Original textContribute a better translation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Home | Set as homepage | Add to favorites | Rss / Atom | Plain text | Archive HomeOur Print Advert RatesAbout UsAdvert RatesContact UsReligion Search Advanced search » Select Language​▼ Sections News World News Sports Politics Business Business Courage Opinion Entertainment Religion Features Management Interviews Editorial Health Media Breaking News Education Community Mirror Insight Law and Justice Young & Next Generation Commentaries Arts, Culture and Life Style Friday Flavour Saturday Mirror Sunday Mirror Navigate archive September, 2012 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Home | News | JTF kills two terrorists’ leaders, arrests eight in Maiduguri JTF kills two terrorists’ leaders, arrests eight in Maiduguri Font size: INUSA NDAHI 21/09/2012 03:23:00 The Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday said that it killed two leaders of a terrorists’ group in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. In a statement made available to journalists in Maiduguri by the JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, the task force said that at about 2:20pm on Wednesday, its men, who acted on intelligence, killed two terrorists’ leaders along Maiduguri- Kano Road as they were escaping arrest by the combined team of the JTF and the State Security Services (SSS). Musa said the slain terrorists were responsible for coordinating violent activities in Mubi and Yola in Adamawa and Yobe states. He said that the terrorists were traveling in a Honda accord 2000 model car marked BAM 214 AA to Damaturu for a planned attack on civilians and military locations when the task force accosted them. Items recovered from the terrorists, according to Musa, include a Honda car and five mobile phones and weapons. The JTF spokesman added that no fewer than eight other suspected terrorists were arrested in Nganaram and Lawanti areas of Maiduguri metropolis. Those arrested, Musa said, were said to have stormed Maiduguri from neighbouring states. He said items recovered from them include a Silver coloured Camry car marked AE 74 DTR suspected to have been stolen for likely suicide mission. Musa, therefore, thanked the law-abiding members of the public for their timely reporting suspicious movement and activities in their neighbourhood to security agencies. Comments (0 posted): total: | displaying: Post your comment Disclaimer: Comments made here are the opinions of our readers and not a representation in any way of the views of NATIONAL MIRROR. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your website: Add your comments: Please enter the code you see in the image: Image: Code: Email to a friend To: Bcc: Your email address: Message: Print version Plain text Tags No tags for this article Rate this article 0 Most PopularMost E-mailed A nation of committees, panels and reports Jonathan, Gowon, Babangida kick against Nigeria’s break-up JTF kills two terrorists’ leaders, arrests eight in Maiduguri Court sentences driver to death by hanging FRONT PAGE COMMENT: Nigeria’s aviation sector on the brink of collapse Airports in chaos as Arik suspends flights 2015: ACF moves to return Presidency to North Islamic group calls for review of FoI Law 2015 Presidency: Igbo won’t accept anything else –Kalu Enugu, Kogi have no claim on Anambra oil wells –Aguleri Sex is good for your health, says gynaecologist What government officials earn Addiction to Blackberry spreads in Nigeria ... could become major cause of insomnia, motor accidents, possible brain tumour, experts warn CSI launches in-store LCD advertising screens Nigeria’s democracy: Expensive, outrageous salary, perks ‘Real estate can solve Nigeria’s unemployment challenge’ Nigerian state is a criminal enterprise – Pat Utomi Aftermath of killings, Igbo traders flee Adamawa 15-year old Nigerian secures admission in Harvard Dell unveils 12G Server to reduce power consumption by 50 percent News World News Sports Politics Business Business Courage Opinion Entertainment Religion Features Management Interviews Editorial Health Media Breaking News Education Community Mirror Insight Law and Justice Young & Next Generation Commentaries Arts, Culture and Life Style Friday Flavour Saturday Mirror Sunday Mirror Home | Set as homepage | Add to favorites | Rss / Atom | Plain text | Archive | Powered by Zero-One

