GESTAPO ARREST OF JUDGES AND UNABATED ARBITRARINESS OF BUHARI REGIME: OUR STANCES

 

The National Conscience Party, NCP, watch with amazement and utter disgust the events that unfolded within the past days in Nigeria, though we are not in any way surprised by the turn of events. We are not surprised because we have consistently warned of the insincerity of this inept and pretentious APC regime and the script been played now only confirms our position about this regime and the fact that nothing has fundamentally changed for the better. 

 

We cannot but condemn in the strongest term the crudity, barbarism and hypocrisy in the arrest and detention of five judicial officers on Saturday 8^th of October 2016 by the Department of State Security, DSS, under the instructions of the Gen Muhammadu Buhari APC regime under the guise of fighting corruption in the judiciary. We are not up to discuss the technicalities, the legality or illegality of the arrest, detention, search and invasion of privacy of the persons involved, what we considered most important is the exposure of the real intentions of this regime based on the facts and why there is a cause for worry.

 

We assert that what happened over the weekend was nothing but a deceitful adventure that has nothing to do with really fighting corruption in the judiciary an any way, rather, it is nothing but a plot to intimidate thejudiciary as a whole, deal brutally on some judges that do not readily bend to this regime’s whims and caprices, create more confusion in the public and divert attention away from the numerous shortcoming and abysmal failures of this regime to prepare ground to install stooges or persons who would do the bidding of this regime into the judiciary.

 

First, a regime that is plotting to selloff public assets, that has refused to take action on the issue of corruptly padded budget, that refused to do anything about the massive hunger in the land, that has refused to act on the issue of the houses of the chief of army staff in Dubai,that close its eyes to allegation of corruption against the likes of Babatunde Fashola, Rotimi Amaechi or that overlooked the use over 270 million naira in cutting grass at the IDP camp just to mention a few, to our mind does not have the moral standing to claim that it is fighting corruption in any sector. In fact, the corruption in the presidency today is monstrous, as scores of billionaires are been created overnight within their closed circles. The allegations of corruption against key officers of this regime have been mounting by the day and the regime is doing nothing about it. 

 

In addition, the intra party conflicts within the APC itself have further exposed the real face of this regime. 

 

Second, that the Nigerian judicial system is hopelessly corrupt and for the rich, just like presidency, the police, army, customs, immigrations, FRSC etc. is no news.The question is what has the APC regime concretely done since it came to power to address this question, the answer is NOTHING. The Buhari regime has no plan apart from propaganda, cheap talk and blackmail, and it also wants to use the judiciary to do its bidding of attacking the regime’s perceived enemies, attack agitators and the masses. The judiciary remains the property of the super-rich under this regime. 

 

Third, is the fact that some of the judges involved are the sitting judges in several legal suits involving the government and Buhari APC interests over the past sixteen months - the Dasuki and IPOB cases, Buhari’s certificate and affidavit saga etc. And they have been ruling against the regime!

 

Fourth, is the fact that some of the judges involved already have cases pending in the National Judicial Council, NJC. What the law says are the primary functions of the NJC, police, EFCC and ICPC are clear. Therefore, the use of the DSS is quite suspicious and reflects desperation. It is nothing more than trying to intimidate.

 

The arguments of using the DSS don’t add up in any way. They can be applied to justify the use of the Nigeria Customs or the Prisons to investigate murder. 

 

To us, when the ruling party and elites can no longer obey their own laws, it confirms not only deep crises but also the fact that things are bound to get worse so long they remain in power.

 

To us, after all the hullaballoo around the arrest of the judges and the media drama and trial that began immediately, one would have expected that by the following Monday or by now the judges would have be charged to court but that is not what happened. They were all released on personal recognition from DSS custody and as we speak there is no evidence that they would be charged. 

 

To us the entire episode is nothing but a farce and a reflection that this regime is getting more desperate as it continues to fail on all fronts. This regime wants to get more dictatorial and fascist in order to silence to opposition and mass revolt.

 

We totally support the positions of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, and other mass organization that are standing up to this regime. It is clear that only mass actions can contain the numerous atrocities of this regime.

 

Finally, corruption in the judiciary like in all sectors of Nigeria body polity has to be confronted, but in doing so we cannot give blanket support to DSS or any security agency to brutalize people unnecessarily, intimidate, violate fundamental human rights and civil liberties, and such actions must be holistic not a witch-hunt and not partial. 

 

One of the most fanatical supporters of the then Ribadu-led EFCC was our founder and mentor, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAM, SAN, but when the then IG, Tafa Balogun was forcefully handcuffed to the court, Gani in an angry letter to Obasanjo on April 5,2005 said, ’It was clearly needless and absolutely unnecessary for EFCC or the Nigeria Police to handcuff the accused – the former Inspector General of Police in view of section 34(1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I personally condemn this degrading treatment….I hope that henceforth, the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigeria Police will respect these laws that govern the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizen where they are accused either inside or outside the courts’’ The EFCC subsequently apologized! We stand by this legacy unrepentantly!!

