Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 51

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Azazi, Yakowa, 4 Others Killed as Military Chopper Crashes in Bayelsa

The remains of all six people, including Kaduna state governor, Patrick Yakowa, and former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi, who died in a military helicopter crash in Bayelsa state, have been retrieved. Navy spokesman, Commodore Kabir Aliyu said the crash site had been duly secured to allow for detailed investigation, and that the report of the investigation would be made available as soon as possible. The chopper was conveying the VIPs and their aides from Bayelsa State, where they attended the burial of the father of a presidential aide, to Rivers State when it crashed.  A search and rescue effort that was launched immediately after the crash led to the retrieval of the remains of four passengers and the two pilots on board the Navy's Agusta helicopter. Former Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ramalan Yero, was immediately sworn-in as governor of the state with a promise to build on the good work of Yakowa.

Actress Kidnapped in Imo State

A Nigerian actress cum government official, Nkiru Sylvanus, was on Sunday afternoon kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Imo state. Imo state Commissioner for Information, Chinadu Offor, confirmed the abduction, but declined to speak further on the demands of the kidnappers. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of 100 million naira for her release. The kidnapped actress had made more than 100 appearances in different Nigerian movies. Apart from acting, she was appointed last year as the special adviser on public affairs to the governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

Gunmen Kill Two in Enugu

No fewer than two persons were killed last weekend in Enugu by unknown gunmen. The two persons who were shot by the yet-to-be identified gunmen were killed within the Trans-Ekulu area of Enugu. The gunmen were said to have been operating within the same area where most of the kidnap cases recorded in the state in recent time had taken place. One of the victims, a staff of the presidency attached to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Ikechukwu Alaku, was killed in his residence. It was learnt that the yet to be identified men had actually kept him on the monitor and had visited his residence earlier on but could not see him. They were said to have removed nothing from the residence of Alaku, said to be the President General of the Aku Town Union, Enugu State. The other victim is Jude Ngwu, who was killed on his way back home from dropping off a friend said to have visited him.

Gunmen Shoot Lecturer, Kill Gatekeeper

Gunmen, last weekend, shot the Head of Department of Public Administration, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Mr. Felix Akpan, at a relaxation joint and also killed the gateman while escaping. Akpan and some officials of UNICAL were said to be at a meeting with some representatives of a bank when the gunmen struck. The gunmen, it was gathered, gained entry to the place and went straight to the meeting point. One of them identified Akpan and the other brought out a gun to shoot him on the head but luckily, the bullet hit his hands, while attempt by the 70-year-old gateman to close the gate when he heard the gunshot attracted the wrath of one of the assailants, who immediately shot him dead. The state Police Public Relations Officer, John Umoh, confirmed the shooting, adding that investigation has begun to fish out the perpetrators.

72 Motorists Sentenced in Owerri for Traffic Offences

A mobile court sitting in Owerri, Imo State, yesterday, sentenced 72 motorists to varying fines for allegedly flouting traffic offences. The trial magistrate, Mrs. Chinyere Okereke, found the offenders guilty as charged and gave them fines ranging from N2,000 to N10,000. The traffic offences ranged from overloading, dangerous driving, seat belt violation, light sign violation, as well as receiving calls while driving. The Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr. Halilu Haliru, reiterated the determination of his command to make Imo State safe for motorists during this festive season.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Abducted Minister’s Mother Regains Freedom

Kidnappers freed the 82-year-old mother of Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Friday, five days after she was taken from her home in Delta state. Kamene Okonjo was last weekend, abducted from the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-uku, Delta State, Obi Chukwuka Okonjo by a gang of armed men who seized her at the gate of the palace at Ogbe-ofu and took her away. It was gathered that the kidnappers, numbering about 10, lurked around the palace until the woman and her maid came down to serve soft drinks to workers at the gate. An eye witness account said that as soon as the woman came down from the main building and moved towards the gate, the criminals also moved in from the gate, grabbed her and pushed her into a waiting Volkswagen Golf car.

