The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Court remands farmer for alleged culpable homicide

    A Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi, on Thursday ordered that a 27- year old  farmer, Terhumba Roland, who allegedly killed a man, be remanded in a correction facility, pending legal advice.

    Magistrate  Ajuma Igama, did not take the plea of Roland, for want of jurisdiction.

    Igama ordered the police to send a copy of the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions in Benue for legal advice.

    She adjourned the case until Nov. 14 for further mention.

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Ato Godwin, told the court that the case was reported by one Chief Terpase Hur of Mbakuha District of Ushongo L.G.A on Aug. 23.

    Ato told the court that Roland conspired with some people names unknown, attacked and beat  up Tyoakaa Term of Gege village Ushongo L.GA Benue.

    During police investigation,he said, Roland confessed to committing the crime.

    He said that investigation into the matter was is ongoing and prayed the court for another date for mention.

    The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 97 and 222 of the Penal Code laws of Benue 2004.

    (NAN)

  • Grammy-Award winner LaShawn Daniels dies in car crash

    LaShawn Daniels, 41, Grammy- Award winning song writer/ producer, has died after a fatal accident on Tuesday in South Carolina.

    Daniels who was Micheal Jackson and Beyonce’ s songwriter’s death was announced by his publicist Mr Jojo Pada.

    According to Pada, Daniels died as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.

    He added that late Daniels’s wife April Daniels issued a statement regarding her husband’s death on Sept. 4 , where she said that her husband died in a car crash in South Carolina.

    The statement reads: “It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, family member and friend LaShawn Daniels.

    “Daniels was the victim of a fatal car accident in South Carolina.

    “A Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter, Daniels was a man of extraordinary faith and a pillar in our family.

    Read Also: Why Nigerian musicians can’t win Grammy award-Artiste

    “We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuous outpouring of love and sympathy.”

    The late Daniels had written countless hits for artists like Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez and Michael Jackson.

    He was best-known for his collaborations with the music producer Darkchild, with songwriting credits on a litany of pop and R&B classics.

    The songs include Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine”, “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child, “Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, “If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez, and “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” by Whitney Houston.

    He also worked on tracks by the Spice Girls, George Michael, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, Toni Braxton,and Janet Jackson.

    In 2001 Grammy, Daniels won the best R&B song as one of the writers on the hit single “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child.

    Some American celebrities have taken to different social media platforms to pay tribute to LaShawn.

    He left behind his wife April and their three sons, Omarr, Tahshon, & Jett.

    (NAN)

  • Xenophobia: NANS advises youths to shun violence

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara chapter, on Thursday, implored Nigerian youths to shun violence in the face of the current attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

    Mr Adebayo Olosasa, the NANS chapter chairman, who made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin, said the union condemned the attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

    He, however, urged the youth not to take laws into their hands, through reprisal attacks on South Africa’s interests in the country.

    “We urge fellow Nigerians to shun anything that will make us turn against ourselves because violence begets violence.

    “The majority of the people working in South African investments in our country are Nigerians,” he said.

    The NANS chairman observed that Nigeria was one of the front line countries that assisted South Africa during the apartheid regime, and wondered why the people turned against Nigeria.

    Read Also: BREAKING: #Xenophobia: South Africa High Commission shuts down offices

    “I remember when we were in primary school, we use to contribute some amounts of money to assist in the cause of South Africans,” he said.

    Olosasa advised the gederal government to take concrete and decisive steps to protect Nigerians and their interests anywhere.

    The NANS chairman said the students’ body will have a meeting on Sept. 9 to reach a resolution on what Nigerian students would agree to do on the issue.

    He called on the government at all levels to turn the economy around so youths would not migrate to other peoples’ countries anymore, saying: “Nigeria has a lot of untapped resources.

    Speaking with NAN on the same issue, Mr Wisdom Okoko, the President, Students Union Government (SUG) of the University of Ilorin, said students condemned the attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

    He called on the Nigerian government to evacuate Nigerians in South Africa, saying that “Nigeria is enough to contain its citizens”.

    Okoko urged students and youths across the country to shun violence, adding; “they should not allow the issue degenerate to cause violence among ourselves”.

    (NAN)

  • Felabration: Over 400 artistes indicate interest to perform

    Over 400 Nigerian and foreign artistes have registered to perform at the 2019 Felabration scheduled for the New Afrikan Shrine, Ikeja and other venues from Oct. 14 to Oct. 20.

    A member of the Organising Committee, who preferred anonymity, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday night in Lagos.

    The source noted that Felabration was founded by Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s daughter, Yeni, as an annual festival, to honour and celebrate the ideals that Fela lived for.

