Two men escape lynching in Lagos for allegedly stealing motor bike

t was the timely arrival of men of the Police Force that saved two men, Nurudeen Ayegbola, 26years old and Jamiu Gbenga, 29,from some angry mobs yesterday who were about to set them ablaze for allegedly attempting to steal a motorcycle  at Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

Daily Post gathered that Numiru Alabi was attacked by the suspects with a locally made pistol and were about to abscond with his motorcycle when angry mobs pounced on them.

An eye witness said “They poured fuel on the suspects and were about to set them on fire when the police arrived at the scene and saved the suspects from being lynched.”
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide,confirmed the incident to Daily Post adding that the suspects are being detained at the

State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) Panti, Yaba, and that they will soon be charged to court.

She also noted that the motorcycle has been handed over to the owner.

Okada rider kills RTEAN Chairman for demanding ticket money in Ondo town

There was pandemonium in Ondo town on Saturday as a prominent leader of one of the Motorcycle Operators’ Association in the ancient town was killed by an unknown person.
Daily Post gathered that the victim, Late Ebenezer Adedeji, was The branch chairman of the RTEAN in one of the notable parks in the community.
According to a source from the community, late Adedeji was allegedly eliminated by a man also believed to be a member of an Okada Riders’ Association in the community, whose identity was not known as the time of filing this report.
Witnesses say the Late Adedeji had before the incident, stood at Shora Street in Ondo town where he allegedly accosted the suspect and demanded for N100 being the money for the daily ticket of the Association.
An argument was said to have ensued between the suspect and the deceased leading to altercation which led to a scuffle.
The suspect was said to have abandoned his motorcycle on the spot and left for his house which is located few meters to the area only to return with a matchet.
Eyewitness account disclosed that the late Ebenezer left the scene to attend a meeting of the Association within the area, during which the suspect had allegedly laid ambush at the entrance of the venue of the meeting.
“The late Adedeji was allegedly hacked down with the cutlass when he was on his way home from the meeting” the witness said
The suspected killer of the late RTEAN Chairman was later arrested by the traders in the area, before he was handed over to the police.
It was further learnt that all efforts made by the residents of the area to stop the suspect while he was macheting the deceased was to no avail as he was said to have ran after him, while the victim took to his heel.
However, a source at the Enuowa Divisional Police station where the incident was reported explained said that a detachment of policemen led by a senior police officer at the station were drafted to the scene.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the station, Chief David Ehighale, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident.
He added that the suspect had been transferred to the homicide section at the Ondo State Police Command headquarters in Akure, for further investigation.
He also said the remains of the deceased has been deposited at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital Ondo town.
However, the matter took a new dimension when the news of the death of the suspected assailant was broken by the police.
He was said to have died while being taken away to the police command headquarters in Akure

Charlyboy’s unavoidable absence from the Lagos okada rally: A case of ingratitude

We write to respond to the ongoing criticism from different quarters, particularly the Lagos state Okada’s Association and other affiliate bodies who took part in the just concluded Lagos-Okada protest against the Lagos State government for the ban placed on Okada in over 40 major roads in the state.
Lately, we have received calls from concerned Nigerians, asking us why the brand has remained mummed over the matter. In reasonable terms, we would like to respond by asserting that after having examined the nonchalant attitudes of the Lagos state Okada riders, coupled with the unimaginable ingratitude that characterize their union, as well as the factions and leadership insubordination, we resolved that the brand’s schedules and time were more precious than the Lagos-Okada rally.
Even as the brand and its managers do not subscribe to the ban on Okada, which will leave thousands of struggling Lagosians jobless and impoverished, we cannot align with a detached Association with such dysfunctional approach towards their own welfares.
In the light of the above, we would like to state that Charlyboy has in the past, shouldered different overwhelming responsibilities of the Okada people. Lagos has always been the point of reference, not only because of the population of Okada riders in the state, but also because of the visibility of the brand for over 20 years. Lagos no doubt was the cradle of the Charlyboy’s Okada phenomenon.
When the state government moved to ban commercial motorcycles from Lagos in 2002, Charlyboy was the only social activist who stood on their behalf to negotiate with the Government. His negotiation with key actors in government compelled the state government to rescind its decision. Hence, instead of banning Okada from the state, a big sensitization rally was held on Okada safety. Even though, few Lagos Okada riders have shown appreciation over his constant intervention in their matters, majority of the Okada riders have refused to see this, and have continued to allow the spirit of ‘Oliver Twist’ to use them.
It was his interest for the Okada riders, and his attempt to make the Okada business a more lucrative and reputable venture that he collaborated with the Simba Motorcycle to empower over 1000 Okada riders. The brand has parted with personal funds worth N100M over the years in his effort to empower Okada riders. In their normal character of taking almost everything for granted, they have never for ones been responsible for his flight tickets each time he goes out to join their rally anywhere across the country, neither have they been responsible for his hotel accommodation and feeding. His fight cuts across the country. Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and a host of other states have benefited from the Areafada’s gestures.
We would like to remind the Lagos branch of the Okada body who appear to have forgotten so soon, how over 500 Okada riders acquired their bikes on higher purchase through Charlyboy. We believe they could not have forgotten this so soon.
We would like to also remind the same Okada riders of the recent visit of the Areafada and some of the leaders of the Lagos State’s branch of the Association to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police’s office just 4 months ago. It was out of his love for the Okada people that he suspended his overseas’ trip and personally went to the commissioner to speak with him on the challenges of the Lagos state motorcyclists. After that day, many Okadas and their bikes were release from police custody.
On our part as the brand handlers and managers, we had made serious arrangements towards the success of the Lagos State’s rally. This is because we understand the feeling of the brand towards the Okada people around the country.
We would like to assert that due to the rally, Charlyboy’s tour to the United Kingdom was cut-shut and he returned even before the expiration of his tour, getting set to lead another very important segment of his constituency in a rally.
However, unfortunately, all the arrangements towards the involvement of the Areafada in the rally were being handled by some of their leaders who had assured that they were on top of the arrangement. We had high hope on them. Regrettably, they did not get back to us promised. Most disheartening was their nonchalant attitude towards the entire preparation. It was ironical, and a case of lack of commitment and ingratitude for the same people who were to get back to us on the possibility of the Areafada’s trip to Lagos to have called to confirm whether the Areafada was in Lagos. Even as mischievous as the caller sounded, it was ridiculous, and an indication of an unorganized leadership. We could have made an urgent arrangement for the Areafada’s trip, but the last call from the organizers clearly communicated to our team that the organizers of the rally as well as the leadership of the Okadas in Lagos are not truly committed to the course of the Okada people. We had used the development to envision what the rally was going to look like.
It was on this premise that management resolved that it was rather going to be a waste of the brand’s useful time to allow him set out on the journey despite his tight schedules.
We would like to aver that it was the highest level of indiscipline, selfishness and irresponsibility for the Lagos state branch of the Okada Association not to have afforded a round trip ticket of N60, 000 for Charlyboy to lead them in a protest they had considered the only available means and option to compel the Lagos state government to rescind its decision.
This singular act has communicated to us that the Okadas are not grateful for all that the brand has done for them in the past 27 years, hence we were left with the option of compelling the brand to stay away from the rally against his wish. We are happy that he listened to us.
Even though we were responsible for the absence of the AraeFada from the rally, the Lagos-Ikeja branch of the Okada Association must be blamed for our action, hence we plead that all questions regarding Charlyboy’s absence from the rally must be directed to the leadership of the Association.
We would like to reiterate that with what we experienced at the course of the preparation for the rally, there is the need for the Ikeja branch of the Okada Association to reposition and reorganize their leadership just for the progress of the Association.
On our part, we will continue to encourage the Areafada not to relent, and to keep his eyes on the welfares of the Okada people as this last action will not be considered a major reason to discard the constituency he has so much passion for. We therefore assure all Okada riders in Lagos and across the country to continue to rely on Areafada’s support as he is always ready to join them anytime he is called upon.
Thank you and God bless you.
Adoyi Ali, Charlyboy’s Press Secretary.