 

I DON’T WANT TO BE IMPRISONED THE EIGHTH TIME – suspect

A 41 year old man arrested by the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police for stealing the phone of his helper has pleaded that he should be assisted from going to prison the eighth time.

The suspect, Emmanuel Oyewunmi, 41, from Ikale, Ondo State, was arrested by the operatives on Friday night at Ojodu Berger Bus Stop for stealing N600 and a phone from a bus driver and a passenger.

Oyewunmi, before now, has been on the wanted list of RRS’s operatives for stealing a Samsung Galaxy S4 belonging to one Mrs Adesewa Oni from her car. 

On the said day, Oyewunmi was a park keeper outside Shoprite Shopping Mall, Ikeja when Oni drove in to attend a ceremony at the Adeyemi Bero, Auditorium, Alausa.

For keeping an eye on her car, Oni instead of offering Oyewunmi the N200 he requested decided to drive him to a nearby ATM to withdraw some money out of which she gave him N1000. 

Unwittingly for her, she left Oyewunmi inside her car while she gets the money from the ATM. Upon returning, she handed Oyewunmi the N1,000:00 and she drove off.

“I have driven 5 minutes away from Alausa when I felt the urge to make some calls for appointments, and I realised that my phone, Samsung Galaxy S4 was missing. Quickly, my mind raced to him and I realised my folly.

How could I have left a total stranger in my car alone, leaving documents and valuable items in the car with him? It was just a silly thing to do for me. I traced him back to that spot but he was gone,” she explained.

"When I was done looking for him everywhere, I was advised to report the incidence at the RRS’s Headquarters the same day", he added. 

Oyewunmi on interrogation admitted stealing the phone of his helper while she left him in the car to get money through the ATM last week Sunday.

“I was push into it by the need to get hard drugs. As soon as I got the phone, I went to Ipodo in Ikeja to get hard drug. It was the hard drug dealer that bought it from me. He bought it N8, 000:00.

I spent the rest on drug. I was so pained that I forgot to shave and barb from the proceeds of the stolen phones”, he stated.

He explained further, “hard drug has spoilt my life. It was the cause of my rejection by my wife, and my father. I got hooked on drug while I was young and getting out of it has been extremely difficult for me.

Some faith based non-governmental originations have assisted me through rehabilitation in the past, I have always gotten back into it. Drug has been the predominant cause of my imprisonment.
If I am imprisoned now, it would be the eigth time and third time this year”, he said. 

On his second offence, Oyewunmi admitted stealing a phone and N600 from the bus driver and a passenger but pleaded that he was under the influence of drug.

Confirming the arrest of the suspected thief, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Dolapo Badmos, urged Lagosians not to expose themselves to criminals.

The suspect has been transferred to the Lagos State Taskforce for prosecution.

LAGOS STATE ENDORSES HERITAGE BANK SKOOLYMPICS PROJECT

Lagos State Government has endorsed the Heritage Bank Skoolympics project, an initiative of Heritage Bank Plc, aimed at building a heritage of champions through youth sports competition at the secondary school level

Mr. Ayodeji Tinubu, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Sports, gave the endorsement at a stakeholders meeting held at the corporate headquarters of the bank in Lagos recently, noting that Heritage Bank is the only bank at the moment that is undertaking such a lofty and premium sporting project in the state, which maiden event will take place from November 2 to 4, 2016.

He said, “We are very excited at the project because it will help to develop youths in the state in a disciplined manner,” adding that we have mobilized and created awareness among students in the state for the project and were looking forward to it.

He said the Heritage Bank Skoolympics was a “very fantastic idea” and that the state was interested in the “pre, during and post event activities because it intended to expose the beneficiary students to proper mentoring and counselling.”

Tinubu, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission said the state government was building a sports culture in the state as it is in most metropolis, through the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable sporting activities to thrive in a variety of sports events, in a bid to cater for the passion of majority of the citizenry.

Also speaking, Chief Mrs. Mary Onyali, the Brand Ambassador of Heritage Bank Skoolympics said, “I was really moved when I was approached to be the ambassador.” She urged the stakeholders to make the Heritage Bank Skoolympics a continual project, as it consist of concepts that would benefit Nigerian children.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Executive Director, Lagos and South-west/Corporate Banking of Heritage Bank, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, who stood in for the Managing Director, Ifie Sekibo, affirmed that the bank was spearheading the noble project in the state because Lagos State has been known to be successful in driving sports initiatives. 

She said the bank has a sustainability plan to organise the programme yearly in a bid to identify, and mentor the winning youths over a long period of time to become medallists in international competitions.

Heritage Bank will be hosting over 200 public and private schools with about 6,000 students competing across all local government areas of Lagos State in the maiden event. The competition which will take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and Rowe Park Sport in Yaba will feature various sporting activities like basketball, athletics, handball, table tennis, swimming, track and field events among others.

Unity Bank Introduces UnityBiz Account to drive the SME franchise

 

Unity Bank Plc. has introduced the Unity Biz Account as part of its bouquet of SME offerings aimed at supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The SME space is a key market focus for the Bank as it provides the platform that will enable it tap into the business opportunities in the segment which has been identified as being the fulcrum of economic growth in the country.

