The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • Man docked over alleged theft of Aluminum

    Man docked over alleged theft of Aluminum

    A 28-year-old man,  Olayiwola Sunday, who allegedly broke into a house and stole an aluminum frame and other valuable items valued at N500,000, was on Friday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun.

    Sunday, who has no fixed address, is facing two-count charge of stealing and burglary.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on December 7 at about 5.00 a.m at Pen Estate, Lafenwa, Ota.

    Gbesi said that the accused broke into the house of one John Adebayo to steal an aluminum frame and other valuable items valued at N500, 000.

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Senior Magistrate, Mr S. O. Banjo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Banjo said that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and swear to an affidavit of means.

    He also ordered that the sureties should show evidence of tax payment to the Ogun Government and submit four recent passport photographs to the court.

    The case was adjourned until January 31, for hearing.

    NAN

  • Motorcycle operator in court over alleged theft

    Motorcycle operator in court over alleged theft

    A 22- year-old motorcycle operator, Dejo Bajowa, who allegedly stole motorcycle valued at N120,000, was on Friday docked before an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State.

    The accused of no fixed address is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Ayodeji Omoyeigha, told the court that the accused on Nov.16, at No.6, Kewe St., Okitipupa, conspired with other now at large to steal an unregistered Suzuki motorcycle.

    Omoyeigha said that the motorcycle was given to him by the owner, Michael Ijiri, to pay on instalments.

    He said that the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 516 and 390(9), Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, and Laws of Ondo State 2006.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Read also: Court jails two for stealing yam

    The Magistrate, Mr Chris Ojuola, granted the accused bail of N50,000 with a surety in like sum, who must produce evidence of a year tax clearance.

    Ojuola adjourned the case until Jan. 15 for further hearing.

    NAN

  • Sri Lankan president honours World youngest author

    Sri Lankan president honours World youngest author

    Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday honoured a Sri Lankan child who set a Guinness World Record as the world’s youngest author, a statement from the President’s office said.

    The president received the 5-year-old boy, Thanuwana Serasinghe along with his parents in his office on Friday and offered a copy of his book titled Junk Food to the president.

    Also Read: Sri Lanka seeks partnership with Nigeria in tea production

    According to the statement, “the child had only taken three days to write the book.’’

    The president gave his blessings to the child and wished him success in his education.

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • 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.

  • FRSC rescues 90 in Lagos

    FRSC rescues 90 in Lagos

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) rescued 90 people unharmed in Lagos State during its “Operation Zero Tolerance Patrol’’ which started on December 18, 2017.

    The State Sector Commander of the corps, Mr. Hyginus Omeje, gave the figure in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Thursday.

    “So far, we experienced nine crashes during the patrol, but one was fatal where one life was lost on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    “Two other crashes were serious where two victims were injured.

    “About 90 other people were rescued unharmed at other incidents,” he said.

    Omeje told NAN that the command arrested no fewer than 165 motorists at different corridors for various traffic offences during the patrol.

    Read also: Fatality rate in Ogun drops by 38.5% in 2017- FRSC

    He said that the corps lived up to expectations in ‘Ember Months’ sensitisation and patrol performances.

    According to him, the command established four camps which operated for 24 hours at different corridors, and adopted strategies to avert accidents and curb gridlocks on critical corridors.

    “We said before the patrol started that no motorists would sleep on the road as a result of gridlocks; so far, it is a success story,” he said.

    Omeje said enlightenment programmes by the corps to educate motorists, especially commercial bus drivers at different parks, accounted for the increased level of compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

    The sector commander appealed to motorist to drive safely and observe road signs on highways to avoid accidents.

    The patrol which began last year will end on January 15.

    NAN

  • Police arraign 35-year old banker for cheating

    Police arraign 35-year old banker for cheating

    The police on Thursday arraigned one Daniel George, 35, at a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court in the Federal Capital territory  ( FCT ) for cheating.

    George, a banker and resident of Gwarimpa, Abuja, is standing trial on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and cheating.

    The Prosecutor, Otu Urom, said that Sanusi Saminu residing at Ishaka Close, Gwarimpa, Abuja, reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Abubakar Bello, on December 13, 2017.

    He alleged that sometime in July, 2017, the accused and two others now at large, conspired and deceived the complainant.

    Urom alleged that they deceived the complainant to invest N1.5 million in their company under name of Global Trust Multipurpose Cooperative Limited.

    He said that the accused and the others promised to pay the complainant his money in 90 days but they failed to do so after the stipulated period.

    Read also: Police arrest 14 over Ibadan violence

    The prosecutor alleged that they converted the money into their personal use.

    According to him, the offence contravenes the Penal Code.

    When the charge was read out, the defendant pleaded not guilty”.

    The Senior Magistrate, Mr. Musa Jobbo, granted the accused bail for N1 million with one surety in like sum.

    He said that the surety must be a civil servant residing within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the case till February 5 for hearing.

    NAN