The Nation Newspaper

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  • Police accused of killing newly wedded man

    Police accused of killing newly wedded man

    A Nigerian based in the United States has accused the police of killing his friend.

    He alleged that his friend Ugochukwu Ozuah was killed at UPS bus stop on Oshodi/Oworonshoki expressway, barely five days after his wedding, by policemen on stop-and search last Thursday.

    Ozuah was allegedly murdered five days after he got married.

    His friend, who was simply identified, as Omene, came from the United States to witness the wedding.

    Ozuah, who lives in Oke Oluwo Estate in Anthony Village, had gone to drop Omene when some policemen, stopped them for a search.

    It was gathered that before he stopped, the policemen, who thought that the late Ozuah was not going to stop, opened fire on the car, killing him instantly.

    Omene said immediately the late Ozuah was shot, the policemen sped off in their vehicle.

    “I was so shocked at what had happened and I jumped down from the car and ran back to the estate to inform his wife. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Anthony Police station was also informed,” Omene said.

    The Nation gathered that when the DPO arrived at the scene, he came up with the theory that the deceased was killed by criminals in police uniform and not policemen.

    The family is asking that policeman who shot their son, be fished out and prosecuted.

    The command’s spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who confirmed the incident, maintained that armed robbers killed the man.

    She pleaded with the family to remain calm as investigation of the incident had begun, adding that the suspect would be brought to book.

    The late Ozuah attended Kings College, Lagos and University of Ibadan (UI) where he read Computer Engineering.

    His sister, Mrs. Uzor Nwogu described his brother as a perfect gentleman and easy-going.

    “I have never seen him fight anyone. My last conversation with him was a few days ago, when he was trying to know my assessment of the wedding and inquiring whether everyone who attended was well taken care of.

    The late Ozuah left behind a 70-year-old mother, Mrs. Chine Ozuah, who has been in shock since the incident.

    Hundreds of sympathisers thronged her Maryland home yesterday to condole with her.

    The late Uzoah’s younger sister, Uju, still finds it hard to believe that her brother is dead.

    “I don’t know how to describe my brother. He was a very calm person. He taught me how to be gentle and diplomatic. It’s hard to believe that I would never see him alive again,.” she said.

     

  • Robbers shoot woman in Lagos

    Robbers shoot woman in Lagos

    A WOMAN was shot and an undisclosed sum of money carted away when robbers invaded a beer distributing company at Unity Estate, Idimu, a Lagos suburb.

    Madam Sadiat Shodiya, a resident of the building housing the firm, was hit in the leg.

    A police patrol vehicle, allegedly riddled with bullets was also abandoned at the scene by policemen who were outgunned by the bandits.

    Sources said the hoodlums, who held residents hostage for over three hours in the early hours of Saturday, arrived on the premises around 3am.

    They were said to have shot into the air to scare people.

    It was learnt that the robbers, who operated for over an hour also attacked some residential apartments.

    The estate is about 500 meters from the Area ‘M’ Command and the Idimu Police Station.

    Sources told The Nation that it was the sound of gunshots that attracted policemen to the scene.

    The policemen allegedly fled after their van was demobilised with bullets.

    The Area Commander Ibrahim Kaoje, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said his men did not abandon the operation.

    Kaoje said policemen overpowered the hoodlums who fled to escape arrest.

    A resident, who pleaded for anonymity, said his family lay on the floor to avoid being hit by stray bullet.

    “The robbers were shooting sporadically for over an hour. It was like we were in a war zone and there was panic everywhere. It was just God that saved us,” the source said.

  • Court acquits man of N63m advance fee fraud

    Court acquits man of N63m advance fee fraud

    An Ikeja High Court has discharged and acquitted a man, Leonard Duru, of the allegation of conspiracy and obtaining $399,868 (about N63,179,144) by false pretence from a Switzerland based company, Intronn Druck AG Company.

    Justice Olubunmi Oyewole said he did not find the accused guilty on each of the 18-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The EFCC, had through its counsel, Mr. A.B.C. Ozioko, brought the charge against Duru, who goes by the aliases, Emmanuel Obieze, Dr. Enitan Obi and Mr. Obi.

    The commission alleged that Duru and others at large, between March 21, 1996 and July, 1996, with intent to defraud, obtained $399,868 from the Switzerland based company by falsely pretending that the money represented the cost of establishing a branch of the company in Nigeria, a claim which they knew to be false.

    The commission alleged that the accused and others at large, also forged the Central Bank of Nigeria letter head, dated 4th April, 1996 and Teo Travels and Tours Limited, purporting the documents from the companies respectively.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act No 13 of 1995 as amended by Act no 62 of 1999; Section 467(1)(b) and Section 468 of the Criminal Code Cap C. 17 Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

    The accused, represented by Mrs. B.O. Awachuo, which earlier had its no case submission overruled had rested her case on that of the prosecution.

