Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 2

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Police Nab Suspected Abductors of Actress, Recover Ransom

The Imo State Police Command, on Monday, paraded four suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap of actress, Nkiru Sylvanus on December 16, 2012. The state Commissioner of Police, Adisa Bolanta, said that the suspects were apprehended at Ngor Opkala, Imo State by a counter-terrorism team that also recovered the ransom paid to the abductors. According to him, a 78-year-old woman who kidnappers abducted a few days ago, demanding N20 million, was also rescued in Rivers State, while the suspected kidnappers were apprehended. Four persons arrested were paraded while two others escaped. Two persons who allegedly abducted the four-year-old daughter of the Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Blyden Amajirionnwu on December 8, 2012, were arrested also.

JTF Seizes 1,000 Tonnes of Crude Oil

The Joint Task Force (JTF), Wednesday, said that it arrested a vessel laden with 1,000 tonnes of crude oil off the Coast of Bonny Island in Rivers State. It paraded nine suspected crew members. The Two Brigade Army spokesman, Maj. Michael Etete, said the Nigerian-registered vessel, MT Atlantic Star, was arrested while illegally tapping crude oil from a pipeline. The suspects will be handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for prosecution,” he said. The captain of the vessel, Rauf Rasak, claiming his crew was innocent, said that the vessel was hijacked by six unknown gunmen who threatened to kill the crew members if he refused to cooperate with their illicit directives. He added that the gunmen took over navigation of the vessel, anchored it in Bonny and thereafter loaded the vessel with the illegal crude oil.

Enugu Police Arrest 503 Suspects

About 503 suspects were arrested by the Enugu state Police Command between March and December 2012. Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, made the disclosure in a performance evaluation of the command within the period under review. A  breakdown of the figure as follows; kidnappers-99; Armed Robbers-201; Cultists-37; Car snatchers\Vandals (NITEL and PHCN cables)-six; Unlawful possession of fire arms/ammunition-eight; Suspected Members of Biafra Zionist Movement-101; Suspected members of MASSOB-20; Suspects of other related offences-10. According to him, the command rescued a total number of fourteen kidnapped victims and recovered a total number of 87 arms and ammunitions,68 locally made pistol,10 locally made double barrel short gun,1 revolver pistol of six round,4 AK47 Riffle,3 Pump Action gun,1 Brownie pistol and a total number of 150 cartridges.

Kidnappers Abduct 7 Kids In Ebonyi

Three communities in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi state, on Thursday, protested the kidnap of seven children from the area by gunmen, and gave the state police command a seven day-ultimatum to secure the release of the children. The communities alleged that unknown gunmen stormed the communities between December 23 and 24, 2012 and abducted seven children, ages 3 to 5. The villagers who went on a peaceful protest to drive home their demand over the incident marched to Ivo Divisional Police headquarters where they charged the police to rescue the children and expose the culprits to avoid unnecessary crisis in the council area. The Ebonyi state police command spokesman, Mr. Sylvester Igbo, confirmed the incident, noting that one suspect had been arrested while investigation is open.

Kidnap of Four Koreans: Police Fault Hyundai’s Payment of N30m Ransom

The Bayelsa State Police Command has admonished Korean construction and engineering giant, Hyundai Heavy Industry, over the payment of N30 million as ransom for the release of six abducted management staff of the company - four Korean and two Nigerians. The state Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Omire, said the kidnap gang was also responsible for the abduction of the Paramount Ruler of Okordia Clan, King Seiba, Simeon Lalapu, on August 25. Omire said following the confessions made by one of the suspects, Digiteme Itua, who claimed that he had four AK 47 and several rounds of ammunition at Ogboinbiri community in South Ijaw LGA, the police went with Itua and another suspect, Romeo Egbo to recover the arms. But Itua and Egbo escaped into the swamp as a gang of armed men, suspected to be comrades of the kidnappers opened fire on the security operatives escorting the suspects.

Retired Police Officer Arrested for Robbery

A team of Special Anti-robbery Squad from the Imo State Police Command has apprehended a retired police officer for his alleged involvement in armed robbery. Commissioner of Police, Adisa Bolanta, said the retired police officer was caught red handed when he broke into the home of his victim, armed with a loaded locally made double barrel gun on December 29, 2012. His supposed victim reportedly disarmed him and quickly raised alarm that attracted neighbours. Bolanta also hinted that one Kin Enyim from Ebonyi State and his colleagues in crime, Dan Ogbonna and Ikechukwu Nzelobi were nabbed for being in possession of illegal firearm. He further hailed the soldiers of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, for nabbing one Chibuike Kalu for impersonation and being in possession of police kits.

