Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 14

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Fresh Oil Spill In Bayelsa Community

A fresh oil spill has been reported at Ikarama community, in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State. The crude oil spills which are spewing from three ruptured spots at an oil facility owned by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), is believed to have been caused by suspected oil thieves, who had excavated the earth to expose the pipelines which they abandoned after their illicit act. Two of the spots, it was learnt, have been discharging crude into the environment since March 21, while the third is discharging gas. A field report by Environmental Rights Action/Friends of Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, said the spills occurred on two different pipelines within the oil field operated by Agip in the area. The report, by Mr. Alagoa Morris, Head of Field Operations in ERA/FoEN’s Bayelsa office, recommended a prompt clean up and remediation of the spill impacted site and urged the oil firm to take steps to secure its facility from vandals. Ikarama community has been described as one community that has witnessed more oil crude spills than any other oil producing community in the Niger Delta region by environmental groups.

Police Arrest 10 Suspected Certificate Forgery Syndicate

Enugu State Police Command has arrested one Ngozi Orji and nine others over alleged involvement in selling forged school certificates. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended by Abakpa Police Division on March 24, following a tip-off from members of the public. According to the statement, stamp seals bearing Academic Affairs unit of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, scanners, desk top computers, among others, had been recovered from members of the syndicate. The statement said Ngozi Orji, who is said to be an alleged forgery king-pin, was apprehended after some persons reportedly revealed her illicit activities to security operatives. The police spokesman said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation into the matter was completed

School Proprietor Arraigned over Rape of 12-Year-Old Pupil

A 53-year-old school proprietor, Lemmy Amachi Chukwu, was on Monday arraigned before the Ukwa East Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Akwete, Abia State for allegedly raping a 12-year-old primary five pupil of his school. Police prosecutor, Chris Kpatuma, , told the court that the  proprietor committed the offence on February 20. It was gathered that immediately the accused committed the offence, he went into hiding and police had to launch a manhunt for him. It was when he thought the matter had died down and came out from hiding that police arrested him. The prosecution also told the court that the accused, who also works for the Abia State Government as a school teacher in the same LGA had on the said date, invited the pupil to his office where he allegedly forcibly had carnal knowledge of her. Kpatuma prayed the court not to grant the accused bail since it took the police time to arrest him, saying he could jump bail. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the trial chief magistrate remanded him in Aba prisons.

NJC Suspends Newly Sworn-in Rivers Chief Judge

The National Judicial Council has suspended the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice PNC Agumagu. The suspension is with immediate effect. A statement from the Acting Director of Information in the NJC, Soji Oye, said the Council took the decision at an emergency meeting on Wednesday. The statement explained that Justice Agumagu’s appointment was illegal, as it did not comply with the provisions of section 271 of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulated that a state governor must appoint a Chief Judge on the recommendation of the NJC. The NJC stressed that it did not recommend Justice Agumagu for appointment as the state’s Chief Judge. Besides the suspension, Justice Agumagu is also facing dismissal as the NJC has queried him, asking him to explain why he should not be dismissed as a judicial officer for failing to abide by his Oath of Office.

NDLEA Arrests Two Man with Cocaine at PH Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an alleged drug trafficker for being in possession of 80 wraps of powdery substance suspected to be cocaine at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State. The suspect, Emeka Martins, was arrested while trying to board an Air France flight to Italy with 1.560kg of cocaine. NDLEA Commander, Port Harcourt International Airport Command, Mr. Olutekunbi Davies, said the suspect concealed the substance in his pants. The NDLEA commander warned that Martins’ arrest was an indication that those involved in drug trafficking would always have unpleasant end. Davies promised that in spite of the ongoing airport remodeling, which had slowed down the agency’s operations, NDLEA officers would continue to be vigilant to ensure that the Port Harcourt International Airport was not turned to a drug hub.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

MEND Claims Responsibility for Attack on Shell, Agip Facilities

The Movement for the Emancipation for the Niger Delta (MEND), on Thursday, claimed responsibility for the attack on the oil facilities owned by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Delta and Bayelsa State. MEND in a statement by its spokesman, Gbomo Jomo, stated that its scuba divers revisited the Shell Forcados Sub-C pipeline in the Western Delta, which they had sabotaged on Saturday, March 01, 2014. It claimed that they successfully caused further damage to the on-going repair works, inflicting the heaviest toll ever on the oil industry since the commencement of ‘Hurricane Exodus’. The group further took responsibility for the Thursday, March 20, 2014 attack on the Agip crude oil and gas pipelines in Ikarama Oil Fields located in Bayelsa State.

