How Police foiled Sergeant’s attempt to escape after looting Jonathan’s home

The policeman at the centre of the burglary of an Abuja home of former President Goodluck Jonathan, initially made a bolt for it but was rearrested after a man he sold a property to tricked him into police’s net.

Mr. Jonathan had last week confirmed this newspaper’s exclusive report of the burglary, affirming that “everything”, including door and window frames as well as kitchen cabinets were removed.
The Nigeria Police have sacked Mr. Musa and two others involved in the theft. They are expected to be arraigned in court soon over the burglary.

Fabmimi gathered that Musa Musa, a sergeant, and his colleagues on security duty at the house, were arrested and detained at the Gwarimpa Police Division following the report.

They were however released on bail after a few days in detention, disclosed a source familiar with the development.

“The Police Inspector who obtained bail for Musa promised to bring him back to the police station the following Monday, but he jumped bail and disappeared,” a source said.

“The Gwarimpa Police division wasted no time in arresting the inspector who stood as surety for Musa’s bail.

“During interrogation, the Inspector revealed that Musa had a house in Dikwa (a satellite community of Abuja) and that he might be hiding there.

“Unknown to the inspector, Sergeant Musa had rushed to Dikwa, a village near Dei Dei and sold the house at a giveaway price, intending to run away.

“But unfortunately for him, the buyer had only half of the agreed amount in cash so he persuaded Musa to give him three days to raise the balance.

“When the Inspector led the officers from Gwarimpa Division to Dikwa, it was the buyer they met in the house. The man revealed that Musa was yet to collect the money for the house in full.

“The police officers directed him to call Musa to come for the balance. It was then that he was re-arrested as he arrived the house from a hotel where he was hiding,” the source said.

Another source confirmed that Mr. Musa was brought back to Gwarimpa police station in handcuffs.
Police are also looking for another person, identified simply as Mallam Shu’aibu, in connection to the looting.

The police in the Federal Capital Territory have also forwarded the names of two other police inspectors to the Assistant Inspector-General of FCT Zonal Office for disciplinary action for their suspected roles in the incident.

Osinbajo to withdraw ICPC board nominees under probe for corruption

The Presidency has resolved to withdraw the nominations of Maimuna Aliyu and Sa’ad Alanmu, who were named to the board of the anti-graft agency, ICPC, aftermedia exposure of the fact they are being investigated for corruption, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report.

The development was disclosed to PREMIUM TIMES, Saturday evening, by an authoritative presidency official, who volunteered to speak without being named.

“The two ICPC nominated commissioners being reported to be under investigation for corruption will be stepping down and won’t be members of the commission,” said the source.

Mr. Alanamu and Ms. Aliyu were two of the 14 persons nominated on Tuesday to the board of the ICPC, Nigeria’s second major anti-graft agency.

But the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, ICIR, on Friday reported that the two nominees are separately under investigations, by the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the ICPC, for alleged corrupt practices.

While Mr. Alanamu is being investigated on corruption charges allegedly committed while he headed several institutions in Kwara State, Ms. Aliyu has a longstanding case of alleged abuse of office, misappropriation and diversion of public funds against her.

The ICIR reported that charges were already being prepared against Ms. Aliyu by the ICPC in preparation to taking her to court when her name was announced as a member of the new board of the commission.

Amid public worries about how the Mr. Alanamu and Ms. Aliyu scaled security screening to serve on the board on an anti-graft agency, despite the allegations of corruption they face, the spokesperson to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, had earlier on Saturday told PREMIUM TIMES the presidency would ensure “prompt” and “thorough” investigation into the matter.
Later on Saturday, the ICIR reported, quoting government source, the nominees were named without any security clearance. They were reported to have picked from names already piled up for considerations for appointments to public offices.

A presidential adviser, Itse Sagay, had earlier advised the removal of both nominees if confirmed they are being investigated for corruption.
“If it is true they are under investigation, especially by the ICPC itself, definitely it will be improper for them to be on the board,” the law professor said.

BOY, 18, KILLS MOTHER OVER 'DISAPPEARANCE' CHARM

An 18-year-old man, Agugu Adau, has allegedly killed his mother for refusing to give him a “disappearing” charm he claimed was his inheritance from his late herbalist father.

A family source told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) that Agugu committed the crime at his Kisaghyip village farm in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

The source said that Agugu, after killing his mother, removed the sum of N20,000 from her blood-sucked clothes and used it to buy a mobile phone, a shirt and a pair of slippers.

Mr Tyopev Terna, spokesman of the Plateau Police Command, confirmed that the suspect was being held, but declined further comments.

“Investigation is ongoing. The details are not ready. Please understand with us and be patient,” he told NAN on phone.

But Agugu, who spoke with our correspondent, said that he killed the woman because she refused to give him a charm that was his inheritance from his father.
“When I was 14 years old, my late father, who was a native doctor, showed me a charm that enabled him to disappear and reappear at will. He promised to handover the charm to me when I turn 18.

“On his dying bed four years ago, he gave my mother the charm and asked her to give me when I turn 18. But I am now 18 and she has refused to give it to me.

“On this fateful day at the farm, I asked her about it, but she threatened to throw the charm into the river, if I disturbed her too much.

“Her response infuriated me and I suddenly felt that she was of no value as a mother. I immediately slaughtered her with the knife I was using to harvest potatoes.
“After slaughtering her, I dumped her body in the bush,” he said.

Mr David Adau, senior brother to the suspect, has, however, dismissed the suspect’s claim that he killed the mother because of a charm.

“Prior to the incident, the family had faced several problems with Agugu. He was fond of stealing and causing trouble.

“I believe he killed our mother because of the N20,000 I gave her a day before the incident. I work at the mines in Barkin-Ladi, and usually give my earnings to our mother to keep for me.

“I handed over the money to my mother in his presence; in fact, when I gave her the money, she expressed fear that Agugu could attack her to get the money. He has proved her right,” David said.
David said that on his return from work a day after the incident, he asked after the mother but Agugu said he did not know of her whereabouts.

“He said he did not know where my mother was. Later in the day, I saw him with a new mobile phone, a new shirt and slippers, and I became curious.

“I asked him (suspect) where he got them from, but he could not give me satisfactory answers.

“Other family members joined me and we kept pestering him over our mother, but he insisted he knew nothing.

“Three days later, I invited the Police to question my brother. That worked immediately as he confessed to killing her,” he said. David said that the suspect later led family members and the police to the farm where they saw the already decomposing corpse of the woman.

POLICE ARREST 10 ARMED ROBBERS IN OYO

Oyo state police Command have arrested and paraded ten criminal suspects who have confessed to be responsible for series of armed robbery attacks in different parts of the state.
Out of the ten suspects paraded with handcuffs, claimed to have been sent to prison in the past, and later returned to the heinous crime.