IG of Police reveals three alleged Boko Haram sponsors are under watch

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Abubakar Mohammed, said on Wednesday in Abuja that the three people alleged to be sponsoring Boko Haram were under watch and investigation.
They are former Gov. Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno, Sen. Ahmed Zanna, and Sen. Ali Ndume.
Mohammed disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after declaring open a conference of sectional police heads – zonal and state Criminal Investigative Departments (CIDs).
He pleaded with the public to cooperate with the police, saying that they should not hesitate to come forward with information that could help the police to prosecute the three men.
“We cannot take anybody to court without ample evidence. Investigators need evidence to pursue their cases. So we need assistance.

Oyo Governor Ajimobi Sues PM News N1 Billion For False News Report On Wife

The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has sued the Independent Communications Network Limited, publishers of PM News for the sum of N1 billion.


This was disclosed in a release issued by Festus Adedayo, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media.

The evening newspaper had on Tuesday published a piece entitled ‘Anxiety over Florence Ajimobi’s alleged arrest in UK’ , wherein it published a story purportedly written by an online agency named Newsleak, which alleged that the wife of the governor had been arrested in London for money laundering.

According to the release, the government of Oyo State had the responsibility to ensure that the media does not become an instrument in the hands of blackmailers for such acts.

“We want to state unequivocally that this report is not only wicked, it is the figment of the imagination of the writers. Mrs. Ajimobi was never arrested for any offence whatsoever. Even though our investigations have shown that this is the work of some arrowheads of the opposition, it was done in such an amateurish way that beats the imagination of any responsible reader,” the release said.

The government said that though it had a lot of respect for the media, there was the need to drag the runners of these media to court to explain the details of their reports to the rest of the world.

The government decried what it called dirty politicking by the opposition in the state who use the media for the propagation of their falsehood, stating that the courts would be able to compel those behind this wicked lie to provide details of the veracity or otherwise of their claims on the governor’s wife.

Chief Accountant of Delta State University nabbed for allegedly defrauding the school of N21m

Men of the Delta State police command have arrested a Chief Accountant attached to the Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka and another staff of the Bursary department for allegedly defrauding the university of over N21 million, even as four fake licensing officers who specialize in issuing fake licences to unsuspecting motorists were picked up at the premises of the State Licensing office in Asaba.

The command’s spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka confirmed the two incidents saying that the chief accountant of the university and another staff of the bursary department were arrested “for defrauding DELSU of over N21 million”.

Muka further stated that “the suspects, (names withheld) on interrogation confessed stating that they used the money to buy cars and landed property. Items recovered from them include Nisan car, a Jeep, LCD TV, 400,000 cash, lands and buildings. They will soon be arraigned in court”, he added.
On the arrest of four fake licensing officers, Muka said, “we (police) also arrested four persons for issuance of fake road worthiness and insurance. The suspects on information were rounded up in motor licence office premises by the men of Police ‘A’ Division Asaba where they deceive customers into patronising them”.

Four policemen collapse at parade

Four policemen yesterday collapsed at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin-City, during the pull-out parade of the Edo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Olayinka Balogun.

The policemen were participating in the parade when they slumped.

They were attended to and revived by the medical police personnel.

Balogun, who clocked 60 today, bowed out at the colourful parade after 30 years of service and attaining the mandatory retirement age.

He said he joined the Nigeria Police with the aim of serving the country and humanity.
Balogun noted that he served in every sphere of the service and performed what was expected of him.
He said there was need for the people to assist the police in fighting crime.

According to him, “we have reduced crime to the barest minimum. Armed robberies and kidnappings have been tackled.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, said crime rate has reduced in the state since the assumption of Balogun as the police boss.
He said the outgoing CP’s devotion to duty was unequalled and unparalleled.

Cossy Orjiakor set to release a 15-track album

As Nigerians still react to the controversial release of two singles, by Nollywood star, Tonto Dikeh, we may yet have another daring and controversial actress, singer and dancer, Cossy Orjiakor, who is talking about dropping an album very soon.

Unlike Tonto, Cossy has tried unsuccessfully in the past to cross-over from the movie to music world – she’s not new to the criticism and skeptism that comes with the territory.

The busty actress told E-Daily on phone that she would be doing an album launch come December 15, 2012 and plans to feature several notable acts.

“I am putting finishing touches to the album. I can assure you that the album launch would be on December 15th of this year at the Prest Boat Cruise, Lekki. The album is a 15-track album. I am still gonna do small tidying up and work with other acts and producers” she said.

Her singles from way back, “You Want Me” and “You and Me” will make the final cut of her 15-tracker album.

MISS OAU 2012 and the 5OTH anniversary of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife - NOV 2, 2012

Ville d'ettiney a subsidiary of House of Twitch partners Libby Maquillage Fashion agency to produce MissOAU2012 Golden jubilee Dinner/Ifefashionshow on NOV 2nd.

 The much anticipated MissOAU2012 has started with a 5 day camping from 29th of Oct to 2nd of NOV.

27 girls were selected among multitudes of girls that purchased the form on the 21st of Oct,where we had Mr Dotun Thompson the Duke of Ville d'ettiney modelling agency,Miss Tega CEO of Libby Maquillage fashion agency,Miss Ngozi CEO of Kachi hair products,Mr Biola CEO of Black n bold Fashion house,Mr Dunsin manager of Pixels in OAU as the judges and street tv was there for media coverage.

Out of the 27 selected girls, 22 made it to the camp (emerald lite hotel ile ife) and four are still going to be evicted leaving 18 beautiful OAU girls as the final contestants.

 During the 5 day camping,The girls are going be having photo shoots,dance rehearsals,catwalk sections,taken on site seeing,trained on poise, etiquette's,public speaking and marketing skills as the winner majorly is going 2be appointed as brand ambassadors for supporting brands.also they are going to be interviewed by other media houses like, NigerianEye, The nation, G nG mag, Acada mag and Street T.V

 The 3 in 1 event packaged in form of pageantry,fashion and dinner all to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the most beautiful campus in Nigeria will be witnessing 18 beautiful ladies contesting for the MissOAU2012 crown, 15 designers and 30 hot models for the fashion show,not leaving out music from various artists, dance and comedy...

And the black carpet starts by 5pm to be anchored by ovation magazine

Also MTN has packaged a raflle draw for the audience on that day,in which winners of d draw get to win mobile gadgets.

Proceeds from the fashion show will be donated as charity to the Moro orphanage.

Join us as we crown the next Miss OAU2012 on Nov 2nd.

Regular single:1,800k
Reg couple:3000k
Vip couple:8000k
Table for 4: 15000k
Table for 10: 40000k

For more info,ticket booking and reservations call Dotun on 08032620954 or 08069649401.



Pictures of some of the contestants

Gunmen massacre over 20 people in Zamfara

No fewer than 20 people have been shot dead by armed gunmen in Kaboro village, Zamfara state, north western Nigeria.



“Twenty people were killed today and two others were badly hurt by a gang of bandits in a raid on Kaboro village,” state government spokesman Nuhu Salihu Anka told the French news agency.
“The bandits stormed the village and began shooting indiscriminately,” he said of the attack in a remote area roughly 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the state capital.

After several people had been killed, the area’s chief appealed to the gunmen to stop firing, but they turned their weapons on him instead, according to the spokesman.

“The robbers shot (the chief) dead and then went door to door seizing cash and other valuables before fleeing,” Anka said.