Governor Donates APCs, Patrol Vehicles to Police

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, on Wednesday, presented three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and 50 patrol vehicles to the police as part of his administration’s promise to support the police in the discharge their duties. Obi said other security agencies would receive theirs and assured the Police of the continued support from Anambra State. Explaining the reason for the gesture, Obi said it was out of his belief that the state needed security to sustain her achievements and record more successes in an atmosphere of security. Earlier, the IG, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar, who said he was in the state to appraise the security situation, received the keys to the vehicles from Obi and thanked him for his commitment to security.

Man Kills Wife in Rivers Community

The Police in Rivers State have arrested a man who allegedly butchered his wife at Ikata community, Ahoada East LGA. The state Police Commissioner, Mohammed Nndabawa, said the suspect, Mr. Udeh Sabastine, allegedly killed his wife, Abigail Sabastine, at 4am, on Wednesday, after a disagreement. Nndabawa also disclosed the arrest of nine suspected cultists. He said the nine cultists were also picked up in Ahoada East LGA, adding that they had unleashed terror at Ochiyba community in the area before security men swooped on them. He said one person allegedly lost his life during the activities of the cultists in the council.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Soldiers Intercept Oil Bunkering Vessel in Delta

Soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Delta State, on Wednesday, arrested a Lagos bound vessel, MV RAAF, carrying 200 metric tonnes of illegally refined diesel and its 15 crew members at the Escravos high sea. The commander of the squad, Lt. Col. Peter Okoye, said the illegally refined diesel was siphoned from an oil installation in a creek, near Escravos, in Warri South-West LGA of the state. He listed items recovered from the suspects to include pliers, cutting machines, and other tools. The suspects had attempted to bribe the soldiers with N2 million with a promise to double the amount on getting to Lagos State, but the move was rebuffed by the soldiers. The 15 crew members have reported confessed that it was not their first trip, and that it was what they do for a living.

Judge Escapes Gun Attack

The suit by Itsekiri host communities against Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, over alleged diversion of N1 billion meant for development of oil-bearing areas has been adjourned, following an attempt by suspected kidnappers to kidnap the judge handling the case, Justice Marshall Umukoro. The judge was on his way to Warri from Ughelli to preside over the matter and other cases when armed bandits attacked him. He was able to escape the attack, while his SUV was riddled with bullets. Consequently, the case was adjourned to January 17, 2013. The plaintiffs, Prince Ikenwoli Emiko and Godwin Omamogho, had, for themselves and on behalf of Itsekiri host communities (oil and gas), dragged the commission to court for allegedly diverting funds meant to develop the oil-bearing communities to execution of private and Federal Government projects in Warri.

Gunmen Abduct Varsity Worker

A group of gunmen abducted a staff of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Martins Denedo, at the gate of his residence in Abraka, Delta state. Denedo, treasurer of the DELSU branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), was said to be returning from church with his family after the New Year midnight service when the hoodlums who had apparently laid siege to his home swooped on them, firing sporadically into the air. Brother to the victim, Paschal, said that the kidnappers drove their victim away in his own Nissan Pathfinder. He said that the matter had since been reported to the police. The bandits were yet to make contacts with the family. Meanwhile, the police arrested a member of a kidnap gang at a bank in Agbor, Delta State, while attempting to collect N50 million as ransom which his group asked a woman to produce or risk abduction. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Famous Ajieh, said that investigation was in process as efforts were on to arrest his accomplices.

Uduaghan Vows Tougher Times for Kidnappers in 2013

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has vowed that his government would step-up activities to check the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the state. The governor said communities that aid and abet perpetrators of violence on society would not be spared in the crackdown against criminality. He warned that such acts of criminality were an embarrassment to the state as it was seriously affecting the image of the state among investors and visitors. Uduaghan added that his administration was focusing on improving educational infrastructure, training and motivation of teachers so that Delta State would maintain an enviable position in Nigeria’s education sector.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Pastor Arrested over Rape of 12-Year-Old

A pastor, Alasco Sobowale, has been arrested over the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Epe, Lagos State. The pastor was said to have allegedly had carnal knowledge of the girl, a neighbour’s niece, in a toilet in the compound where they reside. The victim’s aunt, Ngozi Anjorin, said Sobowale, allegedly lured her niece to the toilet around 9pm and had sex with her after covering her mouth to prevent her from screaming. The girl alleged that the pastor brought out his penis and forced it into her anus and her vagina. Anjorin said Sobowale, who lives with his wife and children in the same compound, fled after the incident, but was later arrested. Meanwhile, some of his church members accused a six-year-old girl of bewitching the pastor and had her flogged and paraded in the town. Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the rape.

