Global Naija Info

The suspect A Lebanese, Khodor Jichi, 38 has been arrested by operatives of the Interpol section of the Nigerian Police, Alagbon close, Ikoyi, Lagos for allegedly obtaining 30,000 Euro, equivalent to N13,800,000 under false pretence from Alhaji Abdul Kareem Musa. After investigations by Inspector Raphael Ajuro and his team, Jichi, a resident of Apapa, Lagos was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos on a two-count charge of felony to wit: stealing. Police prosecutor, ASP Henry Obiazi, informed the court in charge No.6/65/2016 that the accused and others still at large committed the alleged offence in August, 2016 at Agege, Lagos. Obiazi told the court that the accused tricked and collected 30,000 euros from the complainant, Alhaji Abdul Kareem Musa, by pretending to assist him to send the money to his business partner abroad, but instead converted the money to his personal use. He said the accused was eventually arrested at a hideout following intelligence gatheri...

Buhari The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government to declare “emergency” on the economy. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday. Adeyeye also advised government to invite competent hands to manage and revive the country’s economy. He, however, said that PDP had been vindicated of its positions following the acceptance of responsibility regarding the economic misfortune caused by the APC. He said Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo, who spoke with newsmen after APC governors meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday accepted the responsibility. Adeyeye quoted Okorocha as saying “We must take responsibility and we must never shift the responsibility to anybody. We are responsible for everything happening in Nigeria. “The good, the bad, the ugly but we are promising Nigerians that we shall fix it”. The PDP spokesman said that the declaration came aft...

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama The Federal Government has backed Kenyan Government on the arrest of 26 Nigerians in the country on Oct. 22 for flouting visa laws. A statement by the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Acting Spokesperson, Jane Bassey-Adams on Tuesday in Abuja, alleged that the arrested persons were not in possession of valid document for their stay in Kenya. Bassey-Adams said that the Immigration Authority of Kenya acted in accordance with its domestic laws regarding the arrest of illegal immigrants. She said that the law enabled the authority to crack down on foreigners whose visas had elapsed but remained in Kenya illegally. The spokesperson said some of them had also been indicted for criminal activities including advance fee fraud, warning that the government would not support any Nigerian who broke the law of her host country. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state that the Government of Nigeria does not support, encourage or condone an...

Femi Fani-Kayode The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is to arraign former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, on new charges of fraud on Nov. 10. EFCC’s spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed this through an SMS in Abuja on Tuesday. Uwujaren said that the commission had already served the former minister with court processes, he did not give further details. Fani-Kayode, a former Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, was re-arrested by EFCC operatives while emerging from a Federal High Court room in Lagos on Friday. He is standing trial in the Lagos court alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenandi Usman, one Danjuma Yusuf and a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Ltd. The three are facing a 17-count charge of unlawful retention, unlawful use and unlawful payment of money to the tune of about N4.9 billion, a charge they denied. Reports say that the Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had concluded the witness’...

EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says what it achieved within the last 11 months in terms of looted assets recovery surpassed its first 12-year record. Its Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, made the fact known when a team of participants at the National Management Course of the Pakistani National School of Policy visited him in Abuja on Tuesday. “We have achieved a lot in terms of recovery of looted funds and property in the past 11 months more than was achieved in the last 12 years of the existence of the commission. “We have had many challenges but for me, my main motivation is the political goodwill we enjoy,’’ Magu said in a statement. “My men are determined and committed to work. Most importantly, the government is also ever ready to support us,” he added. Magu was appointed acting chairman of the EFCC on Nov. 9, 2015, making him the fourth helmsman of the commission. On June 4, the Federal Government released a list of recove...

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State says the state will utilize the Islamic finance system to boost agricultural production. Tambuwal, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba, spoke on Tuesday in Sokoto at a conference organized by Faculty of Management Sciences, Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto. The theme of the conference is: “Management of the Nigerian Economy in the 21st century,” with focus on issues and perspective of economy in Islam. “The state government can gain immensely from this conference, and one of the areas the state can benefit is in Islamic finance in agriculture sector. “This will aid the agricultural activities of the farmers by minimizing the cost of farming system and other challenges in the state,” Tambuwal said. He said that the conference was appropriate in view of the economic challenges of the country. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, said that the economic challenge...