Youths Shut Down Chevron Facility

About 500 youths, last weekend, stormed a site of gas pipelines under construction for Chevron, disrupted construction work and chased out workers on duty. It was learnt that the youths stormed the site with several boats and marched out all workers from the site, but no casualty was recorded. Their grouse stemmed from the recently renewed Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) between Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities, as well as alleged failure of the company to provide social amenities for the communities. The youths had insisted that they were not comfortable with the GMoU and the unnecessary foot-dragging tactics of CNL in sand-filling Benikrukru community, sweeping of canals in their community and their stake in the Regional Development Council. Chairman of Benikrukru community, Chief Jeffrey Ojogun, threatened further actions.

120 Militants Surrender Arms in Delta

Ex-militants of the Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF), previously headed by the late John Togo, have again surrendered their arms to Delta State Government with a promise never to return to criminality. Present leader of the NDLF, Peter Perebowei, said that the group is prepared to work with the state government to ensure peace and tranquillity in the state. The former leader of NDLF, John Togo, was killed by operatives of Joint Task Force, JTF, in 2011 during a battle at his camp near Ayakoromo, in Burutu LGA. The arms surrendered by the repentant militants include nine AK47m; seven GPMG; six AK47 riffles; two G3M; one FM riffle; one G3 riffle; one RPG; one FM magazine and a laptop computer. Ammunitions submitted include 188 metal link (NATO); 111 × 7.62mm; 28 × 7.62mm special; 60 ×2.5mm pistol ammo respectively. Receiving the arms and ammunition in the presence of top military officers in Warri, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Ovuozorie Macauley, charged them to change their ways from criminality as they had sworn to an oath before God and man never to return anti-social vices.

Oil Theft: 11 Petrol Tankers Destroyed in Edo

Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has condemned the activities of pipeline vandals in the state, stressing saboteurs will not be spared when caught. Oshiomhole stated this on Thursday at the destruction of 11 petrol tankers, two cars and jerry cans used by pipeline vandals arrested by the Army. According to him, it is shameful that criminal elements are still involved in pipeline vandalism in spite of the fact this has claimed several lives.” Oshiomhole noted that “the disposing of the tankers is to make the point that those who allow their assets or facilities to be used to perpetrate crimes like this within the territory of Edo State, when apprehended would be counting their losses.”

6 Killed in Benin-Auchi Road Accident

No fewer than six persons were killed on Wednesday night in a multiple accident which occurred at Aviele along Benin-Auchi Road, Edo State while 18 others were seriously injured. According to Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Kenneth Nwaegbe, those who lost their lives were five adult males and a female. The accident, he explained, involved an articulated vehicle and two buses. Following the accident, traffic gridlock was said to have taken over the highway for several hours, causing delays for motorists.

Man Jailed 13 Years for Kidnapping

An Asaba High Court in Delta State, on Monday, sentenced a Europe returnee, Ifeanyi Johnson 31, to 13 years imprisonment with hard Labour for kidnapping and other related acts. Over 13 kidnappers have been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment in the last two months in the state. Justice Cletus Emefinoye convicted Ifeanyi Johnson on three count charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping contrary to section 364 and demanding with menace the sum of N7million as ransom for the release of their victim, Tobechukwu, who was abducted on March 18, 2012, from a church during worship. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment for count one, seven years for count two and another three years for count three all with hard labour. The prison terms will run concurrently. The court also ordered the immediate return of the sum of N550, 000 which was part of the N1million ransom recovered from the kidnapper(s) for onward transfer to the father of the little boy.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Ritualists on the Prowl in Osun State

Suspected ritualists murdered and dumped corpses of two children around Sabo and Kelebe area of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, according to reports. Investigations showed that vital parts of the corpses, including the limbs, had been severed, thus raising suspicion that they may have been murdered for ritual purposes. There has been an increase in the activities of criminals, including ritualists in neighbouring communities and towns in Ife North LGA of the state. Worried by the incidents, women, numbering over 200, last weekend, marched in protest to the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, to register their displeasure over what they termed “ignoble activities of ritualists in the state.”

