Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 39

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Community Drags Shell to London Court over Oil Spill Compensation

Following a disagreement on the amount to be paid as compensation over the 2009 major oil spill that devastated their environment, the people of Bodo community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State have again dragged Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Limited before a London Court. The action was as a result of the failure of an out-of-court settlement between the community and Shell. Former Secretary of Bodo Council of Chiefs and Elders, Chief Saint Pii, said that the community decided to return to court because Shell refused to pay the 500 million pounds they demanded as compensation as part of the out-of-court settlement. Pii said Shell had offered 7million pounds instead. He accused Shell of trying to pay peanuts as compensation to the over 10,000 indigenes of Bodo community as well as organisations that were affected by the oil spill.

Three Feared Dead as Groups Clash in Rivers Community

Three persons are feared dead in Buguma, Asari Toru LGA of Rivers State, after a clash between two groups. It was gathered that trouble started when a group identified as Kegema Unity Forum went for the funeral of a member’s father. During the funeral, another group allegedly stormed the venue, harassing members of Kegema Unity Forum. The situation allegedly got out of hand, leading to a free for all.  The fight, which continued till Monday, reportedly left one Princewill dead while two other youths remain missing.

Police in Bayelsa Hunt for Man, 27, over Death of Girlfriend

The Police in Bayelsa State have launched a manhunt for a man over the alleged killing of a 27-year-old woman believed to be his lover. The construction worker, according to indigenes of Kaiama community, allegedly strangled the woman to death at midnight, last Tuesday, and dumped her corpse at the bank of a river. It was learnt that the body was discovered by some indigenes that had gone for early morning bath. It was learnt that the construction worker, on hearing that the corpse of the deceased had been discovered, panicked, rushed to his company, told his supervisor that his mother was sick and that he needed some money to travel. His unsuspecting supervisor then gave him N30000 not knowing what his intention was. Police Spokesman, Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the incident.

Bayelsa Warns Parents to Send Wards to School or Face Arrest

Parents and guardians who fail to send their children and wards to school will henceforth be arrested and prosecuted by the Bayelsa State Government. The State Commissioner for Education, Chief Salo Adikumo, said with the free and compulsory education policy of the state government, parents and guardians whose children and wards are of school-going age have no reason not to send such children to school. He said the free education policy is a well-articulated legal framework to ensure the continuity of the policy as well as to convict anyone who contravenes the law, noting that modalities have been worked out to ensure that children who are of school-going age are restrained from hawking on the streets during school periods.

3 Burnt to Death House Fire

A pregnant woman, Ekaiquo Ewa, and her two children aged 7 and 3, were burnt to death, when a building that served as a residential building and business outlet caught fire, weekend, in Ugep, Yakuur LGA, Cross River State. The inferno, which engulfed the 27, Calabar Road house on Friday at 7pm, caught the woman and her children in their one-room apartment, while her husband, Denis Ewa, was away from the house. A witness said that they did not know the source of the fire, describing it as a mystery. According to him, the fire spread so fast that the woman and the two children could not escape. The body of the woman had been deposited at the Ugep General Hospital Mortuary, while those of the children had been buried.

Two Girls Drown in Enugu River

Two girls lost their lives while swimming in the Asata River in Enugu, Enugu State last Saturday. The corpse of one of the victims, Chidera Nwekwe, was recovered hours after the incident, the body of the other victim had not been located and her identity remained a mystery. Eyewitnesses said that the victims were hawkers on along the Bisalla Road. It was learnt that they had gone swimming with some of the destitute, but drowned since they were inexperienced swimmers. Chukwuebuka Nwekwe, the elder brother of one of the victims, said he was shocked that Chidera could go swimming when she had never attempted such.

Anambra Commissioner Wanted over Alleged Fraud

The Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police Force has declared the Anambra State Commissioner for Special Duties, Vincent Ezenwajiaku, wanted. The SFU said the commissioner allegedly obtained N10.5m under false pretence about 10 years ago. His surety, one Mr. Obi Okwudili, had also been arrested by the unit for his inability to produce the suspect. A statement by the SFU Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Isintume-Agu said the Commissioner was declared following a report by his alleged victim, who he had invited to invest in his company as a co-Director. The complainant was said to have subsequently paid N10,582,540 after receiving reports from Ezenwajiaku, which indicated the huge potential of the company. However, a belated check with the Corporate Affairs Commission by the complainant later revealed that he had invested in a non-existent company.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

