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Showing posts from November, 2015

Court rules Dec 14 on N15b fraud charges against Nyako

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(Nigeria) A Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed December 14 for ruling on whether or not to admit a bank statement allegedly indicting former Adamawa Governor, Murtala Nyako, of diverting monies belonging to the State.

10 suspected robbers killed in Lagos in 12 days

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(Nigeria) No fewer than 10 suspected armed robbers have been killed in the last 12 days in different parts of Lagos State during exchange of gunfire with the police.

Respect Audu/Faleke ticket, Faleke tells APC

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(Nigeria) Mr James Faleke, running mate to All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate in the Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu (late), has called on the national leadership of the party to respect the Audu/Faleke ticket.

APC procession in Port-Harcourt illegal, inciting ----PDP

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(Nigeria) Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Rivers State chapter, Mr Felix Obuah, has, described the All Progressives Congress, APC rally in Port Harcourt, as illegal, treasonable and a security breach.

Russian plane was downed to secure oil deliveries ---Putin

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The Russian president raised the topic of Russia's Sukhoi Su-24M downed by Turkey at his meetings with foreign leaders in Paris. Everybody agreed there was no need to shoot the jet down.

Faleke, Bello supporters clash at APC secretariat

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  (Nigeria) Supporters of James Faleke and Yahaya Bello, late Prince ‎Abubakar Audu's running mate and runner up respectively, on Monday clashed at the All Progressives Congress, APC, secretariat in Abuja.

9 killed as suicide bomber attack Shiite pilgrims in Baghdad

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A suicide bomber targeted Shiite Muslims taking part in an annual pilgrimage in Baghdad on Monday, killing nine people and wounding another 21, Iraqi security officials said.

Senate wants NNPC, others to harmonise subsidy claims

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(Nigeria) The Senate on Monday directed the Ministry of Petroleum, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and other relevant stakeholders to harmonise subsidy claims for October to December 2015.

Nigeria’s external reserves dropped to $30.04bn ----CBN

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(Nigeria) The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said that the nation's foreign reserves fell to 30.04 billion dollars as at November 26.

Court acquits 10 Arepo pipeline vandals

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(Nigeria) A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday discharged and acquitted 10 accused persons charged with pipeline vandalism in Arepo in Ogun State and killing of three maintenance engineers with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

Man charged to court over attempted rape

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(Nigeria) A 36-year-old unemployed man, Rasak Ali, who allegedly attempted to rape two minors, was on Monday arraigned in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court, Lagos.

TB Joshua fails to appear for building collapse trial

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(Nigeria) Pastor T.B. Joshua of  Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN and two contractors facing trial for criminal negligence over the church building collapse that killed 116 worshippers failed to appear before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Monday, forcing the judge to adjourn the case till December 11, 2015.

Russia to impose new food sanctions against Turkey

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Russia will restrict imports of Turkish fruit and vegetables as part of a package of new sanctions following the downing of a Russian warplane by Turkey last week.

2 Israeli teens convicted of killing Palestinian youth

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Two Israeli teens were convicted Monday of the 2014 murder of 16-year-old Palestinian Muhammad Abu Khdair, a crime Israeli authorities described as a revenge killing and which contributed to the Gaza war that year.

Turkey asks Russia suspend sanctions over downed jet

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Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu urged Moscow on Monday to reconsider economic sanctions that it issued after Turkey shot down a Russian fighter plane last week, but refused to apologize for the incident.

N117m debt: Court freezes guarantor’s accounts in 17 banks

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(Nigeria)  A Lagos High Court has granted a garnishee order nisi attaching any money in the accounts of the guarantors of Holyview Investment International Limited in about 17 commercial banks in the country, for allegedly refusing to pay a judgment debt estimated at N117 million.

Boko Haram: Army calls for extra vigilance

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(Nigeria) The Nigerian Army has called on the citizens to be extra-vigilant and security-conscious as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.

Abacha loot spent on roads, electricity, education ---World Bank

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(Nigeria) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has “received several documents from the World Bank totalling over 700 pages on information on the spending of recovered assets stolen by the late General Abacha, with some of the documents suggesting that Abacha loot was spent on roads, electricity, education, health and water.”

Body of downed Russian bomber pilot arrives Ankara

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The body of Lt Col Oleg Peshkov, the pilot of the SU-24M bomber downed by the Turkish Air Force in Syrian airspace on November 24 has been delivered to Ankara, the NTV channel said.