Gunmen Kidnap Former Military Governor’s Wife in Ibadan

The wife of former military governor of old Western State, Brigadier-General Oluwole Rotimi, was on Monday abducted by unknown gunmen from the premises of her haulage company, AOP Logistics Limited in Ibadan.  The victim, Mrs Titilayo Rotimi, was reportedly being driven out of the company premises at about 7pm when her vehicle was blocked by a green Nissan Primera car. Two of the occupants of the Primera car reportedly came out and pointed guns at the driver, while Mrs Rotimi was ordered out of the vehicle. She was thereafter bundled into the Primera car and driven away while the security men, workers and traders around the premises looked on helplessly. The driver is currently being detained by the police on suspicion. The Oyo State Police Command said 10 persons have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a N200 million ransom from the family.

Lagos CJ Frees 46 Awaiting Trial Inmates

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips, on Tuesday released 46 awaiting trial inmates from the Ikoyi Prison. The facility housed 1,739 convicted and awaiting trial inmates. Justice Philips said, on Tuesday, that the step was aimed at decongesting the prisons in exercise of her powers under Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The freed inmates were said to have been awaiting trial in the prisons for a period longer than they ought to have spent. Among the inmates who got their freedom was 75-year-old Job Meleb who had been awaiting trial for alleged murder since 2008 when he was arrested for the offence. Meleb and some of the freed inmates, who had been remanded since March 2008 for alleged murder, said that they had never been taken to court to face trial since their remand.

10 Die in Oyo Auto Crashes

The Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo said on Monday that 10 people died in 20 road crashes in November. The casualty figure was contained in the Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) report released on Monday in Ibadan by the Oyo State Sector Commander, Mr Godwin Ogagaoghene. The FRSC boss said that the crashes, which involved 159 commuters, occurred at various road points across the state. He said that no fewer than 67 people were injured in the road mishaps, some of whom were still recuperating in various health institutions. Ogagaoghene said the data, however, reflected a drastic improvement from the number of auto crashes data collated in previous months. He expressed the hope that the casualty figure would continue to reduce by the end of the year.

6 Remanded over Alleged Conspiracy, Murder in Lagos

The police in Lagos, on Tuesday, arraigned six suspects before the Yaba Magistrate Court for alleged murder of one Martins Egang and illegal possession of fire arms. The suspects were arraigned on a 17 count charge bordering on disruption of peace, setting of several houses ablaze with fuel, shooting of one Martins Egang, illegal possession of fire arms, among others which they allegedly committed at No 1, Ajah Ileje in Lagos in November 2012. The magistrate, P.A Adekomaya, adjourned the case pending the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, in pursuant to section 64 of the administration of criminal justice. The magistrate adjourned the matter to 2nd of January 2013.

Four Arrested for Abducting Priest

The Police in Ekiti State have apprehended and detained four men, who allegedly kidnapped a 42-year-old man, who described himself a chief priest since last Wednesday. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Babayemi, said the four men were arrested inside the bush in Ikere, following a tip off. Following the tip off, the policemen swung into action and began to comb the near-by bush where the two leaders of the gang were said to be waiting for others. The PPRO explained further that during a fierce gun battle between the police and the hoodlums inside the bush, the two leaders escaped, while four other members of the gang were apprehended.

Couple Arrested for Dumping Baby in Bush

Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a couple for dumping a day-old- baby in a bush in Ikere Ekiti. Mr and Mrs Dad Ojo were alleged to have dumped the baby in the bush after delivery, but passers-by who heard the cry of the baby, alerted the police. But the husband, who exonerated himself from the dastardly act, said he was not aware that his wife Adejoke had committed the act. Mrs. Ojo gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday morning in her Ikere home after labouring for nearly an hour without anybody around to help her or a midwife to assist in delivering the baby. The 26-year- old woman said it was poverty that compelled her to dump the baby in the bush. She said it was so bad that she could not register in any hospital for treatment.

