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Showing posts from October, 2013

Palestinians threaten to sue Israel over settlements

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki on Thursday denounced Israeli plans to build hundreds of new settler homes in east Jerusalem, threatening to pursue international legal action in response. Israel announced on Wednesday it would build 1,500 new settler homes in the mostly Arab sector of Jerusalem, immediately after the Jewish state released 26 long-serving Palestinian prisoners in line with its commitments to United States-backed peace talks. "The foreign ministry is seriously looking at turning immediately to international courts and organisations, and filing the necessary complaints in order to stop settlement building," Malki said. He condemned "plans approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for settlement building, and Netanyahu's attempts to link the settlement issue with the prisoners issue." PLO chiefs convened later on Thursday in Ramallah, in a session chaired by president Mahmud Abbas. "The Palestinian leadership will ta

Egypt journalist jailed for impersonating army officer

An Egyptian military court has sentenced a journalist to a year in prison for impersonating an army officer over the phone, his newspaper and wife said on Thursday. The ruling against Hatem Abul Nour, a journalist with the independent El-Watan newspaper, was issued on Wednesday, the newspaper reported. It came as a panel tasked with amending the suspended constitution debated a clause allowing the military to try civilians. The army insists on retaining such powers. Nour's wife, Wissam, told AFP her husband was arrested two months ago, after he made some calls pretending to be an officer. "He conducted calls saying 'I am officer so and so from the chief of staff's office' to get journalistic information," she said.Impersonating military officers and soldiers is illegal in Egypt. His family and newspaper had decided not to publicise the trial before the verdict, hoping for clemency, she said. "We call on (army chief General Abdel Fattah) al-S

Israel missiles hit Syria air base

Israel has hit a Syrian air base in the northern province of Latakia, targeting a shipment of surface-to-surface missiles destined for Lebanon's Shiite movement Hezbollah, Al-Arabiya television reported Thursday. A United States official confirmed to AFP that "there was an Israeli strike" but gave no detail on the location or the target. "Historically targets have been missiles transferred to Hezbollah," allied with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the official said. Citing unnamed "exclusive sources" Dubai-based pan-Arab Al-Arabiya said on its website: "Israel was behind a series of explosions that rocked a Syrian air base in the northern Latakia province." "The bombing targeted a shipment of surface-to-air missiles (SAM) that was headed for Hezbollah in Lebanon," the report said. Israeli media carried similar reports quoting Al-Arabiya, which is Saudi owned. Israeli government officials contacted by AFP refused to c

Youths protest over PDP candidates in Anambra governorship poll

(Nigeria) No fewer than 3,000 youths on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Awka, Anambra State to press Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to declare the authentic Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate for the Novermber 16 governorship election in the state. The youths, under the aegis of Anambra Youth Assembly, were led by the National Vice-President, Mr Patrick Egolum and the National Secretary, Mr Anthony Nwakeze. In a statement signed by the duo and made available to newsmen, the youths said that they were totally against the PDP’s action, which paraded both Mr Tony Nwoye and Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu as its candidates for the election. ``We, in the Anambra Youth Assembly, have resolved in our last meeting to stage a peaceful protest against INEC for allowing Tony Nwoye and Nicholas Ukachukwu to parade themselves as PDP’s governorship candidates. It is very clear that every other political party participating in the coming election in Anambra State has

Senate gives NNPC 2 weeks to supply details of petroleum distribution

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(Nigeria) The Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to provide it with details of petroleum products distribution. The committee also directed the NNPC Group Managing Director, Mr Andrew Yakubu, to supply it with details of excess crude swap and the number of aircraft in NNPC. The Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Magnus Abe, issued the ultimatum on Thursday in Abuja following the failure of the Managing Director, Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd, Mr Paul Obelle, to appear before it. Obelle failed to honour an invitation to appear before the committee to explain the circumstances surrounding the fire that engulfed the petroleum plant on October 22. Obelle, however, forwarded a letter urging the committee to reschedule the meeting till another date, to enable him to make preparations for his daughter’s wedding in Asaba. "I would like to request your kind consideration to give u

