullahi said. Thirteen arrests were made within a week following penultimate Friday’s mosque killings three and killing of a policeman and that of a brother of a local traditional chief last week.

Presidential Poll to Hold April 9

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, released the calendar for the 2011 general elections. The presidential election will take place on April 9, 2011. It will, however, be preceded by the National Assembly election on April 2, while governorship and the state assembly elections will take place on April 16. The order of election is in accordance with the provision of the 2010 Electoral Act, according to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega. Registration of voters is expected to take place between January 15 and 29, 2011, while claims and objections to the new voter register are expected to take place between February 3 and February 8. Campaigns by political parties and candidates are expected to commence on December 1, 2010.

Army Begins ‘Bush Exercise’ in Jos
…Urges Calm

The Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria’s Final Annual Bush Exercise Camp codenamed EX-DOGON DUTSE, began on Monday at Bukuru/Jos axis. The exercise, which will last till December 5, 2010, involves noise, controlled firing and movement of troops at odd hours. Consequently, fire simulation involving machine gun fire and artillery/engineer demolition sound would be heard at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) camp in Bukuru on December 3 between 7:30 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. A statement by army spokesman, Lt. Ishaku Gaji Takwa, said it was a normal military training exercise and measures are in place to ensure the safety of lives and property of citizens of the area. Residents are advised not to panic on hearing noise emanating from firing of weapons and movement of troops.

Boko Haram: Police Arrest 11 Suspects in Niger

Three days after Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State raised the alarm on a planned invasion of the state by the radical Boko Haram Islamic sect; the Police in the state have arrested 11 suspected members. The Governor had alerted the people of the state to a security report indicating that the group had concluded plans to invade the state. The suspects were arrested in two different locations. While eight of the suspects were arrested in a bush in Minna, three were arrested in Paiko, a suburb of Minna. Dangerous weapons including cutlasses, knives and axe were recovered from the suspects.

IGP Appoints New Police Spokesman

Police High Command has announced the appointment of Olusola Amore (ACP) as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO). Amore, one of the promoters of community policing who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, hails from Ogun State. Until his new posting, the acting Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department at Zone ‘4’, Makurdi, Benue State, had once served as the police spokesman at the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Alagbon Close, Lagos. He had also served as the Police Public Relations Officer in the then Bendel State. Amore was between 2004 and 2007 the project manager for the implementation of Community Policing in Nigeria.

N13m Recovered from Armed Robbers in Kano

Kano State police command has recovered N13 million from armed robbers who stole the money from a company based in the state. This is just as the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Tambare Mohammed, who assumed duty on Tuesday, called on members of the public to assist the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of suspected criminals in the society, saying the police alone could not fight war against crime. Mohammed, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Kano while parading the suspects, aid two of the armed robbers were at large. The armed robbers allegedly shot and wounded a security man. Some staff of the company and security operatives pursued them and succeeded in arresting one out of the three armed robbers.

Weapons Recovered from House in Bauchi

Security operatives have recovered weapons from the house of a suspected Boko Haram member in Mallam Goje area of Bauchi State. A witness said that the security operatives recovered one AK47, two explosives and a sword. Meanwhile, gunmen on a motorcycle, Thursday, opened fire on a check point mounted by soldiers in the state. The soldiers exchanged fire with the gunmen and arrested one of them. And as part of measures to check killings by gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram sect, the Borno State police command has restricted the use of commercial vehicles from 6am to 6pm. The command’s spokesman, Lawal Abdullahi, who disclosed this, also said the use of private stage carriage (Golf) for commercial purposes had been banned.

Hoodlums Kill Policeman in Kogi

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mallam Abdullahi Magaji, has confirmed the death of another police officer who was killed by hoodlums at Ageva in Okene LGA of the state on Wednesday. He said that the hoodlums attacked the detachment of policemen, who were in search of the killers of a mobile policeman who was also killed during the Sallah period. Magaji said policemen were already combing all the nooks and crannies of the area to arrest those responsible for the dastardly act and assured that they will soon be apprehended.

New Minimum Wage Approved

The Federal Government has approved a new minimum monthly wage of 18,000 naira for workers in the country. This comes two weeks after a general strike held by organised labour to protest against the previous rate. The approval beats the December 1 deadline given by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). There was no immediate comment from the NLC on the development.

Four in Court for Abduction of Foreigners in Nigeria

Four persons, including Charles Okah, the elder brother of the suspected mastermind of October 1 car bombings, were on Thursday arraigned before an Abuja magistrates court for the alleged abduction of nine foreigners working for the Addax oil firm. Charles Okah and the three other suspects allegedly "conspired to attack by force of arms, four Indians, three French nationals, two Russians at Bonny anchorage between August 1 and October 2, 2010". The four accused all pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Magistrate Oyebola Oyewumi adjourned the case till December 23 and ordered their remand in custody of the state security service.