20 Arrested over Oil Theft in Delta

Five Nigerians and a foreigner from Republic of Benin, alleged to be specialists in sourcing for illegally distilled petroleum products in the Niger Delta area, have been nabbed by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF). Fifteen other illegal oil bunkerers were also caught in separate operations. Spokesman of JTF, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the suspects were apprehended by men of the 3 Battalion of the task force during a patrol in Opodibobo creek near Escravos in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. The cartel, according to Lt. Col Nwachukwu, was smashed during one of the anti-oil theft operations carried out by the battalion. He said one big Cotonou boat, containing 11 large plastic reservoirs and a speed boat were recovered from the suspects. Nwachukwu also disclosed that in another operation, seven suspects operating illegal oil distillation sites were arrested by troops of 3 and 19 Battalions covering the Sector 1 area of responsibility of JTF.

Lawyers Drag FG to ECOWAS Court over Edo Execution

Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASFF), also known as Lawyers without Borders, has filed an action at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, seeking to stop the execution of the fifth inmate condemned to death in Edo State. Angela Uwandu, speaking for ASFF, stated that there was a renewed threat by the state Government to secretly execute the fifth inmate. ASFF is asking the court to grant an immediate order for the release of Mr. Thankgod Ebohs, from detention or commute his death sentence to life imprisonment. Ebohs was on June 24 taken to the gallows to be hanged but was later spared as it was discovered that he was sentenced to death by firing squad. According to her, Ebohs was sentenced to death in 1995 by a tribunal constituted under the military government, and his substantive trial did not follow due process as required by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant international human rights instruments having been tried by a tribunal even when the offence could have been tried by a regular court.

Girl Kidnapped over Tussle on Late Father’s Property

A 13-year-old girl has been kidnapped in Ekete, Udu LGA of Delta State and held for eight days by suspected kidnappers over the title documents of her late father’s property. She has, however, been released. It was learnt that trouble started in the family soon after the death of her father, Michael Salubi, in November 2012. The crisis degenerated on September 5, with the kidnap. In a petition sent to the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Warri, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, counsel to her mother, Mrs. Salubi, said his client received a call from her daughter’s mobile phone and a male voice spoke to her, instructing her to drop her late husband’s house documents if she wanted her daughter alive. According to him, the caller further threatened to come for her life and that of her other children since she refused to drop the said documents.

Meat Sellers, Health Workers, Trade Words over Alleged Poisoned ‘Pomo’

Authorities of Sapele General Hospital in Delta State have denied the allegation by some health workers attached to the Health and Environment Department of Sapele council that no fewer than 10 persons have been hospitalised after consuming poisoned animal hide, popularly called “Pomo” that was purchased at Sapele Main Market. Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Oyobere Onwoke, who rebuffed the claim, challenged the health workers to come forward and point out any patient that is a victim. The police in Sapele, earlier in the week, quelled what would have led to a major clash between the health officers and meat sellers in Sapele main market. The allegation was that some of the meat sellers had injected a chemical into the Pomo to increase its size and attract customers. The health workers confiscated over N200,000 worth of Pomo, arrested some of the meat sellers and handed them to the police for prosecution. A senior health official, who craved anonymity, confirmed that the confiscated Pomo had been buried, while some were left for laboratory test.

Delta Community Protects Kidnap Kingpin –Source

Reasons Delta kidnap kingpin, Mr Kelvin, has not been arrested despite being declared wanted for months by security agents, have been unravelled. The kingpin,  said  to be the mastermind of virtually all kidnap cases in Delta State, has succeeded, overtime, in currying the favour of his people. A source stated that the kingpin derives his strength from his Urhobo people, who would not give him up and are requesting amnesty for him. While submitting that it would be difficult for security agents to track Kelvin down, the source added that the dreaded young man has no fewer than 300 young men fully armed with AK47 rifles, and are living in the woods of Kokori, Ethiope East LGA of the state.

Family Alleges Death of Man in Benin Prison

The alleged death of a 40-year-old man, Toyese Kehinde, at the Benin Central Prisons on September 9, 2013, and his burial by the prison authorities without the knowledge of members of the deceased’s family stoked confusion at the facility on Thursday. Kehinde was sentenced to two-week imprisonment with an option of N5,000 by Egor Magistrate Court 1 in Benin City over environmental offence. Following his failure to show up at the expiration of his jail term, his brother, Adewale, and other friends were said to have approached the prisons’ authority to demand the release of their brother, only to be told that he was dead and buried. Adewale said it was disturbing that his brother died in the custody of prisons officials and was buried without family members knowing, even though there was a contact name and address given by the late Toyese while in their custody. Edo State Prisons spokesman, Suleman Aminu, claimed ignorance of the death of the convict.