Anambra guber debate: Obiano, Ngige others promise better days for the people

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(Nigeria) The governorship candidates of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and that of All Progressive Congress, APC,   Dr Chris Ngige, have promised to better the lives of the people if voted into power on November 16. They made the promises at a televised debate organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group, NEDG, on Thursday. Others who made similar promises included Dr Ifeatu Ekelem of Advanced Congress for Democrats, ACD; Mr Jerry Okeke of Action Alliance, AA and Mr Anthony Anene of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN. Mr Aaron Igweze, a journalist contesting on the platform of Alliance for Democracy, AD, also participated in the debate. In his remarks,  Obiano promised to continue with the giant strides Governor Peter Obi recorded within eight years in the area of human and physical infrastructure. He said he would improve the oil and gas sector as well as agriculture to boost the internally generated revenue of the state.

FIDA seeks speedy passage of violence against Persons Prohibition Bill

(Nigeria) Mrs Hauwa Shekarau, President, Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, has  called on the National Assembly to pass the Violence against Persons Prohibition Bill to tackle increase in sexual violence. Shekarau, who made the call on Thursday in Abuja in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, said the growing rate of sexual violence in the country was due to the high level of impunity in the country. She said more disturbing was the issue of incest which had been on the increase in recent times. She said that until urgent steps were taken to prosecute the perpetrators, the rate of the crime would continue to increase in the society. The president expressed regrets that some parents who should be custodians of their children were involved in such heinous crime against their children, particularly their female children. ``It’s so sad talking about the issue of sexual violence; the problem is that the rate of impunity is increasing in our country. There is a law against

VP to handover PHCN assests to new owners

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(Nigeria) The Vice President Namadi Sambo will officially hand over the physical assets of the 14 Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN Successor Companies to the new owners on November 1. This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Thursday by the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE. The statement by the Head of Public Communication of BPE, Mr Chigbo Anichebe said the event would also hold simultaneously at the headquarters of the PHCN Successor companies across the country. It, however, said that Sapele Generation Company, SGC, would not be affected by the exercise since National Council on Privatisation, NCP, has directed its legal committee to undertake a comprehensive legal status of the company. According to the statement, the decision followed the failure of the preferred bidder to complete payment. The statement listed the Successor Companies to be handed over and their new owners to include: Abuja Distribution Company (KANN Consortium Utility), Benin Distributi

IMF warns Africa on financial shocks

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The International Monetary Fund warned sub-Saharan Africa's rapidly growing economies on Thursday that they need to do more to protect themselves against financial shocks. In a sign of the continent's growing role in global financial markets, the IMF urged governments to mitigate the impact of cash rapidly flowing in and out of their economies. Many African countries have benefited enormously in recent years from investors moving cash out of moribund developed markets in search of higher yields. According to IMF data, net private flows to sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2012 were double the levels seen in 2000 to 2007. In 2012 alone portfolio and cross-border bank flows to the fastest growing markets in the region passed $17 billion, with Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia the main beneficiaries. Country after country has sought to tap bond markets for relatively cheap loans. But a possible economic slowdown in China and an end to US Federal Reserve stimulus is begi

Shell's profits slide on Nigeria unrest, shares drop

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(Nigeria) Royal Dutch Shell's net profit slumped 35 percent in the third quarter on lower refining margins and disruption to production in Nigeria, the Anglo-Dutch energy giant said on Thursday. Profit after tax fell by a third to $4.677 billion (3.42 billion euros) in the three months to September 30 compared with the equivalent period in 2012, the company said. "We are facing headwinds from weak industry refining margins, and the security situation in Nigeria, which continue to erode the near term outlook," said Royal Dutch Shell chief executive Peter Voser, who has already announced his intention to retire at the end of the year. Theft of oil is a major problem in Nigeria, impacting Shell's earnings in Africa's largest producer of crude. Thieves are known to tap pipelines to syphon crude for sale on the lucrative black market, while such illegal activity can lead to explosions, fires and oil pollution. Shell said that total oil and gas producti