10 Students, Nine Others Killed in Ogun Auto Accidents

Emotions ran high, on Wednesday, when a truck rammed into a school building in Itori, Ewekoro LGA of Ogun State, killing at least 10 students, while 50 vehicles were damaged. The students had just closed for the day and were heading for their homes when the truck rammed into them. Itori Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Fatai Bakare, however, said only five students were confirmed dead. He said the driver lost control and veered off the road before it fell on the students. Similarly, nine persons lost their lives in two other separate accidents along Abeokuta-Ibadan and Lagos-Ibadan expressways in Ogun State. Angry residents of Itori, protesting the killing of the students, barricaded the busy Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Thursday, causing gridlock and leaving thousands of commuters and motorists stranded. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mamman Tsafe, had to relocate to the area to ensure peace.

Manager, Housemaid Arrested for Killing Boss

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a manager and a housemaid for killing their boss, Alhaja Sikirat Eko, by throwing her inside a well and taking over her property. Eko was said to be running a restaurant and bar in her compound, where she lived alone with the maid. According to the police authorities, the suspects allegedly killed Eko at her home and kept her corpse within the premises. The suspects were said to have continued to run the restaurant, giving neighbours and customers the impression that the deceased had travelled. Luck ran out on them when relatives of the deceased came on a visit demanding to see Alhaja. When the suspects could not provide a satisfactory answer, the matter was said to have been reported to the police, prompting a search that led to the discovery of her decomposing corpse inside a well. The manager was said to have taken her phone which he used in impersonating her. Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident.

Police Nab Kidnappers of Deputy Governor’s Brother

Three suspected hoodlums believed to have conspired with others to kidnap Mr. Idris Olanusi, the younger brother of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, were on Thursday, paraded by the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Danladi Mshelbwala. The suspects were arrested over the kidnap of Idris, penultimate Friday. Mshelbwala explained that the hoodlums, numbering about 15, held their victim captive for four days in a thick forest near Idoani town in Ose LGA. He listed the items recovered from the hoodlums to include one AK 49 riffle, six magazines of AK 49; 201 life ammunitions, one damaged Toyota Camry car, two dynamites with ammunition, and a Volkswagen Bus. Meanwhile, the three suspects confessed to the crime.

Corps Member Petitions CP over Alleged Police Brutality

A 26-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, serving in Ekiti State, Anthony Onuagbara, has petitioned the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Sotonye Wakama, over police brutality that is almost costing him his eye. Trouble started when some men of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) stormed his residence and unleashed terror on the occupants after another corps member, Michael, had a disagreement with a commercial sex worker, whom he had brought in the previous night.  He said one of the policemen hit his head with the butt of his gun, causing injury to his eye after the woman reported to the police that a corps member in the house harassed her sexually. The victim explained that four corps members, including him, were arrested, detained for four days and charged to court. But they were discharged and acquitted when the police withdrew their case against them because there was no evidence to try them. The state Police spokesman, Victor Babayemi, said Wakama had set up a high-powered committee to investigate the allegations.

Arsonists Raze Church in Ilorin

Arsonists, on Wednesday, set fire to a church building belonging to the Living Faith Church along Airport Road, Ilorin destroying properties estimated at several millions of naira. The Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara State, Cornelius Fawenu, condemned the incident, calling on the police to promptly apprehend those responsible. Sources alleged that the Secretary of Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had, prior to the arson, visited the place and described the land as the property of Muslim Students Society (MSS). According to Fawenu, Oloyede had on three different occasions visited the site and urged the authorities to stop the usage of the place for worship. The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Leke Ogungbe, who visited the scene, appealed for calm and urged the church members not to embark on a reprisal attack. He assured that government would ensure security of lives and property in the state.

