PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS
JTF Arrests Suspects over SPDC Pipeline Fire
The Joint Task Force (JTF), in the Niger Delta, last Sunday,🗝 said its operatives have arrested eight persons in connection with the recent fire outbreak at a Shell Petroleum Development Company🗝 (SDPC), pipeline in Gokana LGA of Rivers State. Spokesman of the Task Force, Lt. Col Onyema Nwachukwu, said the arrest🗝 of the eight suspects was made by troops of 146 Battalion of Sector 2 of the JTF. Nwachukwu said the🗝 troops who sighted the fire at about 1.30 am on Wednesday mobilised to the scene where they found the suspects🗝 in two tug boats. He said the suspects upon interrogation, claimed to be employees of Steve Integrated Technical Service and🗝 Sege Marine hired by Shell Petroleum Development Company to fix broken pipelines in Bodo. Troops deployed at Sanbarth also arrested🗝 two suspects who specialized in vandalising oil pipelines in Akuku Toru LGA.
Suspected Kidnappers Arrested with18 Children
The Imo State Police Command,🗝 last weekend, nabbed a bus driver and a teacher at the border between Imo and Rivers States, conveying about 18🗝 school children suspected to have been abducted. Investigations revealed that the pupils were allegedly abducted from Umuohie Primary School and🗝 Baptist Secondary School, Umuohie, all in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State. According to reports, the bus driver refused to🗝 stop when he was flagged down for routine check and this fuelled suspicion among the policemen on duty. The female🗝 teacher and the driver were already telling the police all they knew about the movement of the school children. Residents🗝 of the area have appealed to security agencies in the state to extend their surveillance to the border road, which🗝 they described as “very lonely.” According to them, the road was gradually turning into a get-away route for criminals operating🗝 across the border communities.
Fulani Herdsmen Attack Enugu Community
There is tension in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State after Fulani herdsmen robbed🗝 and raped women in the area. The robbery and rape come after two residents were reported killed by the herdsmen🗝 recently, a situation that has made the residents to live in fear. A resident of the area alleged that the🗝 herdsmen had few days ago raped some young girls and middle-aged women and robbed motorists along Adani-Nsukka highway of their🗝 valuables and cash. He said but for the quick intervention of the police, the indigenes had started preparing for a🗝 showdown to chase the herdsmen out of the area. In quick response to the development, the Area Commander, Nsukka Police🗝 Area Command, Rose-Armson Haladu, mobilised forces and fortified the area. The Chairman of the LGA, Mr. Cornel Onwubuya, lamented that🗝 the herdsmen had been the problem of Adani community for a very long time.
Girl Found Dead at Abia Block Industry
A🗝 16-year-old girl, hawking groundnuts around Eziukwu road in Aba, was found dead last weekend at the premises of a block🗝 industry in Aba, Abia State. Her remains were reportedly dumped at a corner of the industry naked, while her tray🗝 of groundnuts was kept on top of a nearby platform. The Police Area Commander in charge of Aba Area Command,🗝 ACP Rabiu Dayi, described the incident as unfortunate. He assured that the police were on top of the situation and🗝 would, with time, ascertain the cause of her death and the people behind it. The state Police Commissioner, Mr Usman🗝 Abubakar, said that the corpse would be subjected to autopsy, to ascertain the cause of her death.
Fire Consumes Family of🗝 Six
A family of six perished in an early morning inferno, last weekend, in Port Harcourt. Neighbours of the deceased family🗝 said that the fire started at about 2pm. According to the landlord of the house, they heard was a loud🗝 explosion, which was immediately followed by balls of fire. They said three boys, a girl and their parents were those🗝 consumed in the fire. They put the ages of the children at twenty two, seventeen, nine and seven years. According🗝 to a source, two other daughters of the deceased parents were not at home when the incident occurred. Rivers State🗝 Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Angela Agabe, who confirmed the incident, said she was still awaiting details.