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State Lagos indigenes have called on the Senate to revisit the case of granting a special status to Lagos State, being the former Federal Capital Territory and the economic nerve centre of the nation. The indigenes, under the aegis of Eko Heritage Foundation said it was regrettable that the Senate recently turned down a bill sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu requesting for a special grant for Lagos. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Scott Femi and the General Secretary, Laguda Ishola, the group said “it is completely regrettable how some senators in the red chamber turned down this glorious bill for the betterment of Lagos despite the hospitality and accommodating nature of Lagos to external citizens. “Most of these senators have families or relatives who reside in Lagos and even have businesses they do in the state to the extent of having political positions either elected or appointed. Playing politics with our bill that is well deserved...

Nollywood Mr Dele Osawe, the Chief Executive Officer, Manete International, a movie production organisation, on Tuesday, described cinema production as sure means of generating income for producers and curbing piracy in the industry. Osawe said that there was a score mark in film production, “but our problem is piracy. “It will pay off if we face the cinemas and increase production for the cinemas; this way, producers will have made money before it will be produced into movie. “At that point, it will not be so painful if any quack is pirating the copy.” He recalled that some movie producers had their copies badly pirated that they could barely earn a living from their work. He said “when you look at Funke Akindele’s comedy show — Jenifa’s Diary, it has been pirated so badly and I weep for her. “If all the money from that comedy show is going to Funke, she will be happy, but pirates have pirated it so much that it has different versions in the market. “She is not getting the ...

NDLEA operatives A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday sentenced a 31-year-old tea vendor, Adamu Dungus, to nine months imprisonment for trafficking in 300 grammes of Tramadol. Tramadol, a psychotropic substance, is on the government’s prohibition list of drugs. The convict, who was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for a charge of drug trafficking, had pleaded guilty. Following his guilty plea, the prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, asked for the review of the facts of the case. He tendered before the court the statement of the accused to NDLEA, a request for scientific aid form, as well as the bulk of exhibit. Earlier, the prosecutor, urged the court to sentence the accused based on the evidence and exhibits presented by the prosecution. Delivering his judgment, Justice Muslim Hassan, said “the accused is guilty as charged”. He sentenced him to nine months in jail which, he said, would start running from the date of his arrest. The court also or...

Nollywood The Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) says considerable investment in the theatre industry will help to revamp the country’s economy. The Chapter’s Chairman, Mr Adeniran Makinde, said in Lagos on Tuesday that the industry would become more viable if the right policies and facilities were in place for entrepreneurs to invest. “Financially, it became very dangerous for you to risk your money in theatre because we have not been able to find the business model for theatre to run in the country. “But if we put in policies and facilities on ground, you will soon find out that theatre is one of the biggest tools to break recession. “It is a powerful industry that can break the backbone of unemployment given the nature of Nigeria and its people. “I support proliferation of association; but the association and guilds wherever they are must have a uniformed position in terms of the industry. “It is a system that we ...

NPDC The Nigerian Petroleum Development Corporation (NPDC) has told the Federal High Court, Abuja, to stop the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) from continuing its investigation into oil spillage in the country. Counsel to NPDC Ayotunde Ogunleye brought an ex parte motion in this regard before Justice Ademola Adeniyi on Tuesday. Ogunleye prayed the court for a judicial review against the commission’s special investigative panel on oil spillage and pollution by prohibiting the panel from going on with the investigation. Ademola, however, complained that the counsel was making reference to documents that were not before him. He said the issue was a serious one and that all necessary exhibits must be before him before he would consider the motion. The judge adjourned hearing of the motion till Oct. 27 to enable counsel regularise their processes. NHRC, on Feb. 21, set up a special investigative panel on oil spills and environmental pollution in the country. The Executive ...