The value proposition embedded in the UnityBiz current account lies in the fact that structured businesses in the SME space are able to access both the asset and liability side of the product at concessionary rates, which benchmark the best pricing offered in the industry.

The SME target market includes Retailers, Social Services, Schools, Contractors, Professional Service firms, Wholesalers, Manufacturers, Hospitality, NGOs, Clubs and Associations, Suppliers and the Agri-business value chain. The purpose is to offer the SME product that offers unbeatable value.

The UnityBIZ current account is also bundled with the Business Debit Card; a Verve- card which allows a maximum of five cards per SME such that each card can be programmed with separate transaction dynamics.

Unity Bank also offers SMEs financial advisory services as well as a free quarterly counseling and networking sessions to guide businesses that subscribe to the Unity Biz scheme.

Financial products analysts are of the opinion that Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, manufacturing, retail as well as wholesale segments of the market stand to benefit from the Unity-Biz product.

Unity Bank, a major promoter of agro-businesses, expects that agro-allied and packaging companies keying into the on-going diversification efforts of both federal and state governments will find the Unity-Biz account useful as a supporting tool for their operations.​

#WorldFoodDay2016: Let’s Take Action against Malnutrition, Hunger

When it comes to hunger , the only acceptable number is Zero.

On October 16, people around the world will come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger in our lifetime. The theme for this year’s World Food Day; “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too” is aimed at tackling one of the biggest issues related to climate change - food security. 

The worlds poorest - many of whom are farmers, fishers and pastoralists - are being hit hardest by higher temperatures and an increasing frequency in weather-related disasters. At the same time, the global population is growing steadily and is expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050.
 
To meet such a heavy demand, agriculture and food systems will need to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and become more resilient, productive and sustainable. This is the only way that we can ensure the wellbeing of ecosystems and rural populations and reduce emissions.

FoodClique Support Initiative a hunger relief NGO leading the fight against hunger in Nigeria will be joining notable hunger NGO such as Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Ending Hunger, ONE, 7billion, World Food Programme (WFP), Global FoodBanking Network (GFN), etc. in celebrating World Food Day.

To mark this year’s event a Symposium will be held on Saturday 15th October, at 302A, Murtala Muhammed Way, Yaba Lagos by 1pm to discuss the theme – “Climate is Changing, Food and Agriculture must too”, and other pertinent issues as it concern Hunger in Nigeria. 

We also hope to launch in conjunction with Amplify Digital Agency  ‘The Social Meals’ A platform that uses our social media timelines to provide meals for less privileged children and families. 

On Sunday 16th October, there will be an outreach at the Makoko community, where we hope to provide nutritious meals to many disadvantaged families and children. 
 
We hope to reach as many families as possible on the day and we hope the action and advocacy against chronic hunger will receive a louder voice.
 
If you are interested to volunteer and help feed a child, please send a mail to info@foodcliquesupport.org or call FoodClique on 07089374896.

“An estimated 617,000 children in northeast Nigeria are suffering from acute malnutrition.”

The ICON celebrates at 3, launches Foundation

The ICON Publications, publishers of The ICON and The ICON Online, will be rolling out the drums to mark its third anniversary in grand style on Sunday, 30th October 2016. 

According to the managing director of The ICON Publications, Mr. Julius Akpovire-Enyeh, some of the highlights of the event billed to take place at 10 Degrees Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos are the launching of The ICON Foundation and the unveiling of The ICON's special edition.

“Three years ago, we began a journey which we knew would re-order the shape of Nigerian journalism and reportage in a positive way. We set out with a mission to affect our society with a balanced view in all our news items.

“Our professionalism has led us this far, and The ICON now bestrides the newsstands as a colossus,” Mr Akpovire-Enyeh said about the publication.

The special guest of honour for the event is His Excellency, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, executive governor of Delta State, while the chairman of the occasion is Prof. Osasere Faradey Orumwense, the vice chancellor of University of Benin. Dr Abraham Nwankwo, the director-general of the Debt Management Office (DMO) is expected to be the guest of honour. 

The event will be anchored by comedian Okey Bakassi and MC Danni B.

The ICON Foundation is a non-governmental initiative aimed at giving back to the society through reaching out to the less-privileged. The foundation intends to support this set of people academically through the provision of necessary materials and finance to facilitate their education.

The ICON special edition which will be available on the newsstands after the event is an all-gloss, all-colour publication with a potpourri of society, human angle, political and entertainment stories, most of which are not found anywhere else.

The ICON and The ICON Online, www.theicon.ng are currently leading credible Nigerian media platforms with the mission of bringing its readers accurate and reliable information without bias, about happenings within the nation and abroad.

NOLLYWOOD STARS STORM ABIA FOR BON CELEBRITY READING

As part of events leading up to the Best of Nollywood Awards 2016, some of Nigeria’s revered and renowned actors would storm Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Monday, October 24^th, for a reading and mentoring session with secondary school students. In the stellar line up of celebrity readers are Segun Arinze, Daniel K Daniel, Queen Nwokoye, Belinda Effiah, Saheed Balogun and Okey Bakassi. Others are Bimbo Akintola, Junior Pope, Fathia Balogun and Kannywood finest, Ali Nuhu. This year’s BON Awards is hosted by the Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu led-Abia State government. 