Man, Wife Die Mysteriously🗝 in Rivers State
Tragedy struck in Okrika LGA of Rivers State, last Sunday, when a husband and his wife suddenly died🗝 under questionable circumstances. The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Angela Agabe, who confirmed the development, said the couple🗝 allegedly died after a meal. Neighbours of the deceased said the couple probably died from food poison. Another possible angle🗝 to the ugly development is that the couple might have been strangled to death by unknown assailants. Agabe has said🗝 that the last meal the couples had before their death had been taken for analysis, adding that the Police was🗝 investigating the incident.
BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS
Bank Manager Arrested for Robbery
An Operations Manager of a bank in Agbor, Delta State has been arrested by🗝 the police for allegedly conniving with an armed robbery gang that raided the bank, last weekend. The gang succeeded in🗝 carting away millions of naira in both local and foreign currencies, penultimate Friday, while some bank customers and passers-by were🗝 wounded in the process. Police spokesman, Lucky Uyabeme, said that the arrested manager is helping the police in its investigation,🗝 and assured that the command would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that all the hoodlums involved are brought🗝 to book. Preliminary investigation revealed an insider connection in the bank robbery as the two keys to the strong room🗝 that were supposed to be kept by two different senior staff were left with the Operations Manager, who in turn🗝 left the strong room open. A senior staff of the bank who was supposed to be with one of the🗝 keys to the strong room purported to be sick, handed over the keys to the Operations Manager.
Edo Executes 4 Convicts,🗝 as Rights Groups Kick
Four death row prisoners in Edo State were, on Monday, executed despite their pending appeals at the🗝 Court of Appeal. President Goodluck Jonathan had recently directed state governors to sign the execution warrant of death row inmates,🗝 advising them not to shy away from same, as it was part of their duties. It was gathered that the🗝 execution took place despite the pendency of the suit by the condemned inmates, challenging their being on death row for🗝 over 16 years. They had also asked that their conviction be commuted to life imprisonment. Meanwhile, Legal Defence and Assistance🗝 Project (LEDAP) and Amnesty International, have both condemned the execution. Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry🗝 Idahagbon, in his reaction, said the executed men were convicted 15 years ago, noting that the Edo State Government had🗝 nothing to do with the execution. A fifth convict, who was ordered to be executed by firing squad, is being🗝 prepared for execution.
NDLEA Arrests 194 Suspects in Delta
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 194 drug suspects and🗝 confiscated 23.6 kilogrammes of cannabis and other drugs in nine months in Delta. The State Commandant of the NDLEA, Sumaila🗝 Ethan, added that out of those arrested were 169 males and 25 females. According to him, the women are mainly🗝 involved in the sales of the substances. He said the command in a single operation intercepted and seized 17 tonnes🗝 of cannabis concealed in a fuel tanker transported to the state as fuel. Ethan said that apart from cultivating cannabis,🗝 the state also served as store for cannabis brought in from the neighbouring Edo and Ondo states. Ethan said the🗝 command secured 30 convictions within the nine months, while other cases were still pending in various courts. He said that🗝 the command also counselled and got 12 clients integrated back to the society, while other three clients were presently undergoing🗝 counselling within the command.
Bridegroom, 3 Others Die in Edo Auto Crash
A bridegroom and three of his relations have been reportedly🗝 killed in a motor accident along the Benin-Auchi highway at Iruekpen in Esan West LGA of Edo State. According to🗝 an eye witness, the groom, his grand-mother, uncle and uncle’s wife were said to be travelling to Uromi, Esan North🗝 East LGA for the wedding introduction when the accident occurred. Their vehicle was said to have had head-on collision with🗝 a heavy duty truck conveying sand. Head of Operations, Iruekpen Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), John🗝 Omokandugba, attributed the crash to dangerous over-taking. He confirmed that four persons who were occupants of the bridegroom’s vehicle, died🗝 in the accident.