19 killed in South African minibus collision

No fewer than  19 people were killed when a minibus taxi burst into flames after colliding with a truck in South Africa on Sunday, local media reported.

Russian plane breached Israel airspace ----Defense minister

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Israel's defense minister says a Russian plane recently penetrated Israeli airspace but was not shot down thanks to open communications between the two countries.

Terrorism will endure if good people remain complacent ----Buhari

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(Nigeria) President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Malta, said that violent extremism and terrorism could only thrive and endure if good people remained idle and complacent.

18 killed, many wounded in Russian strikes ---Syrian opposition

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Airstrikes believed to have been carried out by Russian warplanes killed at least 18 people and wounded dozens Sunday in a north west Syrian town held by insurgents, Syrian opposition media reported.

Customs destroy frozen products worth N11.5m in Benin

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(Nigeria) The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operation Unit, Zone C, says it has destroyed 1, 365 cartons of imported frozen products valued at N11.56 million in Benin, Edo State.

Police tightens security in Bayelsa ahead Dec 5 gober poll

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(Nigeria) The Police in Bayelsa State said on Sunday they had strengthened security in the state towards ensuring a hitch-free December  5 governorship election.

Putin bans imports of certain goods from Turkey

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has put his signature under the decree that envisages bans on or restrictive measures against imports of certain goods from Turkey in line with the register approved by Russia’s government, the Kremlin press service said.

Russian oil tanker grounded in Nevelsk

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Russian emergency services say cleanup operations are underway after an oil tanker was grounded, damaging one of its fuel tanks.

Turkey to return body of Russian downed bomber pilot

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Turkey will give to Russian diplomats on Sunday the body of Russia's Sukhoi Su-24M bomber pilot, Igor Mityakov, press attache of the Russian embassy said on Sunday.

3 killed in rocket attack on UN base in Mali

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A rocket attack on a UN peacekeepers' base in northern Mali killed three people early Saturday, United Nations mission spokesman Olivier Salgado said.

FG, States, LGs share N473.8bn for Oct

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(Nigeria) The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, on Friday said N473.8 billion was shared among the federal, states and local governments as revenue for October, 2015. Adeosun announced this when she addressed newsmen on the outcome of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting in Abuja. She said the shared amount comprised the month's gross statutory revenue of N400.3 billion. "Also, there is the exchange gain of N6.9 billion which is proposed for distribution. Therefore, the total revenue distributable for October, including VAT of N60.1 billion, is N473.8 billion", she said. Adeosun said N6.3 billion was refunded to the federation by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and was also proposed for sharing. It be recalled that N389.9 billion was shared to the three tiers of government as revenue for the preceding month. This shows an increase of N83.8 billion between the two months. Giving the breakdown of revenue among the three tiers

21 killed in bomb attack on Shi'ite Kano march

(Nigeria) The Kano State Police command said on Friday it was yet to ascertain the casualty figures in the bomb attack at Dakasoye village in Garun Malam Local Government Area of the state. Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Muhammad Katsina, said in Kano on Friday that the members of the Shi’ite Islamic sect had taken away the corpses and injured persons. “I cannot give you the official figure of casualty and the injured because the members have taken them away. “So, since I have not seen them physically, I cannot tell you the number of persons affected’’, he said. He, however, said the leader of the Shi’ite movement in Kano, Malam Muhammad Turi had told some journalists in his presence at the scene that 21 persons lost their lives and many others injured in the blast. According to him, the command had directed its officers to check at the various hospitals in Kano if they had taken the corpses to any. He said the suspected member of Boko Haram said to have been arrested by

Kogi APC lawmakers insist late Audu's son takes father's mandate

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(Nigeria) Lawmakers on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi State on Friday threatened to impeach any candidate chosen to replace the late flag bearer, Prince Abubakar Audu. Some of the lawmakers, who were at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, told newsmen that their wish was that Mohammed Audu be given the mandate of his late father. Mr Momoh Rabiu, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, said: ``Based on our discussion, we have taken a decision and taken our resolution to the national chairman. ``We are overwhelmed by the response from them, but we are still waiting for a safe landing so that Kogi will not be doomed. ``We told the national chairman that on no account should anybody be smuggled in to occupy that position which we worked for in conjunction with the late Audu, without who there would be no APC in Kogi state today. ``We presented to the national leadership, Prince Mohammed Audu to replace his late father. It is not because he is the first son, bu

