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Showing posts from February, 2016

EFCC opposes Tarfa, SAN, bid to re-argue N2.5bn rights suit

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(Nigeria) Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, opposed the move by Lagos lawyer, Mr Rickey Tarfa, SAN, seeking to re-open hearing in his N2.5billion fundamental rights suit and to advance further evidence.

Arepo pipeline vandals bag 12 years prison terms

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(Nigeria) A Federal High Court  in Lagos on Monday, sentenced nine accused, charged with the murder of nine policemen in Areppo, Ogun State and pipeline vandalism to 12 years imprisonment.

Electricity tariff hike: Court reaffirms status-quo order

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(Nigeria) A Federal High Court, Lagos on Monday, re-affirmed the order it made restraining Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC,  from implementing any upward review of electricity tariff (hike), pending the hearing and final determination of the suit filed by a lawyer and rights activist, Toluwani Adebiyi, over the issue.

Nigerians set to boycott banks on Tuesday, March 1st

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(Nigeria) Nigerian banking customers, under the aegis of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, CAFON, will on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 boycott banks in the country in protest against arbitrary and excessive bank charges.

Gov Dickson's sister freed after 2 months in kidnappers’ den

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(Nigeria) Nancy Dickson, younger sister of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, has been rescued after spending over two months in the hands of kidnappers.

I will abide by PDP's Constitution on term limit ---Sheriff

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(Nigeria) The National Chairman of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, said on Monday that he would not stay in office beyond the period prescribed by the party's Constitution.

Police frees abducted 14 years Ese

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(Nigeria) Following a directive on Monday afternoon by the Inspector General of Police to the Commissioner of Police, Kano State, Mohammed Katsine to liase with the State’s Emirate Council and relevant persons, the 14 year old Ese Oruru has been rescued from her abductor.

Court hears Bianca Ojukwu's ejection suit April 26

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(Nigeria) A Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, has adjourned till April 26, to hear a fresh application by Bianca Ojukwu, the widow of late Ikemba of Nnewi, Odumegwu Ojukwu, over alleged move by the family to eject her sons from the company's properties located in Lagos.

Rivers State will continue to promote the rule of law---Gov Wike

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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom  Wike,  his wife, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, Rivers State acting Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra and President of NBA, Augustine Alegeh, SAN,  during the ground breaking ceremony of the NBA New Law Centre in Port Harcourt. (Nigeria) Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike has   stated that his administration  will  continue  to  promote  the  rule of law in order to enhance the security  of  the  state.

Man remanded for alleged defilement of under-aged

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(Nigeria) For allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl by inserting one of his fingers into her vagina, Obinna Obaji, 23, on Monday was remanded in prison by an Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court, Lagos.

APC chieftains instigates Army return to Ogoni again ---OEN

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(Nigeria) Ogoni Ethnic Nationality, OEN, an Ogini pressure group, has raised alarm of rumours of another invasion, being planned by the military for Yeghe community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State and other communities in Khana and Tai Local Government Areas of the state.

Man, 28, arraigned over attempt to defile a minor

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(Nigeria) A 28-year old man, Daniel Aranrie, who allegedly attempted to defile an eleven-year old girl, was on Monday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court, Lagos.

FG to partner creative industry to fight piracy

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(Nigeria) The Federal Government has said it will work with relevant bodies to fight the piracy of intellectual property in the country, while saying the establishment of a National Endowment for the Arts will bridge the funding gap in the sector.

Sen Abe alleged plot to malign his character ahead of re-run poll

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(Nigeria) Senator Magnus Abe, All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the Rivers South East senatorial district re-run election has alleged of a conspiracy hatched by Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to malign his person and incite the Ogoni people against him before the March 19, 2016 State and National Assembly re-run election.

OPEC must unite to stabilise oil market ----President Buhari

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(Nigeria) President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Doha, Qatar, stressed the need for member states of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC and non members to unite and find a common ground to stabilise crude oil prices.

Syrian troops kill 20 IS insurgents in Bukmal city

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An army unit killed more than 20 Islamic State, ISIS terrorists during operations against their hideouts in the areas of al-Ketef and al-Masmaka in Bukmal city to the southeast of Deir-Ezzor.

Wike must tell the truth over his Supreme Court victory-----Ikanya

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(Nigeria) Chairman of Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Davies Ikanya, has urged Rivers people, and Nigerians to ignore the numerous campaigns by Governor Nyesom Wike under the guise of thanksgiving service to mark his victory at the Nigerian Supreme Court but should ask the governor to provide explanations to his confessions of how he got his victory at the Supreme Court.

Plateau records 8 Lassa fever deaths ---Commissioner

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(Nigeria) The Commissioner for Health in Plateau State, Dr Kunden Deyin, has said that the state recorded eight deaths, 13 confirmed cases and 50 suspected cases of Lassa fever from December 2015 to date.

