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  • Police arrest four persons for allegedly selling petrol to bandits

    The Katsina State Police Command has arrested four persons for allegedly supplying petroleum products to arm bandits in the forests.

    The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Isah Gambo, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Katsina.

    He said that the suspects were Zahradden Mas’udu, Ibrahim Khalid, Najib Dayyabu and Halliru Yarima.

    Gambo said that the suspects were arrested in Batsari, Kankara and Dutsinma Local Government Areas of the state.

    ”It will be recalled that the state government has banned selling of petroleum products in Jerry cans in eight frontline local governments.

    ”The local governments are Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Jibia, Kankara, Dutsinma, Dandume and Sabuwa.

    ”The measure is to cut off supply chain to the bandits in the forests, who are using motorcycles to perpetuate their evil acts,” he said.

    The PPRO said that the suspects were arrested based on tip-off in those affected areas.

    ”The suspects allegedly specialised in sales, distribution and supply of petroleum products to bandits in those areas.

    ”They sell one jerry can of petroleum products to bandits at about N30,000,” he said.

    The spokesman said that the police recovered 33 jerry cans of petroleum and 24 empty jerry cans from the suspects.

    He said that the suspects would be charged to court after investigation to serve as deterrent to others. (NAN)

  • Olubadan to Ibadan Obas: remove your illegal crowns

    The face-off  between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and his high chiefs deepened on Tuesday with the first class monarch ordering them to remove their “ illegal crowns.’’

    The Olubadan said that he had no objection to the return of his high chiefs to the palace “ once they remove their illegal crowns.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high chiefs had on Monday accused the Olubadan of running a “ one-man-show’’  and disregarding the Olubadan-in-Council.

    The chiefs also accused the monarch of appointing Mogajis (family heads) and Baales (village heads) without consulting the council.

    One of the members of the Olubadan-in-Council and Otun Olubadan, Lekan Balogun, while speaking at a meeting of the council at Mapo Hall in Ibadan said the actions of the Olubadan called for urgent attention to forestall crisis.

    Read also: Olubadan: new Iyalode to be installed soon

    But Adetunji said in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, that he was not responsible in the first instance for the desertion of the palace by the high chiefs.

    The Olubadan urged  the high chiefs  to apologise to the people of Ibadanland in particular and the Yoruba people in general for “ undermining our custom and tradition.’’

    According to him, there is nowhere in Yorubaland where two kings sit inside a palace.

    “Apart from violating our customs and tradition, there is no law that backs the wearing of illegal crowns in Ibadanland,’’ Adetunji said.

    He recalled that he had expected the high chiefs to comply with the Oyo State High Court judgment which declared the state government reform that produced the crowned chiefs as illegal, null, void and of no effect.

    Adetunji stated that contrary to the allegation of the high chiefs, he had done no wrong nor acted illegally at any time.

    According to him, Section 22 (2) of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28 Law of Oyo State 2000 makes the Olubadan the prescribed and consenting authority on all chieftaincy matters in Ibadanland.

    The monarch argued that the Olubadan-in-Council was merely an advisory body without any power. (NAN)

  • Execution of Nigerian in Saudi: Pathetic, tragic – Dabiri-Erewa

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said execution of a Nigerian woman by Saudi Arabia Government over drug-related matters was pathetic and tragic.

    Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement by her Media aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Tuesday in Abuja, that the news of the tragedy was painful.

    According to her, it is regrettable that in spite of wise counsel for Nigerians travelling to Saudi Arabia by relevant government agencies to obey the country’s laws, some Nigerians still go and foul the law.

    “This particular execution is very worrisome, especially when over eight Nigerians have been killed in the past few years over the same issue in Saudi Arabia,” she said.

    The president’s aide disclosed that no fewer than 20 Nigerians were currently on death row in Saudi Arabia and that many were in prisons serving various jail terms.

    “Our major concern, however, is whether the trial was fair to the convicts as it was not open and some of them were said to be implicated without a defence counsel.”

    Read also: Alleged robbery in Dubai by Nigerians, condemnable – FG

    Dabiri-Erewa said that Nigerian government had made pleas on behalf of some Nigerians, to the Saudi Arabia government, to temper justice with mercy, but that it had not yielded positive results.

    “We are not saying our citizens in Saudi Arabia should be committing crimes, but we want Saudi Arabia to temper justice with mercy especially on offences that carry capital punishment.

    “We are appealing again to our citizens to avoid crime and criminality in Saudi Arabia and other countries and be good ambassadors to Nigeria anywhere they go,’’ she said.

    Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry had said that four persons, including one woman, were executed on Monday for drug trafficking, bringing to 53 the number of persons put to death for offences with capital punishment this year.

    “Two Pakistani men, a Yemeni man and a Nigerian woman were executed in the holy city of Makkah”, the ministry said in a statement.

