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Showing posts from May, 2014

Ukraine tells Russia to recognise new president

Ukraine accused Russia on Saturday of unleashing a mass propaganda campaign to persuade global powers not to recognise an election that gave the presidency to a pro-Western tycoon,reports AFP. The United States for its part acknowledged a "fundamental disagreement" with Russia and said President Barack Obama would extend his support to Petro Poroshenko when he meets the winner of the May 25 ballot in Warsaw on Wednesday. The months-long fight for the future of the ex-Soviet state -- splintered between a more nationalist west and a heavily Russified southeast -- has killed more than 300 people and resurrected the geopolitical barriers of the Cold War. Ukraine's separatist insurgency only intensified after 48-year-old chocolate maker Poroshenko won 54.7 percent of a poll that was disrupted across swathes of the eastern rust belt. Government forces reported suffering no casualties on Saturday while repelling two rebel attempts to recapture an airport in the eastern hub o

US soldier released in swap for Guantanamo detainees

United State President Barack Obama said Saturday that an American soldier held for nearly half a decade in Afghanistan has been freed, in a swap for five Guantanamo detainees. "Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years," said Obama, announcing the release of the army sergeant. Bergdahl disappeared in June 2009 from a base in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province, with the Taliban later saying they had captured him. The Idaho native was the only American soldier held captive by Taliban militants. "On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal," Obama said. The US leader expressed his "deepest appreciation" to the Emir of Qatar "for his assistance in helping to secure our soldier's return." "The Emi

6 killed, thousands rendered homeless by Siberia floods 

Six people have died in southern Siberia and thousands more have been evacuated after torrential rain led to major floods. A state of emergency has been declared in the areas worst hit, the government said in a statement Saturday. "Nearly 4,000 homes have been flooded by rivers swollen by heavy rains, and around 7,600 people have been displaced," said the statement, from Russia's emergencies ministry. A separate statement from the ministry said six people had died in the floods, according to the Interfax news agency. Spring flooding is an annual occurrence in Russia. In 2012, devastating floods killed 172 people in the southwestern town of Krymsk, raising questions about the authorities' handling of such disasters.

Obama announces release of US soldier held in Afghanistan

United States President Barack Obama said Saturday that an American soldier held for half a decade in Afghanistan has been freed, reports AP. "Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years," said Obama, announcing his release. "On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal." In his statement, Obama expressed his "deepest appreciation" to the Emir of Qatar "for his assistance in helping to secure our soldier's return." "The Emir's personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries," the president said. He added: "Sergeant Bergdahl's recovery is a reminder of America's unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the batt

Syria tunnel bombing kills 20 soldiers-----Monitor

At least 20 Syrian regime forces were killed Saturday when Islamist rebels planted explosives in a tunnel under an army position in the northern city of Aleppo, a monitor said. According to AP, Aleppo's historic Old City has seen horrific violence ever since the rebels launched a major offensive against Syria's former economic hub in July 2012. The area is a flashpoint area that sees daily fighting, and the army has set up multiple positions there. "Islamist rebels detonated a tunnel near the Zahrawi market in the Old City of Aleppo, killing at least 20 army soldiers and pro-regime militiamen," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Fighting broke out after the explosion, and at least one rebel was killed, said the Britain-based Observatory. The attack was claimed by the Islamic Front, Syria's largest rebel alliance which groups thousands of fighters across the strife-torn country. It posted a link to a video on its Twitter account, showing a huge bla

Alao-Akala's driver shot dead by suspected robbers

(Nigeria) Alhaji Alabi Ajikobi, a driver of the former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, was shot dead on Friday by unknown gunmen in Ibadan, reports NAN. Ajikobi was shot by suspected armed robbers while returning from the bank where he had gone to cash some unspecified amount of money.  Ajikobi was said to have been shot around the Bodija area of Ibadan. Mrs Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed the incident, said that the deceased was shot and killed on his way from the bank. ``It is true. We learnt that he went to a bank to collect some money. A man stopped him and had some discussion with him on his way back. ``Later, two men on a bike shot him and collected the money. ``We are on the trail of that man that stopped him. We have already begun investigation into the matter," she said.

