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Tag: Nigerian Newspaper

  • Police rescue kidnapped 7-year-old boy in Gombe

    The Police in Gombe has rescued a 7-year-old boy and arrested 16 crime suspects in Gombe State for various crimes.

    SP Mary Malum, the Public Relations Officer of the police command, said this while briefing newsman in Gombe on Thursday.

    Malum said the police arrested the suspects for kidnapping, culpable homicide, rape, criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and child abuse.

    She said that most of the suspects have confessed to the crimes and would be charged to court for prosecution, adding that some of the cases were still being investigated.

    “In the case of kidnapping, the police arrested one 19-year-old Mohammed Ahmed for kidnapping a 7-year-old boy by name Hassan Abubakar of Kumbiya-Kimbiya quarters in Gombe.

    “The suspect saw the victim in a mosque performing ablution and sent him to buy a sachet of pure water for him. He followed the boy and picked him on bike to his house.

    “He demanded for ransom of N3.5 million for the boy’s release and when the ransom wasn’t forthcoming, he decided to call the victim’s uncle to tell him that he found the boy.

    “Also, a 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection to a case of culpable homicide where he stabbed one Yusuf Sulaiman as a result of disagreement over sharing of food (masa).

    “The police recovered one electric iron, one machete, five knives, two iron rods, two school bags from the suspects,” she said.

    While assuring Gombe residents of the command’s resolve to fight crimes and criminalities, she advised members of the public to take necessary security measures in safeguarding their children and ward both at home and at schools.

    Abubakar Adamu, father of the rescued 7-year-old boy told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he was happy that his son was back home.

    Read Also; Police arrest one-eyed man over serial murder of 15 people in Ogun

    Adamu said: “I want to thank the police and everyone who prayed for my son to return home. I am very happy that my son is back home.

    “I reported the case to the police and they responded with investigation while giving me tips on what to do when the suspect calls and in the end my son is back home.

    “I want all parents to always pay attention to the whereabouts of their children and keep watch over them,” he said.

  • I’ll create better environment for Nigerian businesses in S/Africa- Ramaphosa

    Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Pretoria, South Africa, called for more tolerance, vigilance and heightened security in countries to ensure safety of citizens, noting that competition heralded by globalization, especially with ease in migration, will only get more intense for businesses.

    He was responding to questions during a press conference at the Union Building, alongside his host, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    In a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President said authorities should be more pro-active in detecting early signals of violence between competitors, while migrants and companies should adhere to the local laws of countries.

    “Police must be on alert not to allow violence to escalate,’’ he said.

    President Buhari said the business world had turned out more dynamic over the years, with foreigners competing with locals in businesses that were initially considered low.

    He said the panacea would only be for security agencies to show more interest in market operations, players and likely areas of tensions.

    The President likened the situation of Nigerians in South Africa to Ghana where competition at low levels of the economy breeds intense competition, noting that it will keep growing with population explosion.

    He told Nigerians living in various parts of the world, especially in South Africa, to adhere with the laws of the country they reside, and ensure compliance with market laws.

    “Like it is said, ‘when you are in Rome behave like the Romans’. Always be law abiding,’’ he said.

    Earlier in his remark, the President condemned attacks on Nigerians and the burning of their properties in South Africa, describing it as “unacceptable’’, while assuring the South African government that their citizens and businesses in Nigeria will always be protected from harm. He also condemned the reprisal attacks in Nigeria.

    “In my discussions with President Ramaphosa and the Bi-National Commission meeting, we reviewed wide range of issues at national, regional, continental and global levels,’’ he added.

    He said some of the issues were on trade, investment, mining, security, police affairs and environment. “Our two countries have also agreed to unequivocally address the challenges in our relations including the recent people to people challenges that saw attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and their properties, which we strongly condemned.’’

    Read Also; ‘IPOB members’ attack in South Africa disgraceful’

    In his remarks, President Ramaphosa said the attacks on foreigners in South Africa, including Nigerians, were regrettable, assuring that his government will work hard to see an end to such attacks.

    He also condemned reprisal attacks in Nigeria.

    He said President Buhari is the first president to embark on a state visit in South Africa since they came into power.

    “We will work together to promote cohesion and best values. What happened did not reflect our values. We both condemn the attacks and the reprisal in strongest terms. We will set up mechanisms for early signals,’’ he said.
    President Ramaphosa said his country will also create a more enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to thrive in South Africa, acknowledging that more South African companies operate in Nigeria, while Nigerians were mostly in Small and Medium Scale sectors in his country.