    He noted that a portal was opened between May 1 and Aug. 31. for artistes, who wanted to be part of the event to honour the late Afro-beat king and socio-political activist.

    According to the source, the theme of this year’s Felabration is: “From Lagos with Love’’.

    He said that artistes for the event would be selected from the over 400, who had shown interest through the registration portal.

    Read Also: Felabration opens artistes portal, says no registration fee

    “Well over 400 entries had been received. We can’t disclose the artistes to perform now, as we have not selected.

    “The list of those to perform and on which particular day will be circulated as soon as the selection is done.

    “The portal will not be reopened, as it had been opened for adequate time to artistes who would like to perform at the event,’’ the source said.

    NAN learnt that the event would feature a symposium, music concerts, Afrobics dance competition, secondary school debates and other activities.

    The organisers, however, noted that the Afrobics Dance Competition was to select three winners, who would have the opportunity to perform at Felabration, apart from the cash rewards. (NAN)

  • PDP will retain power in Bayelsa, Diri assures

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has assured the party will win the November election.

    He urged the chieftains to gird their loins ahead of the exercise, saying victory is assured if they work in unity.

    He thanked the delegates, who elected him at the primary, assuring that he will not disappoint them and the people of the state.

    Diri, in a statement by his campaign organisation, said that the party will soon embark on campaigns in the eight local governments.

    He said: “We are humbled and elated by the massive show of solidarity and the sacrifices made by the delegates to ensure that the distinguished Senator emerges victorious in what has gone down as the most competitive governorship primary in the state.

    Read Also: PDP will retain power in Bayelsa, Diri assures

    “Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to our amiable leader, His Excellency the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State for his display of uncommon political leadership and sagacity.

    “Let us also commend the national leadership of our party and the Governor Darius Ishaku led committee for a job well done, especially for allowing a level playing field.

    “We also appreciate PDP leaders and stakeholders, women, youths and Bayelsans for their support, prayers and wise counsel since we began this journey to move our state to greater heights.

    We acknowledge the efforts of other aspirants who gave their best shot for the ticket. Our victory is a collective one so we enjoin them as true party men to stand with us as we move closer to make this project a reality.

    “In the days ahead, we shall storm communities across the eight local government areas to present to our people what we are bringing to the table in the next four years.

    “It is going to be an interesting voyage as we intend to use the opportunity to discuss facts on competence, prosperity of our people and stable governance as a whole.”

  • MTN office closes in Niger

    The office of MTN telecommunications in Minna, the Niger state capital has been closed over fears of reprisal attacks over killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

    The office, which is located along the Minna-Paiko Road before the ever busy Tunga Market, was said to have been opened in the morning but had to close down at about 10 am.

    However, most of the shops housing DSTV operators remained open as some of them who spoke to The Nation said they have not received any threat from anybody.

    They added they have been assured that they can operate in peace.

    There was also no heavy police presence or postings of policemen to these facilities across the state capital, even in the places said to be flash points.

    When the MTN office was visited, it was already under lock and key while the neighboring shops explained that the staff had closed for the day.

  • MTN closes shop in Edo

    Offices of MTN telecommunications were on Wednesday closed over fears of reprisal attacks over killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

    At the MTN office at Dawson junction in Benin City, customers were not seen even as it was placed under lock and key.

    Security personnel at the MTN office refused comments on why they did not open for business.

    Several multi choice offices visited were closed as businesses were discreetly.

    There were however no street protest in Benin City as at press time.

    Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Ovia Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Dennis Idahosa, said the ongoing attack of Nigerians in South Africa was an embarrassment to the world.

    Idahosa, who is the Chairman, Legislative Compliance Committee, called on the South Africa government to urgently proffer solution to end the attacks in the country.

    In a statement issued to newsmen in Bénin City, Idahosa said the attacks that have led to killings of many Nigerians and their properties either looted or burnt is highly condenmable.

    Idahosa said the attacks could cause a strain in the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa if not checked.

    He urged the people of South Africa to remember the role played by thegovernment of Nigeria during the Apartheid crisis.

    According to him, “The unfortunate news of continued killing, looting and burning of properties of Nigerians in South Africa by few criminals elements in that country should be condemn by all.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari must as a matter of urgency, meet with his South African counterpart to put a stop to this ugly menace.

    “South Africa must never forget that during the appathied period, Nigeria was there for them, we stood by them through thick and thing all though their trying period.

    “South Africa governemnt should know that the cordial relationship that have always  existed between the Nations is not allowed  to be ruined by some few criminally minded individuals.

    “If we cannot be our own brothers keepers in even Africa soil, then who will outside the shore of the continent.

    “The attack is not only shameful but barbaric, and should be condemned by all lovers of the two nation as well as lovers of peace.”

