Graphic photos: UNIPORT Student killed in student's protest

A student of the University of Port Harcourt named Peter Ofurum and said to be the Faculty president of Management Sciences, (pictured above) was allegedly shot dead by the police during a protest by the students this morning over the increment in school fees and the "no school fees-no examination" policy of the school

The students allege that police officers brought in to maintain law and order, fired gunshots which hit the deceased, killing him. Angry students have started destroying school properties and properties of resident lecturer in protest of his death. The school has since been shut down. Photo of the deceased after the cut...

Witness--- Jonathan Demanded Metuh's Corporate Bank Account To Pay Some Money

The defence of the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, spokesman has finally commenced at an Abuja Federal High Court with the presentation of it’s first witness.
The defence witness, Ike Abonyi, a journalist and Public Relations Consultant with a 28-years working experience in his testimony informed the court how former President, Goodluck Jonathan demanded for a corporate account from Metuh which some amount was paid into.

Abonyi said, “the President told Metuh to bring a corporate account to him for immediate mobilization.”

“I’m aware as a journalist that funding of publicity comes from the leader of the party mainly.”

He said Metuh had engaged him and his services and that of a Public Relations consultant called CNC connect to repackage the image of the party.

Abonyi said, “Metuh called me to work with him when he won the election to occupy the position of the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, saying his new position has to do with the media and he had no knowledge of the media.

“In a bid to repackage the image of PDP, Metuh informed me that he would be engaging the services of a consultancy firm called CNC connect and together we made presentation to Jonathan.

”CNC had worked with former Chairman of the party, Ekewesileze Nwodo but had to withdraw their services because they are being owned by the party.

“Metuh, however told me that he had appealed to CNC connect that they would work with him due to their good job. He appealed to CNC connect that he would want them to continue where Nwodo stopped. They said they were willing to return but the party was owing them and this, Metuh agreed to push their case.

“Following their presentation in a meeting, Metuh promised to meet them but at that time, there was no resources to engage them but we promised to get funds from the party.

“Eventually, the general election was fast approaching and Metuh approached me as the Executive Director of New Telegraph and requested he would need my full services this time, saying he would like if I can come in and work as a consultant to help him on the new challenge of improving the image of the party which was in bad shape and by virtue of his position all eyes were on him to come up with strategies ahead of the upcoming general election.

“When I joined him, Metuh told me that CNC connect will be needed and my response was CNC connect was too expensive as we can deal with other Public Relations firm but he insisted on CNC as the assignment was enormous and would rather go for the best. When I told him of funding, he said the general election was coming and the lack of fund in his department will soon be a thing of the past as the leader of the party will have no choice but to fund the party.

“Even when I tried to lure Metuh out of CNC connect, he reminded me that he had made a commitment and would not go out of it. We eventually called CNC connect to join the team of journalists, where he informed us that he had been given an assignment by the leader of the party, former President, Goodluck Jonathan to come up with strategy that would help the party win the forthcoming election.

“Metuh told us that the assignment given to him was also given to some other professionals and we should see it as a challenge and make sure that our own strategy prevails. The team anchored by CNC connect with PDP began the strategies meeting with Metuh presiding over most of the meetings. We all agreed that he had a good product to offer, but Metuh said we should wait for clearance from the Presidential villa for Presentation.

“One afternoon, he called me that he had just received a call from the National Chairman of the party that the President would be ready for presentation that night and all those involved were resident in Abuja except the Managing Director of CNC connect whom I called to take the next available flight for the presentation. Because he was already expecting the presentation, he took the next available flight to Abuja. Because he was coming in from Lagos, other members of the team went in one vehicle while Metuh carried the Managing Director of CNC in his vehicle. Upon arrival at the villa, only Metuh’s car was allowed to enter but they waited for us at the clearance point where we were ushered to a waiting room where Metuh left and entered another room and 15 minutes later, Metuh ushered us into a large parlour with the President, vice Senate President , National Chairman of the party, former governor of Cross River state, Liyel Imoke and some media aides including Reuben Abati all seated.

“When we entered, the MD of CNC connect was the first to speak from our team, after the presentation, the President requested for comments from the team which he later said were too hard on him, adding that he himself was not helping the matter with the way he was acting.

“At a point, Reuben Abati who saw our presentation as an indictment on him told the President that the situation was not bad as we portrayed but was overruled. After the presentation, the President requested comments from those seated. Peter Obi urged the president to mobilise our team before the commencement of the campaign, if not it would be difficult to win the election giving the difficult situation of the government at that time.

Following Obi’s comment, the President advised that all others that did presentation that night should collapse into Metuh’s team. At that point, the President commended Metuh but said the real job was out there.

” President told him to bring a corporate account to him for immediate mobilisation.”

“I’m aware as a journalist that funding of publicity comes from the leader of the party mainly.”

“After our presentation, we returned to our homes waiting to hear from Metuh on the outcome. One afternoon he told us that work will now start that the president said he should check his bank account that some money had been disbursed for the job.”
Cross examination is still in progress.

32yr old woman allegedly murdered by husband in Katsina over her inheritance money

Late Fatima Ibrahim was allegedly killed by her husband over the money she inherited from her father. Her lifeless body was discovered in bed, with blood trickling out from her mouth and bruises on her face at her residence. Until her death, the deceased, a 32-year-old mother of one was a teacher at Zubairu Pilot Primary school in Dutsinma town, Katsina State, where she teaches Basic Science

A Biology graduate of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, she was married to  Umar Manu, a staff of the Federal University Dutsinma, Information and Communication Department, from Zaria, Kaduna State and is the prime suspect in the case. The couple have a three-year-old son.

According to Daily Trust, late Fatima predicament began when her father, Alhaji Ibrahim Habibu died in December 2014 and she inherited his wealth. He was until his death a regional manager with a major bank in Sokoto.