Fire Razes 40 Shops in Warri Market

The popular market Maciver Market in Warri, Delta State, was on Tuesday reduced to ashes by fire. The inferno destroyed at least 40 stores and properties worth over N50million. The owners of the stores could hardly salvage any of their belongings. It was gathered that the fire was ignited by illegally stored petroleum products that were sold in the open market. It was gathered that the same spot had been torched five times, in addition to the Tuesday incident. Other victims also appealed for financial assistance, claiming that they lost goods worth over N50 million.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Cultists Arraigned for Murder

Two alleged cultists, Nicodemus Jeremiah and Abideen Muniru, have been taken before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’ Court for allegedly killing one Dike Onyeani, 24, by shooting him at Amosu Igboro, in the Ijanikin area of Lagos. It was learnt that the two accused had allegedly been putting the deceased under pressure to join their cult, which he refused. He was said to have been abducted and later shot in the head with a locally made pistol. People living around the scene of the incident were said to have alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the accused. The prosecutor, Sergeant Cousin Adam, said the offences were punishable by Law. The defendants’ pleas were not taken. Adam applied that the defendants be remanded in prison custody pending the advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). The magistrate, Mrs. M. O. Tanimola, She remanded the defendants in prison pending the DPP’s legal advice.

NDLEA Seizes N72m Cocaine at Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 364 wraps of high- grade Brazilian cocaine, weighing 6.490kg and valued at N72m. The NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said on Monday that the seizure was made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. He added that a 32-year-old suspect, Francis Bawaba, was arrested in connection with the discovery which was made during the inward screening of passengers on an Etihad flight. NDLEA Lagos Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, also confirmed the arrest. Bawaba said he had planned to invest N3.3m which had been promised him as payment, in business.

Bike Rider in Trouble for Killing Friend

A commercial motorcycle rider (okada rider), Rafiu Ajao, has been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly killing his friend, Wasiu Dada. The two men were said to have lived together at Raji Crescent, Ayobo, in the Ipaja area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the men, who had been friends for over five years, were chatting at their residence on September 4, 2013, when a fight erupted, leading to the death of Dada, who also rode a commercial motorcycle for a living. Rafiu said he regrets the crime.

Chinese Men in Court over Attempted Rape Nigerian Girl

Two Chinese men, Chen Gang, 47 and Zhao Weidong, 31, have been arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, for allegedly conspiring to rape a 20-year-old lady, Oluchi Chukwuemeka. The men and the lady were said to be employees of a popular Chiense construction firm. While Chen Gang was the chief cook of the company, Chukwuemeka was his assistant. He was said to have made several sexual overtures to her, which she ignored. When the pressures became much, Chukwuemeka was said to have reported the harassment to the policemen guarding the company. But things came to a head when Gang followed her into the company store and tried to rape her. Her shouts for help drew the attention of people nearby, including the policemen. The second defendant, Weidong, was said to have rushed to the store and seized the girl’s phone. He allegedly dumped it in the toilet. One of the policemen, however, ran after him and recovered the phone in the water closet. Gang and Weidong pleaded not guilty. The defence counsel, Fidelis Osordi, pleaded that the accused be granted bail in liberal terms.

Police Arraign 23-Year-Old in Court for Rape, Stealing

A 23-year-old man, Joseph Sarumi, has been arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, for allegedly raping and defrauding one lady. Sarumi allegedly raped and defrauded her of N25, 000, and a BlackBerry Torch phone in a hotel at the Adeniji Adele area of the state. He was also said to have collected N50, 000 from another victim, one Okikiola Elegbela. Sarumi was arraigned on three counts of rape and stealing. The prosecutor, Edet Akadu, said the offences were punishable under Sections 258, 312, and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Man, 46, in Court over Rape of 3 Minors

A 46-year-old man, Michael Unumahengie, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate’s court, Lagos, for allegedly raping and defiling three minors. The prosecutor said that the defendant committed the alleged crime on September 6 in Alausa, Ikeja area of Lagos State. The three victims are aged 10, nine and six, respectively. The prosecutor said the offence is punishable under Section 137 of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him. But the magistrate refused him bail. The magistrate remanded the defendant in Kirikiri prison and adjourned the case till October 17 for hearing.