GENERAL

NASS Agrees on Death Penalty for Terrorists

The National Assembly on Thursday agreed that any terrorist act that results in the death of another Nigerian would carry a death penalty. This is contained in the report by the conference committee of the National Assembly that harmonised the different versions of the amendment bill passed by both chambers. The Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (Amendment) Bill, 2012 was passed by the House of Representatives on October 11 and by the Senate on Wednesday, October 17. Also a former Security Adviser to River State Government, Chief Sara-Igbe said the anti-terrorism bill was not watertight enough, adding that until the loopholes in the law were closed through an amendment, the counter-terrorism war would continue to be frustrated.

Gunmen Kill Policeman, JTF Kills 2 Suspects in Maiduguri

A day after an attack and killing of a school teacher and two others in Polo and Sulemanti wards of Maiduguri, suspected Boko Haram gunmen shot and killed a policeman on Sunday in Hausari ward while on patrol duty. Traders and residents of the area reportedly fled for safety as, according to a resident. In another killing, a blind man was, last Friday, shot dead while one of his children in their house on Baga road was injured. Hausari ward is one of the black spot residential areas identified by the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the police. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Borno State police command, Gideon Jibrin, said that he received a report of attacks and killing in Hausari area of Maiduguri, where a policeman was shot and killed by suspected gunmen by Sunday. The Polo area was shut down on Saturday for over 10 hours by men of the Joint Task Force to fish out terrorists among the residents following the killing of some people on Friday night. Over 50 people were arrested.

NBA Opposes Death Penalty for Corruption

Nigerian Bar Association has opposed the introduction of the death penalty for corruption-related offences. Instead, it proposed longer prison terms without any option of fine for those convicted of graft. The NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN), stated that the NBA is opposed to death penalty for those convicted of corruption. “Longer enough terms of imprisonment with community service without an option of fine or ‘prerogative of mercy’ will suffice as a deterrent.” The Arewa Consultative Forum recently recommended that corruption be made a capital offence in its submissions to the constitution amendment. The NBA also called on the National Assembly to immediately pass some anti-corruption bills that are still pending before it. Chairman of the NBA Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr. Yusuf Ali, (SAN), said the committee would partner with the EFCC and ICPC, as well as other anti-graft agencies.

Army Trains Officers in Counter Terrorism

The Army formation in Jaji, last weekend, embarked on training of its soldiers and officers, so as to be able to counter any possible terrorist attack in the future. Newly appointed Acting Commander of Infantry Corps, Major General Osuji, said the exercise, codenamed WAZOBIA KUNAMA, conducted by Tactics wing of Nigerian Army School of Infantry, was for Commanding Officers, Companying Commanders, Young Officers, Senior Infantry Non-Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers courses. He said the courses were designed to expose the officers to the concept of asymmetric warfare in line with the Chief of Army Staff vision. The Chief Instructor, Colonel Bulama Biu, said the 13 and 14 weeks of the courses had been rigorous, but he expressed gladness that it ended a success as the entire 260 students registered for the courses successfully graduated.

DPO, 13 Others Killed in Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be terrorists, on Monday, laid ambush to Potiskum town in Yobe State where they killed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Mohammed Garba. The gunmen also used Improvised Explosive Devices to torch a branch of Unity Bank, telecommunication masts belonging to Etisalat, MTN and Airtel as well as a police station. Thirteen of the alleged terrorists were also said to have died in the gun duel with members of the Joint Task Force. The terrorists further attempted to attack the palace of the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Mohammed Idrissa Ibn Abale, which was foiled by the JTF stationed in the palace. The JTF spokesman in the state, Lt. Eli Lazarus, confirmed the attacks and killings.

Boko Haram Kills District Head, Son in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram members have killed a District Head of Dusuma Ward of Jere LGA of Borno State, Kazalla Ali, and his son. It was learnt that the sect members numbering about three on Monday night, stormed Ali’s residence where they allegedly killed him and his son. Ali, who was newly turbaned as a district head was reportedly gunned down in the presence of his family members. Ali’s 30-year-old son was said to have incurred the wrath of the sect’s members, when he attempted to grab one of the assailants. In another incident, a prominent Maiduguri-based car dealer, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji, was Tuesday morning shot dead. The deceased, who was the Chairman of Magaji motors, was reportedly shot dead by two gunmen in his office in Gwange area.