Late Fatima’s uncle and spokesman of the family, Babangida Habibu said that since the death of her father, Manu was desperate to get his hands on Fatima’s share of the inheritance which was divided among late Alhaji Habibu’s children.

"On our part as family, we resolved to do all possible to protect his property, and committee was set up to share the inheritance appropriately, making sure accounts were opened for each and every one, with each share of money lodged within."

Habibu said about seven months back, his niece reported her husband’s changing attitude and the family had to intervene, and invited him along with his parents to resolve their issues. The deceased later came back with more complaints.

"It was at this point that she chose to move out to a new place, where he still visits on the pretence of wanting to see his son. Manu had earlier been threatening Fatima for a while, and even on that fateful day he called to ask her to make available N800,000 for him to settle some debts. Mark you, she had always tried to let him know that the money he assumes she had was not in her custody, but he never wanted to hear that."

The suspect visited the deceased at about 8:30pm on the day she was murdered. He entered the compound twice before he finally left after 11:00pm.

"But the next day, Fatima’s maid met her lifeless body on the bed and raised alarm, he said. Manu was nabbed and handed over to the police where he confessed to the murder of his wife.

State Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Usman, who confirmed the arrest of Manu, said investigation into the case is ongoing.

Source: Daily Trust

Court grants EFCC permission to arraign former Abia state gov, Orji Kalu over N5.6bn corruption case

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, permission to arraign former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu on May 16 over allegations of misappropriation of N5.6 billion while he was governor of the state.

According to Reports, EFCC in its charges filed against Kalu in 2008, alleged that he was involved in money laundering and illegal diversion of public funds to the tune of N5.6billion.

The fraud was allegedly perpetuated while Kalu was governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007.

Kalu was first arraigned in 2007 but his trial has been stalled over the years following court cases instituted by him, challenging the charges leveled against him by EFCC.

The Supreme court on March 18th dismissed Kalu's appeal challenging the EFCC. On May 16th, he will enter fresh plea to an amended 112-count charge dated ‎February 11, 2008.

In South India,Fireworks disaster at Kerala Temple kills 106 people

An explosion caused by fireworks during a religious festival at a temple in India yesterday killed about 106 people and hundreds more injured in the southern Indian state of Kerala according to reports.

P. T. Chacko, a spokesman for Chief Minister Oommen Chandy of Kerala, said that the fireworks display had been forbidden by officials in the coastal district of Kollam but that the temple festival organizers still used the fireworks anyway.

The explosions leveled several buildings, killing and injuring people according to a television interview by Fire officer at the scene, K.Hari Kumar. “Fragments of the building with huge pieces of burnt crackers were flying all over, “We all started scrambling for a safe place,” Mr. Rajendran, a 36 yar old local mason. The official statement said 75 bodies have been identified and 84 post-mortems had been conducted.

Source: Time of India

Navy-- Pirates abduct six Turkish crew off Nigeria coast

Pirates have attacked a Turkish cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria, kidnapping six crew members in a region increasingly hit by piracy in recent years, the Nigerian navy said on Monday.

“All the six Turkish crew members, including the captain of the vessel, the chief officer and the chief engineer, were abducted by the attackers,” Nigerian Navy spokesman, Chris Ezekobe told AFP.

The pirates attacked the vessel in the dead of night while it was steaming through the oil-rich Niger Delta, added the spokesman.

Ezekobe said the ship, a merchant tanker, was used for crude oil operations and the navy was working with Interpol and Nigeria’s secret police to secure the crew’s release.

Turkey’s Deniz News Agency said the ship, the M/T Puli, was owned by Kaptanoglu Shipping.

Both the kidnapped crew and those who remained on the ship, were “in good health”, the company was reported as saying.

It was unclear how many crew members were aboard, which was carrying chemicals, when it was attacked. Company officials said they have had no contact with the pirates.

Dirk Steffen, director of maritime security at the Denmark-based Risk Intelligence firm, said the vessel was en route from Port Gentil in Gabon to the Ivory Coast capital, Abidjan, at the time of the attack.

“The attackers had possibly already attempted to board another ship in the vicinity the previous day,”

“It is extremely busy outside the Niger Delta at the moment and we had three attacks against tankers before this one between April 7 and 10,” he said in an email.

North Korea sentence US student to 15 years in prison with hard labour for stealing propanganda material

 North Korea today, March 16 sentenced an American student, Otto Warmbier, to 15 years of hard labor for crimes against the state. The sentence was handed down by North Korea's Supreme Court.

Warmbier, a 21-year-old University of Virginia student, was detained in January for trying to steal an item bearing a political slogan from his hotel in the capital Pyongyang.

Warmbier, who is from the city of Wyoming in Ohio, said that his crime "is very severe and pre-planned."

"I entirely beg you and the government of DPRK for your forgiveness,” a tearful Warmbier said at a press conference in February. “Please, I’ve made the worst mistake of my life. But please act to save me."

Warmbier was arrested on January 2 after he was detained by immigration officials. Warmbier was returning to China after wrapping up a five-day tour to DPRK along with other tourists, according to the tour operator that arranged the trip.

There was no immediate confirmation by North Korean state media of the sentence which appeared to come just hours after veteran US diplomat Bill Richardson reportedly met with two diplomats from North Korea's UN office to press for Warmbier's release.

Source: Xinhua news/Reuters

Secondary School Leaver sentenced to 37 Years in prison for duping an American of $40m

Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja today convicted 19-year old secondary school leaver, Tobechukwu Igbokwe and sentenced him to 37 years imprisonment for defrauding an American the sum of $40million in an inheritance scam.

Tobechukwu was arraigned before the court on a 12- count charge bordering on forgery, conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretenses.

Justice Akapo found him guilty on all 12-counts and sentenced him accordingly. He was sentenced to 7 years on counts 1-8; 8years on count 9; 7years on count 10, 8years on count 11 and 7 years on count 12, making a cumulative of 37years imprisonment.

The sentence is to run concurrently with effect from October 28, 2013.