Sultan warns traditional rulers to steer clear of politics

( Nigeria ) The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, has warned traditional rulers to steer clear of politics. Abubakar gave the warning on Saturday in Sokoto at the turbaning of three new district heads and two tradtional title holders in Sokoto. Represented by the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Ilyasu Bashar, the Sultan said ``traditional rulers should be fathers to all, irrespective of any religious, ethnic or political differences. ``Leadership in any form is a trust and all leaders will be accountable for their stewardship.’’ The monarch said that the new traditional rulers and title holders were chosen based on merit and their wealth of experience and urged them to focus on the welfare and comfort of their followers. The Sultan also warned against greed, moral decadence, corruption and vices, which he said were the bane of the contemporary Nigerian society. He then appealed to Nigerians to collectively and fervently pray for sustained peace and unity in the country. Am

Jonathan condemns assassination of Gwoza Emir

( Nigeria ) President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the Friday assassination of the Emir of Gwoza, Alh Idrissa Timta, by the insurgent group, Boko Haram. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, disclosed this on Saturday, in an interview with the State House correspondents in Abuja.  He said: "the president got the news and he was sad about it because what it means is that,  these terrorists, who are threatening peace and stability in Nigeria, are desperate and they continue to show that desperation. "The president made it clear in his democracy day broadcast, that was his main message to Nigerians, that at the end of the day, it is the people of Nigeria that will prevail. "No matter how desperate terrorists may be, that his government is determined to rid the country of terrorism.  "The whole of the West African sub-region, Africa and the entire world showed that this is the battle that the whole world is prepared to fight.

Ukraine bans Russian military products supplies - Russian military

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Ukraine has introduced a ban on supplies of Russian arms, military hardware and its components since March, Russia’s top military official has said, reports itar-tass. “Russia cannot receive arms that were earlier paid for,” Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov said on Saturday. Such policy will affect Ukrainian enterprises. “Where will they find sales markets?” he asked. Russian enterprises are successfully coping with the task although the situation causes certain difficulties. “We are to revise all positions of our cooperation. A plane cannot be sold without gear wheels,” Borisov said. At present, the amount of supplies of Russia’s military-industrial complex reaches about 50 billion roubles, he said.

Putin accepts early resignation of Maritime Territory’s governor

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Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has accepted an early resignation of the Maritime Territory’s Governor Vladimir Miklushevsky, who will participate in the elections due in September, reports itar-tass. “Having worked as the Maritime Territory’s governor for two years, I realise clearly it would be impossible to continue working without trust from the people living here,” he told the president. “I would need to see a demonstration of trust. Thus, I would like to ask for your support to allow me to participate in an early election of the governor due in September this year, and meanwhile to continue the work, if you allow me.” Putin agreed. “I know that you have good results,” he said. “I do not mind.

No Chechen battalions in Ukraine, only 14 volunteers are in south-east----- Kadyrov

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There are none so-called Chechen Battalions in Ukraine’s south-eastern regions; and the number of volunteers from Chechnya is not above 14 people there, head of Russia’s Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov said in an interview with anchorman Sergei Briliev on Saturday, reports itar-tass. “I have to reiterate once again, where Ukraine’s media report about a special Chechen division in south-east of Donets, it is not true,” Kadyrov said. At the same time he confirmed that among the South-East self-defence militia “there are Chechens, right,” but nobody had sent those people to Ukraine, that was their own choice. Kadyrov continued saying among the militia was “a former member of a battalion,” but he did not know whether the person had served at the Vostok (East) battalion, which was dismissed back in 2008, or at the Yug (South) battalion of Russia’s Interior Ministry Forces. “We have not sent them over there, they have not been enrolled,” Kadyrov said. “They, I mean the former members, on

Russia concerned over plan US increase military aid to Syrian Rebels

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Moscow is concerned over the reports suggesting that the US administration intends to increase the provision of military aid to the “right” gunmen in the Syrian armed opposition, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday, reports itar-tass. “The media reports that the US administration intends to increase the provision of military aid to the “right” gunmen in the ranks of the Syrian armed opposition cause serious concern,” the ministry said. “At the same time, there are many publications about the recognition of the facts of supplies of military products to the opposition members, although not that long ago, Washington referred only to the provision of non-lethal means to the opponents of Bashar Assad in aid.” “We are certain that the implementation of such plans would result in the further escalation of the murderous conflict in Syria,” the ministry stressed. Lack of alternative to political settlement of crisis Earlier on Friday, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’

Russia to prosecute those involved in Ukraine civilians’ deaths

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Russia’s Investigative Committee pledges to sue those guilty in deaths of civilians and children in Ukraine in line with the international laws, reports itar-tass, “Those guilty in deaths of civilians and children must be prosecuted in line with all the provisions of international law,” spokesman for the Investigative Committee Vladimir Markin said on Friday. “And if not a single state in the world is capable to admit the evident facts that the Ukrainian authorities have been acting as criminals, Russia’s Investigative Committee will shoulder this responsibility by opening a criminal case.” “The Investigative Committee is to start collecting evidence on each person involved in the crimes against peace and security of the humanity rather than just admitting facts of crimes against civilians,” he said. “If politicians in Kiev and in the West prefer to live inside the propaganda reality, in the children’s story about the emperor’s new clothes, so these are their problems,” he said. “H

