The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jos

  • I was deceived by the devil – Army impersonator

    I was deceived by the devil – Army impersonator

    A Jos Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced a 21-year-old man, Mohammed Ahmed, who said he was deceived by the devil after he impersonated an army man.

    Chief Magistrate Jovita Binjin sentenced Ahmed to six months imprisonment following his guilty plea.

    Binjin, however, gave the convict a fine of N5,000, and hoped that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.

    Ahmed had pleaded for leniency, saying that he was deceived by the devil.

    Read also: Man impersonates Okiro to defraud army applicants

    According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Doghva Kasuwa, Ahmed impersonated an army man on Oct. 27 at the Nassara Police Station.

    “The accused person was impersonating a military man; when interrogated, he could not explain when and how he became a military man,’’ Kasuwa said.

    He said that the offence contravened Section 132 of the Penal Code.

    NAN

  • Plateau United to register 50 players for 2017/2018 season

    Plateau United to register 50 players for 2017/2018 season

    Pius Henwan, General Manager, Plateau United FC of Jos on Saturday says the club will register 50 players for the 2017/2018 football season.

    Henwan said this was to strengthen the team for its CAF Champions League, Nigeria Professional Football League and the Aiteo Cup engagements next season.

    He said already some new players have been recruited to replace the 12 players released last season and to fortify the team before the commencement of the 2017/2018 NPFL which kick-off in January.

    The GM announced that the team would participate in a pre-season tournament in Kano next week to allow the technical crew evaluate the players.

    “Efforts are on for the team to embark on a close camping outside the country where the team is expected to map out plans for their continental campaign.

    “During the camping the team will play some quality friendly matches with some foreign clubs,” he said.

    Henwan explained that the state government would ensure a befitting reception for the team for doing the state proud by winning the NPFL title.

    NAN

  • 62-year-old jailed five years over possession of hard drugs

    62-year-old jailed five years over possession of hard drugs

    A Federal High Court sitting in Jos on Wednesday sentenced a 62-year-old man,  Hycinth Njoku, to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of hard drugs.

    Njoku was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to the crime and begged for leniency.

    Mrs. Ramatu Oketola, prosecution counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ), had told the court that Njoku, a resident of New Layout Quarters in Bokkos, Plateau State, was arrested on July 27, by NDLEA officials.

    Oketola told the court that the suspect was being tried on a one-count charge of unlawful possession of hard drugs.

    She tendered 65g of Cannabis and 29.7g of Tramadol, both similar to cocaine and other narcotic, as exhibits.

    “My lord, the suspect’s offence contravened Section 19 of NDLEA Act, Cap. N30 Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 ( as amended ),” she stated.

    Oketola further told the court that the suspect was a second offender, having been jailed by a law court some years back. Njoku promptly confirmed the lawyer’s claim.

    Justice Dorcas Agishi, in her judgement, sentenced Njoku to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.

    “For being a second offender, I hereby sentence you to five years imprisonment without an option of fine, to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “The law will take its course considering your age and your resolve to be a notorious drug dealer, ’’ the judge said.

    Justice Agishi ordered that the hard drugs tendered as exhibits be burnt by the NDLEA within 30 days after the judgment.

  • FRSC takes safety campaigns to primary schools in Plateau

    FRSC takes safety campaigns to primary schools in Plateau

    The Jos Zonal Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) has embarked on a child Safety campaign in primary schools in Plateau.

    Flagging-off the campaign at the St. Luke Primary School on Monday in Jos, the Zonal Commanding Officer, Mr Jonas Agwu, said the initiative was “timely”.

    According to Agwu, the rationale behind the campaign was to stem the spate at which underaged children die from road accidents.

    “If you take a copious check, you will see that children below the ages of twelve are not being transported properly by motorists.

    “What I have noticed in my five months stay on the Plateau is that drivers and car owners are careless about the safety of the children while plying roads; they have very poor attitude to the safety of the child.

    “So, it is based on this that we decided to take the safety campaign to the children directly, so they will know their rights on one hand, and can correct adults when they do the wrong thing on the other hand.

    “If we say and believe that the kids are the leaders of tomorrow, then we have to do the right thing in safeguarding their future,” he said.

    The Zonal Commanding Officer appealed to motorists to acquire baby seats for their cars as well as ensure its usage when necessary, for safety of children.