Luxury Bus Kills Road Safety Official

A regular marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Olasoji Olaleye, was penultimate Sunday killed by a passenger luxury bus around the Ososa River in Odogbolu LGA of Ogun State while controlling traffic in a rescue operation following an earlier accident. Olaleye was said to have been thrown into the river by the impact of the speeding bus heading towards Lagos. The Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Ayobami Omiyale lamented the killing. The Divisional Police Officer of Obalende, Ijebu Ode, Mr. ThankGod Obijiaku, said the luxury bus driver earlier attempted to knock down a policeman before killing the FRSC official. Obijiaku said the luxury bus driver had defied orders to stop before he killed the FRSC official. The DPO added that the driver, who was saved from being lynched by a mob, had been detained by the police.

Police Arrest Importer of Fireworks

The importer of fireworks popularly called ‘banger’ which wreaked havoc in Lagos on Boxing Day, has been arrested and detained. It was learnt the suspect was arrested on the order of the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Umar Manko who was miffed over the destruction of houses and properties worth millions of naira by the inferno caused by the fireworks. The suspect, Semilore Olalekan was arrested on Lagos Island by the command to answer questions that would assist the police in unraveling the incident. It was learnt that Olalekan had the permission of the Commissioner of Police Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) of Nigeria Police Anti-Bomb Disposal Unit and the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to import the firework. It was further gathered that he was not new in the business of fireworks importation as he began the business in 1998. No fewer than 15 houses and dozens of cars were burnt on Boxing Day in an early morning inferno caused by the fireworks.

NSCDC Arrests Suspected Pipeline Vandals

The Ogun Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Wednesday, said it had arrested two suspected pipeline vandals in Ijebu East LGA. The Command’s spokesman, Kareem Olanrewaju, disclosed that the suspects were aged 35 and 55. According to him, the suspects were operating with guns along with others, who escaped before the arrival of the combat team. He said luck ran against one of the suspects, who took investigators to the Ola Oluwa camp site of the gang, near a NNPC pipeline, where the other suspect was arrested.

Ogun Security Outfit Smashes Robbery Gang

The Ogun State special security outfit, Operation Mesa, has smashed a notorious armed robbery gang that has been terrorizing residents of the state. Two members of the gang, Bayo Ibrahim, 33, and Tayo Adebayo, 27, were arrested by men of the outfit on Christmas Eve in a stolen vehicle. Operation Mesa, which personnel comprise only soldiers, was set up by Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s administration to assist the police in combating the increasing crime rate in the state. A representative of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 32 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Brig.-Gen. J.O. Osuji, paraded and handed the two suspects over to the Police at the Alamala Barracks on Wednesday.

Ex-Militants in Ondo Seize Barges with Stolen Crude

Five crude oil laden barges have been seized by ex-militants in Ondo State led by Chief Bebopiri Ajube. The crude oil loaded in the barges was suspected to have been stolen by hoodlums, who burst the nation’s pipelines to steal the items somewhere in Delta State. The spokesperson of the ex-militants, who is also the Operations Manager of Gallery Security Services Limited owned by Ajube, Mr. Ebi Molos, confirmed the seizure. According to him, the seized product was about 1.65m litres. Molos added that his men also seized from the hoodlums, seven speed boats and 14 engines, which they removed from other people’s speed boats. He said no arrest was made as the hoodlums fled, leaving the stolen items behind.

Mother, 2 Children Killed in Tanker Fire

A woman and two children died on Wednesday in Idi Iroko, Ipokia LGA of Ogun State, when a fully loaded petrol tanker fell on Ago-Sasa road and spilled its contents which subsequently sparked up fire. The inferno was also said to have razed16 houses and shops in the area, while no fewer than 15 people also sustained injury during the incident. An eye witness said that the family members were already sleeping when the fire started. The Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Irunoje David Abiodun, who confirmed the incident, revealed that the tanker belonged to some smugglers who were trying to move fuel across the border. In another incident, three persons died in an auto crash along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when a Toyota Hiace bus skidded off the road and somersaulted severally. Eyewitness account attributed the cause of the accident to reckless driving.