Marriage put asunder An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court on Tuesday dissolved the five-year-old marriage between Okunola Adebola and her husband, Oluwasayo. The marriage was dissolved on grounds of desertion and lack of care for her and the only child. Adebola, residing at No 22, Ado Community Junction, Ado-Ekiti, told the court that they were both paying the child’s school fees, but he suddenly stopped. She told the court that she had sought for the husband’s assistance on the school fees on several occasions, but he refused. The mother of one said that she had been responsible for the welfare of the child in the last three years. She told the court that her husband was fond of referring to her as a lazy and jobless wife. According to her, sometimes he will drop N20, 000 for the child school fees, while she is responsible for feeding and payment for the house rent. She claimed that they had disagreement on sale of clothes that he sent from abroad as he claimed that she did not remi...

Teacher-in classroom The Kaduna State Government said on Tuesday that the planned compulsory proficiency and competency test introduced for primary school teachers across the state was not to witch-hunt anybody. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Andrew Nok made the clarification in Kaduna. He explained that the test became necessary following the low quality of teaching observed in primary schools. According to him, the proficiency test is normal in any establishment, especially if effective and quality service is at stake. “What we want to do is to know who is teaching what in our schools and whether the person is competent enough to teach. “You would be surprise to know that someone teaching science for example could not define science. Such a person has no business teaching in our schools.” Nok said that the test would be conducted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), adding that those found to be deficient would be given a window f...

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), presenting a State plaque to President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Prince Dapo Adelegan during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday. Kazeem Ugbodaga Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed delight at the emergence of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa, just as he said his administration is in the process of setting up an Economic Management Team comprising distinguished individuals from the private and public sector to manage and scale up the successes recorded in that direction. Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria when he received a delegation from the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce on courtesy visit, said the emergence of Lagos was very instructive, adding that government would explore synergy with private sector with a view to catapult Lagos into a true global city-state in the true sense of the word. “Very...

visual-artist A visual artist, Nkang Ini-Dan, the Chief Executive Officer, “Brother art Productions’’, has urged government at all levels to set up art residency foundations as a platform to boost the career of budding artists. Ini-Dan said in Lagos on Tuesday that the government needed to do more for the visual art sector to grow to enable artists to benefit from their works. “In other climes, artists both established and new comers are provided good structures and a sizeable grant to start their career. “In foreign countries, they have things like resident artists, where you stay for a year and practice before setting up your own,’’ he said. The artist said that during the period of residency, the government provided food and money for the artists to concentrate fully on their craft. He added that after the residency, the artists are given a loan to start their career. “Unfortunately, all these are not made available for us here by government. “Lack of government interventi...

The gavel of justice A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday dismissed an application to bar journalists from covering the case of alleged illegal oil export filed by the Federal Government against Total E&P Nig. Plc. The federal government sued Total E&P Nig. Plc, alleging that the oil company under-declared the volume of crude oil it shipped out of the country between January 2011 and December 2014. The federal government accused the oil company of short-changing it to the tune of 245 million dollars by allegedly shipping several barrels of crude oil out of Nigeria, without making due remittance to the government. Total, through its lawyer, Mr Babatunde Fagbohunlu (SAN), on Tuesday brought an application, urging the court to bar journalists from covering and reporting the proceedings. He had argued that the media reports made it appear as if his client had already been found guilty of the allegations levelled by the federal government. Fagbohunlu said the media repor...

Heathrow-Airport The British government has given the go-ahead for a third runway to be built at London’s Heathrow airport, despite fierce opposition from the city’s residents and environmental groups, the report said on Tuesday,. It said that alternative plans to expand an existing runway at Heathrow or to build another runway at one of London’s other airports were rejected. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling described the move as “truly momentous.” “I am proud that after years of discussion and delay this government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market. “Securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond,” Grayling said. Plans to expand airport capacity in the crowded south-east of England were first aired a decade ago under the then Labour government. The proposal for a new runway at Heathrow faced the most vocal opposition, including from former London mayor and current Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. In 20...

Irish-potatoes The Federal Government has expressed its determination to support Irish potato farmers toward increasing their productivity and modifying value chain in 2017. Chief Daniel Okafor, the National President, Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria (POFAN) said on Tuesday in Abuja. Okafor said that the Irish potato value chain programme would be launched in January 2017. He said that the Federal Government had already put POFAN into its programme and ready to distribute disease resistance seeds by January to farmers. Okafor stressed the need for the potato farmers to capture their data, including the size of their crop land, location and the number of the existing farmers. According to him, government is going to give every state what it deserves to increase potato production. “It is not going to be business as usual because farmer will be working with Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Agriculture. “All the government is going to do is allocate certain amount of mon...