A gang of robbers killed 23 people in the nearby villages of Dan-Gulbi and Guru in June, in a raid where some of the victims’ throats were slit.
The June slaughter was reportedly carried out by gunmen seeking revenge against a community militia.

Locals said at the time that the vigilante force, which had grown tired of repeated robberies in the area, had killed several people they accused of being gang members.
Northern Nigeria has also been hit by waves of attacks by radical Islamist group Boko Haram, but the worst violence has been concentrated in the northeast and central north, not northwestern states like Zamfara.

Just in mid October, another set of bandits, claiming to be on a revenge mission, killed over 20 people in the village of Dogon Dawa, in Bwari council area of kaduna state.

Lagos to prosecute vandals of BRT Buses and other government properties

The Lagos State Government says it will prosecute all persons who were allegedly involved in the vandalism of some of its properties during the Oct. 24 protest by commercial motorcycle operators.


Mr Ade Ipaye, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, made this known on Wednesday in an interview in Lagos.

Ipaye said some BRT buses and other government assets were vandalised by some of the commercial motorcycle operators, who were protesting their being restricted from plying 475 roads in the state.
“I cannot tell you the number, I was just getting the reports that arrests were made, some have already been taken to court.

“But I can assure you that we are determined to ensure that those people face proper legal procedure that should follow such a very, very criminal vandalism of public assets”.

He said it was wrong for the protesters to take the law into their hands to express their grievances against a government policy.
The attorney general debunked the allegations that the police and other law enforcement agencies were arbitrarily arresting commercial motorcyclists who were plying side streets.
Ipaye said a list of the prohibited areas was compiled by the government before the law came into effect, stressing that the agencies were working with that directive.
“The issue whether you are where you should be or not, must be determined by reference to the list.
“And when you are in doubt, you should consult that list. It has been variously publicised, printed by the ministry of information.
“When you are in doubt and you are an operator, in fact, I expect all the unions in that industry to have that list and to circulate it among their members,” the attorney general said.
Ipaye also faulted those criticising the policy on the basis that the government had failed to provide an alternative means of livelihood for the commercial motorcycle operators before implementing the restriction.
He said their operations were only being restricted on 475 roads out of over 9,000 roads, adding also that there were other available employment opportunities in Lagos State.
“If we all don’t respect the laws and we do whatever we can in the name of trying to feed our families, if we take it that for survival you can do anything, then we will not have a civilised society.
“There are various job opportunities out there already existing or being created. Government is spending billions on infrastructure development, people are engaged there.
“So, to say that you must keep what is not desirable or has been determined to be not desirable for us, just to keep some people in employment, I think it’s a logic I cannot understand”.
The attorney general advised the various commercial motorcycle operator unions to caution their members, and desist from further vandalism of government’s property.
He noted that the commercial motorcyclists’ suit against the government over the restriction was already being heard by a court of competent jurisdiction, which would soon deliver its judgement.

Filling Stations Shut in Lagos for Selling Petrol above N97/L

As Nigerians continue to groan under the agonies of fuel scarcity, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said it has shut down at least 20 petrol stations in Ikorodu axis of Lagos State for selling petrol above recommended price of N97 per litre.

 

As a result, long queues have appeared in the petrol stations selling the product at the normal price.

According to the Tribune, which reported the news, in a telephone chat with the Nigeria Tribune, Lagos Controller of DPR, Mr Gbenga Koku, said “I can confirm to you that we shut 20 petrol stations today in Ikorodu axis of Lagos State and they are going to remain shut for not less than one week until they pay the necessary penalty for non-compliance.

“Our mandate is to ensure consumers get fuel at right quantity, right quality and right price. But we cannot be everywhere at the same time… Today, we concentrated on Ikorodu and we will continue to shut them if they refuse to comply. We do not mind if no station is selling again, because this is disturbing.”

On the issue of long queues in some petrol stations, he said “maybe the shutting of some petrol stations led to pressure on those selling at the appropriate price of N97 per litre.” However, it would be nice if the DPR could try to spread their tentacles wider – even beyond Lagos State.

Boko Haram Received N1.5 Million From Senator Zanna Read more: http://www.naijaonpoint.com/breaking-news-boko-haram-received- 1-5-million-from-senator-zanna

Remember Senator Zanna was invited by the SSS yesterday. Well another story came up; the senator had to explain to the men who interrogated him why he gave Boko Haram members N1.5M for Sallah rams.
Monday night, Zanna arrived at the SSS headquarters in Abuja at about 1 pm where he was processed for interrogation.

He gave further insight into his relationship with the dreaded Islamist sect and reiterated his denial that Bama was arrested in his Maiduguri home.

He told his interrogators that he gave N1.5 million for Sallah rams to the sect members following their threat to attack him.

He explained that when they took his aide to his house for a search, they retrieved N250, 000 and left a message with the aide for him that he should provide them N10 million or they would come for him.

The senator, who was released at about 10 pm, is expected to report back at the SSS headquarters by 11am Tuesday.

The bottom line of it all is that, he SSS men during their interrogation with the Senator found out that, the Senator still communicates with his nephew, Bama the Boko Haram member, but the Senator insists it is not true.

Boko Haram plans to launch attacks on Sallah day - JTF

SPOKESMAN of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in Borno State, Colonel Sagir Musa, has issued a release indicating that the Boko Haram sect has threatened to launch attack during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.


According to the release, “information available to the JTF indicates that the Boko Haram terrorists are planning massive attacks on military and civilian targets in Borno State before, during and after the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir period.

“Subsequently, the terrorist group has invited foreign mercenaries to assist them in launching the attacks.”

In another development, the Yobe State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, has approved the imposition of restriction of movement in Potiskum, beginning from yesterday, between 4.00 p.m and 7.00 a.m daily.

The decision was taken following a meeting the governor had with heads of law enforcement agencies in the state.

According to a statement from the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mallam Abdullahi Bego, the measure was designed to ensure the protection of life and property and the maintenance of law and order in the state.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to mark the 2012 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, made the announcement in a statement by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Daniel Nwaobia, in Abuja.

Moro called on Nigerians to imbibe and emulate the worthy tenets of Islam, as practised by Prophet Muhammad, while he enjoined citizens to use the occasion to pray for peace and prosperity of the nation.

FOUR Key suspects arrested for the ALUU 4 Murder

The FOUR key suspects are Felomo Solomon, Cynthia Chinwo, Oziomo Abajuo and Chigozie Evans


The Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, said four key suspects had been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of four students of the University of Port Harcourt at Aluu Community in Rivers.

Abubakar made the disclosure through Mr Frank Mba, the Police Public Relations Officer at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

He said the suspects were caught after they were clearly identified in one of the video clips of the incident posted on the Internet.

He identified Felomo Solomon, Cynthia Chinwo, Oziomo Abajuo and Chigozie Evans as the four key suspects.

“Of all the suspects arrested, Alhaji Hassan Welewa, the Traditional Ruler of Allu Community, has been indicted by intelligent information as one of the chief instigator, who encouraged the mob to kill and burn those four innocent young men,’’ he said.

The IG said the police were also looking for the whereabouts of one Coxson Lucky, also known as Bright, who was alleged to be the one the victims went to see with regard to money owed them, who also raised the alarm that the young men were thieves.

Abubakar sounded a note of warning to all Nigerians never to take the law into their hands, because Nigeria “is not a lawless country and jungle justice is not the way.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right, ‘’ he stressed, adding that anyone caught taking the law into his hands would face the wrath of justice.

He advised Nigerians with meaningful information that could aid investigation not to hesitate to reach out to the police.

The IG assured Nigerians that a massive deployment of policemen had been made to the area, including detectives to assist the Rivers State Police Command.

“We are investigating every aspect of the killings, including the allegations that some policemen stood idly watching while these hideous act took place.’’