Octogenarian, Four Grandchildren Killed in Ogun

An 80-year-old woman, Madam Kuburat, and her four grandchildren were killed on Thursday in Ifo LGA of Ogun State. Five other people who slept in the house were in critical conditions at two general hospitals. Their death could have been caused by fumes from a generator that was kept close to the house, as it was gathered that the generator which was placed in the veranda must have worked overnight while the doors and windows were locked. Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident, said the matter would be investigated.

Gunmen Kill Ondo Monarch’s Son

Security agencies are on the trail of gunmen who murdered the 23-year-old son of the Olikan-elect of Itikan, in Ilaje LGA of Ondo State, Orioye Oyetakin. The death of the prince, who was killed on December 27, was the second homicide in the community by yet to be apprehended criminals. Apart from the murder of Oyetakin, two other family members were brutalised. The Olikan-elect, Prince Adeleke Oyetakin, explained that the crisis started in after the process which led to his emergence. Police spokesman, Aremu Adeniran, confirmed the incident, promising thorough investigation.

Robbers Raid Lagos Churches

An eight-man robbery gang on New Year’s Day raided two churches in Oshodi area of Lagos and also robbed some of the residents. The robbery incidents that took place on Aimasiko and Afariogun streets began around 3:30am and lasted for over an hour. A pastor on one of the churches, Temple Rebuilders Ministry, Barnabas Otoibhi, disclosed that the hoodlums attacked the churches after the New Year vigil. According to him, the hoodlums broke in, tied up all the members and dispossessed them of their phones, money and other valuables.

GENERAL

Police Arrest Alleged Killers of Kano Lawmakers

The Police Command in Kano State has arrested a man suspected to have sponsored the killing of two members of the state house of assembly, Alhaji Garba Garko, who was killed on November 17, 2012, and Alhaji Danladi Kademi, who was murdered on December 14, 2012. The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said that the suspect was arrested after the arrest of the principal suspect in the murder of Kademi. Idris said that the suspect, who confessed to have physically participated in the attack and shooting of the two legislators, was arrested on December 24 following a tip-off. The suspect confessed that they were sponsored for the killing of the two legislators.

UN Building, Police HQ, Madalla Church Bombers Arrested

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday, said his administration had been making progress in the war against terrorism with the arrest of some Boko Haram suspect over involvement in the deadly attacks on some prime targets in Nigeria. Jonathan disclosed that many of the suspected terrorists were now in custody as a result of the diligence and steadfastness of law enforcement agents and security operatives nationwide. According to him, among the suspected bombers arrested were those who attacked the police force headquarters in Abuja, the United Nations building, also in Abuja, and the Saint Theresa's Church in Madalla, near Abuja. He pledged that security agencies would be strengthened this year to surmount the security challenges.

Military Decries Residents’ Attitude to Boko Haram in Borno

The military has decried the lack of resistance of the people of Maiduguri and its environs to the activities of the Boko Haram sect, which has allowed their atrocities to continue unabated. The military said the attitude of the people of the area could not be compared to other parts of the North where the sect’s activities have either being extinguished or minimised. The spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno state, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, lamented that the sacrilegious acts elicited not a single passive or active resistance from the locals. Musa said the task force “is strongly concerned with incessant callous, brutal, barbaric and impious killings of people in some states of the North-eastern part of Nigeria particularly in Borno State.

Gunmen Kill Four in Adamawa

Unknown gunmen, Thursday, killed four persons in Adamawa state including one soldier, a police man, an 80-year-old woman and her granddaughter. Two soldiers and several persons were also injured in the attack at Song LGA. An eyewitness said that the gunmen, who stormed Song LGA in a large number at about 1.30am, set ablaze the Police Divisional headquarters and the LG secretariat. The attack is coming barely a week after a similar attack by gunmen in Maiha LGA of the state, led to the death of 20 people. The state Police spokesman, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed that attacks. In Kano, three fake terrorists were also arrested by the police, after they were alleged to be sending threat text messages to wealthy individuals and politicians demanding huge amounts of money or threaten to kill them.