LAGOS AND ENVIRONS
Customs Hands over Killer Officer to Police
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun State Command, has handed over🗝 its officer, who allegedly killed a 45-year-old woman, Fausat Oyede, to the Police for further investigation. The state Comptroller, Ade🗝 Dosunmu lamented the incident, describing it as unfortunate. He said it became expedient on the command to hand over the🗝 officer to the Police after it had conducted an orderly room trial on him. The incident, according to findings, sparked🗝 off reactions from the residents who reportedly chased the Custom officers away from the area, before the timely intervention of🗝 the Police brought the situation under control. Dosunmu, flanked by members of the immediate family of the deceased, explained that🗝 the killer officer while on patrol, penultimate Thursday, shot at a vehicle conveying the deceased and other passengers, claiming that🗝 the vehicle was laden with contraband.
20 Robbers Invade Ogun, Kill Six
Armed robbers, numbering about 20, invaded the Ifo community in🗝 Ifo LGA of Ogun State and killed six people including five operatives of the Ogun State Vigilante Service, last Saturday.🗝 It was learnt that the robbers were members of a gang that specialized in robbing banks and allied institutions. The🗝 robbers, who allegedly operated in an unmarked lorry, entered a filling station and shot the five men of the Vigilante🗝 Service guarding the place. One of the petrol station attendants was also killed. The robbers were reportedly said to have🗝 engaged men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in a gun duel before they escaped. The Ogun State Police Public🗝 Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, saying that only two persons were killed.
Explosion as Vandals Rupture NNPC Pipeline🗝 in Lagos
There was an explosion in Lagos on Wednesday after vandals ruptured an oil pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National🗝 Petroleum Corporation at Akinbo Island. It was learnt that the culprits came to the jetty in three barges and canoes🗝 and ruptured the splash zone of the pipeline and siphoned thousands of litres of petrol before the explosion. The Deputy🗝 Manager, Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, Atlas Cove, Banjo Olajide, said he could not say the quantity of petrol lost🗝 to the fire. He said the agency had built watchtowers and police posts at the black spots near the pipelines’🗝 right of way. Olajide said Nigerian Army engineers had begun the rehabilitation of the pipelines’ right of way from Atlas🗝 Cove and the area was not difficult for security agents to patrol. Olajide said although oil distribution had been shut🗝 down temporarily until the affected pipelines were repaired, the incident would not lead to fuel scarcity.
Man Arrested for Raping and🗝 Posting Girl’s Nude Photos on Internet
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Babajide Bashorun, for allegedly kidnapping🗝 a female undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, and raping her. The police said Bashorun, a dog breeder, also🗝 took snapshot of her nudity, which he allegedly posted on the Internet. Policemen from the station subsequently arrested Bashorun. The🗝 police were also on the trail of two undergraduates of UNILAG, identified as Mayowa and Ademuyiwa, who were accused of🗝 complicity in the crime. Bashorun, who denied beating his victim, said they had been dating for a long time. The🗝 state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Braide, confirmed the arrest of Bashorun.
NDLEA Arrests Clearing Agents with Drugs
Three persons, including🗝 two licensed clearing and forwarding agents, have been arrested for illicit shipment of 43.6kg of cannabis to China and 12🗝 kilogrammes of methamphetamine to South Africa. The drugs said to have been hidden inside foodstuff and artificial hair, were detected🗝 by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during screening. This was as 55.6 kilogrammes of narcotics was🗝 intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr Hamza Umar, described it as the highest🗝 cannabis seizure since January 2013.
Woman Kills Neighbour, Reports Self to Police
A middle-aged woman, Stella Gilbert, has been arrested by the🗝 police at Ajeromi Police Station, in Ajegunle area of Lagos State for allegedly stabbing a female neighbour to death. The🗝 victim identified simply as Mama Esther, met her untimely death when she reportedly had a fisticuff with Gilbert at their🗝 59, Ojora Street residence in Ajegunle. The incident, which occurred last Saturday evening, started after a heated argument erupted between🗝 them before degenerating into a fight. Chukwudi Okoye, a resident of the area, disclosed that Gilbert ran to the station🗝 after stabbing her victim in the abdomen.