The four students killed are Chidiaka Biringa, Llyod Michael, Tekena Elkanah and Ugonna Ibuzor.

JTF Killed 15 Innocent Boys Playing Football, Senator Zannah Urges Army To Confess

The war of words between the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri, Borno State and a senator accused of sheltering a Boko Haram commander took a dramatic turn on Monday.

The embattled Senator accused the JTF of killing 15 boys playing football on a field in the city, an allegation which this newspaper was unable to confirm yesterday because of the tense security situation in the Maiduguri.

Senator Ahmad Zannah (Borno Central) made the grave allegation while denying a report credited to the JTF that Shuaibu Bama was arrested in his house. Zannah, who had said that the suspect was arrested in the house of a former governor of the state, also blamed the JTF for the escalation of violence in the city.

Our correspondents report that though the JTF has been accused of extra-judicial killings in recent times, it wasn’t clear if the Senator’s allegation was an attempt to shift attention from himself or get back at the task force.

Two weeks ago, there were reports that soldiers had gone on the rampage after a bomb believed to have been detonated by Boko Haram killed an army officer in the city.

Eyewitnesses had told journalists that soldiers opened fire on residents indiscriminately and burnt houses and shops. An Associated Press reporter, who went round the city after the alleged killing, said he counted 30 bodies. Nurses at a hospital in the city later told a Reuters reporter that they saw 30 bodies in civilian clothing after the shooting.

However, the army had debunked the report, saying that its men did not harass or kill civilians on the day of the incident.

Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, spokesman for the JTF, had told AFP that, “there was no incident involving the killing of 30 civilians. Also, there was no arson and harassment by the JTF troops in Borno State.”

On Friday, the JTF had said that Bama, who was high on its list of wanted terrorists, was arrested by task force troops in a serving politician’s house in the Damboa Area of Maiduguri.

But Zannah, who admitted that Bama is his nephew, said that the JTF wanted to frame him up because of his stand against the task force’s excesses. He then cited the killing of the young football players as one of such excesses.

He said, “They are not operating in the way they are supposed to operate in that state. I’m sure you must have read a little of what has been happening: the burning of some houses and shopping plazas. This is just a small portion of what is happening, because all these things are not exposed.

“Let me tell you something, just the day before yesterday (Saturday), without any provocation, they went and killed innocent boys playing football at a field – about 15 of them. They just shot them all, everybody ran away and they took their bodies to the hospital.

“The constitution does not allow them to kill people at will. I have started exposing them. We have been quiet for some time and when we saw that nothing was happening, nobody is restraining them, so we had to speak out because people are just being killed unnecessarily.

“They don’t consult the leaders in Borno State at any given time. They went there and just started harassing people from the outset. They have never contacted or tried to sit down to discuss with the leaders of Borno. I am ready to stick out my neck to do anything that will bring security to this country.”

The lawmaker accused the JTF of teaming up with his political opponent in the last election to smear him. He vowed to seek redress.

“I will seek redress in court. The allegation is grievous and I will go to court to clear my name. My historic defeat of the former Governor of Borno State, in the person of Ali Modu Sheriff, at the poll has not and will not go down well with many forces and individuals in this country.

“Therefore, this latest campaign by the Military Joint Task Force in Borno State to disseminate falsehood against me is a campaign to rope me into the JTF dragnet, declare me a Boko Haram member, financier, sympathiser, or even activist and declare my seat vacant.”

The senator insisted that though his house was searched on the day Bama was arrested, his nephew wasn’t found there.

He said, “They searched my house, they brought out all the men inside my house, asked them to sit down outside the scorching sun of Maiduguri and then asked them whether they knew Shuaibu Bama. So, one of the boys volunteered to take them to the place…eventually, they went and arrested the man in that (another politician’s) house.

“That was exactly what happened. But I was really surprised to see that these people have started saying that they arrested Shuaibu in my house, which is not true, and I will not take it lightly.”

Zannah said he did not know Bama as a member of Boko Haram, even though he knew him to be of a “bad character”.

When contacted, the Director Army Public Relations, Brig-General Bola Koleosho, insisted that the JTF arrested the terror suspect in Zannah’s residence.

Koleosho said that the senator’s claim that the JTF wanted to set him up because of his criticism of the military was flawed. He urged the Senator to own up.

Koleosho said, “Sincerely speaking, you don’t call a dog a bad name to hang it. Please does it add up? We are all stakeholders in this Nigerian project. There is nobody in JTF that can do that. Of course except if he is saying that everybody in JTF is mad.

“When does it become an offence or an illegality to play football? While we don’t want to join issues with the senator, this doesn’t simply add up.

“Look, the JTF has been in Maiduguri for quite some time and we have been facing the problem. What the senator is saying that the JTF wants to set him up because of his criticisms is not true. He has admitted that the boy is his nephew. He should own up that the boy was found in his house.

“The JTF still stands by its word that the boy was arrested in the senator’s residence; the JTF insists that the wanted terrorist leader was arrested in his house. You see, we are all Nigerians. What are we setting him up for? There is no need for that. Seriously speaking, the JTF cannot come down to such a level.”

But Senator Ali Modu Sherrif, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, described Zanna as a “drowning man”.

A statement issued on Monday by his Special Assistant, Mallam Umar Duhu, accused Zanna of desperately “looking for somebody to hang for his sins” on.

The statement says “It is also on record that the State Security Service has invited Senator Zanna to clarify his involvement with the suspect and his links with Boko Haram.

“Given his recent political encounter with the immediate past governor, now the BOT chairman of ANPP, Senator Ali Modu sheriff, he appears desperate to settle scores by dragging Ali Sheriff into the controversy.”

Nigerian man jailed for beating his wife

An Agege Customary Court on Tuesday sentenced a 39-year-old man to 14 days imprisonment for contempt, following his disobedience to the court order to maintain the peace with  his estrange wife.
"The court hereby sentences you, Ibukun Oluwadamilare, to 14 days imprisonment for contempt of court for beating up your wife.

"I believe that if you get there, you will learn one or two lessons and you will control your temper thereafter,'' the Court President, Mr Emmanuel Sokunle, said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the court, had at the last hearing, ordered the couple in the divorce suit to maintain the peace.

However, the wife, the petitioner in the suit, informed the court a day later that the respondent beat her, in spite of the order.

The petitioner, Adesewa, 33, had filed the suit in September, asking the court to dissolve her 12-year-old marriage to Oluwadamilare over battering and threat to life.

Adesewa, who lives at No. 18b, Kayode Joseph St., Powerline, Oke- Ira, Ogba, told the court: "My husband had wanted to make love to me in the presence of our children but I refused.

"He then beat me mercilessly to the extent of removing one of my teeth. If my husband has money, he won't give me and the children.

"He prefers to go to the club and declare surplus and when the money is finished, he comes home to steal my money," she alleged.

The mother of three children, aged between five and 10 years, also added that her husband often malign her before their children by making unsubstantiated allegation that she was promiscuous.

"We live in one room but my husband won't wait till midnight when our children will be asleep before drawing my pants.

"My husband started going to a white garment church in April, and so, brings home different colours of candle.

"He left the church we were both going because he accused me of going out with our pastor and I am fed up with all of his behaviour," she said.

Adesewa told the court that she wanted the marriage to be dissolved and also wanted the custody of the children.

In his testimony, the estranged husband denied some of the allegations.
"My wife flirts with different men. She even goes to the extent of sending money and recharge cards to them from my money.

"I traced her to where she was going one day and saw her entering a hotel but she had told me that she was attending a night vigil in church,'' he said.

Ibukun also told the court that if his wife was ready to reconcile with him, she had to be three months pregnant for him.

"I told her in April that I still want a fourth child and she denied me access to herself. I am ready to take her back if she agrees to my terms," he said.