Borno Governor Frees 30 Prisoners

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Tuesday, extended the prerogative of mercy to 30 prisoners in the state. The governor also admitted the freed prisoners into the vocational scheme of the state, ordering that they should be paid N10,000 monthly for the three months duration of the programme. The governor, who also noted that the vocation training was to make them useful to the society, said it would be held at the premises of the prison to strengthen the capacity of the prisons in providing vocational skills. Shettima also released N600,000 to settle fines for other prisoners serving various jail terms who went to prison for inability to pay fines as options during their convictions.

Two Killed in Fulani, Gwari Clash

Two people confirmed dead, 1,500 people displaced in 27 communities when a communal clash erupted in Gwako town at Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja over boundary-related disputes on farmlands. The clash, which occurred last weekend, prompted the attention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and FCT Administration (FCTA). It was the prompt intervention of the two agencies including security personnel from the police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military that helped to curtail the escalation of the crisis. The FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderenle Shinaba, confirmed the incident and the arrest of 18 suspects in connection with the clash.

Gombe Lawmaker Kidnapped, Released

A Gombe State House of Assembly member, Hon Ahmed Jalo Ganga, was, last weekend, abducted on his way to the mosque for his morning prayers at about 5am by two people on motorcycle who attacked and forced him to enter a waiting car. An eyewitness revealed that the gunmen shot in the air to scare the people around and forced him to enter the waiting car, abandoned the motorcycle and fled to unknown destination. Hon. Jalo Ganga is the Chairman House committee on Finance elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammed Sule, said that the command has commenced investigation, while the lawmaker, who regained freedom on Thursday, was said to have gotten home on a motorbike, while the kidnappers made no contact with the family.

Jonathan Restates Commitment to Fighting Terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, last weekend, assured Nigerians of a safer nation in the New Year. Jonathan, at a church service in Abuja, reiterated the determination of his administration to effectively curtail terrorist attacks by Boko Haram. While Obasanjo, during a peace meeting with some traditional rulers in Abeokuta, expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon overcome all the security challenges currently confronting it.

JTF Kills Four Boko Haram Members in Yobe

The Joint Task Fork Force (JTF) in Yobe State has killed four suspected members of Boko Haram, while a policeman attached to the JTF lost his life in the Wednesday gun duel in Potiskum. The spokesperson of the JTF, Lt. Eli Lazarus, said that a soldier was injured. He said the incident occurred during a cordon and search operation in Yandiski area of Potiskum. Four AK 47 rifles, one double barrelled gun, 16 magazines and 380 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Other items recovered are: two gas cylinders and several Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) making materials. Fifty nine persons were arrested during the operation.

7 Killed in JTF, Boko Haram Gun Battle

At least 7 persons were confirmed to have been killed when gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram attacked 21 Brigade troops’ location in Marte LGA of Borno State. Spokesman of the Joint military Task Force (JTF), Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, said one soldier, a policeman and 5 gunmen lost their lives during the attack. He said that no civilian casualty was recorded in the exchange of fire, while the military recovered 2 AK 47 Rifles, 1 locally made double barrel gun, 3 magazines loaded with 35 rounds of assorted ammunition, 1 dane gun and 4 machetes.

Gunmen Attack Plateau Community

Residents of Trade Centre in Kuru village of Jos South LGA of Plateau State were in panic as unknown gunmen went on rampage penultimate Sunday, killing one person. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Pam Ayuba, who was nearly lynched, said that the deceased, who was physically challenged, was killed while a man, who was trying to help him move fast, was also shot in the hand. According to him five people dressed in black in a Hilux van opened fire on some people, just sitting and relaxing. Spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) Operation Safe Haven, Captain Salisu Ibrahim Mustapha, confirmed the killing.

13 Nigerian Journalists Killed in 2012

The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mohammed Garba, on Thursday said 13 journalists were killed in Nigeria in the year 2012, describing it as the worst in the history of the country since 1960. Garba said the journalists lost their lives covering assignments. The International Federation of Journalists had similarly announced that 121 journalists were killed worldwide in 2012. Garba reiterated the need to intensify the provision of security and safety for journalists. Garba condemned the abuse and harassment meted out to media men in the course of their duties. He urged security agents, politicians and the populace to respect journalists in the course of doing their jobs. Meanwhile, the Abuja branch of the NUJ has petitioned the FCT Commissioner of Police, Aderenle Shinaba, over the assault on a reporter, Mr Igho Oyoyo, by men and officers of the command. The NUJ urged the commissioner to take immediate action against the officers as their action was “unprofessional, barbaric and runs against the grain of the present administration’s rule of law mantra”.

