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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 27

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Arrests Suspects over SPDC Pipeline Fire

The Joint Task Force (JTF), in the Niger Delta, last Sunday, said its operatives have arrested eight persons in connection with the recent fire outbreak at a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SDPC), pipeline in Gokana LGA of Rivers State. Spokesman of the Task Force, Lt. Col Onyema Nwachukwu, said the arrest of the eight suspects was made by troops of 146 Battalion of Sector 2 of the JTF. Nwachukwu said the troops who sighted the fire at about 1.30 am on Wednesday mobilised to the scene where they found the suspects in two tug boats. He said the suspects upon interrogation, claimed to be employees of Steve Integrated Technical Service and Sege Marine hired by Shell Petroleum Development Company to fix broken pipelines in Bodo. Troops deployed at Sanbarth also arrested two suspects who specialized in vandalising oil pipelines in Akuku Toru LGA.

Suspected Kidnappers Arrested with18 Children

The Imo State Police Command, last weekend, nabbed a bus driver and a teacher at the border between Imo and Rivers States, conveying about 18 school children suspected to have been abducted. Investigations revealed that the pupils were allegedly abducted from Umuohie Primary School and Baptist Secondary School, Umuohie, all in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State. According to reports, the bus driver refused to stop when he was flagged down for routine check and this fuelled suspicion among the policemen on duty. The female teacher and the driver were already telling the police all they knew about the movement of the school children. Residents of the area have appealed to security agencies in the state to extend their surveillance to the border road, which they described as “very lonely.” According to them, the road was gradually turning into a get-away route for criminals operating across the border communities.

Fulani Herdsmen Attack Enugu Community

There is tension in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State after Fulani herdsmen robbed and raped women in the area. The robbery and rape come after two residents were reported killed by the herdsmen recently, a situation that has made the residents to live in fear. A resident of the area alleged that the herdsmen had few days ago raped some young girls and middle-aged women and robbed motorists along Adani-Nsukka highway of their valuables and cash. He said but for the quick intervention of the police, the indigenes had started preparing for a showdown to chase the herdsmen out of the area. In quick response to the development, the Area Commander, Nsukka Police Area Command, Rose-Armson Haladu, mobilised forces and fortified the area. The Chairman of the LGA, Mr. Cornel Onwubuya, lamented that the herdsmen had been the problem of Adani community for a very long time.

Girl Found Dead at Abia Block Industry

A 16-year-old girl, hawking groundnuts around Eziukwu road in Aba, was found dead last weekend at the premises of a block industry in Aba, Abia State. Her remains were reportedly dumped at a corner of the industry naked, while her tray of groundnuts was kept on top of a nearby platform. The Police Area Commander in charge of Aba Area Command, ACP Rabiu Dayi, described the incident as unfortunate. He assured that the police were on top of the situation and would, with time, ascertain the cause of her death and the people behind it. The state Police Commissioner, Mr Usman Abubakar, said that the corpse would be subjected to autopsy, to ascertain the cause of her death.

Fire Consumes Family of Six

A family of six perished in an early morning inferno, last weekend, in Port Harcourt. Neighbours of the deceased family said that the fire started at about 2pm. According to the landlord of the house, they heard was a loud explosion, which was immediately followed by balls of fire. They said three boys, a girl and their parents were those consumed in the fire. They put the ages of the children at twenty two, seventeen, nine and seven years. According to a source, two other daughters of the deceased parents were not at home when the incident occurred. Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Angela Agabe, who confirmed the incident, said she was still awaiting details.

Man, Wife Die Mysteriously in Rivers State

Tragedy struck in Okrika LGA of Rivers State, last Sunday, when a husband and his wife suddenly died under questionable circumstances. The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Angela Agabe, who confirmed the development, said the couple allegedly died after a meal. Neighbours of the deceased said the couple probably died from food poison. Another possible angle to the ugly development is that the couple might have been strangled to death by unknown assailants. Agabe has said that the last meal the couples had before their death had been taken for analysis, adding that the Police was investigating the incident.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Bank Manager Arrested for Robbery