Motorcyclist Sells Nurse To Ritua1 Ki!lers For N10,000

A commercial motorcyclist, identified simply as Ifeanyi, has been arrested for allegedly handing over a nurse, Mrs. Helen Ilonge, to ritual killers after collecting N10, 000.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Ilonge had on Tuesday last week took Ifeanyi’s motorcycle on her way to Igoli along the Ogoja-Ikom Highway in Ogoja LGA.
Ilonge, the coordinator of Primary Health Care in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, was coming from a programme at the Assemblies of God Church, Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, and had alighted from a vehicle at Okpongrinya junction before taking the bike.
It was gathered that Ilonge (51) was beheaded while her other vital reproductive parts such as breast and vagina were removed for ritual purposes.
Ilonge’s neighbour, Mrs. Theresa Idagwu, on Sunday said, “Ifeanyi took the lady from Okpogrinya Junction on the pretence that he was taking her to the village, which is 10 minutes drive from the point. But along the way, he stopped and handed her over to kidnappers at Ukpe.
Meanwhile, the woman had called her daughter, Victoria, around 9pm that she had taken a bike at Okpogrinya Junction on her way to Igoli. She said when she gets to her destination; she would call again so that Victoria would boil water for her to take her bath. That was Ilonge’s last call.”
Repeated calls made to the woman’s line, according to Idagwu, indicated that it was switched off.
She said Ilonge’s family became worried when the woman did not return home. “We went everywhere- police stations, hospitals and even her friends in Igoli, thinking that may be an accident had occurred along the road but we got nothing,” Idagwu added.
Two days later, Idagwu said someone called Victoria on her phone and informed her that her mother had been kidnapped. The caller demanded a ransom of N50, 000 to be remitted in form of recharge cards.
She said, “Since her daughter could not raise the money, she rushed to the Bekwarra LGA headquarters where the head of administration, Mr. Bisong Bogbo, and the chairman, Mr. Linus Edeh, provided the money with which she bought recharge cards and sent to the caller.
“The voice claimed that he needed the recharge cards so he could sell and run away from his master who is a ritual killer. He claimed that he had been serving his master for a long time and wanted to run away. He said once he gets the cards, he will break the door where the nurse is being kept and release her.”
The LGA’s head of administration, Bogbo, confirmed that the cards were sent to the kidnapper through Victoria’s telephone.
He said immediately the alleged kidnapper confirmed receipt of the cards; he switched off his telephone.
Luck, however, ran out of Ifeanyi. Policemen tracked his telephone line and discovered that he called Victoria from Abuochiche.
Further investigations, it was gathered, showed that Ifeanyi had been selling the cards in the village immediately he got them.
When he was arrested, Bogbo told our correspondent that Ifeanyi led the police to one of the ritual killers identified simply as Elvis.
Elvis, according to Bogbo, confessed that the nurse had already been killed and some of her vital organs removed before Ifeanyi asked for the recharge cards.
Elvis also said the remains of the woman were buried in a swamp.
At the council headquarters, one of the late nurse’s colleagues, Mr. Gabriel Ogar, said she was probably the kindest woman he ever worked with.
Ogar said, “I have worked with five coordinators, but I know that she is just the best so far. She worked to the admiration of Governor Liyel Imoke and now she has been killed leaving her five children without a helper.
“Her husband died 12 years ago and since then she has been the one taking care of the children and only one has graduated. Please let the government do something for those poor children.”
When contacted on Monday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Osita Ezechukwu, said the police were still investigating the matter.
He said four suspects had been apprehended by the anti-homicide unit, adding that when the investigation was completed the suspects would be prosecuted.
“We have taken confessional statement from them. Those who are not involved have been allowed to go while those who are involved are still in detention,” Ezechukwu said.

Read more: http://www.naijaonpoint.com/motorcyclist-sells-nurse-to-ritua1-kilers-for-n10000/#ixzz2A8lG3gOj

r allegedly demolishing her house in Enugu State. Ayogu, a widow and an employee of Federal Government College, Enugu, has since 2008 been at war with Owoh over a piece of land at 9, Ikpeama Street, Emeheluaku Layout, Trans-Ekulu in Enugu metropolis. The widow said she had long reported the case to the police and vowed to see the matter to the end. She said her late husband bought and registered the landed property before he died in 2004. She claimed, “Osuofia and his thugs appeared in 2008 and threatened me for four years against building on the land.” According to her, shortly after she completed the bungalow, which she said she built with a loan, and was on the verge of moving in, “Osuofia finally made good his threats and pulled down the house on September 30, 2012.” Narrating her story further, Ayogu said, “The property was bought same year my husband died and was registered in his name. We started developing it until my husband took ill and later died, about three months after we relocated from where we were living. “Some years later I discovered that the documents to the property were missing. I searched everywhere but could not find them. I went to the man who sold the land to us and he advised that I report to the state Ministry of Lands. I went there and they asked me to put up a newspaper publication on the missing document, which I did in about three different newspapers. “I first went to the police and obtained police extract before the loss of document was published. I also put a caveat on the property so that no buyer would come in case people attempted to use it for fraud. “We were living at Egwuaga Street then, so we relocated to 9, Ikpeama Street in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu. The land registrar gave me new documents covering the property and he advised me to be vigilant and look after my land. “In 2006, Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia and some people came to ask me who I was and if I was the owner of the property.” Ayogu stated that Osuofia also asked her if she was legally married to her late husband, and if she was ready to go to court should the need arise. She said, “I didn’t see them for some time until one day he resurfaced and said I have to stop work on the site because at that time I had started building. Not long afterwards, he demolished the house.” Ayogu added that she would not be intimidated and was not ready to lose the only property her late husband left for her and her children. However, when contacted by our correspondent, the actor denied the allegations. Osuofia said, “This woman is going to put herself in trouble. I bought a land and the land is causing trouble between the woman and her husband’s first wife. They are struggling over the same piece of land, so why would the woman say it was me that demolished her house?” “Why is she trying to scandalise my name when she knows there is a family dispute over the land? I don’t know anything about the demolition. I bought the property but they are having problems there, I mean the two wives. Why wouldn’t this woman go to court and sort these things out once and for al

Saudi Arabia deports 7 female pilgrims

Saudi Arabian Authorities on Tuesday, deported another seven female pilgrims for alleged incomplete travelling documents, barely two days to the Arafat.

The pilgrims arrived the country through the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 4:30 a.m aboard a Boeing 747 Kabo Aircraft.

An Airport official told said that condition of anonymity that, the pilgrims were deported from Makka for not having complete travelling documents.

He said the identities of the pilgrims could not be ascertained immediately.

Effort to contact NAHCON officials in Kano failed as they were said to be in the Holy land for the Hajj.

It could be recalled that two weeks ago, the Saudi authorities also deported about 20 Nigerian pilgrims through the same airport for similar offence.

Police nab 3 revenue officers over fraud

The police in Katsina State on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of four officials of the state's Board of Internal Revenues for allegedly defrauding the state government of an unspecified amount of money.

The police command's acting Police Public Relation Officers, Lawal Joka, said that  investigation into the case was continuing.

``As soon as the police conclude their investigation, the suspects will be charged to court,'' he said.

It was gathered that the suspects, including three revenue officers and a Vehicle Inspection Officer, allegedly connived in an illegal sale of vehicle licences and other particulars.

The officials were alleged to have been issuing fake vehicle licences and particulars to unsuspecting vehicle owners, thereby making the board to lose huge sums of money.

Their arrest, it was also learnt, followed the board's investigation during which they were allegedly found involved in the scam.

The report of the board’s committee that investigated the matter was sent to the state's Commissioner for Finance, who eventually ordered their arrest.

However, gathered that the suspects had been released on bail.

PHCN Staff Electrocuted In Ado Ekiti.