Among them, Yekini Saheed ‘m’ (33) , Sunday Peter ‘m’ (27), and Mohammed Azeez ‘m’ (28), have all served various sentences at Agodi Prisons before returning to crime after been released.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Odude who led other senior police officers including Mr Sanusi Buba, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations told newsmen on Friday that Yekini Saheed and his gang had raided several houses, robbing victims of their phones, cash and other valuable property in the city of Ibadan and environs.

He said during the robbery, the deadly gang shot a victim in the eye at Ayedun and killed a night guard who stood in their during a robbery operation at Ehin Grammar area of Ibadan.
They suspects while answering questions from newsmen confessed to the attack and pleaded for clemency.

One of the robbery suspects Jamiu Morufu ‘m’ (24) appealed for forgiveness, while others promised never to go back to crime when released.
Other criminal suspects paraded at the weekend were Lateef Olalekan ‘m’ (37), Ojo Adebayo ‘m’ (40), Olayiwola Akeem ‘m’ (28), Victor Joseph ‘m’ (25), Oluwaseun Aderibigbe ‘m’ (27), and Isaiah Rafiu ‘m’ (28).

Confessing to the crime, Oluwaseun Aderibigbe , a graduate from the University of Port-Harcourt said it was frustration out joblessness that forced him into crime , having waited for about five years without gainful employment.

He was to have broken into the apartment of her former boss in Lagos, where he did his National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in the night time and carted away several valuable property including victim’s Sorenzo Kia Jeep in which the stolen valuables were taken away.

To cover his track, the Aderibigbe and his partner in crime, Isaiah Rafiu were said to have vandalized a CCTV camera installed in the house and made away with the PVR decoder.

The police Commissioner told newsmen that nemesis however caught up with the suspects when , through credible intelligence , they arrested at their criminal hideout at Cele Adaba , Apete area of Ibadan by operatives of Special Anti-Riot Squad .

Items recovered from the suspects included One Sorenzo Kia Jeep, a Dell laptop, one Samsung ipad, one Samsung S4 and an itel phone , a PVR CCTV decoder and assorted jewelry, expensive perfumes and four pieces of ankra fabric .

The state police boss who stated that all the suspects would be arraigned in court after conclusion of investigation, allayed fears of members of the public especially this period when ember months are around the corner.

He said “we are conscious of this , and we are resolutely determined to allay such fears by insulating the state from any form of criminal activities either before or during the period and even beyond.”





CREDIT: THE NATION

BIAFRA: DSS PUTS SOLUDO, UTOMI, GANA, OTHERS UNDER WATCH

There were strong indications last night that the Department of State Services (DSS) was planning to invite three ex-ministers and some prominent Nigerians for questioning, following their announcement by a secessionist organisation, Biafra Zionist Federation (BZF) as cabinet members.

The Federal Government was shocked that none of the people the pro-Biafra group appointed as ministers had reacted more than 72 hours after their names were announced.

The BZF had on Monday announced the formation of an interim government for the Republic of Biafra, with one Barrister Benjamin Onwuka as the President.

Some of the people listed as ministers at a press conference the group held in Enugu include former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji; former Minister of Information Prof Jerry Gana and another former Information Minister, Labaran Maku.

The pro-Biafra organisation also named other key cabinet members to include Prof. Pat Utomi as Foreign Affairs Minister; Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as governor of the Central Bank of Biafra (CBB); Mrs. Aruma Oteh as Minister of Finance and a former Personal Secretary to the late former Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as Minister of Petroleum.

Other appointees are ace broadcaster, Amarachi Ubani as Minister of Information; Ohanaeze President, Chief Nnia Nwodo as Ambassador to the US; Gana as Minister of Transport; Maku as Aviation Minister; a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Mrs. Mary Okafor as Minister of Trade and Industry; Benny Lar as Secretary to the Government of the Republic; Gabriel Oluwole Osagie as Minister of Education; Nnaji as Minister of Energy and Philip Effiong Jnr. As Minister of Health.

The Nation investigation revealed that the Federal Government was disturbed that none of those named as cabinet members has disowned the secessionist movement more than 72 hours after.

A top intelligence source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent in Abuja, said: “Respected citizens such as these should not in any way be associated with acts of treason. Assuming that it was inadvertently or mischievously done, they have a duty to themselves and the nation to renounce such association.

“In this particular instance, we are worried about the deafening silence on the part of these respected citizens. What do they lose by renouncing their listing by the secessionists?”

He, however, said the DSS would wait for a “respectable period” before moving against any of them.

RELATED: UTOMI, SOLUDO, NNAJI, GANA, OTHERS NAMED AS BIAFRAN MINISTERS

The source said: “If the silence persists, we reserve the right to read meaning into it, and that could lead to the law taking its course.”

Findings made at press time revealed that the activities of BZF had been placed under surveillance.

“We will not condone any act of treason anymore in this country. We have had enough of secessionist agitations under any guise.
“The BZF is under investigation and surveillance by the DSS and other intelligence agencies,” another source added.

Some of the affected people contacted last night reacted in different ways.

Maku said: “Somebody called that I have been appointed a minister of Biafra. How can somebody associate me with a micro in Nigeria? What does that tell you?

“It means there is confusion and desperation among the youths. You need to bring the youths together and reassure them that they have a future.”

A media adviser, Mr. Ike Abonyi, who spoke on behalf of the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, said: “The President of Ohanaeze is presently engrossed in tackling challenges facing Ndigbo. He will not be involved in every issue. He will not give credence to any group.

Disowning the BZF, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Beni Lar, said: “It has come to my notice that several media outlets published my name as being part of a Biafran declaration, to include me as a cabinet member. I dissociate myself with any such move or movement.

“As a true democrat, I have repeatedly granted interviews on the need for Nigeria to remain one, indivisible country. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Asked to react to his inclusion in the cabinet of the Republic of Biafra, Prof. Gana, who said he was in transit, said: “I am on my way back, I will talk to you later. I will call you back”

Efforts to speak with Utomi was unsuccessful as calls and text message to his mobile number were neither answered nor replied.

MAN LURES DONKEY WITH CARROT TO HAVE SEX WITH IT

A middle-aged man was caught sneaking into a farmer’s yard to have sex with his donkey.

Everett Lee Compton, 49, allegedly brought carrots with him to try and get close to the animal. But he was arrested after the land owner set up CCTV after he became worried about his donkeys.

The owner of the animal allegedly saw him on the camera at around 1:30am and called police, according to Daily Mail UK.

At first, Compton claimed he had only gone there to feed the donkey but later admitted ‘sexual contact’ according to a police report.

When told there was CCTV, he told officers that smoking weed made him do ‘sick things’.

“It just made me sick to my stomach,” the animal’s owner said. “To know that she couldn’t tell anybody what she was going through is really sad.
“We knew he was there so we could call police to come and check things out.”