An Operations Manager of a bank in Agbor, Delta State has been arrested by the police for allegedly conniving with an armed robbery gang that raided the bank, last weekend. The gang succeeded in carting away millions of naira in both local and foreign currencies, penultimate Friday, while some bank customers and passers-by were wounded in the process. Police spokesman, Lucky Uyabeme, said that the arrested manager is helping the police in its investigation, and assured that the command would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that all the hoodlums involved are brought to book. Preliminary investigation revealed an insider connection in the bank robbery as the two keys to the strong room that were supposed to be kept by two different senior staff were left with the Operations Manager, who in turn left the strong room open. A senior staff of the bank who was supposed to be with one of the keys to the strong room purported to be sick, handed over the keys to the Operations Manager.

Edo Executes 4 Convicts, as Rights Groups Kick

Four death row prisoners in Edo State were, on Monday, executed despite their pending appeals at the Court of Appeal. President Goodluck Jonathan had recently directed state governors to sign the execution warrant of death row inmates, advising them not to shy away from same, as it was part of their duties. It was gathered that the execution took place despite the pendency of the suit by the condemned inmates, challenging their being on death row for over 16 years. They had also asked that their conviction be commuted to life imprisonment. Meanwhile, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) and Amnesty International, have both condemned the execution. Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry Idahagbon, in his reaction, said the executed men were convicted 15 years ago, noting that the Edo State Government had nothing to do with the execution. A fifth convict, who was ordered to be executed by firing squad, is being prepared for execution.

NDLEA Arrests 194 Suspects in Delta

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 194 drug suspects and confiscated 23.6 kilogrammes of cannabis and other drugs in nine months in Delta. The State Commandant of the NDLEA, Sumaila Ethan, added that out of those arrested were 169 males and 25 females. According to him, the women are mainly involved in the sales of the substances. He said the command in a single operation intercepted and seized 17 tonnes of cannabis concealed in a fuel tanker transported to the state as fuel. Ethan said that apart from cultivating cannabis, the state also served as store for cannabis brought in from the neighbouring Edo and Ondo states. Ethan said the command secured 30 convictions within the nine months, while other cases were still pending in various courts. He said that the command also counselled and got 12 clients integrated back to the society, while other three clients were presently undergoing counselling within the command.

Bridegroom, 3 Others Die in Edo Auto Crash

A bridegroom and three of his relations have been reportedly killed in a motor accident along the Benin-Auchi highway at Iruekpen in Esan West LGA of Edo State. According to an eye witness, the groom, his grand-mother, uncle and uncle’s wife were said to be travelling to Uromi, Esan North East LGA for the wedding introduction when the accident occurred. Their vehicle was said to have had head-on collision with a heavy duty truck conveying sand. Head of Operations, Iruekpen Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), John Omokandugba, attributed the crash to dangerous over-taking. He confirmed that four persons who were occupants of the bridegroom’s vehicle, died in the accident.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Customs Hands over Killer Officer to Police

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun State Command, has handed over its officer, who allegedly killed a 45-year-old woman, Fausat Oyede, to the Police for further investigation. The state Comptroller, Ade Dosunmu lamented the incident, describing it as unfortunate. He said it became expedient on the command to hand over the officer to the Police after it had conducted an orderly room trial on him. The incident, according to findings, sparked off reactions from the residents who reportedly chased the Custom officers away from the area, before the timely intervention of the Police brought the situation under control. Dosunmu, flanked by members of the immediate family of the deceased, explained that the killer officer while on patrol, penultimate Thursday, shot at a vehicle conveying the deceased and other passengers, claiming that the vehicle was laden with contraband.

20 Robbers Invade Ogun, Kill Six

Armed robbers, numbering about 20, invaded the Ifo community in Ifo LGA of Ogun State and killed six people including five operatives of the Ogun State Vigilante Service, last Saturday. It was learnt that the robbers were members of a gang that specialized in robbing banks and allied institutions. The robbers, who allegedly operated in an unmarked lorry, entered a filling station and shot the five men of the Vigilante Service guarding the place. One of the petrol station attendants was also killed. The robbers were reportedly said to have engaged men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in a gun duel before they escaped. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, saying that only two persons were killed.