JTF Sets Tankers with Stolen Crude Ablaze in Delta

Two patrol tankers allegedly used for crude oil theft, were on Tuesday burnt by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Awirhe, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State. The tankers were impounded by the military personnel on the Ozoro/Kwale Road, Ndokwa West LGA of the state. Though no arrest was made, a short locally made gun, a live cartridge and vehicle documents were recovered during a search on the tankers. Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Col Victor Ibeh, said that the JTF acted on a tip-off. The trucks were used for pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering activities while the perpetrators tampered with oil pipelines. Ibeh disclosed that the perpetrators took to their heels on sighting the troops.

Ex-Militants in Non-Violence Campaign in Schools

In their efforts to take the gains of the Federal Government amnesty programme for Niger Delta militants to the grassroots, former militants are now taking the non-violence philosophy to primary and secondary schools in the region. The consultant to the programme, Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN) which is anchoring the initiative, tagged: Message to School, said that same was to inculcate in the students, a consciousness to shun violence and embrace unity across all ethnic lines. Speaking on the initiative, Motunrayo Boladale, FEHN’s Programmes Officer, said the move is “a practical approach at the reintegration of the ex-militants as they serve as peace vanguards, teaching the non-violence philosophy to primary and secondary school students in the region.” The ex-militants, who hitherto were youths of violent means, now come on board with transformed identities, grooming young minds towards living lives worthy of emulation.

Student Raped to Death Buried in Benin

It was a rain of tears in Benin City, Edo State capital as relations, friends and sympathizers of Deborah Bassey, a 22-year-old student wept profusely as her remains were being laid to rest after she was allegedly raped to death. Deborah, a sickle cell sufferer, was allegedly raped to death by unidentified persons and her lifeless body was recovered at the Upper Adesuwa area of Benin. On the fateful night, Deborah had gone to the Sickle Cell Centre on Reservation Road, Benin City to receive medical attention. At some point, she reportedly told the staff at the centre to open the gate for her, maintaining that she wanted to go to the church. But she never made it back home or to the hospital, as her body was found along the road. Reports indicated that she was brutally raped.

Transporter’s Wife, Daughter Kidnapped in Benin

The wife and daughter of a Benin-based transport magnate and Chief Executive of Iyare Motors, Abel Omoruyi, have been reportedly abducted in Benin. It was gathered that Mrs. Omoruyi and her daughter were said to have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen, Monday evening, in the Ugbor area of Benin metropolis, while they were returning home from her place of business. Spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Eguavoen, confirmed the incident. He disclosed that the police have received the complaint and have swung into action, doing everything to rescue the victims unhurt and to arrest the perpetrators.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Man Caught With 8kg of Diazepam In Lagos Airport

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tuesday, arrested a 39-year-old electronics merchant with 8kg of Diazepam injections at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. The suspect, Udoji Chike, was caught while attempting to smuggle the drug to Liberia aboard an Arik Air flight. Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said that the suspect disguised the diazepam as packs of Alabukun powder which is not a controlled drug. The luggage was meant for export to Liberia. He has accepted ownership of the drug and he will be charged to court soon after investigation, according to Umar.