The gavel of justice A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered, Salisu Zuru, to pay four million naira debt to Paul Golu, a lawyer. The Upper Area Court judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, made the order after Zuru pleaded guilty to the claims against him. Golu of Area 3, Garki, Abuja, who is the plaintiff and counsel, had told the court that Zuru collected four million naira from him sometime in 2015. He said the defendant, a staff of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, collected the money from him on behalf of Adamu Entonu for purchase of election forms for the Federal elections. He further said Zuru, who served as an intermediary in the transaction, made an undertaking to pay back the money before or on the conclusion of the said elections which held in 2015. The plaintiff said Zuru, however, defaulted without giving any reason, adding that the said money was client’s monies in his custody. He, however, urged the court to compel Zuru to refund the said money with a month...

Sarah-Seawall, U.S. under secretary Ms Sarah Sewall, the United States Under-Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights would be visiting Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon from Oct. 25 to Nov.3. The U.S. Department of State said in a statement that her visit to the three countries would focus on civilian security, fight against Boko Haram and violent extremism in the region. The statement said that the visit would also afford the U.S. official the opportunity to discuss the dire humanitarian and stabilisation needs in the Lake Chad Basin region. “The U.S. Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Sarah Sewall will travel to Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon October 25 – November 3, 2016. “The trip will focus on civilian security, with an emphasis on the fight against Boko Haram, violent extremism and the dire humanitarian and stabilisation needs in the Lake Chad Basin region,’’ it said. The statement said that she would also be meeting with Nigeria...

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has promised to increase the salaries of workers in the state once the economy improves. He also gave an assurance of his administration’s commitment toward staff training and workshops. Obiano made the promise on Tuesday in Awka during a visit to the Anambra Local Government Service Commission. “As soon as the economy improves, I will increase workers’ salaries, but their yearly bag of rice will be given to them. “We are committed to transforming the local government system to greater heights through effective and efficient staff training and workshops. “Regrettably, most members of staff lacked knowledge about the policy direction of the government. “ I am urging the commission to pass the information down to the grassroots for proper inclusion in my administration,” he said. Dr Peter Egenti, the Chairman of the commission, commended the leadership style of the governor and his development strides. “The ...

court A lodger, Joy Chiaka, on Tuesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly failing to settle her hotel bills, totaling N151,000. Chiaka, 40, whose occupation and address were not provided, is being tried for fraud and dishonest use of property. The Prosecutor, Insp. George Nwosu, told court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 12 at Kofoworola Street, Ikeja, Lagos. He said that the accused lodged in a hotel for 15 days and was provided meals for the period without paying the accumulated bill of N151,000. “The accused came with her son to lodge at Destiny Hotel and fed for 15 days but refused to pay.” Nwosu said that when the accused checked into the hotel, all effort to pay through the hotel POS machine was unsuccessful. “When the accused came in, she tried to make payment through the hotel’s POS machine that night but the transaction was not successful, the management thought it was network problem. “The accused promised to pay the m...

Some of the arrested suspected prostitutes The Lagos State Government has arrested eight suspected prostitutes and three men in the house of late National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi in Ikoyi area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. The arrest was part of the Lagos State Government’s clean up exercise in Ikoyi and Victoria Island which have been overtaken by illegal and abandoned structures. Officials of the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit and the police from Ikoyi Police Station stormed Azazi’s abandoned house at 5 Club Road, Ikoyi and arrested eight suspected prostitutes plying their trade in the area, along with three other men. Most of the young women arrested were from Benue State and will be charged to court by the taskforce for constituting nuisance in the area. “I don’t know anything happening in the compound until Saturday when they came to arrest us by police from Ikoyi Police Station, they released us to come back a...

court-of-law The Police on Tuesday arraigned a 70-year-old, Alidu Afolabi, in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly defrauding two brothers of N18 million. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Afolabi, a herbalist from Aba Paanu, Ilebu area of Ibadan, was arraigned on a two-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing. The prosecutor, Insp Sunday Ogunremi, told the court that Afolabi fraudulently obtained the sum from two brothers, Rasheed Alimi and Dauda Alimi. “Afolabi collected the money from the two brothers who allegedly wanted Afolabi to perform money making ritual for them and under false pretence to double the money for them,” Ogunremi said. He alleged that the duo committed the offence sometimes in April at about 10.00 a.m. at Ado’s Compound, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, where he was a tenant. Ogunremi said the offence contravened section 390 (9) and 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000. The accused...