Gunmen Kill STF Officer, Four Others

Gunmen attacked the restive Riyom LGA of Plateau State on Tuesday, killing three persons, including a member of the Special Task Force (STF) deployed to the area to keep peace. It was gathered that the gunmen attacked some people, who were on their way from Jol to Sho village and also killed the STF officer who was on a commercial motorcycle on his way to his duty post. The commercial motorcyclist was, however, lucky to escape unhurt. In a similar incident, another gang of gunmen killed two people at Jebu Sop and sacked the villagers from their abode setting their houses ablaze.

Soldiers Kill Tanker Driver in Kaduna

Soldiers in Kaduna, on Tuesday, shot and killed a tanker driver for alleged improper parking. It was gathered that the Soldiers stationed at the refinery junction in Sabon Tasha, area of Chikun LGA shot to death the tanker driver, Mohammed Isah, in the heat of an argument over the alleged wrong parking. The soldiers, after shooting the tanker driver dead, immediately rush him to St. Gerald’s Hospital in Kakuri where he was confirmed death. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, 1 Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Sani Usman Kukasheka, who confirmed the incident when contacted, assured that the Army would not condone any breach of the rule of engagement by any of its officers or soldiers.

Bauchi Police Nab 165 Suspected Criminals

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 163 suspects in connection with various criminal offences ranging from vandalism of NITEL property, armed robbery and theft, unlawful possession of firearms and drug abuse across the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Ladan, stated this, while briefing newsmen on the achievements of the police during the ember months in Bauchi. In another development, unknown gunmen have reportedly burnt down the Madagali Divisional Police Station in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. The gunmen set the station ablaze around 7p.m on Wednesday. A source added that the attack claimed the life of the only inmate in detention at the station. The Adamawa Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the razing of the station but denied any casualty.

Assailants Kill 10 Guards in Zamfara

Unidentified gunmen riding on motorcycles on Friday shot dead 10 members of the local vigilante group in Rukudawa village in Zurmi LG Zamfara state. This comes as on the same day a member of the Kano state House of Assembly, Danladi Isa Kademi, was killed by two persons on a motor bike. The Chairman of the Zurmi local government, Alhaji Abdullahi Gurbin-Baure reported the death of the 10 Vigilante men. Gurbin-Baure said that the killers came on motorcycles through the Dumburum/Rukudawa road and attacked members of the vigilante killing all the 10 persons on duty. The chairman said that the killers also removed the private parts of some of their victims and burnt all the motorcycles used by the members of the vigilante. He said that he had already reported the matter to the state police headquarters and to the state government.

40 Nigerians Repatriated from UK

Some 40 Nigerians arrived in Lagos on Wednesday in the monthly repatriation exercise, Mr Lawal Isah, Head of Immigration at the Nigerian High Commission in the UK, has said. The repatriation of the Nigerians is jointly organised by the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Border Agency. Isah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in London that the returnees were in two categories — those without legal rights to remain in the UK and those who have been repatriated after having served various prison terms. He said two officials of the high commission and the UK Border Agency usually accompanied the returnees.

Teenage Cable Vandal Survives Electrocution

A 16-year-old boy, Terseer Iorparegh, was on Thursday, caught stuck on a high tension electricity cable while attempting to vandalize the cable in Makurdi. The Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on public utilities, Gaddafi Asemanya, who was at the scene said residents of the area were woken up by shout of help from the young man around 2am on Thursday only to behold the teenager hanging between the high tension cable after he had suffered shock and first degree burns. Asemanya said the teenager who had removed the lower cable climbed the PHCN pole to vandalize the upper cable when his leg touched a line which caused a spark and fire which spread over his body. He explained that the residents had wanted to lynch the vandal but for his quick intervention and assistance by men of the fire service, the police and officers and men of the civil defence corps who were on hand to assist recover the vandal.