Isaac was working on an electric cable at Satellite Junction on NTA Road when the incident occurred.  Residents wept at the sight of the body, which was stuck on the high tension pole.
It was learnt that the deceased, who appeared to be middle-aged, was a graduate of Electrical/Electronics Engineering from the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke.  An eyewitness said a cable got detached while Isaac was working on a 33KVA high tension cable and it fell on him, killing him instantly.
His charred remains were deposited at the mortuary of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
Ekiti PHCN spokesman Mr. Kayode Brown said the victim and other PHCN staff were in the area to correct some faults that had caused power outage.
Brown said he was shocked by the incident because the late Isaac was experienced in the job and had been working with the company since for years.
He said: “We have to get to the root of this matter because back-feeding cases are very rare while working on high tension cables. Nobody uses generator that could warrant such situation, so we are at a loss about the cause of his death.”
Ado-Ekiti Local Government Chairman Sunday Ibitoye, who was one of the early callers at the scene of the incident, described the situation as unfortunate.

Mortuary attendants Docked Over Missing Corpse

Two mortuary attendants, Olumuyiwa Awobajo, 44, and Theodore Okere, 59, attached to the Military Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of allegedly stealing a corpse kept in their custody.

The operatives at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Force Headquarters annex, Lagos, alleged in charge suit number H/37/12 that the accused persons were arrested following a written complaint by the children of the late Rotimi Alege that the corpse of their father, deposited at the mortuary on 17 May, 2010, which was received by the accused persons, could no longer be found.

They stated that when they went back to the hospital to claim the corpse for burial, the two attendants gave them a corpse which was not of their father and that all efforts to locate the corpse in order to give their father a befitting burial have proved abortive for the past two years.

Police investigations revealed that the late Rotimi Alege died in May 2010 and his corpse was first deposited at a hospital mortuary on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, by the family. But after about a week, they reportedly moved the corpse to the Military Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, which the duo allegedly received and deposited in their morgue.

When the deceased’s family went back to the hospital to retrieve the body for burial, the suspects allegedly presented a different corpse to them which, when examined, was discovered not to be that of their father.

During interrogation, the accused persons allegedly insisted that the corpse the complainants brought to their hospital is the same one they presented and that they did not steal any corpse, but the deceased’s family has insisted that the duo have stolen their late father’s corpse as they are not blind not to recognise their father who died at a ripe age.

The offences committed by the accused persons, the prosecutor, Supol Asuquo stated, contravenes sections 409, 378 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

One of the counts reads that “you Olumuyiwa Awobajo and Theodore Okere, on 17 May, 2010 at Lagos in the Lagos magisterial district, did steal the corpse of one late Rotimi Alege, which was kept in your care.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding magistrate, Mr. A. A. Adefulire granted them bail in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties who must show proof of tax payment to Lagos State government with current statement of six months bank account.

He adjourned the matter till 15 November, 2012.

The defendants have been remanded at Ikoyi Prison pending when they will meet their bail conditions.

Angry Wife Pours Hot Water On Rival

An estranged housewife, Adio Abiola, 36, has been arrested by the police at Adeniji Adele Division, Lagos Island, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, for allegedly pouring hot water on her rival, Adio Mutiyat, both married to same man.

She was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of felony to wit, pouring hot water on Adio Mutiyat and causing her bodily harm.

The police alleged in charge suit number C/41/2012 that the accused was arrested following a complaint lodged by the family of Adio Mutiyat that Adio Abiola pour hot water on their daughter, while she was asleep for unjustifiable reasons and in the process, caused her grievous bodily harm and was rushed to the hospital.

Following the report, Adio Abiola was arrested and during interrogation, she could not give satisfactory reasons why she committed the dastardly act.

P.M.NEWS gathered that the accused had parked out of her matrimonial home to an apartment within the neighbourhood after her husband married a second wife which she was not comfortable with.
As if that was not enough, she allegedly boiled water and poured it on her rival while she was sleeping and escaped.

The offences, the prosecutor, Sergeant Babatope Julius said, contravenes sections 404(1) and 172 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Part of the charge reads: “You Adio Abiola on 2 October, 2012 at 46, Vincent Street, Lagos Island in the Lagos magisterial district, did injured one Adio Mutiyat by pouring hot water on her, thereby causing her bodily harm.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the magistrate, Mrs. W. B. Balogun granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety who must provide proof of tax payment to the Lagos State government.

She adjourned the case till 12 November, 2012 for mention.

The defendant was remanded in Kirikiri Prison, Apapa, when she could not perfect the bail conditions in good time.

New Phone app for Cheaters and Adulterers, makes texts, call logs disappear with a simple shake

A new phone application has been developed that helps cheating Lovers keep their affairs secret.




How different life would be for Tiger Woods, Ashley Cole or Kristen Stewart – if they had only known about a new phone app which helps cheating lovers keep their affairs secret.

The Cate app, which stands for “Call and Text Eraser”, creates an invisible log of calls and text messages and can hide specific numbers from the contacts list.

The screen will never indicate who has called and at the touch of a button, all private information can be wiped from the phone forever.

Unlike other apps, the Cate icon does not appear on the home screen and if someone walks in while the cheat is reading their illicit texts, a simple shake of the phone will make it all disappear.

For added confidence, the adulterer has to enter a secret code to access the app and all the hidden features it provides.

Advertised with the slogan, “Love is blind, we keep it that way!”, the smartphone app which costs £3 ($4.99) to download, is the brainchild of Boston entrepreneur Neal Desai.

The 25-year-old student bought the app for £11,000 from a Miami police officer, who developed the program after seeing his friend dragged through the divorce court thanks to incriminating text messages on his phone.

Mr Desai then decided to expand the business by appearing on Shark Tank, the American equivalent of BBC2′s Dragon’s Den and ended up securing $70,000 (£44,000).

During the pitch he claimed that professional golfer Tiger Woods, who famously cheated numerous times on his wife Elin Norgegren, would actually still be married if he had bought the Cate app.
Since the app was launched three weeks ago, it has been downloaded 10,000 times.

Keeping affairs secret: Critics have questioned the Cate app for its ‘morality’
While critics have pointed out the “morality” of his product, Mr Desai insists there are legitimate reasons for using his app, which he says is there to protect someone’s privacy.

‘It’s a privacy app, essentially, and as with every technology that involves privacy, there is good with the bad,” Mr Desai told The Sunday Times.

‘But it is also labelled a privacy application and could have uses for government officials, or corporate business, or for lawyers whose entire business is based on keeping things confidential.’
So far, 70 percent of the purchases have been by women.

According to Jay Leopardi, Mr Desai’s business partner, that might be because women need to protect themselves from accusatory husbands and boyfriends.

‘It could be that women cheat more, or there are lots of bullish men out there who are accusing their girlfriends of cheating when they speak to any other man.’

And while adulterers might think they can now get away with anything, cheaters beware – the app could also be secretly downloaded by a suspicious husband or wife onto their spouse’s phone to create an invisible record of calls and texts.

So far women have accounted for 70 percent of the Cate app downloads

Bomb Explodes in Minna Motor Park

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has exploded in Minna. The bomb exploded around the Gen Abdullsalami Motor park.

It was gathered that a car parked idly near the motor park had raised suspicion, prompting a passer-by to draw the attention of the police.

The IED in the car exploded as soon as the police took over the area, before it could be diffused.

No casualties have been reported.

More details as they become available...

Fela’s Museum Opens in Lagos

The late Afro-beat Legend, Fela Anakulapo-Kuti memory still lives on as his home turned into a museum,which has been renamed ‘Kalakuta Republic’ Museum on Gbemisola Street, Ikeja, Lagos State Southwest Nigeria, was formally opened today.

The opening ceremony was part of the ongoing Felabration 2012 was performed by Yeni Kuti and an official of the Lagos State government.