iShare PageLikeFan PageHidePrivacy InfoThe Punch - Nigeria's Most Widely Read Newspaper Breaking News, information and opinion in Nigeria 21st September, 2012 HomeCountdown to Ondo gov pollAM BusinessNews»AfricaBusiness»Capital MarketIndustryBusiness & EconomyInternational BusinessSportsOpinion»LettersMetroEntertainment»Arts & LifeE-PunchEducationJobsForumYou are here: Home / News / Lagos CJ frees 233 Kirikiri prisons inmates Lagos CJ frees 233 Kirikiri prisons inmates September 19, 2012 by Ade Adesomoju 18 Comments Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips, on Tuesday freed 233 awaiting trial inmates in both the Maximum and Medium Kirikiri prisons, during a visit to the facilities. The visit was part of the one week-long events marking the commencement of the 2012/2013 legal year in the state. It was also her inaugural visit since she was sworn in as the 14th CJ of the state in June. One hundred and thirty awaiting trial inmates were released from Maximum Prison, while 103 were released from the Medium Prison. The inmates were said to have been remanded in custody for periods ranging from four to 13 years. Philips said the move was in line with her statutory duty and commitment towards decongestion of prisons. She said, “This visit is part of the legal year activities. This is to release those who are illegally or unjustly kept in prison. There is one popular maxim which says it is better to let 10 guilty men go free than to let one innocent one be punished. “This will no longer be restricted to legal years alone. It is something I intend to do quite regularly. At least, once in a quater or in every six months.” Before the release of the inmates, the Maximum Prison with a capacity of 1,056, was housing 763 inmates, while the Medium Prison had 2,502 inmates. About 2,378 were awaiting trial; 124 convicted; and four sentenced to life imprisonment. Earlier, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of the Maximum Prison, Olumide Tinuoye, applauded the CJ’s visit, saying though the prison was meant for inmates involved in “high profile cases”, those accused of “petty offences” were also being transferred to the facility. He said, “Many of the inmates have stayed here more than the normal time. I’m not saying they have not committed any offence. There are some who have been here for over 30 years. If somebody has spent more than 30 years in prison, what else is he doing there.” The DCP in charge of Medium Prison, Tunde Ladipo, urged the CJ to pay more of such visits “so that the prison would be totally decongested.” Read 2,512 timesMore Stories in News Jonathan unprepared to lead Nigeria – Kalu September 21st, 2012 / 311 Comments Read Full Story Ogun LGs threaten strike over unpaid salaries September 21st, 2012 / 12 Comments Read Full Story PDP gives defectors 30 days to return September 21st, 2012 / 44 Comments Read Full Story Killimanjaro/London September 19, 2012 at 4:19 am Power to release inmates from federal prisons resides in the president or Attorney general of the federation. Reply Link QuoteDARAMOLA COMFORT September 19, 2012 at 4:30 am IS DAT WHAT MATTER TO U ? I CONGRATULATE DEM ,BUT SHULD GET STH GOOD DOIN AS NOT TO BECONE PRISOBERS AGAIN. Reply Link Quotenew September 19, 2012 at 4:45 am I made some astounding discoveries that I applied to a unique system that is successfully producing financial freedom and peace for me and hundreds of people. I’d like to give these strategies to you right away so you know what to look for in a system that creates financial peace. For a full report, text a blank sms to: zero-eight-zero-nine-four-nine-one-two-one-five-one. You will be amazed by what you see which will catapult you into your promised land. Reply Link QuoteAustin udowelle September 19, 2012 at 4:54 am They are talking about prison decongestion when the proper topic should be justice. Why on earth should somebody be in detention for upward of 30years without trial and proper conviction. Oh my God. Is this happening for real ? Nigeria is worse than hell. Every body is crying out for peace but non is crying out for justice. There will never be peace, i say never, unless there is justice. Reply Link QuoteRevelation September 19, 2012 at 6:19 am Let there be justice for common. Reply Link Quotearthur September 19, 2012 at 6:20 am Thanj yot Madam CJ. But have we prepared these guys for a life outside prison? . They need some level of empowermemt to become responsible. Well, hope is free. Reply Link QuoteOlatunde September 19, 2012 at 6:22 am You missed the point. 