Tuesday 28 February 2017

Int'l consortium presents $20b Ogidigben Industrial Park investment plan to Osinbajo

Dubai-based consortium, AGMC on Tuesday presented a $20bn investment plan to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, for the Ogidigben Gas Industrial Park.

The consortium is made up of GSE&C of South Korea, China Development Bank, and Power China among others.

The Ogidigben Industrial Park is located about 60km from Warri, in Delta State and about 1km away from the operational base of Chevron Nigeria Limited.

When completed, the park will be connected to more than 18 trillion Cubic Feet of gas reserves in fields such as Odidi, Okan and Forcados, all located within a 50km radius.

Monday 27 February 2017

3 Abuja prostitutes arraigned for fighting over a customer

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command on Monday dragged three commercial sex workers before a Grade 1 Area Court in Karmo, Abuja for assaulting and causing grievous harm to their fellow prostitutes.

The prosecutor, Zannah Dalhatu, told the court that Joy Opera and three others of Jabi Massalaci had on February 21, reported a case of assault against Helen Gabriel, Joy Johnson and Ene Ahmed of the same address at the Utako Police Station, Abuja.

According to Dalhatu, the complainants reported that the defendants had on the said date attacked them at Eden Garden , Utako, Abuja, and inflicted serious injuries on their bodies with razor blades because of “a little misunderstanding over a customer.”

He explained that the victims were treated at Wuse General Hospital after the assault, noting that “the first defendant was the one who used the razor blade on the girls, while the second and third defendant were her girls.”

He added that the actions of the accused contravened sections 79 and 248 of the Penal Code.

While the first respondent pleaded guilty to the two-count charge, the other two pleased otherwise.

While the presiding judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq  granted bail to the second and third defendants in the sum of N 30,000 with one surety each in the like sum, he ordered that the first defendant be remanded in prison custody until the complainants were discharged from the hospital and adjourned the case till March 7 for further hearing.

NAN

Man who drank insecticide over MMM crash dies in Abuja

Adakole, the young man who drank insecticide in Benue State a couple of months ago when news of the crash of popular ponzi scheme MMM-Nigeria broke has died.

Abujacitynews learnt that Adakole died from complications arising from the poisonous substance in Kubwa area of Abuja on Monday, February 20, 2017.

A family source said that the late Adakole could not recover his investment before his demise, even though MMM announced resumption of operations sometime in January.

"No, he was not paid. In fact he threatened to arrest his guider before the stomach trouble returned last week and we rushed him to the hospital where he eventually died. I don't even believe MMM is back, otherwise Adakole would have been the first person to be considered for payment.

"We attempted to reach them to recover Adakole's money but they kept telling us to provide help to get help. Obviously the ponzi scheme has crashed."

Meanwhile, reports emanating from MMM-Nigeria indicated that payment to participants for 2016 investments has been put on hold while the scheme concentrates on paying those who provided help in 2017.

Sunday 26 February 2017

Osinbajo summons IGP to Villa over latest Southern Kaduna killings

Rattled by renewed outbreak of killings in Southern Kaduna despite the recent security measures to achieve sustainable peace in the area, the Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has summoned the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris to Aso Rock Villa, Abuja for briefing.

A presidency source said that the Federal Government was highly disturbed by last week's killing of 21 people in Southern Kaduna.

Idris was expected to brief Osinbajo on what needed to be done to halt the continued sectarian killings in the area.

Meanwhile the Presidency is reported to have ordered additional security measures in the area, including the immediate deployment of over 15,000 policemen.

“The immediate outcome of the IGP’s meeting with the Acting President was the intensification and adoption of a set of additional security measures that would help contain the situation.

“Besides deploying over 15,000 policemen to the area, It was  learnt that the police high command has now concluded arrangements for the establishment of a new Police Squadron in Kafanchan, Kaduna State as part of broad measures adopted to curb the violence.

“A total of 18 Armored Personnel Carriers, and a unit of Belarus-trained police Special Forces have been deployed to Southern Kaduna.