Liverpool right to tell Suarez to stay, says Rodgers

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists Luis Suarez's impressive form this season proves the Reds were right to force the Uruguayan to stay at Anfield. Suarez made repeated attempts to engineer a move to Arsenal in the close-season and became involved in a row with Rodgers after Liverpool refused to sell him. The controversial striker, desperate to join a Champions League team, claimed Arsenal's bid of £40,000,001 ($64 million, 47 million euros) triggered a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for that price, while he also accused Rodgers of reneging on an agreement between them which he claimed allowed him to leave for a side playing in Europe's elite competition. Liverpool owner John Henry was unequivocally opposed to selling his team's prize asset to a rival and that stance appears to have been rewarded with Suarez scoring six goals in four league matches to help Rodgers' side climb to third in the Premier League table. And Rodgers is adaman

AfDB Invests $20m fund to develop infrastructure in West Africa

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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank, AfDB, has approved a $20 million equity investment in ARM-Harith Infrastructure Fund, ARMHIF. ARMHIF is a new infrastructure private equity fund based in Nigeria with a targeted fund size of $250 million. Analysts said the lack of efficient infrastructure is a major obstacle to doing business in West Africa, and that better infrastructure in the region would create an enabling environment for economic growth by competitiveness of local production, promoting foreign direct investments and facilitating trade. The fund was created because the level of investment required for infrastructure development was far in excess of public and donor resources. It will invest, through equity, in assets across a range infrastructure sectors including energy, transport, ICT, water and utilities across West Africa. ARMHIF is sponsored by Asset and Resource Management Company Ltd, ARM, a leading Nigerian non-bank financial services com

Bullet Proof Cars: Oduah insists NCAA didn't violate law

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(Nigeria) The Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, has said that Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, acted within the provisions of the law in the purchase of  two bullet proof cars. Oduah, who made the statement on Thursday when she appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, debunked the claim that the cars were bought for her. The minister has been in the eye of the media over the purchase of the cars valued $1.6 million (N255 million). ``Honourable members, another falsehood in the public domain relating to this lease financing arrangement are that the NCAA purchased two bullet proof vehicles for me as the Minister of Aviation. This is totally false. ``The two numbers security and safety BMW vehicles which the NCAA acquired are for security and safety as appropriated by the National Assembly in the 2013 budget in item six. The title documents which are in the names of NCAA/ First Bank Plc as well as spare keys of all the vehicles purchased

2 women charged with assault on policemen

(Nigeria) The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned two housewives, Precious Igbokwe, 20, and Rachael Obi, 36, for assaulting two policemen duty. The women, who reside at Achakpo area of Ajegunle, appeared before an Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court on a four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, willful damage and breach of peace. Cpl. John Iberedem, the prosecutor, told the court that the duo assaulted Insp. Julius Ebirien and Cpl. Bako Williams by biting and injuring them while performing their official duties. ``The accused persons were resisting arrest over a case of assault,"  Iberedem said. Iberedem added that Igbokwe also deliberately and willfully damaged the identity card belonging to Ebirien of the Ajeromi Police Station. He said the women committed the offences on September 30 at 4:45p.m., at Achakpo Market, Ajegunle, Apapa. The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 171, 172, 348 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. However, both ac

Man in court for alleged abduction of 20-yr-old girl in Katsina

(Nigeria) The Katsina State Police Command on Thursday arraigned a 35-year-old man, Abba Gafai, in a Katsina State Chief Magistrate Court for abducting a 20-year-old girl, Shamsiyya Ahmad. The Police Prosecutor, Mr Hashimu Musa, told the court that the mother of the victim, Bilkisu Muktar, reported the matter to the Central Police Station, Katsina. He said that Muktar told the police that the accused abducted her daughter four months ago and her where about was still a mystery. The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 272 of the Penal Code. After listening to the prosecutor, the Presiding Magistrate, Abdulkarim Umar, referred the case back to the commissioner of police for further investigation.