UNIBEN demolition, ASUU wants Oshiomhole to pay compensation

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(Nigeria) The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, wants Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo Stat to pay compensation to members of staff of University of Benin, UNIBEN, over the demolition of property in the school.

NCC fines Glo, MTN N34m over portability violation

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(Nigeria) The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has fined MTN Nigeria and Globacom Ltd (Glo) a total of N34 million for breach of the Mobile Number Portability, MNP, business rules and regulations.

CPC orders AEDC to pay family of deceased N10m compensation

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(Nigeria) The Consumer Protection Council, CPC, has directed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, to pay the family of a boy that was electrocuted in Abuja a N10 million compensation.

Only political armed robbers will oppose credible elections ---Gov Wike

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(Nigeria) Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike has declared that only those in support of  political armed robbery will kick against  his declaration  that those who plan to rig election  in the state will be resisted.

Troops clear Boko Haram camp, kill 37 insurgents

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(Nigeria) Nigerian troops have cleared Boko Haram camp in Kotokuma, Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 37 insurgents in the operation . A statement by  Colonel Sani Usman, acting Director Army Public Relations on Saturday, said,  " Today, troops of 7 Division Garrison, 112 Battalion and Army Headquarters Strike Group, recorded tremendous success in a clearance operations against Boko Haram terrorists at Kotokuma, Dikwa Local Government Area. "The troops cleared the terrorists camp which was equipped with medical facility, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) factory, fuel dump, mechanical workshop, generators and several water points. "The gallant troops also destroyed three vehicles laden with IEDs meant for suicide bombings somewhere and killed 37 Boko Haram terrorists.  "The troops also recovered 12 vehicles, 27 motorcycles, nine AK-47 rifles, two Fabrique Nationale rifles, fabricated rocket bomb and a Sniper rifle. Other items recovered inclu

FG to partner youths as Social Media Week ends

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(Nigeria) The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured that the Federal Government will partner youths to ensure the actualization of their God-given potentials. The minister gave the assurance when he formally declared close the 4th edition of the annual Social Media Week, held at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. ''In our efforts to diversify our economy away from oil, I am confident that we have great options in the creative industry and the infinite possibilities that an empowered young Nigerian can spin. We will partner with the youths to make it possible for them to actualize their dreams,'' he said. He said there is no better platform than the Social Media Week, which has garnered 5 million mentions on social media, and attracted 30,000 people, in addition to 500 speakers, over four years, to engage with the youths who, he said, formed the vanguard of those who helped to bring about the much-needed change in the country. ''In

Boko Haram: Army launches combat motorbike battalion

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(Nigeria) The Nigerian army has launched a combat motorbike battalion at the Headquarters of 25 Task Force Brigade, Damboa, Borno State.   This is to meet up with the renewed strategy of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the north east. According to a statement by Colonel Sani Usman, acting Director Army Public Relations, "The Nigerian Army also launched the second set of 100 wanted suspected Boko Haram terrorists on the occasion." The statement added that the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai while inducting the unit stated that the essence of the battalion is to open and secure motorways from various towns to and fro Maiduguri and other parts of Yobe State.  Prior to the induction and launching ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff took time off to see and address troops located at Delwa and Bulabulin before arriving Damboa. On arrival, he inspected a Quarter guard at the Brigade’s headquarters.  Thereafter, he was briefed by the B

S/Court gives reason for upholding Gov Ikpeazu’s election

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(Nigeria) The Supreme Court on Friday held that Okezie Ikpeazu was returned as governor of Abia State because Alex Otti failed to prove the allegations brought against his victory in the April 11, 2015 governorship election. kpeazu and Otti contested the election on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, respectively. Giving reasons for its Feb. 3 judgment, Justice Suleiman Galadima held that Otti and the APC were unable to prove the issue of over voting, allegations of violence and corrupt practices allegedly perpetrated by the respondents. ``On the issue of over voting, the court holds that there was no sufficient proof as the voter register and the card reader report were not tendered. The criminal allegation of corrupt malpractices carried out by PDP loyalists for the benefit of the governor was not also proved,’’ he held. On the cancellation of the election results in Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa and Isiala Ngwa by the returning

EFCC files additional charge against Metuh

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(Nigeria) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday amended the charge of destruction of document against Olisa Metuh, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  National Publicity Secretary. The charge was amended at the resumption of the proceeding by its counsel , Sylvanus Tahir at an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Ishaq Bello. Tahir said that a the third-count of Mischief contravened Section 326 punishable under Section 327 of the Penal Code, had been added to the charge . Testifying in the case an EFCC witness, Mr Junaid Said, told the court that Metuh tore the commission’s document. Said, a Special Task Force Team member of EFCC, led in evidence by Tahir, said that the team received a petition in January 2016. He said that the petition was from the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), which alleged that he transferred N400 million to Destra Investment Limited, a company owned by Metuh. The EFCC witness said inve