Nigerian Kills Ex-lover over Child’s Religious Faith

A Nigerian man, Shola Adebiyi, has been jailed 20½ years in the UK for killing his ex-lover and mother of his child, Esther Arogundade, after she left him for another man over religious differences. While Arogundade was a devout Christian, Adebiyi was a committed Muslim. Problem started after the birth of their child, as they could not agree on the religion in which to raise the child. Neither parent accepted to bulge. The disagreement between them strained and broke up their relationship. Unable to stand being ditched, Adebiyi plotted his revenge. One day, Adebiyi went to Arogundade’s house and stabbed her 13 times with a kitchen knife before attempting to kill himself.  Adebiyi was jailed at Manchester Crown Court for a minimum of 20-and-a-half years after admitting killing her.

NAFDAC to Close Kano Drugs Market

National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it would shut down the open drug market in Kano State before the end of this year. This is coming on the heels of recent destruction of N1 million worth of fake and sub-standard drugs in the drug market in Kano by the agency. These came as the agency released a new guidelines and guidance documents for the registration of biopharmaceuticals (Biosimilars) in the country. Biosimilars are complex drugs used in the treatment and management of terminal diseases, including complex cases of cancer, hepatitis, leukemia, among others. Director General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, affirmed that the Kano market had been a haven for the circulation of fake and counterfeit drugs. Orhii advised genuine drug manufacturers who have their products in the market to withdraw them before the closure. He further warned drug manufacturers to comply with the Mobile Authentic Service, MAS, technology before January 2013 as defaulters would be sanctioned.

Boko Haram Kills Blind Man in Maiduguri

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect attacked the house of a blind resident of Maiduguri, Borno State, Mallam Peter Jella, and shot him dead before his wife and children in the Zajiri ward on Thursday. The attack also left his son with injuries sustained from stray bullets. According to an eyewitness, Abdu Ibrahim, the gunmen trailed the 45-year-old man to his house and demanded for him, before he was shot in the head and chest. Jella had earlier been issued a threat letter to relocate from the area, as he was allegedly accused of providing information on the hideouts and activities of the sect in Maiduguri. The deceased, he said, however discountenanced the threat letter. Jella’s killing came two days after the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the police foiled an attack on Ibrahim Taiwo Division Police Station in which a trader was killed and over 40 tricycles and vehicles were destroyed.

CBN, Minting Company Disagree over Missing N1000 Notes

Controversies have continued to trail the exact amount of newly printed N1,000 notes discovered missing at the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC). While the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is insisting it was N2.1 billion, the officials of the minting company are claiming a lower figure. The Managing Director and Head of Security of the company have been directed to proceed on indefinite leave, until investigations are completed. Consequently, Ahmed Bamali was appointed to head the company. An investigative audit panel had been constituted to ascertain the circumstance surrounding the theft and the report will be ready by January. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has invited the CBN governor to explain the missing notes.

Banks Commence Zero ATM Charges

Banks have agreed to commence effective implementation of zero Automated Teller Machine (ATM) charges Monday, December 17, throughout the country. The agreement was sealed at the fourth annual Bankers’ committee meeting held in Calabar. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Chairman of the Bankers’ committee, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who confirmed this development said the CBN would monitor the effective implementation of the removal of bank charges associated with the use of other banks’ ATMs by customers, adding that the delay all along was to enable some banks to put their house in order as far as information technology is concern. He also informed that the banking sector lending to the agriculture sector has increased remarkably from 1.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent in 2012.

Fake, Expired Wines, Beverages Flood Nigerian Market

Distillers and Blenders in the country have raised the alarm over the influx of fake and adulterated wines and alcoholic beverages into the country, and said that the smuggled, expired and contaminated drinks could lead to loss of lives if not checked. Speaking at a joint press conference organised by the distillers and blenders association in Lagos, the Executive Secretary, Aare Fatai Odesile, said that Nigerian market has become a dumping ground for all manner of products regularly smuggled into the country without anybody checking the influx. He said that by lowering the prices of the products, the smugglers and their local collaborators have created an uneven playing field for locally produced wines and spirits.