Court remands female student for allegedly masterminding rape

(Nigeria) A Magistrate Court in Egor, Benin, Edo State on Friday ordered that Deborah Enoma,16, a student of Anty-Maria Group of Schools, be remanded in prison for allegedly masterminding the rape of her 14-year-old friend. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Igho Braimoh, gave the order following a plea of not guilty by the accused person, who is being charged with conspiracy to commit felony. The Prosecutor, Insp. Omoruyi Osayomwanbor, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 16 at No. 15, Uwwelu Maternity Road, Benin. Osayomwanbor alleged that the accused conspired with her lover, now at large to commit felony. The prosecutor said the accused took the 14-year-old girl to the address under the pretence of taking her to a family friend. He said when they got to the place, the accused opened the door of the room and made a phone call. According to the prosecutor, later, two men, Destiny Idehen, 24, and the accused person’s lover, who is at large, came inside the room.

SERAP, others advise FG to clarify position on amnesty for Boko Haram

(Nigeria) Some prominent lawyers have advised the Federal Government to clarify its position on the granting of amnesty to members of the  Boko Haram sect. reports NAN. The lawyers gave the advice on Friday in interviews in Lagos. President Goodluck Jonathan had during his May 29 Democracy Day address declared total war on   Boko Haram . However, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Boni Haruna, had on the same day said the government was proposing amnesty for members of the sect. Mr Onyekachi Ubani, a former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, said the government should map out an effective strategy to tackle the insurgency. ``The government's position is not clarified. ``They are talking about amnesty and at the same time saying that they will not negotiate with the  Boko Haram   insurgents," Ubani said. He noted that the government could negotiate with the sect for the release of the abducted students of Government Girls Secondary Schoo

Court remands man, 39, over alleged drug trafficking 

( Nigeria ) A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday remanded a 39-year-old man, Ola Williams, in prison custody for allegedly trafficking 38.3 grammes of cocaine.  Williams, who resides at Taiwo Street in the Tinubu area of Lagos Island, is standing trial on a count charge of drug trafficking.  The Prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, an officer of the NDLEA, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 24, at Mercy Road on Lagos Island. Aernan said that the accused was in unlawful possession of 38.3 grammes of cocaine. He said that the alleged offence contravened Section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation. The accused pleaded not guilty. Counsel to the accused Mr Benson Ndakara, urged the court to admit the accused to bail on liberal terms. Ndakara supported his bail application with a 10- paragraph-affidavit. The prosecutor opposed the bail application and supported his application with a nine- paragraph counter-affidavit. Justice Mohammed

2 mortuary attendants arraigned for stealing jewelleries in deceased’s casket

(Nigeria) The police on Friday arraigned two mortuary attendants in an Evboriaria Chief Magistrates’ Court in Benin, Edo State, for stealing jewelleries in the casket of a deceased woman. The accused persons, Osaro Benjamin, 50, and Idowu Eriemator, 26, of no fixed address, were employed at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin. The prosecutor, Mr Emmanuel Obakpolor, told the court that the two men conspired and committed the offence on May 12 at the morgue of the hospital, located along Country Home Road, off Sapele Road. Obakpolor said the accused persons stole from the casket of late Mrs Esther Akora, which was deposited at the hospital morgue. He listed the stolen jewelleries as gold ear-rings, gold necklace and gold wedding ring, all valued at N4 million. He said the offences of conspiracy and stealing contravened the provisions of sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code. If convicted, the accused persons are liable to two years and three years jail terms respectively.

Body of Emir of Gwoza recovered ----- Nigerian Military

( Nigeria ) The Defence Headquarters on Friday said the body of Emir of Gwoza, who died when gunmen attacked a convoy of three emirs had been recovered. The gunmen attacked the convoy of emirs of Gwoza, Uba and Askira who were travelling to Gombe for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe. This is contained in a statement in Abuja by Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information. The statement said that troops deployed in Garkida responded to the attack and the emirs of Uba and Askira were secured.  It said that troops were currently on patrol along the entire route with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and keeping the area safe. According to the statement, the troops of the Special Task Force, STF, operating in the North-Central part of the country have led to the arrest of 23 members of armed gangs terrorising the area. It said that the suspects, including a hard drugs’ supplier, were apprehended during raids on camps and criminal hideouts located in Bukuru, J