“The police has also increased helicopter surveillance in the entire area to prevent a recurrence of violence in the communities.

“Besides, the police have so far arrested 38 suspects linked to the violence while 29 firearms were recently recovered,” said the source.

Saturday 25 February 2017

CPC in town hall meeting on power problems with Orozo people in Abuja

During the week, the Orozo community in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja hosted the Consumer Protection Council, CPC to a town hall meeting on electricity challenges facing the residents.

During the meeting, the aggrieved consumers raised concerns over poor power supply and high energy bills.

CPC's intervention in electricity challenges in Orozo is expected to help curb violent conduct towards electricity officials from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC.

Minister sacks 10 NCAA directors

The Federal Government on Friday approved the immediate sack of ten directors in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

A source close to the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika disclosed that the affected directors have already received their sack letters.

The sacked directors are Alhaji Salawu Ozigi (Director of Finance and Accounts), Dr. Joyce Nkemakolam (Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards), Barr. Aba Ejembi (Director of Administration), Mr. Emmanuel Ogunbami (Director of Licensing), Engr. Benedict Adeyileka (Director of Airworthiness), Mr. Justus Wariya (Director of Air Transport Regulation), Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi (Director of Consumer Protection), Capt. Ayodele Sasegbon (Director of General Aviation and Mr. Austin-Amadi Ifeanyi (Director of Human Resources).

They were instructed to immediately hand over to their next in command.

Photo news: Osinbajo receives Commander, US Africa Command

Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday received General Thomas D. Waldhauser, Commander,
US Africa Command at the State House, Abuja.

Friday 24 February 2017

Ex-Customs boss forfeits 17 vehicles to FG

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on Friday, ordered the forfeiture of the 17 exotic vehicles recovered by the EFCC at the home of a former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Custom Service, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, to the Federal Governemnt.

Justice S.M Shuaibu gave the order while ruling on an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeking among other reliefs, the forfeiture of the vehicles to the Federal Government, pending the conclusion of investigation and determination of the case.

“The seventeen (17) vehicles which are now in the custody of the applicant ( EFCC) and as properly described and listed in the schedule marked exhibit EFCC 2 attached to the affidavit in support of the application are hereby forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria in the interim pending conclusion of the investigation."

44 students ordered to leave FUT Minna over poor performance

The Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State on Friday ordered 44 students from various faculties to withdraw from the institution over poor academic performance and examination malpractices.

According to the university's spokesman, Mrs Lydia Legdu, at 22 students were advised to withdraw due to poor academic performance while 22 others were expelled for their involvement in examination malpractices.

“The university authority will not tolerate any act that will tarnish its highly earned academic standard,’’ she said.

She added that the affected students have been directed to vacate the university's premises with immediate effect.

MTN management team visits Osinbajo in Abuja.

Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday received a Management Team delegation from MTN, at the State House, Abuja.

The delegation included the Group Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko, MTN Nigeria Chairman Pascal Dozie & MTN Nigeria CEO Ferdinand Moolman.

Boko Haram: Air Force hits terrorists camp in Gwoza

Following intelligence reports, the Nigerian Air Force  on Friday destroyed a Boko Haram insurgents location at Tagoshe/Mandara mountain general area some ten kilometers south-west of Gwoza in Borno State.

According to the Director Of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa,  follow-up battle damage assessment indicated that the air attack was successful as confirmed by the declassified footage of the operation. 

Thursday 23 February 2017

Photo news: Muslim faithful praying for President Buhari at Birnin Kebbi

The prayer session was organized by the government of Kebbi State.

Gov Ganduje on phone with PMB during prayers (photo)

During the prayer session, Gov Ganduje had a brief chat with President Buhari. During the conversation which was broadcast live on local radio stations, Buhari said he was feeling better and thanked Nigerians for their prayers.

Gov Ganduje organizes prayers for Buhari (photo)

On Wednesday, the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje organized prayers in Kano for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigerian students protest in Abuja, give South Africans 48 hours to leave

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS on Thursday in Abuja held a peaceful demonstration at the South African High Commission and some South African companies to protest against the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in that country.