Buhari approves 30 new Federal High Court Judges

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(Nigeria) President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of 30 new judges for the Federal High Court on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC. In a statement on Friday in Abuja by the NJC Acting Director (Information), Mr Soji Oye, said that the new judges would be sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed on December 2. The newly appointed judges include; Justices Yellin Bogoro (Bauchi), . Rosemary Oghoghorie (Delta), Taiwo Obayomi Taiwo (Ogun), Ibrahim Watila (Borno), Mallong Hoommuk (Plateau) and Isa Dashen (Adamawa). Others are; Hassan Dikko (Kebbi), Jude Dagat (Kaduna), Olayinka Tokode (Osun), Simon Amobeda (Kogi), Jane Inyang (Cross River) and Daniel Osiagor (Rivers). Also on the list are, Prof. Chuka Obiozor (Anambra), Iniekenimi Oweib (Bayelsa), Hassan Sule (Zamfara), Hadiza Shagari (Sokoto), Saleh Idrissa (Yobe) and Joyce Abdulmalik (Edo). Also appointed are; Hillary Oshomah (Edo), Fadima Aminu (Adamawa), Toyin Adegoke (

NLC commends Oshiomhole on N18,000 minimum wage

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(Nigeria)The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC , has commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for standing on the side of workers by insisting that the N18,000 minimum wage is sacrosanct and threatened to mobilize against any state government that tinkers with the minimum wage of workers. Edo State branch of the NLC in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Benin City yesterday, described as satanic and retrogressive, the resolve by some State Governors to review downwards, the current minimum wage of Civil Servants in the country. Signed by Emmanuel Ademokun, Chairman and  B.S Kadiri, acting Secretary, the Communique noted that  that some of the governors “who rose to power on the shoulders of the working people and paraded themselves as progressives could contemplate reduction of workers’ salary as a way out of the economic downturn.” The Union said, "The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State Chapter at its meeting held on November 27, 2015 examin

Turkish F-16 waited to down Russian bomber---Commander

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Turkey’s F-16 fighter that shot down the Russian Aerospace Forces’ Sukhoi Su-24M bomber was in Syria’s airspace for 40 seconds and went 2 kilometers inside its territory, while the Russian bomber did not violate the Turkish state border, the commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, Viktor Bondarev, said Friday. "In line with air defense means objective control materials, the Turkish plane was in Syria’s airspace for 40 seconds and flew two kilometers inside its territory, whereas the Russian bomber did not violate the state border of Turkey," Bondarev said, reports Tass . He said the crew of the second Su-24 plane confirmed the launch of the missile from the F-16. After the combat employment at the mentioned target and left turn to 130-degree course "it observed on the left side of it flame and a tail of white smoke, which it reported to the flight operations director," he said.  According to the commander, Turkey’s F-16 fighter stopped maneuvering in

Syrian army makes progress against rebels, ISIS

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The Syrian army has made considerable military progress on the ground thanks to Russia’s air support, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said at the start of his talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday. "I can confirm that thanks to Russia’s efforts and air support the Syrian army has made considerable progress in many directions on the battlefield," Muallem said, reports Tass. He added that the Russian warplanes had achieved hundreds of times more in a short period of time than the US-led coalition whose only achievement was the spread of the Islamic State terrorist group (which is banned in Russia) in our country," the Syrian foreign minister stressed. "All this proves that Russia and Syria have entered a stage of unprecedented strategic partnership. Thanks to Russian-Syrian military cooperation we have started a countdown in efforts to destroy terrorists in our country," Muallem said. He expressed the hope that Friday’s meeting wou

Donbas halt coal supplies to Ukraine — energy minister

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Coal inventories at Ukrainian thermal power stations will suffice for their normal operation for a month after Russia and the Donbas region halted coal deliveries, Ukraine’s Energy Minister Vladimir Demchishin said on Friday. "Considering that Ukraine is not supplying electricity to Crimea now, several risky factors have emerged," the energy minister said in the Ukrainian parliament, reports Tass. "First of all, we have been restricted in coal deliveries from Russia and the uncontrolled territories in east Ukraine. Now the coal inventories at our thermal power plants will suffice for a month but in a longer perspective problems will arise," he said. Ukraine will reject Russian coal supplies in 2016 — energy minister According to the minister, Ukraine plans to solve the problem of its dependence on Russian coal in 2016. Speaking at a meeting in the Verkhovnaya Rada (one-chamber parliament of Ukraine) he said: "I can assure you that next year we will solve t

