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  • NAPTIP arrests 2 suspected returnee traffickers

    NAPTIP arrests 2 suspected returnee traffickers

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP ), says it has arrested two suspected traffickers among Nigerian returnees repatriated from Libya.

    The Director General of NAPTIP, Ms Julie Okah-Donli disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

    Okah-Donli said two of the suspects were currently under investigation as one of the suspected traffickers; a female, was transferred to NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal command for questioning.

    She stated that the agency had set machineries in motion to fish out those involved in the trafficking or smuggling of Nigerians and would be prosecuted accordingly.

    According to her, nine pregnant women and five babies were among 972 returnees that have been repatriated.

    The director general disclosed that among the returnees, Edo has the highest of 533 returnees, Delta with 128 while Yobe has 28.

    Others include Ogun and Imo states which have 25 each, Ondo 17 and Oyo state has 15.

    Read also: NAPTIP ‘convicts’ seven traffickers

    She added that 27 states have so far had their indigenes returned, while nine states and Federal Capital Territory(FCT) were yet to record any returnees.

    She said those states that had no returnees were Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger.

    Okah-Donli noted that about 40 personnel of her agency had been deployed to provide various services to the returnees at the Port Harcourt’s camp.

    She said those officials include counsellors, caregivers, investigators and public enlightenment officers.

    The director general commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern and the bold step in the evacuation of the trapped Nigerians in Libya.

    She said “this will go into history as the biggest evacuation of Nigerians ever by a Nigerian Government.

    “It shows the great interest of the President in the protection of the lives of Nigerian citizens no matter where they are across the globe and irrespective of their immigration status”.

    NAN

  • Bauchi traditional ruler recovers two abandoned children

    Bauchi traditional ruler recovers two abandoned children

    Alhaji Nadada Ahmadu, the Ward Head of Gwallaga in Bauchi metropolis, has recovered two teenagers from Jigawa allegedly abandoned by their parents to attend an Islamic school in the state.

    Ahmadu, who is also a retired army officer, said the children; Nura Shehu, 6, and Saude Suleiman, 5; were found by residents of the town along Maiduguri byepass in Bauchi metropolis at 1 a.m sleeping under a culvert.

    According to him, the children were discovered to have been dumped by the parents in Bauchi under the pretext of giving them eastern education.

    “They were brought to my house by two Samaritans who said that in spite of the chilled harmattan weather the boys were found sleeping in the open air in the night.

    “When I interrogated the boys, they said that they were trying to escape and to trace their way to their parents who resides in Birnin Kudu town in Jigawa state,” Ahmadu said.

    Read also: Bauchi to distribute kits worth N1.5bn to women

    He said he admitted them into his house and fed them, and later took them to the District Head of Bauchi, Alhaji Nura Jumba, who directed him to take the boys to the State Social Welfare Office for re-unification with their parents.

    Ahmadu, who could not hid his feeling, said it was disheartening to note that in spite of availability of both conventional and orthodox schools nowadays, some parents could still allow their vulnerable children who could not even bath themselves to travel long distances in search of knowledge.

    “It is unfortunate for parents to travel over 400 kilometres to dump their children under the pretence of educating them and I want to call on parents to enrol their children in the nearest schools to them so that they could carter for them.

    “This is a sign of wickedness on the part of the parents because these children can fall into the hands of undesirable elements and be kidnapped or used for rituals,’’ the traditional ruler said.

    Nura Shehu, one of the boys, who looked haggard and apprehensive, while speaking to journalists, said that they were running away because their Arabic teacher usually flogs them.

    Nura, who showed scars of horse whips on his back, said: “I ran away from my school because my teacher is always flogging me even when

    I am reciting the Qur’an; that is why I have decided to return to my parents in Birnin Kudu.”

    The victim, who could neither identify the name of his Arabic teacher nor the school he was studying in Bauchi, said: “I was in primary two in Birnin Kudu before my father brought me to Bauchi.”

    NAN

  • 2019 elections: Group cautions against violence, urges youths’ involvement

    2019 elections: Group cautions against violence, urges youths’ involvement

    A group, known as Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide ( YCYW ), has urged the youths to get involved in leadership process and shun violence as the 2019 general elections approach.

    Mr Aremo Hassan, the President of the group, made the call on Thursday in Lagos, following the release of the 2019 election time table by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ).

    According to the time table, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 16, 2019 while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will be conducted on March 2, 2019.

    “The Nigerian people, especially those of the voting age should go and register at the nearest INEC office to them and vie for leadership positions.

    “There is need for us to conduct ourselves rightly ahead, during and after the process by shunning evil acts of electoral malpractices and violence.