During the march tagged ‘’NANS against Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians,’’ the students gave the South African firms 48 hours to relocate from Nigeria.

NANS President, Mr Kadiri Aruna told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in an interview at the DSTv office in Wuse 2 that Nigerian students were fed up with the attacks.

“We are saying that enough is enough as South Africans have openly attacked and bullied Nigerians.’’

He said that if nothing was done within 48 hours, Nigerian students would be directed to bring down MTN masts across the country. He added that DSTv and Shoprite would also be affected.

“All the South African business empires in Nigeria and their collaborators in Nigeria will be affected.

“I don’t want to say we will be barbaric but we will not be lawful in our actions, we will do it and face the consequences, enough of this rubbish,’’ he said.

Photo credit: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Police launch manhunt for kidnappers of German archeologists

The Nigeria Police has launched a manhunt for the kidnappers of Johannes Behringer and Professor Peter Breunig, the two German archeologists who were  abducted by gunmen on 22 December 2016 at Janjala area of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

At the time of their abduction, the Germans were working in collaboration with National Commission for Museums and Monuments on the relics of NOK Culture in Nigeria at an excavation site at Janjala.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris said that a team of Special Police Forces comprising the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, the Technical Intelligence Unit, TIU, the Anti Kidnapping Unit, the Counter Terrorism Unit, CTU, the Police Mobile Force, Police Surveillance Helicopters and Special Investigation Team are presently working to rescue the Germans and apprehend their abductors.

“The team is already on the ground working in synergy with the Kaduna State Police Command and the local indigenes of towns and surrounding villages where these German Archaeologists were kidnapped”, said the police.

“Though the two (2) Germans archaeologists have Police officers attached to them for their protection at the NOK Archaeology Research Project Centre they did not go with the Policemen to the excavation site where they were kidnapped.

“Two (2) locals in the company of the Germans archaeologists were killed during the kidnap attack.

“The Special Forces and Police Investigators deployed are in contact with the colleagues of the victims and have provided additional security for their safety.

”In order to achieve prompt result, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department has also been mandated to coordinate the investigation aspect of the operations.

“The Nigeria Police Force while assuring all Nigerians and foreign Nationals in the country of their safety, the Force wishes to implore them to always request and obtain Police escort to protect them any time they are embarking on research, mining and related endeavours outside the towns and cities across the country," he said.

NAN

Wednesday 22 February 2017

See the 17 luxury automobiles EFCC recovered from ex-Customs boss Dikko

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has announced the recovery of 17 luxury automobiles in a warehouse allegedly belonging to a former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service NCS, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde.

The anti-corruption agency said that two suspects Dantala Mohammed and Ahmed Balarabe were arrested at the warehouse situated at Nnamdi Azikiwe Street in Kaduna.

EFCC spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement that the vehicles were retrieved following an intelligence report.

“The recovery was sequel to an intelligence report the Commission received that stolen money and properties suspected to be proceeds of crime were being warehoused at the former Customs boss’ premises.

“Upon receipt of the intelligence, a team of operatives from the Kano Zonal Office of the EFCC were deployed to investigate the matter.

 ”On arrival at the location, two individuals who were identified to be the custodians of the property – Dantala Mohammed and Ahmed Balarabe were presented with a search warrant.

“In the course of the search, a total of 17 vehicles, among which are brand new cars, shuttle busses and SUVs were found in the premises.

 ”Consequently, the vehicles and the two individuals were conveyed to the Commission’s zonal offices in Kaduna and Kano respectively. Investigation revealed that the warehouse in question actually belongs to the former Customs boss.

“The two suspects arrested are in custody assisting the EFCC in investigation.”

 He said that the recovered vehicles included the following:

1. A Black colour BMW 525i series, 2010 model with chassis number WBAFR7108BC262936.
2. An Ash colour Hyundai Velester, 2012 model with chassis number KMHTC6AD4CU056038.