Female Armed Robber Killed in Zamfara

A notorious woman armed robber has been killed by members of a vigilance group at Shamushalle village, Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara State. An eyewitness disclosed that the alleged robber, who had led series of attacks on the village and the neighbourhood, met her waterloo when the vigilance group stormed her hideout surrounded by a forest. According to a source, the vigilance group ransacked her house and discovered about 13 AK-47 rifles. The woman, who was well known in the village, was also alleged to be renting out the rifles to armed robbers. Police spokesperson, Hassan Talba, confirmed the incident.

NEMA Warns against Harmattan Fire

The South-West Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Iyiola Akande, on Wednesday cautioned Nigerians against harsh weather condition as well as fire outbreak during the harmattan. According to him, the caution becomes necessary following the effects of extreme weather which resulted in excessive rainfall and flooding in the country last year. Akande said there was the need to prepare against risks associated with early dry season. “We need to be cautious about the use of firewood or other smoldering objects and heating materials and where such cannot be avoided.” The NEMA coordinator, who also urged people to wear sun glasses to protect their eyes, and take a lot of fluid to compensate for loss of water from the body into the atmosphere.

Police Arrest 5 with Fake $3,000 in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State police command, on Wednesday, said it arrested five men with fake $3,000 and materials used for currency counterfeiting.  Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Michael Adah, said the police detectives attached to Access Bank Plc in Lafia, on December 28, arrested one Theophilus Ogu, who presented a fake $100 for exchange. Adah said following investigation, four others were arrested with fake $3,000. He said the police also discovered from the hideout, mercury and other materials used in the production of the fake currencies. The police spokesman said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.

EFCC Confiscates Sylva’s Houses

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, said it had taken possession of 48 properties belonging to former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timpre Sylva, who is being prosecuted at a Federal High Court in Abuja, for alleged misappropriation of N6.46 billion state funds, when he was governor. The Acting Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said an interim forfeiture order to Sylva’s properties was granted by Justice A. R Mohammed of on December 21, 2012. But another court presided by Justice M.M. Kolo of an Abuja High Court, had on December 27th, ordered the EFCC not to tamper with property belonging to Sylva. The former governor had asked the court for “an interim order of court for the service of the originating process on the respondent to serve as a stay of all actions in respect of the properties. Sylva said the houses were acquired before his election as governor of Bayelsa State.

Govt Seals Off Drug Shops in Kano

Kano State government has closed down drug shops at the Abubakar Rimi Market. The government took the decision on the premise that the concentration of drug shops in the market had given rise to distribution of counterfeit and fake drugs around the state. This comes as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kano State chapter, assured members of the public that adequate provision has been made by the government to ensure access to quality drugs. The PSN chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Gana Mohammed, said the decision of the government to close down the market was in the best interest of the masses. Mohammed, however, advised the populace to get prescribed drugs from government hospitals, registered pharmaceutical store and patent medicine shops.

5 Killed In Kabawa-Jukun Clash

About five persons were reportedly killed and eight injured in a clash between Kabawa and the Jukun tribes, in Abinsi town of Guma LGA of Benue state. This was even as several houses were allegedly burnt and three vehicles smashed beyond repairs in the crisis. Abinsi is a predominantly fishing community with the Junkuns and Tivs as main inhabitants while Hausas as well as Fulanis are settlers. It was gathered that the incident occurred on the eve of New Year erupted when a Kabawa boy who was reportedly sent to buy bean cakes popularly called akara was beaten to coma by a Jukun boy. Police spokesman, Daniel Ezeala, confirmed the incident and maintained that about eight persons sustained various degrees of injuries and added that one vehicle was burnt while three others were smashed.

Gunmen Kill 26-Year-Old Widow in Benue

Unidentified gunmen, Wednesday, murdered a 26-year-old woman at Taraku in Gwer LGA of Benue State and inflicted life threatening injuries on her one-year-baby boy. The deceased, Sewuse Tyoor and her son were attacked in their sleep by the assailants. It was also gathered that the deceased also lost her husband in the same fashion few months ago in Taraku. According to reports, the deceased, had earlier identified four officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as the murderers of her late husband, Chia Tyoor. The fingered murders of her late husband have been scheduled to face trial this January in Makurdi. The Chairman of Gwer LGA, Dr David Maor, said her remains had been deposited at the mortuary while her son remains under intensive care at the hospital.

