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Tag: Nigeria News

  • ASP arrested for killing farmers

    ASP arrested for killing farmers

    The Adamawa Police Command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of a policeman who was alleged to have shot to death seven farmers in the state.

    The arrest followed a petition by a Civil Society Organization, Progressive Mind for Development Initiate.

    The petition signed by the President of the CSO, Abubakar Abdulsalam, alleged that the officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, committed the offence on November 23, 2017.

    It indicated that the police officer, while in charge of Safer Highways Patrol Team, arrested the farmers who were working on their farms at the outskirts of Gombi town, tied and shot them to death.

    The petition further alleged that the same officer had on April 30, 2016, while in charge of a police outpost in Kem village, Shelleng Local Government area of the state, killed four people suspected of committing robbery.

    “We as a concerned organization consider the act of the suspect (policeman) as an act against the provision of the Constitution and infringement on the fundamental rights of the people in question.

    “If such act is not checked it will continue to spread like wild fire and eventually Nigeria will be unsafe for its citizens,” it added.

    Spokesman of Adamawa Police Command, Othman Abubakar, said the policeman had been arrested and detained as investigation continues into the case.

    NAN

  • Liberia’s NEC presents certificate of return to Weah

    Liberia’s NEC presents certificate of return to Weah

    Liberia ’s National Elections Commission ( NEC ) has presented certificate of return to the President-elect, George Weah; Vice President-elect, Jewel Howard-Taylor, and the newly elected members of the House of Representatives.

    Chairman of NEC, Mr Jerome Korkoya, performed the ceremony at the commission’s headquarters in Monrovia on Thursday evening.

    According to local media, 66 out of the 73 elected lawmakers were certificated, leaving out seven who are facing legal challenges over their election in the October 10 general polls.

    The new leaders will be sworn in on January 22, which is the third working Monday of January as stipulated in the Liberian Constitution.

    Speaking at the occasion, the NEC boss reminded the newly elected public officers of the huge responsibility that comes with the mantle of leadership entrusted to them.

    “The certificate we are presenting to you represents conferral of legitimacy to pronounce you to the world as the duly elected officials.

    “”It is also an embodiment of the power, trust and aspiration reposed in you by your various constituents and the people of Liberia as a whole.

    “Expectations are high to change the people’s living conditions through the laws, policies and programmes of the incoming government.

    He acknowledged the contributions of international partners including ECOWAS, AU, USAID, EU and UNDP, which led to the successful conduct of the elections.

    Korkoya expressed appreciation to all contestants in the elections for respecting the rule of law by exploring judicial means to seek redress after the elections.

    The president-elect, George Weah, described his election as a unifying factor in the country.

    Weah pledged to fulfil his campaign promised of improving the lives of Liberians, calling on members of the legislature to put aside politics and work in the interest of the country.

    “I went to Boakai (outgoing Vice President) not to make news but because campaign is over and it is time to do the Liberian people’s work.

    “Our quest is for all Liberians to work together to move our country forward; in the interest of the people let’s work,” he said.

    The president-elect reiterated his assurance of greater freedoms, saying he would not interfere with the tenants of democracy, especially political dissent.

    “I am your friend but my interest is the Liberian people.

    “Any attempt to promote clampdown on the political rights of fewer Liberians has the propensity of disuniting the country,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the elected lawmakers, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hans Barchue, promised to work with the CDC-led government.

    Also Read: ‘Change is on,’ says George Weah

    In separate remarks, members of the international community present at the occasion restated their commitment to support the incoming administration.

    The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Farid Zarif, lauded Liberians for their peaceful participation in the electoral process.

    Zarif called on the new administration to build on the gains made under the leadership of outgoing President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

    He urged the new government to properly manage the country’s abundant natural resources to improve the lives of Liberians.

    “Let me quote you Mr. President-elect that it doesn’t make sense that Liberia is so rich, yet its people are so poor.

    “That is the beginning of another vision. Let’s bring the two things together,” he said.

    NAN

  • Ladipo warns detractors to stay away from Supporters Club

    Ladipo warns detractors to stay away from Supporters Club

    Rafiu Ladipo, President-General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club ( NFSC ), on Thursday said that detractors should stay away from the club because it would remain an indivisible entity during his lifetime.

    Ladipo made the assertion in an interview while speaking about efforts to unify the supporters club this year.

    He said that the club was open to everyone, but that things must be done according to the laws guiding the club, adding that the present administration of the club would ensure unity.