    “We have large corporations operating in Nigeria while you have small and medium enterprises from Nigeria here in South Africa.” He promised to deepen the reforms in his country to open the space for more Nigerian business to “address the imbalance”.

    “The rule of law must be obeyed by all citizens. Nigerians in South Africa must obey the rule of law, while South Africans in Nigeria must obey the rule of law,’’ he said.

    Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, signed agreements on the minutes of the 9th session of Bi-National Commission.

  • Parents of detained Madonna varsity six refuse to apologise

    Nwanosike Onu, Awka

     

    The parents of the six detained Madonna University students in Anambra State have vowed not to apologise to the institution over their children’s alleged behaviour.

    The six students from the Okija- based University in Anambra State were detained by the Police on the orders of the school management for seven months before they were granted bail by the Federal High Court in Awka.

    Their arrest and detention by the Police was as a result of an alleged criticism of the school on social media by the students as reported by the management

    Speaking with reporters in Awka, one of the parents, Chief Christopher Onyejekwe, said there was an agreement to withdraw the case from the Court by the parties in one of their meetings recently in the interest of peace.

    According to Onyejekwe: ” Sequel to the meeting we had with Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Ralph Madu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Madonna University, the Registrar of Madonna University and The Rector of the Saviourite House of Formation,Fr. Dr. Oliver Udaya, on 24th day of September 2019 at Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, we; the accused persons of a case before the Federal High Court Awka with suit No:FHC/FHC/C/03/2019 decided to give peace a chance.

    “We also took into good view the concerns of many Catholic Bishops especially Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Diocese and Most Rev. Hilary Okeke of Nnewi Diocese.

    “We realized that giving peace a chance will be in the best interest of the image of the church, the image of Madonna and decided to settle the matter on a round table.

    “The condition for settling the matter out of court was for the university to release the seized results of the affected students and mobilising them for the National Youth Service Corps.

    “We were optimistic that the voice of reason would prevail but when the resolution of our meeting was presented to the founder of the university, Rev Father Edeh, he asked us to tender individual apologies to the university.”

    He wondered why they should apologise for the detention of their children.

    Read Also:  Six detained Madonna Varsity students, lecturer granted bail

    “Why should we tender apologies to him for detaining our children in prison for seven months and ruining their careers?

    “We won’t do that. We’ve decided to carry on with the matter in court, no going back,” Onyejekwe maintained

    When contacted on the telephone for a reaction, the deputy registrar of the university, Charles Njoku said:” I can’t react”

    “They have just sacked me from the university without any reason given to me. I’m in my house.”

    However, he said he wouldn’t know if his sack was connected to the detained students’ case or not.

    After they were granted bail in July, 2019 by Justice Babatunde Quadri of the Federal High Court 2, Awka, the matter was adjourned to October 7,2019 for further hearing.

  • Nigeria’s hottest bachelors

    They are rich, influential, sophisticated, popular and of all handsome; yet, they are still single. Interestingly, they have the raft attention of several beautiful spinsters, lurking around them, but they choose to remain single for reasons best known to them.

    Anytime they saunter into any event, cameras and paparazzi flash will shutter and battle to catch their portraits. We take a deep look at the hottest bachelors rocking the societal scene in Nigeria.

    Don Jazzy

    Born Michael Collins Ajereh, Don Jazzy, the Chief Executive of Mavin Records would make the list any day any time. He is regarded as first choice for ladies determined to settle down. A philanthropist extraordinaire, Don Jazzy has often publicly declared his crush for American pop singer, Rihanna and billionaire blogger, Linda Ikeji.

    When Linda was pregnant, some fan asked Don Jazzy if he was responsible as they had been alleged to be romantically involved but Don Jazzy was quick to debunk the rumour.

    Over the years, Don Jazzy has never posted any picture of a lady ascribed to have been having a romance with him. People have raised highbrows over his long bachelorhood as his teeming fans constantly ask why he is still single.

    Only time will tell if Don Jazzy will walk down the aisle pretty soon.

    Alex Ekubo

    Super talented actor and model, Alex Ekubo Okwaraeke, is the first runner up at the 2010 Mr. Nigeria contest. Many wondered why he has remained single though he has been romantically linked to many women in the past.

    Blessed with a suave and gentlemanly nature, he won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the Weekend Getaway.

    Alex has risen to become one of the most sought- after actors in Nollywood with many movie producers and directors loving to have him on their set thereby making him earn more per movie role. His light skin colour and body structure have earned him the crush of many ladies. Therefore, his bachelorhood remained a mystery to his teeming fans.