The court also ordered Tobechukwu to return the $40million as a restitution to the victim and forfeit a Toyota Corolla car, which is a proceed of the crime, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Tobechukwu was arraigned on Monday, October 28, 2013 and pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charges pressed against him. He later changed his plea to “guilty” and was convicted by Justice Akapo accordingly.

Before the conviction, the prosecuting counsel, Kayode Oni tendered various exhibits before the court which were all admitted and marked as such. However, defence counsel, D. A. Omougbai prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, since Igbokwe has shown enough remorse for the offences he committed. Tobechukwu Igbokwe (Alias David Prince) and his accomplice, Ifeanyi Obi were alleged to have duped an American: M. Silva, the sum of $40million in an inheritance scam.

Silva was made to believe that Igbokwe and his accomplice had a huge inheritance which they wanted to move to a foreign account for safe-keeping. The victim was asked to send money to “process” the transfer and in the process, he wired $40m in several installments through Western Union to Igbokwe. Igbokwe also confessed that he had duped other foreigners. Some of them are: T. Bedwell, $6,000 and R. Hunt $15,000.

Amsoun reconciles Awujale of Ijebuland and Alake of Egbaland

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state has intervened in the public quarrel between the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

Both paramount rulers were engaged in a dispute over ranking and supremacy in Yorubaland and Western Nigeria.

The Alake called the Awujale out to fight after he told visiting Ooni of Ife that he was the fourth ranked monarch in Western Nigeria, after the Ooni, the Alafin and the Oba of Benin.

He ranked Awujale fifth. Awujale, seized the inaugural lecture for a professorial chair at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, to state facts, in his own way. He said, to the anger of Alake and his chiefs, that the Alake’s dominion does not extend beyond Ake quarters in Abeokuta.

Amosun with the sparring kings behind closed doors

Amosun with the two monarchs

While answering questions from newsmen after the meeting, the governor said that the monarchs have come to discuss how peace and tranquility will continue to reign in the state.

“I don’t want you to go and write anything out of context. Yes, we are here, our fathers are here to see me. Of course, we deliberated on so many things. I’m sure you want to say what is happening.

“Indeed, nothing is happening. They came here to see the possibility of how to make sure we have peace‎ in the state, among so many other things that we did.

“Don’t forget that this would be the first time I would have the opportunity – I’ve shown my appreciation before for the 40th anniversary, so, it is an opportunity for me to still show that.
Something to cheer here: Oba Gbadebo smiles

“So, if you think that you want to ask that what is the outcome, outcome of what?. We have come here to deliberate and as always, it’s always a pleasure for me to have our fathers around here.

“There is nothing like ranking of Oba, we know ourselves. Our fathers, they have their ways, even, before the advent of all these colonials and what have you.

“We have ways of how we live in harmony and I think we will continue to do that. Don’t forget, and I’m saying this again with all due humility and sense of responsibility, that in the context of we Yorubas, we know our pre-eminent status.

The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland,Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona,Ogbagba II declined to speak with newsmen as he just said, “I want to say hello to you….there is no problem gentlemen, please. Thank you very much”.

In his own reaction about the meeting, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV spoke about his efforts to resolve the dispute between the striking workers and Ogun state government.

“I have come to see my governor for many things, including the strike action of the workers and I’m very sure they would go back to work very soon by the grace of God”, the monarch assured.

Osinbajo-- FG to provide 3 million jobs in the next 3 years

In a Facebook message posted on his wall this evening, VP Yemi Osinbajo said the Federal Government will provide 3 million jobs in the next three years starting from this year. He said the jobs will be provided in the Technology, Wholesale & Retail, Construction and Agro-allied sectors of the Nigerian economy. He also stated that this year alone, over 700,000 private sector jobs will be created, majority of which will be in the Agro-allied sector. Read what he wrote after the cut..


President Muhammadu Buhari and I are accountable to the Nigerian people.
The central focus of President Buhari's administration is the creation of jobs. Every proposed policy begins with "how many jobs can this policy create?"
Today, I received the Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan on job creation and youth employment in Nigeria jointly packaged by the Job creation Unit of the Presidency, and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG.

Three million jobs would be created in the country within three years starting in 2016 especially in Technology, Wholesale & Retail, Construction and Agro-allied sectors of the Nigerian economy.
This year alone, over 700,000 private sector jobs will be created, majority of which will be in the Agro-allied sector.

This private sector-led job creation plan is different from the direct government jobs planned by the Buhari presidency which includes the 500,000 teaching jobs for unemployed graduates.

We are not unaware that this process of job creation is slow but President Muhammadu Buhari's administration is addressing the constraints of regulatory and institutional delays in the business sector.

The Job Creation Unit was constituted at the behest of President Buhari to initiate the job creation plan. The National Economic Summit Group, private sector players, validated the plan and will be working together with the government to implement the job creation plans.

Together, we will get this right.
Together, Nigeria will prevail.

2016 budget passage still tentative to be laid before Senate thursday

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Abdullahi Sabi, says the 2016 budget will be laid before the Senate tomorrow for deliberation after which the decision for it to be passed will be taken. Sabi said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja today March 16th.

"I want to assure Nigerians that the 2016 budget will be laid in the senate chamber as promised by the chairman of the appropriation committee. With that the other processes that will take place, we will surely ensure that we meet up with the time as promised. So I want to put to rest any suspicion. Tomorrow, we are laying the budget which tells you that all the work that has to be done is done. Yes we told you that it should be passed by tomorrow, we will discuss it take clause by clause and give it that loud voice to say it’s ready. When you set a target, it is to allow you work hard to achieve the budget. By laying the budget is as good as passing the budget. I think we have done very well to get the budget laid by tomorrow. We drive the key policies of this government. To ensure there are job creations, small and medium enterprises will be empowered etc. When a budget is laid, the other things are just mere processes.‎”he said

Buhari Orders Security To Punish Sponsors of Rivers Killings

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Malabo condemned recent political violence in Rivers State, saying the killing of people over political differences was “primitive, barbaric and unacceptable”.
“We will deal decisively with all sponsors of violence. I have given the security services clear directives in this regard,” the president said.
There has been an upsurge of violence in the oil-rich state ahead of National and State Assembly rerun elections on Saturday.

