Ayewa commends NBA, cheers Osigwe, others

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

CANDIDATE for the office of Assistant Publicity Secretary of the NBA in the just concluded elections, Lawrence Ayewa Esq has commended members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, for the support given him during the election.

In the spirit of a good sportsman, he congratulated Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, President Elect and all the winners including his fierce opponent in the contest.

This was contained in a personally signed statement made available to newsmen in Udu.

According to him: "I, Lawrence I. Ayewa, a candidate in the just concluded election for the office of Assistant Publicity Secretary say a big thank you for the massive support and votes the Bar found me worthy of which was over 9,500 votes. I am overwhelmed by the show of love.

"I congratulate Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN the 32nd President elect of our dear association. I also congratulate all other elected officers for the 2024 to 2026 term. 

"For the Assistant Publicity Secretary elect Ebiere Emmanuella Ekpese I say a big congrats to her and I have accepted the result and do not intend to contest the outcome. She is a deserving winner.

"This is my first shot at the National elections and the experience has been awesome. *Lawrence Ayewa is coming in 2026*. Thank you my dear leaders and colleagues for all the support." He added.

End

NBA Udu Branch congratulates Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN on emergence as President Elect

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Udu Branch Sunday congratulated Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN on his emergence as President Elect at the just concluded 2024 NBA National Officers' elections.

Udu Branch in a congratulatory message signed by J. E. Odohisi, ESQ, Chairman and Austin E. Nyekigbe, ESQ, Secretary respectively expressed confidence on the new President.

According to the message: "On behalf of the members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Udu Branch, Delta State, we congratulate you on your emergence as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association at the just concluded 2024 NBA National Officers' elections.

"Your endorsement and adoption by our Branch prior to the elections was as a result of the confidence we have in your ability to effectively lead the Nigerian Bar.

"We are confident that you have the required capacity to promote the Rule of Law, advance the administration of justice and transform the Nigerian Bar into a proactive Bar.

"May God Almighty guide you to succeed in your new position. Congratulations." The statement added.

 End

Delta CJ free four inmates during 2nd quarter Correctional Centres Visits

By Akpokona Omafuaire

The Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon Justice Tessy Diai has freed four inmates, reviewed several warrants during the 2nd quarter visits to the five Custodial Centres in the State. 

The CJ made the disclosure at the conclusion of the 2nd Quarter visits.

The visit which started on the 1st of July, 2024, began at the Warri Custodial Centre, where 360 warrants were reviewed and three lucky inmates were released on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution while, a fourth inmate who was improperly remanded also regained his freedom. . 

According to Diai, "On Tuesday the 2nd day of July, 2024; the visit continued to Sapele Custodial Centre and Sapele remand home with 174 warrants reviewed. 

"The visit also continued on Monday being the 15th day of July at the Kwale Custodial Centre with 215 warrants reviewed, Wednesday 17th was at the Agbor Custodial Centre where 160 warrants were reviewed and finally the Ogwashi-uku Custodial Centre on Thursday the 18th of July were 389 warrants were reviewed." She stated .

The CJ reiterated that within the time of preparing the lists, some of the inmates had been discharged, acquainted, released on bail etc, so out of the total number of 450 on the list plus 64 on the  supplementary list ; we had a total of 389 warrants which we have reviewed here. 

 "A total of 1,298 awaiting  trial warrants were reviewed in the 5 custodial centres. I will not say this is the best and i think everyone is trying and can now see the result of diversifying the trials of criminal cases. And that is the beauty of it and I can see so much improvement.

"I thank everyone for the efforts put in to make it successful we still have the third quarter visit and by the grace of God we will conclude that.

"I want to thank everybody for the efforts and know it is not easy even from the office of the Department of Public Prosecution or for the Judges themselves.

"All the cases are in Court that is what we want not that they should be left in custody here and not in police custody. Taking them to court will guarantee them the opportunity of a speedy conclusion of their cases or access to bail". Justice Diai said.

The Chief Judge commended the Judges,  Magistrates, especially the Ministry of Justice    who have worked tirelessly to see that  cases go on as they should.

End

Oil Producers to partner PTI for manpower development.