The event was tagged soft opening, according to Fela’s daughter, Yeni Kuti.

The museum consists of his bedroom, sitting rooms, photographs, with over 3,000 of Fela’s clothes on display.

She said the hotel and other aspects of the museum will be commissioned later.

The building was painted in white colour.

Yeni said the public will be able to see the last bedsheet Fela used before he died in 1997, his saxophone and others.

Fela’s producer and artist, Lemmy Gariokwu, the curator of the museum, said by the time other necessary things have been put in place people will be seeing Fela as in his real life.

As at the time of filing this report, a symposium tagged Fela the Great with a topic: “Corruption and Generation Next” was ongoing at NECA House auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speakers at the symposium include Feti Atta, Ndidi Nwuneli, Supo Sasore, SAN, and Professor Michael Veal. The symposium was moderated by Prince Yemisi Shyllon. Felabration continues tomorrow with a live performance by top Nigerians and foreign stars.

Behave Like A Statesman Rather Than An Area Boy - Mimiko To Tinubu

The Mimiko Campaign Organisation has advised the ACN leader, Bola Tinubu, to behave like a statesman worthy of the toga of the national leader of a political party rather than like a common street boy in his manners and utterances.
The organisation gave the advice to Tinubu in Akure following what it termed “unwarranted verbal attacks” by him against the person of the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

It expressed regret that a leader could employ the use of raw and dirty language.

The MCO’s Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Mr Kolawole Olabisi, while berating Tinubu, stated that there was nothing to show for it in the state under the ACN governors.

“Pray, isn’t it absurd that Tinubu could be asking the people to vote for his party when all over the South-west where he controls, governance is at it lowest ebb. It has been industrial disputes galore as workers and government are at loggerhead over unpaid salaries and emoluments.

Students of higher institutions are groaning while they pay through their noses. Yet, they say they want to capture Ondo State which is better governed than any of these states and has become a benchmark in the art of good governance in Nigeria.
“When the so-called leaders dance Unclad on national television and unleash verbal abuses on a sitting governor of a state who has done nothing but high sense of respect for him as well as assault the sensibility of the people of Ondo State, then such leaders should be prepared to be disgraced.

“How can a leader also ask the people of Ondo State to re-enact the terrible episode of the 1983 election violence if his party should lose the election?

“We urged the security operatives to be abreast of all the vituperation and pure incitement of the people by Tinubu and other leaders of the ACN at today’s so-called redemption rally of theirs and take note of unfolding events as the election approaches, “ MCO advised

Meanwhile, Tinubu has described Mimiko as a liar for saying that he did not collect any money from him during his struggle to reclaim his mandate.

The ACN leader specifically stated that he gave Mimiko both money and vehicle, stating that Mr Wole Olanipekun, who Mimiko called as witness, was not there when they discussed.

Tinubu said he gave millions of pounds during the forensic investigation of voting materials, adding that one lawyer, Osibajo, was the one moving from Bristow to Israel all for Mimiko.

Speaking at a rally to round off  ACN’s national campaign for its candidate in this weekend’s gubernatorial election held at the Democracy Park in the heart of Akure, the state capital, Tinubu alongside the governors of Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos and Edo States said it was only when all the states in the South-west came under one political umbrella that the issue of integration can be possible and which would strengthen the old Western Region politically, socially and economically.
The remarks of each of the speakers, who asked the electorate to reject Mimiko from the Alagbaka Government House, was the waving of red card to signify the sending out of the incumbent from office.

While asking the electorate to protect their votes, the former governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba and Tinubu urged the people to do what they did to those who rigged election in 1983.

Osoba, who said the people of the state remained in the forefront of rejecting rigging in 1983, asked them to come out early in the morning, cast their votes and protect same like they did in 1983 when popular candidates were rigged out in the South West states.

The former governor said the people of the state have a lot to gain be joining the mainstream of the South-west politics, adding that when he interrelated with other states of the region when he was the governor of Ogun State.

Tinubu expressed happiness that Mimiko himself said Governor Babatunde Fashola who he supported as the Lagos State Governor did well saying the prayer of any parent is that their children should do better.

“He calls me godfather, I am a positive godfather. Godfather here is for development, it is for progress. All I want in the South West is what Awolowo did. The shoe of Awolowo is too big for me. All I want is a vision, the liberation of the South West and Ondo State”, he said.

Tinubu described Akeredolu as the best candidate for the Saturday’s election when all his attributes are taking into consideration.

Speaking, the ACN candidate, Akeredolu said though the state is richly blessed but had been suffering because it lacked good leaders.

While assuring the people that he would win the election, Akeredolu declared three day fasting for the electorate because of the election. He urged the electorate to fast on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday saying it is ACN that will liberate Ondo State.

19 women allegedly raped in Benue resettlement camps

No fewer than 19 young girls have been reportedly raped at four of the designated resettlement camps established for flood victims in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.


Investigations revealed that rape cases have become a daily occurrence in the four official camps spread across the state capital for flood victims.

It was also gathered that perpetrators of the unholy act were young men who reside in the camps with their victims and some who come from within the communities where the camps are situated.
From Wurukum to Saint Catherine and Wadata camps, it was the same sad story. One of the victims, a girl of 19 who craved anonymity disclosed that she was raped two days ago at about 10pm by a young man she couldn’t identify.

She said: “I just walked back into the camp after I had visited a former neighbour in town. I got into the camp that evening, while walking towards the classrooms where we sleep, somebody called my name from a dark spot.

“I tried to find out who it was, but before I knew what was happening, somebody grabbed me from behind and threatened that he would stab me to death if I shouted. He grabbed me down and raped me.
“I am not the only one they have done this to, there are so many other girls; there are over 19 of us that have been raped in the last few days, but we are all hiding it because of the shame, but if we don’t cry out we will not get help because we are helpless.”

“And if we don’t cry out because of the shame, the people behind this evil acts will continue to torment girls and women in the camps.”

When contacted, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, for Benue State, Assistant Suprintendent of Police Ejike Alaribe said the rape cases have not been brought to the notice of the Police.

Alaribe, however, assured that the Police would intensify its surveillance around the camps in the town to stem the unhealthy development.

Multiple explosions rocked Maiduguri last Night, Policeman dead

The Borno state capital was under siege again last night. It witnessed massive, multiple explosions after a police traffic warden was killed.




The explosions believed to have occurred 15 times where the Boko Haram sect has killed hundreds of people, first took place at about 6.15pm. More blasts followed simultaneously in different areas for about 15minutes, showing that they might have been coordinated. Sporadic gun shots by security forces also followed. But the exact location could not be immediately ascertained.

The gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram men who shot dead the traffic warden, dared the heavy security presence at the Post Office area to carry out the action at about 1.30pm.

The incident caused pandemonium as residents, traders and motorists ran helter skelter. Riot policemen shot into the air. The entire area in the heart of the city was immediately deserted as security forces took position to forestall further tragedy.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) and the police were expected to speak on the explosions last night.

FOUR Key suspects arrested for the ALUU 4 Murder

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, said four key suspects had been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of four students of the University of Port Harcourt at Aluu Community in Rivers.

Abubakar made the disclosure through Mr Frank Mba, the Police Public Relations Officer at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

He said the suspects were caught after they were clearly identified in one of the video clips of the incident posted on the Internet.

He identified Felomo Solomon, Cynthia Chinwo, Oziomo Abajuo and Chigozie Evans as the four key suspects.

“Of all the suspects arrested, Alhaji Hassan Welewa, the Traditional Ruler of Allu Community, has been indicted by intelligent information as one of the chief instigator, who encouraged the mob to kill and burn those four innocent young men,’’ he said.

The IG said the police were also looking for the whereabouts of one Coxson Lucky, also known as Bright, who was alleged to be the one the victims went to see with regard to money owed them, who also raised the alarm that the young men were thieves.