MEND announces ceasefire in N-Delta

(Nigeria) Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, declared a temporal ceasefire with effect from Friday in the Niger-Delta, saying that it was extending an olive branch offered by President Goodluck Jonathan in his Democracy Day speech. MEND in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said  "Initial discussions will be facilitated through your Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr Kingsley Kuku who we will be comfortable to work with.”  It requested a presidential pardon for some its members already tried and convicted, further demanding “the release MEND fighters still in detention facilities, including the Okah brothers, Henry and Charles, who will feature prominently in the new dialogue team.” It said  "Our doors remain open to them (aggrieved armed groups) for dialogue and reconciliation if they renounced terrorism (armed struggle and embrace peace. "Since that slight, your government has known no peace from our region in spite of billi

Northern Govs urge Boko Haram to embrace peace amnesty

(Nigeria) Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has called on Boko Haram to embrace the peace initiative proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan through granting of amnesty to its members. Aliyu made the call on Friday in Minna in his capacity as Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum. The call which is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Israel Ebije, quoted the governor as saying that the president’s amnesty offer was a welcome idea. Aliyu said that the Northern states’ governors were ready to cooperate and support the Federal Government to address the grievances of the insurgents in order to ensure their successful re-integration into the larger society. The statement described the amnesty offer as laudable because it would help restore peace and harmony in troubled areas of the country. It quoted the governor as appealing to the sect members to lay down their arms, saying that peace and stability was essential to the region’s development and growth

Woman charged over multiple internet romance rip-offs in Australia

A 39-year old woman was charged in Sydney on Friday over multiple internet romance rip-offs. The police said she was caught for swindling four elderly men through internet dating sites of over two million dollars. The Sydney woman was alleged to have promised romance but repeatedly conned the men into sending money before they could meet. The police alleged that in what is the first charge of "romance fraud" in Australia, she met only one of the four men, aged in their 60s and 70s, over five and a half years. It said one of the men allegedly paid the woman 1.9 million Australian dollars as she held out the promise of romance. It said the suspect who was not identified for security reason, faces charges of fraud and money laundering. It said the woman, who was receiving welfare benefits as a single mother, spent the money on property, plastic surgery, cars, clothes and holidays. It said she has been released on bail to appear in court in June.

Nyako sacks 12 aides 

(Nigeria) Governor  Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State on Friday announced the sack of five of his special advisers and seven principal special assistants. This is contained in a statement  in Yola by Mr Kobis Thimnu, Secretary to the State Government. The statement read, ``Governor Murtala Nyako has approved the withdrawal of the appointments of 12 political appointees with effect from May 21.’’ ``While the government thanks you for the services you rendered, you are kindly requested to hand over government documents and properties in your custody to the appropriate authority.’’ The affected special advisers included Sanusi Jauro, Abdur-rahman Bobboi, Kelvin Peter, George Moses and Chubado Babbi. The affected principal special assistants are,  Hadiza Kuto, Sadiq Haske, Danjuma H., Bello Njidda, Gidado Aliyu, Shehu Jacob and Usman Marafa. The statement did not give reasons for the sack of the appointees.  

13 killed in Sokoto road crash

(Nigeria) No fewer than 13 persons, including women and children, were burnt to ashes in a Thursday night road crash at Tudun-Dukiya village near Dogon Karfe, about 10 kms to Illela town in Sokoto State, reports NAN. The accident was said to have occurred  about 9 p.m. It involved a Peaugeot J-5 bus travelling from Jos  to Illela and a Toyota Starlet car travelling from Illela to Sokoto. The Sector Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Commission, FRSC in Sokoto State, Dr Umar Gummi, confirmed the report in Sokoto on Friday. Gummi said that the two vehicles caught fire after a head-on collision. The commander also said that 14 other victims were injured. Gummi said that some of them were seriously injured with some having first degree burns. He said that some of the injured persons were receiving treatment at the Illela General Hospital, while others were referred to the Uthmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. ``As for the deceased persons, they were burnt to as

Court remands man for allegedly raping teenage girl

(Nigeria) A Gusau Senior Magistrates' Court on Friday ordered the remand of one Usman Muhammad of Tashar Magami Area, Gusau, Zamfara State , for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The prosecutor, Insp. Yakubu Abuga, told the court that on May 7, one Bashiru Muhammad of Tudun Wada Area, Gusau, reported the case at the Central Police Station, Gusau. Abuga said that the accused conspired with one, Usman Musa and took the complainant's daughter to Gusau Guest Inn at Mortgage Area, Gusau, where both of them had unlawful canal knowledge of the girl. Abuga further said that the offence contravened Section 97 and 283 of the Penal Code. The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence. Senior Magistrate Bello Kucheri ordered the remand of the accused person in prison custody, and adjourned the case till June 16 for mention.