  • 1.9m people displaced by floods in Kogi

    1.9m people displaced by floods in Kogi

    Senator Smart Adeyemi yesterday raised the alarm that about 1.9 million people have been displaced by floods in Kogi State.

    Besides, the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) said nine local governments in the state were under threats with some parts submerged.

    Adeyemi, who spoke with reporters in Abuja after returning from a tour of the affected areas, said the figure was confirmed to him by NEMA’s North Central Co-ordinator.

    The Senator inspected the devastated areas in company of three members of the House of Representatives -Sunday Karimi, TJ Yusuf and Mohammed Buba.

    Most of the displaced victims are housed in 10 camps.

    Adeyemi however, donated N250,000 to each of the 10 resettlement camps. He said the flood has “reinforced the need for the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Commission(HYPPADEC), which, in his view would have assisted the affected areas.

    “The flood has wreaked enormous damage in the communities, nine local governments, including Lokoja, Kotonkarfe, Ankpa, Dekina, Ibaji and Bassa, were badly affected.

    “To get to the real spots, we had to take canoe on two spots on the highway. More than 10,000 vehicles and trucks were stranded on that highway,”

    “I want the Federal government to immediately come to the aid of the people in those communities because this is not what they bargained for,” he said

    A statement by NEMA’s Head of Public Relations, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, reads: “A technical team comprising officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and critical stakeholders in disaster management at the weekend visited areas devastated by the massive floods along the banks of Rivers Benue and Niger and their tributaries in Benue and Kogi states to assess the damages and identify suitable intervention required to address the problem. “As most of the areas remained flooded, about 10, 000 displaced persons are taking shelter in four camps each in Benue and Kogi states while many more are also taking cover with their relatives. NEMA has already deployed relief items to the camps to assist the Internally displaced People (IDPs).

    “The flood in Benue affected the communities in Makurdi along the river belt. Nine local government areas were affected in Kogi State with Ibaji Local Government Area almost completely submerged.

    “The inhabitants are now taking refuge in the neighbouring communities. The other local governments areas affected are Bassa, Ofu, Kogi, Omala, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Igalamela and Lokoja where choice property including hotels, residential buildings, government offices and fishing communities along the confluence of Rivers Benue and Niger were also virtually submerged.

    At a meeting with the Governor of Kogi State, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Dr. Charles Agbo, who led the team warned of prolonged flooding as more water would still be released from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon and Kainji Dam with the intensifying rains.

    He also urged the state government to enforce the standard regulation on urban planning and development as well as permanently relocate communities in the flood plains to safer locations.

    Agbo warned that even after the flood, most of the submerged houses may become too weak and no longer be safe for habitation in addition to the potential health hazards from the disaster. Therefore, he said the state governments must to rise up to their responsibilities to the affected communities as the Federal Government, through NEMA would provide necessary support for the displaced persons.

    Replying, Governor Idris Wada appreciated the concern of the Federal Government towards the flood situation and requested supports to reinforce the efforts made by the state government to assist the displaced persons.

    He urged NEMA and relevant organisations to identify measures to mitigate future occurrence of the flood.

    The flood has also cut off the Abuja-Lokoja road. Though temporary diversions have created to ease gridlock on the route, traffic officials and emergency workers are having hectic moments in controlling the stranded motorists

  • Woman pours hot water on husband

    A woman in Benin, the Edo State capital, at the weekend poured hot water on her husband.

    It was gathered that Mr. and Mrs. Osas Olaye, who have been married for over 25 years and have four grown up boys, prayed together at about 12:40am before retiring to bed on that fateful morning.

    It was learnt that the man’s screams woke the neighbours up around 4:20am when the incident occurred.

    Olaye, who suffered severe burns in the hands, stomach and chest, is presently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Benin.

    Narrating his ordeal on his hospital bed, he said he was woken up by the hotness of the water on his body.

    Olaye said he was rushed to the hospital by his children and neighbours.

    The victim, who was recently employed by his church as a bricklayer, said when he returned from work that evening, his “quarrelsome” wife accused him of cheating on her but he ignored her.

    Olaye said his wife’s aggressiveness had cost him several jobs. He said in over 10 years, his wife had not engaged in any money yielding venture and was always insisting that it is a man’s responsibility to cater for his home.

    On the whereabouts of his wife and the effect of the attack on their marriage, Olaye said: “My wife just left here (hospital) now; she still dey vex with me. If I leave her and my children, they will suffer. Na my wife.”