Aside the reading proper, to be led by the First Lady, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, the executive producer, BON awards, Seun Oloketuyi, said, there would be inspirational talks, photo ops and an autograph-signing session. “We look forward to an exciting time with the kids,” Oloketuyi quipped, adding, “As you well know, the celebrity reading session with secondary school students is the first of a variety of activities preceding the BON awards proper in December. The chosen celebrities are past winners and nominees of the BON awards. What we promise the lucky students is a life-changing opportunity to meet with their role models and favourite celebrities and hear directly from them time-tested success nuggets, tips they need to be better individuals.” Continuing, Oloketuyi said, more than anything else, he is always thrilled and humbled when celebrities leave all they are doing to be a part of the mentoring and reading session. 

For Nwokoye, a multiple BON awards recipient, “It’s always a thing of joy for me to talk to young people seeking direction in life. I believe that only the foolish would think that wisdom is something to keep locked in a drawer and only the fearful would feel empowerment is something best kept to oneself, or the few, and not shared with all. I don’t have the opportunity to do this all the time so, the BON celebrity reading offers just the right platform.”

Similarly, Arinze, who was appointed artistic director for the BON awards last year, said, “As a leader in my field, I hold fervently to the belief that leaders should influence others in such a way that it builds people up, encourages and edifies them so they can duplicate this attitude in others. What we would be doing on the 24^th in Abia goes beyond just reading, it is a character development session for the kids.”

Official Statement From Lai Muhammed On The Release Of Chibok Girls

TEXT OF A WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE, ALHAJI LAI MOHAMMED, ON THE RELEASE OF 21 CHIBOK GIRLS, ON THURSDAY, OCT. 13TH 2016, AT THE OBASANJO HALL, FEDERAL SECRETARIAT, ABUJA.

Gentlemen of the press, good afternoon. We have called this press conference at a very short notice to brief you on the latest development in the saga of the abducted Chibok Girls.

2. We can confirm that 21 of the girls were released, safely, to us by 5.30 this Thursday morning and they were flown to Kaduna from the location of their release. This is the most glaring manifestation to date of the unwavering commitment of Mr. President to secure the safe release of the girls and reunite them with their families. It is also a result of the round-the-clock efforts by the Administration to put a closure to the sad issue of the kidnap of the girls.

3. We expect the released girls to land in Abuja shortly. Ahead of their arrival, we have assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, trauma experts, etc to properly examine the girls, especially because they have been in captivity for so long. They will also be adequately debriefed. We have the list of the 21 girls but we are now contacting their parents as part of the necessary verification exercise. As soon as that is concluded, we will release the names to the public.

4. Gentlemen, as we have always said, we have been working on the safe release of the girls and following all the leads available. In this instance, the moment we had a credible lead, Mr President gave the green-light to the DSS to pursue it. We can confirm that the DSS pursued the lead in collaboration with a friendly European country and a renowned international humanitarian organization. The DSS was supported by the military.

5. As soon as the necessary confidence was built on both sides, the parties agreed on the date and the location of the release of the 21 girls. Please note that this is not a swap. It is a release, the product of painstaking negotiations and trust on both sides.

6. We see this as a credible first step in the eventual release of all the Chibok Girls in captivity. It is also a major step in confidence-building between us as a government and the Boko Haram leadership on the issue of the Chibok Girls.

7. We want to thank all Nigerians for their support and for never losing confidence in the ability of Mr. President to secure the safe release of our Chibok Girls.

8. Gentlemen of the press, I thank you all for your kind attention

Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja
Oct. 13th 2016

Official Statement From Lai Muhammed On The Release Of Chibok Girls

TEXT OF A WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE, ALHAJI LAI MOHAMMED, ON THE RELEASE OF 21 CHIBOK GIRLS, ON THURSDAY, OCT. 13TH 2016, AT THE OBASANJO HALL, FEDERAL SECRETARIAT, ABUJA.

Gentlemen of the press, good afternoon. We have called this press conference at a very short notice to brief you on the latest development in the saga of the abducted Chibok Girls.

2. We can confirm that 21 of the girls were released, safely, to us by 5.30 this Thursday morning and they were flown to Kaduna from the location of their release. This is the most glaring manifestation to date of the unwavering commitment of Mr. President to secure the safe release of the girls and reunite them with their families. It is also a result of the round-the-clock efforts by the Administration to put a closure to the sad issue of the kidnap of the girls.

3. We expect the released girls to land in Abuja shortly. Ahead of their arrival, we have assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, trauma experts, etc to properly examine the girls, especially because they have been in captivity for so long. They will also be adequately debriefed. We have the list of the 21 girls but we are now contacting their parents as part of the necessary verification exercise. As soon as that is concluded, we will release the names to the public.

4. Gentlemen, as we have always said, we have been working on the safe release of the girls and following all the leads available. In this instance, the moment we had a credible lead, Mr President gave the green-light to the DSS to pursue it. We can confirm that the DSS pursued the lead in collaboration with a friendly European country and a renowned international humanitarian organization. The DSS was supported by the military.