  • Xenophobic Attack: IGP places AIGs, CPs on red alert

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has ordered water-tight security around embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within the country.

    The order came following attack on Shoprite outlets in Lagos, Ibadan and some other parts of the countries.

    The attack also led to the looting of the Malls under the pretext of protesting against the incessant “xenophobic” attacks in South Africa.

    The attack on the mall also left three Policemen injured and a patrol van burnt.

    Following the development, the IGP has also placed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police across the Federation on red alert in order to ensure that no similar violence is replicated within the country.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba.

    The statement reads: “The IGP condemns the violent attacks and notes that three police officers were seriously injured and a Police operational vehicle set ablaze.

    “He also notes that a total number of 125 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident while a good number of looted valuables have been recovered by the Police.”

    The Force while recognizing the rights of citizens to air their views on salient national issues as enshrined in our statutes, reiterated that the rights must be done within the confines of the law.

    The Police also warned miscreants and criminally-minded people who masquerade as genuine protesters to stay-off the streets of Nigeria as it will not hesitate to bring to bear the full weight of the law on any such law breaker.

    It also advised Parents and Guardians to prevail on their children and wards to desist from acts capable of causing breakdown of law and order in the country.

    The Force also said it has commenced investigations and profiling of the arrested suspects with a view to establishing their connection with the stealing, malicious damage, arson and disturbance of public peace on the day of the incident.

    It also reassured all law-abiding citizens, embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within the country of their security and safety.

  • 10,000 Police Job: Ignore list from NPF, Commission tell candidates

    The Police Service Commission has asked candidates who applied for position of Constables to ignore the list released by the Nigeria Police Force.

    The Commission had last week suspended the recruitment process which has reached the stage of medical screening.

    The suspension, according to sources was announced following indications that the Police leadership may tamper with the list submitted to it.

    The source also said that the Police leadership decided to hijack the whole process after the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith refused to do the bidding of the Police leadership.

    As part of efforts to stop the Police leadership, the Commission suspended the exercise and announced that the fate of candidates would be decided this week after a meeting.

    Read Also: Police prevent burning of Shoprite complex in Ibadan

    The Police leadership however on Tuesday released a list of candidates shortlisted for medical screening.

    The Nation visited Police website to check the list with the heading: “2019 Medical Screening list” but the list was not found.

    The information on the website read: “Candidates whose names appear in this publication are invited for medical examination which is scheduled to hold from Monday 9th – 14th September, 2019”

    Attempts to read further information on the website read error.

    A source in the Commission confirmed to The Nation that the list was no more on its website because the Police leadership was directed to take it down.

    Reacting to the list, the Commission in a statement in Abuja by its Spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani advised candidates to await authentic list from it.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Police Service Commission has been drawn to a list circulating in the social media and originating from the Nigeria Police Force website containing some names of candidates who applied for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force for position of Constables.

    “The candidates according to the information are invited for medical screening scheduled for 9th to 14th of September 2019.

    “It has been observed that as at the afternoon of today, Wednesday, September 4th, 2019, the list has been withdrawn from their Website.

    “The Commission will like to report that the list was compiled solely by the Nigeria Police Force without the involvement of the Police Service Commission, the body that has the constitutional mandate for appointment.

    All candidates who took part in the aptitude test held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019 are hereby to watch out for the authentic list that will emerge after the meeting of the bodies.

    The statement continues: “The leadership of the Commission since coming into office has been doing everything possible to restore sanity not only in the recruitment exercise but also in all other facets of the mandate of the Commission.

    “The Commission wishes to state that it will never compromise or abdicate its constitutional mandate and will continue to insist that the recruitment exercise is merit driven, transparent and in conformity with the Public Service Rules and Federal Character principle. It will resist any attempt to sabotage its efforts in this direction.”

    The Commission advised applicants not to panic or despair as all their interests will be adequately protected.

  • Four men ‘defrauds’ Jumia Int’l of N14.9m

    Four men were Wednesday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly defrauding Jumia International of N14.9 million.

    They are Fatai Lasisi, 30, Saheed Adebayo, 39, Olusegun Oladosu, 29 and Gbolahan Akinyetan, 28.

    They are facing a three count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining goods under false pretences and theft before Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi.

    The prosecutor, Ezekiel Ayorinde, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), told the court that the defendants committed the offence between February and July, this year.

    He alleged that defendants and others, at large, conspired and defrauded Jumia International Limited of N14.9million.

    Read Also: Jumia boosts education

    ASP Ayorinde alleged that the defendants fraudulently ordered goods using different names and locations and refused to pay.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Osunsanmi granted them bail in the sum of N1million each with two sureties each in the like sum.

    She ordered that all the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidences of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    She adjourned the matter until October 16.