Buhari’s trips abroad will soon pay off ----Odigie-Oyegun

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(Nigeria) President Muhammadu Buhari’s various trips abroad will yield results soon, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, All Progressives Congress, APC, chairman has assured. Odigie-Oyegun gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja while responding to questions posed by newsmen on the incessant trips embarked by the President since his assumption of duty. The chairman said that the trips were necessary at this point in time to garner support and open up the country to more investors. He said that though there was no specific date for the results of the trips to manifest, they would manifest in a matter of months not years. He said that part of the reasons the President was visiting the Middle East was to canvass for improved prices for the nation’s crude oil. Odigie-Oyegun described Buhari as an international salesman marketing Nigeria. He said that the president was doing a `fantastic job’ building and re-building the crack in the foundation of Nigeria.

Gianni Infantino emerges FIFA president

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Switzerland's Gianni Infantino has emerged FIFA president. He succeeded countryman Sepp Blatter, following the world football body’s extraordinary congress on Friday in Zurich. The UEFA Secretary General polled 115 votes in round two of the contest, 27 more than closest rival Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa of Bahrain who had 88. Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, who had contested against Blatter last May, was third with four votes, while Frenchman Jerome Champagne failed to get any. South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale withdrew before voting began in the Swiss city which houses FIFA’s headquarters. The first round of voting --- where two-thirds of the votes were needed --- had failed to determine an outright winner, with Infantino securing 88 votes, three more than Salman. Prince Ali had 27, while Champagne had seven then. A simple majority of more than 50 per cent ---- 104 votes --- was sufficient for victory in the second round. Infantino is a 45-year-old lawyer from Bri

Man United draw Liverpool in Europa League

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Liverpool Football Club of England will face rivals Manchester United FC in the Europa League last 16, while Tottenham Hotspurs have been drawn against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. The draw was held on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland. The games will be played on Thursday, March 10 and March 17. Valencia, managed by former England defender Gary Neville, face fellow Spanish side Athletic Bilbao, while Sevilla --- winners of the last two Europa League titles --- play Basel of Switzerland. The Swiss side’s St Jakob-Park ground will host the final match of the competition, with the winners qualifying for next season's Champions League. Speaking on the match-up, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: ``You can ask my staff about when they asked me yesterday and who I wanted. I said 'Man United'. ``I think we have to clear something. We had a good game when we lost 1-0 (in the Premier League in January), but it was not what we deserved. ``It gives us a chance to make it b

DSS raises alarm over blackmailers impersonating officials

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(Nigeria) The Department of State Services, DSS, has raised alarm over what it called the infamous activities of some unscrupulous elements who have resorted to condemnable tactics aimed at blackmailing and extorting money from unsuspecting and innocent people. The Service in a statement on Friday, said that the group uses scaremongering, social climbing and name dropping to hoodwink their victims into parting with money to avoid such victims' names being tarnished. "The activities of this group have become widespread that the DSS have decided to alert law abiding Nigerians and residents. "A pertinent fact that investigations have revealed is that this group, in order to further their illegal act, is taking advantage of the clear and sustained anti-corruption war being waged by this administration. A method used by the group is to tell lies against their victims and also plant rumours about them in certain government circles so as to create the impression that the targ

Buhari behind my prosecution, Dasuki tells court

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(Nigeria) Former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki (retd), opened up at Abuja High Court on Friday, alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari was behind his unlawful arrest and detention without trial since December 29, 2015. Dasuki who spoke through his counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, claimed that President Buhari instigated his detention unjustly against the bail granted him by three different courts through his (Buhari) comment on Presidential Media Chat in December 2015. In a further and better affidavit filed in support of his application at the court, the ex-NSA claimed that the President betrayed the emotion during the Presidential media chat when he openly told Nigerians that he (Dasuki) and Nnamdi Kanu could not be allowed on bail because they would jump bail. Dasuki claimed he had been held incommunicado since his re-arrest. He therefore,  asked Justice Peter Affen to prohibit his further trial until the federal government purged itself of the contempt of cou