    “Nigeria Football Supporters Club will remain indivisible and I want all detractors to please stay away. We have rules guiding the club and those disgruntled elements should toe the line of the constitution.

    “I want to say that supporters club is a registered entity with a valid constitution, so our actions are guided by the law. We don’t just wake up to change rules.

    “It is disturbing and laughable for a group of people that are suspended for going against the rules and provisions of the club to form a splinter group.

    “What do these people know about the supporters club? Unfortunately they are new members not for more than five years, yet, they want to usurp authority,’’ he said.

    Ladipo said that the club formed about 62 years ago remained a legacy that must not be allowed to be disjointed because of those agitating for positions not meant for them.

    “Those agitating in the supporters club said they want leadership position and they want it by all means, that is not what leadership is all about. I have demonstrated what leadership is.

    “I will not sit back and watch what we have laboured for in the past 62 years to be rubbished; we sweat for this club, energy and time not to talk about financial obligations.

    “When talking about the operations of the club, even our sponsors are aware and we have the records of those they are sponsoring because we need to keep appropriate records.

    “We operate an open door policy, so there is no reason to have any splinter group; those that are ready to work will be accommodated but those that want trouble should be out,’’ he said.

    Ladipo said Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should have midwifed the unity of the club and not fanning an embers of disunity; a position he said he noticed.

    Also Read: 1,000 supporters club members to cheer Super Eagles in Russia

    “If NFF is coming to support us, that should but not be to divide us. We have been doing our things over the years and getting sponsors for all competitions.

    “It will not be proper for us to have two supporters club in a competition; it will have dire consequences and this will not be good for the country.

    “World Cup is a big project at hand now and all hands must be on deck to ensure our success. We need to make a mark at the World Cup and the African Championship of Nations ( CHAN ).

    “Nigeria Football Supporters Club has always been the best in any competition we attended, ranked above some footballing nations, this is our legacy and we must strive to protect that,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • 1,000 supporters club members to cheer Super Eagles in Russia

    1,000 supporters club members to cheer Super Eagles in Russia

    Samuel Ikpea, National Chairman, Nigeria Football Supporters Club ( NFSC ), on Thursday said the club would take 1,000 of its members to cheer the Super Eagles at Russia 2018 World Cup.

    Ikpea made the disclosure in Lagos while reviewing the club’s preparations for the World Cup holding from June.

    He said the club had set machinery in motion toward ensuring that the supporters club was adequately represented in the quadrennial football fiesta in Russia.

    “We are already mobilising our members for the World Cup in Russia. We have sent messages to the 20 registered member states and Abuja to send 50 of their members for the competition.

    “We have been in the business of doing that for a very long time now, we also have members outside the country and we are ensuring that wherever they are, they are going to Russia.

    “Our Marketing Unit is already saddled with sourcing of funds and the sponsors of our trip to Russia because we are a non-governmental organisation (NGO), so we need to source for the funds.

    “I want to assure Nigerians that we have been doing that for the past 62 years when the club was formed and we will not fail this time around,’’ Ikpea said.

    Ikpea said that the club had received little support from the Nigeria Football Federation and the Federal Ministry of Sports, adding that this would not derail its programme in Russia.

    “We have not have not been able to receive any good support from NFF or the Sports Ministry, since the inception of the new government as against the last administration when we received N50 million.

    “We are hoping that since this is a World Cup, something may come out, but we have been talking to various corporate bodies, we have put a machinery in place to achieve that.

    “We have not had any issues like Visa racketeering since the club was formed and to my knowledge of about 16 years in the administration of NFSC, we have yet to record such.

    “We have good understanding with all the embassies as far as visa issuance is concerned and none of our member has ever absconded after competitions. The records are there,’’ he added.

    Ikpea said that the suspended and dismissed members of the club had their fate decided by the congress of the club, a decision which should be respected by all the football stakeholders.

    “There are some people that have been suspended and some dismissed because of their anti-club activities. We have all the evidences against them, including police report.

    “All their actions are well documented and I think every good leader should be able to respect the decision of the congress of any particular entity.

    “We expect that both NFF and the sports ministry should be able to respect the congress on the expelled members but if they chose not to, that is not in consonance with the change mantra.

    “I am aware that those members have chosen to form a parallel supporters club, Nigeria Eagles Supporters Club and Nigeria Athletics Supporters Club. Their actions have truly vindicated us,’’ he said.

