The Nation Newspaper

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  • ‘Ruling out compensation for affected Nigerians unacceptable’

    It is extremely disappointing that South Africa ruled out payment of compensation to Nigerians affected by recent xenophobic attacks and Nigeria must mobilize effective sanctions, constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Inibehe Effiong has said.

    “I fully support legal redress against South Africa. It is regrettable and unacceptable that the South African government has ruled out paying compensation to Nigerians and other African migrants who are victims of the xenophobic violence,” Effiong told The Nation.

    “The federal government should now deploy maximum diplomatic pressure and reciprocal actions against South Africa. We cannot accept this sort of criminality.

     

    Read Also: NANS vows to deal with South Africans over xenophobic attacks

    “I do not believe that South African companies in Nigeria should be nationalized, but that will only be necessary if we end bilateral relations with South Africa.

    “The federal government should impose punitive tariffs on all South African companies in Nigeria.

    “While I support all actions taken so far by the government, I believe that more can be done.

    “Let the government galvanise multilateral efforts across the continent with the aim of isolating South Africa.

    “They must be made to pay a heavy price. South Africans must be made to realise that their behaviour is intolerable,” Effiong said.

  • Visa applicants fret over passports stuck in diplomatic row

    Thousands of Nigerians who applied for visas to South Africa in the last two months have been thrown into confusion following the closure of the country’s diplomatic missions in Nigeria.

    The development was fallout of increased incidents of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in several suburbs of Pretoria and Johannesburg, and reprisal attacks in some Nigerian city.

    Our reporter, who visited the South Africa Visa Application Centre in Woji – GRA Phase II office in Port Harcourt on Friday, reports that the place was under lock and key. Applicants who had submitted applications before the crisis wore worried looks as they left the office in disappointment.

    A terse notice at the entrance to the VFS Global Service office at the Vineyard Shopping Centre stated: “Kindly note that the South Africa Visa Application Centre will remain close (sic) to applicants till further notice.”

    “NOTE: VFS is only a visa application submitting centre,” the notice added, ostensibly to discourage similar angry attacks that were visited on South African-linked companies in some parts of the country.

    VFS Agency handles application on behalf of the South African High Commission, and the Port Harcourt office was opened not long ago to cater for applicants in the South-south and Southeast.

     

    Read Also: 16th Abuja International: All South African film entries suspended

    Our reporter gathered that the uncertainty surrounding the fate of pending applications have got applicants worried, especially over what would become of their passports that are trapped therein.

    An applicant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Nation that she submitted her application two months ago but had not heard from the agency despite providing a telephone number for contact.

    “Even if my application is approved now, I don’t want to go to South Africa for the holiday, because it might turn into a nightmare. I just want my passport back because I have a visa that I want to use for the Christmas holiday.”

    Another source said she applied for visa more than two months ago, having been told that the process would last just a few weeks.

    Tourism industry sources told our reporter that visas to the country, which usually took two – three weeks, became increasingly difficult to come by in recent times because of stricter restrictions.

  • Man, 51, jailed for using expired ATM card to buy drinks and fried meat

    A 51-year old man, Ikidi Innocent, has been jailed by an Oredo Magistrate’s Court for using expired Union Bank ATM card to buy drinks and fried meat.

    Ikidi was said to have committed the offence on June 27, 2019.

    He was said to have tricked one Blessing John and Dorothy Amaka to buy meat and beer for his consumption.

    Ikidi was arraigned on three count charges of cheating and obtaining by false pretense.

    Read Also: Teenager jailed three months for stealing fowl

    He pleaded guilty to the charges.

    Police Prosecutor, Patrick Agbonifo, informed the court that the convict bought fried meat worth N1500, beer worth N9000, alcoholic drinks worth N3,730.

    Agbonifo said the offences were punishable under sections 516, 421 and 419 of the Criminal Code cap 48 Vol ii laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria now applicable in Edo State.

    Presiding Magistrate, Ivie Akhere, sentenced the accused to three months in prison without an option of fine.