3. Dark Blue BMW 325i, 2003 model with chassis number WBAEV31090KL48386.

4. Black colour Land Cruiser Prado Jeep, 2014 model with chassis number JTEBU3FJ50K082080.

5. Black colour Mercedes G wagon, 2013 model with chassis number WDB4632361X207661.

6. Black colour BMW 335i series, 2012 model with chassis number WBA3A91040F268895.

7. Silver colour Peugeot 406, 2002 model with chassis number VF3BBRFNR81519018.

8. Black colour Land Cruiser Prado Jeep, 2014 model with chassis number JTEBU3FJ10K082352.

9.Yellow colour Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2007 model with chassis number JTEZU11F68K001301.

10. Black Toyota Avensis, 2013 model with chassis number SBIBL76L20E037245.

11. Dark ash colour KIA Cadenza, 2011 model with chassis number KNALN414BC5093288.

12. Silver colour Porsche Cayene, 2009 model with chassis number WPIZZZ9PZ9LA12738.

13. Golden colour Honda Accord, 2013 model with chassis number IHGCR2634DA620609.

14. White colour Nissan Urvan Bus, 2006 model JNITF4E25Z0715833.

15. White colour Nissan Urvan Bus, 1996 model with chassis number JTFJXO29P605023996.

16. White Toyota Hiace Bus, 2010 model with chassis number JTGJXO2P4B5020268.

17. White Nissan Bus, 2009 model with chassis number JNITA4E250011697.

Since being quizzed by the EFCC on June 16, 2016 over alleged 42 billion naira fraud, Dikko is believed to have refunded over a billion naira to the Federal Government.

Why Osinbajo vetoed four bills passed by National Assembly

The Senate President Bukola Saraki on Wednesday at plenary, read four letters conveying the decision of Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to veto four bills recently passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the Presidency for assent .

The bills are Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016; National Lottery Act (Amendment) Bill; Currency Conversion Forfeiture Bill Amendment Bill; and Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund Bill.

The Acting President cited pending legal cases and the fact that some of the words and phrases in the bills were at variance with the spirit of the proposed changes as the reasons for his action.

Osinbajo hinged his rejection of the National Lottery Amendment Bill on the grounds of a pending legal case.

“The rationale for withholding assent to the bill is the existence of pending legal challenge to the competence of the National Assembly to legislate on the subject matter.”

On the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill, the Acting President said he withheld his assent because of certain words and phrases construed to be inconsistent with the spirit behind the amendment.

“The rationale for withholding assent to the bill are the concerns regarding certain words and phrases utilized in the draft bill that maybe inconsistent with the principal act and the spirit behind the proposed amendments,” he said.

On the Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund bill, Osinbajo raised concerns on funding and composition of the board.

“The reason for withholding assent to the bill are the concerns surrounding board composition, funding arrangements, limitation of liability of funds and proposal to increase levels of uncollateralized loans from N5,000 to N250,000.”

Concerning the Currency Conversion Bill, he wrote that: “The rationale for withholding assent to the bill is the concern regarding the modalities for the communication of asset forfeiture orders.”

Meanwhile, the Senate President has said that the decision of the Acting President would be studied by the legal team of the Senate with the view to determine the upper chamber's next course of action on the matter.

Buhari speaks on live radio, says "I'm feeling better"

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday spoke for about three minutes in Hausa on phone with Governor Ganduje of Kano State  while a prayer session was going on at Africa House, Government House, Kano.

When Ganduje asked about his health, President Buhari said "all thanks be to Allah; I am feeling better."

The conversation along with the prayer session was broadcast live on local radio stations in Kano.

An elated Gov Ganduje said that from Buhari's voice, it was clear that his health had greatly improved. He enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for the president.

“ We prayed for Buhari to win and he won . It is now mandatory on us to rally round his government and pray for his wellbeing," he said.

Photo news: Osinbajo at President Adama Barrow's swearing in

Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo last weekend attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow in Banjul.