Fulani Group Threatens Retaliation over Attacks in Plateau

Following the death of another Fulani herdsman as a result of attack by some persons in Gero Village in Jos South LGA of Plateau State, the Federal Government has been called to take urgent steps to address the situation before another crisis ensues.  State Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Nura Muhammed disclosed in Jos that the Fulanis, who were constantly being victims of attack, were fed up with the situation and were ready to protect themselves if government could not protect them. He said apart from the man that was killed, two other people were injured in the Tuesday attack. The state chairman explained that the latest attack took place while they were rearing their cows and they suspected the attackers to be by the Irigwe people. The Police spokesman, Muhammed Lerama, said the incident had been reported to the police and investigation was on.

Nigerian, 6 Others, Arrested in Kenya

Kenyan police have been given until Friday to charge six Kenyans and a Nigerian arrested allegedly on their way to join an al-Qaeda linked group in Somalia. The suspects include two school boys and a Nigerian with a British passport. The Nigerian said they had been denied their rights since they were arrested as they had been denied food and access to communicate with their relatives. The local police chief said it was the first time the police had detained Kenyans attempting to cross to Somalia to join al-Shabaab. The police requested the court to give enough time for investigation as the suspects will be remanded at Port Police until November 26. A judge granted the request for more time to complete their investigation before charges are brought.

London Court Jails Ibori’s Wife 5 Years for Money Laundering

The wife of the former Governor of Delta State, Theresa Ibori, has been sentenced to jail for five years by a London jury after she was found guilty on a two count-charge of money laundering. She was found guilty with Mr Ibori’s attorney, Bhadresh Gohil, who was on trial with her. He will be sentenced after the conclusion of another trial involving the laundering of proceeds of V-Mobile shares by James Ibori, former Akwa Ibom governor, Victor Attah and two others. The recent anti-corruption campaign on the Ibori’s has also seen the conviction of Ibori’s sister, Christine Ibori-Ibie, and mistress, Udoamaka Okoronkwo-Onuigbo in a previous trial. Mr Ibori is currently detained in Dubai, where a court had ruled in October that he should be extradited to the United Kingdom to face charges on corruption and money laundering.

Atiku Emerges PDP Northern Consensus Candidate

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has been selected as the consensus candidate of the Mallam Adamu Ciroma-led Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF). Barring the emergence of a third force before the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku is expected to slug it out with President Goodluck Jonathan. Ciroma said Atiku beat three other candidates –former military President, Ibrahim Babangida; former National Security Adviser, Aliyu Muhammed Gusau, and Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki– to emerge the candidate.

INTERNATIONAL

China Rescues 29 Trapped Miners

Twenty-nine miners trapped in a flooded mine in China were rescued after more than 30 hours, with crews lifting them out in rapid succession on Monday. It took rescuers less than an hour to pull out all 29 miners. The miners were wrapped in blankets, with their eyes covered, to protect them from sunlight. Miners perceived as the most able-bodied were brought out last. Emergency vehicles and hundreds of rescue workers, reporters, officials and other observers crowded the area around the mine. All the miners would receive one-on-one medical care.

France Rejects Demand by Al-Qaeda on Hostages

France has rejected demands by an al-Qaeda group in northern Africa that it should negotiate the release of five French hostages and two others with Osama Bin Laden. Foreign Minister, Michele Alliot-Marie, said France would not let its policy be dictated from outside. The hostages were seized at a uranium mine in Niger in September. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) leader, Abdelmalek Droukdel, also called for French troops to leave Afghanistan.

4 Found Dead in Florida Home

Four people, including three children, were found dead inside a home in a northwest Florida neighborhood, penultimate Saturday, police said. A Florida medical examiner is working to determine exactly what caused the death of the adult and three children, who are believed to be two 6-year-olds and a 3-year-old toddler, police spokesman David McCranie said. "There's obvious violence in the home," said McCranie. Investigators are begun work to unravel to cause of death.

345 Killed in Cambodia Stampede

Cambodia has declared Thursday a national day of mourning after at least 345 people were killed in a stampede in the capital Phnom Penh. Hundreds more were injured when people were crushed on a small island on the final day of the Water Festival.  The stampede took place on a bridge, which eyewitnesses said had become overcrowded. Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered an investigation into the cause of the disaster. Investigations revealed that the swaying bridge sparked mass panic and set off the raging stampede. A committee set up to probe the tragedy found many people on the bridge were from the countryside and unaware it was normal for a suspension bridge to sway. In their fear it was collapsing, they tried to run off.

Taliban Rejects 2014 NATO Afghan Withdrawal Date

The Taliban militants have vowed to keep fighting the United States (U.S.)-led coalition and force them to abandon Afghanistan ahead of a 2014 date set by the alliance for the transition of security to Afghan control. Also, the Yemen-based branch of Al-Qaeda has vowed further small but frequent attacks against the West such as last month's cargo plane parcel bombs, in a “strategy of a thousand cuts” that will “bleed the enemy to death”, a monitoring group said. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) said the packages it put aboard freight planes bound for the U.S. in late October were never intended to cause mass casualties, but were aimed at creating maximum economic damage. It said there was now little focus on large-scale mass-casualty attacks.