Abubakar sounded a note of warning to all Nigerians never to take the law into their hands, because Nigeria “is not a lawless country and jungle justice is not the way.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right, ‘’ he stressed, adding that anyone caught taking the law into his hands would face the wrath of justice.

He advised Nigerians with meaningful information that could aid investigation not to hesitate to reach out to the police.

The IG assured Nigerians that a massive deployment of policemen had been made to the area, including detectives to assist the Rivers State Police Command.

“We are investigating every aspect of the killings, including the allegations that some policemen stood idly watching while these hideous act took place.’’

The four students killed are Chidiaka Biringa, Llyod Michael, Tekena Elkanah and Ugonna Ibuzor.

Soldier kills student over quarrel with girlfriend

Emmanuel Papa Ebonyi dreamt of a great future. A future where he would pass his examinations in flying colours, have a great job and support his siblings who had always been there for him.



Unfortunately, all these dreams were terminated when a soldier snuffed life out of him just because he tried to be a Good Samaritan.

His sister Felicia Samuel Ebonyi tells the story in tears. “The unfortunate incident happened in the early hours of 9th August (2012). On that day, my brother, a Higher National Diploma I (HND I) student of Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State met his untimely death in the hands of one Captain Olufela Doyin Erizia.”

Like so many other people, she just could not believe that it was true. So did it happen? you ask. “My brother was in the company of his friends and they visited Mate Bar Night Club, PZ Sabongari area of Zaria on the night of the previous day to celebrate the birthday of a friend. That was where he met Captain Olufela D. Erizia and his friends.”

Peace maker bears the brunt

Everything went well for a while. But suddenly there was a quarrel between Erizia and his girlfriend. Ebonyi intervened warning Erizia against fighting with his girlfriend. That unfortunately turned out to be a grievous offence in Erizia’s dictionary. Infuriated, he took the laws into his hands beating Ebonyi black and blue.

“He beat up my brother until he was half dead. Along the line his friends rescued him from the soldier and were trying to leave the premises in the vehicle in which they came, but he (Erizia) still chased them and was struggling with the driver of the vehicle. If Ebonyi had known the calamity that would befall him, he would not stop Erizia from fighting his girlfriend, but his sympathy for the womenfolk landed him in an unexpected grave.” Sadly, she continues her story: “When the incident happened, one of my brother’s friends called me on phone and asked me to come over. They took us to the barracks and I met another eye witness. It was not the soldier’s girlfriend, it was another girl. The girlfriend actually ran away and I have been trying to get her to come and tell her side of the story.”

What about her parents and the other siblings? How are they taking the news of her brother’s demise? “My parents are both late. I have four other siblings and they are all very sad about the development. He is the second to the last born in the family. We used to have an elder sister who died in 2007. She was ill and initially the ailment was diagnosed as typhoid. It was later discovered that it was hepatitis and her death was quite painful.”

Erizia was apprehended, taken for questioning and interrogations after which he was taken to the Area Command Police Station, Zaria. “However nothing has been heard ever since. We have been kept in the dark on this issue because not only did they refuse to hand over the man to the police authorities but also did not have courtesy to say a word. Sources at the barracks were even saying that he had been posted to another duty beat. It is on this basis that we are calling on the Military HQ, well-meaning Nigerians, human rights activists to see to this matter and make sure that Erizia is brought to book.”

According to Sadau Garba of the Kaduna Human Rights Association “The offence of the late Ebonyi was that he pleaded with Capt Erizia not to manhandle a lady he jerked up and molested. After mercilessly beating Ebonyi a friend, one Femi David, rushed him to Salama Hospital, Sabongari, Zaria and they directed that he should be taken to Shika Teaching Hospital due to the critical condition. It was on the way to Shika that Emmanuel gave up the ghost.”

He added that “the family members of the late Ebonyi have made several visits to the Kaduna State Police Command headquarters but the authorities of the Army Barracks Zaria, are not willing to release the said Captain Erizia to the police to investigate this inhuman, barbaric and dastardly act.”
The Nation also spoke with DSP Aminu Lawal, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna and he confirmed the case saying investigation was in progress.

He also said, “The authorities of the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria could not ascertain if Ebonyi was a student of the institution.”

Mum who Super-glued 2-year-old’s hands to wall and beat her to a comma gets 99 years in jail

A Dallas woman who beat her 2-year-old daughter and glued the toddler’s hands to a wall was sentenced Friday to 99 years in prison.

Elizabeth Escalona faced from probation to life in prison, and prosecutors had sought 45 years behind bars.

Family members in the courtroom sobbed loudly as the judge announced the 23-year-old mother’s punishment. Escalona pleaded guilty in July to felony injury to a child, but her mother and sister had pleaded for leniency on her behalf.

State District Judge Larry Mitchell said she “savagely beat” her child and deserved to be punished.

Escalona’s other children told authorities that their mother attacked Jocelyn Cedillo in September 2011 due to potty training problems. Police say she kicked her daughter in the stomach, beat her with a milk jug, then stuck her hands to an apartment wall with an adhesive commonly known as Super Glue.

Jocelyn suffered bleeding in her brain, a fractured rib, multiple bruises and bite marks, and was in a coma for a couple of days, a doctor testified at the sentencing hearing. Some skin had been torn off her hands, where doctors also found glue residue and white paint chips from the apartment wall.

Prosecutors portrayed Escalona as an unfit mother with a history of violence. They played recordings in which Escalona as a teenager threatened to kill her mother. They said she was a former gang member who started smoking marijuana at age 11.

“Only a monster glues her daughter’s hands to the wall,” Dallas County prosecutor Eren Price said during the hearing.

Escalona asked for leniency, telling the judge she was no longer the monster who committed the attack. “I will never forgive myself for what I did to my own daughter,” she said.

Dallas Police Sr. Cpl. Abel Lopez, who interviewed Escalona after the attack, showed in court a bottle of glue taken out of the family’s apartment, as well as a section of a wall with Jocelyn’s little handprints.

Jocelyn has since recovered and is now being cared for by her grandmother, Ofelia Escalona, who is taking care of her daughter’s four other children, including a baby born this year.

Escalona’s family has acknowledged their dismay and anger following the attack, but her sister and her mother asked the judge for leniency.

A counselor, Melanie Davis, testified Wednesday that her sessions with Escalona indicated the young mother loved all five of her children and that she would benefit from more counseling. Davis said Escalona has set herself the short-term goal of finding a job and the long-term aim of getting her children back.

Uniport HOD Removed For Participating In Protest Against Murder Of Aluu-4

Human rights groups and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have called on the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, to reinstate a former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIPORT chapter, Dr. Andrew Efemini, as the Head of Department of Philosophy.

Efemini was removed as the HOD, shortly after participating in Tuesday’s protest at Choba Junction on the East-West Road, against the murder of four UNIPORT students at Omuokiri-Aluu in Ikwerre Local
Government Area on October 5. The four male victims were Biringa Chiadika Lordson, Year Two, Theatre Arts, U2010/1805036; Ugonna Kelechi Obuzor, Year Two, Geology, U2010/5565149 and Mike Lloyd Toku, Year Two, Civil Engineering, U2010/3010094 and Tekena Erikena, a certificate student in the Faculty of Education, who had not completed his registration before the gruesome murder.

The Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD), through its Director of Operations, Styvn Obodoekwe, yesterday in Port Harcourt, condemned the removal of the activist lecturer, which it said was unjust.

ACN on its part said: “We demand the immediate reversal of the removal of Dr. Efemini as the HOD, Philosophy of UNIPORT. The vice-chancellor’s decision to remove him for participating in last Tuesday’s protest is condemnable, irrational, unlawful, ungodly and provocative.”