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Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Head hunter, son killed in Kogi

    The Chairman of Bunu Hunters in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Caleb Oshe and his son, Sunday have been killed by gunmen.

    The government condemned the killing, saying those behind it would be apprehended and prosecuted.

    In a statement yesterday through the Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Kingsley Fanwo, Governor Yahaya Bello described the killing as unacceptable.

    He called for restraint, saying: “Security agencies have been deployed to ensure the arrest of the murderers.”

    The police command confirmed the killing.

    Spokesman William Aya, confirming the incident, said a detachment of operatives had been deployed in the area.

    He said: “The story is true. The Commander Kabba, DPO ‘A’ Division Kabba, Sole Administrator Kabba/Bunu Local Government with his exco and other security agencies visited the scene. The bodies were on the floor.

    “The Commissioner of Police (CP) assured the family and the villagers that investigation is on. The police will do everything to bring the perpetrators to book,” said Aya.

    Read Also: Kogi govt. debunks alleged herdsmen attack at Lokoja park

    The CP appealed to people to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their hands.

    Governor Bello condemned the killing, saying security agencies have been mandated to ensure that those behind the murder are apprehended and prosecuted.

    In a statement through his Director-General (Media and Publicity), Kingsley Fanwo, the governor said such is “unacceptable to his government and the people of Kogi State.”

    He called for restraint, as security agencies have been deployed to ensure the arrest of the murderers.

    “As the governor, the security of lives and property is what I have sworn to protect. It is, therefore, unacceptable to us as a people for anyone to murder our citizens.

    “Every life is important to us, and we will stop at nothing to arrest the masterminds of the heinous crime.

    “Our administration has placed premium attention on security and it is, therefore, unfortunate that we still have flashes of such dastardly act.

    “It is too early to attribute the killing to anyone, and no one should take the law into his or her hands. The late Caleb Osho was not only the head of the vigilance group in Suku, but also the person responsible for logging activities in the community. Given the centrality of Suku community to the politics and economy of the area, we have no choice but to allow security agencies launch investigation into the circumstances leading to the crime. We will support them to achieve success.

    “I’ve directed the security adviser to mobilise security agencies to the place, which has been done. Our people must be protected from the pangs of anti-social criminals, who will surely lose the battle against our well woven security architecture.

    “I commiserate with the family of the late Mr. Oshe and the entire Suku community over the irreparable loss. We will ensure that justice is done. We will spread our security dragnet to avert this kind of security issue.”

    The governor warned residents not to launch any reprisal, assuring them that the security agents on ground have all it takes not only to protect them, but also to apprehend the murderers.

    “I have directed the security agencies to make sure the area is well combed, to ensure anyone bearing unauthorised arm is made to face the law,” Bello said.

  • 40million denied access to telecoms service – NCC boss

    Over 40 million Nigerians are denied access to telecommunication services due to the inability of tele communication firms to spread their services to rural areas, Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta, has stated.

    Dambatta canvassed the need of a new techno-paradigm shift in the communication sector to find solution to the challenges in the communication industry.

     Dambatta, who spoke during emerging technologies consultative and ICT innovation forum for North-West, stated: “We are addressing this deficit in two ways. One is to address the infrastructural deficit in the long term.

    “In the short term, we need to deploy more and base transiver stations. At the main time, the base transiver stations are stations are about 58, 000; and that is not enough for a population of about 190 million.

    “At an average of 10 base transiver stations per year, it going to take this country 20 years to bridge the gaps and bring tele-communication services to people living in the rural areas.

    “People living in the rural areas don’t have the patience to wait for 20 years. So, we are looking at rural technology solutions that can bridge the gap in two years. This is ongoing.”

    According to him, NCC is driving the local content, using the ICT Eco system with the resources available such as the infrastructure, technology facilities, human intelligence to improve the economy, adding “if those infrastructures are available, they can now be used to drive wealth for the 40 million Nigerians who are not benefitting from such services.

    He noted: “Whereas Mobile Network Operators have developed infrastructure to support voice services and access to data, it has become expedient for them to unlock new services and sources of value generation and revenue streams in their operation.

    “It has, therefore, become necessary to innovate on how to access on how to access segments of the Consumer wallets not presently allocated to communication by providing solutions to Consumer needs in other vertical areas of education, health, government services made available through telecoms network infrastructure. We have to be innovative to make different aspects of our lives work.”

    He also promised that NCC will encourage the various tech hubs and start-ups across the country so they can flourish and achieve their set goals, adding that, “we intend to assist the various tech hubs with the right regulatory intervention to ease their operations.”

  • Businessman charged with defrauding Chinese

    A businessman, Chibuike Amadi, yesterday appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly collecting handbags worth N2.16 million from a Chinese, under the false pretence that he would pay her after sales.