Governors’ Forum The Governors’ Forum has demanded that no fewer than one percent of the of the country’s consolidated revenue be earmarked to improve primary healthcare service. This was part of the resolutions of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa Abuja. The Chairman of the Forum and Zamfara Gov. Abdulaziz Yari announced this to newsmen at the end of the meeting. According to him, the decision followed the presentation by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, on malaria, Lassa fever and Polio pandemic in the country. Yari said that Adewole presented the situation of malaria, Lassa fever and polio in the country to enable the states and the federal government to determine joint intervention mechanisms. He also said that the minister had presented the plan for the establishment of rural health centers in different parts of the country. “He is eventually looking for the setting aside of one percent of the consolidate...

Police cell A 19-year-old student,Lucky Afam,who allegedly beat a man, Dele Adeyemi, to a pulp, was on Tuesday in Lagos granted a N50,000 bail. An Apapa Magistrates’ Court which gave the ruling, also granted the accused one surety as part of the bail condition. The Magistrate, Mr M.A Etti, said the surety must be gainfully employed and also show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government. Afam, a resident of Ajegunle area of Apapa, Lagos, is standing trial on a three-count charge of assault, impersonation and threatening violence. The prosecutor,Sgt. Kokoye Olusegun, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 19 at Owoyemi Street, Ajegunle, Apapa. Olusegun said the accused assaulted the complainant by beating him to a pulp and also threatening to stab him with a knife. “The complainant said the fight started as a result of an argument which ensued between them. “Adeyemi said all efforts made by people passing by to settle the dispute ...

Sen. Shehu Sani Sen. Shehu Sani (APC-Kaduna Central) has called on the Federal Government to make the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme voluntary or provide live insurance cover for NYSC members. Sani made the appeal while speaking to newsmen shortly after he condoled with the family of Lawal Kontagora, a youth corps member allegedly killed by unknown gunmen in Kaduna recently. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Kontagora, 26, an NYSC member, serving at Africdect Information Technology Centre, Kaduna, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Malali area in the metropolis on Oct. 17. “This is not the first time, it has always been the case, when it happens, we mourn we condemn the action. “This happened in my constituency and he is part of my constituency. I have a duty to pursue this case to its logical conclusion. “If such things happen to others and they are being ignored, I virtually will not fold my arms and see this kind of things happen. “I am taking this i...

Gov Atiku Bagudu The Kebbi State Scholarship Board has concluded arrangements to screen 10,000 indigent applicants for 2016/2017 scholarship award. Dr. Sahabi Yauri, the Executive Secretary of the board, said in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. Yauri said the exercise would commence next week and will last for one month. He said it was mandatory for prospective applicants to present original copies of their credentials, admission letters and indigene certificates. He warned them against the use of proxy to avoid impersonation and other related dubious acts. Yauri commended the state government for regular payment of tuition and registration fees of students studying in tertiary institutions nationwide, and urged them to reciprocate the gesture. The government recently settled backlog of N1billion tuition and registration fees of its students studying within and outside the country.

NUJ Games The Correspondents Chapel has boasted it will dethrone the champions of the football event of the 2015 Med-View-Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Media Games, Lagos State Information Service. Sodiq Martins, Manager of the Correspondents team, said that he was optimistic his team would win gold in the Five-A-Side- football event. The Games, sponsored by Med-view Airlines and supported by Big Cola Drinks, is scheduled for Oct. 24 to Oct. 29 at the National Stadium, Lagos. Martins said his team was not scared of the past winners, saying that surprises and luck often occurred in competitions. “My team aims to win this year’s football competition; I don’t care if Lagos Information or the SUN Newspapers were winners in previous editions. “I know we are here to win; we have been training before now. I am happy that we won our first match against Lagos Television (LTV). “For me, it is a good start and I believe we will continue to win,’’ he said. NAN reports that the Corre...