Man flogged 12 strokes, jailed 2 years for defiling minor.

An Upper Area Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja on Wednesday sentenced Mansir Mohammed, a 40 years old driver to two years imprisonment and 12 strokes of cane for defiling a 10 years old boy.

The presiding judge, Alhaji Alhassan Kusherki ordered that the convict be flogged publicly with his offense made known to the spectators.

Mohammed was sentenced after pleading guilty to the charge of unlawfully having carnal knowledge of the minor.

“Based on his plea in which he said it is true; I hereby convict him on same offence .

“Such acts ought not to be prevalent in the society . You are supposed to be among God -fearing people.

“This punishment will make him have a rethink and it will serve as deterrent to others .

“You are hereby sentenced to two years imprisonment or you pay a fine of N50,000.”

The prosecuting counsel , Mr Abdullah Tanko, had told the court that Mansir Mohammed of Angwan Dodo in Gwagwalada had on February 14 had sexual intercourse with the 10-year -old boy through the anus.

He also said that the victim was treated at Rosa Haske Hospital, Gwagwalada with N5,250. The judge also ordered that the cost of treatment should be refunded to the victim by the convict.

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Jonathan meets with ex-ministers in Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Abuja met with ex-ministers from the Peoples Democratic Party, who served under his administration.

Those present at the meeting included former Minister of Information , Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, former Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Minister of Aviation , Femi Fani Kayode, former Minister of Special Deities Saminu Turaki, Former Minister of Aviation Mrs Fidelia Njeze and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Aminu Bashir Wali.

Photo credit: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Fallen Col Abu Ali wins Sun's Nigerian Hero award

Fallen Patriot and hero, Lt Col Mohammed Abu Ali C/O 272 BN, aka Serikin Yaki (lord of war) has won the Sun's Nigerian Hero Award for the year 2016. 

Ali's family also got cash support from Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.

Lt Col Abu Ali was killed at Malam Fatori in Borno State on November 4, 2016 in an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists. He was noted for decimating the ranks of the insurgents in several key battles in the Northeast.

Osinbajo writes Senate to confirm Onnoghen as CJN

The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki on Tuesday read a letter from Acting President Yemi Osinbajo requesting the confirmation of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN.

In the letter dated February 7, 2017, Osinbajo said that the request was pursuant to Section 231 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), I hereby notify you of the appointment of Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)," he said.

Consumer suffers running stomach after eating Indian garri

Oluwadarasimi
@Tosyn_bouyi
@ nafdacnigeria dis product purged the hell out of me.Checked Nafdaconline & no sign of reg.Wonder if dey even pay tax.

A consumer who ate the controversial Indian garri tweeted his experience with the product recently.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC has confiscated packets of the garri at a supermarket in Ikoyi, Lagos.

"NAFDAC officers visited the supermarket in Ikoyi today
26 packets of 500g each of the products were seized for analysis. The product has no NAFDAC number.

"The product is said to be from Ghana but packaged in the UK
The Management of the Supermarket have been invited for further discussion in our Lagos office. Investigation continues."

Don't expect PMB back anytime soon - Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari needs more time to rest. So don't expect him back in town anytime soon.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adeshina said in a statement he issued on Tuesday said that further medical tests indicated that the president needed more time to rest and as such would not be returning as early as expected.

Adeshina also said that President Buhari thanked Nigerians for their prayers in mosques and churches across the country.

"President Muhammadu Buhari thanks millions of Nigerians who have been sending good wishes and praying for his health and well-being in mosques and churches throughout the country.

"The President is immensely grateful for the prayers, show of love and concern. President Buhari wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is no cause for worry.

"During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than originally planned."

Rice & Wheat Task Force meets with Osinbajo (photo)

Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met with the National Rice and Wheat Production Task Force, at the State House, Abuja.