29 Miners Feared Dead after Second Blast

All 29 miners trapped in a New Zealand coal pit since Friday, are believed to be dead after a second explosion. Police Supt Gary Knowles said there was no hope that anyone could have survived the "massive" underground blast at the Pike River mine on South Island. Prime Minister John Key said the loss of life was a national tragedy. There had been no contact with the men since the first explosion on Friday. Rescuers had been preparing to go into the mine on Wednesday, but information suggested the levels of methane gas were too high. Shortly afterwards, the second explosion happened. It was larger and stronger than Friday's blast. A third explosion was recorded again at the mine on Thursday

N/Korea Fires Artillery into S/Korea
…South Vows Retaliation

Hours after North Korea's deadly artillery attacks Tuesday, South Korea's president said "enormous retaliation" is needed to stop Pyongyang's incitement, but international diplomats urgently appealed for restraint. "The provocation this time can be regarded as an invasion of South Korean territory," President Lee Myung-bak said. The incident -in which two South Korean marines died- is "the first direct artillery attack on South Korean territory since the Korean War ended in an armistice" in 1953. In addition to the slain marines, 15 South Korean soldiers and three civilians were wounded when North Korea fired about 100 rounds of artillery at Yeonpyeong Island. Hundreds of island residents boarded boats and fled to safety. South Korea's military responded with more than 80 rounds of artillery and deployed fighter jets, defense officials said.

Brazil Battle Gang Violence

Police in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro have launched a major operation to try to stop a wave of violence by criminal gangs. For three days, suspected gang members have been blocking roads, burning cars and shooting at police stations. Military police have been deployed in 17 different slum districts. Rio's governor says the violence is retaliation by drugs gangs who have been driven out of some areas by a police pacification programme. More than 1,000 officers had been taken away from desk jobs to join the surge on the streets, the military police said. More than eight others have been arrested, including four suspects who were found with petrol bombs in the Copacabana beach neighbourhood.

Aung San Suu Kyi Release, Unites with Son

Myanmar's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has met her younger son, Kim Aris, for the first time in a decade. Aung San Suu Kyi, 65, has been kept in detention for much of the past 21 years by the ruling generals before she was released on November 13. She last saw Aris in December 2000 and since then he has been repeatedly denied permission to enter the country. Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest less than a week after the country's first election for 20 years - which was widely condemned as a sham designed to consolidate the military rulers' power.

Germany Begins Trial of Suspected Somali Pirates

Ten men from Somalia have gone on trial in Hamburg, in Germany's first piracy trial for about 400 years. They are charged with attempting to seize a German container ship in April off the coast of Somalia.  Piracy is a growing problem in the seas off the Horn of Africa, despite increased international efforts to patrol the area.  The International Maritime Bureau says 23 vessels and about 500 crew members are currently being held by Somali pirates. The case is being held before a juvenile court as several of the accused say they were under 18 at the time of the alleged offence. Most only know the year of their birth, making it difficult for the court to ascertain their ages.

Protester Killed in Clashes in Egypt

Egyptian authorities have rounded up 156 people in connection with this week's deadly protests over plans to build a church near Cairo. Those arrested have been ordered held for 15 days while the investigation into Wednesday's clashes continues. Police battled about 150 demonstrators outside a government building in the Cairo suburb of Giza on Wednesday. Police turned to tear gas to break up the melee, while protesters responded with Molotov cocktails. The clashes left a Christian protester dead. Tensions have been running high between Egypt's Muslim majority and minority Christians, who make up about 9 percent of the people. Copts, who are adherents of an Egyptian sect of Christianity, complain of discrimination, including the lack of freedom to build houses of worship. But the government denies those accusations.

Second Explosive Found in San Diego County

Authorities have found a second homemade explosive and more of a type of explosive previously discovered in a house near Escondido, California. The house occupied by George Djura Jakubec, a computer software consultant who is now under arrest, has been described by authorities as a bomb-making factory. Officials say the house holds the largest cache of the two homemade explosives ever discovered in one spot in the United States. San Diego County authorities confirmed on Thursday they have found Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate, or PETN, a favorite of al Qaeda bomb-makers. They also found more Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine, or HMTD, in a bottle inside the house.

Taliban Militants Kill Village Elders

Taliban militants killed five Afghan village elders and wounded four others after firing a rocket-propelled grenade at the group's vehicle Wednesday, according to a statement from NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). ISAF Director, James Dawkins, said the group had been traveling in Afghanistan's Bal Chiragh district in Faryab province. One of the injured elders was transferred to a nearby medical facility for treatment.