By Akpokona Omafuaire, UGHELLI 

THE Oil Producers Trade Section, OPTS, has promised to join forces with the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State in order to develop manpower needed in the changes in the oil industry in Africa. 

This was revealed weekend during a visit of OPTS officials led by Mr. Gweke Ajaifia, Executive Director, Oil Producers Trace Section to PTI management.

In his welcome speech, the Acting Principal of the PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel E. Onoji expressed the readiness of PTI for the partnership.

Onoji represented by the Dr. (Mrs.) Tina Olubukola Isichei, the Director of Research and Development took the visitors through the various capacity and research the institution had achieved in the past 50 years.

According to Isichei, "PTI has led in research and consultancy in oil and gas technology to produce technicians and other skilled personnel in the industry not only in Nigeria, but across Africa. 

"And indeed the reason for the establishment of the institute was part of the requirements of the country to the fans of OPEC as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

"Now our mission is to become the leading oil and gas Technological Institute in Africa while our mission is to provide competent technological manpower, to quality training, research and consultancy for the pendulum and allied industries. 

"Now, we have been in this business for over 50 years. We celebrated our Golden Jubilee in 2022. And I must say that we have produced more than 50,000 technologists, technicians, and other technical personnel in various areas in the oil and gas and allied industries." She added.

In his speech, Ajaifia said, "I am very impressed with the visit to the Petroleum Training Institute. OPTS is a partner with the people of Nigeria in terms of the oil and gas business and we are supportive of Nigerian content. We are supportive of developing competence in the oil and gas operations. 

"So our visit today has actually shown the high degree of capacity and potential that the Petroleum Institute have in helping to bridge the gap we see in competence and capacity within the oil and gas industry.

"We are going to work with the school authority to try to find ways of helping the industry to develop that needed capacity, not only for Nigeria, but also for the rest of Africa. 

"We see a lot of potential in this institution and we are going to do our best to support PTI as a major capacity hub in oil and gas industry.

"Today is like a homecoming for me. And I believe that there is there's more opportunity to develop leaders for the future in this country. 

"Now PTI has actually contributed a lot to the quality of leadership we have in the oil and gas industry. A lot of the graduates of these Institute's are in high places in the country, some have developed their own businesses that are highly successful. 

"And I think that what we need to do is to support the institution in terms of funding, so that they can take the linear role in terms of research, because we need research, to be able to develop that level of independence. 

"You know, if you don't have independence, then you are not here. So PTI has the potential to lead in terms of research and development in our sector. And I think providing them with the required funding, and also opportunity, the school will we go to higher places." He stated.

Insecurity: Military Rescue 140 Kidnapped Victims, kill 125 Terrorists, Bandits, arrest 220 Nationwide

***Recover huge cache of arms

By: Akpokona Omafuaire

 OVER 140 Kidnapped victims have been rescued, 125 terrorists killed, as 220 others have been arrested by troops fighting against insecurity particularly terrorism and banditry across the country in the one week.

 Those arrested by the gallant soldiers includes 20 perpetrators of oil theft, just as 31 illegal refineries were also destroyed.

 Troops also recovered oil theft of the estimated sum of N744.15million (Seven Hundred and Forty Four Million One Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Nine Hundred Naira.

Major Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations stated this on Friday. He said, “troops recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 assorted ammunition comprising 56 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated gun, 22 dane guns, one SMG rifle, 7 pump action guns, one fabricated barretta pistol, 7 locally made guns, 5 x 60mm mortar bomb Unexploded Ordinances and 2 small rubber gun powder.

“Others are: 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 383 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 78 live cartridges, 24 empty case of 7.62mm ammo, 21 AK47 magazines, 6 vehicles, 11 motorcycles, 5 bicycles, 38 mobile phones and the sum of N2,737,145.00 only amongst other items.

"In the Niger Delta area troops  discovered and discovered and destroyed 31 illegal refinery sites,11 dugout pits, 5 boats and 20 storage tanks, 31 cooking ovens, 5 vehicles, and 3 mobile phones. Troops recovered 715,325 litres of stolen crude oil and 148,415 litres of illegally refined AGO.”

