The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria News

  • Military seeks community support to crush Boko Haram

    Military seeks community support to crush Boko Haram

    The Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole,  Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, has called on people in the North-East to support the military in the counter-insurgency campaign in the country.

    Nicholas made the call during a familiarisation visit to military units  in Maiduguri  on Wednesday.

    He said the call was imperative to enable the military to win the war against Boko Haram insurgents and enhance restoration of peace in the region.

    “It is high time for people in the communities support the military by providing useful information on suspicious persons in their respective communities.

    “We need the support of everyone in the society to successfully complete the campaign. Security is a collective responsibility; we must strive to stop the killings.

    “Even the Boko Haram insurgents, I call on them to renounce their heinous activities, surrender and embrace peace,’’he said.

    The theatre commander disclosed the military authorities had adopted effective strategies to end insurgency and facilitate restoration of peace in the war-ravaged region.

    He added that effective modalities had been put in place to improve personnel welfare, motivate and boost troops’ morale.

    While commending the troops for their gallantry, the commander urged them to be disciplined and dedicated to the fight against insurgency, noting that: “Boko Haram insurgency will be over soon”.

    Nicholas assumed duty on Monday following his appointment as the new Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He was accompanied by Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, and other top military officers during the familiarisation tour of military formations in Maiduguri.

    Some of the areas visited include: the 7 Division Army Headquarters, Joint Intelligence Detention Centre (JIDC), Army Medical Services and Hospital and Artillery workshops.

    NAN

  • EFCC arraigns man for hacking Winners Chapel’s bookstore

    EFCC arraigns man for hacking Winners Chapel’s bookstore

    The EFCC on Wednesday charged one Chimezie Chuta before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime.

    The accused was charged for allegedly hacking into the online bookstores of the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel.

    Chuta, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The EFCC in the charge marked, FHC/L/441C/17, alleged that the accused committed the offence on March 8, 2016.

    The accused was alleged to have altered the online data of Dominion Bookstores platform belonging to Living Faith Church Worldwide and created a counterfeit platform.

    The alteration was said to be for purposes of conferring economic benefits on himself.

    The EFCC said that the actions of the accused had caused the church to lose its publishing unit.

    It said that the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 14 and 16 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act 2015.

    After the plea of the accused, the Prosecutor, Mr Ahmed Yerima, asked the court for a trial date, urging it to remand the accused in prison, pending trial.

    The Defence Counsel, Mr A. Osagie, also urged the court to order the remand of the accused in EFCC custody.

    Read also: EFCC freezes N905m in suspected slush account

    He told the court that he was only briefed as counsel on Tuesday, and this had made it impossible for him to file the bail application earlier.

    The trial judge, Justice Ayokunle Faji, adjourned the matter until February 26 and 27, 2018, for trial, and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

    The judge however said that the bail application will be given a date for hearing

    NAN

  • Nigeria’s export value hits N3.57bn in Q3 – NBS

    Nigeria’s export value hits N3.57bn in Q3 – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) has said Nigeria’s total exports in the third quarter of 2017 stood at N3.57 billon, showing 13.19 per cent increase over the amount recorded in the second quarter.

    The NBS stated this in “Foreign Trade Statistics for the Third Quarter 2017’’ posted on the bureau’s website.

    The bureau stated the value (N3.57 billion) in the third quarter of 2017 represented an increase of 35 per cent over the amount recorded in the same period in 2016.

    The report stated that raw material exports value increased by 16.88 per cent in third quarter of 2017 against the level in second quarter of 2017 and 70.42 per cent higher than third quarter of 2016.

    It noted that solid minerals exports value increased by 85.3 per cent in third quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2017 and was 78.72 per cent higher than third quarter of 2016.

    Meanwhile, NBS said total imports value of N2,348.6 billion in third quarter of 2017 which was 10.51 per cent lower than second quarter of 2017 and 4.68 per cent lower than third quarter 2016.

    According to the report, value of imported agricultural goods were 0.05 per cent higher than the value recorded in second quarter of 2017 and 16.91 per cent higher than third quarter of 2016.