38 men gang-rape Malaysian teenage girl

Malaysian police have detained 13 men and are still looking for other suspects following allegations that a 15-year-old girl was raped by 38 men in an abandoned hut, a report said on Friday. According to Reuters, the media reported that the assault took place in the Northern state of Kelantan on May 20 when the girl met a girlfriend and was lured to an empty hut reported to be a local drug haunt. It said that the men took turns to rape her for hours. Police said they were also investigating whether her 17-year-old friend was also raped. Report says the alleged attack, which is one of several brutal cases this week underscoring the violence to which women are being subjected across Asia, sparked outrage among women. Politicians from a Muslim party running in the region said that their proposal to introduce Islamic hudud law with harsh penalties would deter offenders. State and federal police officers either declined comment or could not be immediately reached. Media accounts, quo

Labour rejects plan to hike electricity tariff

( Nigeria ) The National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, on Friday said it would not accept the proposed increase in electricity tariff. The union said the planned tariff increase would only compound the hardship Nigerians were going through in the midst of erratic power supply. Mr Joe Ajeero, General Secretary of the union, stated this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. The Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, recently announced the proposed tariff, which it said would commence in June. Ajeero said: ``The union stand is very clear on this; we shall stand to reject any hike in the electricity tariff. `` We told them when they were privatising this sector that they will add to the burden of the people, but they insisted and have their way by force. `` I am glad that other unions are now joining us to reject this planned submission against the poor and vulnerable Nigerians.’’ He said an increase would inflict more hardship on Nigerians, especi

France to go through with Mistral deal with Russia despite US reservation

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Mistral contracts comply with terms — Rosoboronexport France will go ahead with the sale of two Mistral helicopter carriers to Russia's navy despite United States pressure to halt the deal, the French Defence Ministry, reports told itar-tass. Contract liabilities will be honoured and finalised in October-November, the ministry's press service said, confirming comment by President Francois Hollande visiting Berlin earlier this month. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has also announced that the deal with go through, noting on a visit to Washington that Russia “had already paid more than half” of the contract cost and that “according to law, there is no possibility to say 'no' to the deal." He added, however, that France would take “a final decision” on this issue in October. “Let’s wait and see what the situation and legal regime will be like,” Fabius noted, referring to  European Union sanctions on Russia over events in Ukraine . US pressure on France Meanwhi

7 children injured in Sloviansk shelled by Ukrainian army

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Seven children were injured in Sloviansk, Donetsk region, when Ukrainian armed forces fired at residential districts of the city, Russian presidential commissioner for children's rights Pavel Astakhov wrote on Twitter on Friday. According to itar-tass, the Donetsk regional health department reported that seven children received bullet and shrapnel wounds during the Ukrainian army's attack, Astakhov said. When Ukrainian armed forces shelled residential districts in Sloviansk overnight, a shell hit a hospital for children and another children's polyclinic was damaged, a source of the local militia said in Sloviansk. On May 28, a shell broke the roof of an auditorium in a school in the residential district of Artyom. Children and teachers in the building were not hurt. They escaped into the basement used as a bomb shelter. Shelling of the same district on May 27 killed four people. The press service of the Russian commissioner for children’s rights said on Friday that chil

Another OSCE observers detained in Ukraine’s Luhansk region

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Luhansk People’s Republic disproves reports about detention of OSCE observers The observation mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, on Friday reported that another group of its monitors had gone missing, reports itar-tass. The OSCE specified in a press release that “at around 19:00 yesterday the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, SMM, to Ukraine lost contact with some members of its Luhansk-based team.” “The team was stopped in the town of Severodonetsk (100 km north of Luhansk) by gunmen,” the OSCE noted. “The team consists of four international SMM members, as well as one Ukrainian language assistant travelling in two vehicles. The detained team is in addition to one currently missing in the East that was last heard from on the evening of May 26. That group consists of four internationals,” OSCE said.