Detailing the operations, Buba said "troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 52 terrorists, arrested 40 suspects and rescued 14 kidnappers’ hostages. 

"Troops recovered 23 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, one SMG gun, 16 magazines, 408 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm ammo, 5 rounds of 60mm mortal bombs, 10 magazines, one baofeng radio, 5 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, 4 bicycles, and the sum of N2,487,145.00 only amongst others.

"On 10 July 2024, furtherance to the troops attack on BH/ISWAP terrorists on 8 July 2024, troops conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 4 AK47 Rifle, 4 AK47 mag and 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

"Between 12 and 15 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Bama, Dikwa, Nganzai, Konduga and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Following fire fights, troops neutralized 32 and rescued 80 kidnapped hostages. 

"Troops also recovered 19 AK47 rifles, one SMG gun, 7 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 288 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 12 magazines, one baofeng radio, 5 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

"Between 10 and 14 July 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 19   BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists’ collaborators in Geidam and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State. 

"Troops conducted similar operations in Kwaya Kursa, Bama and Monguno LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered 8 mobile phones, 4 bicycles and the sum of N2,487,145.00

"Between 10 and 14 July 2024, troops in separate patrols discovered and detonated IEDs as well as recovered 5 x 60mm mortar bomb and Unexploded Ordinances in Damboa, Kukawa, Bama, Marte and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State.

In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 19 insurgents, arrested 24 violent extremists and rescued 19 kidnapped hostages. 

"Troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 10 fabricated pistols, 11 dane guns, 328 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 empty cases of ammo, 2 small rubber guñ powder, one vehicle, one motorcycle and the sum of N250,000.00 only amongst others.

"On 10 and 11 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists, terrorists in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.

"Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and arrested 3 extremists/gunrunners. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, 166 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one Motorcycle and cutlasses amongst others.

"Between 12 and 16 July 2024, troops with NIS Tac Team in separate offensive operations raided and made contact with suspected violent extremists, kidnappers and gunrunners in Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs of Plateau State.

"Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 10 terrorists and arrested 6  violent extremists. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 8 fabricated rifles, 8 dane guns, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 2 small rubber bottles of gun powder, military accoutrements and cutlasses amongst others.

"Between 10 and 15 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to distress calls on activities of  violent extremists/kidnappers in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. 

"Troops did same in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops rescued 6 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine, one vehicle, one motorcycle and the sum of N250,000.00 only.

"On 10 and 15 July 2024, following a tip-off. Troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 3 violent extremists/kidnapper in Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State.

"Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 14 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. 

"On 10 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided a suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and assassin hideout in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State. 

"During the operation, troops arrested one suspect identified as the ring leader of a kidnappings, assassinations and crime syndicate.

"On 12 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 6 violent extremists/kidnappers in Donga and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State as well as Doma LGA of Nasarawa State.

"In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 31 terrorists, arrested 21 terrorists and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages, Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifle, 2 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 238 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 172 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones and one bicycle amongst others.

"On 11 and 15 July 2024, troops with DSS operatives in separate operations made contact with terrorists in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. 

"Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and arrested 4 suspects. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 172 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 magazines, one motorcycle and one bicycle amongst others.

"On 12 July 2024, following intelligence and confirmatory ISR on converging of suspected terrorists around Bukuru in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. 

"The air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction and attacked the location with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.

"Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 13 suspects and rescued 53 kidnapped hostages. 

"Troops recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 5 magazines, 118 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 4 motorcycles amongst others.

"Troops while on offensive operation ambushed terrorists in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State neutralizing 11 terrorists and recovering 8 AK47 rifles. 

"Troops also recovered 5 magazines, 118 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 4 motorcycles.

"On 9 July 2024, troops while on patrol foiled a   kidnapping incident in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

"On 12 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops with DSS operatives raided a violent extremists/kidnappers hideout in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.

"Between 9 and 15 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations in Lokoja and Adavi LGA of Kogi State as well as Kwali Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops rescued 41 kidnapped hostages.

"On 8 and 12 July 2024, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction on terrorists’ kingpin’s enclaves. The air strikes were on enclaving belonging to terrorist commander Alhaji Layi’s in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. 

"Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

"Similarly, on 13 July 2024, air interdiction was conducted at terrorists camps located in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures as well as logistics destroyed. 

"Troops of Operation Delta Safe in Niger Delta apprehended 20 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists as well as recovered 6 assorted ammo and 3 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.

"Troops recovered 715,325 litres of stolen crude oil and 148,415 litres of illegally refined AGO. 

"Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 11 dugout pits, 5 boats and 20 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 31 cooking ovens, 5 vehicles, 3 mobile phones and 31 illegal refining sites.

"Between 10 and 12 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations foiled a kidnap incidents in Akoko-Edo and Owan West LGAs of Edo State. During the operations, troops rescued 9 kidnapped hostages.

"On 14 and 15 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Ukanafu and Isoko North LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Delta States respectively.

"During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspects and recovered 3 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 6 cartridges and 3 mobile phones.

"In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 45 violent extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. 

 "Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 7 pump action guns, one locally fabricated barreta pistol, 7 locally made guns, 72 cartridges, one HHR and 13 mobile phones amongst other. 

 "On 8 July 2024, troops in separate operations raided violent extremists/cultists hideouts in Ohaozara and Aba South LGAs of Ebonyi and Abia States respectively.

 "During the operations, troops arrested 30 suspects and recovered 2 pump action guns, one fabricated barretta pistol and 34 live cartridges amongst others.

 "Between 10 and 12 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members’ hideouts in Osisioma LGA of Abia State.

 "Similar operations were conducted to Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State.  During the operations, troops arrested 9 suspected violent extremists including a high profile extremists Identified as Chinedu Iwedo and Chineye Wisdom.

 "Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 5 pump action guns, 7 locally made guns, 38 cartridges, one HHR and 13 mobile phones amongst others.

 "In the South West, troops of Operation Aatsw arrested 23 violent extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.

 "Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 magazines, 152 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 9 mobile phones and a pair of woodland camouflage. 

 "All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

 "Op. On 13 and 15 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Emure and Edu LGAs of Ekiti and Kwara States respectively.

 "During the operations, troops arrested one suspect and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered one AK47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 6 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.

 "Between 10 and 13 July 2024, troops with hybrid forces arrested 22 suspected violent extremists, kidnappers including an arms dealer in Ifelodun and Ogbomoso South LGAs of Kwara and Oyo States respectively.

 "During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 130 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 9 mobile phones amongst others." he said.

 Furthermore, Gen Buba said, "On the whole, the military is in a good and strong position in the war against terrorist with many terrorists leaders killed. Our operation continues to focus at providing security and stability for the nation and citizens."

 Source: Vanguard Newspapers

 

Fake lawyer handling murder case in Abia remanded by court

By Akpokona Omafuaire

A suspected fake lawyer identified as Kenneth Nwuke, has been remanded at the Umuahia correctional centre by a magistrate court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State.

The fake lawyer was arrested by the Police following a tip-off while posing as a lawyer representing a client in a murder case at the Zone 9 Police Headquarters, Umuahia.

Nwuke was arraigned at  Magistrate Court 4,in charge number,U/449C/2024, Commissioner of Police Vs Kenneth Nwuke.

The Magistrate, Jane Mba, granted the application for a remand order by the Police and adjourned to 30/8/2024, for report on compliance.

His travail started according to sources when the suspected fake lawyer claimed that he was handed over a power of attorney by the father of the deceased to represent him in the murder case pending at the Zone 9 Police Headquarters 

Police sources told Journalists that the alleged power of attorney bears the name of a popular law firm in Aba.

It was further gathered that some members of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA,Aba, who were at the police zonal command  had alerted the police to the fake lawyer while he made efforts to negotiate with the parties in the murder case.

The NBA Aba branch led by its chairman, Charles Onuchukwu Esq, followed up with the matter in court and commended the police for the arrest of the fake lawyer.

He said; "Some of our members were at the zonal police command where the man came,posing as a lawyer to represent a client in a murder case. We alerted the police that he was an impostor. He was arrested.

"Finally today being 17th July 2024,he was arraigned at the Umuahia magistrate Court 4,in charge number U/449C/2024,Commissioner of Police vs Kenneth Nwuke wherein he was remanded at Umuahia correctional centre."