    Read also: INEC releases timetable for 2019 general elections

    “We need to take this rear advantage to scout for good leaders whose interest is centred first on the people; we should ensure to vote wisely.

    “We are all stakeholders when it comes to election rituals, for this is another golden opportunity to elect excellent performance, qualitative leadership and good governance.

    “We need to alternate where we have bad records by voting out those that failed to deliver real dividends of democracy to the people,’’ he said.

    Hassan, a legal practitioner, commended the timely release of the 2019 electionstime table, saying there was need to create level playing ground for all candidates and political parties.

    “It is imperative to advise the politicians to take due advantage of the time table to prepare themselves and shelve any acts of criminality and monetisation of the process.

    “All parties need to align their programs in conformity with INEC’s set guidelines and laws, by conducting their conventions and party primaries accordingly,’’ he added.

    The youth leader said that the people remained the legitimate key drivers of elections globally, adding that Nigeria was no exception.

    Hassan called on the Federal and State Governments to provide INEC with enabling support in terms of funding, security and infrastructure to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

    According to him, the support should be without any biased motives, duress, undue influence and interference that could negatively affect the overall success of the electoral process.

    NAN

  • NBA decries alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers in Ebonyi

    NBA decries alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers in Ebonyi

    The Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ), Abakaliki branch, has condemned alleged incessant extortion of motorists by soldiers along major roads in Ebonyi.

    The Chairman of the association, Mr Victor Anyanwu,  made the condemnation in an interview in Abakaliki on Thursday.

    Anyanwu said the anomaly was extensively discussed and condemned by the association at the end of its meeting in the state.

    He alleged that soldiers while perpetrating the act, caused traffic congestion along the roads which inconvenienced motorists and put them at risk.

    “They do not care who is watching them and this act which hitherto, was associated with a particular security outfit, has become an eyesore.

    Read also: Buratai orders investigation into alleged extortion by soldiers

    “We call on relevant army authorities in the country to check this shameful practice for the preservation of its integrity,” he said.

    He said the act was mostly being perpetrated along the Abakaliki—Enugu and Afikpo—Okigwe federal highways.

    “We are, however, making concerted efforts to consult the army authorities on the issue to ensure that it is permanently curbed,” the chairman said.

    Col. Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Public Relations at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, however told NAN that the army did not condone acts such as extortion.

    “We do not encourage indiscipline or any form of professional misconduct as any soldier seen extorting money from motorists on the road should be reported.

    “Appropriate sanctions will be applied because such act is against our Code of Conduct and won’t be tolerated when established,” Musa said.

    He noted that the army had embarked on routine patrols and supervision to ensure adequate compliance with the rules of engagement and Code of Conduct.

    NAN

  • INEC registers 68, 079 voters in Kwara; creates 10 additional centers

    INEC registers 68, 079 voters in Kwara; creates 10 additional centers

    Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) says it has registered 68, 079 voters in Kwara since the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration ( CVR ).

    Mr Paul Atser, INEC Administrative Secretary made this known on Thursday in Ilorin while briefing stakeholders on the exercise.

    He said that the commission had created 10 additional mobile registration centres in the state to bring the exercise closer to the people.

    The continuous registration began in April 2017 in all the 36 states of the federation including Abuja.

    Atser however frowned at the low pace of collection of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) since the commencement of the registration exercise in April.

    Read also: Over 657,000 PVCs unclaimed in Oyo State – INEC

    “It was sad to note that collection of permanent voter card was at its lowest ebb since April, 2017 to date.

     “Only 3, 069 PVCs have so far been collected out of the total 242, 069 unclaimed cards after 2015 elections.

     “As we speak, 239, 000 Permanent Voter Cards yet to be unclaimed,” Atser said.

    The Administrative Secretary therefore called on the people that had registered as voters to come for the collection of their voter cards.

    He said the new registration centres were located in Ilapa in Asa Local Government, Ilesha in Baruten, Tsonga in Edu, Igbaja in Ifelodun and Iponrin in Ilorin East.

    Other centres are Oro II in Irepodun, Kemanji in Kaiama, Shao in Moro, Igbana in Oke-Ero and Kpada in Patigi.

    Atser also appealed to eligible voters who had not register for their permanent voter card to do so to enable them exercise their franchise during the coming elections.

    NAN

  • A’Ibom promises 8 returnees from Libya adequate care 

    A’Ibom promises 8 returnees from Libya adequate care 

    The Akwa Ibom State Government on Thursday promised to cater for the welfare of the eight returnees from Libya into the state.