    Amadi, 28, who lives at 11, Akiosun Street, Ijesha, Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretence.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecutor Sergeant Mishozumu Samuel said the defendant committed the offences on March 26 and April 26 in Agege, Lagos.

    Read Also: Businessman arraigned for allegedly receiving stolen property

    He alleged that the accused collected the handbags from the complainant, Mrs. Linling, (a Chinese), with a promise to pay her after he would have sold them.

    The prosecutor said the defendant knew that he was making a representation he knew was false.

    He said the defendant, who did not pay the money, also failed to return the goods to its owner.

    Magistrate O. D. Njoku admitted the defendant to N300, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    The case continues on August 28.

  • Trader allegedly absconds with clients’ $2,900

    A foreign exchange (forex) trader, Olufemi Oluwade, who allegedly absconded with two of his clients’ $2,900 dollars (about N1.1million), was on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

    Oluwade, 39, of 5, Oyawale Street, Idimu, Lagos, was arraigned by the police before Mr. A. I. Abina on a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretence.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Ishola Samuel alleged that Oluwade committed the offence in May on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja.

    He alleged that the defendant obtained $2,900 from the complainants, Olamide Fashipe and Wilson Emele, with a promise to invest it in forex trade business.

    Read Also: Trader arraigned for stealing 100 bags of beans

    The court heard that Oluwade absconded after collecting the money.

    Oluwade pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Abina granted him N200, 000 bail with one “responsible” surety in the like sum, among other terms.

    The case continues on August 28.

  • Bandits are not Muslims, Buhari tells Katsina IDPs

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has sympathised and commiserated with internally displaced persons (IDP’s) in eight local governments of Katsina State, who were displaced by armed banditry.

    The President said the bandits that have been killing people should not claim to be true Muslims.

    Buhari, who visited the victims on Wednesday in Batsari Local Government Area, said they deserved sympathy from the government and other well-meaning Nigerians.

    Buhari was at the camp to sympathise with the victims from Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Jibiya, Sabuwa, Faskari and Dandume local government areas.

    “I am here to sympathise with the entire people of the state over the unfortunate incidents that have been claiming lives of innocent people,” he said.

    Read Also: Reshuffle security architecture, CAN urges Buhari

    “Islam did not give individuals the right to kill others without following due process in the court of law.

    “The Federal and states government will do everything possible to eradicate all forms of insecurity in the nation as soldiers and police have been given all the necessary support by the government.

    “We are doing our best to checkmate the activities of armed bandits and insurgents in the country.”

    Governor Aminu Masari said: “We have assembled some of the victims, and their representative comprising their traditional, religious and community leader before the President.

    “The communities living along the fringes of Rugu Forest across these eight LGAs had to contend with series of recurring incidents of armed bandits,” he said.

    The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, called on the rural people not to hoard information’s about the bandits.

    Kabir advised the rural people to always pass information about the armed bandits to their traditional rulers or the security agencies for action.

    Also on Wednesday, Buhari inaugurated a 32-kilometre Shinkafi-Yandaki-Gafia-Abdallawa-Dankaba road project constructed by the Katsina State Government to boost transportation and alleviate the sufferings of farmers in the state.

    The road project, which was awarded in October 2017 and completed in April this year, is expected to cater to 15 communities in Katsina and Kaita local government areas.

    Buhari described road networks as the major means of transportation in Katsina State.

    He said: “We all know that the economy of Katsina State is agrarian; our wealth is farming and livestock rearing, hence the need to open it up through and across all communities.”

     

  • Police arrest inspector in Yobe for criticising leaders

    POLICE in Yobe State have confirmed the arrest of one Sunday Japhet, who has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Inspector General of Police (IGP) as evil men, who are leading the country.

    Inspector Japhet, a Mobile Policeman had on August 9, taken to his Facebook page to attack Buhari’s government as he bemoans the level of corruption in the country and the disconnect in the President’s fight against corruption.

    “…a president who wants to fight corruption and tackle insecurities with the vice who claimed to be a man of God without truth”.

    Read Also: Police read riot act to criminals in Ekiti

    Mr. Japhet, also took a jibe on his boss in his attack, describing Nigeria as a “great country led by evil men”.

    Commissioner of Police Sunmonu Adeyemi Abdulmaliki, through his spokesman, confirmed to The Nation that Inspector Japhet has been invited to the command zonal office by the IG to answer some questions concerning his reckless and unprofessional comments.

  • Sanwo-Olu urged to intervene in LASU crisis

    A Group, the Workbond International Network (WIN), has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the crisis at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

    It said the governor should set up a visitation panel to resolve the crisis.

    The group’s Executive Director, Omotaje Olawale, said a panel recognised by the statute of the university would tackle the crisis, adding that it should comprise credible individuals, whose pedigree would be devoid of politics and compromise.