9 professors shortlisted for LASU VC position

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(Nigeria) Nine out of 14 professors have been shortlisted to contest for the post ‎of the Vice-Chancellor at the Lagos State University, LASU. A competent source, who pleaded anonymity at the University’s Registrars office, made the disclosure on Friday in Lagos. The source said that 14 professors had applied for the position within the six weeks of the advertisement. ``Nine were shortlisted after several considerations of their qualifications and pre-requisites for absorption,’’ the source said. The source noted that among the five candidates who were not shortlisted was the immediate former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa, whose tenure ended on October 31. According to the source, the candidates who were not shortlisted do not possess a PhD certificate, while others had not spent up to 10 years as professors. ``Although the advertisement had outlined that the professorship of the candidates must have lasted seven years, it was extended to 10 years during the screening as i

Aisha Buhari appeals to Nigerians to support IDPs

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(Nigeria) The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has called on corporate bodies and individuals to support Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, to enable them to overcome their challenges. Buhari made the appeal in a statement by the Director of Media to the President’s Wife, Malam Zakariya’u Nadabo, in Abuja on Friday. The statement quoted the president’s wife as making the call when she received a delegation of directors of Flour Mills of Nigeria, who donated food items to IDPs, the statement said. The president’s wife said the efforts of corporate organisations and individuals would go a long way in addressing some of the problems confronting IDPs in various camps. ``Although the state governments of the affected areas are doing their best, other organisations and well-meaning individuals can do more,’’ the statement said. She said such gestures were necessary ``to put a smile in the faces of IDPs in the camps before eventual relocation to their original abodes’’. The pre

Moscow warns against US continued training Ukrainian soldiers

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The United States has launched a new phase of training of Ukrainian servicemen, a fact, which may have negative consequences for the future of the Donbas truce, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

China to invest $10b in Cross River ---Gov Ayade

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(Nigeria) Determined to industrialize the state, Governor  Ben Ayade  of Cross River  State, has said that  arrangements have been concluded for Henan Province of China to commence construction of $10 billion project in the state.

Okowa seeks approval for N3bn agric loans

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(Nigeria) Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Thursday sought permission of the State House of Assembly to obtain N3billion commercial agriculture loan from the Zenith Bank Plc.

Court refuses FG plea for Dasuki’s presence in court throughout trial

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(Nigeria) A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed the application by the Federal Government seeking to compel the presence of the former National Security Adviser, NSA,  Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), in court throughout his trial.

Police await ballistic analysis into Ariaria market killings

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(Nigeria) The Police in Abia State on Thursday said investigations into the killings in Ariaria market on July 31, was yet to be concluded due to delay in ballistics report.

FG to amend charges against Orubebe

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(Nigeria) The Federal Government on Thursday asked for permission of the Code of Conduct Tribunal to amend charges against former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe.

Daudu counsel lawyers to emulate virtues of Justice Fabiyi

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(Nigeria) Mr Joseph Daudu, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on Thursday advised legal practitioners to emulate the virtues of the former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice John Fabiyi.

Lawyer, Adegboruwa wants INEC compelled to hold fresh Kogi poll

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(Nigeria) Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a Lagos-based human rights crusader and lawyer, on Thursday filed a suit before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, seeking conduct of fresh elections in Kogi State.

Court dismisses criminal charge against Sylva

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(Nigeria) A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a 50-count charge bordering on alleged corruption against former Bayelsa governor, Timipreye Sylva and six others.

Boko Haram kills 15 in Niger

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Boko Haram militants attacked a village in Niger's southern border area of Diffa on Thursday, killing 15 people, two security sources said.

8 suspected IS sympathizers killed in Philippine

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Philippine marines killed eight suspected sympathizers of the Islamic State group in a clash in the southern Philippines on Thursday, seizing bomb-making equipment, assault rifles and black flags, military officials said.

Russian plane downed in reaction to violation of Turkish air space ---Erdogan

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Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday dismissed "emotional" and "unfitting" suggestions that projects with Russia could be canceled following Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane near the Syrian border.

Engage MASSOB, IPOB in meaningful dialogue, CCC tells FG

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(Nigeria) The Centre for Crisis Communication, CCC, has noted the serious threats of secession in the past several months by a few individuals and groups in parts of Nigeria including some Yoruba elders and other Igbo groups.