Demolition of Ibadan Horror House Stopped

Expectations of hundreds of people whose relatives are still missing were, on Wednesday, dashed in Ibadan, Oyo State when the demolition of the kidnappers’ den at Soka in Ibadan, where hundreds of people are feared to have been killed by suspected ritualists, was stopped by the Police to allow for forensic investigation. This came as 42 SIM cards of various networks were found on a man that pretended to be a madman. The arrest of the man followed the jungle justice meted out on him by angry youths after the discovery of the den penultimate Saturday. The youths mobbed the man and another one in separate parts of the city. It was gathered that the incidents took place at Oke-Ado area of Ibadan, where a man feigning madness was caught and set ablaze. Eyewitnesses said the man disguised as a madman while a pistol, foreign currencies and three ATM cards were found on him. The other suspected kidnapper was attacked, but the police rescued him. Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Ilobanafor, confirmed the incidents. She also disclosed that the demolition of the kidnappers’ den was put on hold to allow for forensic investigation of the site. The PPRO warned people against taking laws into their hands.

Police Arraign 14 in Court for Malicious Damage

The Police have dragged 14 persons before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court, Iyaganku on Tuesday for alleged demonstration, malicious damage and destroying innocent people’s property. The accused were allegedly demonstrating over Soka’s kidnappers den. The Prosecutor, James Oriola, alleged that the accused conspired to commit misdemeanour with malicious damage. He also explained that all the accused conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by demonstrating and destroying innocent citizen’s property. Oriola said the offence was committed on March 23 at Soka area, Ibadan. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Risikat Ebelokun–Mustapha, granted all the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in like sum. She, thereafter, adjourned the case until April 23 for hearing.

Court Nullifies Collection of Toll on Ikoyi-Lekki Link Bridge

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Lagos State Government to stop collecting toll on the N29billion Ikoyi-Lekki link bridge, describing the act as illegal. No sooner was the judgment delivered than the human rights activist and counsel in the suit, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, mobilised aggrieved Lagosians to block the link bridge, thereby preventing motorists from easy access for hours. Justice Saliu Saidu, while delivering judgment in the suit by Adegboruwa, against the state government, held that the only justification for the toll was the public private partnership law. The court said the law cannot apply to the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge as it was built with the money of the state, without any private partnership involved. The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, disclosed that the state government would appeal the court decision immediately.

Police Arrest Eight as AIG Visits Ibadan Horror Site

The Oyo State Police Command said on Thursday that eight people had been arrested in connection with the discovery of a horror forest in the Soka area of Ibadan. The command’s Public Relation Officer, Olabisi Ilobanafor, who said this during the visit of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Femi Omolaja, to the site, said names of the arrested individuals would not be made public yet. Omojola assured the residents of the state that the police would not rest until those who ran the death camp were arrested and prosecuted. He added that his visit was on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar. Omolaja however warned that people should not take laws into their own hands, urging them to also desist from attacking mad people in the name of seeking revenge.

Pipeline Explosion: Injured Vandals Nabbed at Traditional Healing Home

Operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force, Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Unit, have arrested two suspected vandals believed to be responsible for the recent explosion that led to fire outbreak at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in Ikorodu, Lagos, which left some of the vandals dead. The suspects, identified as Rotanna Ifeanyi and Soji Omomoyesan, were arrested in a herbalist’s home while receiving treatment from the burns sustained in the fire outbreak. Trouble, as gathered, started for the duo after residents of the community, initially indicted in the pipeline vandalism saga, besieged the herbalist home and attacked the suspects, when they got wind of their presence. They reportedly tied them up until the arrival of the policemen.

8 Docked over Church Vigil Robbery

The eight suspected armed robbers, who invaded a Christ Apostolic Church vigil at Oke-Alafia, February 22, were on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court over theft of N2 million. They were arraigned before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe and are facing an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery, preferred against them by the police. The police prosecutor, Iranus Nnamonu, told the court that the defendants conspired together to commit the alleged offence. He said the defendants robbed at Christ Apostolic Church during a vigil. Nnamonu alleged that the defendants robbed worshippers of various types of cell phones, laptops, palm-tops and N421,105 cash. The total value of property and cash stolen was put at N2 million, belonging to one pastor Julius Odewale and the members of the church. He also said the defendants, and others at large, on March 10, between 2am and 2:15am, at Adura area of Ojokoro, also robbed one cell phone and N14,000, property of one Akinlolu Segun. The eight were also alleged to have robbed three phones valued N49,000 and N15,000 belonging to one Oriyomi Imisioluwa on March 10, at 2:45am.