    The state Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, gave the promise when he received the returnees who were rescued from Libya by the Federal Government.

    The returnees, who arrived the country through Port Harcourt International Airport on Monday, wore forlorn faces.

    They said they were very happy to return to their state of origin after months of incarceration in Libya.

    Ekpo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary; Deputy Governor’s office, Mr Nkopuruk Ekaiko, commended the Federal Government for coming to the rescue of the returnees.

    The deputy governor charged them to learn from the lessons of their travel and reintegrate themselves into the society, advising that there is no place like home.

    “I believe you have learnt your lessons through your travel to seek greener pastures where they do not exist.

    “Thank God for your safety, we have received you back into the state. Government will take charge and cater for your welfare.

    “Be of good conduct to benefit from state government’s welfare package,” Ekpo said.
    Speaking to the

    One of the returnees , Victoria Sampson, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she traveled to Libya in 2016 when she lost her husband.

    Sampson , a mother of three children, said after the death of her husband, a woman took her to Libya on condition that she would work to offset the transport expenses incurred on her.

    Read also: Libya returnees reject N1,000 transport allowance

    “I work for 10 months in Libya and paid the madam her N600,000. Unfortunately, when I started to work for myself I was arrested and thrown into prison where I was living on a meal of Macaroni once daily.

    “I was arrested and put in an underground prison for nine months. The Libyans tortured us every day while in prison.

    “One of us from this state by the name Eno died in prison as a result of the torture,” Sampson said.

    Another returnee, Isonguyoh Patrick, a 2012 Banking and Finance graduate from one of the Nigerian universities said he traveled to seek job in Europe.

    He said he was trapped in Libya and imprisoned for four months.

    “After my graduation from the university in 2012, I tried to look for job in the country, but it was not forthcoming.

    “My friend facilitated by travelling to Europe in search of the greener pastures but I could not get to Europe before I was arrested and thrown into prison for four months.

    “Travelling to Europe by land is the worst venture anyone can undertake,” Patrick said.

    He appealed to governments to make policies and programmes that would create jobs for the teeming youths to discourage illegal traveling.

    The eight returnees were made up of five males and three females.

    NAN

  • Accident: God is faithful to us, says Kwara United President

    Accident: God is faithful to us, says Kwara United President

    Kwara United President, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson, has expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of the club’s players and officials involved in a motor accident on Wednesday in Ibadan.

    He said that the degree of the accident was high but God saved all the lives involved.

    He expressed satisfaction that three members of the team who sustained injuries were responding to treatment.

    A player and two officials of the club were injured when a bus conveying the team got involved in an accident at 7.00a.m at Moniya, Ibadan.

    The team were returning from Lagos where they participated in the just-concluded Bet9ja Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 4.

    They were returning to their base in Kwara when the accident occurred.

    The team had lost their first match to the eventual winners of the competition, Go Round FC.

    The Afonja warlords lost the match 4-2 on penalties after the regular time ended in a barren draw.

    The team management was displeased with the knockout format adopted by the organisers of the competition.

    Kwara United management contested the format in a statement issued by the club’s Media Officer, Abdul Waheed Bibire.

    In the statement, the club signified intention to discontinue.

    On the accident, Bibire said that no life was lost although three people sustained various degrees of injuries.

    “Kwara United players and officials in the early hours of today were involved in a motor accident in Ibadan.

    “The coaster bus conveying the harmony boys who were on their way from Lagos from the NNL Super 4 tournament ran into a parked trailer.

    “The bus rammed into the stationary trailer in an attempt to avoid a speeding vehicle from the other end of the road.

    “Three out of the people on board sustained various degrees of injuries and have since been taken to hospital for medical attention,’’ he said.

    The Team Manager, Jimoh Oke, said that no life was lost to the accident.

    Oke said that the injured player and officials were receiving treatment in a hospital in Ibadan.

    “A player and two officials were injured; they are responding to treatment.

    “We thank God that no life was lost to the incident; we will proceed to Ilorin today,” Oke said.

    Kwara United will lock horns with Niger Tornadoes of Minna in the opening day of the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), on Sunday in Ilorin.

    NAN

  • PDP backs teachers’ strike in Kaduna

    PDP backs teachers’ strike in Kaduna

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday said it was in support of the current indefinite strike by public school teachers in Kaduna State.

    The State Chairman of PDP, Mr Felix Hyat made the declaration in a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Abraham Catoh in Kaduna.

    He faulted the state government on its threat to sack teachers that joined the strike, stressing that strike was “a legal means for all civil servants to seek redress on the injustice presently meted out on them.’’