    Read also: Nigeria’s capital importation rises to 147.5% in Q3 – NBS

    The report stated that the value of raw material imports were 4.77 per cent lower than second quarter, 2017 and 2.80 per cent lower than the value in the third quarter, 2016.

    It further stated that solid minerals imports in the third quarter 2017 decreased by 1,220.48 per cent compared to second quarter but was 8.69 per cent higher than third quarter 2016.

    The report, however, stated that energy goods imports in third quarter were 92.17 per cent lower than the second quarter and compared to third quarter 2016 when no energy goods imports were recorded.

    It stated that manufactured goods imports value was 4.08 per cent higher in third quarter than the level in second quarter and 2.79 per cent lower than third 2016.

    In addition, it state that other oil products imports value were 17.54 per cent lower than in second quarter and 28.81 per cent higher than third quarter 2016.

    NAN

  • Travel Agent docked over N1.3m visa scam

    Travel Agent docked over N1.3m visa scam

    A travel agent, Wasiu Arikeuyo, 45, was on Wednesday brought before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ court in Ibadan over an alleged fraud of N1.3 million under the pretext of procuring an Australian visa and ticket.

    The accused, who resided at No. E7/721B Oremeji, Agugu, Ibadan, is charged for allegedly defrauding his customer of the sum.

    Arikeuyo is facing a two – count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and convention.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Fatola, insisted that Arikeuyo allegedly obtained the sum of N1, 300,000 from one Tosin Olofinbimi, under the pretence of obtaining an Australian visa and ticket for him.

    Fatola said Arikeuyo knew same to be false and he was alleged to have converted the same sum of money to his own use, property of Olofinbimi of 5, Adagbada Arola , Apete, Ibadan.

    “Olofinbimi had approached Wasiu Arikeuyo on Aug. 20 to process a travel visa and a ticket to Australia for one Mrs Amusan.

    “He said Arikeuyo charged him the sum of N1,300,000 for both visa and ticket which is fully paid for as agreed, and he gave Olofinbimi assurance that it will be ready in seven days.

    Read also: Reps probe alleged sharp practices in U.S. visa issuance

    “Arikeuyo, however, failed to bring the ticket to enable his client travel as planned,” said Fatola.

    He said the offences were committed at Agugu, Ibadan at about 2: 00 p.m. on Aug. 20.

    The offences were contrary to Section 383 and punishable under section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him in court.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Modina Akanni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Akanni ordered that one of the sureties must have three years tax clearance, while the second surety must be a Civil Servant on grade level 10.

    She, thereafter, adjourned the case until February 13, 2018 for hearing.

    NAN

  • Woman bites Ikeja Electric workers over power disconnection

    Woman bites Ikeja Electric workers over power disconnection

    A 28-year-old trader, Kemi Shopade, who allegedly assaulted two Ikeja Electric workers that wanted to disconnect her electricity wire, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    Shopade, resident of Alaguntan, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, is being tried for conspiracy and assault.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, said that the accused committed the offences on November 24, at her residence.

    Awase said that the accused and two others, who had yet to be apprehended, assaulted two workers of Ikeja Electric — Mr John Oluwole and Mr Uwaoman Ibiam.

    “The accused beat up and bit the complainants while performing their duty,” he said.

    He said that the complainants disconnected the electricity supply of the accused over unpaid electricity bills from January.

    “The accused, who had not paid for electricity since the beginning of the year, descended on the complainants when they disconnected her power supply.

    “The two other men who are still at large joined her in beating the complainants, and in the process, the accused bit the complainants.

    “The case was reported to the police and the accused was arrested,” the prosecutor said.

    The offences contravened Sections 174 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).

    Section 174 prescribes three years jail term for a person guilty of assault.

    Read also: Court jails man, son for attacking Ikeja disco worker

    The accused, however, pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N20,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    The Magistrate, Mr J.A. Adigun, said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    He adjourned the case until January 5 for mention.