GENERAL

NAF Deploys More Troops in North-east

As part of the measures to curb the menace of insurgency especially in the North-east, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disclosed that it had deployed additional troops to support those already on ground. This was as it said they had increased border patrol to trace the supply of fuel to the insurgents and severe it in order to incapacitate them and prevent them from carrying out their nefarious activities. The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the logistics seminar organised by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Michael Iloenyosi. While reacting to recent claims that the Boko Haram sect now ferry in their explosives by air, Amosu said such claims were unfounded until proven otherwise. Amosu said one of the measures to cut off such supply is to "monitor how they move because if they have to travel hours to carry out a raid.

Nigeria, Cameroun, Others Strategise to Secure Borders

Nigeria and representatives of four other neighbouring West African countries, on Wednesday, gathered to form a common front against the increasing menace of insurgency, terrorism and illicit trade across their common borders. At a meeting of Directors-General of Customs of proximate countries of Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, they were unanimous in their determination to put an end to terrorism and other criminal activities across borders as well as in the maritime sector. The proposed collaborative initiative at fighting terrorism would come as a reprieve to Nigeria given that her neighbours, particularly Cameroun, had recently been accused by the Nigerian government of scuttling the efforts of security agencies to tackle insurgents who often escaped into the Camerounian territory after carrying out attacks in the country.

Policeman Rapes Four-Year-Old in Plateau

A policeman attached to the Special Task Force (STF) in Jos, Plateau state, Damudu Bzigu, has been accused of raping a four-year-old girl in Kassa village of Barkin Ladi LGA. He was said to have lured the minor to a STF makeshift tent in the village where he allegedly raped her. The chairman of the LGA, Emmanuel Loman, disclosed that the girl was receiving treatment at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital, where the medical officer, Dr Bapigang Willams Audu, confirmed that results conducted indicated that there was forcible penetration resulting in the breaking of her hymen. He said the minor was being treated in the hospital and necessary tests were being carried out on her in order to prevent infection. STF spokesman, Captain Salisu Mustapha, while also confirming the incident, said the accused had been arrested and investigations were ongoing.

FG to Establish Grazing Reserves to Reduce Fulani/Farmers Clash

To end the incessant clashes between Fulani cattle herders and farmers in various parts of the country, which has resulted in several deaths and destruction of farmlands, the Federal Government, during the week, approved the constitution of a committee to work out modalities for establishing grazing reserves across the country. This was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwunmi Adesina, at the end of National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Namadi Sambo, who said government had resolved to address the issue head on. Citing recent communal clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau states and other parts of the country, Adesina stated that the grazing reserves would also help to check smuggling of arms and ammunition across Nigerian borders by foreigners who come into the country disguised as cattle grazers.

Boko Haram: Soldiers Destroy Explosive-Laden Cars

Soldiers of Special Forces have destroyed several cars that were laden with Improvised Explosive Devices owned by the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East. The insurgents were said to have wired the IEDS to the Gulf cars, known as the operational vehicle of choice for the insurgents, while fleeing their camps that had fallen under bombardment by troops of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force fighter jets in Bama, Sambisa and other areas of Borno State. It was learnt that four insurgents arrested by soldiers during a battle at Bama made the revelation that the cars were carrying IEDS. He however added that the commanders had instructed the soldiers to ensure a systematic detonation of the bombs in the camps. It was said that soldiers had verified the claim of the captives by firing at some of the Gulf cars, which were said to have exploded.

Mark Advocates Capital Punishment for Terrorism

Senate President, David Mark, has reiterated the resolve of the Federal Government towards ending insurgency in the country and insisted that capital punishment is the antidote to the menace. Addressing the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), who besieged his office to register their protest against the insurgency in the country, Senator Mark said the killings in the name of religion or expressing grievances was condemnable and unacceptable. He called on Nigerians to rise and collectively condemn the dastardly act. The Senate President commended the military for their efforts so far but was quick to remind Nigerians of the need to be watchful and support the government in the quest to end the insurgency, adding that there was need to win the heart of all and sundry in curbing all forms of insecurity. He assured FOMWAN of the National Assembly’s continued efforts to bring peace back to the nation, saying there was no day in the plenary when issues of peaceful co-existence of the citizens was not given prominent in the debate.