    According to the PDP chairman, the sack of the teachers was callous, insensitive and meant to increase the level of unemployment and poverty in the state.

    “The incessant sack of civil servants in the state, if allowed to continue unabated, would definitely lead to high rate of crime, social vices and would dampen the morale of civil servants in the state,” Hyat added.

    The PDP chairman also faulted the provision of N1 billion in the state 2018 budget to construct new legislative quarters after selling the ones on ground by the government.

    “We condemned this act in its entirety, for it is another ploy to fleece the resources of the people of our state of their collective commonwealth.’’

    Hyat also accused the state government of undertaking “fictitious projects and consultancy contracts’’ with no bearing or direct impact on the masses.

    Read Also:2019: PDP begins search for presidential flag bearer

    On security, the state PDP chairman said Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i has demonstrated “ineptitude and lack of capacity to curb the insecurity challenge bedevilling the state.’’

    According to the chairman, the PDP would “reinstate all unjustly sacked civil servants’’ if elected in 2019.

    He advised the electorate to use their permanent voter card to vote out the APC government in the state in 2019.

    Reacting to the statement, the State APC Director, Media and Publicity, Mr Manasseh Istifanus said the party would not exchange words with the PDP.

    He however said the sack of teachers and other civil servants was part of ongoing reforms in the civil service.

    According to him, the state government would replace the over 21,000 teachers sacked with 25, 000 qualified ones that would add value to the education sector.

    On the N1 billion budgeted for the building of legislative quarters by the government, Istifanus dismissed the claim as mere “concoction’’ by the PDP.

    He stressed that the government had considered so many factors in arriving at the number of civil servants being disengaged, so as to rejuvenate and inject vibrancy in the state civil service.

    NAN

  • Three women in court over theft of lace materials worth N10.2m

    Three women in court over theft of lace materials worth N10.2m

    A 55-year-old businesswoman, Kuburat Sheu,  and two others, were on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged stealing of lace materials valued at N10.2 million.

    Others facing trial along with the businesswoman are Husseini Isiaka, 32 and Mutairu Abdullahi, 27, both sales representatives.

    They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen goods.

    The prosecutor, Peter Nwangwu, told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large on November 13, 2017 at No.11, Ereko St., Idumota, Lagos.

    Nwangwu said that the sales representatives, who worked for Alhaja Remi Bakinson, stole three hundred bundles of assorted lace materials from the complainant’s warehouse.

    “The sales representatives later sold 80 bundles of the materials to Sheu at N2.7million,’’ he said.

    According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 287, 328 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Section 287 stipulates three years jail term for the offenders.

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

    In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs Aje Afunwa, granted the trio bail of N900, 000 each with two responsible sureties in like sum.

    Afunwa said that one of the sureties should be a blood relation of the accused.

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

    She adjourned the case until March 19 for mention.

    NAN

  • Olubadan throne tussle: Court fixes Feb.12 for hearing

    Olubadan throne tussle: Court fixes Feb.12 for hearing

    An Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, has fixed February 12  for hearing on a suit filed by Chief Adebayo Oyediji, challenging the installation of Oba Saliu Adetunji, as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    Oyediji of Seriki chieftaincy line and three others, were challenging the installation of Adetunji by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    The other claimants in the suit were Chief Olalekan Fakunle, Chief Rasheed Abinupagun and Chief Gabriel Amao.

    Justice Moshood Abass on Wednesday fixed February 12 for hearing of the suit after the claimants’ counsel, Mr Sarafadeen Adebayo informed the court that all processes needed in prosecuting the case had been filed by both parties.

    Abass ordered that hearing notices be served on the counsel to the respondents because they were not present in court on Wednesday.

    The claimants’ counsel, Adebayo, had earlier informed the court that the counsel to Olubadan, Mr Michael Lana and Oyo State Government’s counsel, Mr Adegboyega Salawu were trying to delay the matter.

    He said that the respondents’ counsel were present in court on the last adjourned date of Dec. 15, 2017, where Jan.10 was agreed for  the closing of the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC).

    Read Also: You can’t remove me, Olubadan tells obas

    The claimants are claiming that it was the turn of Seriki chieftaincy line to produce the next Olubadan after the death of Oba Samuel Lana, against the appointment of Adetunji by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.

    The claimants are also challenging the consistent occupation of the Olubadan throne by the Olubadan chieftaincy line and Balogun chieftaincy lines while excluding the Seriki line.

    It would be recalled that the claimant’s counsel, Adebayo, had told the court that there was a subsisting court ruling restraining the occupation of any vacant position of high chiefs and that of Olubadan.

    The other respondents in the suit were the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Oyo State Government.

    NAN