    The Mass Communication graduate from the Polytechnic of Calabar was alleged to be having an affair with his erstwhile friend, former Big brother star, Uti Uwachukwu but Alex openly debunked the rumour, telling the whole world he is not gay.

    Since he joined the movie industry with the movie “Ladies man”, Alex is a first choice for all ladies seeking to marry an upward mobile guy. Alex is still very single and ladies are free to shoot their shot.

    Read Also: Eight female Nollywood celebrities unmarried at 40 and above

    Bryan Okwara

    Reputed to be one of Nollywood’s finest actors, he shot into the limelight when he won the Mr Nigeria Contest in 2007 going on to contest at the Mr World contest where he reached the Semi- finals.

    Okwara is an undisputed lady’s man. His cute looks, body physique and fashion sense made him a toast of many spinsters

    Despite these intimidating sterling qualities, most women pray to have in a man, he is still unmarried. The former Mr Nigeria said the reason for this is because he is yet to find his lost rib.

    The stylish debonair hasn’t really been romantically linked with any woman, except a model named Bunmi Ademokoya. They reportedly dated for about six years before splitting in 2014. Bryan is still very much single and regarded on of the hottest bachelors in town.

    Pretty Mike

    Christened Mike Nwogu, his sobriquet Pretty Mike connotes how handsome he is blessed with a good height and endearing look, Mike is indeed one of the most controversial socialites in Nigeria.

    Most ladies can’t get over his swag and his cute looks. Mike is a crush of many ladies. His fleet of automobile and his financial prowess give him an added advantage.

    Mike named his pet dog “Toke Makinwa” and as well, spent a huge sum to buy a sex doll. On acquiring the sex doll, many ladies wondered why he opted for a sex doll despite the many ladies asking for his attention.

    Frederick Leonard

    Frederick Leonard

    Regarded as one of the finest Nigerian actors and top notch models, Fred is a lady’s man. His numerous female fans regard him as a handsome cool guy blessed with a jaw-dropping physique.

    Away from his physical attributes, he is also a very gifted, creative and talented actor, demonstrating his impeccable dexterity by interpreting his roles perfectly.

    The biochemistry graduate from Kaduna State Polytechnic was born on the 1st of May 1976. He is a native of Anambra State and the first in a family of two. At 43, he is still single and considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the entertainment industry every lady would give a chance for marriage.

    His detractors accused him of bleaching but he has since debunked the rumour, saying he no longer goes through stress that his natural skin comes out fresh. He also he was in relationship with various actresses.

  • DSS quizzes Bayelsa activist on Assembly crisis

    Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

     

    The Department of State Security (DSS) has summoned and quizzed a lawyer and activist, Aluzu Augustine, following the crisis rocking the state House of Assembly.

    Aluzu, who is the founder of the Patriotism Advancement and Community Orientation Network (PACON) confirmed the development and said he went to the Yenagoa office of DSS accompanied by some lawyers and officials of PACON.

    He said he was invited by one Mr. Patrick Etang and quizzed by the Assistant Director of Security, Mr. Ojong Ojong, who said the invitation was based on a security report that he was planning to lead a protest against the impeachment the Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Tonye Isenah.

    Read Also: ‘Lyon’s popularity alone can’t win Bayelsa for APC’

    “But I told them that there was no time he contemplated leading a protest against the impeachment of the speaker because what transpired in the House remained the business of the House. I also told them that even if I want to lead a peaceful protest, it is within his right as a citizen of the country.

    “There is no cause for alarm because they only asked me questions. I also informed that I have resigned my position in my NGO temporarily to enable me concentrate on some political issues. Even if I wanted to lead a protest I wouldn’t have done it using my NGO. They did not mishandle me and after answering their questions, they let me go”.

     

  • Why we raided Frasier Hotel in Abuja – Customs

    The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Thursday explained that its operatives stormed the Frasier hotel Abuja because of an intelligence that some vehicles without customs duty were removed from a car mart at the hotel.

    Custom’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joseph Attah, who made the clarification in a rejoinder issued in Abuja, insisted that the operatives did not go as far as disturbing guests in the hotel rooms.

    Attah said that: “The attention of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to misinformation making the rounds concerning visit of our operatives to an Abuja Hotel to remove suspected smuggled vehicles Thursday.

    “Our operatives, relying on intelligence that owners of some exotic cars (including bullet proof) without duty payment quickly removed their vehicles from a car mart and took same to Frasier hotel Abuja.