The All Progressives Congress, Mr. Buhari’s party, accuses the Peoples Democratic Party-led Rives government of sponsoring and stoking violence against its members.
Some APC members have been killed and beheaded. The government says the violence was a result of a supremacy battle by cultists.

In his first public comments about the growing violence in Rivers State, Mr. Buhari said, “We will show that violence in any form will no longer be tolerated before, during or after elections.”
He spoke at an interactive meeting with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea.

President Buhari said the Independent National Electoral Commission will be encouraged to explore the possibility of allowing Nigerians abroad vote in the 2019 general elections.
Noting that some African countries have started allowing their citizens resident abroad to vote in national elections, the president said he fully empathised with the desire of Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in national elections.

President Buhari pledged that he would therefore do all within his powers to fulfil that desire.
“I want all Nigerians to know that I respect them and their right to choose their leaders,” he said
The president also said that establishing a new national airline was not currently on the Federal Government’s list of priorities.

President Buhari declared that his administration’s main area of focus now was reducing the level of poverty in the country.

The president said that developing the infrastructure needed to boost production in all sectors of the economy and create more jobs for young Nigerians, as well as other actions that will directly improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians will continue to be prioritized by his administration.
President Buhari was responding to complaints by members of the Nigerian community about the absence of direct flights between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

The president assured them that his administration’s war against corruption will remain “fearless, relentless and merciless”.
“We will be merciless and relentless in pursuing all those who abused public trust. Nigerians will see how some of the elite conspired to run the nation down,” he said.

Former Head of Service arraigned in court, granted N10m bail

Former Head of Service during former President Jonathan's administration, Steven Oronsaye, was today granted bail in the sum of N10 million by the Federal High Court Abuja. Oronsaye is standing trial for a two-count charge of fraud and conversion of N190m meant for a government trust fund. He was arraigned by the EFCC this morning. See more photos of him in court today..

Kim Kardashian nude selfie mural in Melbourne

A Kim Kardashian nude selfie mural painted on Melbourne, Australia has already been defaced. It seems someone is not so impressed. Street artist Lushsux, a.k.a Mark Walls, posted a picture of the act of vandalism on his Instagram account, which shows the word "slut" scrawled in black letters across the painted body.

"This is why we can't have nice things," the artist captioned the photo. The three-story high mural recreation of the reality star's controversial nude selfie was painted on a Melbourne back alley wall on the night of March 12 by Lushsux. The street artist said he painted the provocative portrait for the attention

Swiss govt says-- In the last 10 years we have returned $723m Abacha loot

The Swiss government says it has so far returned $723 million (about N142.43 billion) of the Abacha loot to the Nigerian government over the last 10 years. According to Premium Times, the Swiss government made this known in a memorandum of understanding it signed with the Nigerian government on March 8th.

The repatriated funds is excluding the $321million (about N63.24 billion) which the Swiss authorities will be repatriated to Nigeria soon. The agreement, titled “Letter of Intent on the restitution of illegally-acquired assets forfeited in Switzerland,” was signed by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and the Swiss Head of Foreign Affairs Department, Didier Burkhalter.

President Buhari "Almost Moved To Tears"After Seeing How Trillions Of Naira Were Embezzled

Apparently believing that he had heard and seen the worst of how corrupt practices have brought Nigeria to her knees, President Muhammadu Buhari, last week, almost lost his cool when it was brought to his attention that a whopping $16 billion – at the official exchange rate of N196, this comes to N3.136 trillion; while, with the parallel market rate of N315, it comes to a whopping N5.04trillion) of the nation's crude oil revenue loss could be traced to some sharp practices by some individuals in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

The quantum of funds in question are revenue that ought to have accrued to the Federal Government of Nigeria through oil-lifting deals which are now subject of intensive investigations.

Specifically, one of the arrow heads of the crude oil lifting scam, who has been invited and interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at least twice before, has been granted administrative bail, and "who is alleged to be warehousing a sizable chunk of the money, drew the ire of Mr. President", an Aso Rock Presidential Villa source disclosed.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that even visiting South African President, Jacob Zuma, was caught in the cross winds of Buhari's reinvigorated mode of anti-corruption, as he ordered that every kobo of the stolen funds must be recovered.

Similarly, information suggests that the government of the United States of America is helping in the provision of intelligence on how to trace some of the stolen funds from Nigeria. Benin Republic and South Africa have both become safe havens for Nigeria's stolen funds investigations have revealed.

$16BILLION

Sunday Vanguard learnt that once the revelations were made to Buhari, he ordered that EFCC must ensure that the looted funds are recovered.

According to Aso Rock insiders, the funds were "supposed to be proceeds from some of the crude oil sold on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria by these people and for which they were said not to have made the necessary returns to the coffers of the country".

Continuing, one of the sources said: "You needed to have been there. You needed to have seen Mr. President. He was almost moved to tears at the colossal fraud that had taken place in the country.

"He became dejected because at a time when the nation's resources had gone down badly, at a time when the foreign reserves are also not as much as would be befitting of a nation with vast potentials, such a huge amount of money can be traced to the illegal activities of some people.

"But Mr. President has ordered that every kobo must be recovered. Whatever it takes, he has made it clear that those funds must be recovered."

Records of the oil-lifting schedules, timelines of transactions as well as proceeds that were meant to have accrued to government, the source said, "showed that some people just constituted themselves into a parallel government and were just making away with the nation's resources."

TRACING STOLEN FUNDS

Sunday Vanguard learnt that, as part of its bilateral agreement on intelligence sharing and anti-money laundering surveillance, the government of the United States is collaborating with the Buhari administration on how to trace some of the stolen funds domiciled in other countries – Benin Republic and South Africa have been identified as safe havens.