Monday 20 February 2017

65,000 Katsina Christians pray for Buhari's quick recovery

The Katsina State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has mobilized 65,000 of its members for a 7-day fasting and prayer session for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Katsina State CAN Chairman, Rev Nelson Onyeka Chukwu disclosed this in Katsina on Monday while addressing newsmen. He said that the prayers would be offered in seven churches including the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church at Kofar-Kaura.

Other churches that will be taking part in the prayers are Church of God Mission, Calvary Baptist, ECWA, St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, and Cherubim and Seraphim, C&S, Dutsin-ma road as well as St. John’s Anglican Church, Katsina.

‘’We are praying for our President’s quick recovery because of the good works he had begun for the country,’’ Chukwu said.

Protesting University of Abuja students block highway over killing of colleague

The dual carriage way bypassing the University of Abuja permanent site was on Monday rendered impassable by students protesting the killing of a 200 level History student who was fleeing from armed robbers.

The victim, Simi Love was said to have been knocked down by a vehicle opposite the University of Abuja gate while trying to escape an armed robbery attack.

The students lamented the incessant armed robbery attacks which they have been subjected to over time as well as the fact that the student died because of inadequate medical facilities at the university's clinic.

A lot of vehicles leaving Abuja for the southern part of the country were seen diverting to the Kuje axis on Monday morning, thus creating a heavy traffic snarl in the area. 

Boko Haram would have taken over Aso Rock Villa - Buhari's aide

“ Look at all of the way the efforts that have been put in rolling back Boko Haram. There are many people who believe that if not for President Muhammadu Buhari, had PDP continued in this country in 2015, they would have taken over Aso Rock by now.”

The Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity , Mallam Garba Shehu made the above claim in Abuja on Saturday while addressing the advocacy group, Pro- Buhari Support for Good Governance in Nigeria .

Far from the truth you may say?

Sunday 19 February 2017

CAN youths to embark on nationwide protest over burning of Abuja church

The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, YOWICAN has given the Federal Government a one-week ultimatum to fish out the culprits responsible for the burning down of the Redeemed Christian Church of God ( Root of David Parish) at Dei Dei, an Abuja suburb, failing which it would mobilize its members for a nationwide protest.

The National President of YOWICAN, Daniel Kadzai , while conducting newsmen around the remains of the burnt church building on Friday evening lamented the failure of government to protect Christians and their places of worship.

"I want to express my disappointment in this government for the gross dereliction of its duty . The primary role of government is to provide security to its citizens, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity . But it seems the government has failed in this duty .

"I sincerely want to call on the government to take the issue of church burning , church demolition and attacks on Christians seriously . We do not want to reach a point where we might not be able to control our youths.

"We are therefore giving the government one -week ultimatum to apprehend the perpetrators of this latest attack and prosecute them accordingly .

“All Christian youths across the country would stage a peaceful protest if government continues to exhibit lackadaisical attitude towards the issue , while ignoring the sponsors of the attacks," he said.

Saturday 18 February 2017

Acting President Osinbajo signs 7 bills into law

Seven new bills have now become Acts of the National Assembly following their being assented to by the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, the bills are:
Oaths (Amendment) Act, 2017; Defence Space Adminis- tration Act, 2017; Veterinary Surgeons (Amend-ment) Act, 2017; National Film and Video Censors Board (Amendment) Act, 2017; Pension Rights of Judges (Amendment) Act, 2017; Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (Establishment, etc.) Act, 2017; and Mortgage Institutions (Amendment)Act, 2016.

“His Excellency, the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, has assented to the following Bills passed by the National   Assembly and transmitted for assent, and the Bills have, accordingly, become laws, namely; Ag Pres Osinbajo Oaths (Amendment) Act, 2017; Defence Space Adminis-tration Act, 2017; Veterinary Surgeons (Amendment) Act, 2017; National Film and Video Censors Board (Amendment) Act, 2017; Pension Rights of Judges (Amendment) Act, 2017; Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (Establishment, etc.)Act, 2017 and Mortgage Institutions (Amendment) Act, 2016.

“The Acts, other than the Defence Space Administration Act and the Institute of Soil Science Act, are mainly amendments to the principal Acts intended to bring the Acts in conformity with current realities.