    In 2018, Saudi Arabia carried out death sentences on 120 persons for dealing in illicit drugs and some other related offences. (NAN)

  • Ubani collapses in EFCC custody, rushed to hospital

    Former second Vice-President of Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Monday Ubani was on Tuesday rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Abuja after he collapsed in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detention.

    Ubani and Senator Christopher Enai, formerly representing Bayelsa state, were  detained by the EFCC on March 19 for failing to produce the chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Ngozi Olejeme, who they stood for as sureties.

    Olejeme is facing a N6.4 billion fraud allegedly perpetrated while she was chairman of NSITF.

    A member of Ubani’s family told the Nation on Tuesday night he (Ubani) collapsed in the EFCC detention facility Tuesday morning after suffering severe dehydration and high blood pressure.

    The family member, who did not want his name disclosed, decried the continued detention of Ubani by the EFCC in disobedience to a Federal High Court order instructing that he should either be released on bail or be charged to court.

    Read Also: Ubani seeks restructuring

    The family source said that but for the timely intervention of some persons, Ubani would have died.

    “Ubani would have died today if some persons had not intervened and rushed him to the hospital after he collapsed in EFCC cell.

    “It is very disheartening that  the EFCC has chosen to continue to detain him despite a court order that instructed that he be released or be charged to court.

    “We are begging well- meaning Nigerians to appeal to the EFCC chairman to comply with court order and release Ubani,” he said.

    In a statement after his arrest, Ubani had maintained his innocence over the disappearance of Olejeme stating that he lost contact with her after EFCC official raided her home in Abuja.

    The NBA has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call the EFCC to order and ensure that the commission obeys court order regarding Ubani’s detention.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Kunle Edun, the body condemned the continued detention of Ubani despite a valid court which instructed that he should either by charged to court or be released on bail.

    The statement reads: “Mr. Ubani still remains in the unlawful custody of the EFCC for more than three weeks, which is a gross violation of his constitutional rights to personal liberty.

    “The agency’s penchant for disobedience to orders of court is an ominous threat to rule of law and impacts negatively on Nigeria’s investment environment.

    “We therefore, demands that the EFCC immediately complies with the subsisting order of the Federal High Court by releasing Monday Ubani or charge him to court, if there is any reasonable cause to so do.

    “We also urges the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to closely monitor the activities of security agencies, like EFCC and DSS, and ensure that they obey the fundamental rights of Nigerians and respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the performance of their functions.”

  • FG faults Senate’s approval of N90.2bn reimbursement to Delta, Taraba

    The Federal Government has faulted the approval of N90.2 billion as reimbursement for contracts executed on behalf of the Federal Government by Delta and Taraba.

    In a letter dated 5th of March 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari said that the sum approved by the National Assembly was in excess of the amount approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC)

    The letter read by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki reads:“ I wish to inform the Senate that we have received approval of the National Assembly via letter ref: NASS/CAN/106/Vol.11 /004 dated 29th January 2019 for the refunds to Delta and Taraba States governments through the issuance of Promissory Note for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government.

    “The Senate may wish to note that following a review of the approval from the National Assembly the following were observed:

    “1, While the Federal Executive Council (FEC)approved a total sum of N78,601,631, 430.16 as reimbursement to Delta and Taraba State Governments, the National Assembly approved N90,236,461,031.36 which is higher than the amount approved by the FEC.

    Read also: Four feared dead in fresh Jukun/Tiv clashes in Taraba

    “2,The National Assembly did not approve any reimbursement to Bauchi and Kogi States Government whereas the FEC had approved reimbursements for them.

    “The Senate may note the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007 which empowers the Bureau of Public Procurement to approve vendors and contract sums.

    “The amounts presented to the National Assembly for approval were duly certified for reimbursement by the BPP before they were approved by FEC.

    “Since the BPP is charged with the responsibility of approving contract sums and there is need for compliance with the BPP Act 2007, I wish to request that you forward to us details relating to the amounts approved by the National Assembly for Delta and Taraba States in excess of what was certified by the BPP, for necessary certification and approval.

    “Meanwhile, the Federal Government shall proceed with implementation by reimbursing the amount approved by FEC.

    “Furthermore, I wish to request that you review the reimbursements earlier submitted in favour of Bauchi and Kogi State Governments. “

  • FRSC confirms two dead in Bauchi tanker explosion

    The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Bauchi State on Tuesday confirmed the death of two persons in a road crash involving an articulated fuel tanker and a Toyota Hilux truck along Bauchi-Jos expressway.

    The incident occurred two days after a ghastly motor accident claimed 13 lives and injured 6 on Sunday along Bauchi-Gombe road.

    The spokesperson of the  Federal Road Safety Corps, Bauchi Sector Command,  Rilwan Sulaiman, who confirmed the incident told the Nation that the tanker which was conveying diesel had a brake failure, as a result, the driver lost control and rammed into the truck before exploding.

    He said two persons were burnt beyond recognition in the process while three others sustained serious injuries.

    He added that the injured persons were rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital for treatment.