Part of the visit of South African President Jacob Zuma was said to be on the apparent reluctance "of the South African government to repatriate some funds stashed in the country."

It was discovered that whereas the Federal Government has relaxed its forex policy, there has been a heavy movement of cash (in dollars) from Benin Republic back into the system in Nigeria.

The simmering diplomatic row between Nigeria and South Africa, sources disclosed, has more to do with the seeming unwillingness of the South African government to repatriate alleged stolen funds that have been traced to that country.

"This was part of what President Zuma came to resolve with Nigeria during his visit last week," Sunday Vanguard said.

CBN to Introduce New Charges On ATM Cards, Cheques

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has proposed a N100 monthly charge on every debit card (ATM card) in the country.
The new charge is separate from the existing N65 charge after the third withdrawal within the same month.

A monthly maintenance fee of N100 was also proposed every month for a naira dominated debit card when used, and a N50 charge for other months when the card is used or not.
In its draft on the“guide to charges for banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria”, CBN has also proposed a N4,200-per-annum charge on foreign currency denominated cards as maintenance fee.

The apex bank has also proposed a N50 charge on every cheque leaflet obtained and used at the deposit money bank’s counter, The Cable reports.This is not the same as the collection charge on cheques, which is also proposed to be“one percent of cheque value or Naira equivalent of US $10 whichever is lower”.

The circular, signed by Kevin Amugo, director financial policy and regulation department, stated:

“The Central Bank of Nigeria is currently reviewing the extant Guide to Bank Charges, which came into effect on April 1, 2013,”

“The review, which is in line with the philosophy of periodically ensuring that the provisions of the guide accord with current realities, also seek to address complaints from customers of financial services, requests for clarification on provision of the guide and absence of a tariff regime for other financial institutions in Nigeria.

Photos: Olu of Warri visits Ambode, Oba of Lagos

Olu of Warri, Prince Godfrey Ikenwoli, Emiko Ogiame Ikenwole 1, who is presently in Lagos, paid a visit to the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu. See more photos after the cut....

Ese Oruru's abductor, Yunusa Dahiru arraigned in court

Yunusa Dahiru(pictured right) who abducted Ese Oruru from Bayelsa to Kano state last year, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State today March 14th.  According to Sahara reporters, Dahiru was charged with abduction, kidnapping, unlawful carnal knowledge and sexual exploitation on March 8, 2016.

During his arraignment today, the prosecuting counsel, Kenneth Dika, asked the presiding judge, Justice H. A. Nganjiwa, to approve a secret trial as the victim, Ese Oruru, was a minor and deserved the protection of the courts.

The defence counsel, Kayode Olaoshebikan, opposed the application, arguing that Ese's lawyers had already exposed her to the public and there was no need for a secret trial.

"Ordinarily the law allows for a secret trial, but you must give the court reasons. Our own contention is that the matter is already in the public domain. The prosecution created a media nightmare for the girl on their own. They dug the pit, they should wallow in it. Even if the court allows it, the media cannot be excluded from the trial, but our own contention is that what they are seeking to prevent has already been created by them from the onset before the trial.”he said.

The judge after hearing both arguments, adjourned the case to March 21st and ruled that Yunusa be remanded in prison custody until when judgement on his bail application will be given.

Dismissed Soldier Kills Girlfriend Over Text Messages

A former solider, identified as Sunday Umaru has been arrested by men of the Plateau State police command for killing his girlfriends after he saw some text messages on her phone.

Sunday, who served in the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, but attached to sector 7 of Operation Save Haven Jos (OPSH) allegedly, stabbed one Miss Charity Thomas in the stomach until she died around Riyom local government area of Plateau State.

Our correspondent gathered that the soldier was dismissed by the army on account of the action and handed over to the police for prosecution.

Parading the suspect before newsmen on Monday in Jos, the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Adekunle Oladunjoye said the suspect had invited the victim from Kaduna to stay with him, but while going through her phone saw some text messages from other men.

CP Oladunjoye said the suspect has been charged to court.

Also paraded by the Police boss was one Dabung David Dele who strangled to death, Nanchi Zakariya, a Psychology student of the University of Jos.

” The suspect on interrogation owned up to the crime,” he said,

“The case has been charged to court for Justice to prevail. “

Also paraded were four suspected kidnappers and a notorious car snatcher identified as Aqwan Moses from whom four cars were recovered.

“On 23rd of February 2016 at about 20.00hours, one Mambur Vongtau , the husband of Hauwa Bali now late went to her father’s house and lured her out of the compound and stabbed her on the right rib with a knife , thereafter , he used an axe to dismember her two hands, ” Oladunjoye said.

“He has confessed to the crime and the suspect will soon appear in court when the SCID investigating the case has completed the investigation .

“Similarly on the 28th of January 2016 , Police detectives from the SCID arrested one Godwin Banchir of Bassa LGA aged 34 years , who hit his mother , Saratu Banchir on the head to death over a disagreement between them , the case has been charged to court “.

Similarly, one Mary Bassey of Angwan Ceto, Zaira road and Solomon Sunday of Buyo village of Bassa LGA has been arrested in connection with fake currency circulating in Jos, Oladunjoye said.

During investigation, the suspects confessed that they were given the fake currency notes of different denominations by one Muhammed Jaafar of Isheme Lere LGA of Kaduna, who was subsequently arrested, the suspects during interrogation confessed to the crime and will soon be charged to court when investigation is concluded.

The CP called on members of the public to be weary and cautious about these dubious people as the fake currency notes have already being circulated by the criminals.

NNPC Under Jonathan Failed To Remit N3.2trn, Says Auditor-general

Auditor General of the Federation, Samuel Ukura has revealed that the NNPC under Goodluck Jonathan withheld N3.2 trillion ($16 billion) in revenues from the federal government in 2014, the auditor-general said on Monday, confirming claims by then Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Emir Sanusi Lamido.