    Sources at the hospital said Mrs. Olaye has not shown any remorse for her action.

    Efforts to reach Mrs. Olaye failed.

    One of the couple’s children said there was no dispute between his parents prior to the incident.

    He said his mother’s family has volunteered to pay his father’s medical bills.

    The boy said his father’s family had not been informed of the incident.

  • Sambo inaugurates various projects in Akwa Ibom

    Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the weekend inaugurated various projects across Akwa Ibom State.

    They included the new Accountant-General’s office, the third Ring Road and the Fourth Flyover in Uyo, the Second Underground Drainage in Abak and the Ikot Ekpene City Centre Plaza.

    Sambo praised Governor Godswill Akpabio for giving the state a face-lift.

    He restated the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering the state.

    Sambo said the Federal Government has approved the building of Ibaka Deep Seaport.

    At the Accountant-General’s office, Akpabio said the new building would create a conducive working environment for workers and encourage improved productivity.

    He thanked the civil service for collaborating with the government in the implementation of policies and programmes.

    Akpabio urged the Vice-President to ensure that the Federal Government refunds the money spent on repairing the Abak-Uyo Federal Road.

    He said the Fourth Flyover in Uyo, which has 150 metres dual-carriage way with pedestrian walkways, was to divert traffic to Airport Road.

    Akpabio said the state government is negotiating with the Ministry of Interior for the demolition and rebuilding of Abak Prisons.

    The State Accountant-General, Mr. Udo Isobara, said the project cost N250 million.

    He said the building has five open apartments; 16 offices, each of which had its own toilet, air conditioners, computers, scanners, cameras and round-the clock internet facility.

    Isobara said 15 new sub-treasury offices have been completed in Ikono, Ini, Mkpat Enin, Nsit Ibom, Obot Akara, Okobo, Essien Udim, Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, Ika, Urue Offong/Oruko, Onna, Itu, Oruk Anam and Nsit Atai local government areas.

  • Be focused, ACN tells Orji

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Abia State has advised the Governor Theodore Orji administration to focus on addressing the state’s challenges.

    The party said the protest by lawyers in Aba against the deplorable situation of state and federal roads in Abia is on course.

    Speaking through its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Offor Okorie, ACN said the lawyers did well by telling the world that Orji and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have no plans for the masses.

    Okorie said the achievements of the Orji administration were only on the pages of newspapers and radio announcements.

    He said many roads in Abia were inaugurated on the pages of newspapers, radio announcement and billboards.

    ACN said: “How can a governor allow his people to suffer the way Abians are suffering? The reaction of the lawyers in Aba has shown the falsehood of the PDP-led government.

    “Very soon, the people at the grassroots, who have been deceived by the visionless PDP government at all levels of government, will revolt and the lies of the present administration would be exposed to the world.

    “For five years, Orji has been sleeping, forgetting his responsibilities. We pray he wakes up from his slumber and becomes productive in the remaining three years.”

    Offor said the people are tired of the “PDP’s deceit”, adding that only ACN can make a change.

    The governor said the ACN is being economical with the truth on the true position of things.

    He said his administration has built more roads than any other administration in the state’s history.

    Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, Orji said: “When I came back from my working visit overseas, I told reporters that work would begin on Aba roads after the rains and same was repeated when Aba landlords visited me to support the planned demolition of illegal structures.

    “I directed the State Road Maintenance Agency to do palliative work on Aba roads, pending when the rains will stop, and I am happy to tell you that they are doing that very well.

    “The lawyers have not done anything new. They have exercised their rights in a democratic set up and are trying to distract me. I am aware of the neglect of Aba by past administrations and I am determined to change that by demolishing the already marked 1,800 houses that are obstructing the water ways.”

     

  • LP chief seeks law to punish erring public officers

    NO fewer than 30 of the 62 political parties belong to the the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Chairman of Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwanyawu, has alleged.

    He said the 30 parties are either owned or sponsored by the PDP.

    Only nine political parties, he said, have functional offices in Abuja as stipulated by the electoral laws.

    Nwanyawu also said that Nigerians should salute the courage of President Goodluck Jonathan for upturning the plan by the Governor of Central Bank Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to introduce N5000 banknote against the wishes of Nigerians.

    Delivering a lecture entitled: “Transformation of Nigeria Politics: The Labour Party Perspective” at the Institute of Security Studies in Abuja at the weekend, Nwanyawu called on the National Assembly to make a law that will punish public officers who deliberately misadvise the government as well as laws that will make electoral fraud impracticable..

    He said: “Out of the existing 62 political parties in Nigeria, 30 of them are owned by the PDP out of which just nine have functional offices in Abuja while the rest have their offices in their briefcases.