5. As soon as the necessary confidence was built on both sides, the parties agreed on the date and the location of the release of the 21 girls. Please note that this is not a swap. It is a release, the product of painstaking negotiations and trust on both sides.

6. We see this as a credible first step in the eventual release of all the Chibok Girls in captivity. It is also a major step in confidence-building between us as a government and the Boko Haram leadership on the issue of the Chibok Girls.

7. We want to thank all Nigerians for their support and for never losing confidence in the ability of Mr. President to secure the safe release of our Chibok Girls.

8. Gentlemen of the press, I thank you all for your kind attention

Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja
Oct. 13th 2016

Aso Rock Confirms Release of 21 Chibok Girls

STATE HOUSE STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF 21 CHIBOK GIRLS

It is confirmed that 21 of the missing Chibok Girls have been released and are in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS. The Director-General of the DSS, Malam Lawal Daura has just briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the matter. 

The release of the girls, in a limited number, is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and Boko Haram, brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government. The negotiations will continue.

MEMBERS OF IMN KILLED IN KADUNA AND FUNTUA

Today Wednesday 10th Muharram, 1438 (12/10/16) was commemorated as Ashura in major cities across Nigeria by the Islamic Movement, but was however attacked by a combined force of security agents and some others dressed as hoodlums as well as paid thugs escorting them, resulting in  deaths in Funtua, Sokoto and Kaduna of at least 13.

The procession of the martyrdom of Imam Husain started in Funtua, Katsina state peacefully, but was later stopped by a team of policemen who were drafted to the scene to forcibly stop the march. After firing teargas canisters on the procession, the police opened fire with live bullets killing nine instantly and injuring about 20 others. There are reports that they went with some victims.

In Kaduna, the peaceful Ashura procession was concluded without any incident. However,  armed paid thugs attacked some members of IMN on their way to their various homes injuring them. This was followed by torching of Islamic Centre of IMN at Tudun wada Kaduna and subsequent demolition  by a combined team of policemen and the Army. Three members of the Movement were killed there. 

The story was similar in Jos, Plateau state, where armed soldiers brutally attacked the Ashura procession, then proceeded to invade the Islamic Centre belonging to IMN, making some arrests while threatening to demolish the worship complex.

Nevertheless, peaceful Ashura processions were conducted in Katsina, Yola, Potiskum,  Suleja, Bauchi, Gombe, Lafia and Kano among many towns. In Kano though, the police arrested some Musulim sisters of IMN on their way to their various homes. These have been taken to Bompai police headquarters. A number of arrests were also made in Kaduna and were arraigned before the Shariah Court Daura road. These were sent to prison. 

We are following developments and Will update as appropriate.

SIGNED BY
IBRAHIM MUSA 
PRESIDENT MEDIA FORUM OF IMN 

NINE KIDNAPERS OF CBN GOVERNOR’S WIFE ARRESTED AND LOOT RECOVERED

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NMP, mni, is committed in ensuring that all forms of crime, fear of crime and particularly kidnap for ransom and other violent crimes are brought to the lowest ebb throughout the country.

Similarly, the IGP is determined in making sure that all those who are engaged in kidnappings, abductions and armed criminal activities will not escape Justice. To this end, the Nigeria Police will galvanize all available resources at its disposal to make sure miscreants, hoodlums and deviants have their day with the law.

Against this background, the IGP had ordered the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and other tactical teams to swing into action to rescue Mrs. Margret Emiefele, the wife of the Central Bank Governor unhurt and apprehend all those remotely or directly responsible for the dastardly act.

It will be recalled that Mrs Margret Emiefele and three of her aides were abducted on 29/9/2016 at Oquneki Hills along Benin-Agbor road, in Delta State.

Consequent upon deployment of Intelligence Platform, Mrs. Emiefele and her aides were rescued on 30/9/ 2016 unhurt and they have since been reunited with their families after debriefing.

Subsequently the following suspects were arrested and exhibits listed were recovered from them

SUSPECTS:

i.             Lance Corporal  Musa Maidabra ‘M’ 28 years

ii.           Lance corporal Edwin George ‘M’

iii.         Ernest Anthony Uduefe ‘M’ 32 years (dismissed Soldier)

iv.         Mohammed Abubakar A.K.A Dogo ‘M’ 29 years (Gang leader)

v.           Mohammed Musa ‘M’ 26 years

vi.         Mohammed Sule ‘M’ 26 years

vii.        Ibrahim Abdullahi ‘M’ 30 years

viii.      Aliyu Musa ‘M’ 30 years

ix.         Mohammed Yusuf ‘M’ 36 years

 

EXHIBIT:

i.              Fourteen million seven hundred and twenty five thousand naira (# 14, 725,000)

ii.           Three Vehicles (Two Honda cars and an Audi car).