1,000 Killed in North-East in 3 Months

At least 1,000 persons have been killed in the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe in the last three months. Similarly, about 249,446 persons have been displaced and over three million people have been affected and economic activities disrupted in the sustained violence. Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammad Sani Sidi, said from January to March 2014 alone, insurgency and other humanitarian challenges in the state of emergency states affected over three million people and displaced 249,446 in camps or living with host communities and other places presumed safe havens. Sidi said that while Borno State had the highest figure of 1,304,393 persons, Adamawa State followed with 1,086,126 and Yobe 771, 368. He said most of the affected persons were women, children and the aged.

Terrorism: Nasarawa, Benue Adopt Air Surveillance

The governments of Benue and Nasarawa states have resolved to adopt air surveillance strategy to curb the incessant attacks on border communities. Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State announced the measure on Thursday when he visited Giza town, which was attacked by gunmen on Tuesday. Al-Makura described the mayhem in the border communities as alarming, adding that the perpetrators were criminals who took advantage of the long boundary stretch between the two states to perpetrate their criminal activities. He said that the two state governments were working hard to address the situation, and promised that they would ensure that lasting peace was returned to the communities. He said government would continue to do its best to guarantee the safety of lives and property of its citizens. The Benue State Government has called for more proactive action from the federal government to tackle the problems of insurgency in the state.

Police Train 16,691 for 2015 General Elections

As part of preparations for the 2015 general elections, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has sent 16,691 police officers on promotion course, where they are expected to undergo intensive training on election protection duties. The course, which is concurrently taking place at various police training institutions nationwide, is designed to equip the men with new skills in standard operational policing practices, human rights protection, principles of democratic policing, as well as rules of engagement in election security. A statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said the training is part of comprehensive measures by the police to ensure an orderly, crisis-free election ahead of 2015. It stated that the IGP expects the promotion to boost the morale of the men and enhance their optimal performance in field operations.
Abubakar congratulated the officers, while charging them to imbibe the character of discipline and professional ethics in line with the code of conduct of the Force.

Two Die, Houses Razed In Plateau Communal Clash

Two persons were on Tuesday confirmed dead and several wounded in a communal clash at a border between Pankshin and Kanke LGAs of Plateau State. The Chairman of Pankshin LGA, Samuel Goar, confirmed the incident in Pankshin. He said the clash was between Shiwer community of Pankshin LGA and Dokpai community in Kanke council. The chairman said it took the intervention of the security operatives and management of the two councils to stop the clash. The chairman explained that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday and left over 50 houses burnt with many people displaced. Goar said the area in dispute was a piece of land covering three villages. He said the clash was unfortunate and a sad one, noting that the communities had been living together for a very long time without any problem until now. Spokesman for the Special Tasks Force, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said that soldiers had restored normalcy to the communities.

Five Policemen, 32 Others Killed in Borno, Benue Attacks

Ten persons were killed in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Tuesday, when two suicide bombers rammed their cars into a police patrol vehicle. Also, 27 people were reportedly killed on Tuesday in Benue State after a brutal attack which took place in Agena Village in Gwer-East LGA of the state. The attack was attributed to a suspected herdsmen’s militia group which had been linked to a series of attacks in the state over the past two years. Those killed in the Maiduguri incident included five policemen, three civilians and the two suicide bombers that drove two Volkswagen Golf cars that rammed simultaneously into the police patrol van. The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Daniel Ezeala, confirmed the early morning attack on the village, but insisted that the police saw only seven bodies. Meanwhile, the police in Kaduna State on Tuesday foiled a plot to bomb the state capital by detonating a suspected substance believed to be a high calibre Improvised Explosive Device wrapped in a polythene bag and dropped by a commercial bide rider at the ever busy Sultan/Sir Kashim Road in the metropolis.