Following the incident, which took place in Arkansas, United States, the culprit had been charged with trespassing, bestiality and cruelty to animals.

POLICE, DSS TAKE OVER APC SECRETARIAT

Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services have taken over the Bayelsa State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress following the suspension of the state chairman of the party, Tiwei Orunimighe, and two others.

The National Working Committee of the APC, had on Thursday evening, announced the suspension of Orunimighe; his deputy, Eddy Julius; and the secretary of the party’s chapter in the state, Marlin Danlin, over alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct.

At the party’s secretariat on Yenagoa-Mbiama Road on Friday, scores of riot policemen and DSS officials had been stationed there.

Some of the executives of the party loyal to a former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva, led by a factional chairman of the party in the state, Joseph Fafi, were at the secretariat.

The presence of Sylva’s loyalists attracted an angry outburst from an ex-militant leader and loyalist of the suspended chairman, Africanus Ukpariasa, also known as ‘General Africa’.

FBI ARRESTS NIGERIAN, ADEKUNLE OJO FOR IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD

Nigerian, Daniel Adekunle Ojo, who had spent less than 14 months in the United States, has been arrested in Durham, North Carolina and charged with fraud and identity theft offences

The offences stemmed from Ojo’s phishing scheme, using an AOL and GMail email accounts that targeted school districts in Connecticut and Minnesota in an effort to get employees’ personal information and file bogus tax returns.

His arrest was announced Friday by Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation in New England

Following his arrest at his Durham residence, Ojo appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Greensboro, N.C., and was ordered detained pending his transfer to the District of Connecticut.

Prosecutors said a school district employee in Glastonbury, Connecticut, received an email in February that appeared to be sent by another employee, who asked for tax information for 1,600 school district workers. The worker who received the email then forwarded the information, which was used in the scheme to file 122 bogus tax returns seeking nearly $600,000 in refunds, authorities said.

Officials said the Internal Revenue Service processed about six of the fake returns and electronically deposited nearly $37,000 in refunds to various bank accounts.

Investigators linked the email sent to the employee to Ojo, prosecutors said.

Officials also believe Ojo was involved in similar email schemes targeting school districts in Groton, Connecticut, and Bloomington, Minnesota.

In March, a Groton school employee emailed tax information of 1,300 employees in response to an email that appeared to be from the superintendent of schools. Authorities said the information was used to file about 66 fraudulent tax returns seeking about $364,000 in refunds. Officials said the fake returns weren’t processed because they had been flagged as being part of an identity theft scheme after school employees discovered the problem.

Prosecutors also said they linked the email account used by Ojo to a similar scam that obtained tax information for about 2,800 school employees in Bloomington earlier this year.

Eric Placke, a federal public defender in North Carolina who represented Ojo only for his initial court appearance, declined to comment Friday. It’s not clear who Ojo’s attorney will be in Connecticut.

Authorities said Ojo entered the U.S. in May 2016 on a visitor’s visa and failed to leave on his scheduled departure date in June 2016.
Daly urged the public to double-check links and email addresses before clicking on and responding to them, to avoid becoming an identity theft victim.

17-YEAR-OLD BOY RAPES TWO WOMEN

Derrick Mutambuka.

17-year-old boy has been convicted of sexually assaulting two women in separate incidents in one night, during which he inflicted 34 injuries on one of them.

As reported by MailOnline, Derrick Mutambuka, now 18, assaulted a woman in the street after becoming ‘sexually aroused’ in a Sunderland nightclub in December 2015 when he was 17 years old.

He then grabbed another woman and raped her in an alleyway, giving her 34 injuries as she screamed for help.

He paused only to kick and spit blood at passers-by who tried to stop him, reports said.

Mutambuka, originally from Rwanda, left the bar in Sunderland on December 20, 2015 and began talking to a woman on the street.
After she appeared disinterested in him, he pushed her against some shop shutters and proceeded to force his hand down her trousers.

The terrifying sexual assault came to an end when a passer-by intervened and walked the woman home.

But Mutambuka, who was 17 at the time, followed them back to her address and peered through her letterbox.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how, just a short while later, the defendant then saw another woman in the street and dragged her into an alleyway before raping her.

A member of the public attempted to stop the rape after hearing the victim’s terrified screams, but was forced to back off after Mutambuka kicked him.
The assault carried on for minutes — only to come to an end when a second man came to the victim’s rescue.

Prosecutor Andrew Espley said: ‘This was a prolonged and sustained attack.

‘There was a significant degree of planning. He wanted it to happen and took steps to make sure that it did.

“He was a man that would not be deterred. Others were present and witnessed the victim’s ordeal. The victims were alone and vulnerable.”

Mutambuka, now 18, of Gateshead, was found guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial — with what a judge described as ‘overwhelming evidence.’

He was also found guilty of counts of assault, relating to the first man who he kicked and the second who he spat on, with spittle containing blood on 20 December 2015.
Mr. Ekwall Tiwana, defending, said that his client was very drunk at the time of the offence and had only been drunk once before in his life.

He said: “The general nature of this case is that it is a very serious offence. Although it is very serious, it is not in fact the most serious.

“This defendant was 17 at the time and had no previous convictions.
“This young man was passed from pillar to post and country to country essentially. He has been subject to a very unsatisfactory life until he moved to Newcastle and studied in Gateshead.

“He has admitted that what he did was disgraceful and disgusting. He has recognised what he did.”

The court heard how the defendant studied English, Maths and IT at Gateshead College.

The rape victim suffered 34 injuries during the attack, including reddening, abrasion and tenderness on her head, face, neck, legs and chest as well as on her genitals.

She was also punched and ‘manhandled’ during the attack.

Sentencing him to nine-year and nine-month imprisonment, Judge Robert Adams said: “This was a persistent course of conduct.
“You were sexually aroused dancing in the club and that continued when you were going home until you committed the offence.

“You were determined to have sex with a woman, regardless of her views or who she was or whatever her circumstance.
“You used violence, judging by the numerous injuries that the victim sustained.
“It is a start that you are experiencing some remorse, although it is now too late in the day.
“Only a lengthy custodial sentence is appropriate.”

Benue community where dead relatives receive fee, drinks before daughters are given out in marriage

There are many things that make the area thick. Tucked in the mountainous region of Benue where nature unleashes some of its harshest venom, moving in and out of the community can indeed be a tiring venture. With a topography as rugged as the word sounds, Otukpa is in a class of its own. Situated 180km from the capital, Makurdi, and bounded to the West and North by Enugu and Kogi states respectively, the town is the largest of the three districts making up Ogbadibo Local Government Area.

An agrarian community with most of its dwellers into farming, palm wine tapping and hunting, the people, according to findings by Saturday PUNCH, are very industrious in nature and love to accommodate visitors as well.