Federal Polytechnic, Kaura-Namoda. The Academic Staff Union of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura-Namoda in Zamfara, on Tuesday, commenced a two-week warning strike over alleged high-handedness, dictatorship and poor management by the Rector of the institution. The Chairman of the union, Mr Siraj Muhammad said at a news briefing on Tuesday in Kauran Namoda that the lecturers were also protesting alleged decay of facilities at the polytechnic. He said the union had met severally with the management over the issues without any tangible efforts made to address the problems. Muhammad accused the rector of appropriating all responsibilities, thereby, grounding administrative activities at the polytechnic. He said that part of the union’s demands was the devolution of powers and responsibilities to other heads, provision of water to students’ hostels and full autonomy to the school clinic. The striking lecturers were also asking for provision of equipment for practicals, confirmation of appo...

A 60-year-old pensioner, Emmanuel Effiong, on Tuesday appeared in an Ikeja Magistrate court for alleged unlawful entering into the arrival lobby of Murtala Mohammed International Airport terminal. Effiong, a resident of Abule-Egbe, Ikeja Area, Lagos, is being tried for breach of peace and unlawful entering. Prosecutor Essien Ndarake told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 18 at the arrival hall of Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. He said that the accused unlawfully entered into the airport which was a restricted area without any reasonable cause or permission. “The accused was found inside the airport lobby without permission or authority from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),” he said. Ndarake said that the accused engaged himself as a tout by rending unsolicited assistance to both intending and arriving passengers without permission. “The accused was found seeking unsolicited assistance from passengers. When he was ac...

magistrate-court court An Egor Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday in Benin City granted a bail of N250,000 each to two men — Osahenrumwen Ubebe, 31, Ike Maduabuchi, 31 — over alleged theft of iron rods valued at N260, 000. The Magistrate, Mrs Igho Braimoh, who gave the ruling, also granted the accused persons one surety each, who must be civil servants. The accused persons are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Osayomwanbor Omoruyi, told the Court that the duo with others now at large committed the offences on Oct. 13 at about 11. 00 p.m. at Hi-Tech premises in Asoro Bus Stop, Evbuotubu, Benin City. Omoruyi alleged that the men stole some iron rods valued at N260,000, property of Hi-Tech Company Nig. Ltd. The offence contravened Sections 390 (9), 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Edo. They, however, pleaded not guilty. The magistrate adjourned the case to Nov. 22 for hearing.

University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital chapter, has called off its strike. The association’s Chairman, Dr Ade Faponle, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin. Faponle said that the strike was called off following interventions by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, the Emir of Shonga, Dr Haliru Yahaya, among others. He also said that Saraki and others gave NARD assurance that their grievances and demands would be looked into. “The strike is also called off in the interest of patients who have been suffering, and members of the association will resume work on Tuesday, Oct. 25,” he said. According to Faponle, the association has confidence in the ability of the mediating parties to secure the entitlements of its members.

Governor Nasiru El-Rufai No fewer than 29 ethnic communities spread across five local government areas in southern Kaduna state have signed a peace pact to stem communal clashes in the area. This is contained in a communiqué signed by chairmen of the 29 ethnic communities in Kafanchan and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna. The chairmen expressed worry over the recent communal crises that engulfed southern Kaduna and their resolve to end such clashes and remain in peace. Leaders from the five local government areas, made up of Kachia, Kaura, Jema’a, Sanga and Zangon Kataf said the pact followed a parley brokered by Swiss government sponsored Nairobi-based inter-governmental organization, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. According to them, more than 20 people were killed in the recent clashes in Jema’a Local Government Area of the state. Areas affected included Godogodo, Ninte, Gada Biyu, Gidan Waya, Antang and Dogon Fili as well as Kagoro i...