Senate Confirms Emefiele for CBN Top Job

The Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on Wednesday vowed to ensure economic stability to create jobs and boost growth, as the Senate unanimously approved his appointment to replace Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Emefiele will take over in June from Sanusi, who was suspended in February by President Goodluck Jonathan on charges of “financial recklessness and misconduct”. Emefiele said in his first public comments since his nomination that he would make macroeconomic stability his watchword and the central bank would work to drive down inflation and interest rates. Emefiele also promised to use the development banking model to drive economic growth in the real sector of the economy to the benefit of all Nigerians. He also warned that devaluation of the naira would hurt the economy, which is predicted to become Africa’s largest this year when results of a re-basing of gross domestic product (GDP) are announced next month.

Army Kills 11 Boko Haram Members, Arrests 31

The Military Special Forces have arrested 31 fighters of the Boko Haram Sect who were attempting to flee the country through Taraba State and Gumti in Adamawa State into Cameroon. The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed on Thursday that one of those arrested was a mercenary claiming to be a citizen of Chad and Burkina Faso. Olukolade also said that 11 insurgents were also killed during shootouts with troops in the border communities. He said that the terrorists who were involved in the encounter with the Special Forces were trapped and were forced out of their hideout by hunger. According for the Defence spokesman, the Special Forces arrested some of the insurgents who left one of the camps in the forest took the security men to similar camps in the area. He said that the Special Forces killed seven of the insurgents during a fierce gun battle in one of the camps. He added that four other insurgents were killed in another battle with troops at Gombi. Olukolade said that several categories of high calibre weapons, several Improvised Explosive Devices and over 70 motorcycles were recovered from the insurgents in the operations.

Insurgency: Foreign Mercenary Captured

The fact that the Boko Haram scourge is being aided by foreign nationals and influences was given credence Thursday as a heavily armed suspect of Chad and Burkina Faso nationality was captured recently by the troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen Chris Olukolade. Olukolade said sustained patrols and searches by the MNJTF had led to the arrest of more terrorists, including a heavily armed suspect who claimed to be of Chad and Burkina-Faso nationality. He revealed that a group of terrorists attempting to escape into Cameroun through Taraba and Gombi in Adamawa States also came under heavy fire from troops on patrol in the area. Olukolade further revealed that those who were apprehended led troops to other hideouts where fierce fighting ensued.

Court Rules FRSC’s New Vehicle Number Plates Illegal

A Federal High Court in Lagos Wednesday held that it was unconstitutional for the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to impose new number plates on motorists in the country. The judge, Justice James Tsoho, delivered the judgment following a suit by a lawyer, Emmanuel Ofoegbu, challenging the powers of FRSC to issue the new number plates. Ofoegbu had challenged the power of the commission to impound vehicles of motorists who failed to acquire the new numbers. Tsho held that it was unlawful for the respondent to impose the new number plates on motorists, where there was no existing law permitting same. The plaintiff had filed the suit on September 30, 2013. The plaintiff had sought a declaration that the threat by the respondents to impound vehicles of motorists, who failed to acquire the new number plates, was invalid and unconstitutional. But the FRSC has stated that the judgment did not vacate its statutory powers to design and produce new number plates. The commission said what the court said was that it lacked the statutory authority to fix the deadline for the enforcement of the number plates.

FMC Makurdi Shut over Insecurity

The management of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Makurdi, has shut the hospital and ordered the evacuation of patients, following the state of insecurity occasioned by the killing of 60 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the area. The Consultant Pathologist at the FMC, Dr. Donatus Dzuachii, had earlier said that dead bodies from the Falani/Tiv war in Gbajimba, Guma and Gwer communities had over-stretched mortuary facilities at the FMC. Reacting to the situation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Cletus Akwaya said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Kenneth Minimah, had directed the deployment of over 800 military personnel to assist the State government stem the clashes between herdsmen and the natives. On Tuesday, suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Tse-Agena community after sacking the people of Gbajimba, Guma LGA headquarters, killing and maiming people, especially women and children.