Russian court closes news agency, cites new obscenity law

(Nigeria) A Moscow court on Thursday revoked the registration of web-based news agency, Rosbalt, for posting videos, saying it contained profane language. It said the video includes a clip by punk band Pussy Riot, in violation of a law adopted earlier this year. Critics say the Kremlin-backed law banning profanity in the media is aimed at further tightening state control of news organisations in Russia as part of a clampdown on dissent under President Vladimir Putin. A medium-sized agency specialisrd in political and general news set up in 2000, Rosbalt earlier this year posted two videos on its Website containing foul language, the court said. One clip featured a song by Pussy Riot, whose two members are serving jail sentences for a profanity-laced protest against Putin in a Moscow Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Rosbalt said that the obscene language was bleeped out and that Russia's communications watchdog agency, Roskomnadzor, had used clips taken from other Websites in

Police foil plan by ASUU to embark on public awareness rally in Sokoto

(Nigeria) Sokoto State Police Command on Thursday foiled public awareness rally planned by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto chapter. The command disapproved the rally through a letter signed by Mr Douglas Agbonleni Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of administration. The letter, dated, October 30, said: ``due to the current situation in the country, your request is not approved. You are therefore advised not to carry out the rally to avoid any break down of law and order." Reacting, to the letter, ASUU in a statement, signed the Chairman of the chapter,, Dr Frank Tambuwal, condemned the action of the police. ``This is a clear violation of our constitutional rights to educate the Nigerian public on why we are on strike since July, 2013. It should be noted that no amount of intimidation, suppression or harassment will deter us from fighting for our deprived rights, ‘’ the statement said. Armed mobile pol

DANA Air wants NCAA to commence audit of its aircraft

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(Nigeria) Mr Tony Usidamen, Head, Corporate Communications, DANA Airline, on Thursday appealed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to immediately commence an audit of the airline's aircraft, in the interest of its workers. Usidamen made the appeal in a news statement made available to aviation correspondents at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja. He said that the airline had suspended its flight operations since October 6, 2013 in compliance with the directive by NCAA. Usidamen added that this was to allow the authority audit the airline’s operations, adding that up till now, this had yat to be done. ``Subsequently, as a result of the suspension, the airline directed its Nigerian and expatriate workers to proceed on compulsory leave without pay, with a promise to recall staff as soon as the audit process is completed. ``It is now three weeks since the NCAA directive and, though the airline is open and ready for the planned audit. It is worri

Snowden reportedly hired by Russian internet company

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Mail.Ru Group and Yandex, Russia’s largest internet companies, told Itar-Tass they did not have talks with the former NSA contractor Edward Snowden with regards to his employment, reports Tass. A representative of VK, Russia’s largest social network, refused to make a statement on the possibility of hiring Snowden. Earlier today Snowden’s attorney in Russia, Anatoly Kucherena, said that the American whistleblower was hired to “work on supporting one of largest Russian websites.” However, for security purposes, the lawyer refused to specify the website. It should be noted that previously Pavel Durov, founder of VK (what many call the Russian Facebook) has publicly invited Snowden on board of his team. “Currently Edward tries to keep a low profile, and my offer was public: it could be a problem,” Durov said at the Disrupt Europe 2013 conference in Berlin, adding that Snowden was a highly-qualified professional when it came to data protection and that the company would

Court remands laboratory technician for allegedly raping patient

(Nigeria) A 52-year-old hospital laboratory technician, one Jacob Jimin, was on Thursday remanded in prison custody for allegedly raping a female patient. Jimin was charged with rape, punishable under the Penal Code of Benue, 2004. Prosecutor Insp. James Zungwe told a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court that the case was transferred from Gwer Divisional Police Headquarters, Naka, to the state's Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi through a letter. According to Zungwe, the letter states that one Julius Ortwav reported at the Naka Police Station on October 20 that his sister was allegedly raped at Tersoo Clinic, Naka, where she was on admission. The complainant alleged that the victim told him that the accused, a laboratory technician in the clinic, had given her an injection which made her unconscious on her hospital bed. Zungwe added that Jimin later had sexual intercourse with her without her consent. The prosecutor said that the accused was arrested in connection wi

Man, 52, arraigned over alleged rape of minor

(Nigeria) An Apapa Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos on Thursday granted bail, in the sum of N200, 000 to a 52-year-old man, Obasi Imoh, alleged to have raped a minor. Imoh of Ajegunle area of Lagos is facing a one-count charge of rape. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted the accused bail and also ordered that he must produce two sureties, who must show evidence of tax payments to Lagos State Government. She, however, ruled that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused. Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Insp. Soji Ojaokomo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 28 at No. 40, Ugbowankwo Street, Ajegunle, Lagos. He said that the accused lured the minor to his room, where he had carnal knowledge of her. The accused was caught, when the minor’s mother heard the crying of her baby, while being raped, and alerted  neighbours. Ojaokomo said that the woman later reported the matter to the police and Imoh was arrested