But beyond their environment and hardworking spirit, it is the inability of many of her young men and women to marry at ease that has shot Otukpa to national prominence. Confronted by huge financial demands from family members of potential brides, many men of marriageable ages have been forced to abandon their relationships with such ladies, remaining as bachelors or going elsewhere to get a wife. For the women, who appear the biggest victims of this practice, they either find husbands elsewhere or simply console themselves by bearing children out of wedlock. Cases as this abound everywhere you turn to across the area.


“At the time I was to get married in 2014, the items listed and the amount demanded by my parents totalled N435, 000,” a hair stylist, Joy Ameh, told Saturday PUNCH. “This was apart from the huge amount that we were to spend for the church wedding proper. At the end of the day, the man backed out and the marriage never took place.

“I am 32 years now and getting older, how long will I wait to find a husband to marry me? It is as a result of this that I decided to at least have a child. Even though it is outside marriage, I am not ashamed of my action,” she added.

Indeed fulfilling the demands of brides’ families in the process of picking a wife in this Benue community has always been a tall order for many suitors over the years. For example, apart from the bride price determined by the woman’s family or clan, the cost of traditional marriage, which hovers between N150, 000 and N600, 000 in the least cases, is also determined by them. In the event that the groom is from another community or the bride is a university graduate, the amount charged would be far higher. Basically, before marriage finally takes place, a potential groom must fulfil requirements in three stages – the introduction, date taking and the traditional marriage proper.

Under the first stage where the man is expected to formally signify his intention of marrying a lady, he may spend between N6, 000 and N30, 000 depending on the family he is dealing with. This is aside from cola nuts and palm wine he must present alongside that amount.

For many of the natives here, the second stage – date fixing, which is very critical, is usually the most dreaded. It is the phase an intending groom meets with the parents of the woman whose hands he seeks in marriage to discuss the sum total of what he is expected to spend. It is also the stage at which a date for the traditional marriage is fixed and specific amount demanded from the man. He could be required to pay at least N700, 000 or more, depending on the value they place on their daughter.

“It is this stage of date fixing and all the troubles related with it that has attracted the attention of our traditional rulers in Otukpa, particularly, the Ochi Otukpa,” a local, Anthony, explained to Saturday PUNCH. “It is the stage that scares away prospective husbands. Many suitors, after the introduction, have had to abandon our women and go to neighbouring communities to marry. It has proved a big problem over here,” he revealed.

Aside the amount given under this stage, which is meant for the entertainment of guests during the traditional marriage, a prospective husband is also expected to provide more money for logistics.

Interestingly, a breakdown of some of the fees demanded from potential suitors in this community, moves from ridiculous to outright hilarious. For instance, a man seeking to marry a wife from Otukpa must ‘open’ her father’s mouth with N500 while he must also drop another N500 for the grandfather’s cola.

Others whom he must pay similar amounts of money to represent cola include the grandmother, senior son, chiefs and vigilantes.

To go to the room of the bride’s mother where negotiation of the dowry would take place, a potential groom must pay N200, present three cartons of assorted beer and 20 litres of palm wine before permission is granted.

Once inside the room, he still has to pay another N3, 000 to get the consent of the woman’s mother. The bride’s maternal grandfather and grandmother are to be paid N300 and N200 including being presented with a carton of beer whether alive or not as part of the marriage demands.

“You must settle all these people whether they are there physically or dead before you can be given a wife in the community,” Benjamin Epee, a commercial motorcyclist, pointed. “This has given us a lot of problem in this town until recently when the traditional leaders came up with new ideas. I just hope that things will improve for the better,” he said.

Chukwuma Anunobi, a native of Enugu, who is based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, told Saturday PUNCH that apart from the high fee demanded by parents of a lady from Otukpa he was to marry four years ago, the idea of ‘settling’ her dead maternal grandparents with drinks and certain amount of money appeared a bit strange and discouraged him from proceeding with the union.

“The entire thing sounded strange to me and my kinsmen,” he said. “I have heard of many things from my friends who married from different parts of the country but paying certain amount and offering drinks to the bride’s maternal grandparents who were late at the time really scared me and my people. My father, who is a reverend, insisted that I backed off. That was how the whole thing ended,” he added.

Corroborating Anunobi’s claims, Jude Ochoma, a native of the town, disclosed that the practice has been an age long tradition, which many of them grew up to know but, which outsiders find very shocking. He said even though some families as a result of Christianity and education might decide to overlook that part of the marriage process, dozens others still insist prospective grooms make such ‘settlement’ even if such grandparents were late.

“It is not strange to us but outsiders sometimes find it shocking and thus become scared. They wonder why people who are late should also be included in the scheme of things as far as a marriage is concerned.

“But that is the tradition, it is part of what makes our culture different from others,” he said.

Disturbed by the situation, traditional ruler of Otukpa, Chief Sunday Ekele, on July 20, 2017 pegged the amount to be spent on traditional marriage ceremonies at N100, 000 maximum. According to him, the move became necessary following the growing rate of complaints among young men and women in the community over the outrageous demands by parents of would-be brides.

“Money should not prevent anyone from getting married in our community,” Ekele said. “From now onward, no one should spend more than N100, 000 before getting a wife in our community.

“If you move round our communities now, you will see a lot of youths who should be married by now but are not because of the economic situation in the country. We do not intend to compound their problem with the high cost of traditional marriage.

“The disturbing aspect is that these ladies remain in their parents’ houses, having babies outside wedlock and not knowing what the future holds for them. We need to encourage this set of people so they won’t be scared of going into marriage.

“Whatever step the couples now decide to take after that period, spending millions of naira on church wedding if it is within their powers, is not for us to worry. Ours is to ensure that traditional marriage is made affordable for intending couples,” he stated.

While corroborating the position of the community’s traditional ruler, a district head, Chief Raphael Agada, told Saturday PUNCH that since the new directive was announced, more than four prospective couples have fixed dates for their traditional marriages.

“We decided to take this bold step because of the hardship in the country today which has prevented youths from getting married. Things are beginning to look up as more and more people are fixing dates for their traditional marriages now,” he said.

Expressing happiness at the news, an elderly man, Pa Ogebe Izaiah, said that the latest development will change the entire landscape of Otukpa for good.

“I am one of the happiest persons today because I have a daughter whose fiancée abandoned after he heard that we used to charge our in laws a lot of money for bride price even though it is not true.

“My daughter is based in Abuja, I have relayed the good news to her and I am looking forward to her bringing a good man home soon for marriage,” he said.

A middle-aged woman, Janet Ogebe, told Saturday PUNCH that a lot of ladies in her town had missed the opportunity of getting married over the years as a result of this problem. Like Izaiah, she reckons that a new dawn had arrived for Otukpa and its unmarried young people.