90% of those in prison custody are awaiting trial for offences under laws of the state. As the chief judge, Justice Phillips acted within her powers to order the release of inmates who’re in custody awaiting trial for offences whose punishment/sentence upon conviction would have been served had they been tried and convicted on time. Or take the case of a defendant in prison custody for 10 years awaiting trial for assault that could have been punished with a fine or just 3 years jail sentence? So it is clear Phillips J’s action is in furtherance of the promotion of the rule of law and the need for the consent/approval of the President or HAGF is to say the least outrightly superflous. Reply Link QuoteSylva September 19, 2012 at 6:23 am Fankz dey hv bin realz’d buh Nigeria aint goin aniwhr…….4 heavns sake itz 2 bad 2 hold sm1 4 30yrs………nd wen u analize his case u find out dat he committed 2 offence or mayb sm mighty pple hz vouched dat he ll rot in prison……..my conclusion ix dat nigerian law or constitutn ix nt bin strictli adhered 2 as pple term 2 take da law in2 deir own hands nd dey ll say NOBODT IX ABOVE D LAW…………….ll advise does in charge of offices 2 criticalli xamine deir conscience properli b4 dey dive in2 constitutn cuz i noe dat most of dem r meant 2 be imprisoned or 1 way or da oda r involved in such dreaded activities………..FELLOw Nigerians plz strive 4 a CHANGE Reply Link Quotemain September 19, 2012 at 6:39 am CONVERT YOUR AIRTEL, GLO AND MTN USB MODEM TO UNIVERSAL MODEM SO IT CAN WORK WITH ANY NETWORK. CALL FRANK ON ZERO, SEVEN, ZERO, THREE, SIX, FIVE, FIVE, ZERO, FOUR, THREE, ZERO. PLS, BE WITH THE MODEM AND COMPUTER BEFORE YOU CALL. Reply Link QuoteDRIVING SCHOOL September 19, 2012 at 6:48 am LEARN HOW 2 DRIVE WITHIN 7 DAYS @ an Affordable Fees @ ur Convenience. Home / Office / Private Training also available. 4 Enquiry / Details call DICO on : zero 8 zero 6 6 three 7 zero 8 zero 9, or e-mail :drivein7days@yahoo.com. If u can SEE,then u can DRIVE. It’s POSSIBLE ! Reply Link Quotefranklin September 19, 2012 at 9:12 am Gudmorning all,witout justice there won’t be peace.madam God almight wil bless u. I wish we have somebody like u,in all d states, d number of awaitin trial inmates are morethan convicted prisoners. Wel u did well. Reply Link QuoteIyke September 19, 2012 at 9:34 am before you talk of justice,did you find what they did,that led to their detention.however, keeping someone without trial amounts to denial of justice. hope this particular freedom will not increase the number of criminals troubling us.But I thought there is something called PREROGATIVE OF MERCY???? Reply Link QuoteSirjoe September 19, 2012 at 12:15 pm it is an incredible in nigerian constitution> Reply Link QuoteAbiolawhite September 19, 2012 at 1:16 pm Congratulations to the freed inmates but what about the issue of REHABILATION.I wont be surprised to see some returned to the prison cos the idle hand is a tool in the devil’s workshop. Reply Link Quoteseun September 19, 2012 at 2:31 pm Good job madam Reply Link QuoteDey Dey September 19, 2012 at 3:07 pm freedom from prison without rehabilitation is meaningless, to release is sweet but what come after it is d problem, hope cythian murderer were not among d released ones? Reply Link Quoteferdyokwu September 19, 2012 at 7:37 pm Infact I support ALL convicts being freed but on one proviso. They should ALL be tagged and monitored electronically to check their next moves in life! Reply Link QuoteAustin udowelle September 20, 2012 at 11:21 am This woman merely succeeded in releasing corpses. Come to upper Iweka in Anambra state and see the type of prisoners she released. Walking corpses, de humanised and traumatized humans who cannot even remember their towns and villages. Some of them may not even survive the next two days. They were dumped by the road side to die in their state of origin. Its unfortunate ! Reply Link QuotePost a comment Name Email Website Cancel reply Punch Daily Digest Get fresh news delivered to your inbox daily. Your Email Address Most Read Recent Comments Most Commented Bye bye N5000 note • Jonathan orders Sanusi to stop controversial plan Jonathan unprepared to lead Nigeria – Kalu We killed two Boko Haram commanders – JTF North maps out plans for 2015 elections Passengers stranded as Arik suspends domestic flights moses ovie orogun on Bye bye N5000 note • Jonathan orders Sanusi to stop controversial plan REBREED on Nigeria yet to participate in any revolution – Jonathan Austine J on Bye bye N5000 note • Jonathan orders Sanusi to stop controversial plan Mbaka USA on Jonathan unprepared to lead Nigeria – Kalu Benjami Ogundipe on Fayemi rejects NULGE’s apology on alleged illegal deductions Jonathan unprepared to lead Nigeria – Kalu Bye bye N5000 note • Jonathan orders Sanusi to stop controversial plan North maps out plans for 2015 elections We killed two Boko Haram commanders – JTF Passengers stranded as Arik suspends domestic flights Columnists Obasanjo vs Sanusi: The pot and the kettle Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently observed that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s attempt to tackle inflation with a N5000 note… Read More Return to top of page Copyright © 2012 Punch Nigeria Limited · Terms of Service . 