Immunise babies to secure future, Oshiomhole tells parents

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(Nigeria) Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appealed to parents and guardians in the state to make it a habit to immunize their babies at the appropriate time when they are born in order to avert preventable diseases and secure their future. Governor Oshiomhole gave this admonition while flagging off the first round of the 2016 National Immunization Plus Days, NIPDs, in Benin City on Friday. Oshiomhole said, “I am really delighted to be here and I want to appreciate first and foremost, our development partners, including the representative of the Federal Government, the Zonal Director, the World Health Organisation and all the others who are not only extending a helping hand but encouraging us to sustain what we have already started and also taking time out to travel from Abuja to this great city of Benin to be part of this. We want to appreciate your interest and we assure you that we value this partnership, and as you can see from the faces of the young women and the very

MOSOP condemn military invasion of Ogoni

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(Nigeria) The President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara has reiterated his condemnation of the military invasion in Ogoni communities that took place on 22/02/2016 and 23/02/2016, which led to the wanton destruction of lives and property in Yeghe community including the home of Solomon Ndigbara and the subsequent reprisal vandalisation of the campaign office of Senator Magnus Abe and loss of several lives in Bori and its environs. The MOSOP boss spokeon Friday , when he paid an unannounced and unscheduled visit to Yeghe and Bori to assess the situation. While condemning the activities of criminals in the area decried the military campaign that had occasioned the needless loss of lives of innocent Ogoni citizens and strangers living in Ogoni. Under no circumstance is this level of military campaign justifiable in an area that there was no visible incidence of conflict before the launch of the campaign. I was in Yeghe and Bori on

We will reposition PDP from the grassroots -----Sheriff

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(Nigeria) The National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sen. Ali Modu u Sheriff, has promised to focus on the wards and grassroots to bring back aggrieved members.

Ecobank Nigeria justify sack of workers

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(Nigeria) Ecobank Nigeria on Thursday said that the recent reorganisation that affected some senior staff was designed to strengthen the bank's business across all markets.

Syrian troops restore security to more territories

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Syrian troops on Thursday fought terrorists of Islamic State (ISIS) and Jabhat al-Nusra in different provinces of the country, killing and injuring them, restoring security to more areas.

PEDAN wants PPPRA to compel marketers to pay members’ commission

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(Nigeria) Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria, PEDAN on Thursday, in Warri, Delta State, called on Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, to compel major marketers to members the commission due to them.

Court strikes out Etisalat’s suit against MTN

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(Nigeria) A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has strike out the suit by Etisalat against MTN and Visafone over the acquisition of the CDMA operator.

INEC schedules Edo, Ondo guber polls for Sept. 10, Nov. 26

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(Nigeria) The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed Edo and Ondo State governorship elections for September 10 and November 26 respectively.

Magu says comment not meant to disparage judiciary

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(Nigeria) The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu has reassured lawyers and judges in the country that comments attributed to him in recent media reports regarding the conduct of judicial officials, was not intended at impugning their integrity.

Measles kill 20 children in Sokoto

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(Nigeria) No fewer than 20 children have been killed by measles in 18 local government areas of Sokoto state in the last 23 days.

Court to rule on Metuh’s no-case-submission on March 9

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(Nigeria) A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has adjourned till March 9 to rule on a no-case-submission filed by Olisa Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

5 men arraigned in court over alleged rape, theft

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(Nigeria) A 31-year-old trader, Nwachukwu Bright, who allegedly raped a 21-year-old lady was on Thursday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos.

Okowa disburses N101m loan to 101 cooperative groups in Delta

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(Nigeria) Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Thursday disbursed N101 million in micro credit loans to 101 cooperative groups in the state.

Scores killed in Yola police post blast

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(Nigeria) An explosion in Yola on Thursday rocked the Anti-Bomb squad of the Adamawa State Police Command, claiming the lives of scores of people, while many were injured.

FG to hold national summit on culture, tourism

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(Nigeria) The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture will hold a National Summit on Culture and Tourism next month in an effort to make the Culture and Tourism Sector a major revenue earner for the country.

ICPC storm Ekiti, begins probe of N25bn alleged fraud against Fayemi

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(Nigeria) Men of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, were in Ekiti State for the better part of last week, in continuation of the anti-graft agency’s investigation of the alleged misappropriation of  over N25 billion.

Ogoni killings: Gov Wike says perpetrators will be brought to justice

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Governor Wike inspecting a damaged  building  at Yeghe community in Gokana  during  his fact finding mission after an ill-fated military operation in the area. (Nigeria) Rivers State governor,  Mr Nyesom Wike has said that all those involved in the killing of  innocent Ogoni people and residents of Ogoniland will be brought to justice , saying  that nobody  will be allowed  to  play  politics with the lives of  Rivers People.

Troops foils Boko Haram attempt to retake Dikwa

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(Nigeria) Following dislodgement of Boko Haram terrorists camps in the border towns of Kumshe and Talala by joint operations of Nigerian and Cameroonian forces, the terrorists made a futile attempt on Dikwa, early on Wednesday.