Ex-Belgium-coach Ex-Belgium coach, Marc Wilmots has rejected a chance to lead Algeria after contract talks collapsed over finances. Frenchman Rolland Courbis now likely to take over Nigeria’s World Cup rivals. According to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), negotiations between Wilmots and FAF President, Mohamed Raouraoua, which was held in Brussels, broke down over finances. It was, however, speculated that the Belgian coach’s asking price was beyond the budget of Algeria. As a result, Courbis has now emerged as the favourite to replace the Serb Milovan Rajevac. Rajevac quit his post earlier this month after Cameroon forced Algeria to a 1-1 draw in Blida in a World Cup qualifier. Belgium under Wilmots were one of the leading favourites to win the 2016 Euros in France only for them to fail so miserably.

court-of-law A Kaduna High Court sitting at Dogarawa, Zaria, on Tuesday, sentenced a 25-year-old man, Hassan Adamu, to death by hanging for homicide. The judge, Justice Kabir Dabo, who convicted Adamu after he pleaded guilty, discharged and acquitted, Abubakar Adamu, the second accused based on insufficient evidence. Dabo said after listening to submission, deliberations and witnesses from both sides, the court hereby sentenced first accused to death by hanging under Section 221 of Penal Code of Northern Nigeria. Adamu, who resides at Tudun Jukun, Zaria, was convicted on a two-count-charge of homicide and criminal conspiracy. The first and second convict persons were dragged before the court for killing of Shamsuddeen Adamu, 27. They stabbed the deceased with a knife in three different areas of his body, including his hand, back and stomach which subsequently led to his death. The case which had been on for a long time was filed four years ago by counsel to the state governmen...

Students at the MindAfrica Camp tudents The Centre for Learning and Educational Development Advocacy Africa (CLEDA Africa), says it has commenced a tour of 1,000 schools in 20 African countries to motivate teachers and inspire students on academic excellence. Mr Daniels Akpan, its Executive Director, said in Kaduna on Tuesday that the 20 countries were selected for their challenges in delivering quality education. Akpan said that the tour which was launched on June 22, hoped to reach out to 12,000 students and 15, 000 teachers in 1,000 primary and secondary schools in the selected countries. He said that the selected countries included Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gambia, Zambia, Senegal, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Liberia, Tanzania and Mali. Others are Uganda, Egypt, Namibia, Niger Republic, Sierra Leon and Cote ‘d’ivoire. “We have realised for example in Nigeria that 68 per cent of teachers in primary and secondary schools are accidental teachers with no te...

Federal Road Safety Corps vehicles The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has urged motorists to comply with traffic laws to prevent accidents during the Ember Months. The FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Mr. David Mendie, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Tuesday. Mendie also appealed to motorists and road users to comply with safety precautions by observing the road signs so as to stay alive as the Ember Months ushered in the last four months of the year. The commander said the call became imperative because of the increased vehicular activities on the roads during the Ember Months as well as festive periods that followed it. He advised motor park unions to ensure that its members continued to ensure that the ban on alcohol in parks remained in force, as it would prevent accident and check reckless driving on the road. Mendie said the FRSC had devices to test alcoholic drivers, saying that when any driver was tested posi...

The gavel of justice A 42-year-old driver, Chukwudi Okoli, who allegedly stole 600 bags of fertilizer valued at N6 million, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Okoli, who resides at Ijora Badia area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kokoye Olusegun told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 31 at Apapa Area of Lagos. He alleged that the accused, with one other at large, conspired and stole 600 bags of fertilizers property of his employer, Mr Emmanuel Umar. Olusegun said that Okoli, who was supposed to offload the fertilizer at the company’s warehouse, however, sold them and converted the money to his personal use. He said that the accused was later apprehended and taken to the police station, while his accomplice was yet to be found. The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Okoli, however, pleaded not guil...

Mr Muda Yusuf, Director-General Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) says synergy between fiscal and monetary policies will stimulate investment in the country. Mr Muda Yusuf, the Director-General of LCCI, in Lagos said that harmonization of policies would regain investors’ confidence. According to him, confidence can be swiftly lost, but difficult to regain without pragmatic efforts geared toward addressing the causal issues. Yusuf said that it was imperative for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to evolve a low-interest rate regime to actualize the desired growth projected by the fiscal authority. “The country cannot stimulate activities of the real sector with high-interest rate. “High-interest rate reduces the competitiveness of products and as well drives the cost of production up. “For the real sector to drive the economy out of recession and promote job opportunities for our teeming youths, interest rate definit...