“In my own community of Ole Aiodo, many of our single ladies have cried to us that the high bride price has reduced their chances of getting married.

“When the news of the N100, 000 fees was relayed to us by our community leader, we were very happy as women because we know it would change a lot across this entire region,” she said.

A native of Oginago, an adjoining town, lso Anthony, told our correspondent that under a few days of the announcement, three persons had fixed their traditional marriage dates.

“The first one is holding on September 2 this year while the other two had been fixed for December 22 and 23 respectively. I know that before the end of this month, many people will come up to fix dates for their own marriages,” he said.

An artisan, Gabriel Sunday, told our correspondent that news of the slashing of the cost of traditional marriage was the best he had heard in a long time. Excitement almost drenched him.

“At 33, I ought to have married four years ago but the parent of the lady I wanted to marry at the time charged me N350, 000 during the date fixing apart from other expenses.
“As an artisan in this rural community, where do I get such amount of money from? The lady is happily married with two kids today. But with all the contributions that I am making, I hope to raise enough money to get my own wife before the end of this year,” Sunday said.





CREDIT: PUNCH

Two ICPC board members appointed by Osinbajo under investigation for ‘multi-million naira corruption’

Two of the 14 members announced to the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC) are being investigated by the anti-corruption agency for alleged corruption in the region of N1billion, the ICIR is reporting.

The two nominees are Maimuna Aliyu and Sa’ad Alanamu.

The appointments were announced on Tuesday following approval by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. The proposed new board is to be headed by Bolaji Owasanoye, a professor of law and current secretary of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).

While Mr. Alanamu is being investigated on corruption charges allegedly committed while he headed several institutions in Kwara State, Ms. Aliyu has a longstanding case of abuse of office, misappropriation and diversion of public funds against her.

In fact, the ICIR learnt on Friday that charges were already being prepared against her by the ICPC in preparation to taking her to court when her name was announced as member of the new board of the commission.

Apart from the ICPC investigation, ICIR said its investigations showed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Police have investigated several corruption cases against Ms. Aliyu, a former executive director of the Aso Savings and Loans.

In fact, in May, a police investigative report indicted her and recommended her for prosecution. The investigative report dated May 31, 2017, and signed by Taiwo Oyewale, a Superintendent of Police, for the Deputy Commissioner of Police, IGP Monitoring Unit, said Ms. Aliyu illegally converted to personal use a total of N58 million being proceeds of three plots of land belonging to her employers, Aso Savings and Loans.

Police investigations showed that as executive director, marketing, Ms. Aliyu got approval to sell three of the bank’s landed properties in Abuja. The plots were offered for N19 million each. Ms. Aliyu is said to have sold the lands for N58 million but refused to hand over the money to the bank.

The police investigations commenced after Aso Savings and Loans wrote a petition in November 2016 alleging that Ms. Aliyu, who had by then retired from the bank for three years, refused to hand over the proceeds of the land sale.

The same month, the bank also wrote a petition against her to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the EFCC and the ICPC

In one of the investigations, it was discovered that Ms. Aliyu actually sold the three plots of land entrusted to her by the bank at N40 million each (instead of N19 million) totaling N120 million and held on to every penny.

Apart from the N120 million allegedly misappropriated by her, the bank also lodged several complaints of abuse of office and conversion or diversion of its funds, totaling nearly N1 billion.

The bank alleged that in 2012, Ms. Aliyu sought and got a mortgage facility of N40 million to purchase five houses – four-bedroom detached mansionettes.

However, after she resigned her appointment in September 2013, the former executive director said she could no longer bear the burden of the payments and requested the bank to cancel the mortgage on four units and take them over. She said she would continue to maintain the mortgage contract on just one unit.

However, since 2013 when she left the bank, Ms. Aliyu has refused to hand over the four houses and has not serviced the mortgage on them. In fact, investigators believe she has since sold the units and pocketed the money.

The bank also alleged that Ms. Aliyu abused her office by illegally allocating a house at Aso Groove Estate to her son, Sand Aliyu.

According to the bank, Ms. Aliyu had showed interest in buying the house for her son in the name of a company in which he is a director.

However, because she had all the keys of the houses put up for sale by the bank since she was in charge of marketing and sales, Ms. Aliyu handed over the key to the house to her son without paying a dime for the house worth N210 million. She still has not paid for the house till date and her son continues to live there.

Senior police officers familiar with the case, who spoke to the ICIR on condition of anonymity, are miffed about her appointment and wonder how she could have passed through security checks with all the investigations and indictments against her by security and anti-corruption agencies.

ICIR attempted to reach Ms. Aliyu for comments, but her known telephone number was switched off throughout Friday and was still unreachable as of press time.

Mr. Alanamu, described as a protégé of Olusola Saraki, late politician and father of Senate President Bukola Saraki, is being investigated by the ICPC for corruption and bribery.

ICPC Head Office

He is being accused of collecting bribes from contractors handling TETFUND contracts, which he approved as Chairman of the Board of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. Mr. Alanamu could not be reached, Friday.

As in the case of Aliyu, questions are being raised about how he passed security screening with the ongoing investigation against him at the ICPC.

This story was first published by the ICIR. We have their permission to republish.

Source Premium Times

SPANISH ACTRESS MAKES NOLLYWOOD DEBUT IN NEW MOVIE

LAURA ARTOLACHIPI

Spanish actress Laura Artolachipi has featured for the first time in a Nollywood movie “Down the Hills”.

According to Kakaki Africa, the thriller movie, which is subtitled in Spanish language, is directed and produced by Evelyn Ogbeide, a Nigerian- Spanish actress and filmmaker. ‘Down the hills’ features Laura Artolachipi as the principal cast ‘Monica’, a young Spanish author who moved to Nigeria after she met and fell in Love with a successful Nigerian business Man ‘Alex’. However, Monica’s love journey to Nigeria is terrorised by a daily ‘nightmare’ about an unknown mysterious couple Dr Oscar and his ‘sophisticated’ wife Vera.

Other casts in the intriguing drama include Paul Utomi as Dr Oscar, Temidayo Oluwafemi as ‘Vera’, Racheal Aniah and Lucky Akeme, among others. ‎Born in Malaga Andalucía, Spain, Laura Artolachipi is an actress and director known for ‘Don’t Look in the Calender’ (2008), ‘Certifiable’(2008) and ‘Hold it Like a Baby’(2009).

Boko Haram: Osinbajo inaugurates commission to review armed forces human rights compliance

The Acting President has appointed a seven-man Judicial Commission, headed by a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Biobele Georgewill, to review compliance of the Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations.

Other members of the Commission are Major-General Patrick Akem; Wale Fapohunda; Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim; Jibrin Ibrahim; Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama; and Representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Director (Press) Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Bolaji Adebiyi in a statement said, the Commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within 90 days.