Gunmen Attack Emir of Fika’s Palace, Kill DPO, 4 Others

Gunmen yesterday attacked the Fika Emirate Council in Yobe State, killing a divisional police officer (DPO), Mohammed Garba, who was in charge of Fika Division, and four others in a gun battle that lasted several hours. LEADERSHIP gathered that 13 other persons suspected to be terrorists were also killed during the exchange of fire between the men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the gunmen. JTF spokesman, Lt. Eli Lazarus, confirmed the attack and killing of the DPO to journalists in Damaturu, the state capital, accusing Boko Haram sect members for the incident. He, however, revealed that the security agents killed some the assailants. He added that the JTF had already swung into action in effort to arrest the fleeing suspects, even as he stressed that the whole town had been cordoned off to prevent further attacks and killings.

Security Agents Arrest 28 Suspects in Kano

Security operatives in Kano State, during separate raids, have arrested 28 suspected terrorists. The Joint Task Force (JTF)-led operation at Rijiyar Zaki, Kurna Asabe and Yankaba was said to have been the task force response to the spate of attacks by suspected gunmen in some parts of the city. It was also revealed that six suspected gunmen were picked up during the raid in Kurna Asabe. A source said 12 suspects were arrested at Yankaba, after intelligence revealed that they just arrived in Kano from Yobe State. It was also learnt that another team of security personnel also acting on a tip off, raided a compound at Rijayar Zakai, where another group of 10 suspects were also apprehended. Items recovered include military uniforms and other incriminating items. Spokesman of the JTF, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said that the raids on suspected hideouts of the gunmen remained a routine exercise.

INTERNATIONAL

20 Children, School Workers Killed in Connecticut School Shooting

A heavily armed man opened fire on a Connecticut elementary school on Friday, killing 26 people. Twenty children, aged 6 and 7 years, at Sandy Hook Elementary School, were killed along with 4 teachers, the school’s psychologist and the principal. The shooter, identified by Adam Lanza, 20, also killed himself when security agents closed in on him, while his mother's body was found at a Newtown residence. With the death toll at 26, the Newtown shooting is the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history, behind only the 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech that left 32 people dead. Responding police officers helped evacuate the children, telling them to hold hands and keep their eyes closed to the carnage as they exited the building. US President, Barack Obama, during his visit to Newton, vowed that the country will not tolerate any such mass shooting.

Five Dead in California Tribal Shootings

A man killed his mother and her two brothers in a shooting that also fatally wounded his daughter in the Tule River Indian Reservation last weekend. Authorities said the suspect also died in a shootout with police. Authorities cornered Hector Celaya, 31, on a country road in the middle of citrus orchards 30 miles away from the reservation and about six hours after the shootings Saturday night, that also left two of his other children wounded. Authorities said Celaya was fatally wounded by deputies after he opened fire on them. Authorities have not disclosed what motivated Celaya to kill his relatives, who lived in a travel trailer on a family compound on the reservation of about 800 people. But tribal members said the former custodian at the reservation's casino had a troubled past.

Bomb Kills Provincial Police Chief, Drone Strike Kills al Qaeda Commander

A roadside bomb killed the police chief of Afghanistan's western Nimroz province on Monday, a police official said. General Mohammad Musa Rasoli's vehicle was struck by the bomb as he was heading to work, the official said.  There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Taliban insurgents have targeted provincial officials in the past, reports Reuters. Meanwhile, a drone attack killed a senior al Qaeda commander in Pakistan's northwest on Sunday, military intelligence officials said. The attack killed Mohammad Ahmed Almansoor and three others in a village close to Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, near the Afghan border, reports indicate. The drone fired missiles at a house with Almansoor inside, destroying two rooms and a car. A similar attack on Thursday in North Waziristan killed another senior al Qaeda commander, Abu Zaid, who replaced Abu Yahya al-Libi as one of the militant Islamist group's most powerful figures.