    “On arrival at the hotel, our operatives interacted with the manager and eventually left with 4 vehicles leaving 6 behind, while expecting the manager to provide the keys to the cars left behind.

    However, the manager Thursday morning gave a written undertaking to produce a Customs vehicle duty payment documents to support his claim that the vehicles were not smuggled.

    Read Also:  Nigeria Customs Service: So far, so…

    “We assured him of prompt release of the vehicles as soon as evidence of appropriate duty payments are presented.

    “Unfortunately, we woke up to mischievous misrepresentation of an otherwise professional engagement with the manager that had nothing to do with the guests in the hotel.

    “Some even went as far as saying that the operatives went from room to rooms waking up guests to come out for vehicle verification. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

    “NCS did not do such thing and has no intention to start raiding hotels. Our operatives never infringed on the rights and comfort of guests in the hotel.

    “While advising Nigerians to be wary of social media posts, we urge members of the public to discountenance the fabrication as NCS will continue to work in the interest of Nigerians.”

  • UPDATED: Gunmen kidnap 6 girls, two staff in Kaduna school

    Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Thursday morning stormed a boarding secondary school in Kaduna, taking away six female students and two staffers of the school.

    The private boarding secondary school known as, Engravers College, is in a Kakau Daji village of Chikun local government area, a metropolitan L.G.A.

    Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the incident, saying that, teams of Anti-kidnapping, SARS, and conventional police have been deployed for possible rescue of the victims.

    According to the PPRO, “The Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo who confirmed the kidnap in a statement Thursday afternoon said, IGP’s Intelligent Respond team (IRT) has equally been contacted for technical support.

    “The Command received an information through DPO Tall Gate, in the early hours of today 03/10/2019 at about 0310hrs that, some armed men gained entry into the Engravers College, a Boarding secondary school in a remote area near Kakau Daji village in Chikun L.G.A and took away two staff of the college and six (6) female students to unknown destination.

    “On receipt of that information, the Command immediately mobilized combined teams of Anti-kidnapping, SARS, and conventional police to the area for possible rescue of the victims and arresting the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident.

    Read Also; Gunmen abduct Bayelsa commissioner’s father

    “IGP’s Intelligent Respond team (IRT) has been contacted for technical support.

    “The Command therefore, is using this opportunity to reiterate its call on all the private school proprietors within the State to liaise with their nearest Police formation and promptly report incidents or suspicious persons around schools to forestall future occurrence of ugly incidents.

    “On this note, the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command, CP Ali Aji Janga pcs is assuring the general public that, the Command is doing everything possible to secure the release of all the victims unhurt.

    “He equally called on the good people of the State not to relent in giving the Police prompt and useful information at all times.” He said.

  • Just in: Reps approve MTEF

    The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the 2020 to 2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy (MTEF) Paper.

    This followed the presentation of the report of the committees on Finance and Appropriations on MTEF by Rep. James Faleke, Chairman House Committee on Finance during the plenary session.

    The house recommended the adoption of 2.18 million barrels per day (mbpd) as daily production output in 2020.

    It noted that the production would be realisable due to concerted efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and security agencies to combat the menace of oil theft and vandalism.

    The lower chamber also recommends the adoption of $57/barrel as crude oil benchmark price for the fiscal year 2020.

    The reps further recommended that the revenue target of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of N942.6 billion for 2020 should be increased to N1.5 trillion.

    It said the increase was as a result of the performance of NSC in last nine months with three months still outstanding.

    “The NCS revenue as at September stood at N1 trillion against the budget figure of N969.8 billion for the year 2019.

    “The Joint Committee commends the NCS for exceeding the targeted revenue despite the global economic challenges and closure of the Nigerian borders.”

    The green chambers also suggested that the sum of N557.4 billion from the revenue increment of NCS be used to reduce borrowing by N200 billion and increase capital expenditure.

    The increment, it stressed, would decrease the size of the budget deficit from N1.7 trillion to N1.5 trillion and also increase the total capital available to ministries, departments and agencies by N357 billion, from N1.01 trillion to N1.367 trillion.

    “The adoption of N1.5 trillion as the amount for New Borrowing as a result of reduction of N200 billion which was sourced from the increase of revenue target of the NCS.

    “However borrowing must be project-tied.

    “In borrowing more government must remain focused and ensure that it is used to fund critical projects that will increase productivity and contribute to finance financing such debt.”