Constitutionally, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) must hand over all oil revenue – which makes up about 70 per cent of total income – and money is then paid back based on a budget approved by parliament.

Ukura, who presented his findings in a report to lawmakers at the National Assembly, said other government ministries and agencies had also failed to remit funds, taking the total not passed on to 3.3 trillion naira for 2014.

No one at the NNPC could immediately be reached to comment or provide details of the amount remitted that year. According to the latest figures on OPEC’s website, Nigeria’s oil exports are worth about $77 billion a year.

Development in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer and largest economy, has been stunted by decades of corruption and mismanagement. President Muhammadu Buhari took office last year on an anti-corruption ticket.

Ukura’s report stated that it was based on an “examination of NNPC mandates to CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) on Domestic Crude Oil Sales and Reconciliation Statement of Technical Sub-committee of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in January 2014”.
“Amount not remitted to FAAC was N3,234,577,666,791.35,” the auditor-general said in his report.

In 2014, the then central bank governor, Lamido Sanusi, was suspended after accusing the NNPC of failing to pay $20 billion into government accounts between January 2012 and July 2013.

New Visa Rules To Study And Work In United States

International students now have the opportunity to work for three years after completing their education in United States.
The United States federal government changed rules for non-immigrant student visas on Friday, saying that international students will now be eligible to stay for three years after finishing their degrees for training potentially leading to employment and later Green Card.
This makes United States one of the best countries to study abroad when compared to other countries, like United Kingdom, which does not offer employment opportunities to International Students after completing their degrees.
This opportunity will be available for students who will complete their degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The new rule is seven months longer than old 17 month rule and will come in to effect on May 10, 2016. Extended time period will provide a successful transition from being an International Student to be an full-time American worker.

International students will have opportunity to try different jobs and discover how industry professionals across different sectors launched their careers in United States.
Here are some important points:
Only students who earned a degree from a school accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and certified by SEVP may apply for a STEM OPT extension.
Participating students who receive an additional qualifying degree from an accredited college or university can apply for a second STEM OPT extension.

Participating students can use a previously-earned qualifying degree to apply for a STEM OPT extension. The prior degree must not have already formed the basis of a STEM OPT extension and must be from a school that is both accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and certified by SEVP at the time of the student’s STEM OPT application. The student’s most recent degree must also be from an accredited and SEVP-certified institution.
Employers participating in STEM OPT must incorporate a formal training program that includes concrete learning objectives with proper oversight.

Employers and students must report material changes in their training program.
To guard against adverse effects on U.S. workers, terms and conditions of a student’s training opportunity – such as duties, hours, and compensation – must be on par with U.S. workers in similar positions in the same geographic area of employment. Additionally, the student must not replace a full-time, part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker.
Students must work a minimum of 20 hours per week per employer to qualify.
Students are permitted a limited period of unemployment during the initial period of post-completion OPT and the STEM OPT extension.

All STEM OPT employers must participate in DHS’ E-Verify program.
Three years is a long time and International Students will learn more about the American job market and gain valuable and practical tips on establishing a career in United State.
Most students find full-time job with a year after completing their degree and change their visa to H1-B, and later apply to Green-Card, which allows them to become American citizens.

Rotimi Amaechi Loses His Temper On A LoveFM Presenter Who Exposed His Hipocrisy

The Minister of Transport, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who is known for his more than stellar reputation to stir controversies and spill vitriols is on the news again, yet for another wrong reason.

The Minister who is in Rivers State ahead of the rerun elections scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016, had a complete meltdown, nearly lost his mind and walked off mid-broadcast during an interview at Love FM in the River’s State capital of Port-Harcourt.

Amaechi had said “I think Wike should resign because he has failed Rivers state. The insecurity in the state is alarming.”

Responding, the presenter said “Very interesting, Hon. Minister that you are calling for the resignation of Governor Wike. Would you also call for the resignation of President Buhari, since we all know that the security situation in the country has only got worse since he assumed office?”

The question posed by the presenter appears to have ridiculed Mr. Amaechi’s argument that Gov. Wike should resign, as it seemed to have either struck a chord or exposed Amaechi hypocritical dispositions on matters concerning his Governor and the President.

Shocked by the boldness of the presenter, Amaechi, lashed back at her for asking such a question, describing the question as “silly”.

He defended the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led government, by alleging that the security situation in the country has not gone worse, adding that he was on the platform to discuss Rivers state and nothing more.

“If you don’t have any other question to ask me, I get out of here. What kind of silly question is that? Who told you that the security situation has gone worse in Nigeria? I am here to discuss Rivers state,” he said.

The presenter quickly responded by stating that it was only a simple question.

She said, “…. you just called for the resignation of…”

Before she was done speaking, Amaechi interjected her saying, “Just shut up …..”

The horrified presenter later apologized to listeners for the minister’s crude behavior.

Mr. Amaechi seemed to be having excruciating political moment since the Supreme court affirmed the election of political arch-rival, Barr. Nyesom Wike as Governor of River’s State.

The former Rivers Governor has been going from one media house to the other throwing tantrums and making provocative remarks about Gov. Nyesom Wike and his associates, turning himself into an object of derision.

Mr. Amaechi’s remarkable ignorance about national affairs always gets him into trouble. And every time he tries to reassure, he digs the hole deeper.

Reacting, a public affairs commentator, Mr. Jeff Ossai said: “Amaechi is a very bitter man, and this is the very brand of bitterness that has led many politician into the abyss.”

Another commentator who spoke to THE WHISTLER Mr. Emeka Omuorah wondered why Buhari with all his goodwill before the election, trusted a man like Amaechi with a cabinet position, he said: “Why, at a moment when Nigeria desperately needs it’s best hands, would Buhari recruit the clowns?”