Women’s Group Decries Govt’s Attitude to Violence against Women

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) have expressed concern over alleged lackadaisical attitude of the government towards gender-based violence, including rape. The group’s Executive Director, Ms Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said violence against women could be averted if governments took the security of women more seriously. Akiyode-Afolabi, said the Indian gang rape saga had brought to the fore, the need for governments across the world to take adequate steps, including legislation, to ensure zero tolerance for all manner of violence against women.  According to her, such situations show the extent to which the government fails in its responsibility to its people.

INTERNATIONAL

CAR President Accepts Unity Govt with Rebels

President Francois Bozize of Central African Republic (CAR) is now open to a national unity government including rebel fighters and will not run for president in 2016, the head of the African Union (AU), Thomas Boni Yayi, has disclosed. Boni Yayi, after meeting with Bozize in the CAR capital, Bangui, said he was ready for talks to end the crisis and “lead to a national unity government”. Boni Yayi said that Bozize, who seized power in a 2003 coup and then won two elections, would not run for re-election in 2016 and would “respect constitutional provisions.” Opposition figures have harshly criticised the president whom they suspect of wanting to modify the constitution in order to be able to stand for a third term in office. Rebels from a coalition, known as Seleka, took up arms on December 10 near the border with Chad and have met little resistance from government troops as they sweep across the country and close in on the capital.

India Gang Rape Victim Dies, More Attacks Stoke Debate

The ashes of an Indian student who died after being gang-raped were scattered in the Ganges River on Tuesday as reports of more attacks stoked a growing national debate on violence against women. The death of the 23-year-old woman prompted street protests across India, international outrage and promises from the government of tougher punishments for offenders. Police on Tuesday confirmed they would push for the death penalty for her attackers. The physiotherapy student was raped and tortured on December 16 by a group of men armed with a metal bar on a private bus in New Delhi. She died from her injuries on Saturday in a Singapore hospital. Indian media reported a string of new attacks on Tuesday, including a woman set on fire, allegedly by a stalker, in Uttar Pradesh and another woman stabbed to death in a busy market district of eastern Delhi.

61 Die in Cote d’Ivoire’s New Year Stampede

At least 61 people were killed in Cote d’Ivoire on January 1st during a January celebration that ended in a stampede in Abidjan, the capital. This occurred as crowds that had gathered for celebratory New Year’s fireworks stampeded overnight. The head of Cote d’Ivoire’s military rescue workers, Lt.-Col. Issa Sako, confirmed that 61 people had died. Witnesses said the stampede had broken out after the fireworks ended, though the cause remains unclear. In South Africa, several unrelated fires ripped through informal settlements in Cape Town, killing about three people and leaving at least 4,000 homeless on New Year’s Day.

Gunmen Kill Seven Aid Workers in Pakistan

Gunmen ambushed and shot dead six Pakistani women aid workers and a male doctor on Tuesday, police said. Their vehicle was raked with gunfire as they returned home from work at a children's community centre run by Pakistani charity Ujala, district police officer, Abdur Rashid Khan, said. The motive for the shooting was not clear. In December, gunmen killed nine health workers taking part in a national polio vaccination drive in a series of attacks. Most of the victims were young women earning about $2 a day. The Taliban said they did not carry out those attacks although its leaders have repeatedly denounced the vaccination program as a plot to sterilize people or spy on Muslims.

Iran Warns off Foreign Planes

Iran has warned off foreign surveillance planes that have tried to approach its forces during naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz, an Iranian military spokesman said on Tuesday. The drills are aimed at showcasing Iran's military capability in the shipping route through which 40% of the world's sea-borne oil exports pass. Iran has threatened to block the strait if it comes under military attack over its disputed nuclear program. The US has said it would not tolerate any obstruction of commercial traffic through the strait. About 30 warnings have been given to reconnaissance and surveillance planes of extra-regional forces that wanted to approach the area where the drills are taking place, Commander Amir Rastegari, said. He said the planes had been warned to keep out of Iranian air space and the site of the exercises.