    Read also: Four injured, motorcycles burnt in Ekiti tanker accident

    Rilwanu said “the accident occurred at Tashan Durum between a Fuel Tanker with registration number; BSA-664-XA and a government Toyota Hilux with number plate; FG-632-A15. Very unfortunate, the diesel tanker lost control and rammed into the bus and exploded. Two people were burnt beyond recognition. Another three persons were rushed to the hospital”.

    He said sequel to the series of accident along the Bauchi-Jos expressway, the command has embarked on aggressive public enlightenment on how to reduce avoidable road crash among motorists.

    Rilwan, therefore, warned motorist to heed to the Corps’ advice on road safety.

    “Our people need more education on the rules and regulations of roads. If you look at the cause of today’s incident was mechanical failure. Has proper precaution been taken it wouldn’t have resulted to that”, he said.

  • Merkel congratulates Buhari on re-election

    The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called President Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate him on the resounding victory in the February 23 presidential election in Nigeria.

    Chancellor Merkel pledged to continue co-operation with Nigeria on peace and security, while promoting investment and trade for sustainable economic development.

    Read Also: Second term: I’ll do my best for Nigerians, says Buhari

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, thanked the German Chancellor for her spirited efforts in combating irregular migration on the continent.

    He also lauded the policy of assisting immigrants in need.

     

  • Alleged robbery in Dubai by Nigerians, condemnable – FG

    The Federal Government has condemned the action of five Nigerians arrested for alleged robbery of Dh 2.3 million Dinars in Sharjah area of Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE).

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said this in a statement by her media aide Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The five Nigerians had on Sunday allegedly stormed a money exchange centre in Sharjah and fled with 2.3 million Dinars before they were arrested by the Dubai Police.

    The five suspects who were on visitors visas to Dubai include Chimuanya Ozoh, Benjamin Ajah, Kingsley Ngoka, Tochukwu Alisi and Chile Ndunagu.

    Read also: Dubai travel competition kicks off

    According to the police, the men barged into the exchange and smashed the glass barrier between the customers and the staff, stole the money in multiple currencies and fled.

    The presidential aide said the action of the five Nigerians is condemnable.

    She described the action of the Nigerians in a foreign land as despicable and shameful as it is not in accordance with good character of Nigerians.

    Dabiri-Erewa, however, warned Nigerians living abroad to be good ambassadors of the country and desist from tarnishing the good image of Nigeria.

    She also advised embassies to screen applicants for visa and ensure that they are of good character.(NAN)

  • Human element affects port efficiency – Amaechi

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, says inability to do away with human contacts in port operations is affecting its efficiency.

    Amaechi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday that the country had not developed enough technology to run the ports without human contacts.

    He said continuous training of ports workers in technology would translate to its efficiency and ultimately become competitive.

    “You move in your goods and take it out in 24 hours and this makes the ports more competitive than keeping goods for 40 days.

    “When you compare Nigerian economy with the economy of other countries, you have to look at the factors of production.

    “If those factors of production are cheaper in those countries, then the cost of goods in those countries will be cheaper than the cost of shipping goods there.

    Read Also: Railway interconnectivity may gulp $40bn – Amaechi

    “It also includes seaports. If the seaport activities are costly, it will be less competitive,” Amaechi said.

    He said that people were rushing to Dubai to ship in goods into many countries because it operates mostly on zero cost.

    The minister said that the present management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was working hard in ensuring seamless operations at the nation’s ports. (NAN)

  • Four feared dead in fresh Jukun/Tiv clashes in Taraba

    At least four persons were feared dead with several houses burnt in a fresh communal clash between Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba on Monday.

    But the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) could not immediately confirm the number from the Police as the Command’s Public Relations Officer,  Mr David Misal, did not respond to a call and the SMS inquiry put across to his line.

    However, a witness, Jerry Luka, told NAN that trouble started in Kente Village in the evening when youths from both ethnic groups clashed over a misunderstanding.

    “The misunderstanding led to the killing of two people in Kente and this morning two others were killed around General Hospital in Wukari.

    “The argument started over cultural heritage issues between the two tribes which have festered for some time now,” he said.

    Read Also: Police seek amnesty for criminals in Taraba

    Chairman of Wukari Local Government Council,  Mr Daniel Adi, who confirmed the outbreak of the crisis, said two people were killed and houses burnt.

    According to him,  trouble started on Monday when some some Tiv kinsmen were prevented from bringing goods to Kente Market.

    “One woman who defied their order and brought yams to the market for sale was molested;  the action sparked reprisal.

    “I have since reached out to the Chairman of Ukum Local Government in the neighbouring Benue and the Security Adviser to the Benue Governor and we are making efforts to stop the escalation of the crisis.

    “I have visited the area where the crisis started with the Chairman of Ukum from Benue and we have all agreed to talk to our people to give peace a chance,” he said.

    NAN reports that commercial activities have been halted at the popular Wukari Yam Market as commodities were looted and the place deserted after traders fled to safer zones.(NAN)

    NAN