  • Boy escapes from suspected ritualists in Ondo community

    A young boy suspected to be mentally challenged has allegedly escaped from suspected ritualists at Jubilee area of lkare Akoko, Akoko Northwest local government area of Ondo state.

    The unnamed boy was found opposite Lennon Jubilee High School where he was abandoned after being hacked with a matchet severally and abandoned in the pool of his blood littering the spot.

    The victim was said to have managed to escape up to Idi-mango, opposite St. Gregory Mega School before he became unconscious.

    It was learnt that Police in Ikare-Akoko discovered the young boy reeling in pains and quickly rushed him to an undisclosed hospital for emergency treatment, to sustain his life.

    Read Also: Police arrest ‘fake’ spiritualist for defrauding traders in Lagos, Ogun markets

    It would be recalled that two female lunatics were also killed last year along Ilepa road,while their private parts removed by suspected ritualists.

    Sources said Police were trailing the culprits to arrest them.

    Many shop owners in Jubilee and Idimango areas have reportedly closed their shops for fear of arrest.

    Attempts made by our correspondent to reach the Iare Divisional Police Officer (DPO),Chika Odeh,a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) failed.

  • ‘Why we rescued over 100 young girls from prostitution’

    A non-governmental organisation, Wholistic Outreach Ministry has disclosed that it decided to rescue young girls who are commercial sex workers in order to restore their lives and give them hope.

    The faith-based organisation was established by the wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye in 2002 to cater for commercial sex workers, trafficked girls and boys and stranded teenagers.

    Speaking with The Nation, the Administrator of the organisation, Mrs Biodun Bello said over 100 commercial sex workers had been rehabilitated in recent times.

    She noted that a large number of the girls in their search for jobs, were lured into the despicable trade by their friends and associates.

    Bello revealed that teenagers of 11 years of age had been brought to the outreach for rehabilitation.

    “There is a girl that our outreach team brought in from Abalade, Ogun state, she was 11 years old.’’

    “Some of the commercial sex workers already have children, which they had brought up at the brothels they stayed. A certain girl was brought in from one of the brothels where her mother worked, at age 13, she had already been brutally molested. We do take most of these girls and women to hospitals, as well as bring in trained psychologists and counselors to help them overcome trauma. We eat and have discussions together; calling them our daughters and making them to see us as family members.”

    Read Also: Juvenile sex workers of downtown Yola

    She explained that the organisation had limited facility to accommodate huge number of targeted girls.

    “Even if we have a target of 100-200 on a yearly, the space would still affect it. Only 20 to 40 girls can come in yearly. After three to six months at the shelter home and reconciliation with their families, we take them to a different home for the rehabilitation proper and that home has only 40 bed spaces”.

    “The outreach team coordinated by Mrs Kemi Richard goes out to meet the girls. They go out on a weekly basis to brothels to minister the word of God to them, as well as pray, cook, and run medical checks, and so many other things.

    “During this outreach, some of the girls indicated they want to come out, and we agree to shelter them. We take the girls to the police station for it to be on record that they are with us. In the shelter home, they spend minimum three months or maximum of six months. During this period, we teach them the word of God, let them fast and learn to pray, and take them for deliverance sessions. After the period has elapsed, we take them back and reconcile them with their families.

    “Some families accept them back, while others send them back to us. For those ones still with their families, before going, we take them to the police station to indicate that they are no longer with us. We mostly deal with girls from ages 13 and above and send them back to school.’’

    ‘’However, no sex worker can be taken into the rehabilitation home if she’s not willing to be rehabilitated. So, the team visit brothels and streets to talk to any seek for anyone willing to leave the work and turn a new leaf.’’

    “My advice would be directed to parents. Parents should try to find time for their children. Not everything is all about money, for there are things money cannot buy. When children want to talk or discuss some issues, please give them listening ears. Let your children become your friends; this would let them be free to gist, discuss and confide in you about the things happening in their lives.”

    Bello, stated the challenges faced while rehabilitating the girls.

    “Before we bring them out from the brothels and streets, the girls must be willing to come out. What we do is to go there, tell them we have a better place they can call home, tell them about Jesus Christ and his love for them. The challenges we face now is that some of them after they are out, find it difficult to adjust to the rules and regulations in our homes. These girls were once free and now they are restricted from a lot, it is hard. We also do not let them use mobile phones, to help them focus and avoid distractions from all those who patronize them.’’