Explosion as Vandals Rupture NNPC Pipeline in Lagos

There was an explosion in Lagos on Wednesday after vandals ruptured an oil pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation at Akinbo Island. It was learnt that the culprits came to the jetty in three barges and canoes and ruptured the splash zone of the pipeline and siphoned thousands of litres of petrol before the explosion. The Deputy Manager, Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, Atlas Cove, Banjo Olajide, said he could not say the quantity of petrol lost to the fire. He said the agency had built watchtowers and police posts at the black spots near the pipelines’ right of way. Olajide said Nigerian Army engineers had begun the rehabilitation of the pipelines’ right of way from Atlas Cove and the area was not difficult for security agents to patrol. Olajide said although oil distribution had been shut down temporarily until the affected pipelines were repaired, the incident would not lead to fuel scarcity.

Man Arrested for Raping and Posting Girl’s Nude Photos on Internet

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Babajide Bashorun, for allegedly kidnapping a female undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, and raping her. The police said Bashorun, a dog breeder, also took snapshot of her nudity, which he allegedly posted on the Internet. Policemen from the station subsequently arrested Bashorun. The police were also on the trail of two undergraduates of UNILAG, identified as Mayowa and Ademuyiwa, who were accused of complicity in the crime. Bashorun, who denied beating his victim, said they had been dating for a long time. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Braide, confirmed the arrest of Bashorun.

NDLEA Arrests Clearing Agents with Drugs

Three persons, including two licensed clearing and forwarding agents, have been arrested for illicit shipment of 43.6kg of cannabis to China and 12 kilogrammes of methamphetamine to South Africa. The drugs said to have been hidden inside foodstuff and artificial hair, were detected by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during screening. This was as 55.6 kilogrammes of narcotics was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr Hamza Umar, described it as the highest cannabis seizure since January 2013.

Woman Kills Neighbour, Reports Self to Police

A middle-aged woman, Stella Gilbert, has been arrested by the police at Ajeromi Police Station, in Ajegunle area of Lagos State for allegedly stabbing a female neighbour to death. The victim identified simply as Mama Esther, met her untimely death when she reportedly had a fisticuff with Gilbert at their 59, Ojora Street residence in Ajegunle. The incident, which occurred last Saturday evening, started after a heated argument erupted between them before degenerating into a fight. Chukwudi Okoye, a resident of the area, disclosed that Gilbert ran to the station after stabbing her victim in the abdomen.

Police Kill 7 Suspected Kidnappers, Arrest 2

The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a kidnap syndicate comprising nine Nigerians based in Ghana. They are said to have been responsible for the kidnap of the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area boss, Kehinde Bamigbetan, and a High Court Judge. Seven suspected members of the syndicate were killed during a gun battle with the police, on Monday. Two suspected members of the gang were also arrested at their hideout in Agbara area of Ogun State, while an abducted Indian national, Vivex Changrani, was rescued. Four AK 47 riffles, 28 AK 47 magazines fully loaded, more than 1,000 rounds of AK- 47 live ammunition, army uniforms and two vehicles are among items recovered from the suspects. The state’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Umar Manko, said that the Commander SARS, Abba Kyari, led a team of detectives to a suburb in Agbara where the kidnappers had their camp. He said that the kidnappers’ modus operandi, as gathered, included dressing in full military uniform. They would thereafter, kidnap their victims, pretending to be taking them to a military base, only to take them to their hideout, from where they would start negotiating for ransom.

Three Men Arrested with Guns

The Assistant Director Public Relations,  22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, Augustine Bello, last Sunday, said soldiers arrested three persons in Offa, Kwara State, with pistols. He said the suspects were arrested at a restaurant close to the residence of the candidate for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the forthcoming LGA election in state, Saheed Popoola. Popoola was the chairman of the Offa LG before his election was nullified by election petitions tribunal. Bello said the suspects had been handed over to the police for further investigation. But Popoola said the suspects, who he alleged were political thugs, had come to attack him. He alleged that, 10 gunmen had waylaid him at a restaurant two days earlier. He further alleged that the gunmen shot sporadically into the air and brandished dangerous weapons like broken bottles.