“The Oaths Amendment Act specifically enlists courts which were not in existence at the time the Oaths Act was made and which came into being upon amendment of the Consti-tution creating courts such as the Federal High Court, F.C.T High Court, National Industrial Court, among others named in the Amendment Act.

“Defence Space Administration Act establishes the Defence Space Administration, to develop satellite technology and ensure security of the nation’s cyber activities.

“Veterinary Surgeons (Amendment) Act reduces the membership of the Veterinary Council.

“National Film and Video Censors Board (Amend-ment) Act reduces the membership of the Governing Board and empowers the Board to regulate the import and export of movies.

“Pension Rights of Judges (Amendment) Act expands the meaning of a judicial officer to cover the offices of the Chief Judge or Judge of the Federal High Court, President or Judges of the National Industrial Court and Chief Judge or Judges of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (Establishment, etc.) Act establishes the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science which is charged  with the responsibility of regulating the profession of Soil Science.

“Mortgage Institutions (Amendment) Act reviews the prescribed penalties.

“For bills transmitted but not listed herein, there are appropriate communications by the constitutional authority remitting same as allowed by law.”

Task force arrests men hired to impregnate women at Jos baby factory

Operators of a baby factory located at Bukuru Park, in Jos North Local government area of Plateau State got more than they bargained for last week when the Special Task Force, STF on internal security in swooped on the facility.

Ten suspects were arrested during the operation including  one pregnant woman, two women with infant babies ready for sale and seven men.

Parading the suspects at the STF Sector 2, near University of Jos, Bauchi road campus on Saturday, the Commander of the task force, Major-General Nicholas Rogers said that among the suspects were some men hired for the purpose of impregnating the women.

Rogers told newsmen that the operators of the baby factory have confessed to selling babies to childless couples in the neighboring states.

The task force commander said that his men were tipped off by a woman whose baby was about to be sold to a couple in Nasarawa State, adding that investigations were on to arrest other members of the baby-selling syndicate still at large.

Among the women arrested was a six months pregnant woman who said she had been camped at the factory for over five months.

2 drivers in trouble for raping, impregnating pure water hawker

The Niger State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC has arrested two commercial vehicle drivers for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14 years old pure water hawker.

The suspects Mohammed Abubakar,22 and Adamu Umar, 25 are alleged to have committed the offense at Kasuwan Gwari Motor Park, in Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Mrs Mariam Kolo, Director-general of Child Right Protection Agency, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Minna on Saturday that the suspects were arrested by men of the NSCDC but were brought to the agency after the primary 6 pupil was discovered to be four months pregnant.

The victim told NAN that she was first raped by Abubakar after being offered a bottle of water in his cab.

“I was hawking pure water when Abubakar asked me to follow him to his car; he gave me a bottle of water to drink. I drank the water, and slept off.

“After I slept off, Abubakar then raped me; he woke me up and offered to take me back to the spot where me picked me; the other girls who hawk with me were there, he gave me N600.

“After he dropped me, I went to urinate, that was when I saw some whitish stains on my thighs,” she said.

She added that Umar in connivance with Abubakar lured her to a bush path the next day and also raped her.

Confirming the story to NAN, the spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, SP Bala Elkana said that the suspects had been remanded in prison custody pending the conclusion of investigation.

Friday 17 February 2017

Man sacks wife for being HIV positive

A Customary Court in Jikwoyi, Abuja has dissolved the marriage between one Joseph Danjuma and his wife because of her HIV positive status.

Danjuma, a farmer had approached the court to dissolve the marriage over his wife's insistence on unprotected sex.

“My wife got pregnant and put to bed in 2012; the child got terribly ill and died.

“Due to the ailment and death of the child, I insisted that my wife be tested of HIV, which the doctor did and she tested positive.

“Because I still loved my wife, we used condom as a means of protection during sexual intercourse.

“But as time went on, she refused me using condom on her, and insisted on intercourse without condom,” he told the court.