William Troost-Ekong Nigerian international William Troost-Ekong has been nominated for the best defender award in the Norwegian Tippeligaen. His nomination for the Norwegian top flight award was posted on the club’s official website. The Super Eagles’ star made the list of nominees for the most outstanding players in Norway this season following his awe-inspiring performance. The 23-year-old joined FK Haugesund on loan from K.A.A Gent. From his defensive duties, the Nigeria international boasts of three goals from 23 matches to help Andrea Loberto’s men place fourth on the log with 44 points. NAN recalls that the versatile defender played a key role in Nigeria U23’s bronze medal finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

A lawmaker, Mr. Mohammed Okpede, on Monday in Nasarawa, urged Nigerians to return to farm as a way of quickly addressing the nation’s food crisis. Okpede, a large-scale farmer, said he cultivated over 90 hectares of land to boost food production in Nasarawa State. the lawmaker, representing Doma North Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, while inspecting his farm on Doma/Yelwa road in Doma Local Government area of the state. A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who was conducted round the farm, observed that crops grown at the farm included cassava, maize, Beninese, yam, guinea corn and some economic trees. It was also observed that some of the farm labourers were busy harvesting maize, yam and other crops. Okpede, who is also the Chairman, house Committee on Health, said he decided to embark on farming to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in diversifying the economy. He urged youths to go back to the farm to become self-reliant and fight pove...

Osaze Odemwigie Rotherham United has confirmed the signing of unattached former West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City striker, Peter Odemwingie on a short-term deal until Jan. 2017. The English Championship side confirmed the signing on its official website. The 35-year-old is Millers boss, Kenny Jackett, first signing since taking over the Championship’s bottom club on Oct., replacing Alan Stubbs. Odemwingie has also played for Russian side, Lokomotiv Moscow, French club Lille and on loan at Bristol City last season. League One Bolton Wanderers revealed he was training with them on Friday. But the Bolton News reported that an injury to Wanderers midfielder, Tom Thorpe could force the club to seek to sign a midfielder instead of a forward. Nigeria international Odemwingie, who has also played for Cardiff, last played a competitive match on April 19.

court court An Egor Magistrates’ Court, Benin, on Tuesday sentenced a 22-year-old man, Kingsley Friday, to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for stealing an Elepaq generator. The Magistrates, Mrs Igho Braimoh, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing and begged for leniency. Prosecutor Osayomwanbor Omoruyi had told the court that Friday, with others at large, committed the offence at about 10 p.m., at No. 9 Igiedo Str., Uselu Quarters, Benin, on Oct. 16. Omoruyi said the convict stole one Elepaq generator valued N25, 000, belonging to Victor Oghenekone. He said the offence contravened sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code.

Athletico-Madrid Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann was named La Liga player of the season for 2015/16 on Monday, ahead of the likes of star duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. According to reports Atletico’s Diego Simeone also took the coach of the season award while Barcelona’s Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was named the top non-EU player. Curiously, though, Barca’s Argentina international Messi was recognised as the best forward at the award ceremony in Valencia. Atletico dominated the awards as Jan Oblak was picked as the best goalkeeper, Diego Godin top defender and Frenchman Griezmann also claimed the fans’ award. Real Madrid weren’t left empty-handed, though, as Luka Modric was named best midfielder.

Former president-Goodluck-Jonathan Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has on Monday said it was impossible for the National Security Adviser (NSA) during his administration, Sambo Dasuki, to have stolen $2.2 billion as claimed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, last Friday granted an application by the EFCC to consolidate two separate cases against the former army Colonel. According to Premium Times a statement by the anti-graft commission said Mr. Dasuki would be re-arraigned on November 16. Jonathan, who spoke at the famous Oxford Union, Oxford United Kingdom, on youth entrepreneurship, argued that it was “not just possible” for Mr. Dasuki to have stolen $2.2 billion after his administration procured several equipment for the country’s military. “They said the National Security Adviser stole $2.2billion. I don’t believe somebody can just steal $2.2 billion. We bought warships, we bought aircraft, we b...