Man Hangs Self at Stadium

Confusion has enveloped Kuto area of Abeokuta, following the discovery of the lifeless body of a middle-aged man found dangling on a tree within the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, last weekend. The lifeless body of the man was found few minutes after he hanged himself on the tree. He said an attempt by policemen from Ibara Division to save his life was unsuccessful as he was confirmed dead at the state General Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta. The state Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, stressing that nothing was found on the man to either unravel his identity or the rationale behind his action. Ademuyiwa further explained that the Police were alerted by a man whose shop is close to the tree within the stadium on which the man hanged himself. Adejobi said that police investigation was on-going to identify the deceased as well as the rationale behind his action.

Security Outfit Arrests Sea Pirates, Robbers in Ondo

Four people involved in sea piracy and robbery on the high sea in Ondo State have been arrested and handed over to the Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the state. The people, who were arrested by men of a private security outfit in the riverine area of the state were said to have been tormenting the people of the riverine communities of the state. Those arrested by the outfit included Samuel Odigbo and Bewereweigha Eligbe all from Warri North LGA of Delta State, Dinba Michael and Love Okugbe, from Arogbo in Ondo State. It was learnt that the suspects were apprehended at Arogbo-Ijaw junction, Omeleita.

14 Arraigned for Illegal Oil Bunkering

Fourteen suspects, arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for illegal bunkering were, Wednesday, arraigned before Justice James Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Lagos. The suspects pleaded not guilty when a five-count charge of illegal oil bunkering was read to them. The prosecuting counsel asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand all the accused persons in prison custody with the exception of the second accused who is the captain of the ship. The prosecutor prayed the court to remand him in EFCC custody so that he could lead investigators to the vessel. Defence counsel, Nelson Ohaji, while opposing the prayer of the EFCC counsel, informed the court that all the defendants had filed applications for bail and pleaded that they be remanded in EFCC custody if their applications were not considered. Justice Tsoho adjourned the case and ordered that all the accused persons be remanded in Ikoyi prison with the exception of the second accused person who was ordered to be remanded in EFCC custody.

59-Year-Old Arrested for Raping 8-Year-Old Girl

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 59-year-old man for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl in Ketu area of the state. According to the police, the suspect, identified as Soneye, raped the victim at his Ketu residence. The suspect, who goes by the pseudonym, Babalawo, allegedly lured the victim to his house while she was on her way to school. The man allegedly threatened them if they told anyone. The victim and her friend did not tell anyone about the incident until officials of the Kosofe LG Education Authority visited her school. The victim opened up to the officials that she was having severe pain in her vagina and after interviewing her, she told them about her defilement. The officials were said to have reported the matter at Ketu Police Division on Tuesday, after which the suspect was arrested. The suspect however denied having carnal knowledge of the eight-year-old.

Experts Expect More Oil Discoveries in Lagos

Following the announcements of oil discoveries in Lagos offshore, experts are of the opinion that more oil discoveries may be made in the state in near future. An oil and gas expert, who also doubles as the Director, ANDORA Technologies Ltd, Mr Bayo Akinpelu, said on Thursday that it was possible for more oil to be discovered in commercial quantities in Lagos. A source within the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), assured that it was a matter of time before another oil exploration firm announced new oil discoveries in Lagos. Drilling partners, Optimum, Afren and Lekoil, struck a significant light oil accumulation at the Ogo-1 well on the Ogo prospect in OPL 310 off Nigeria on Wednesday. The well was drilled to 3,205 metres and threw up a gross hydrocarbons column of 160 metres with 66 metres of net stacked pay. Optimum was targeting 78 million barrels of oil, equivalent of potential resource in its initial target.

Kidnappers Demand N25m as Ransom for Abducted Trader

The police in Lagos State have commenced investigations into the kidnap of a 43-year-old trader, Christiana Gbadamosi, who was abducting on her way to her shop in Ikorodu, last Saturday. A source stated that after the kidnappers had seized the victim, they called her husband, Mufutau, and demanded the sum of N25m. The police source disclosed that there had been an earlier attempt to kidnap her 10-year-old, who was able to escape from the kidnappers, penultimate Friday. The matter had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at the state command’s headquarters.