The terms of reference include empowerment to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and extent of compliance thereto.

It is also empowered to investigate alleged acts of violation of international humanitarian and human rights law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Geneva Conventions Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws by Nigerian security agencies.

The Commission also has a mandate to investigate factors that might be militating against a speedy resolution to local conflicts and insurgencies and advise on means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations.

PANDEMONIUM AS SOLDIERS ATTACK TRADERS IN OGUN STATE

Panic and confusion enveloped Ijebu – Ode, Ogun State, on Friday evening two soldiers suspected to have come from Sappers Barrack, Ilese – Ijebu, attacked some traders at the Idobi market over an alleged ill treatment of their friend by a trader.

The two soldiers were said to have beaten thoroughly, those they caught and gravely stabbed two persons in the process while others sustained injuries in an ensuing stampede and commotion.

A witness told The Nation that the fight sent panic reactions in the market and other places like Folagbade road, Oba Adetona arch way which leads to the Idobi market as well as Oyingbo and Italapo areas as traders hurriedly closed their shops and fled.

The Witness said further that a friend of the soldiers had an issue with electronics dealers in the market and when the matter could not be resolved amicably, he called his soldier – friends who stormed the market with arms and began to assault people.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed to The Nation that there was a “pandemonium in Ijebu – Ode” and that two persons were stabbed by soldiers during a fight.

Abimbola added that injured persons have been taken to hospital for treatment while a man suspected to have called the soldiers’ help has also been arrested.

“There was pandemonium and the Police Area Commander and a Senior army officer have gone to scene to ascertain the true situation of things.
“A man had gone to the market to buy a Plasma TV but on getting home, the TV did not work when he tested. He was said to have returned it to the seller but the man refused to accept it.

“It was said that the man had to call his soldier – friends who came to scene and there was a fight. In the process, the soldiers stabbed two persons and that caused commotion in the place. The soldiers fled but the Police have arrested the man who invited the soldiers. Also calm has returned while the injured have been taken to the hospital,” Abimbola said.







 CREDIT: THE NATION

NIGERIAN POLICE TO PUNISH OFFICERS TAKING PICTURES WITH NNAMDI KANU

Members of the Nigerian police have been warned to desist from taking photographs with pro-secession leader Nnamdi Kanu.

The warning was given on Thursday by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris who expressed disgust over the attitude in Lagos where he addressed officers.

“We will not take it with levity. There should be no double loyalty to Nigeria. No matter your rank, your commitment to the country should be absolute,” he said.
“Nationalism is key. Some officers were taking pictures with Nnamdi Kanu and this is someone that is challenging the unity of this country.

“We are changing the face of policing in Nigeria, policemen that are people-oriented with the satisfaction of the citizens as the primary focus.
“As policemen, you must be committed to unity, leadership and authority of government of this country. No double standards are allowed.”

Idris also announced that 88 additional area commands would be created to boost operational efficiency.

“We are waiting for approval from the PSC for the 88 new area commands and by extension, this means we are going to have more assistant commissioners of police,” he said.
“This will also create room for more chief superintendents of police to be promoted. Do your best in your duties and you will be promoted.”

He commended the officers for their commitment to duty, adding that they are important to the day-to-day policing activities.

“You are important for this job. We depend on you.”

He said 10,000 more personnel had been recruited and undergoing training to boost the nation’s police.

[BREAKING] SENATE ORDERS ARREST OF CEO OF GLO, 29 OTHERS

The News Agency of Nigeria has exclusively reported that the Senator Bukola Saraki-led Nigerian Senate has ordered the arrest of the chief executive officers of 30 companies for allegedly failing to appear before it.

The companies include telecommunication giant, Globacom, and Crown Flour Mills.

It was gathered that a Senate committee,headed by Hope Uzodinma, had earlier invited the chief executives as part of its investigation into a ‘N30 trillion’ revenue scam allegedly perpetrated by the firms.

The Senate had on Wednesday, threatened to issue the arrest warrants; but on Thursday, it said it was extending the appearance till next week.

The order to arrest the chief executives was given on Friday.

IGBO QUIT NOTICE: NDI IGBO, AREWA YOUTHS MEET IN KANO

Some northern youths and members of the Arewa coalition are currently in a meeting with some Ndigbo in Kano over the quit notice issued to all Nigerians of Igbo extraction living in the 19 northern states to vacate the region before October 1st by Arewa Youths.

Reports indicate that representatives of Ndigbo in all the northern states including the leaders and members of the Arewa youths are in the meeting.
Outcome of the on-going meeting is yet to be out.

However, the meeting is coming barely 24 hours after the Arewa group said it’s earlier eviction order stands. Just yesterday, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (ACF) said the quit notice it Ndigbo to vacate all northern states before October 1st stands.

It also said that it had sent what it termed all the atrocities of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the United Nations, UN.

Chairman of the forum, Nastura Shariff who was in the company of the National President of Arewa Consultative Youth Forum, Shettima Yerima, while speaking to newsmen in Kano on Thursday, said that at no point in time did the group recant on it’s earlier injunction.

AMIR KHAN ACCUSE FELLOW BRITISH BOXER, ANTHONY JOSHUA OF SLEEPING WITH HIS WIFE

 

Amir and Faryal having a nice time in the club

Amir Khan and his wife Faryal Makhdoom sensationally announced their marriage is over in an explosive ongoing row on Twitter, which has seen them both accusing each other of cheating.

The boxer, from Bolton, who is worth £23million, this afternoon astonishingly claimed she had an affair with heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

But the model, 26, hit back on social media, claiming her husband is lying and that he is a 'cheater'.

The couple were together on holiday in Dubai to celebrate Faryal's 26th birthday last week, but it's understood that Faryal has since flown back to England herself.

Joshua, 27, laughed off the claims by posting a video of Shaggy's hit single It Wasn't Me.
He then tweeted: 'Bantz aside, I hope you guys can resolve your situation or this is a hack as we have never even met! Plus I like my women BBW #ItWasntMe'

A Khan family source told MailOnline: 'Amir and Faryal have split up. It's over. There have been problems in the relationship for a long time and they were headed for a separation. It's the best outcome.'

In a series of tweets today, Olympic champion Khan, wrote: 'So me and the wife Faryal have agreed to split. I'm currently in Dubai. Wish her all the best.

'Faryal moved on quick. Always mentioned to me how much she wanted to be with another guy, from all people another boxer.


'Lol moved up in the weight classes lol. Trust me I ain't the jealous type. No need to send me pictures of the men your talking to #disgusted

'Left my family and friends for this Faryal. I'm not hurt but another fighter. I'm making it public. You getting the divorce #Golddigger
'Mans like Joshua can have my left overs!'

Amir and Faryal at an event

Within minutes, Faryal hit back on her own Twitter account and accused him of cheating on her.
She wrote: 'I'm sure you left your family because they robbed you? Not because of me. Stop making false things up.