    Ikpea said that the suspended and dismissed members had ulterior motives of causing disaffection in the club, adding that since they could not achieve that they went on to form another group.

    “The dismissed members were able to form another group since they cannot achieve their aim of scattering us in NFSC, so they have formed another group.

    “Their actions, I may not be able to clearly state whether they have the support of the Minister of Sports and NFF or not, but they are not part of us.”

     

    NAN

  • SARS arrests two armed robbers in Army uniform

    SARS arrests two armed robbers in Army uniform

    Operatives of Special Anti-robbery Squad ( SARS ) attached to the Police Commands in Kano and Katsina states have arrested two suspected armed robbers in full camouflage Army uniform in Katsina State.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Kano State,DSP Magaji Majiya, disclosed this while presenting the suspects to newsmen in Kano on Thursday.

    He said the suspects were nabbed on Wednesday while trying to cross to Niger Republic with a new unregistered Ford Hilux vehicle which they allegedly robbed from port Harcourt, Rivers.

    “The operatives of SARS attached to Kano and Katsina State Commands while acting on a tip-off ambushed and arrested Abubakar Ibrahim of Kurmin Mashi Quarters, Kaduna State, and Jaduwa Thalma of Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno.

    “The suspects were in full camouflage army uniform and were about to cross to Niger Republic when the they were picked,” Majiya said.

    He said during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being dismissed soldiers who deserted from the service when posted to Baga on Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He said one of them a.k.a ‘Abu Soja’ was a notorious armed robber who was declared wanted by the IGP Special Tactical Squad (STS), SARS Rivers Command, and had a pending case at SCIID in Bompai, Kano.

    Majiya said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as the ongoing investigation was completed.

    He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Rabi’u Yusuf, had commended the IGP Special Tactical Squad (STS), SARS operatives attached to Kano, Katsina and Rivers states for working together toward the successful operation.

    NAN.

  • Tailor bags 14 months in jail for stabbing woman

    Tailor bags 14 months in jail for stabbing woman

    A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State, on Thursday sentenced a 22-year-old tailor, Sabiu Musa to 14 months imprisonment for stabbing a fellow tailor with scissors .

    The Judge, Ibrahim Shekarau said he based his judgment on the evidence before the court and the guilty plea of the convict.

    “Musa is hereby sentenced to six months imprisonment or an option of N6, 000 fine for the offence of criminal trespass.

    “For the offence of causing grievous hurt, the accused is sentenced to eight months imprisonment without an option of fine,” the judge ruled.

    The convict, who resides at Orange Market, Mararaba, was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on criminal trespass, causing grievous hurt and attempt to commit theft.

    He admitted to the crime and pleaded for mercy.

    The Prosecutor, Cpl. Hamen Donald, had told the court that Hussaina Ibrahim of Aso Pada, Mararaba, reported the matter at `A’ Police Division, Mararaba on Jan. 2, at about 1.30 p.m.

    “The complainant alleged that the convict trespassed with the intention of stealing her sewing machine.

    “When the complainant raised alarm, the convict removed scissors from his waist and stabbed her on the breast, stomach, knee and back.

    “He left her in the pool of her blood and while trying to run away, he was caught by the mob,” Donald said.

    The prosecutor also said that the offences contravened Sections 352, 245 and 95 of the Penal Code.

    NAN

  • Mechanic in court for alleged N200,000 engine fraud

    Mechanic in court for alleged N200,000 engine fraud

    A 35-year-old mechanic,Adebori Sabitu, was on Thursday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N200,000 from a customer to fix his car engine.

    Sabitu, a resident of Igbogbo, Lagos, is standing trial on two count charge for fraud and stealing.

    The prosecutor, ASP. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on September 22, 2016 at Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Abule-Egba, Lagos.

    He said that the accused obtained N200, 000 from Mr Adeola Fadairo under the pretences of buying a new car engine to fix his Mitsubishi montero jeep but failed to fix it.

    Ayorinde said that the complainant also gave N18, 000 to the accused for workmanship.

    He added that 15 months after the complainant gave his vehicle to the accused to repair and all efforts to retrieve his money proved unsuccessful.

    According to the Prosecutor, the complainant reported the case to the police and the accused was arrested.

    The offence contravened Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    Also Read: Court remands man for defiling minor

    Section 314 prescribes 15 year jail term for obtaining money under false pretences.

    The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum by magistrate Mrs O.J Awope.