    Agwu also warned against allowing children to use the front passenger’s seat, as such acts could be risky to the safety of the children.

    The campaign was organised in conjunction with Rotary Club of Jos, Sherehills and the Nija Pikin Iniative Development.

    NAN

  • Plateau LG Polls: APC begins screening of aspirants

    Plateau LG Polls: APC begins screening of aspirants

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Plateau chapter, has commenced the screening of aspirants for chairmanship and councillorship positions on the forthcoming Local Government Areas (LGAs) polls in the state.

    The party’s state secretary, Mr Bashir Musa, who disclosed this to newsmen in Jos, noted that the exercise would be held separately at designated points in the three senatorial districts on Tuesday.

    Musa explained that the three-day exercise would end on Thursday, Nov. 9.

    “Because of the importance of this screening, we have decided to decentralise the manner and process with which it is done.

    “Aspirants from the southern zone will be screened at the party’s zonal office in Shendam, the one for central zone will hold in our party’s office in Pankshin.

    “The screening for northern zone will hold at the party’s state secretariat in Jos,” he explained.

    Musa advised all aspirants to unfailingly appear before the screening committees with their credentials.

    A statement recently released by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) Chairman, Mr Fabian Ntung said the election will hold on Feb. 17, 2018, while a run-off and/or re-run, if any, will hold on Feb. 24, 2018.

    Read Also: Olusola’s adoption can’t threaten APC, says Awe

  • Plateau FA Chairman calls for committee to help Plateau United

    Plateau FA Chairman calls for committee to help Plateau United

    Plateau Football Association (PFA) Chairman, Sunday Longbap, has called for an immediate constitution of a committee to help Plateau United Football Club successfully play in the 2018 CAF Champions League.

    Longbap said this on Tuesday in Jos that the committee was imperative for the club to succeed.

    “Playing continental football is different from playing in the country’s league.

    “On the continent, apart from a quality team, you need a vibrant committee to help the team achieve its target.

    “And, for Plateau United who are debutants in continental football, the need for the committee becomes even more imperative,” he said.

    The chairman said the committee must be composed of all critical stakeholders in the football circle in the state.

    He said there was need for adequate preparation because, this time around, Plateau United would be going beyond the state level to represent the entire country as a continental showpiece.

    “Representing the country brings about the need for adequate and timely preparations,’’ Longbap said.

    The Plateau FA Chairman, who said winning the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title by Plateau United was the Association board’s happiest moment commended the state governor, Simon Lalong.

    “His unwavering support for the club ensured their emergence as NPFL champions,’’ he said.

    Longbap also commended Lalong for the resumption of work at the ultra-modern new Zaria Road Stadium in fulfillment of his promise.

    “The governor promised the team that they will play their continental matches in the new stadium if they win the league and work has since resumed in the stadium.

    “We believe that the stadium will be ready in February when the 2018 CAF Champions League will start,” he said.

    Longbap assured the team and the state government that the PFA would do all that was needed of it in ensuring that Plateau United gave its best on the continent.

    NAN

  • Comedy Central takes “Grab the Mic” search to Jos

    Comedy Central takes “Grab the Mic” search to Jos

    For the concluding leg of its nationwide auditions, Comedy Central’s ‘Grab the Mic’ comedic talent search train will hit the city of Jos this Saturday.

    The auditions which holds at the Silk Suites Hotel and leads up from the Lagos and Port Harcourt auditions is scheduled to take place from 9am to 3pm.

    According to the organisers, Comedy Central and Maltina are set to comb the city of Jos in search of the next Nigerian comedy super star.

    The eight outstanding talents who make it past the judges in the first round will perform to a live audience at a pop-up comedy club hosted by comedian Seyi Law; from which the top regional finalists will emerge.

    Amateur comedians stand the chance of winning the Grand Prize of 1.5 Million Naira and the chance to share the stage with Ali Baba. All that participants need to do is put together their best comedy materials and make their way to the audition venue.

    Veteran comedian, Ali Baba, alongside Rhythm FM OAP and comedian, Osama as well as Kevin Pam; winner of Big Brother Africa’ 2009, will be the judges at the audition. Contestants will be evaluated based on their comedic skills, confidence and originality.

    ‘Grab the Mic’ is a Comedy Central initiative aimed at discovering budding local comedy talents. It is Comedy Central’s first ever-live activation in Nigeria.