    He spoke yesterday in Ogba, Lagos, during a news conference organised by WIN, in collaboration with the United Action for Democracy (UAD).

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu’s wife urges Lagosians to be united

    Olawale said the demand is the only panacea for a lasting peace in the institution.

    He enjoined the governor not to allow the university wallow in crisis, regardless of the façade of peace and orderliness presented by the management.

    UAD General Secretary Kunle Ajayi said the panel to be set up by the governor should be democratic because the institution is meant to be run democratically.

    He added that the panel should consist of students, workers, union members and others.

  • VAT, Withholding Tax must be remitted every 21st-FIRS

    COMPANIES got a fresh directive yesterday from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). They must remit Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Withholding Tax by the 21st day of every month.

    FIRS Chairman Babatunde Fowler said that some companies have been found not to be deducting these taxes at source.

    VAT is a consumption tax placed on a product whenever value is added at each stage of the supply chain – from production to the point of sale.

    Withholding tax, however, is deducted at source by organisations or bodies making payments to suppliers of goods and services.

    They are required to remit the deducted sum to the tax authority as payments are being made to suppliers/vendors.

    Read Also: Senate calls for timely remittance of funds by revenue agencies

    Fowler said in statement: “It has come to the notice of the service that some companies do not deduct WHT/VAT from the compensation paid to their distributors contrary to provisions of the ‘Companies Income Tax (Rates, Etc.

    “Deduction at Source (Withholding Tax) Regulations and Paragraph 3.8 of Federal Inland Revenue Service Information Circular No. 2006/02 of February 2006, which states that commission earned by distributors/dealers will be subjected to WHT and VAT.

    “Following this discovery, the Service hereby puts all companies, particularly those in the fast-moving consumer goods sector on notice that compensation due to their distributors and customers in the form of commission, rebates etc and by whatever means of payments, whether by cash, credit note or even goods-in-trade must be subjected to WHT/VAT at the appropriate rates as applicable and remit same to the FIRS accordingly on or before the 21st of every month.”

  • Insecurity: Lawmaker hails Ugwuanyi

    Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Toby Okechukwu has hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on his decisive steps to address insecurity in the state.

    Okechukwu, who represents Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, described Ugwuanyi’s decision to personally lead security agencies to comb and identify suspected criminal hideouts as bold and exemplary.

    In a statement yesterday, the lawmaker said: “I must praise the governor, on behalf of our constituency, for taking the battle of sustaining Enugu’s position as one of the most secured states to Umuogba Ihe tunnel; Agbogugu and Isu-Awa- Agbudu caves; Ihe-Agbogugu-Ogbaku-Isu Awaa and Amuri forests, among others.

    Read Also: I’ll fight insecurity to standstill, Buhari vows

    “For decades, criminal elements have exploited the topography of the area, especially the hills, caves, tunnels, and thick forests as launch pads, escape routes, and hideouts for robberies, kidnappings, and other nefarious operations. But by taking the battle to their dens and making these hideouts inaccessible to criminals, one can boldly say that security challenges in this part of Enugu State will soon become a thing of the past.

    “Additionally, the creation of more checkpoints in that axis, ongoing recruitment of Forest Guards as well as the manpower boosting and monthly stipends for the neighbourhood watch groups will further enhance security in the state.”

  • Ghana’s Agyemang-Badu hospitalised over medical condition

    Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has been admitted to a hospital in Italy, club side Hellas Verona announced on Wednesday evening.

    The 28-year-old was rushed to the health centre after suffering the circulatory condition, pulmonary micro-embolism.

    “Hellas Verona FC announced that midfielder Emmanuel Badu has been hospitalised at the Sacred Heart Hospital of Negrar to perform investigations and therapies following an episode of pulmonary microembolism,” Verona confirmed on their official website.

    “The condition of the player is good and he will remain under observation for a few days.”

    Badu joined Verona on a season-long loan from Udinese, who signed him in 2010.

    Read Also: Brazil 2019: Eaglets begin camping in Abuja

    “The whole HCL family wishes Emmanuel Badu a prompt and immediate recovery from the episode of pulmonary microembolism that struck him,” the Black Stars’ parent club wrote on their official website.

    “We are sure that the strength and determination of the lion you have always shown will allow you to return to the field as soon as possible.

    Badu’s only prior stint away from Udinese before 2019 was in 2017 when he transferred to Turkish side Bursaspor on a season-long loan which was ended abruptly by injury.

    He only returned to the pitch in March to end last season with four appearances for Udinese.

    The Fifa U20 World Cup winner featured for Ghanaian sides Berekum Arsenal and Asante Kotoko, as well as Spanish outfit Recreativo Huelva before joining The Black and Whites.