Police Kill 7 Suspected Kidnappers, Arrest 2
The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a🗝 kidnap syndicate comprising nine Nigerians based in Ghana. They are said to have been responsible for the kidnap of the🗝 Ejigbo Local Council Development Area boss, Kehinde Bamigbetan, and a High Court Judge. Seven suspected members of the syndicate were🗝 killed during a gun battle with the police, on Monday. Two suspected members of the gang were also arrested at🗝 their hideout in Agbara area of Ogun State, while an abducted Indian national, Vivex Changrani, was rescued. Four AK 47🗝 riffles, 28 AK 47 magazines fully loaded, more than 1,000 rounds of AK- 47 live ammunition, army uniforms and two🗝 vehicles are among items recovered from the suspects. The state’s Commissioner of Police (CP), Umar Manko, said that the Commander🗝 SARS, Abba Kyari, led a team of detectives to a suburb in Agbara where the kidnappers had their camp. He🗝 said that the kidnappers’ modus operandi, as gathered, included dressing in full military uniform. They would thereafter, kidnap their victims,🗝 pretending to be taking them to a military base, only to take them to their hideout, from where they would🗝 start negotiating for ransom.
Three Men Arrested with Guns
The Assistant Director Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin,🗝 Augustine Bello, last Sunday, said soldiers arrested three persons in Offa, Kwara State, with pistols. He said the suspects were🗝 arrested at a restaurant close to the residence of the candidate for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the🗝 forthcoming LGA election in state, Saheed Popoola. Popoola was the chairman of the Offa LG before his election was nullified🗝 by election petitions tribunal. Bello said the suspects had been handed over to the police for further investigation. But Popoola🗝 said the suspects, who he alleged were political thugs, had come to attack him. He alleged that, 10 gunmen had🗝 waylaid him at a restaurant two days earlier. He further alleged that the gunmen shot sporadically into the air and🗝 brandished dangerous weapons like broken bottles.
Man Hangs Self at Stadium
Confusion has enveloped Kuto area of Abeokuta, following the discovery of🗝 the lifeless body of a middle-aged man found dangling on a tree within the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta,🗝 last weekend. The lifeless body of the man was found few minutes after he hanged himself on the tree. He🗝 said an attempt by policemen from Ibara Division to save his life was unsuccessful as he was confirmed dead at🗝 the state General Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta. The state Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, stressing that🗝 nothing was found on the man to either unravel his identity or the rationale behind his action. Ademuyiwa further explained🗝 that the Police were alerted by a man whose shop is close to the tree within the stadium on which🗝 the man hanged himself. Adejobi said that police investigation was on-going to identify the deceased as well as the rationale🗝 behind his action.
Security Outfit Arrests Sea Pirates, Robbers in Ondo
Four people involved in sea piracy and robbery on the high🗝 sea in Ondo State have been arrested and handed over to the Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the state.🗝 The people, who were arrested by men of a private security outfit in the riverine area of the state were🗝 said to have been tormenting the people of the riverine communities of the state. Those arrested by the outfit included🗝 Samuel Odigbo and Bewereweigha Eligbe all from Warri North LGA of Delta State, Dinba Michael and Love Okugbe, from Arogbo🗝 in Ondo State. It was learnt that the suspects were apprehended at Arogbo-Ijaw junction, Omeleita.
14 Arraigned for Illegal Oil Bunkering
Fourteen🗝 suspects, arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for illegal bunkering were, Wednesday, arraigned before Justice James Tsoho🗝 of the Federal High Court in Lagos. The suspects pleaded not guilty when a five-count charge of illegal oil bunkering🗝 was read to them. The prosecuting counsel asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand all the🗝 accused persons in prison custody with the exception of the second accused who is the captain of the ship. The🗝 prosecutor prayed the court to remand him in EFCC custody so that he could lead investigators to the vessel. Defence🗝 counsel, Nelson Ohaji, while opposing the prayer of the EFCC counsel, informed the court that all the defendants had filed🗝 applications for bail and pleaded that they be remanded in EFCC custody if their applications were not considered. Justice Tsoho🗝 adjourned the case and ordered that all the accused persons be remanded in Ikoyi prison with the exception of the🗝 second accused person who was ordered to be remanded in EFCC custody.