Army destroys Boko Haram operational vehicles in Borno

(Nigeria) The Nigerian Army on Thursday said it had destroyed two suspected operational vehicles of the Boko Haram sect in the ongoing operations in Maiduguri, Borno State. The spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Lt.-Col. Mohammed Dole, announced this in a statement. Dole said that the destruction was to clear the insurgents terrorising motorists on high ways in Borno. ``We have been able to identify camps used by the terrorists in planning attacks against motorists and innocent villagers in Kaga Local Government Area of the state. Troops of the division, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have been able to destroy these camps since we began the operations this week,'' Dole said. He said three surveillance motorcycles believed to be used by the sect in planning attacks had also been recovered. ``They mostly used the motorcycles in spying to plan for attacks on innocent people. The General Officer Commanding the division (GOC), Maj.-Gen.

Publisher remanded in prison custody for allegedly issuing N13.05m dud cheques

(Nigeria) A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Thursday remanded a publisher, Tony Iwena,in Kirikiri Prisons, Lagos, for allegedly issuing dud cheques to the tune of N13.05 million. Justice Olutoyin Ipaye ordered that 53-year-old Iwena should be kept behind bars pending the determination of his bail application fixed for November 11. Iwena, who lives at No. 1, Otuyelu St., Oke-Ira in Ogba, Lagos, is being tried on a three-count charge bordering on fraud and issuance of dud cheques by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The accused, who entered a plea of not guilty, is charged alongside his company -- Tonad Publishing Ltd. Counsel to the EFCC, Mr M.K. Bashir, alleged that the accused committed the offences sometime between October 14 and 21, 2010 at Mushin. He said Iwena issued three Union Bank cheques for the sum of N13.05 million in favour of Star Chem Industries Ltd. The cheques were dishonoured on presentation at the bank, Bashir told the court.

Electricity workers appeal to new investors over labour issues

(Nigeria) Electricity workers have appealed to the new investors in the power sector to prevail on the Federal Government to resolve pending labour issues before handing the companies over. Mr Mansur Musa, President, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, made the appeal in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos. Musa told NAN that the pending labour issues could lead to disruption of operations in the sector. ``The representatives of the government were to meet with the workers on October 30, but the meeting was later shelved. This issues ought to have been raised at the meeting and solutions to them outlined, but the meeting did not hold. “Before the government hands over, the issue of non-payment of retirees who were disengaged in 2011 and regularisation of some of casuals already identified should be settled. The 10 per cent equity shareholding by the workers and the shortfall of terminal benefits from June 2012 till date should be addressed

ABU ASUU embark on peaceful protest

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(Nigeria) Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria branch, Kaduna State on Thursday, embarked on a peaceful protest to enlighten the public on the ongoing university lecturers strike. ASUU members trekked about two kilometres in Zaria as part of the protest. Addressing journalists after the trek, the Chairman of ABU Zaria branch of the union, Dr Mohammed Kabir-Aliyu, said the essence of the protest trek was to enlighten the public on the demands of the lecturers. He said ``we are on strike because our universities are dying. We want our universities revitalised. We are not on strike because of allowances or salaries. Our intention is to revitalise our universities to compete with other universities in the world.’’ The chairman said ``lecturers are on strike to rekindle the hopes of children from indigent backgrounds by making the system work as it should. Our students know that the system is not working the way it should

Oil theft on the decline--Nigerian Navy Chief

(Nigeria) The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Dele Ezeoba, on Thursday said that the war on crude oil theft was yielding results, with a general decline. Ezeoba, in a keynote address at the Naval Information Management Workshop in Lagos, noted that the achievements recorded could not have been possible without the unalloyed commitment of officers and ratings. Represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Ibok Ibas, said the theme of the workshop was apt, considering the unique role of the media in its support. ``Our recent efforts and the resultant gains in combating illegalities in our waters confer a duty on our friends in the media to generate the much-needed public awareness of what the service is doing in ensuring sanity in our maritime environment. ``This is also a shared responsibility on the part of the Nigerian Navy information personnel who must develop capacity for leveraging the media for all facets of the Navy operations.” Ez