Nigeria Records 180,000 Cases of TB Annually

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, has expressed concern at the high prevalence of tuberculosis in the country. Alhassan, who also noted that Nigeria was ranked 11th among the 22 high burden countries in the world, said the 22 countries accounted for 80 per cent of Global TB burden, with a total of 180,000 cases occurring annually in Nigeria. Speaking on the occasion commemorating the World TB Day, Dr. Alhassan maintained that the disease remained an epidemic, and blamed non-detection of the disease for the high number. He described TB as the most common life-threatening disease and the number one killer among people living with HIV. Alhassan, however, assured that government would continue to provide drugs for management of drug resistant TB and associated logistics.

INTERNATIONAL

State Executions on the Increase -Amnesty International

Amnesty International (AI) has said the number of executions carried out in the world increased from 682 in 21 countries in 2012 to 778 in 22 countries in 2013. According to a new report on death penalty and executions released yesterday, AI said the figure of 778 excludes the thousands of executions carried out in China, which accounts for more executions than the rest of the world combined. Apart from China, almost 80 per cent of all known executions were recorded in only three countries: Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. “The vast majority of countries in Africa have moved away from the death penalty, while a small, isolated group continues to cling to state-sanctioned killing,” AI's Africa Director, Netsanet Belay. He noted that the shocking rise in executions was down to just a few countries.

Kenya Issues Shoot-To-Kill Order on Terrorists

Kenya’s authorities, on Thursday, issued shoot-to-kill order on anybody found perpetrating acts of terrorism in Mombasa. The order came amidst increased surveillance on criminals causing insecurity in the tourism resort city. Mombasa County Commissioner, Nelson Marwa issued the orders after holding a meeting with church leaders in Mombasa and announced a similar meeting with Muslim leaders. The shoot-to-kill order followed a church attack that left at least six worshippers killed and 17 others critically wounded in the coastal city of Mombasa. Marwa said that the police were under firm instruction to intensify surveillance and manhunt for the gunmen behind the inhumane attack, adding that the government is finding it difficult to prosecute terror suspects.

Bin Laden’s Son-In-Law Convicted for Terrorism in US

Osama Bin Laden’s son-in-law Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, who was an al-Qaeda spokesman after 9/11, has been convicted of terrorism-related charges at a trial in New York. He could face life in prison when he is sentenced in September for conspiracy to kill Americans and aiding al-Qaeda. The Kuwaiti clergyman was captured in Jordan last year and brought to the US. He is the highest-ranking al-Qaeda figure to face trial on US soil since the attacks. The jury returned a guilty verdict on three charges: conspiracy to kill Americans, conspiring to provide support to al-Qaeda, and providing support to al-Qaeda. The verdict came after about five hours of deliberation. Videos showing Abu Ghaith threatening America with no end to the “storm of airplanes” were shown to jurors, but he argued his role was a purely religious one, aimed at encouraging all Muslims to rise up against their oppressors. Abu Ghaith is married to Bin Laden’s eldest daughter Fatima.

Couple Found Guilty in Murder of Adopted Child

An American couple accused of starving their adopted daughter to death has been found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. The court also issued them a fine of $4,120 on Thursday. The verdict by Judge Abdullah al-Emady concludes a controversial case that saw Matthew and Grace Huang from Los Angeles, California, jailed for a year before being allowed to give evidence in their defence. The defence team has 15 days to appeal the verdict and vowed to do so. The couple was arrested in the capital Doha in January 2013 after the death of their nine-year-old daughter, Gloria, who was adopted from Ghana. The Huangs have two other children, also adopted from Africa. The children were allowed to leave Qatar after several months, and are now living with family back in the United States. Qatari prosecutors accused the couple of starving Gloria to death with the intent of selling her organs.

North Korea Test-Fires Mid-Range Missiles

North Korea has test-fired two medium-range ballistic missiles, just hours after the US, South Korea and Japan met in the Netherlands for talks. It is the first launch of a Nodong missile since 2009 and marks a step up from the short-range rockets Pyongyang has fired in recent weeks. The launches also came on the fourth anniversary of the sinking of a South Korean warship. Washington and Seoul have condemned the launch, which violates UN resolutions. The US State Department described the launch as “a troubling and provocative escalation”. The South Korean defence ministry said the missiles were fired from the Suckon region north of Pyongyang and flew for about 650km (400 miles) before falling into the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula. The ministry described it as a “grave provocation”. In recent weeks, North Korea has launched multiple short-range missiles – actions which have coincided with annual US-South Korea military exercises.