  • 28-yr-old Man arraigned for stealing N157,000

    A 28-year old man, Desmond Ovoke Onovaibirhi, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate’s Court for stealing the sum of N157,700.

    Desmond was alleged to have conspired with one Elisabeth Augustine to steal the money from a new generation bank on January 12, 2019.

    Police Prosecutor, ASP Patrick Agbonifo, informed the court that the money belonged to one Loveth Tijani.

    Read Also: Man burns son to death for allegedly stealing N500

    The suspect was arraigned on two count charges of stealing and conspiracy.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Agbonifo said the offences were punishable under Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code vol ll laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria now applicable in Edo State.

    Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Ivie Akhere, granted bail to the accused person to the sum of N50, 000 and a surety in like sum.

    The case was adjourned to September 9, 2019 for hearing.

  • Woman seeks N11m for kidney transplant

    A kidney patient, Mrs Ijeoma Okwara, has cried out once again for financial support to undergo a renal transplant in a hospital in Mumbai, India.

    Her pathetic story was first published by Saturday Nation on August 10, wherein the estimated cost of the surgery was put at N11 million.

    In the report, the mother of three, a native of Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, said she had spent all her life savings on hospital bills and had no money to pay for the transplant.

    A medical report issued by the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Lagos, revealed that 34-year-old Ijeoma was brought to the hospital  on February 18, 2019 ‘’with history of easy fatigability and elevated blood pressure.

    Read Also: ‘Please I need N8million for kidney transplant’

    ‘’History, physical examination and laboratory investigations were in keeping with chronic kidney diseases in a known hypertensive patient.

    The report added that she had been placed on hemodialysis twice weekly with oral medications including anti-hypertensive, subcutaneous erythropoietin and iron sucrose.

    She however disclosed that a sum of N500,000 had been realised from donations from kind hearted Nigerians following the publication.

    The distraught Ijeoma who thanked those who had donated so far towards her treatment further solicited donations to enable her meet up with the cost of the transplant.

    ‘’ So far, what we have been realise so far is N500, 000 out of N11 million requested for the transplant by an Indian hospital. I thank those who have taken out of their hard earned money to contribute to my treatment, and I also want to further call on them and others not to abandon me as I still need over N10 million to add to the amount realised so far in order to pay for the renal transplant. May the good Lord bless them as they do,’’ she said.

    Donations can still be forwarded to a Zenith Bank account number 2254452857 with the name Okwara Jane Ijeoma.

    She can also be reached on her mobile phone number- 07064821249.

  • Police arrest 100 robbery, kidnap suspects

    The police in Kano State on Friday paraded 100 suspected criminals including five men they described as notorious kidnappers.

    Police Commissioner Ahmed Illyasu who paraded the suspects told reporters in Kano that the Command’s Anti Kidnapping Squad through Operation Puff Adder tracked and arrested the five alleged kidnapper kingpins after threatening   one Sani Yahaya of Goron Dutse quarters through text messages

    He said: “on August 21, a letter of complaint was received from one Ibrahim Muhammad of Sani Majnagge Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area Kano that an SMS text message was sent to him threatening him that his son would be kidnapped.

    Read Also: Court remands three for alleged robbery

    “Puff Adder operatives attached to the Command’s Anti Kidnapping Squad were immediately drafted and swung into action.

    “One Hamisu Abdullahi alias Baban Gandu aged 37 years and Yusuf Abubakar 48 years were arrested. Suspects confessed to have conspired and extorted the sum of N120,000 from the complaint and would soon be charged to Court.”

    Iliyasu added: “based on technical intelligence, the special Anti-Robbery squad of operation Puff-Adder, Miyyetti Allah arrested one Saidu Abdullahi and four others at Falgore forest, Doguwa Local Government Area.

    “Suspects confessed to have been involved in a series of armed robbery and kidnapping and mentioned other members of their syndicate now at large.”