    Successful acts from these three regions will converge in Lagos for the grand finale.

  • NAF deploys fighter jets to Plateau to check violence

    NAF deploys fighter jets to Plateau to check violence

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday said its has deployed its air assets and personnel to Jos, Plateau State, to curtail the spread of violence and maintain peace.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya said the development was in accordance with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar in line with the directive issued by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Service Chiefs.

    Adesanya maintained in a statement that the deployment of the air assets would also prevent reprisal attacks and escalation of the crisis.

    The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed some of its air assets and personnel to Jos, the Plateau State capital, to support Operation SAFE HAVEN to maintain peace and curtail senseless killings as well as possible spread of violence in some parts of the State.

    “The deployment was ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, in compliance with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure that an end is put to the current spate of violence and killings in the state.

    Read: Plateau killings: ‘How gunmen rained bullets on us’

    ” The deployment is also to ensure the prevention of reprisal attacks, which could escalate the conflict. The deployed NAF assets include the L-39ZA aircraft and the EC-135 helicopter, which are to provide necessary air cover to the surface forces participating in the Operation in the State.

    “It would be recalled that the NAF has always acted in aid of civil authority, whenever called upon to do so, in line with its statutory role.

    “The NAF, apart from its presence in the North East to fight Boko Haram insurgents, has also deployed its air assets and personnel in recent times to Kafachan in Southern Kaduna and Takum in Taraba State to stop incessant communal clashes.

    ” The NAF remains focused on its primary responsibility of ensuring the security of the citizenry while continuing to count on their support and understanding”.

    Read Also: NAF joins Operation Python Dance II

     

  • FRSC arrests 350 unlicenced drivers in Plateau

    FRSC arrests 350 unlicenced drivers in Plateau

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau, says it has arrested 350 unlicensed drivers during its special patrol on the highways in the state.

    The sector Commander, Mrs Pat Emordi, made this known on Sunday in Jos.

    The Command had on Oct 4 begun a special patrol to ensure unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles keep away from highways in the state.

    According Emordi, the affected drivers have been sent to various driving schools within the state, “for proper training that would qualify them to obtained valid licences.’’

    “This special patrol we initiated is really yielding positive result for us.
    “I assure you, until they are done with their training and the right is done, their vehicles will remain with us.

    “Road safety is everyone’s business and we believe that if all of us have the right attitude towards driving, our roads will be safer, “she said.

    Emordi called on drivers in the state to abide by the rules and regulations on driving and keep the roads safe. (NAN)

  • Catholic Bishops call for national unity

    Catholic Bishops call for national unity

    The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria ( CBCN ) has called for the rededication of the country to God to allow for a nation where everyone will live as united people.

    Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, the President of CBCN and Archbishop of Jos, made the call when he led a delegation of Archbishops and Bishops on a courtesy visit Gov. Godwin Obaseki, in Benin on Thursday.

    Kaigama said the bishops were in Edo to mark the centenary of Lady Fatima’s Apparition.

    He said the catholic clergy would use the opportunity to seek God’s intervention for the country and pray for leaders in positions of authority.

    He said that during the First World War, Lady Fatima appeared and preached a message of peace; hence the Catholic Church would use the event to pray for unity of various religious and ethnic groups in the country.

    ‘’We are in Benin to pray for peace and the reconsecration of  the country; that the north and south will see themselves as one,

    “Muslims and Christians will live as brothers and sisters and ethnic groups will live in harmony harmony,” he said.

    The cleric urged leaders to always engage in good works, supporting it with prayers in order to excel.

    Obaseki commended the church for its pivotal role of reconciliation and stabilising the society.

    He also expressed delight that the state was hosting another religious conference as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria had held theirs earlier in the year.

    The governor used the occasion to seek collaboration with the church to strengthen basic education, healthcare and social welfare services in the state.

    Obaseki said that with oil prices no longer what  it used to be, Nigeria’s future economy would be knowledge-driven hence Edo was keen on collaborating with the church and other groups interested in contributing to society.

    The highlight of the visit was presentation of a statue of the Virgin Mary to the governor as well as prayers offered for his administration, the state and the country.

    The Catholic Bishops are attending the 1st National Marian Year and 3rd National Marian Congress in Nigeria in Edo.

    NAN