Amosun weeps over conditions of prisoners in Ogun

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(Nigeria) Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State on Thursday broke into tears at the pitiable sight of inmates at Oba prison in Abeokuta. Amosun, who had earlier granted amnesty to 15 inmates at Ibara prison also in Abeokuta, could not hold back his emotions at Oba prison over what he described as the  ``inhuman condition" to which the inmates were subjected. The governor was informed that majority of the 492 inmates on awaiting trial list at the prison had spent between four and seven years in jail. He ordered immediate medical attention for the inmates with critical medical conditions and directed that others should be taken to the hospital. While conceding that prison services was under the control of the Federal Government, Amosun said it would be irresponsible of any leader to neglect the conditions of prison inmates. He expressed dismay at the deplorable state of prisons saying it would not enhance rehabilitation of inmates. ``I have come to share today with t

Deputy PM warns against unverified versions of Proton collapse

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Versions of possible causes of the collapse of the “Proton” rocket should be made public only after an interdepartmental commission, which has been investigating the causes of the rocket collapse on May 16, completes its work, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Thursday, reports itar-tass. Earlier on Thursday Chairman of the interdepartmental commission, Deputy Director General of TSNIIMASH (research institute of machine building) Alexander Danilyuk said that the commission did not rule out a version of intentional sabotage as a possible cause of the "Proton" collapse. "The Roscosmos commission which has been investigating the accident should first complete its work and submit the results of the investigation to the government before "tormenting" the society with new versions of the accident," Rogozin said in his entry in the Twitter. "All the versions have been thoroughly analyzed. The most probable version is that the

Nollywood stars march for release of Chibok girls

(Nigeria) Some Nollwood stars led by Patience Ozokwor on Thursday marched from Allen Avenue to Alausa Secretariat soliciting for the release of the kidnapped Chibok school girls. The actors included Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, Ejiro Okurame, Mercy Aigbe, Femi Ogedengbe, Thelma Okaz and Tony Akposhere. They said the march was their own way of celebrating the Democracy Day because they were unhappy that the kidnapped school children were still being held by the Boko Haram sect. The actors, who marched with various placards with various inscriptions asking for the release of the girls, were addressed by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji. They pleaded for the release of the girls by the Boko Haram sect. Ikuforiji assured the rally that government was doing its best to get the girls released. He said that the public might not be aware of things that were being done to release the girls but that government was alive to its responsib

Niger jails man for four years in first slavery case

A court in the West African state of Niger has sentenced a man to four years in jail in the country's first prosecution for slavery, a magistrate said on Thursday, reports Reuters. The 63-year old man had taken a woman as his fifth wife against local law and had subjected her to slavery, the magistrate added, requesting anonymity. Niger ranks number 28 out of 160 in the 2013 United Nations global slavery index with up to 130,000 people trapped in modern slavery. Mostly women and children are trafficked for sexual exploitation, domestic work and forced labor, the index says. Elhadji Djadi Raazikou, who has been in detention since 2010, was arrested after a local anti-slavery organization, Timidria, alerted the authorities. Raazikou, already married to four wives, was accused of buying a young girl for 200,000 CFA francs ($420) and putting her to work for one of his wives. He later took her as a fifth wife while she continued to work for him as a domestic servant. Real

Abkhazia's parliament asks president to resign

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The parliament of Abkhazia, the People’s Assembly, has adopted a resolution in which it asked the country’s president, Alexander Ankvab, to resign ahead of time, reports itar-tass. The deputies also passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Leonid Lakerbaya as part of the same resolution. The resolution was supported by 20 deputies with one abstention. The document says the decisions were made “in connection with the tense public and political situation and in order to preserve nationwide accord and stability in the state.” On Tuesday, the opposition gathered thousands of people in the center of the capital Sukhum demanding the resignation of the government, the prosecutor general and heads of the republic's eastern districts. After unsuccessful talks with the president, opposition leader Raul Khadzhimba announced that the Coordinating Council of the opposition parties and organizations would act as a caretaker government. Abkhazian President Alex

US seeks to fine BNP $10 bn for breaking sanctions

 The United States is seeking more than $10 billion from French bank BNP Paribas to settle charges it violated US sanctions on Iran, Sudan and Cuba, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. Citing people familiar with the negotiations between the bank and the Justice Department, the newspaper said the two sides are still locked in talks, and that BNP wants to pay less than $8 billion, reports AFP. Both numbers are far higher than earlier reports of less than $4 billion, and would far outpace the $1.9 billion British bank HSBC was fined in 2012 for routinely handling money transfers for countries under sanction and for Mexican drug traffickers. The Journal said a final resolution of the BNP case, which related to the bank's activity in 2002-2009, is "likely weeks away." It said the two sides are still arguing over whether the bank, as part of its punishment, will be temporarily denied the right to transfer money into and out from the United States, an importan