    Five other suspects were alleged to have stolen 124 solar batteries and vandalized a mast .

  • ‘Gun found on me was collateral for loan’

    A suspected drug baron, James Ameh (54), who was arrested by the Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has claimed that the Pump Action gun found on him was a collateral from a friend he loaned a sum of N80,000.

    Ameh, who was arrested in the early hours of Thursday, was found in possession of a loaded Pump Action gun.

    About 40 personnel of the NDLEA alongside officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) left Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, to arrest Ameh, who had been on the wanted list of the command for several months.

    It was gathered that the suspect who was arrested in Igolijo, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, had 10 hectares of land where he cultivated cannabis sativa (Indian hemp).

    Read Also: Customs intercept N5bn tramadol, other illicit drugs in Lagos

    Ameh who arrested alongside six other suspects, namely: Usman Bello, Eze Stanley, Innocent Ameh, Samuel Idoko, Ojima Ojo and Ekene Ukwueze.

    The suspect who is also a  native doctor denied ownership of the gun, saying that it served as collateral towards recovering his money.

    “I am not the real owner of this Pump Action gun. It belongs to a friend who is owing me N80,000. I needed my money back urgently to do something with it. I am sorry, I never knew that having this in my house would put me into trouble. As for the issue of dealing on drugs and having hectares of land for cannabis, it is also not true”.

    Speaking with newsmen shortly after the arrest the head of the Kogi State Command of the NDLEA, Alhaji Idris Bello, said that the arrest of the suspect and his accomplices, was through information gathered by officers of the command.

    He warned that anyone that is caught engaging in illegal drug business will be made to face the full wrath of the law, adding that the suspects will be charged to court at the end of investigation.

  • 77-yr-old Lagos pensioner loses building to suspected grabbers, cries out for justice

    A retired teacher, Madam Lydia Ebunoluwa has cried out for justice after her house was allegedly demolished by suspected land grabbers.

    Ebunoluwa, lamented that she is homeless and in dire need of justice over the illegal demolition of her only house at 7 Church Close in Katangowa area of Abule Egba, noticed the rubble had been overgrown with weeds.

    The 77-year-old woman who retired as teacher in 1995 now sleeps in a kiosk near the popular Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Agbala Itura at Ile Epo bus stop along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

    Narrating her ordeal to The Nation, Ebunoluwa, a native of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State, said her travails started in 2016 when some persons brought notice from a local government asking her to pull down the building within 48 days for violating building setback regulations, despite the fact that the house was not sited near the road.

    She however said the concerned council authorities denied sending any notice to her, noting that the land grabbers might have contrived the said notice to intimidate her.

    She said she suspected the land grabbers were conniving with some state officials, adding that she had made several entreaties to the police to save the situation but to no avail.

    ”My traducers had been disturbing and harassing me to the extent that they stopped me from finishing work on a soak away facility I was constructing in my house.

    Read Also: Residents protest menace of land grabbers in Ogun

    ‘’When I was alerted to the unlawful demolition on November 29, 2018, I quickly rushed home only to discover the building had been pulled down without caterpillar. I also saw the hoodlums who carried out the demolition drinking and rejoicing in front of my property.

    ‘’I reported the matter to the police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, Lagos and some suspects were arrested but they have since been released.

    ‘’Since then, they have not been able to come back to the property while I cannot also live in the house because it has been destroyed and reduced to rubble.

    ‘’ I worked for 28 years as a teacher in various schools in Agege Local Government Area. I retired in 1995 at Orile Agege Primary School with a N13,000 monthly pension that is not enough to take care of my needs. I had been taking care of myself from the rent I collected from my tenants until the house was demolished. I want justice, so my house can be reconstructed by the same people who attempted to annex it by force.

    The septuagenarian who has since resorted to selling pure (satchet) water in front of her wooden shelter said her two surviving children had no job and lacked the means to get a better accommodation for her.

    ‘’Life has been very unfair to me. I lost the only building I spent my retirement benefits to build. I was collecting rent from the house until it was pulled down by some lawless land grabbers. As you can see I sit here all day selling pure (sachet) water to passers-by to eke a living. ‘’