iii.         1 AK 47 magazine and two cartridges

 

i.             NA/65/7115 LANCE CORPORAL MUSA MAIDABARA: The suspect is a   30 year old native of Katau Village in Billiri LGA of Gombe State. A Lance corporal with the Nigerian Army serving at 122D30 Regiment in Maiduguri, Borno State, he was arrested for the active role he played in the kidnap. Upon his arrest, he made a confessional statement to the Police admitting to be part of the gang that kidnapped and collected ransom from the victim’s family. In the course of investigation into the crime, a Jeep worth one million five hundred thousand naira and a sum of four million naira which was his own share of the ransom money was recovered from his possession. It was also discovered that he, in company of NA/65/6582 Lance Corporal Edwin George and one Ernest Anthony Uduefe, a dismissed soldier, while dressed in Army Uniform, escorted some of the kidnappers and the ransom money in a maroon colour Audi car out of the forest where they had kept the victim, to Benin City, Edo State.

ii.           NA/65/6582 LANCE CORPORAL EDWIN GEAORGE: A native of Otukpo town, Otukpo LGA of Benue State. He is personnel of the Nigerian Army serving at 122D Regiment in Maiduguri, Borno State. As earlier mentioned, he was part of the trio that escorted the ransom money to Benin City Edo State. A Honda car worth one million one hundred thousand naira (1,100,000) which he used part of his loot to purchase was recovered from him. The suspect was arrested on 05/10/2016 at about 1300hrs in his home town.

iii.         ERNEST ANTHONY UDUEFE:  The suspect is 32 years old, he is a native of Igbuku village, Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State. He also volunteered a confessional statement to his involvement in the crime. Investigation revealed that he also bought a Honda car worth one million five hundred thousand naira (1,500,000) and furnished an apartment in Benin City Edo State within 48hrs of the kidnap incident. The sum of one million five hundred thousand naira in cash and the said Honda car was recovered from him.

iv.         MOHAMMED ABUBAKAR A.K.A DOGO: The suspect is 30 years of age. He is a native of Mubi town, in Mubi LGA of Adamawa State and the leader of the group. He confessed to the crime and admitted that he received the sum of eleven million naira (11,000,000) in cash from the ransom paid. The suspect however, claimed to have given one Danjuma who is presently on the run, the said sum to keep for him.

v.           MOHAMMED MUSA: The suspect is 26 years old and hails from Yabo LGA of Sokoto State. He also volunteered a confessional statement admitting that he is a member of the gang and also, that he received the sum of ten million naira (10,000,000) from the ransom paid. He sustained bullet wounds after a gun duel with the Police while trying to leave the forest where they had kept the victim. The cash sum of seven million seven hundred thousand naira (7, 700,000) was recovered from him. Useful information was gotten from him that led to the arrest of other gang members.

vi.         MOHAMMED SULE: He is 26 years old and a native of Awe village in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State. The suspect confessed to have received ten million naira (10,000,000) in cash as part of his share of ransom paid and claimed a soldier and a gang leader escaped with the loot.

vii.        IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI: He is a 30 year old native of Fondogeri LGA of Niger State. He admitted to have received ten million naira (10,000,000) in cash as part of his share of the ransom money.

viii.      ALIYU MUSA AND MOHAMMED YUSUF: 29 year old Aliyu Musa and 36 year old Mohammed Yusuf were arrested for their involvement in the kidnap incident based on information availed the Police by Mohammed Musa one of the aforementioned suspects. They are being investigated further on the roles played by the two in the commission of the crime.

The Nigeria Police Force will continue to limit the capacity of kidnappers and other criminals to disrupt the quality of life of Nigerians by the deployment of adequate manpower and resources in crime reduction, detection and effective prosecution of offenders in courts of competent jurisdiction.

The curtailment of the activities of kidnappers in our communities will be ultimately successful through the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders. There must be collective ownership of law enforcement.

It is instructive to mention that money or ‘ransom’ is sometimes used as a bait or bargaining chip to save the lives of the victims of crime which is primary to security operatives.

It is also absolutely important to mention that the Police do not and will not encourage payment of ransom. The relatives of victims of kidnap for ransom are strongly advised to exercise considerable caution to succumb in payment of ransom. It is inherently counterproductive. At all times of kidnap scenario, it is pertinent the Police are involved and trusted.

KIDNAPPERS OF SOME RESIDENTS OF ISHERI, LAGOS STATE ARRESTED.

IGP Reads Riot Act to Kidnappers

The invigorated Intelligence Response Team (IRT) under the auspices of the office of the Inspector General of Police launched a massive onslaught on the kidnappers of some residents of an estate in Isheri area of Lagos state. This yielded prompt result as the hoodlums were eventually arrested.

This feat was achieved as a result of due diligence and intelligence led policing exhibited by members of the Force and the zeal shown by public spirited citizens to rid our society of crime.

It will be recalled that some residents of an Estate in Isheri area of Lagos state were kidnapped on 27/09/2016 and were subsequently released by their abductors.  The following suspects were arrested by the team:

i.             Natei Okunna ‘M’ (gang leader)

ii.            James Kegbe ‘M’ a.k.a JJ

iii.           ThankGod Segede ‘M’

iv.            Trust Bourdilon ‘M’.