59-Year-Old Arrested for Raping 8-Year-Old Girl
The Lagos State Police🗝 Command has arrested a 59-year-old man for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl in Ketu area of the state. According to🗝 the police, the suspect, identified as Soneye, raped the victim at his Ketu residence. The suspect, who goes by the🗝 pseudonym, Babalawo, allegedly lured the victim to his house while she was on her way to school. The man allegedly🗝 threatened them if they told anyone. The victim and her friend did not tell anyone about the incident until officials🗝 of the Kosofe LG Education Authority visited her school. The victim opened up to the officials that she was having🗝 severe pain in her vagina and after interviewing her, she told them about her defilement. The officials were said to🗝 have reported the matter at Ketu Police Division on Tuesday, after which the suspect was arrested. The suspect however denied🗝 having carnal knowledge of the eight-year-old.
Experts Expect More Oil Discoveries in Lagos
Following the announcements of oil discoveries in Lagos offshore,🗝 experts are of the opinion that more oil discoveries may be made in the state in near future. An oil🗝 and gas expert, who also doubles as the Director, ANDORA Technologies Ltd, Mr Bayo Akinpelu, said on Thursday that it🗝 was possible for more oil to be discovered in commercial quantities in Lagos. A source within the Department of Petroleum🗝 Resources (DPR), assured that it was a matter of time before another oil exploration firm announced new oil discoveries in🗝 Lagos. Drilling partners, Optimum, Afren and Lekoil, struck a significant light oil accumulation at the Ogo-1 well on the Ogo🗝 prospect in OPL 310 off Nigeria on Wednesday. The well was drilled to 3,205 metres and threw up a gross🗝 hydrocarbons column of 160 metres with 66 metres of net stacked pay. Optimum was targeting 78 million barrels of oil,🗝 equivalent of potential resource in its initial target.
Kidnappers Demand N25m as Ransom for Abducted Trader
The police in Lagos State have🗝 commenced investigations into the kidnap of a 43-year-old trader, Christiana Gbadamosi, who was abducting on her way to her shop🗝 in Ikorodu, last Saturday. A source stated that after the kidnappers had seized the victim, they called her husband, Mufutau,🗝 and demanded the sum of N25m. The police source disclosed that there had been an earlier attempt to kidnap her🗝 10-year-old, who was able to escape from the kidnappers, penultimate Friday. The matter had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery🗝 Squad (SARS) at the state command’s headquarters.
Police Arrest Suspected Robber in Church
There was a mild drama, on Tuesday, when the🗝 Police in Ogun State arrested a suspected robber with bullet wounds in a church in Ota, Ado-Odo-Ota LGA of the🗝 state. The robber was said to be one of the members of the gang that killed four members of vigilance🗝 group during operation in Ifo community, last weekend. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this,🗝 said three suspected robbers were killed during a gun battle around Oko-Bale, Ilogbo. The suspected robber had sought refuge in🗝 the church after he allegedly escaped from Police arrest with bullet wounds before he met his waterloo. The PPRO said🗝 that his men acted on a tip-off that led to the arrest of the suspect while taking treatments of his🗝 injured right leg in a church in Ota area of the state.
GENERAL
Youth Vigilante Nabs 31 Suspected Boko Haram Suspects
Youths Vigilante🗝 group in Borno State, otherwise known as Civilian JTF, last weekend, arrested 31 Boko Haram suspects in various locations in🗝 Maiduguri metropolis amidst ovations and commendations from residents and soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF). The arrested sect members🗝 were immediately handed over to the various local sector commanders of JTF for further interrogation and investigation. The suspects were🗝 believed to have been dislodged from their training camps at Sambisa Games Reserves Forests and Kirenowa, a border community with🗝 Chad, after troops attacked the camps following declaration of state of emergency by President Goodluck Jonathan. JTF commended the youths🗝 in the joint manhunt of fleeing Boko Haram suspects.