Man Remanded over Assault Attempted Rape

An Abeokuta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ogun State, Wednesday, remanded a 33-year-old man, Olasunkanmi Ikuomola, in prison custody for beating his girlfriend to a state of stupor. The accused, Ikuomola, of 28 Ori-Iyarin Agbeloba in Abeokuta, was arraigned on a two-count charge of attempted rape and assault, but no plea was taken. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Banji Sangotokun, told the court that the offence was committed on August 5 at at the accused residence. He said that the accused attempted to rape the woman and in the process beat her to stupor. It was alleged that the accused and the lady had been chatting for a while and had been intimate before Ikuomola invited her to his house. But when she got there, he locked the door and started beating her, forcefully removing her pants and bra. Neighbours, who heard her screams hurried to her rescue and broke the door of the accused apartment to find the lady badly beaten, lying nude and unconscious on the floor.

Father Arrests Man Caught Raping Daughter

Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly raping a girl in Oluyole area of Ibadan. He was said to have been caught raping the girl in a bush by the girls’ father after he heard her shouting for help. The cry reportedly drew the attention of her father, who rushed to the scene and caught the man in the act. Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Olabisi Ilobanafor, confirmed the story. After rescuing the victim, the suspect was arrested and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID. She said the state Commissioner of Police had directed that the case be immediately charged to court like other rape cases.

GENERAL

Nasarawa Mayhem: Death Toll Hits 70

Fear has gripped Asakio and Adabu towns in Lafia East Development Area and Obi LGA both in Nasarawa State following a bloody attack, last weekend, by some Eggon youths said to be linked to the outlawed Ombatse cult group that allegedly killed scores of security personnel earlier in the year. The youths attacked Asakio community leading to a rise in the death toll to 70. Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura has ordered security agents to deal decisively with those behind the attacks. The Army authorities had deployed soldiers to contain the violence and wanton killings. Troops deployed to contain the violent communal clashes have killed the leader of the Ombatse militia group who allegedly led the attack. The leader was said to have been killed when he went to demand for the release of his men that were detained by the police. Three Ombatse militants who were on the same mission with the slain leader were said to have been apprehended by the police and detained. Scores of warring Eggon and Alago youths were also arrested by the police and detained.

Over 150 Boko Haram Terrorists, 15 Soldiers Killed in Borno

The Nigerian Army has rebuffed claims by some online media websites that it lost over 40 soldiers, while 65 others were missing in a surprise ambush by Boko Haram insurgents at Kafiya Forest of Borno State. The army said during the incident, over 150 members of the sect were killed while 15 soldiers and one officer died in action, with nine others missing. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, also disclosed that a key commander of the insurgents, one Abba Goroma was also killed. Attahiru described Goroma as a high value target, on whose head had been placed a N10-million bounty. The army spokesman, however, did admit that there was fierce fight between the troops of 81 Battalion from the new 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and members of Boko Haram on September 12, but insisted it was the insurgents that sustained the high casualties.

Borno Highway Ambush: 87 Corpses Evacuated after Boko Haram Siege

About 87 bodies were discovered and evacuated on Thursday by officials of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA). The bodies were evacuated from the highway and surrounding bushes following the siege on the Maiduguri/Damaturu road by Bok Haram insurgents on Tuesday. The gunmen, who blocked the highway for several hours, were also said to have burnt about 100 houses, shops and scores of vehicles in Benisheikh town. The sect members were said to have dressed in military fatigues on Tuesday evening, attacking motorists on the highway. The Commissioner of Police Lawal Tanko and Brigade Commander of 21 Armoured Brigade, Brig. Gen. Idris Mohammed Yusuf, both assured residents that more troops would be deployed in the area to secure it against future attacks. Meanwhile, Islamist insurgents have rampaged through a town in Yobe State with heavy weapons, setting public buildings on fire and killing a soldier and the wife of a senior policeman, authorities said. Armed with Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers and homemade bombs, the terrorists stormed Yadi Buni in Yobe State around 10pm, leading to a shootout with troops.

N15bn Approved for Security Equipment to Check Oil Theft

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the sum of N15 billion for the purchase of security equipment to checkmate the scourge of oil theft in the Niger Delta. The amount, according to NEC, will be sourced through a tripartite arrangement involving the federal and state governments and international oil companies (IOCs). This is coming against the backdrop of the steady increase in oil production to 2.4 million barrels per day from 1.7 million barrels per day to which it had fallen a few months ago. The council approved the provision of the required equipment to support the security agencies to stem crude oil theft in the country.