 

END

BREAKING: NDLEA Intercepts Seven Containers valued N9.8billion Worth of Fresh Codeine Shipments from India in PH

By Akpokona Omafuaire

The war against drug is yielding results as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Thursday intercepted another batch of seven containers bearing one million two hundred and twenty nine thousand four hundred bottles of codeine syrup worth over Nine Billion Eight Hundred and Thirty Five Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N9,835,200,000.00) at the Onne ports in Rivers State.

Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi in a statement said: "The latest seizure made on Thursday 18th July 2024 is the fourth and last set of such consignments that have been under the watch list of the Agency’s Maritime Special Operations Unit Targeting Team, which worked in partnership with the Port Harcourt Ports Command of the Agency and other security agencies".

"The agencies included the Nigeria Customs Service for a 100 percent joint examination of the targeted containers.

"This followed credible intelligence and months of diligent tracking of the consignments from their port of departure.

"At the joint examination of the containers with other security agencies on Thursday, all the seven containers were found bearing a total of 8,774 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup with 1, 229, 400 bottles weighing 184,410 kilograms.

"A breakdown of the shipments that came from India via the Maersk Vigo Vessel shows that the container marked SEKU 6439421 has 875 cartons with 175,000 bottles of codeine weighing 26,250kg. 

"Other items in the container include 70 cartons of chilli cutters and 55 cartons of hyregra tablets weighing 1,100kg.

"Another container marked CMAU 9410422 contains 875 cartons of codeine with 175,000 bottles weighing 26,250 kg. 

"Other items in the container include 15 cartons of chilli cutters and 60 cartons of hyregra tablets weighing 1,200 kg.

"Also, the container marked TLLU 7595503 has a total of 1, 754 cartons of codeine syrup containing 179, 400 bottles weighing 26,910kg.

"Four other containers marked: TRHU 515117; CMAU 7877125; CMAU 8533700; and CMAU 3882205 contain 175,000 bottles of the same substance each in addition to other items such as chilli cutters, cartons of hyregra tablets and diclofenac used to mask the shipments.

“It would be recalled that three weeks ago, NDLEA operatives seized six thousand, one hundred and twenty-five (6,125) cartons of codeine syrup containing one million and fifty thousand (1,050,000) bottles of the opioid worth over seven billion three hundred and fifty million naira (N7, 350,000,000.00) in street value, at the Port Harcourt Ports complex, Onne, Rivers state.” It stated. 

Responding to the latest seizure, Chairman/ Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended all the officers, men and women of the various formations of the Agency that had been working on the targeted containers for months for their diligence, vigilance and professionalism. 

He equally praised the support received from other stakeholders at the ports that enabled the seamless and successful operations in the course of targeting the shipments. He said the operation, which had inflicted heavy losses on the cartels behind the shipments has further degraded their capacity and financial base.

                                    END

DRAMA: Youths arrest Terrorist who fell off motorcycle after killing community head

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

BRAVE youths in Kurmin Kare village of Kaduna State apprehended a terrorist who fell down from a motorbike after killing a community head Wednesday.

The youths said the terrorists and his gang  killed the Chief of Kurmin- Kare community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Ishaya Barnabas, and abducted three locals in the area.

The Spokesperson of Kaduna Police Command, ASP Hassan Mansir was yet to react to the incident. 

However, a local who craved anonymity, told journalists that the terrorists attacked "the village on motorbikes and encircled to the chief’s house."

He said "they shot the village head dead before proceeding to a neighbour’s house where they kidnapped 3  people. Youths mobilised and arrested one of the terrorists who fell down from a motorbike, after a hot chase. "

"The brave youths  handed over the terrorists to security operatives in the area," he said

Tantita Security officials apprehend boat with crude oil

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has arrested and set ablaze a speed boat with Yamaha 75 Engine conveying unquantified illegally refined diesel on Wednesday.

The boat was intercepted by Tantita Security operatives at Orubiri flow station, along Okrika River, in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers  State.

The arrest was during a tour led by Tantita Co-ordinator of Community Relations Department, Mr. Seimode Akposafagha from their head office, Warri, Delta State. 