Court dissolves 13-year-old-marriage over threat to life

(Nigeria) An Ile-Ife Customary Court in Osun State on Thursday dissolved a 13-year-old marriage between Adijat and Dauda Tijani over threat to life and desertion. Adijat had dragged her husband to court on September 9, for abandoning her and their four children without care for the past two years. She also accused her husband of threatening her life, uncooperative attitude, constant fighting and the lack of care to the four children which she named as Sherif: 11, Fatia,: 8, Latif: 4 and Suliyat: 1. Tijani accepted the allegation against him, saying the wife was troublesome and always in the mood to fight.He said ``I did not enjoy myself throughout our stay together.’’ The President of the court, Mr Gani Awoyera, dissolved the union after all efforts to settle the dispute became fruitless. Awoyera ordered that the children be shared equally to stay with both plaintiff and the defendant with proper and adequate care given by both.

Rescuers find 87 dead migrants in Niger desert

Soldiers and rescuers have found badly decomposed bodies of 87 migrants in northern Niger, who died while crossing the Sahara on their way to Europe, rescue workers said on Thursday. The workers said that the migrants, most of them women and children, died of thirst in the desert after their vehicles broke down near Niger’s border with Algeria. ``There was a dead woman holding her baby,’’ rescue volunteer Al Moustapha Alhacen said. The migrants had left Arlit, 150 Km south of the Niger-Algeria border in two trucks at the end of September, according to Alhacen. A Spokesperson of Niger’s army confirmed the number of dead, noting that the corpses included 32 women and 48 children. The bodies were buried on Wednesday in Assamakka, a small desert town in northern Niger near a main border crossing with Algeria. Three days earlier, soldiers found five bodies in the same area, believed to be from the same two-vehicle convoy. Poverty-stricken Niger forms part of a major migrant r

Police arraign 14 suspects, prostitutes before Sharia Court

(Nigeria) The police on Thursday arraigned 14 suspected criminals including prostitutes before a Magajin Gari Sharia Court in Kaduna State. The police prosecutor, Cpl. Bitrus koji, while arraigning the suspects, told the court that a police patrol team on November 30 at about midnight, arrested the suspects at Obalende, a ``black spot’’ located on Maiduguri road in the city. The prosecutor alleged that the suspects had on them hard drugs including Solution, Indian hemp and alcoholic drinks when they were arrested. He said their alleged offence was contrary to section 405 of the Penal Code Law. Only three of the suspects pleaded guilty when their pleas were taken, while the 11 others denied the charges against them. The presiding officer, Khadi Ibrahim Mohammad, granted the suspects bail and adjourned the case to November 14, 2013, for continuation of hearing.

IFEX launches 2013 International Day to end impunity in Nigeria

(Nigeria) The International Freedom of Expression Exchange, IFEX, Thursday, launched the start of its 2013 anti-impunity campaign ahead of the third annual “International Day to End Impunity,”IDEI, during which it will profile the case of Nigerian human rights lawyer, Mr. Rommy Mom, who had to flee his home State of Benue following threats to his life. Mr. Mom, who is President of the Makurdi-based non-governmental organisation, Lawyers Alert, is being threatened because he is asking questions, using the Freedom of Information Act, about how much Benue State received from the Federal Government and other sources as support to flood victims in 2012 and how a N500 million Federal assistance was spent since no victim of the floods in the State had been paid. For the first time ever, Nigeria entered the “Impunity Index” of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists’ CPJ, released on May 3, this year, in commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day.  The Impunity Index is an

Alleged N4.7bn fraud: Court adjourns Babalakin's case to Nov. 27

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(Nigeria) The trial of Wale Babalakin, the Chairman, Bi-Courtney Ltd., charged with transferring N4.7 billion on behalf of convicted former Delta Governor, James Ibori, was on Thursday in Lagos adjourned to November 27. The adjournment followed the reassignment of the case to Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips. Babalakin and four other defendants are facing a 27-count charge bordering on conspiracy, retention of proceeds of a criminal conduct and corruptly conferring benefits on account of public action. Babalakin, Alex Okoh and their companies -- Stabilini Visioni Ltd, Bi-Courtney Ltd and Renix Nigeria Ltd – are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The court’s registrars told counsel to EFCC and Babalakin that they had yet to receive the case file from the Chief Judge. They also confirmed that the court would not sit until the case file