Russia Regrets UN Resolution on Ukraine

Russia regrets that Ukraine and its foreign sponsors support the UN resolution on Ukraine’s territorial integrity, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry statement on Friday. Referring to the United Nations General Assembly’s recent vote on the resolution, which does not recognize Crimea’s absorption by Russia, Russia said that “a potential of Cold War era propagandist machine was used to mask the deepest political crisis in Ukraine” and to blame Russia for rising tension in Ukraine. On Thursday, the UN General Assembly adopted by 100 votes against 11 with 58 abstentions the Ukraine-submitted resolution calling not to recognize the change in status of Crimea. Describing the resolution as “counterproductive,” Russia noted that document would complicate the settlement of Ukraine’s domestic crisis. Russia urged “constructively-thinking and independent” countries to facilitate real stabilization of the situation in Ukraine.

20 Killed in CAR Attack

A grenade attack on a funeral in Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), killed 20 people, Public Security Minister Denis Wangao Kizimale, disclosed. Eleven people were injured in the attack, he further disclosed. The country has been hit by civil conflict since a rebel group deposed the president in March 2013. Kizimale said that the attackers were “extremists well known to the police”, according to reports. No group has said it carried out the attack. The conflict has taken on an increasingly sectarian nature, with UN human rights chief Navi Pillay warning that hatred between Christians and Muslims in CAR had reached a “terrifying level”. The mainly Muslim rebel Seleka movement deposed President Francois Bozize in March 2013 and installed their leader Michel Djotodia as president. The rebels were accused of targeting Christians and in January Djotodia was in turn forced to step down amid criticism he had not done enough to stem sectarian violence. Attacks on Muslims have now become a major element of the conflict, with thousands of Muslims fleeing their homes and even the country.

Venezuela Arrests Generals ‘Plotting Coup’

Three Venezuelan Air Force Generals accused of plotting a coup against the leftist government of President Nicolas Maduro have been arrested amid a widening crackdown on the opposition. The unidentified generals were in contact with opposition politicians and “were trying to get the Air Force to rise up against the legitimately elected government,” Maduro said on Tuesday. The generals have been summoned before a court martial, Maduro said, adding that the plot was uncovered because other officers came forward to say they were being recruited. It is the first time in 15 years of socialist government that generals had been arrested for alleged coup plotting, said military expert Fernando Falcon, a retired lieutenant colonel.

Court Sentences 528 Morsi Supporters to Death

A court in Egypt has sentenced to death 528 supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi. They were convicted of charges including murdering a policeman and attacks on people and property. The group is among some 1,200 Muslim Brotherhood supporters on trial, including senior members. Authorities have cracked down harshly on Islamists since Morsi was removed by the military in July 2013. Hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested. They are expected to appeal. The verdict now goes to Egypt’s supreme religious authority, the Grand Mufti (a senior Islamic scholar), for approval or rejection. Campaigners say that while death sentences are often handed down in Egypt, few have been carried out in recent years. The Muslim Brotherhood’s spokesman in London, Abdullah el-Haddad, said that the sentences showed that Egypt was now a dictatorship.

Sobhi Sworn in as Egypt’s Military Chief

Egypt’s new Armed Forces Chief and Defence Minister, General Sedki Sobhi, has been sworn in. The swearing-in comes a day after Abdul Fattah al-Sisi resigned so he could stand for the presidency. Interim President Adly Mansour confirmed General Sobhi’s appointment at the weekly cabinet meeting in Cairo. Gen Mahmoud Hegazi, whose daughter is married to one of Sisi’s sons, was named the army’s new chief-of-staff. Sisi, who held the rank of field marshal, reportedly turned up at the cabinet meeting in civilian clothes. As commander-in-chief last July, he led the overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi following mass opposition protests. The military-backed interim authorities subsequently launched a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood that has left more than 1,000 people dead and seen some 16,000 others detained. Sisi attended Thursday’s cabinet meeting to submit his resignation as defence minister and see his former chief-of-staff sworn in as his successor.