Senate Decries Prison Congestion, Poor Justice Delivery

The Senate, on Thursday, expressed worry over the menace of prison congestion and inadequate legal representation for the poor. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Sen. Umaru Dahiru, expressed the concern on Thursday at the one day stakeholders’ conference organised by the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LAC). He urged the judiciary to pay more attention to the representation of the poor in the society to decongest the prisons and assist the council to carry out its mandate. He said no Nigerian should be denied access to justice. He called on Nigeria Bar Association, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, to assist the LAC to increase its scope to recruit more lawyers.

SSS Parades 3 Groups of Suspected Criminals

The State Security Service (SSS), Thursday, paraded three groups of suspects for different degrees of crime ranging from impersonation to forgery. The first group was the parade of two men - Hamza Abubakar and Lawrence Okoro Dennis, over a plot to kidnap one of the daughters of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The SSS also paraded a 65-year-old man, who claimed to be a Special Adviser to President on Defence. According to the SSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, the father of nine, who had claimed to be General Abubakar Sani, was actually Mr. Elias Tyorpart Adams. Meanwhile, a 37-year-old man, Nicolas Eze, who specialised in forging certificates for students, who were unable to graduate get mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was also paraded. All the groups admitted been involved in the allegations levelled against them by the service.

Youths Kill Policeman in Retaliation against Police Killing

Angry youths belonging to a vigilante group in Borno state, lynched a policeman and threatened others in retaliation for the killing of one of their members in the State. The Civilian Joint Task Force was formed by residents to help capture Boko Haram suspects in and around Maiduguri. State Police Commissioner, Mr. Lawal Tanko, confirmed the incidents and the death of the policeman. The angry vigilantes also blocked the major Kano-Maiduguri Road, burning tires and threatened the police, calling them accomplices of Boko Haram. A Civilian-JTF member, Muhammed Adamu, said that members of his group were stopped by policemen for driving in the wrong lane and they explained that they had caught a Boko Haram member. Meanwhile, Governor Kashim Shettima has pledged the payment of N3.5 million as compensation to the family of the deceased. The governor, who addressed the youths urged them to be patient, and promised to provide a home for the family of the victim.

FG Sends 186 Ex-militants to Abroad for Educational, Vocational Training

About 186 ex-militants in the Niger Delta trained under the Presidential Amnesty Programme, last weekend, departed for South Africa, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland for educational and vocational training. This batch of delegates brings to 16,683 the number of ex-militants so far sent for offshore and local training in educational and vocational fields since the programme started in 2010. Special Adviser on Niger Delta Matters, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, said the batch was the single largest to be deployed for educational training in the UK, which he described as a unique feat. He listed the key focus areas to of training “to include aviation, maritime, oil and gas, power telecoms, construction, and others. The Amnesty Programme is expected to end by 2015. Kuku, however, said that the government has put in place machinery to ensure that over 10,000 ex-militants pass through the various trainings before the termination of the programme.

New Number Plates Registration Extended

The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has officially announced the extension of the expiring date for renewal of driver’s licence and Vehicle number plates. The Secretary of JTB, ML Abubakar, confirmed that the new expiring date for the renewal is now June 30, 2014, as against 1st October 2013 which it gave earlier. The Federal Road Safety Corps, the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the State Board of Internal Revenue are putting all necessary arrangements in place to ensure ease of the process,” the statement said. There is an on-going feud between the FRSC and the Police over multiple registrations of vehicles. Transporters had earlier threatened a showdown over the multiple registrations and the alleged hijack of the process by hoodlums.

Secret Killings on the Rise in Kafanchan

There was tension in Kafanchan, Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State, following Tuesday's protest in the area by youths over the alleged secret killings by unknown gunmen. Sources in Kafanchan said there had been secret killings along the road leading to the neighbouring village in the area, which many people initially thought were robbery incidents. A man and his wife, who were riding on a motorcycle along the road were allegedly attacked on Sunday evening, and killed. Similarly, a young man who was equally riding on a motorcycle along the same road was killed on Monday evening, sparking outrage. A combined team of soldiers and policemen were said to have been deployed to Kafanchan to ensure law and order. The state Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, Tuesday condemned the incident and called on the people of the area to remain calm.