Sonia Ogbonna and Ooni of ife to Build A Tourist Resort In Ife

Sonia Ogbonna, the wife of Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna, announced that she has secured the deal to work with the Ooni of Ife to build a grand resort in Ife, Osun State.

Last week, she hinted on clinching the deal when she shared the photos from her visit to the Ife Palace during talks with the Kabiyesi on developing Osun State. Today, she shared new photos, confirming she got the deal and has started work with her team.

“What a man can do a woman can do (better),” she wrote, adding, “My amazing team and I working on building Ile Ife Grand Resort. This project will bring world to Nigeria, I promise! There is nothing we don’t have here #blessedLand Work hard for what you believe in.”

This will be the first recorded project the Colombian businesswoman and blogger will be executing in Nigeria.

Sonia and IK Ogbonna have one son together.

Kachikwu-- It’s Cheaper To Import Petrol Than Refine Locally

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has said that at the moment, importing Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, is cheaper than producing the product in the country’s refineries.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Kachikwu disclosed that until the upgrade and total refurbishment of the refineries are concluded, as well as ensuring that the pipelines are fixed, it would be uneconomic and very expensive to refine PMS locally.

He maintained that local refining of PMS would make much more economic sense if all the refineries undergo full set of repairs and Turn-Around Maintenance, TAM, and when new refineries are set up in the country through co-locative initiative. He said: “Most modern refineries are configured in such a way that your stock of PMS outage is a lot higher, 70 to 80 per cent. So when we do import the product, we actually save money; we get it less expensive than when we do it here.

“But having said that, the reality is that until we have alternatives in terms of co-locative refineries which we are looking at; until we finish the total refurbishment to improve and upgrade the refineries, it does not make sense to use it with some of the deficiencies. “This is because distribution is key.

If you have product in Kaduna for example, pumping into the north becomes easy as opposed to moving, as we do whenever we have a crisis – trucks all the way from Lagos and Oghara, out to the north.” Kachikwu further noted that even if the current set of refineries were working on a 100 per cent basis, they would only be able to account for 20 million litres of PMS per day, about 50 per cent of the country’s total consumption.

This means that the country would still resort to importation to meet up with the shortfall. He said: “The way the refineries are configured right now, and until a full set of repairs and TAM are done, they are configured on the basis of 50 per cent of PMS and 50 per cent other products.

So even if they were producing on a 100 per cent basis, which they are nowhere near producing right now, PMS output would be less than 20 million litres. Our consumption is closer to 40 million. So we will still have, literarily, 50 per cent gap.”

N1.5bn traced to account of ex-finance minister’s son

N1.5 billion has been traced to the account of the son of a former Minister of Finance, a bureau de change operator, Salisu Umaru has revealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The Nation reports that the identities of the former minister and his son were kept under wraps, ‘so as not to jeopardise the investigation’.

The N1.5 billion paid into the account of the minister’s son in two tranches, is reported to be part of the $2.1 billion diverted arms deal funds.

Salisu was quoted to have said that he never knew the purpose of the cash received from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
He was quoted to have said: “I was invited by EFCC and when I reported, I was shown my company’s account statement with Zenith Bank called Jabama Ada Global Nigeria Limited in which there was an inflow of N500million on 5/2/2015 and N1billion on 16/4/2015 into the account from the Office of the National Security Adviser.”

“On the inflow of N500million into my company’s account on 5/2/2015, I wish to state as follows : That on the same date(5/2/2015), I paid the equivalent of US$2,380,952 to the son of the minister, being the equivalent of the said N500million at the rate of N210 per dollar.”
“I do not know what he used the money for. My own business is to buy and sell dollars. It is only the minister’s son that can explain what the money was meant for. The minister’s son signed and collected the said N500million.”

“On the N1billion inflow into my company’s account on 16/4/2015, I wish to say the money was disbursed as follows: $1,000,000, being the equivalent of N220million; and $327,000 (equivalent of N72,600,000) were paid cash to the son of the minister while the sum of N704,400,000 was transferred to various accounts based on the instruction of the minister’s son. He gave some of the instructions through text messages. Some of the instructions were also received from the father.”
“I also want to state that I do not know what the N1billion was meant for and what it was used for.”

42 years old man slashes neighbour's throat over loud music

A 42 year old man, Thomas McIntyre slashed his neighbour's throat, 27 year old James Gunn, at his doorstep after complaining that the music from his housewarming party in his home in Glasgow was too loud and was keeping his child awake, according to the Daily Record reports.

The attack happened at James' apartment in October 2014. He had moved to the property just weeks before.
James said he heard a knock very early in the morning at his door, which he answered, he said McIntyre told him ‘the music is too loud... I have been banging down to tell you to shut up’.”

He said he apologized to McIntyre but didn't expect what happened next. He said:

“He swung the knife and I stepped back when I saw it coming towards me. “It got me on the neck from the jugular down the jawline.”

He said he managed to slam the door shut, but then slumped into the arms of a friend.
He said:

“I saw that there was a lot of blood, so I screamed for help. My friend wrapped a shirt around my neck to stop the bleeding.”

Fortunately, James survived the attempted murder, he was rushed to hospital and required a number of stitches including one to repair an artery.

McIntyre went on trial last week accused of attempted murder but he denied the charge, stating he was in bed at the time of the attack. He said he would never complain about his child being kept awake as she could “sleep in a nightclub”.

However, a jury convicted him after five people recognised him as the knifeman who attacked James.
The 42-year-old was remanded in custody and faces a lengthy jail term when he returns to the dock next month for sentencing.

Two Italians killed in Zimbabwe on anti-poaching patrol by a wildlife ranger

Two Italians,a father and son who lived in Zimbabwe were shot dead by a wildlife ranger while on an anti-poaching patrol in an apparent case of mistaken identity, a safari industry representative said Monday.
The two were killed in the Mana Pools national park in northern Zimbabwe on Sunday.