    NAN

  • Absence of DSS stalls hearing on Wike ’s suit against IGP, others

    Absence of DSS stalls hearing on Wike ’s suit against IGP, others

    A Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday could not hear Rivers Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike ’s application for an injunction against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and two others.

    The development was due to absence of Director of Department of State Service.

    The other respondents are: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Service (DSS).

    Wike, in his application, is seeking to ask the court to restrain the respondents from searching any of his houses.

    However, the matter could not be heard due to the absence of one of the respondents, DSS in court.

    The Judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, declined to proceed with the matter following the disclosure by the registrar of the court that there was no proof that the DSS had been served with hearing notices.

    According to the judge, it is the law that all parties in a suit must be served hearing notices, adding that unless any party elects not to attend court after having been served, then the matter can go on.

    Read also: FSARS: Wike, other campaigners are crime beneficiaries, says Peterside

    “The important thing here is that, I ordered that hearing notices be served on all the parties.

    “If the registrar had said that the fourth defendant had been served and they elected to stay away, that will be their business,” he said.

    However, Mr David Igbodo, counsel to the inspector-general of police, prayed the court to proceed with the matter, arguing that it was mainly between the governor and his client.

    “I think we can proceed with the matter in the absence of the fourth defendant, “he said.

    The Counsel to other defendants in the matter, Mr O.M Atoyebi and Mr Aliyu Usman, however, conceded to an adjournment, adding that proper thing be done.

    The judge adjourned the matter until February 22, to enable the plaintiff effect service on all parties.

    He also ordered that fresh hearing notices be served on the fourth defendant and asked the registrar of the court to ensure that the defendant was served.

    The suit was filed in June by Mr Sylva Ogwemoh (SAN) on behalf of Wike.

    Among other reliefs, Wike is seeking a declaration that by virtue of the provisions of Section 308 of the Constitution, the IGP, the EFCC and the DSS could not apply for, obtain, issue or execute any court process compelling his presence.

    He also sought relief “whether the defendants can, by the combined effect of Section 308 of the Constitution and Sections 149 and 150 of the Administration of Criminal Justice’’ among others.

    Again, whether the defendants can“apply for, obtain, issue or in any manner or form, effectively execute a search warrant at the residence of Wike in Abuja.

    The relief also include or any of his residences without his physical presence in the course of the execution of such search warrant.”

    NAN

  • Apapa ports not designed for haulage trucks – Ambode

    Apapa ports not designed for haulage trucks – Ambode

    The Apapa ports in Lagos were designed for goods to be transported by rail from the ports to the hinterlands, the state Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode said on Wednesday.

    Ambode made the observation when he hosted a French business delegation led by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Denys Gaver, at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “The port was never designed for haulage trucks. You could see the negative impact it has on our road transport network.

    “So, basically there are issues that relate to logistics and transportation in that axis,” Ambode said.

    The governor urged the business delegation to tap into investment opportunities in the state particularly in energy and agriculture.

    He said Lagos State contributed 73 per cent of the nation’s economy.

    Read also: Ambode presents N1.046trn budget for 2018

    Ambode said the state government was committed to opening up the economy and creating a conducive environment for business to thrive.

    Earlier, Gaver pledged that France would maximise investment opportunities in the state for the benefit of the residents.

    Gaver said Lagos, believed to be the fifth largest economy in Africa, would the best place to invest in.

    The ambassador called on the state government to give priority to its development projects.

    A member of the business delegation, Mr Philip Labonne, gave the assurance that France’s investment in Lagos would create employment opportunities for youths.

    The gridlock in Apapa is caused by bad roads and indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles which carry or drop goods in the ports.

    Ongoing rehabilitation of some roads in the axis contributed to the perennial heavy traffic.

    NAN

  • NTTF kicks off preparation for 2018 intercontinental games

    NTTF kicks off preparation for 2018 intercontinental games

    No fewer than 347 players are currently participating in the 2017 National Table Tennis Championships and 2018 Commonwealth Games Selection Trials which served-off  on Wednesday at the National Stadium, Lagos.

    The dual event holding from December 13 to December 16 is being organised by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF).