    Awope said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidences of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    She adjourned the case until January 29, for mention.

    NAN

  • Philippines president sacks official over “excessive” travels

    Philippines president sacks official over “excessive” travels

    President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday sacked a ranking Philippines government official for making excessive foreign travels mostly at government expense, a government spokesman said.

    Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque told  a news conference in Davao City in the southern Philippines that  Duterte sacked Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Marcial Amaro for frequent foreign travels with government mostly footing the bill.

    Amaro was appointed by the president to the post in July 2016.

    According to the government documents, he made 18 official foreign travels in 2017 and six in 2016, equalling an average of four foreign trips every quarter.

    Meanwhile, the Association of MARINA Employees accused Amaro of impropriety.

    The employees sent a letter to Duterte in December detailing Amaro’s foreign trips in 2017, forcing him to look into the employees’ complaint.

    Roque said that all Amaro’s trips, except for one, are official.

    “The point of the president is we must be selective on the trips that we will undertake and that definitely 24 travels are excessive,’’ he stressed.

    He said that only three of Amaro’s trips were sponsored trips and the rest were paid by the government.

    “The president has decided, therefore, to terminate his services,’’ Roque said.

    Report says Amaro is the third government official that Duterte terminated for going on junkets.

    On December 12, Duterte dismissed Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chair Terry Ridon for making seven trips abroad in 15 months.

    After about a week, Duterte asked the president of the Development Academy of the Philippine Elba Cruz to leave her post for the reason of “excessive” trips abroad.

    Read also: Philippines bans mandatory wearing of high heels in workplace

    Duterte issued a memo on Wednesday imposing stricter rules on official foreign travels in a bid to curb “extravagant and lavish” trips abroad by government officials and employees.

    Roque reiterated Duterte’s order, saying that government officials and employees can only make the trip if it is related to the functions of the government.

    “It must not be too pricey, it must not be too costly and the benefits to the country of the trip must be substantial,’’ he said.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Mother abandons cerebral palsy child in Warri hospital

    Mother abandons cerebral palsy child in Warri hospital

    A 14-year-old boy, Steven Orode diagnosed of Cerebral palsy and acute malaria has allegedly been abandoned by his mother at the Central Hospital, Warri.

    The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Success Obere told newsmen on Thursday in Warri that the teenager was admitted on December 12, 2017.

    According to her, the mother of the boy absconded shortly after the boy was diagnosed of the ailment at the hospital.

    Obere said the woman had told the nurses on duty that she was going home to get some things and detailed a friend who accompanied her to the hospital to look after the sick boy.

    “After waiting patiently for the woman, the lady also left.

    “We have called all the contacts the women gave but she is not picking. We also called another line but the person denied knowing the woman or the boy.

    “We reported the issue at the “A” Division in Warri and the Divisional Police Officer assigned the Police Social Welfare Unit to handle the case.

    “The hospital attempted to admit the boy into the orphanage in Warri but he was rejected on the ground that he was seen as physically challenged,” she said.

    Obere however said the boy’s health was improving and appealed to the parent to come forward.

    Also, Mrs Bridget Achugbue, the nurse handling the patient said the boy had successfully been treated of malaria.

    NAN

  • Yobe donates vehicles worth N350m to Nigerian Army

    Yobe donates vehicles worth N350m to Nigerian Army

    The Yobe Government on Thursday donated 20 hilux operational vehicles worth N350 million to the Nigerian Army.

    Gov. Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe handed over the keys to the vehicles to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, at Government House in Damaturu.

    The army chief was in the state in continuation of his tour of military formations and visit to troops in frontline in the North East.

    The governor said that the donation of the vehicles was to enhance the military operations aimed at flushing out remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists, as well as to tackle other forms of criminality in the state.

    Geidam disclosed that so far, the state had donated 300 vehicles to the army other security agencies, including the 20 he handed over to the army on Thursday.

    Responding, the chief of army staff commended the governor for his commitment to the security of the state and by extension the North East and the entire country.

    Read also: Boko Haram kills five soldiers in Yobe attack

    Buratai recalled that apart from the vehicles, the state had donated lands to the army to build the Nigerian Army School of Special Forces at Buni Yadi and Army Level 2 referral hospital, close to the state capital.

    Earlier, Buratai inspected the site of the hospital, where construction work had begun, and inaugurated accommodation for officers and soldiers on transit, at the Army headquarters Logistics Base 2, Damaturu.

    NAN