'Accusing other boxers just because your boxing career is finished. Man up amir.

'After all these years. I've always defending a cheat, always stuck around for him, always had his back. And I'm called a gold digger?
'LOL! He's given me jack s**t -- I pay house bills and bills for my daughter myself! It's like I'm a single mother while he's out messing around. And he has the nerve to blast me like that?

'The amount of evidence I have on you. It can destroy you. But since I loved you at one point in my life. I'll just let it go.
'I'm not the one who's been in the papers every month with my pants down. Cheater!

'You have actually lost it. Wtf where do u make this stuff up from? And maybe your boxing career is finished because you're an adulterer.'
'At the end of the day I can hold my head high knowing I've given this marriage my 100% while amir clearly hasn't. Bad company.

'Bad role model, always around women , alcohol and then he calls himself a Muslim and runs a charity.
'I'm sorry to all the fans & family hurt by this. But amir did not need to do stupid tweets accusing others when he's in the wrong. #guilty

'I think he just needs some attention because boxing hasn't been going well for him so he's just been acting up #30yearoldbaby
'Sometimes people don't like it when you give them a taste of their own medicine.'
The news came after the couple ended their bitter six-month public feud with Khan's family.

Amir Khan and Anthony Joshua

Another Khan family source told MailOnline: 'Faryal is evil. She took control of Amir and drove him to the extent where he has suffered depression.

'Amir was almost held hostage by in laws and was given 'either with us or against us' situation to decide between his family and in laws.

'That's tragic. It was clear from very early on that Faryal is interested in Amir's money and fame and we told Amir so that she's a bad choice.
'We all make mistakes. It's good Amir has reached to the conclusive fact that she's a cheater, selfish and greedy. This was bound to happen.

'She he has been caught out, Amir has known for long she loves showing flesh to men and being interested in praise by random men and confronted her.
'They found twice in America when Amir asked her to be modest, she issued threats to Amir and demanded 60 per cent share in property. For the last five months or so she only talked about share in Amir's wealth and nothing else.'

Make-up artist Faryal has had a tumultuous few months in which she became embroiled in a huge row with her husband's family, claiming they accused her of being a gold digger and dressing in an un-Islamic fashion.

The couple were hit by further drama when a sex tape of Khan performing a sex act on a webcam while chatting with a model was leaked to a US porn site.

Earlier this year, Faryal gave her sports-star hubby an ultimatum to choose between her or his family after months of infighting and rows.

Faryal banned the boxer from attending his younger brother Haroon's wedding because she still can't forgive him for comparing her to Michael Jackson.

The sex tape, which was reportedly leaked to a major US porn site, featured the former world champion boxer carrying out a sex act while speaking to a female model on Skype.

The Khans appeared on This Morning in March to claim that the webcam footage of Khan was made before they met.

The couple, who live in Bolton, Greater Manchester and married in the US 2013, also suggested it was leaked out of spite by someone once 'close' to them.

To add a further blow, Amir's father revealed he would never talk to Faryal ever again after he was 'humiliated' following his sacking as the boxer's manager.

Mr Khan has always managed his son's professional career, seeing him through the ups and down of the 30-year-old champion boxer's life.

Again, Archbishop of Canterbury visits Buhari

Justin Welby, archbishop of Canterbury, on Friday, paid a personal visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja House, London.

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, who disclosed in a statement,  said the archbishop and Buhari are friends, who share deep respect for each other.

According to the presidential spokesman, Welby said he was delighted to see the rapid recovery the president has made from his health challenges, adding that it was a testimony to the healing powers of God, and answer to prayers of millions of people round the world.

“The cleric pledged to continue praying for both President Buhari and Nigeria,” Adesina said.

“In his response, the Nigerian president thanked Archbishop Welby, whom he noted had always stood by him at critical times, and wished him God’s continued grace in his spiritual duty of leading the Anglican Communion worldwide.

“It will be recalled that when former British prime minister, David Cameron described Nigeria as a ‘fantastically corrupt’ country ahead of an anti-corruption summit in London in 2016, Archbishop Welby had retorted: ‘But this particular President (Buhari) is actually not corrupt’.”

Adesina added that the archbishop later personally received the president at Lambeth Palace, London.

In March, the archbishop also paid a goodwill visit to Buhari during his medical vacation.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY READY TO PASS N56,000 MINIMUM WAGE

Recall, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has made it clear it is demanding an upward push from N18,000 to N56,000 as minimum wage.

While speaking when he featured in News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja, the senate president said that the senate was aware of the need to review the current minimum wage.

He said that all the indices upon which the last minimum wage of N18, 000 was approved had changed and that there was, therefore, no need leaving the wage unchanged.

Saraki further admitted that Nigerians were suffering and that the national assembly was only waiting for the executive to present a bill for a wage review.

His words: “We are in support; we are waiting for the executive. We have told them to go ahead with the idea.

“I have said it myself and the Speaker of House of Representatives said it the last time that we are fully in support. We are waiting for the executive to make a move on it.
“We are prodding the executive to do that; we have done that many times and we are still doing that.

“It is justifiable to have a new minimum wage. How will it not be if you look at the challenges the people are going through.

“More so, all the indices have changed since then, and should that be the only index that should stay the same? It is not possible.”

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde hosts Dangote, Otedola, Donald Duke, others to a private viewing of her new movie (Photos)

Actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde hosted the richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote, billionaire oil tycoon, Femi Otedola, ex-governor of Cross Rivers state, Donald Duke,  ex-governor of Ekiti state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, MD of Shell Nigeria,  Mr Osagie Okunbor and others to a private viewing of her new movie, Alter Ego.

Photos: Lady Who Hasn't Seen Her Period For 12years Gets Healed, Evil Elder Sister Runs Mad & Strips Naked In Church

According to this nigerian man Sanco Ese Darlinton, a pastor has just sent madness to an evil woman;
A MUST READ, IT HAPPENED IN MY PRESENCE.
Yesterday was the second day of a program organised by covenant of greatness Christian Bible Church by reclamation garage, Sapele, this lady brought her Junior sister whose menstrual flow stopped at the age of 18yrs and has not been able to give birth for 12yrs, the Man of God Prophet Henry Osasere laid hands on the lady and pray that the person responsible for her situation should run mad,immediately the senior sister who brought her to the church ran mad instantly. Now I pray whoever is responsible for your predicament and pretending to be a friend should run mad and die Ijn

Photos: Meet Pretty Nigerian Engineering Graduate Who Sells Smoked Fish For A Living In Rivers State

Monica Tanee is a Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of Portharcourt.

She’s from Ogoni, Rivers state and sells catfish which she smokes using firewood oven.