Police Arrest Suspected Robber in Church

There was a mild drama, on Tuesday, when the Police in Ogun State arrested a suspected robber with bullet wounds in a church in Ota, Ado-Odo-Ota LGA of the state. The robber was said to be one of the members of the gang that killed four members of vigilance group during operation in Ifo community, last weekend. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this, said three suspected robbers were killed during a gun battle around Oko-Bale, Ilogbo. The suspected robber had sought refuge in the church after he allegedly escaped from Police arrest with bullet wounds before he met his waterloo. The PPRO said that his men acted on a tip-off that led to the arrest of the suspect while taking treatments of his injured right leg in a church in Ota area of the state.

GENERAL

Youth Vigilante Nabs 31 Suspected Boko Haram Suspects

Youths Vigilante group in Borno State, otherwise known as Civilian JTF, last weekend, arrested 31 Boko Haram suspects in various locations in Maiduguri metropolis amidst ovations and commendations from residents and soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF). The arrested sect members were immediately handed over to the various local sector commanders of JTF for further interrogation and investigation. The suspects were believed to have been dislodged from their training camps at Sambisa Games Reserves Forests and Kirenowa, a border community with Chad, after troops attacked the camps following declaration of state of emergency by President Goodluck Jonathan. JTF commended the youths in the joint manhunt of fleeing Boko Haram suspects.

Boko Haram Member Confesses to Mass Killing
…As 50 Detained Members Promise to Assist Govt

A member of the Boko Haram sect, who was arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, shocked the people of Ngomari ward “Bakin Borehole” in Maiduguri, when he confessed to killing 23 people in two days, including slaughtering a village head and police officers in the area. The member, who was arrested on Tuesday evening, was said to have relocated about a year ago and rented a one-room apartment, living as an innocent citizen. A resident of Ngomari disclosed that the sect member was arrested after the vigilante group arrested his younger brother who, in turn, took them to Ngomari, where his brother was living. In another development, some members of the dreaded sect have promised the presidential committee on dialogue and peaceful resolution of security challenges in the North to collaborate with the government to put an end to the continued bloodletting. Over 50 detained members of the sect said if they were given a chance, they would assist authorities to end the crisis.

37 Killed in Renewed Plateau Crisis

Fresh crisis broke out in three villages of Balgan, Karkashi and Magama in Langtan South LGA of Plateau state claimed 37 persons. The crisis, which was more of an attack, an eye witness alleged, had the Fulani-Jukun unleashing mayhem on the native Tarok tribe in the villages in the early hours Thursday, leaving about 37 persons dead. It was gathered that houses and vehicles were also razed, even as residents fled the villages. The Chairman of Langtang South LGA, Narman Darko, put the death figure at 32. According to him, he had informed the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis and they had moved-in their men to prevent further havoc, and urged the people of the villages to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement to the law enforcement agents. The STF spokesman, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said that invaders killed 28 persons, while the STF killed 20 of them in a gun duel. He said that many other assailants sustained gunshot wounds and were arrested by the STF.

SSS Arraigns Lebanese Suspects in Court

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, arraigned three Lebanese suspects who were arrested for their alleged involvement in importation of arms before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The accused persons, Mustapha Fawaz, Abdallah Tahini and Talal Ahmad Roda, owners of Amigo Supermarket and Wonderland Amusement Park in Abuja, were arraigned on a six count charge bordering on terrorism-related acts. They, however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them. The trio were earlier arraigned before an Abuja Magistrates’ Court but the State Security Service (SSS) withdrew the charges on ground that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the matter. In the fresh charge preferred against them, they are accused of belonging to the military wing of the Hezbollah and had allegedly received training in preparation for engaging in terrorist acts.

Al-Makura Inaugurates Commission of Inquiry into Nasarawa Killings

Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, on Wednesday, inaugurated a 9-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry, headed by retired Justice Joseph Fola Gbadeyan, over the recent killings of over 90 security operatives at Alakyio village in Lafia East Development Area of the state. While performing the swearing-in, Governor Al-Makura, who gave just six weeks for the eminent jurist and members of the commission to prove their mettle, told them to examine and proffer suggestions cum advice on the ways, means and methodology through which the government could deal decisively, curb and completely wipe out the activities of the outlawed Ombatse militia group or any other militia or illegal or anti-social group or groups in the state. He tasked the commission to inquire into how the outlawed Ombatse militia was formed, its founders, financiers, and supporters and recommend, provide and exert appropriate punishment for those found culpable.