11 Boko Haram Suspects Arrested, Four Killed

The Commanding Officer of Mubi Special Operation Battalion, Lt. Col. Beyidi Martins, last weekend, confirmed that about 11 Boko Haram suspects have been arrested in Michika LGA of Adamawa State. Beyidi confirmed that the suspects were arrested penultimate Saturday by men of his battalion and the Joint Task Force (JTF) from Maiduguri in Borno State with the assistance of the Civilian JTF operatives. The commander also disclosed that six of the suspects were taken to Maiduguri by the JTF, while five were brought to Mubi. He claimed that four of the five suspects brought to Mubi were mistreated by members of the Civilian JTF operatives because of their attempt to resist arrest, thereby leading to the death of four of them. According to him, only one of the suspects was alive and he was undergoing interrogation from the Army. He called on the public to remain calm.

FG Orders Deployment of Troops to Nasarawa over Ombatse Killings

The federal government has ordered the deployment of troops to prevent further escalation of the violence and its spread to other parts of Nasarawa state following the crisis last weekend that claimed several lives. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Major. General Ibrahim Attahiru, said that the deployment of troops to the warring communities had helped in the curbing the spread of violence by the Ombatse and other ethnic militia groups in the state. He stressed that both the federal government and the state government were exploring other ways of ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the area.

Military Denies Passing Death Sentence on Soldiers Facing Court Martial

The 3 Armoured Division, of the  Nigeria Army in Jos,  Wednesday debunked a report which stated that the court martial sitting in the division had sentenced some soldiers to death and others to various jail terms for allegedly being moles for Boko Haram. The division described the report as totally untrue. It said the court martial was still on-going and had not concluded proceedings. Meanwhile, The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Major. General Ibrahim Attahiru, has said that the Army Headquarters had directed the General officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigeria, Maj-Gen. Ebiobowei Awala, to set up a General Court Martial (GCM) for the trial of nine erring officers and soldiers in Jos, Plateau State for various offences, including manslaughter, using of threatening, abusive or provocative words or behaviour to cause disturbances and fighting.

Gunmen Ambush, Attack Taraba Speaker

Taraba State House of Assembly Speaker, Haruna Tsokwa escaped an attack by gunmen, who laid ambush on his convoy spraying it with bullets Wednesday evening. Two policemen, his security aides, sustained various degrees of gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with the attackers. One of the speaker’s aides, who revealed this, said that the incident, took place at Bade Forest, along Jos/Keffi road. The injured policemen were said to have fought gallantly to prevent the assassins from demobilising the vehicle that was conveying the speaker. The state Governor Danbaba Suntai expressed shock over the attack.

Man Kidnaps, Kills Neighbour’s 5-Year-Old Son

The State Security Service (SSS) has arrested a 43-year-old man and father of 10, Saturday Dewakei, who allegedly kidnapped his neighbour’s 5-year-old son and killed him when his demand for N5m ransom was not met. Dewakei was said to have entered his neighbour’s room at their Abuja residence through the ceiling on April 19, 2013 and abducted the boy, who was asleep. The SSS Deputy Director, Operations, FCT Command, Ibrahim Halilu, explained that Dewakei killed the boy and dumped his body in a septic tank when the ransom he demanded was not paid. The victim’s father, identified as Isah, had paid Dewakei N100000, but the suspect murdered the boy because he was dissatisfied with the amount. Halilu stated that Dewakei was apprehended when he accepted the offer of additional N300,000.

Student, Others Nabbed over Theft of N2bn from Bank

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two men Isaiah Friday and Azzaior Samuel, for an alleged N2.05bn fraud. Two bureau de change operators, Salihu Mahmoud and Dan Ibrahim, were also arrested in connection with the alleged crime. The suspects were also accused of being members of a syndicate that specialised in breaking into the computer data base of financial institutions to carry out dry posting of funds. The Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspects were arrested in Lagos and Jos. It was learnt that EFCC initial investigation showed that Friday, who was carrying out computer system maintenance services for one of the Union Bank branches in Jos, Plateau State, on a part-time basis, paved the way for the fraudsters to penetrate the bank’s database. The EFCC spokesman added that the commission had been able to recover   $2,129,900 and another N134,542 from  the fraudsters.