Zimbabwe teacher arrested for allegedly sodomising 10 pupils

Police in northwest Zimbabwe arrested a 24-year-old primary school teacher, who is accused of repeatedly sodomising at least 10 male students, state media reported on Thursday. The teacher of Longwe Primary School in Matabeleland North province was arrested after an 8-year-old boy reported to his parents that he was sexually abused. As the investigation continued, more victims surfaced and accused the teacher of indecent act, the provincial police spokesman, Siphiwe Makonese, said. According to the Herald newspaper, the teacher paid money to his victims to keep them silent. The 8-year-old boy, now being treated at a local hospital, had severe injuries on his bottom, it added. According to Zimbabwean law, non-consensual same-sex behaviour is viewed as aggravated assault, and can attract a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted.

Putin named most powerful person in the world: Forbes

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has been named the most powerful person in the world by Forbes. According to the U.S. business magazine published Wednesday, Putin moved two places from last year's rating, while U.S. President Barack Obama dropped one place to the second. "Putin has solidified his control over Russia while Obama's lame duck period has seemingly set in earlier than usual. Anyone watching this year's chess match over Syria and National Security Agency leaks has a clear idea of the shifting individual power dynamics," the magazine said. According to Alexei Pushkov, head of the International Committee of the State Duma, or lower house of the Russian parliament, the Forbes list reflects the place Russia occupies in world affairs. "Putin's first place and Obama's second speak about the role of Russia in the changing world," Pushkov said in a message posted on his Twitter account Thursday. The 72-name list includes thre

Ecobank Chairman, Lawson to step down amid governance allegations

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(Nigeria) Ecobank Transnational Inc. ETI, the most geographically-diverse lender in Africa, said Chairman Kolapo Lawson will step down amid allegations of fraud that are being investigated by Nigeria’s capital markets regulator, reports bloomberg Lawson, who denies any wrongdoing, will retire on December 31 and hand over immediately to interim chairman André Siaka, Jeremy Reynolds, a spokesman for the Lome, Togo-based lender, said, Wednesday in a statement. Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Ecobank after executive director of risk and finance, Laurence do Rego, told the regulator in August that Lawson and Chief Executive Officer Thierry Tanoh planned to sell assets below market value. Do Rego also said she had been pressured to write off debts owed by a business headed by Lawson and manipulate the bank’s results last year. “I am very conscious of the uncertainty that current media speculation has cast over the institution,” Lawson said in today’s s

Etisalat Nigeria's CEO, Evans resign

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(Nigeria) Emirates Telecommunications Corp. ETISALAT’s Nigerian unit said Chief Executive Officer, Mr Steven Evans,  resigned last month and returned home to the United Kingdom,  after leading the company for most of its five years in existence. Chief Commercial Officer Matthew Willsher was appointed as acting CEO in his place, Chineze Amanfo, a Lagos-based spokeswoman for Etisalat Nigeria, as the company is known, said by phone today. Willsher didn’t immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment and Evans’ Etisalat e-mail bounced back. Abu Dhabi-based parent Etisalat didn’t immediately respond to calls and e-mails seeking comment. Evans was appointed in December 2008, two months after Etisalat began full commercial operations in Nigeria, according to Etisalat Nigeria’s website. Prior to that he was chief executive officer of London-based BT Group Plc (BT/A)’s mobile unit. Etisalat is the fourth-largest mobile phone operator in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil produc

FAAN admits buying 4 armoured vehicles for MD, Minister

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(Nigeria) The Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, on Wednesday said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, purchased  two armoured vehicles for its Managing Director. Uzodinma spoke to newsmen on the sidelines of the investigation into the purchase of two armoured vehicles by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, for Aviation Minister Stella Oduah. He said that FAAN Managing Director, Mr George Uriesi, told the committee on oath that his agency purchased 202 operational cars and two bullet-proofs cars for the office of the managing director. ``Uriesi did confirm that among the operational vehicles they purchased, four of them are armored vehicles, two for the managing director and two for the minister. We told them to go back and put everything in writing and make comprehensive statements on all vehicles purchased. ``They bought a total number of 202 vehicles for different operations so until they come back on Monday we cannot rush i