There were three suspects including a woman in the boat at the time of arrest.

Tantita representative in Rivers State, Chief Reuben Clifford Wilson said oil blocks are Federal Government's assets, adding that those who are still on the illegal activities should have a rethink and stop  otherwise they will face the wrath of law.

Pastor Reuben further said that any boats used for this illegal operations would  continue to be set ablaze anytime they are caught.

“Oil blocks are Federal  Government's assets and is  trying within its power to ensure that this illegality is stopped to enable  Nigerians benefit from  these oil blocks in this country, and we will not allow the oil thieves  to destroy our dear nation's assets with their illegality." Reuben said.

TRAGEDY: 400 level NDU student killed over N150

By Akpokona Omafuaire

SOME Youths at Amassoma on Monday killed a final year student of Niger Delta University, NDU, Wilberforce Island in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State over N150 levy at a sand dump.

The deceased Francis Palowei, a native of Obrigbene town in Ekeremor Local Government Area was described as a promising young man with a bright future ahead of him.

He was a student of the department of Social Science Education until his untimely death.

A resident of Amassoma community who spoke anonymously to Vanguard Newspaper said the sand dump is a popular spot where students often go to relax, socialize and climb to the peak for fun.

The source noted that some community youths, on seeing the concentration of students at the sand dump, took it upon themselves to levy any student that come to the spot, especially those that want to climb to the top of the sand dump.

He said on Monday evening, the murdered final year student came to the spot with some of his friends and was heading to the top of the dump when some youths demanded N500 instead of the statutory N150, a development that resulted in heated argument and killing of the student.

Though the owner of the dump, which is located at the end of the community is not charging any levy to access it, some youths in the community normally collect N150 to allow people climb to the top to catch fun, it was learned.

Spokesman of the state police command, ASP Musa Muhammed, who confirmed the incident, said the Commissioner of Police has already deployed additional security personnel to the area to restore calm and orderliness.

He also stated that the police have launched manhunt for the suspected killers.

BREAKING: Three family members of serving Commissioner die in fire outbreak

By Akpokona Omafuaire

 TRAGEDY struck in Kano State as Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Yusuf Kofar-Mata lost three of his family members in a raging fire inferno on Tuesday night.

 The Tuesday night in his residence consumed his daughter, Maimuna (Islam), his senior sister, Hajiya Khadija, and the wife of his brother, Hajiya Juwairiyya.

The bereaved Commissioner made the announcement of the tragic incident via a post on his verified facebook page.

 His post reads, "I mourn the loss of my daughter Maimuna (Islam), my senior sister Hajiya Khadija, and my brother’s wife, Juwairiyya. Their funeral prayers will be conducted at 11:00 am at Kofar Mata quarters, Kano city."

Meanwhile, authorities at the Kano State Fire Service were yet to issue any official statements regarding the incident.

 

Sympathizers have continued to extend their condolences to the Commissioner, Dr. Kofar-Mata and his family members.

 

END

Delta Police arrest three suspected gun runners in Delta Community

By Akpokona Omafuaire

 THE Delta State Police Command Wednesday said its operatives have arrested three suspected gun runners following recovering of a locally fabricated AK-47 earlier from another arrested suspect in Delta State.

 This was confirmed in a press statement by SP Bright Edafe, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO.

 According to the statement: “Following an intensive intelligence-led investigation by operatives on CP’s special assignment with base in Ughelli related to the earlier recovery of a fabricated AK 47 revolver rifle recovered on 8th of June 2024.

 “The team led by ASP Julius Robinson acting on the firm directive of the commissioner of Police Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda,  on 16/7/2024, between the hours of 1300hrs  to  1935hrs arrested the trio  Tega Dierunaba ‘m"  44yrs of Orerokpe  Community in Okpe LGA Delta State, a resident of  Enerhen area of Warri Town,  Chibiuke Anuforo Cosmas m" 42yrs of Orlu Town in Nkwerre LGA Imo State, a resident of Mosheshe Cold-Room Industrial Area, Enerhen Road Warri, a distributor of arms supplied and Sunday Moses Pam m" 36yrs of Von Community in Jos South LGA Plateau State a resident of Oka Closed Street, in Enerhen Warri Delta State who usually conceal and convey the arms from Plateau State to Delta State.