FG Unveils New Yellow Fever Card

The Federal Government of Nigeria through its health ministry has announced that the issuance of a new yellow fever card has commenced and the replacement would take full effect on the 1st of October, 2013. The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, disclosed that the new yellow card also known as international certificate of vaccination and prophylaxis will have advanced features. The health minister advised that international travellers need not risk their trips with fake yellow fever vaccination cards as genuine cards used to certify vaccinations against yellow fever, cholera and small pox can easily be obtained at the public health department of the federal ministry of health and the nation’s airports, seaports and land borders.

NIMET Warns of Imminent Flooding in 4 Northern States

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, has warned of imminent flooding in four States in northern Nigeria -Bauchi, Kaduna, Plateau and Gombe. The Director-General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Anthony Anuforom, said the flooding would occur with any heavy rain in axis. The rains, he noted, would continue because “active weather zones still cover the entire country.” Dr. Anuforom said that the citizens must improve their attitude to information on weather in order to avoid adverse impact of the situation. According to Dr. Anuforom, the Bauchi, Gombe, Jos and Kaduna axis is already saturated and any heavy rain as experienced in the last few days could result in flooding.

Two Injured, Shops Razed in Kerosene Tanker Explosion Fire

The was pandemonium near the gate of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Apir Depot in Makurdi, Benue State when a tanker said to be conveying kerosene fell and exploded, setting over 10 shops located in the area ablaze. The tanker wanted to meander through some already parked trucks to enter into the depot when it suddenly developed brake failure, lost control and tipped on its side and exploded. Though the driver and the conductor of the tanker escaped unhurt, two officials of the state fire service that went to quench the fire sustained varying degrees of burns. The state fire service officer, Lawrence Apine, said the injured officials were receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre.

Nine Killed in Taraba Boat Accident

Tragedy struck, last weekend, in Bali Local Council of Taraba State when a passenger boat capsized, killing nine of its occupants. The accident was caused by the large number of passengers as well as luggage the boat was ferrying from Zude village to Mayo-Kam village in the same council area. The incident, which occurred at about 2pm was said to have thrown the community into confusion as search parties are still busy combing the river in search of missing victims. An eyewitness said the boat was filled to capacity, carrying about 50 passengers and large quantities of goods, including bags of maize and millets, sugar cane as well as domestic animals.

INTERNATIONAL

Wanted US, UK Militants Killed in Somalia

Two top Islamist militants, from the United States (U.S.) and United Kingdom (UK), have been killed in Somalia after falling out with al-Shabab. Omar Hammami, known as al-Amriki, and Osama al-Britani, are said to have died in an attack in a village south-west of Mogadishu. They had been hiding from al-Shabab since leaving the group this year. In March, the US State Department offered a $5m (£3.1m) reward for any information leading to the capture or conviction of al-Amriki. One of al-Amriki’s fighters said that they had been overpowered by the al-Shabab attack in a village near the town of Dinsor. He said al-Shabab had taken away the bodies of the two Westerners. Another of their allies, Khadap al-Masari, from Egypt, surrendered, the fighter said.  Local residents confirmed the deaths. Al-Amriki was known for rapping jihadist songs, which were loaded onto YouTube.

Assad Accepts to Place Chemical Weapons under International Control

Syria’s embattled President, Bashar al-Assad, has confirmed that his country’s chemical weapons will be placed under international control. Assad’s move is a step forward of the earlier proposition by Russia for Syria to give up the chemical component of its Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) with the ultimate aim of their destruction by international monitors. The move is also expected to make impending military strikes by the western allies a very hard option. Assad’s latest comments are coming as the Russian and United States (US) foreign ministers prepared for key talks in Geneva, Switzerland. The US accuses the Syrian regime of killing hundreds in a poison-gas attack in the Damascus suburbs in August, but Syria has consistently denied the allegation, blaming rebels for the attack instead.

ICC Warns against revealing Identity of Protected Witnesses

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warning that revealing the identity of a protected witness is a crime. This comes after Kenyan media named a witness in Vice President William Ruto’s trial at the ICC. The court’s presiding judge, Chile Eboe-Osuji, said that any revelation of the identity of a witness whose identity has been protected amounts to an offence and warned that offenders would be prosecuted. The woman who testified on Tuesday was referred to only as “Witness P0536”, while her face was pixelated and voice distorted in order to protect her identity. But within hours of her harrowing testimony, which was carried live on several Kenyan television stations, viewers began speculating on her real identity on Twitter and other sites. The trials of Ruto and his co-accused, former radio DJ, Joshua arap Sang, as well as that of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta that is to begin in November, have been mired in accusations of witness intimidation or paying off.