The suspects were arrested at different locations where they had gone to spend their share of the ransom. They, in the course of investigation, volunteered confessional statements admitting their involvement in the kidnap incident.

The Inspector General of Police wishes to restate the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fight crime, especially the prevalent scourge of kidnapping to a bearable and tolerable state. He urges Nigerians to always be law abiding and to see themselves as stakeholders in this noble cause.

CNS VISIT TO NAVAL OUT POST LAKE CHAD

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral IE Ibas undertook an on the spotassessment on the ground at the Naval Out Post Lake Chad (NOP) situated on theoutskirts of Baga Town.

The CNS inspected the temporary, accommodation site at the College ofFresh Water Fisheries at Baga as well as facilities at the temporary site at the FishDam some 8km North East of the College.

On arrival at Baga the Chief of the Naval Staff was received by the GOC 8Div Brig Gen Nani as well as the Commander 7 Special Task Force Brigade, BrigGen   Saram.   The   CNS   was  briefed  on   current   activities   in  the   general  area   ofoperation by the  Commander Special  Task Force Brigade as well as the  ComdNaval Out Post Lake Chad Navy Captain DD Dangwel.

The CNS was informed that the BHT had been routed out of their last stronghold of Malamfatori while pockets of their elements were said to be on isolatedislands on the Lake Chad.

At the NOP site the Chief of the Naval Staff was received by Alhaji ModuAlhaji Musa who is the Chief of Staff to His Excellency Alhaji Kassim Shettimathe Executive Governor of Borno State. The Chief of Staff informed the Chief ofthe Naval Staff that the area used to be a trading base with links to Chad wereseveral forms of commodities were traded. He  on behalf of the state and local community welcomed the Navy to the community and was hopeful that in synergywith other security agencies that the Nigerian Navy would eliminate the reminantsof the BHT on the Islands and restore it to its former position as a cross bordertrading post.

The   Commander   Naval   Out   Post   Lake   Chad,   Captain   Dangwell   alsoinformed   the   CNS of   the wanton destruction that had taken  place   in   the arearesulting to the disruption of not only essential support facilities but also all formsof telecommunications.7. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral IE Ibas noted that the approachto the Naval Out Post was challenged by very sandy terrain and requested the stateto   kindly   assist   in   making   it   motorable.   The   Chief   of   the   Naval   Staff furtherensured the community that the NN would help improve security as well as providecertain immediate reliefs including medical care. Having had a successful tour ofthe area the CNS in company of the Theatre Commander, OPERATION LAFIADOLE Maj Gen LEO Irabor departed the Baga area by helicopter at about 1230hrsfor Maiduguri.

Earlier on the CNS had been briefed by the Comd OPERATION LAFIADOLE on the general security challenges in the North East. The CNS also paidcourtesy calls on the State Government and the Shehu of Borno.      

Obiora 2016: Chidoka Urges Ndi Igbo to be Proud of their Culture

…Calls for Synchronization of New Yam Festivalcelebration.

Former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC and Ex-Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka has called on Igbo people across the globe to be proud of their cultural heritage and join hands for its promotion as well as development of Igbo land.

Chidoka made the call last Sunday during the Obiorah Ike Obsi ceremony, a feasting event that heralds the New Yam Festival of the Obosi people. It was at that ceremony that Chidoka fed 5000 children, in a dramatic ceremony in line with the customs of the Obosi people.

Boys and girls, men and women, even spirits, in the form of masquerades came to partake in the feasts.

According to Chidoka who spoke with journalists, the Igwe Obosi, who is the king had held his own Obiora the previous day, to give leeway to citizens of the community to celebrate. Hear him; "In the community, Obiora Igwe happens on Saturday, and the following date, the Ndi Ichie hold theirs in their various families. So it’s our cultural arrangement. So if you go round Obosi today, the various Ndi Ichie are at home holding their Obiora”.

Explaining further about the importance of the festival,Chidoka revealed; "Yam is at the centre of Igbo economy. The Igbo economy was at one time defined by yam, so every man that is strong is known by the size of his barn. So you hear the story from Chinua Achebe's 'Things fall Apart', so you hear the story of Unoka as the lazy man who did not go out to tend to his farm.

He continued; "We remember Okonkwo starting off his life, and the first gift he got was seedlings from his uncle so that he can become a farmer. And when he borrowed those seedlings there was a great famine in the town and he lost a lot of yam that year. 

So yam has always been a defining ingredient between the rich and the poor, the hard-working and the strong. Yam is so essential in the quality of igbo life, it made it possible that Igbo people learnt to be industrious very early, because to plant yam, you need to plant at the right time. 

"You need to dig, and put a stick to manage the tendrils to grow well. When it's time for harvesting, you need to be patient. You have to harvest it gently in order to bring it out from the ground. Any attempt at being fast, lazy or doing it haphazardly will lead to breaking the yam. So the process of yam farming ensures that Igbo people have a natural instinct to industriousness, and that is the reason why during the slave trade era, many Igbos were taken to those colonies where they planted tobacco. Tobacco planting is almost like yam planting. It's something you have to tend very gently. 