Policeman Kills Colleague in Benue

A policeman in Otukpo LGA of Benue State, last weekend killed his colleague when they attempted to arrest some youths in the area. It was learnt that the policemen, from Otukpo Division, had stormed Asa 111 area to effect the arrest of some youths said to have disrupted the meeting of some elders when the incident happened. The state police spokesman, DSP Daniel Ezeala, who confirmed incident, said the policeman was killed by accidental discharge from a fellow colleague in the process of effecting arrest. The PPRO explained that some youths in the area had disrupted a meeting being held by elders and subsequently, manhandled an elderly person. The police, according to Ezeala, had succeeded in arresting one of the youths, which however, created stiff resistance from them.

Police in Kano Arrest 3,241 Suspected Criminals in Six Months

Kano State Police Command has disclosed that it had carried out series of raids at various criminals’ hideouts and black spots and successfully arrested 3,241 suspects in the last six months. The police command explained that among those arrested, 2,741 were charged to court over an exhibits recovered from them, which include 39 knives, 15 swords and seven locally made pistols and large quantity of Indian hemp.

4 Boko Haram Members Disguised as Women Arrested

Residents of Gwange area in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital have restricted their women from going out in the evening following reports that Boko Haram sect members now resort to wearing women’s clothing to go out and perpetrate evil or try to escape arrest by soldiers and vigilante in the area. It was gathered that, four Boko Haram members were arrested on Saturday in Gwange ward wearing women’s clothing and trying to escape arrest as a result of pressure mounted on them in the area by the vigilante. According to residents, the sect members also wear women’s clothing to hide their weapons.

SSS Nabs 2 Chinese Nationals for Illegal Mining in Minna

Two Chinese engaging in illegal mining, excavating and exporting of gems to China for the past two years have been arrested and paraded by the Niger State command of the Department of State Security Services (SSS) in Minna. According to Dr Larry Obiagwu, State Director of SSS, the two Chinese suspects, Mr Lu Xiaoyong and Huaiming Geng, were alleged to have carried out their illegal activities with a Nigerian collaborator, Mohammed Bello, who was a mediator between the locals who dug for the precious stones and the Chinese at Koyugba Village in of Paikoro LGA. In a related development, the SSS arrested four Nigerians over their alleged involvement in the vandalism of armoured cables belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), and Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).

Court Orders Arrest of EFCC Chairman for Contempt

Justice Peter Kekemeke of an Abuja High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar to arrest the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, for disobeying a valid court order. Justice Kekemeke directed that the EFCC boss and an operative of the anti-graft agency should be apprehended and kept in prison custody within the next two weeks, except they apologize to a lawyer whose fundamental human rights were allegedly violated by the EFCC. The court had, twice in 2012, ordered Lamorde to release the call-to-bar certificate of one Innocent Onwu, apologize to him through a national newspaper as well as pay him N50, 000 as compensation. Onwu who is an Abuja-based lawyer had on October 31, 2011, initiated a fundamental rights enforcement proceeding after he was detained by the EFCC between June 27 and July 1, 2011 without order of court. The EFCC, vowed to appeal the ruling after acknowledging that it had received a copy of the order.

INTERNATIONAL

Nine Tourists Killed in Pakistan

Gunmen dressed as police killed nine foreign tourists in an unprecedented attack in the Pakistani Himalayas claimed by the Taliban. The attackers struck late Saturday at the foot of one of the world’s highest mountains, killing climbers at a base camp in the far-flung north not previously associated with violence or Islamist militancy. Officials said two Chinese, on American, one Nepali, a number of Ukrainians and one Pakistani were among those killed while one Chinese national survived the attack, which comes just weeks after a new government took office. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned “these inhuman and cruel acts”, ordered a thorough investigation and called for the culprits to be brought to justice. A spokesman for Pakistan’s main umbrella Taliban faction claimed responsibility.