    “The best political system for Nigeria is a two party system. Such arrangement will make it difficult for rigging because it is just two parties, there will be no need for anybody to carry ballot boxes because there won’t be such opportunity. Touts will not have jobs and the electoral tribunal will be useless because a clear winner will emerge just as was the case in 1992 general election between the SDP and NRC. The issue of merger or alliance will not arise because it is just two of them and they have different ideologies.”

    He also advocated for the removal of immunity clause on criminal matters and such crimes against the state in a way that even governors and all those in the position of authority will be made to face law when found wanting.

    He noted that the Nigerian judicial system is in deep rot, a reflection of the deep rot in the nation’s political system. “Understaffed, under-motivated and underpaid, Nigerian justices and the institutional structure they service are very open to political contamination; are morally and ethically compromised; and dispense justice in a manner that services the rich and harms the poor, the powerless and the voiceless”, he said.

  • Fuel sells for N120 per litre as scarcity persists in Lagos

    A litre of petrol sold for N120 per litre in Lagos yesterday as many filling stations closed shop for lack of product, an indication that fuel scarcity in the state is far from over.

    The Nation’s investigation showed that most of the filling stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, from Lagos toll gate, Ojota, Ogudu Expressway Way, including outlets owned by the majors such as Total, Conoil and MRS were out of stock. The few that sold such as Amo Oil adjusted their pump price to N120 for a litre as against N97.

    Although some filling stations such as Total Association Avenue in Ilupeju and Mobil along Agidingbi and Oregun Road were dispensing at N97 per litre, The Nation gathered that in many parts of Lagos, most filling stations were dry.

    The refusal of marketers to import fuel as a result of the government’s reluctance to pay their over N200 billion subsidy reimbursement for the products imported, and the vandalisation of a major product distribution pipeline, Line 2B, at Arepo in Ogun State, have been blame for the scarcity of fuel in Lagos in the past two weeks.

    The oil marketing groups including the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farms Owners of Nigeria (JEPTFON), said they will have a meeting this week to deliberate on their next action toward recovering their money from the government.

    The Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Osten Olurnsola, at an a meeting, appealed to them (marketers) to step up product supply especially as the festive periods approach.

    He said: “We are approaching the end of year with the expected usual surge in social and festive activities. The attendant elevated quest for consumption of petroleum products cannot be over-emphasised. We wish to encourage marketers to ensure product availability to the public at this critical period. Marketers are strongly advised not to engage in acts that may lead to creation of products scarcity, and other associated ills such as hoarding and product diversion for profiteering.”

    Spokesman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Fidel Pepple, said the corporation is collaborating with the security agencies to fix the Arepo pipeline seriously damaged by oil thieves who also shot dead three employees of the Pipeline and Products Management Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of NNPC.

  • SSS arrests Niger group’s leader

    The State Security Service (SSS) at the weekend in Minna, arrested the Vice-Chairman of the Concerned Citizens of Niger State (a pressure Group), Alhaji Awaisu Wana, for calling for the impeachment of Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu over alleged financial recklessness and non- compliance with the appropriation act.

    Wana was arrested by the SSS about 4pm on Saturday in his Maitunmbi home for

    allegedly being in possession of video compact discs (VCDs) and documents capable of causing disaffection between the people and the government, thereby heating up the polity and destabilising

    the state.

    Findings showed that Wana was accused of translating the petition his group sent to the House of Assembly, calling for the impeachment of the governor, into Hausa and Gwari languages and dubbing the VCDs with the intent to distribute them in the 25 local governments.

    Confirming the arrest of his deputy, the Chairman of the group, Alhaji Mohammed Moude, said Wana was arrested by the SSS for possessing the VCDs containing the allegations of his group in local languages. He said the move was to keep the people of the state, especially the rural dwellers, abreast of the mismanagement of the state resources.

    According to Maude, a senior special assistant to the governor took the VCDs to the government and SSS.

    It was learnt that when government presented the VCDs and documents to the SSS, it alleged that Wana’s intention was aimed at discrediting the Governor Aliyu administration.

    The State Director of the SSS, Dr. Larry Obiagwu, confirmed on the phone, the arrest of Wana. He said he was invited over the documents and VCDs considered inimical to security.

    According to him, “we are trying to sieve the information and statement made by him to know which are meant to subvert the government. The documents and VCDs are capable of having effects on the people’s attitude against the government.”

    Admitting that people have legitimate windows to ventilate their

    grievances until 2015, the security boss warned that people should not subvert the government of the day to the detriment of peace, adding that by 2015 people would have the choice to elect new leaders.

    A source in the SSS said Wana may be taken to court today.