    The NTTF Assistant Secretary, c, said the events were part of its annual programmes and build up for the Commonwealth Games.

    Adeosun said it was an open and first trial directed toward giving players across the country the opportunity to prove their mettle in the Able and Para-Class of the various events.

    “The turnout is really high and I think it’s because the competition was declared open for the physically challenged and able bodied players across.

    Read also: NTTF set for national open, Commonwealth trials

    “Most players are familiar with the National Championships, being an arm of this event, but we have widened the scope this year because of major Games holding next year.

    “Although, this is the first stage of the trials because it involves more of the home-based, the platform will help to ginger players ahead of bigger tasks ahead.

    “So, those that performed credibly in this stage will have the opportunity to be part of the subsequent stages; this is the standard and process for selection,’’ she said.

    Adeosun said the NTTF would organise the 2nd stage of the trials in the first quarter of 2018, adding that it would be a closed event involving foreign-based players.

    The NTTF’s assistant secretary said the championships holding simultaneously in the Knock-Up Hall and Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, was being sponsored by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

    NAN

  • Man dupes catholic church N1m

    Man dupes catholic church N1m

    A 57-year-old man, Shinya Ellah, was on Wednesday arraigned in a Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa for allegedly duping Holy Cross Catholic Church, Mararaba of N1 million.

    The prosecutor, Cpl. Hamen Donald, told the court that one Mr Moses Adie reported the matter at `A’ Police Division, Mararaba on August 24, at about 9.50 a.m on behalf of the church.

    “In February, the defendant agreed to sell a plot of land to the church at the rate of N4 million in which the church paid one million as first installment into the defendant’s account.

    Read also: Catholic Priest ‘faked’ abduction to secretly see wife

    “The church, having paid the first instalment, the defendant absconded to an unknown destination with the money without notifying the church until he was traced through tracking and arrested,’’ Donald said.

    According to him, the offence is punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Law.

    The defendant denied committing the offence when the charge was read to him.

    The Judge, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000 bail with one surety in like amount.

    Shekarau said that the surety should present two of his recent passport photographs and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

    He adjourned the case until January 16, 2018, for hearing.

    NAN

  • Yuletide: NUPENG assures of regular petrol supply

    Yuletide: NUPENG assures of regular petrol supply

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers ( NUPENG ) on Wednesday assured motorists of regular supply of petroleum products to filling stations during the Yuletide and beyond.

    Mr. Tayo Aboyeji, the new Chairman of South-West Chapel of NUPENG, gave the assurance in an interview in Lagos.

    According to Aboyeji, tanker drivers will work throughout the Christmas and New Year festivals to ensure that filling stations in the South West get sufficient products.

    “I met the top management of Pipelines and Product Marketing Company ( PPMC ), a subsidiary of NNPC, on the assurance of products due to current fuel scarcity in some parts of the country.

    Read also: NUPENG offers support for NNPC to end fuel scarcity

    “If there is no petrol at depots, there is nothing we can take to filling stations.

    “They assured us that sufficient supply will be available in both PPMC depots in  in Lagos and Mosinmi in Ogun during the period.

    “They also promised to ensure that some private depots being used by the company for distribution will be fully loaded with petroleum products.

    “With this assurance from the NNPC, our tanker drivers will work round the clock to ensure that most filling stations in the South West have more than enough product.

    “We will ensure that Muslim members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers ( PTD ) work around the clock to ensure that petrol is available during the Christmas and New Year holidays,” he said.

    The chairman appealed to Federal Government to ensure speedy completion of Apapa-Wharp Road which was being handled by Dangote Group.

    He said that reconstruction works were taking toll on petroleum tankers going to different tank farms in Apapa, adding that tankers were on queues for days before getting to depots.

    ‘Our tankers spend close to two weeks on queues due to reconstruction of the road before accessing tank farms in Apapa; this is part of what is resulting in scarcity of petrol in the country.

    “We are all aware that 80 per cent of petroleum products being used by Nigerians are coming from these private tank farms in Apapa, so the repair work should be done on time,” he said.

    NAN