Boko Haram Member Confesses to Mass Killing
…As 50 Detained Members Promise to🗝 Assist Govt
A member of the Boko Haram sect, who was arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, shocked the people of Ngomari🗝 ward “Bakin Borehole” in Maiduguri, when he confessed to killing 23 people in two days, including slaughtering a village head🗝 and police officers in the area. The member, who was arrested on Tuesday evening, was said to have relocated about🗝 a year ago and rented a one-room apartment, living as an innocent citizen. A resident of Ngomari disclosed that the🗝 sect member was arrested after the vigilante group arrested his younger brother who, in turn, took them to Ngomari, where🗝 his brother was living. In another development, some members of the dreaded sect have promised the presidential committee on dialogue🗝 and peaceful resolution of security challenges in the North to collaborate with the government to put an end to the🗝 continued bloodletting. Over 50 detained members of the sect said if they were given a chance, they would assist authorities🗝 to end the crisis.
37 Killed in Renewed Plateau Crisis
Fresh crisis broke out in three villages of Balgan, Karkashi and Magama🗝 in Langtan South LGA of Plateau state claimed 37 persons. The crisis, which was more of an attack, an eye🗝 witness alleged, had the Fulani-Jukun unleashing mayhem on the native Tarok tribe in the villages in the early hours Thursday,🗝 leaving about 37 persons dead. It was gathered that houses and vehicles were also razed, even as residents fled the🗝 villages. The Chairman of Langtang South LGA, Narman Darko, put the death figure at 32. According to him, he had🗝 informed the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis and they had moved-in their men to prevent further havoc, and🗝 urged the people of the villages to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement to the law enforcement agents.🗝 The STF spokesman, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said that invaders killed 28 persons, while the STF killed 20 of them in🗝 a gun duel. He said that many other assailants sustained gunshot wounds and were arrested by the STF.
SSS Arraigns Lebanese🗝 Suspects in Court
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, arraigned three Lebanese suspects who were arrested for their alleged involvement in importation🗝 of arms before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The accused persons, Mustapha Fawaz, Abdallah Tahini and Talal Ahmad🗝 Roda, owners of Amigo Supermarket and Wonderland Amusement Park in Abuja, were arraigned on a six count charge bordering on🗝 terrorism-related acts. They, however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them. The trio were earlier arraigned before🗝 an Abuja Magistrates’ Court but the State Security Service (SSS) withdrew the charges on ground that the court has no🗝 jurisdiction to entertain the matter. In the fresh charge preferred against them, they are accused of belonging to the military🗝 wing of the Hezbollah and had allegedly received training in preparation for engaging in terrorist acts.
Al-Makura Inaugurates Commission of Inquiry🗝 into Nasarawa Killings
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, on Wednesday, inaugurated a 9-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry, headed by🗝 retired Justice Joseph Fola Gbadeyan, over the recent killings of over 90 security operatives at Alakyio village in Lafia East🗝 Development Area of the state. While performing the swearing-in, Governor Al-Makura, who gave just six weeks for the eminent jurist🗝 and members of the commission to prove their mettle, told them to examine and proffer suggestions cum advice on the🗝 ways, means and methodology through which the government could deal decisively, curb and completely wipe out the activities of the🗝 outlawed Ombatse militia group or any other militia or illegal or anti-social group or groups in the state. He tasked🗝 the commission to inquire into how the outlawed Ombatse militia was formed, its founders, financiers, and supporters and recommend, provide🗝 and exert appropriate punishment for those found culpable.
Policeman Kills Colleague in Benue
A policeman in Otukpo LGA of Benue State, last🗝 weekend killed his colleague when they attempted to arrest some youths in the area. It was learnt that the policemen,🗝 from Otukpo Division, had stormed Asa 111 area to effect the arrest of some youths said to have disrupted the🗝 meeting of some elders when the incident happened. The state police spokesman, DSP Daniel Ezeala, who confirmed incident, said the🗝 policeman was killed by accidental discharge from a fellow colleague in the process of effecting arrest. The PPRO explained that🗝 some youths in the area had disrupted a meeting being held by elders and subsequently, manhandled an elderly person. The🗝 police, according to Ezeala, had succeeded in arresting one of the youths, which however, created stiff resistance from them.