"So you find that the Igbo slaves were very adept at the plantations. So if you go through Virginia, South Carolina, Igbo slaves abounded. This was because they were found to be the people who had the temperament, the industry and the hard working ability to manage the tobacco crop. So yam has always been a defining crop for the Igbo. It is our estimation of wealth, and in today's world, yam still symbolizes our hard work, our industry and our attitude to agriculture". He said.

Although the New Yam festival is celebrated in every community of the Igbo nation, each community has it’s unique qualities that stands it out from the other. 

The Obosi for instance, celebrate children, and after cutting roasted yam brought to him, with red palm oil garnished with pepper, ukpaka, dry fish and other delicious delicacies of the Igbo people, Chidoka set to work.

Ike Obosi (strength of Obosi) as he is fondly called by his people then invited all the children present to feed them. This act is reminiscent of the feeding of the 5000 by Jesus Christ, because, as soon as that call was made, thousands of children flooded the podium.

It took the joint effort of some able bodied young men to organize them and compel them to stand in three lines and wait to receive the piece of yam dipped in palm oil. Each took his and ate with delight as he or she walked away. 

The other teeming guests, who are in consonance with the tradition waited until the kids have eaten.

After the feeding of the children, different types of delicacies were served and everyone began to eat. Chidoka also showed his dancing abilities as he stood up several times and danced with the different masquerade and dance groups.

The Igba Araba and Ajugwu musical groups featured prominently among those who played. Great masquerades like the Ajo Ofia, from whose head fire burned was also among the entertainers that thrilled.

Speaking on the importance of the event, an elated Chidoka who was sweating as well as he was happy said; "Every human being has an identity, and once you have an identity, you have a culture. I am first and foremost an Obosi man, an Igbo man and a Nigerian. All of these are what I call our various categories and I make sure that every time in my life, I affirm my own identity and my consciousness. So as an Igbo man, I am very proud and happy to be Igbo. I want to be able to accentuate and project all that is positive about Igbo. In our interactions with the rest of the country, I feel a certain generational burden to reinterpret Nigerians to Ndi Igbo, and interpret Ndi Igbo to Nigerians. This is because there are lots of misconceptions about who we are, and why we are the way we are. But understanding our history and culture will enable people understand us and build a better Nigeria". 

He also threw more light on the history of his town; "Obosi has an old traditional institution. When the Eze Chima clan migrated from Asaba down to Onicha, part of then came into Obosi, and founded the traditional institution that we have today that its over 400 years old. So the first Eze in Obosi, Eze Shine was the first Obosi man to rule the land and that was about 400 years ago. This is the history of our people and ndi ichiec which is a significant aspect of our culture".

"Ndi ichie represents families and quarters in the cabinet of the Eze Obosi. So, the new yam festival is when we consider our harvest season. We consider it the New Yam festival. When we bring the mind of the whole community together, when we forgive our enemies, when we remove all forms of violent and regenerate ourselves for the next planting season. So it is called Obiora in Obosi because it is just the iwa ji that is the significant thing there, it is the period of regeneration which is the significant thing in our culture".

The former Minister of Aviation offered advice on how Igbo culture can be advanced; "I think that the whole idea of culture and tourism is something that we are taking for granted in South East. I think that Anambra state can actually restructure the new yam festival and synchronize it as something that happens simultaneously within the period of one month so that people who visit Anambra during this period will know that they will see masqueradeand new yam festival at least for four weekends beginning from September all through October. 

State Government should work towards establishing that event as a significant portion of our culture. So you know that if you are in Anambra this time, it will be a time to celebrate and visit various towns. Visiting home must not be during burials only, so when the new yam festival is synchronized we will have a whole month of celebration in the state, he added.

"Tourism is critical to every society, society itself needs to improve to offer something to the tourist".

The new yam festival however turned political, whengroups and stakeholders in attendance called on Chidoka to join the race for Anambra State governorship position in 2017 so as to fix the state from what they called its present state of underdevelopment.

Speakers who made remarks at the event insisted that Chidoka was ripe for the governorship of the state and that he should not deny the state of his sterling performance.

A political organization, G32 first caused a stir when they stormed the arena with a banner announcing the entrance of the former FRSC boss in the Anambra governorship race, and was applauded by all.

Another group, Dozie Anambra Initiative who were also at the event announced that no time was better for Chidoka to join the race than now that the state needed to be salvaged from bad leadership.

The secretary of the group, Mr Obi Okpala in an interview with journalists said the group was at the event to persuade Chidoka to reconsider his hard stance and join the race to salvage Anambra with his Midas touch.

Okpala said Chidoka has proven his leadership capacity both at FRSC and as the minister of Aviation, and that he should be given the chance to fix the state once and for all. He said some of Chidoka’s advantages over other contenders is that he is young, and has proven himself beyond doubt to be an achiever.

Earlier in an interview, Chidoka admitted that Anambra State needed a fresh hand to steer the state off the hard times being experienced in the country today.

He however admitted that he has severally been prodded by various stakeholders in the state to join the race with a view to giving it purposeful leadership, while admitting that he was waiting for God to direct his steps and would not hold back if urged to.