Ghana arrests 47 illegal Chinese, Indian miners

Ghana’s Presidential Task Force on Illegal Mining has arrested some 47 illegal miners at Dunkwa-on-Offin in the country’s central region, an official has said. Mr Samuel Sarpong, the Central Regional Minister and leader of the team was quoted by Ghana’s newspaper, the Ghanaian Times as saying this when he spoke to newsmen on Wednesday in Accra. He said that those arrested included Chinese and Indian nationals following a search by the task force around the country. ``The task force also destroyed 13 locally made machines belonging to some of the miners at two different locations.  At Kyekyewere, some of the illegal miners took to their heels and crossed the Offin river upon seeing the team,’’ he said. Sarpong said that the mandate of the task force was to stamp out the activities of illegal miners across the country. He said that the activities of illegal miners had destroyed water bodies in the country including the Pra and Offin Rivers. ``The situation is so severe that

Paramount ruler of Esit Eket freed by kidnappers

(Nigeria) The paramount ruler of Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Ubong Assam, was freed on Wednesday by his captors. Assam was kidnapped on Tuesday by gunmen who took him to an unknown destination and demanded N150 million ransom. The hoodlums later reduced the ransom to N50 million and gave one-week ultimatum for the money to be paid for his release. A source, pleading anonymity, said the hoodlums collected N15 million as ransom to release the paramount ruler. The source said the paramount ruler was in a sound and healthy state, adding that ``as I speak, I am with his family members. ``We are very happy to see our paramount ruler back in Esit Eket’’, the source said. Mr John Patrick, the Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom, confirmed the release. 

1,330 rape cases reported in New Delhi in 2013

A total of 1,330 cases of rape were reported in the Indian capital between the start of the year and October 15, the city's police revealed on Wednesday. Delhi Police, during a court hearing, attributed the huge jump in figures from the 706 rapes reported the previous year to heightened awareness after the fatal December 2012 gang rape. The gang rape of a 23-year-old student had led to outrage across the country. ``Earlier many rapes were not reported by victims, who feared social stigma. Now, more people are coming forward and the proactive approach of the police has also made a huge difference,’’ Delhi Police spokesman Rajen Bhagat said. The police revealed the figures after the Supreme Court ordered it to give an account of crimes against women in the city. The court was hearing a case demanding a probe into alleged police excesses during a protest in the city in June, NDTV news channel reported. Bhagat said the police had given the court a list of crimes between J

Egypt accuses Brotherhood of rejecting reconciliation

Egypt on Wednesday said it was committed to reconciliation and accused the Muslim Brotherhood, whose leaders are due to appear in court next week, of undermining efforts to resolve political turmoil. ``The government realises from its side the importance of reconciliation", said Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Bahaa El-Din in a statement. ``Those who are until now rejecting or stalling any understandings aimed at achieving reconciliation and stability for the Egyptian people are the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood.’’ The army toppled the Brotherhood's President Mohamed Morsi in July. Security forces killed hundreds of its members and jailed thousands, including Morsi and many other senior leaders. Morsi, Egypt's first freely elected leader is due to appear in court on Monday along with 14 other senior Muslim Brotherhood figures on charges of inciting violence. Bahaa El-Din has tried to find a way out of Egypt's political crisis since he put a proposal to the

N225m BMW cars: Finance Ministry granted N10.1m import waiver to Coscharis Motors

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(Nigeria) The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, on Wednesday said that the Federal Ministry of Finance granted a waiver of N10.1 million to Coscharis Motors for the purchase of the two BMW cars by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. The NCS told the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation investigating the alleged importation of the cars by the NCAA for the Minister of Aviation Ms Stella Oduah that the said waiver was to import 300 vehicles, including the controversial two BMW cars. Representative of the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Mr Manasseh Jatau, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, disclosed this in his presentation at the public hearing of the case on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the point of entry of the cars was Tincan Port in Lagos, adding that no import duty was collected from the owner of the goods (Coscharis Motors) as a one-year duty waiver for 300 cars was granted in the name of the company for importation of cars for Eko 2012 Games in Lagos. Jatau