Police in🗝 Kano Arrest 3,241 Suspected Criminals in Six Months
Kano State Police Command has disclosed that it had carried out series of🗝 raids at various criminals’ hideouts and black spots and successfully arrested 3,241 suspects in the last six months. The police🗝 command explained that among those arrested, 2,741 were charged to court over an exhibits recovered from them, which include 39🗝 knives, 15 swords and seven locally made pistols and large quantity of Indian hemp.
4 Boko Haram Members Disguised as Women🗝 Arrested
Residents of Gwange area in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital have restricted their women from going out in the evening🗝 following reports that Boko Haram sect members now resort to wearing women’s clothing to go out and perpetrate evil or🗝 try to escape arrest by soldiers and vigilante in the area. It was gathered that, four Boko Haram members were🗝 arrested on Saturday in Gwange ward wearing women’s clothing and trying to escape arrest as a result of pressure mounted🗝 on them in the area by the vigilante. According to residents, the sect members also wear women’s clothing to hide🗝 their weapons.
SSS Nabs 2 Chinese Nationals for Illegal Mining in Minna
Two Chinese engaging in illegal mining, excavating and exporting of🗝 gems to China for the past two years have been arrested and paraded by the Niger State command of the🗝 Department of State Security Services (SSS) in Minna. According to Dr Larry Obiagwu, State Director of SSS, the two Chinese🗝 suspects, Mr Lu Xiaoyong and Huaiming Geng, were alleged to have carried out their illegal activities with a Nigerian collaborator,🗝 Mohammed Bello, who was a mediator between the locals who dug for the precious stones and the Chinese at Koyugba🗝 Village in of Paikoro LGA. In a related development, the SSS arrested four Nigerians over their alleged involvement in the🗝 vandalism of armoured cables belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), and Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL).
Court Orders Arrest🗝 of EFCC Chairman for Contempt
Justice Peter Kekemeke of an Abuja High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP),🗝 Mohammed Abubakar to arrest the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, for disobeying a🗝 valid court order. Justice Kekemeke directed that the EFCC boss and an operative of the anti-graft agency should be apprehended🗝 and kept in prison custody within the next two weeks, except they apologize to a lawyer whose fundamental human rights🗝 were allegedly violated by the EFCC. The court had, twice in 2012, ordered Lamorde to release the call-to-bar certificate of🗝 one Innocent Onwu, apologize to him through a national newspaper as well as pay him N50, 000 as compensation. Onwu🗝 who is an Abuja-based lawyer had on October 31, 2011, initiated a fundamental rights enforcement proceeding after he was detained🗝 by the EFCC between June 27 and July 1, 2011 without order of court. The EFCC, vowed to appeal the🗝 ruling after acknowledging that it had received a copy of the order.
INTERNATIONAL
Nine Tourists Killed in Pakistan
Gunmen dressed as police killed🗝 nine foreign tourists in an unprecedented attack in the Pakistani Himalayas claimed by the Taliban. The attackers struck late Saturday🗝 at the foot of one of the world’s highest mountains, killing climbers at a base camp in the far-flung north🗝 not previously associated with violence or Islamist militancy. Officials said two Chinese, on American, one Nepali, a number of Ukrainians🗝 and one Pakistani were among those killed while one Chinese national survived the attack, which comes just weeks after a🗝 new government took office. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned “these inhuman and cruel acts”, ordered a thorough investigation and called🗝 for the culprits to be brought to justice. A spokesman for Pakistan’s main umbrella Taliban faction claimed responsibility.
Eight Soldiers Killed🗝 in India's Kashmir
Eight soldiers were killed and six others injured in rebel attacks in India's Jammu and Kashmir state, an🗝 army spokesman said on Monday. The attack is seen is part of escalating violence ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's🗝 visit to the state. Militants have escalated attacks on security forces since March this year, killing 27 security men so🗝 far, with Monday's the deadliest so far. The security incidents follow protests in February when India hanged Mohammad Afzal Guru🗝 for an attack on parliament in 2001. Guru was convicted of helping organise arms for the gunmen who mounted the🗝 attack and finding a place for them to stay. He always maintained his innocence. Militant group Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility🗝 for the ambush and warned of more such attacks. Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, both of which claim🗝 the region and rule it in part.