The respondent corroborated the statement of the complainant but however consented to the dissolution of the marriage which she said she was fed up with.

Dissolving the marriage, the Presiding Judge, Everyman Eleanya, said that the court had done everything possible to reconcile the couple.

“The court did everything possible to reconcile the couple but all efforts failed,’’ he said.

The judge also ordered that the bride price paid over the woman be returned to the husband.

Thursday 16 February 2017

Man to die by hanging for killing wife over sex

“ Going by the findings of this court, you, Benjamin Toma, mercilessly and in a calculative manner , took the life of your wife in cold blood .

“ You have not shown any remorse for your reprehensible act at the time of the incident and throughout the entire trial .

“ You were exhibiting such character traits that seem to suggest your deep conviction about the justness of your wicked and callous act.

“ In all of this , your two children are the ultimate losers , but the law shall nonetheless take its course; the offence for which you are being charged , does not contemplate a plea in mitigation .
“ The sentence of this court upon you is that you , Benjamin Toma, will be hanged until you are dead."

That was the verdict of Justice Samson Gang of a Plateau State High Court sitting in Barkin -Ladi on Thursday in a case of culpable homicide brought against 37 years old Benjamin Toma who allegedly killed his wife Vicky for denying him sex.

In a 68-paged judgement, Justice Gang pronounced Toma guilty of the one -count charge of culpable homicide punishable by death , under section 221 of the penal code.

The convict was said to have on March 4, 2014 struck his wife to death with an iron rod before hanging her with a rope in the store to give the impression that she committed suicide.

Although Toma had pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge, a prosecution witness, Sgt. Sunday Abu , who investigated the case told the court that he, Toma had in a confessional statement, said that he committed the crime on March 4, 2014 at about 1 am when his wife denied him sex.

"He ( Toma) further confessed that his wife refused to grant his request , and declared that Vicky had persistently rejected that demand for more than one year on the suspicion that he had HIV/AIDS .

“Toma said that because of this wife ’ s allegation , he went to the hospital and confirmed he had hepatitis and not HIV.

“He told investigators that on that night , he struggled with his wife and later used an iron rod to hit her.

“He said that when she fell, he left her there for two hours , and later took her out of the room and used a rope to hang her in a bid to conceal his action.”

When the confessional statement was tendered in court as evidence, Toma admitted that the thumbprint on it was his own.

Wednesday 15 February 2017

FG boosting local agriculture with HomeGrown School Feeding Program - Osinbajo

"This week on the HomeGrown School Feeding Programme. HGSFP develops local agriculture and nourishes young minds. Nigeria will prevail." VP Yemi Osinbajo

Photos from Saraki, Dogara's visit to Buhari in London

The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki was on Wednesday accompanied by Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan on a visit to Nigeria House, London where President Muhammadu Buhari is on a medical vacation.

Buhari thanks Saraki, Dogara for London visit

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday received the Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara and Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan at Nigeria House, London.

"I thanked them for visiting. I'm also grateful to Nigerians, Christians and Muslims alike, for their prayers and kind wishes for my health," he said.

Tuesday 14 February 2017

Andrew Yakubu to forfeit $9.8m, £74,000 to FG

Justice Zainab B. Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Kano on Tuesday, ordered the forfeiture of the $9,772,000 and £74,000  recovered from a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu to the Federal Government.

A press release issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC's Head of Media, Mr Wilson Uwujaren explained that the order followed an ex parte application by the anti-graft agency for an interim forfeiture of the recovered money to the Federal Government.

Ruling on the application, Justice Abubakar held that “the sum of $9,772,000 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand United States Dollars) and £74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) which are now in the custody of the applicant (EFCC) are in the interim forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

Recall that the EFCC had on February 3 recovered the said sums of money in Kaduna following a raid on a building belonging to the former GMD of the NNPC.

Yakubu has been assisting the EFCC in their investigations since February 8 when he reported at their zonal office in Kano to admit ownership of the money and the building in which it was recovered.

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