10 Chadians killed in southern Libya

Ten Chadian nationals have been gunned down in southern Libya by attackers in military uniform, the Chadian foreign ministry said Thursday, reports APF. “Ten Chadian nationals were shot dead in cold blood in Sbeha by a group of armed men, all of them wearing military uniforms," the ministry said in a statement. It added that the attackers were all Libyan and described the incident as "an odious crime perpetrated against innocent civilians". The circumstances of the incident were not immediately clear but N'Djamena said the Chadians were on their way home to Chad from the Libyan capital Tripoli. Migrants are chronically attacked by armed gangs prowling Libya's lawless desert south. Neighbouring Niger had earlier in May announced that eight of its nationals were killed in the same area. Thousands of sub-Saharan Africans have for decades sought employment in oil-rich Libya but many returned home after Moamer Kadhafi was slain in 2011. 

Russia ready to help Ukraine settle crisis, if.... — Russian diplomat

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 Russia is ready to help Kiev authorities to settle the current crisis in Ukraine, if they make correct decisions. Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Organization Vitaly Churkin said this at a session of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday evening, reports itar-tass. He added, Kiev’s first step should be an end to a military operation in the country’s southeast. “As you know, this is not Russia that plotted what has happened in your country [Ukraine], but Russia is still ready to help you to settle this affair, if you make correct decisions,” the diplomat told Ukrainian Ambassador to the UN Yuri Sergeyev. The latter in his speech and further debate with the Russian ambassador accused Moscow of “fanning up separatist moods.” In return, Churkin recalled that the situation in eastern Ukraine “has been getting ripen at least after a state coup which broke out in Kiev on February 22.” He also called for development of Russian-Ukrainian economic co-operat

Ukraine turns down humanitarian aid to eastern regions from Russia

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Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has turned down an official note of the Russian Foreign Ministry asking for permission to provide humanitarian aid to residents of Ukraine’s eastern regions, reports itar-tass. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Moscow should better “focus on satisfaction of numerous requests for humanitarian aid from the residents of the Republic of Crimea". Kiev dubbed Russia’s aspiration to help civilians suffering from the military operation in the country’s east as “another element of propaganda". “On May 28, the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation sent a note to the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine, attracting attention of the Ukrainian authorities to the fact that Russia has been repeatedly receiving requests from citizens and organizations from the conflict zone in Ukraine’s eastern regions where many people are killed and many are wounded in combat operations,” the Russian ministry said. “(Russia) has been requested to provide urg

14 die in auto crash in Edo

(Nigeria) No fewer than 14 persons on Thursday lost their lives in an auto crash on the Benin-Okene Highway. The incident, which occurred around the Ewu slope in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, involved a 15-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Edo City Transports Service and an articulated vehicle. The truck, which was said to be coming from Abuja ran over the bus, resulting to death of all passengers on board. An eyewitness, Mr Ben Omoede, said that the incident occurred when brakes of the articulated vehicle failed. ``The truck lost brake and ran over the Toyota bus coming from the opposite side, killed the 13 passengers and the driver,’’ he said. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Red Cross evacuated the corpses to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State. Mr Mike Odiahi, the Chairman, Edo Central branch of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, who was at the scene, confirmed the incident to newsmen. ``Fourteen dead bodies have been recovered

Boko Haram kills 35 in attacks on Nigeria villages

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Boko Haram gunmen killed 35 people in attacks on three villages in Nigeria's restive northeast Borno state near the border with Cameroon, a military source and residents said Thursday. Dozens of Boko Haram gunmen dressed in military uniform stormed Gumushi, Amuda and Arbokko in all-terrain trucks and motorcycles, opening fire on residents and torching homes with petrol bombs, they said. "Boko Haram attacked the three villages Wednesday morning in which 35 people were killed, including 26 in Gumushi," a military officer in the state capital Maiduguri told AFP on condition of anonymity. "The insurgents hurled petrol bombs into homes, setting them ablaze and shot residents as they tried to escape," he said. He said the gunmen raided Gumushi around 6a.m., (0500 GMT) where they killed 26 residents. Local media however put the death toll in Gumushi at 42. Witnesses said the gunmen also launched coordinated attacks on the neighbouring farming villages

Drugs, prostitution worth £10bn to British economy

The inclusion of illegal activities such as prostitution and drugs into national accounts would add about 10 billion pounds (12.3 billion euros, $16.7 billion) to national output, Britain's statistics office said on Thursday. In a paper in which it estimated prostitutes' "sales" and costs incurred -- condoms and "working clothes"-- the Office of National Statistics (ONS) said the inclusion of such activities was part of a raft of improvements to the way the economy will be measured from September. The adjustments bring Britain's estimates of Gross Domestic Product -- or national economic output -- more into line with other European countries, where some activities such as prostitution or the trade in certain drugs are not illegal. The ONS estimates of illicit revenues are based on 2009 data, the latest it says it are available, and could help bolster arguments for the reform of drug and prostitution laws. Prostitution itself is not illegal in Br