 “All suspects have admitted to the crime as confessed earlier by one Goodluck Sakutu m" 38yrs of Ekpan Community Uvwie LGA Delta State who was earlier arrested and one fabricated AK-47 rifle was recovered from him.  Suspects are in custody while investigation is ongoing.”

 

END

To achieve 6,000MW target Power Minister signs performance bond with agencies’ CEOs

By Akpokona Omafuaire

 IN efforts to achieve the targeted  6,000 Megawatts of power at the end of the year, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has signed performance contracts with senior officials of the Ministry including heads of agencies and parastatals.

The Minister who spoke after the inauguration of a working group for the sector, said the bond would enable him to monitor the progress of the agencies and be able to evaluate them.

The Minister had earlier in April set a 6,000MW generation and distribution target for the sector, insisting that the infrastructure to deliver that amount of electricity was already in place. 

 However, power generation in the first half of the year has averaged 4,000MW with the national grid managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, collapsing thrice in three months. 

 Adelabu explained that he and the Permanent Secretary had in November last year signed a similar performance bond with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through which his performance and that of the ministry would be evaluated.

 He said: “We signed that high-level performance contract. Now, we have cascaded that performance agreement down into the various relevant ministerial departments and agencies that will contribute to the overall achievement of what we signed with the President. As you know, it's a top-down approach while it's also a bottom-up approach.

“Every department in the ministry and every agency that we have has one or two roles to play in the achievement of the overall targets. So, that's what we are signing today with the Permanent Secretary who represents the ministry, with CEOs of agencies who represent each of the agencies. 

“And we believe that a chain is as strong as its weakest link. So, we don't want any of our ministerial departments or agencies to drop the ball. We must be focused”, he stressed.

Speaking on possible consequences for CEOs whose agencies were not able to meet set targets, he said: “Just like the performance delivery is top-down, reward will also be top-down on achievement. Then, sanctions too, will be top-down. Depending on the sanctions that Mr. President is going to mete out to a non-performing minister and a non-performing council, we will determine the sanctions that will be met out to everybody involved here.

“So there's no express or specific sanctions, they will just be that we do our best and put in our best to make sure we achieve our targets”, he disclosed.

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Ndume removed as Whip for criticizing Tinubu just as APC asks him to resign from the APC

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

 

THE All Progressives Congress,  APC, Wednesday removed Senator  Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South as Chip Whip following letter written by the National Working Committee,  NWC of APC to the President of the Senate,  Senator Godswill Akpabio to ask the him to resign from the party and join any of the opposition party.

 

APC in the letter removed Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip of the 10th Senate and replaced him with Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno,  APC, Borno North

 

In a letter signed by National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje and the National Secretary,  Senator  Suŕajueen Basiru respectively to Akpabio,  APC said that Ndume's complaints about President Bola Tinubu are unbecoming and his utterances are not favourable to the Federal Government.

 

The request was put to voice votes by the Senate President , Godswill Akpabio , and loudly affirmed by all the APC Senators

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Breaking: Tinubu seeks increase 2024 budget to N33.7trillion

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, seeking for  consideration and subsequent approval, injection of N6.2trillion into N27.5trillion 2024 budget.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio who read the letter at plenary, said that President Tinubu specifically seeks for withdrawal of N3.2trillion from the Consolidated revenue Fund , for capital expenditure .

President Tinubu  in the second leg of the request as contained in the letter is  seeking  for the  withdrawal of another N3trillion from the consolidated revenue fund for additional recurrent expenditure  for the year ending on 31st day of December , 2024.

Mr President in the letter also seeks for an Act to amend the Finance Act , 2023, to impose and charge windfall tax on banks and to provide for the administration of the tax and matters related thereto .

For expeditious consideration , the Senate had already listed the two requests on its Order Paper as Executive bills for consideration .

If the requested N6 2trillion is injected into the N27 5trillion 2024 budget , the budget size will increase to N33.7trillion .

Details later.. 

Source: Vanguard