    The house also recommends that the exchange rate of N305 per dollar should be maintained for economic stability while more work should be done by the finance minister and economic stakeholders to improve economic growth.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Senate increases budget to N10.729trn

    It noted that economic growth would be achieved through increasing the GDP and reducing the inflation rate to single digit.

    Furthermore, the reps recommended that proper investigation be carried out on the e-collection stamp duties domicile with Central Bank of Nigeria for the past years.

    “So as to show probity and accountability and of course increase the revenue base of the country,” the house stated.

    Additionally, the house called for the immediate amendment of Act of the National Assembly on Production Sharing Contracts with International Oil Companies and for proper investigation on NNPC so as to ascertain the actual cost associated with the Joint Venture agreements.

    The lower chambers further recommended that more Government Owned Enterprises budget be added to the nation’s budget to ensure proper checks and balances among all Federal Government Agencies.

    The reps called on the Debt Management Office to put more efforts and strategies in managing the foreign and local debts.

    The house also suggested that the total estimated expenditure of the Federal Government should be increased from N10.002 trillion to N10, 729.4 trillion.

    It also recommended that the National Assembly expedite action on the passage of the finance bill.

    The reps said that the bill would be brought along with the National Budget into Law for easy implementation of the 2020 budget, especially in the area of VAT.

    The house called for an urgent amendment to the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the various Laws of the revenue generating agencies to align with current realities.

    It also recommended that earmarking one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to be classified as Statutory Transfer.

    (NAN)

  • Bureau de Change operator arraigned for alleged N17.9m fraud

    A bureau de change operator, Arinze Onwudiwe, was Thursday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for alleged N17.9 million fraud.

    Onwudiwe was alleged to have obtained N17.9 million from a businessman, Mr. Chinonso Nnebedum under the pretext of changing the money to US dollar equivalent.

    Onwudiwe, 40, of no fixed address is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing before Magistrate, Mrs A. A. Famobiwo.

    Prosecuting Insp. Ibrahim Haruna told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on September 11, at 11.00a.m, at No. 5, Ganiyat Street, Monkey Village Maza-Maza, Lagos.

    The prosecutor said that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N17.9 million from the complainant, Nnebedum, under the guise of giving him its dollar equivalent.

    Read Also; Police rescue kidnapped 7-year-old boy in Gombe

    He said the defendant, instead converted the money to personal use.

    Onwudiwe pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Famobiwo granted him bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties in like sum.

    She ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

    She adjourned the case until November 5.

  • NDDC abandoned projects: Reps vow to drag contractors before EFCC

    The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) abandoned projects has vowed to drag defaulting contractors before the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC), to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution.

    Mr Adedeji Olajide, a member of the committee, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure.

    The lawmaker, who spoke after a two-day tour of inspection to NDDC project sites in six local government areas of Ondo state by the committee is representing Ibadan Northwest, Southwest Federal Constituency in the House.

    NAN reports that the ad hoc committee was inaugurated in July to investigate abandoned projects in the nine states of the NDDC, from 2000 till date.

    It is also charged with the responsibility of investigating the cost of award, period of award, the state of completion and constraints being faced by contractors.

    Olajide said the committee was also in the state to carry out investigations into on-going and abandoned projects to see how the committee could mitigate some of the risks and issues concerning the projects.

    He said: “In the cause of our investigations, we found out that some contractors have actually completed their work, but have not been paid.

    Some contractors have on-going projects but because of lack of funds, they cease to work and those projects look like abandoned projects.

    “But there are a lot of projects with which we are not satisfied.

    “There are cases of fraud where contractors have been paid and they have absconded. They have abandoned the sites without doing anything.

    “After the contracts have been awarded to them and they have been mobilised, they simply walked away with the money without doing any tangible work.

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    “Work done in many of the projects are just under 2 per cent.

    “This is not acceptable to us. We have law enforcement agencies on ground and we also have good representatives who are ready to fight the cause of the people.

    “We are going to make sure that such fraudulent contractors are brought to book because very soon, EFCC will be on their tail.”

    However, the legislator said the committee would do whatever within in its power to ensure that contractors who used their money to complete their projects, and those who needed funds to complete theirs, get paid.

    According to him, this will encourage honesty because if people used their hard earned money to execute contract and got paid on time, it will prevent them from engaging in corruption.

    The committee visited not less than six project sites, including Ayetoro Shore Protection and Reclamation, Ugboh-Oghoye Road, all in Ilaje Local Government, and Agadagba Obon-Arogbo Road/Bridge in Ese-Odo Local Government in the state.

    (NAN)