Six Persons Die in Passenger Train, Bus Collision

About six people were killed and 11 critically injured after a passenger train and a double-decker city bus collided on the outskirts of Ottawa on Wednesday. Ambulances and fire trucks swarmed the scene, and rail officials were helping train passengers off the train. Ottawa emergency officials said there were six confirmed fatalities in the collision, and that at least 10 more were critically injured. VIA Rail, which operates national rail passenger service in Canada, said there were no major injuries reported on the train.

Egypt Extends Emergency Laws by Two Months

Egypt’s interim president, last week, extended a nationwide state of emergency by two months, citing security conditions. The month-old state of emergency was first declared in mid-August after authorities cleared two protest encampments held by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, unleashing violence that claimed the lives of nearly 1,000 in subsequent days. The extension had been widely expected, and the decree cited continued security concerns. Scattered protests by Morsi supporters continue nearly daily, and the government says it faces an organised violent campaign to destabilise the country. Authorities have been carrying out a crackdown on supporters of Morsi, including leading members of his Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists, accusing them of inciting violence. Extremist attacks on police stations, government offices and churches have grown more brazen in south Egypt, the restive Sinai and closer to the capital.

US Convicts Man of Wanting to Rape, Eat Children

A man who US authorities say chatted online with other men about their mutual desire to kidnap, rape, kill and eat children is facing a long prison sentence. Prosecutors plan to ask for a 27-year prison term for Geoffrey Portway of Worcester, Massachusetts, when he is sentenced in federal court. Authorities say they found a dungeon, homemade coffin, butchering kit and other tools in the basement of Portway's home. In a sentencing memo filed in court, prosecutors say online chats recovered from Portway's computer show he solicited people for help to kidnap a child with the intent of raping, killing and eating the child. Portway was among dozens of people arrested in an international child porn investigation.

13 Killed in US Naval Base Shooting Rampage

A former US naval reservist killed 12 people in a shooting rampage at a military base in the heart of Washington on Monday, before himself being killed in a shootout with police. Police identified the alleged gunman as Aaron Alexis of Fort Worth, Texas, who served in the Navy from 2007 to 2011 before becoming a defense subcontractor for Hewlett-Packard. US authorities probing the shooting spree at Washington’s Navy Yard said the gunman appeared to have acted alone. The Federal Bureau of Investigation appealed to the public for information on the 34-year-old, whose military service was marked by disciplinary problems and who reportedly had once been arrested but not charged in Texas for shooting a bullet through his apartment ceiling. President Barack Obama ordered that flags be flown at half-mast in the US capital until Friday as a mark of respect for the dead.

8-Year-Old Child Bride Dies after Wedding Night Injuries

An 8-year-old girl has reportedly died in Yemeni following internal injuries she sustained after her wedding to a 40-year-old man. Yemen is investigating the reported death of the girl from injuries suffered on the first night of her marriage, the government said. European Union foreign policy chief, Catherin Ashton, called the reports "appalling" and urged Yemen to ban child marriage. Yemen's human rights minister Hooria Mashour has asked parliament to pass a law setting a minimum age for marriage. Rights activist Ahmed al-Quraishi, chairman of child rights' organization Siyaj, said activists who went to the north-western Hajjah province had collected information that practically confirms the case. Catherine Ashton called on Sanaa to "abide by its obligations" under U.N. conventions protecting the rights of the child. She urged the government to "immediately reinstate legislation setting a minimum age for marriage to prohibit such abuse of children.

Over 50 Killed as Floods Ravage Parts of Mexico

Mexico struggled to save lives and protect property as after some of the worst storm damage in decades killed more than 50 people across the country. A three-day downpour cut off several roads in Acapulco, wrecking cars and restricting the delivery of supplies to the Pacific port city of 750,000 people. The rains over the weekend killed more than 50 people in the states of Veracruz, Guerrero, Puebla, Hidalgo, Michoacan and Oaxaca, according to regional emergency services. Guerrero has been the hardest hit, with some streets in the state capital Chilpancingo becoming rivers of mud. President Enrique Pena Nieto said he had ordered a “house by house” census in Guerrero and told the federal transport ministry to establish an air bridge to Mexico City. The United States National Hurricane Centre said rain caused by the remnants of Ingrid could still produce life-threatening floods and mud slides in a large part of eastern Mexico.