Eight Soldiers Killed in India's Kashmir

Eight soldiers were killed and six others injured in rebel attacks in India's Jammu and Kashmir state, an army spokesman said on Monday. The attack is seen is part of escalating violence ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the state. Militants have escalated attacks on security forces since March this year, killing 27 security men so far, with Monday's the deadliest so far. The security incidents follow protests in February when India hanged Mohammad Afzal Guru for an attack on parliament in 2001. Guru was convicted of helping organise arms for the gunmen who mounted the attack and finding a place for them to stay. He always maintained his innocence. Militant group Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the ambush and warned of more such attacks. Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, both of which claim the region and rule it in part.

Lebanese Soldiers Killed in Clashes Caused by Syrian War

Lebanese soldiers have been trying to quell sectarian unrest caused by the Syrian war.  At least six Lebanese soldiers have been killed in clashes with Sunni militants in the port city of Sidon. The army said fighting broke out after supporters of a radical Sunni cleric opened fire on a checkpoint. It said three officers were among the dead and several other soldiers were wounded. Sectarian tensions in Lebanon have risen since the country's Shia movement Hezbollah backed Syria's government in the civil war there. The army blamed the violence on supporters of hard-line Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir. People in the worst affected areas - Abra and Hilaliya - called on the authorities to move them to safer places.

Brazil Protesters Clash with Police, as President Pledges Reforms

Brazilian protesters have clashed with police outside the stadium. An estimated 50,000 anti-government demonstrators marched towards the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte. Police set up a ring of steel in a mile radius around the stadium and defended their barricades with tear gas and rubber bullets. A dense fog of acrid gas enveloped the protesters as they responded by lobbing gas canisters and rocks back at police and several large fires were ignited close to the police line. The wave of protests that have hit Brazil began over a hike in transport fares but it has evolved into anger at high taxes, poor public services, government corruption and spending on the World Cup. On Tuesday Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff met with protest leaders and State Governors. She promised reforms including £17bn of investment for the transport system. Lower Congress also voted to drop a controversial measure that would have made in more difficult to prosecute officials. Congress also approved a bill earmarking oil revenues for improving education and health care.

Boston Bombing Suspect Indicted

Boston Marathon bombing suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, has been indicted on charges of killing four people and using a weapon of mass destruction. The 19-year-old faces 30 charges linked to the 15 April blasts, which killed three and injured more than 260 others. A fourth victim, a policeman, was shot dead by him and his brother during the hunt for them. Seventeen charges could bring life in prison or even the death penalty, US prosecutors said. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's brother, 26-year-old Tamerlan, was killed in a shoot-out with police days after the twin blasts. The explosives were described as pressure-cooker bombs, packed with shrapnel. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was injured in that gun battle and has been held in a prison hospital near Boston since his capture on 19 April. The brothers are from a family of ethnic Chechen Muslims from Russia and had been living in the US for about a decade.

Man, 75, Arrested over Mosque Bomb

A 75-year-old man has been arrested after a home-made bomb was left near a mosque in Walsall. About 150 people were evacuated from homes near the mosque in Rutter Street after bomb disposal experts were called to the scene, penultimate Saturday evening. Neighbours described hearing a bang on Friday but it was only when a member of the public took the device inside the Aisha Mosque that police were called. The man was arrested at his home in Walsall on Thursday afternoon. He was detained on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life or damage property, West Midlands Police said.

Rudd Sworn in as New Australian PM, as Gillard Steps Down from Politics

Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as prime minister of Australia, a day after he ousted Julia Gillard as leader of the Labour Party. Rudd took the oath at Government House in front of Governor-General Quentin Bryce. He then addressed parliament briefly, paying tribute to Ms Gillard, who is stepping down from politics. The leadership change comes ahead of an election scheduled for 14 September, which polls suggest Labour will lose. Rudd returned to lead Australia's government three years and three days after he was toppled in a similar Labour leadership contest by Ms Gillard, then his deputy. He secured 57 votes to Ms Gillard's 45 in Wednesday's vote, which followed months of speculation and bitter infighting over who should lead Labour into the forthcoming election.