Snowden denies being used by Russia

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Former United States National Security Agency, NSA, contractor Edward Snowden said he had no relationship with the Russian government and had given Moscow no intelligence documents after nearly a year of asylum there, reports Xinhua. "I'm not supported by the Russian government. I'm not taking money from the Russian government," Snowden told NBC's Brian Williams, in his first interview with a U.S. television network that aired Wednesday evening. Snowden said he destroyed classified materials before transiting to a Moscow airport. "I took nothing to Russia, so I could give them nothing." But former NSA Director Keith Alexander said earlier this month that it was likely Snowden was under the control of Russian intelligence agencies. "I think he is now being manipulated by Russian intelligence. I just don't know when that exactly started or how deep it runs," Alexander said in an interview with the Australian Financial Review

Russia calls on West to prevent 'national disaster' in Ukraine

(Nigeria) Russia on Thursday called on the West to prevent 'a national disaster' in Ukraine and urged Kiev to order a ceasefire as further deadly violence erupted in the country's east, killing 12 soldiers. "We once again call on our Western partners to use all their influence on Kiev to stop Ukraine from descending into a national disaster," the ministry said in a statement. "The international community awaits from Kiev an immediate ceasing of military activities in the east of the country and the withdrawal of troops. Without that, achieving peace in Ukraine is impossible." Russia expressed its "deep concern over the further escalation of the situation in eastern Ukraine". It accused the Kiev authorities of bombarding cities and civilian targets using aircraft and artillery in a military operation that "brings pain and suffering to peaceful citizens". "Among those injured are elderly people and young children,"

Teacher in Ukrainian village accused of espionage after his son got Russian passport

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The Ukrainian National Security Service has arrested Sergei Bugayev, a school director in the village of Alexandrovka in the Kherson region, on charges of treason and espionage after his son, a student at Nakhimov Naval School of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, was granted Russian citizenship, reports itar-tass. The school director was arrested at his work place and put into custody in Kiev, his son said. His father could not be reached by telephone for several days. Then he finally answered the call, saying in Ukrainian that he was all right, but was not to be reached by telephone for several days.  His son suspected that something was wrong because they had always spoken Russian at home. When the son called again, a strange man said that his father could not answer.  The student's mother had long kept the truth from her son until Andrei Bugayev's fellow village folk told him what had really happened. In May, Ukrainian ICTV television ran a documentary film titled

Aturu, others kick against payment of taxes by religious organisations

(Nigeria) Some prominent lawyers in Lagos on Thursday kicked against the payment of taxes by religious organisations in the country, reports NAN. The delegates at the ongoing national conference in Abuja had on Wednesday voted in support of taxing both churches and mosques. The lawyers said that the move by the conference was a clear misplacement of priorities. A  lawyer, Mr Bamidele Aturu, said the delegates should focus on important issues that would foster the unity and development of Nigeria. Aturu said it was the duty of the National Assembly to promulgate such laws, adding that the non-payment of taxes by religious organisations was not an issue in Nigeria. ``For me, it is a misplacement of their priorities and they are only going to create more controversies which may make their report unacceptable at the end of the day,” he said. Another lawyer, Mr Wale Ogunade, said the conference should address issues such as unemployment, poverty, corruption and national unity.

Donetsk official confirms keeping OSCE observers captive

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Stella Khorosheva, spokeswoman for the people's Mayor of Sloviansk Vyacheslav Ponomaryov, has confirmed on Thursday that representatives of the Sloviansk self-defense forces detained the OSCE observers, reports itar-tass. "They have been detained," the spokeswoman said. "We had warned them not to go near defense positions, but they did not heed the warning, and we had to detain them," the spokeswoman confirmed. "It was found out that some of the detained did not belong to the OSCE mission. They have been kept captive until all the circumstances are clarified," the spokeswoman said. Asked about their whereabouts, the spokeswoman merely said that "they were not in Sloviansk". OSCE reported on May 26 that the OSCE observer mission to Ukraine had lost contact with four OSCE observers who had been working in the Donetsk region. The four observers had last contacted their colleagues at 6.00 pm local time Monday. Besi

We must remain united to win the war against terrorism---Jonathan

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(Nigeria) Fellow Nigerians, I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country. Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people. As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built