Deadly Explosions Hit Iraqi Cities

At least 11 people have been killed and more than 40 injured in a series of explosions across Iraq, officials say. In the deadliest attack, seven people were killed in the town of Mussayib, south of Baghdad. At least two people were killed in the southern city of Hilla when a bomb exploded in a busy street. Violence has decreased in Iraq since its peak in 2006 and 2007, but insurgent attacks remain common. In the northern city of Kirkuk, the security forces were hit hard by what appears to be a series of co-ordinated attacks. In one incident, a bomb went off as a police unit dismantled a rocket, killing two policemen and wounding four civilians.

Clashes Rage near Damascus, as Aleppo Airport is Closed

Syrian troops and rebels fought on Tuesday in the suburbs of Damascus as well as near Aleppo's airport, stopping all flights, reports say. Activists say more than 45,000 people have been killed in the 22-month civil war. In the past few weeks, rebels have stepped up their attacks on airports in Aleppo province, trying to chip away at the air power that poses the biggest challenge to their advances against Assad's forces. The Syrian air force has been bombing and strafing rebel positions and attacking towns under opposition control, but the rebels have no planes or effective anti-aircraft weapons to counter the attacks. Rebels have warned that they would target civilian and military planes using the Aleppo International Airport, saying the regime is using civilian planes to bring in supplies and weapons.

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Attacked

Security forces, last weekend, opened fire to disperse protesters, who attacked Iraq’s Deputy Premier, Saleh al-Mutlak. The demonstrators had blocked a key highway connecting Iraq to Syria and Jordan for more than a week over alleged targeting of their Sunni Arab minority by the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. Mutlak, who is a Sunni from Anbar province where the protests were being staged, managed to escape after federal police arrived and fired their weapons into the air. An aide to Mutlak said the deputy premier was all right and was returning to Baghdad. He had arrived at the rally site and began addressing the crowds, when demonstrators shouted “Traitor!” in an apparent reference to his being in the national unity government they were protesting against.

Passenger Plane Slides off Runway, Kills 4

A passenger airliner, last weekend, skidded off the runway while landing at Russia’s third-busiest airport, slid partially onto a highway, broke into pieces and caught fire, killing at least four people. Eight people were on board the Tu-204 belonging to Russian airline, Red Wings, officials said. Four people were killed and another four severely injured when the plane rolled off the runway into a snowy field and partly onto an adjacent highway. No collisions with vehicles on the major, multi-lane highway were reported. The plane’s cockpit area was torn off from the fuselage and a large chunk gashed out near the tail. The crash occurred amid light snow and winds gusting up to 55 km/h, but other details were not immediately known. Initial indications were that pilot error was the cause, said Vladimir Markin, spokesman for Russia’s top investigative agency.

Russia Sends Naval Ship to Syria, Plans Evacuation of Citizens

Russian navy is sending another ship to the Syrian port of Tartus, where Russia has a naval base. An official in the military general staff disclosed that the Novocherkassk, a large landing ship, has set sail from the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk. The ship is expected to arrive in the Tartus area in early January. Russian diplomats have said that Moscow is preparing a plan to evacuate thousands of Russians from Syria if necessary. The Defence Ministry announced that several ships were being dispatched to the Mediterranean.

Militants Kill Kidnapped Troops in Pakistan

Militants in Pakistan have killed at least 20 of the paramilitaries they seized from checkpoints near Peshawar, officials say. Two men are said to have escaped. One is reportedly in a critical condition. The troops, from the tribal police force, are reported to have been shot by their captors, who are thought to be from the Pakistani Taliban. The men were seized following attacks on three checkpoints south of Peshawar, close to the border with Afghanistan. About 200 armed militants had overrun two of the positions on Thursday, seizing the troops, taking weapons and setting fire to the buildings. Two tribal police officers were killed in the attacks. The Pakistani military launched an operation to recover the men and convened a meeting of local tribal elders.

Drone Strike Kills Pakistani Militant Commander

A prominent Pakistani warlord who sent insurgents to fight NATO troops in Afghanistan, Mullah Nazir, and nine other militants have been reportedly killed in drone strikes. Nazir was the main militant commander in South Waziristan, part of the tribal zone where militants, linked to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, have bases on the Afghan border. He was one of the highest-profile drone victims in recent years. Pakistani officials said an unmanned U.S aircraft, Wednesday, fired two missiles at his vehicle in South Waziristan, killing Nazir and five of his loyalists, including two senior deputies. Also, two more missiles fired from a drone killed four other militants on Thursday in the neighbouring district of North Waziristan, but their identities were not immediately known.