More photos below…

See some reactions below;

Anonymous
Good for her!! These are who we should be celebrating Linda!! Not all those body for hire good for nothing girls and guys who have nothing to offer but false and vain lifestyles.

OSINANL about 2 hours ago
AS LONG AS SHE’S MAKING HER MONEY… IT IS BETTER THAN TO DO OLOSHO WORK OR SLAY QUEENS

Aww! you go girl! there is dignity in labour better than doing runs for peanuts. your humble beginning would be a stepping stone for greater achievements, i started off working as a tea girl after my university studies, 5 years later i am now a colleague of the same people i used to serve in the office, doing great! thanks to God, dont give up dear.

 

24-Hour Power Supply, Ambode Seeks NERC’s Approval For Project

File Photo

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is seeking approval from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the Embedded Power Programme, by the state government.

The government in a meeting with some members of the State Executive Council lawmakers and stakeholders at the NERC’s head office in Abuja, stated that the Embedded Power Project was designed as his administration’s flagship programme for direct intervention in the power value chain, in achieving a 24 – hour steady power supply in Lagos.

He said the proposed power programme would generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various power plants in strategic locations across the State by private sector power providers within three to six years.

In a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the givernor, Habib Aruna, he noted that Nigerians’ aspiration to create a secured and prosperous nation that is globally competitive will be difficult to achieve without stable power supply.

According to the governor, efforts are ongoing to resolve the power crisis, it had become increasingly clear that the problems in the energy sector could no longer be left to the Federal Government alone to solve.

“Embedded power was designed as our flagship programme for direct intervention in the power value chain towards achieving a 24-hour power for Lagos. Lagos State has always demonstrated its capacity and willingness to play a leading role in resolving the power sector challenges in the state, subject to the limit of the federal authority allowed regulations.

“Having succeeded in powering government facilities, the next level of intervention for our government is to collaborate with other stakeholders in the power sector to design and implement a roadmap for uninterrupted power supply to homes and businesses in Lagos State.

“The draft of the Lagos State Embedded Power Bill was finalised in May 2017 and submitted to the National Electricity Regulatory Commission for clearance before same can be forwarded to the State House of Assembly.

“The stakeholders meeting holding today is a continuation of the ongoing engagement between NERC and the Lagos State Government on the Lagos State Embedded Power Programme.

“We are convinced that the offer by our government to deploy the state’s balance sheet in support of power generation, transmission, distribution, gas supply, metering, collection and enforcement in Lagos State will significantly relieve the national grid and free more energy for distribution to other parts of Nigeria.

“The proposed power programme will generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various power plants in strategic locations across the state by private sector power providers within three to six years.”

He said the State Government would issue guarantees in support of the Power Purchase Agreements that will be signed between the distribution companies and the private sector embedded power providers to enhance bankability of the projects.

He added that the power generated under the programme will be distributed through the networks of Eko and Ikeja Distribution Companies while the state would support the distribution companies in upgrading their distribution infrastructure for embedded power areas in line with NERC guidelines.

“The State Government will support the distribution companies in installation of smart prepaid meters in the areas where embedded power is deployed. We will institute a cost-reflective tariff regime that is fair to all stakeholders, sustainable and capable of attracting private capital to the sector on a continuous basis.

“Other areas of collaboration include support for revenue collection, legislation and establishment of an agency for enforcement of power theft laws in Lagos.

“Our prayer today is to seek the commission’s no objection letter for the Lagos State Embedded Power Programme, based on cost reflective tariff regime that is fair to all parties and capable of unlocking private sector investments into the power sector on a sustainable basis,” the Governor said.

Responding, the NERC’s Commissioner in charge of Legal License and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, who stood in for the Commission’s Vice Chairman, promised that the NERC would work with the Lagos State Government to ensure the success of the programme.

“Within the ambit of the law and existing regulations, you have our unflinching support in this project.

“So in response to what you said in your prayers to us, Your Excellency, I reaffirm the support of NERC towards this project. Our commitment is to create a viable electricity industry that works for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“As the laws and regulations permit us, we will work with you on this project to ensure that it does see the light of the day,” Akpaneye promised.

Akpeneye however called the Governor’s attention to some safety issues that concern the state.

He spoke about the right of way, standards and designs, electricity theft as well as customers’ enumeration.

He noted that a situation where the Commission’s record indicates that there are only 1.2million registered electricity customers in Lagos State is not tidy enough when almost all the houses in the state are connected to national grid.

Representatives of both Eko and Ikeja Distribution Companies at the meeting declared their support for the project, saying that it would be detrimental to the progress of Nigeria if they opposed it.

 Channels Television.

Women storm Government House Makurdi, demand end to Rape & Defilement of Children. PHOTOS

Women Situation Room Nigeria WSRN led by her North Central Zonal Coordinator Mrs. Magdalene Igbazua today 4 August 2017 staged a protest in Makurdi, Benue State against Rape & Defilement of Children Especially Girls. 

Dressed in all black, the women accompanied with members of some NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, Journalists as well as heavily armed police personnel to maintain law and order as they marched from Royal Choice-In Hotel, through NKST Church Lobi, also passing by Central Bank Makurdi all the way to the Benue People's House. 

They chanted songs expressing grief over the increasing cases of rape in Makurdi town while also displaying placards with inscriptions aligning with the theme of their protest. 

On reaching the Benue People's House, the protesters were addressed by Col. Edwin Jando, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security. Col. Jande on behalf of the Governor who was out of the town at that particular moment. 

Col. Jando noted the grievances and advocations by the protesters which ranged from full implementation of laws against rape and for the government to develop a renewed zeal towards protecting the lives of children thus prevent abuse and molestation. 

He promised to extend their message to the Governor, assuring them of the willingness of the present administration to tackle criminal issues and further secure Benue for all inhabitants. 

The protest also had in attendance the State Coordinator for SMILE Project, Chairman and members of Child Protection Network Benue and also members of the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria, Benue State Chapter...
#talkthetalknigeria
#SayNOtoRape
#AmStillStanding

Rihanna Launches Bike Program For Girls in Malawi

Dennis Leupold/Clara Lionel Foundation

Rihanna is continue her philanthropic endeavors and this time she’s helping girls in Malawi get to school.

In a partnership with bike-sharing organization ofo, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation will fund scholarships for girls in Malawi through the foundation’s Global Scholarship Program, and donate bikes to students who need transportation to classes.


“I’m so happy about the Clara Lionel Foundation’s new partnership with ofo because it will help so many young people around the world receive a quality education, and also help the young girls of Malawi get to school safely, cutting down those very long walks they make to and from school all alone,” Rihanna explains in a press release.

The 5-year partnership is just one of many endeavors the singer has taken on in Malawi, and the Anti singer has also provided scholarships to to U.S. universities for students in China, Brazil, Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana and Jamaica.

Source thegrapevine.theroot.com

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