Lebanese Soldiers Killed in Clashes Caused by Syrian War
Lebanese soldiers have been trying to🗝 quell sectarian unrest caused by the Syrian war. At least six Lebanese soldiers have been killed in clashes with Sunni🗝 militants in the port city of Sidon. The army said fighting broke out after supporters of a radical Sunni cleric🗝 opened fire on a checkpoint. It said three officers were among the dead and several other soldiers were wounded. Sectarian🗝 tensions in Lebanon have risen since the country's Shia movement Hezbollah backed Syria's government in the civil war there. The🗝 army blamed the violence on supporters of hard-line Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir. People in the worst affected areas -🗝 Abra and Hilaliya - called on the authorities to move them to safer places.
Brazil Protesters Clash with Police, as President🗝 Pledges Reforms
Brazilian protesters have clashed with police outside the stadium. An estimated 50,000 anti-government demonstrators marched towards the Mineirao Stadium🗝 in Belo Horizonte. Police set up a ring of steel in a mile radius around the stadium and defended their🗝 barricades with tear gas and rubber bullets. A dense fog of acrid gas enveloped the protesters as they responded by🗝 lobbing gas canisters and rocks back at police and several large fires were ignited close to the police line. The🗝 wave of protests that have hit Brazil began over a hike in transport fares but it has evolved into anger🗝 at high taxes, poor public services, government corruption and spending on the World Cup. On Tuesday Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff🗝 met with protest leaders and State Governors. She promised reforms including £17bn of investment for the transport system. Lower Congress🗝 also voted to drop a controversial measure that would have made in more difficult to prosecute officials. Congress also approved🗝 a bill earmarking oil revenues for improving education and health care.
Boston Bombing Suspect Indicted
Boston Marathon bombing suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, has🗝 been indicted on charges of killing four people and using a weapon of mass destruction. The 19-year-old faces 30 charges🗝 linked to the 15 April blasts, which killed three and injured more than 260 others. A fourth victim, a policeman,🗝 was shot dead by him and his brother during the hunt for them. Seventeen charges could bring life in prison🗝 or even the death penalty, US prosecutors said. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's brother, 26-year-old Tamerlan, was killed in a shoot-out with police🗝 days after the twin blasts. The explosives were described as pressure-cooker bombs, packed with shrapnel. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was injured in🗝 that gun battle and has been held in a prison hospital near Boston since his capture on 19 April. The🗝 brothers are from a family of ethnic Chechen Muslims from Russia and had been living in the US for about🗝 a decade.
Man, 75, Arrested over Mosque Bomb
A 75-year-old man has been arrested after a home-made bomb was left near a🗝 mosque in Walsall. About 150 people were evacuated from homes near the mosque in Rutter Street after bomb disposal experts🗝 were called to the scene, penultimate Saturday evening. Neighbours described hearing a bang on Friday but it was only when🗝 a member of the public took the device inside the Aisha Mosque that police were called. The man was arrested🗝 at his home in Walsall on Thursday afternoon. He was detained on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger🗝 life or damage property, West Midlands Police said.
Rudd Sworn in as New Australian PM, as Gillard Steps Down from Politics
Kevin🗝 Rudd has been sworn in as prime minister of Australia, a day after he ousted Julia Gillard as leader of🗝 the Labour Party. Rudd took the oath at Government House in front of Governor-General Quentin Bryce. He then addressed parliament🗝 briefly, paying tribute to Ms Gillard, who is stepping down from politics. The leadership change comes ahead of an election🗝 scheduled for 14 September, which polls suggest Labour will lose. Rudd returned to lead Australia's government three years and three🗝 days after he was toppled in a similar Labour leadership contest by Ms Gillard, then his deputy. He secured 57🗝 votes to Ms Gillard's 45 in Wednesday's vote, which followed months of speculation and bitter infighting over who should lead🗝 Labour into the forthcoming election.