“Claudio Chiarelli, who was an accomplished professional hunter who brought European tourists to Zimbabwe, was accidentally shot with his son and they both died,” Emmanuel Fundira, head of the Safari Operators Association, told AFP.
“Claudio and some colleagues were on a trip with a parks anti-poaching unit when a ranger came from nowhere and shot at them while they were standing outside their vehicle.
“We understand it was a case of mistaken identity.”

Fundira said private individuals regularly assist the Zimbabwean parks department’s anti-poaching activities by providing logistical support for patrols.
An Italian embassy official, who declined to be named, said the Chiarelli, reportedly from Padua, had lived in Zimbabwe since 1982 and that his son was born in the country.
Italian media reports said Chiarelli was 50, and identified his son as 20-year-old Massimiliano.
“We can confirm it happened yesterday at Mana Pools national park but we are not aware of the exact details,” said the official.
“We are in contact with the family. It’s a tragedy. The loss of a father and a son, and also for Zimbabwe for the bad publicity it will generate.”
The government parks department and police said they were investigating the incident.

PSquare’s Peter Okoye finally goes solo

Peter Okoye, one half of the Nigerian RnB act, PSquare has gone solo.
Peter’s solo debut is coming after several (social media) confrontations between him and the duo’s management, headed by their elder brother, Jude Okoye.

Peter announced a new management for himself on his instagram page on Monday.
“Work mood, thanks for all the love support and concern, please continue to remain blessed as always,” Peter wrote before adding the new management’s contact.
Before making the announcement, the outspoken half of the PSquare had released and self-promoted a single titled Look Into My Eyes last week Tuesday. He had also performed alone at night club in Abuja with the stage name, ‘Mr P’.

Popular US rapper Bankroll Fresh, shot dead in a studio in Atlanta

Popular upcoming Atlanta rapper, Bankroll Fresh, was shot dead on Friday night March 4th while he was recording music inside Street Execs Studio in northeast Atlanta. According to reports, gunmen stormed the building with automatic weapons and shot up the studio. The 28 year old rapper, whose given name is Trentavious White was reportedly shot a dozen times. He was rushed to the hospital but died on his way. RIP!

Photos: 4 Catholic nuns, 13 others killed by gunmen at a retirement home in Yemen, Pope Francis condemns the massacre

At least seventeen people, including four Catholic nuns, were killed on Friday, March when armed men attacked a care home for the elderly run by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.

The group of gunmen raided the home for the elderly located in the Sheik Osman district of Aden. According to eyewitness reports, two gunmen encircled the facility while at least four raided the building housing over 80 patients.

The gunmen then proceeded to separate four nuns at gunpoint before opening fire on them. Two of the four slaughtered nuns were Rwanda, one from India and another from Kenya. One nun managed to survive the attack by hiding inside a refrigerator.

After killing the nuns, the gunmen then moved from room to room handcuffing the patients and shooting them in the heads. Six Ethiopians, a Yemeni cook and Yemeni guards were also killed.

The dead and injured were taken to the city’s state-run Republican hospital and a health centre run by Medecins Sans Frontieres. A doctor at the Republican hospital told the media that some of the dead had arrived with their hands tied behind their backs. Most had been shot in the head.

Paramedics said they expected the death toll to rise as some of the wounded had serious injuries. Officials and medics were unable to provide a figure for the number of people injured in the attack.

There were about 80 elderly residents at the home, which was established in 2000 by Missionaries of Charity, a religious order set up by Mother Teresa. Sunita Kumar, a spokeswoman for the order in the Indian city of Kolkata, said its members were “absolutely stunned” at the killing.

"The sisters were to come back but they opted to stay on to serve people in Yemen."  she said.

Missionaries of Charity, which also runs homes for the elderly in Taez, Hodeidah and Sanaa, is the only organisation to provide such a service in Yemen. Local religious leader Sheikh Mohammed Mahboob blamed the Aden attack on ISIL, which considers Christians to be heretics.

"The Islamic fighters have a wrong understanding of Islam" he said.

So far no group has claimed responsibility for Friday's attack, but reports on the ground indicate that the slaughter was carried out by Islamic State terrorists or their affiliates.

Yesterday, March 5, the Vatican condemned the killings. In a statement relased on behalf of Pope Francis , the Vatican's Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, said the pontiff was "shocked and profoundly saddened by the massacre.

"His Holiness Pope Francis was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the killing of four Missionaries of Charity and twelve others at a home for the elderly in Aden. He sends the assurance of his prayers for the dead and his spiritual closeness to their families and to all affected from this act of senseless and diabolical violence. He prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogue. In the name of God, he calls upon all parties in the present conflict to renounce violence, and to renew their commitment to the people of Yemen, particularly those most in need, whom the Sisters and their helpers sought to serve. Upon everyone suffering from this violence, the Holy Father invokes God’s blessing, and in a special ways he extends to the Missionaries of Charity his prayerful sympathy and solidarity".

Parents use stun gun to discipline their children

Police in Florida have arrested Joshua Louis, 28, and Roxanne Paduani, 33, on Thursday on charges that they used a stun gun to discipline their children.
They were arrested after someone reported them to the Dept of Children and Families (DCF) who then reported them to the Police according to the News-Press reports.

One of the couple's four children told police that their parents used the stun gun on them when they were bad and showed police marks left behind. One of the other children said their Dad always used the stun gun but that even though their mum was never there when it happened, she knew about it.
"They were using it as a tool to deter the children from misbehaving,". "The stun gun inflicted pain compliance on the children and left visible marks on two of the children." Says the Police.
Paduani reportedly told an investigator that they only used the handheld stun gun to warn one of the children, but denied ever using it on them.

A DCF spokesman said the children have been placed safely with other family members.
Their mum was booked on Thursday on two charges of cruelty to a child and is being held on a $200,000 bond.  While Louis was booked on four charges of cruelty to a child. He is being held on a higher bond, $400,000 bond.  Both Paduani and Louis are due in court April 4.