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Three killed in Ebute-Metta gang wars Residents estimated that over ten youths have died in gang fights in the area since last year Article | September 21, 2012 - 9:15am | By Patience Ogbo Three persons have been allegedly killed at Ebute-Metta in the last two days by gang members fighting for supremacy. The latest casualty was a student of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, identified as 'D1', Dayo Olaniyi. Residents said the gang war in the area took a frightening dimension on Thursday, when a gang known as 'Otto boyz' went on rampage in reprisal for the alleged killing of some of their members. Olaniyi, 26, was allegedly killed in retaliation for the gruesome killing of Akeem Omisore and Wasiu Alarape, on Wednesday. "D1 belonged to a rival gang known as the Apapa Road Fagbayimu group. The two gangs have been at logger heads over the control of petty business parks, transport and traders unions at Ebute-Metta; the killing is a show of supremacy by the gangs," a resident who requested anonymity said. It was gathered that the gang members, numbering about 30 and clad in T-shirts and Jeans, stormed Moshood Abiola Way along Apapa Road, shooting indiscriminately. They were also said to have been wielding machetes and other dangerous weapons. Olaniyi was reportedly shot to death at Iya Agan Street in the area, while gang members escaped before the arrival of the police. The gang war has however, thrown the four communities at Ebute-Metta into a state of panic as residents have also been caught in the clash in the past. Some residents are said to have fled their homes, but meanwhile, a combined team of anti-riot police officers have been drafted to the scene to quell the violence. It was gathered that the police presence has brought some calm to the area, but residents claim that the relative peace may not last considering the repeated experiences they have had with the warring gangs. Agbodimu Musbau, Chairman of the Otto-Ilogbo Slum-dwellers Association, Mainland chapter, said that the ceaseless attacks by the gangs have become unbearable for the residents. "We all appeal to the authority to come to our aid as the gangs are regrouping to cause further mayhem. Now that the police is after them they will calm down but in a few months, they will come out to retaliate the killing of their members," he said, adding the violence had continued in spite of community efforts to quell the crisis. "And when this battle of supremacy starts, it is the residents that usually count loses of various valuables as they will smash vehicles' wind screens, loot shops, houses and attack passersby and residents. Anybody they see will be dealt with mercilessly." Musbau said the gangs agreed on a ceasefire last year, following a meeting involving leaders of the community, the various warring factions, and the police. According to Musbau, the factions involved were Lion Junction, Fagbayimu Boys, Otto Scorpion Joint, Otumara and Ayewa Boys. "We identified the problems and a ceasefire was agreed. The police warned the leaders to maintain peace but the boys have started again," he said. "The community is appealing to the State Security Service (SSS), Police and other security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of this violence and restore permanent peace to our area." Residents estimated that over ten youths have died in gang fights, with property worth millions of naira destroyed at Ebute-Metta, since the violence started in August 2011.

A- 37-year-old mechanic has allegedly murdered his one month old son. The incident happened on August 30, at Epe. The suspect, Abiodun Otaoroju, allegedly killed his son Kazeem,with a poison. He blamed the devil for his dastardly act. The suspect who was arrested last month by officers attached to the Epe Police Division, after the mother of the child Ronke reported the incident to the police. Ronke is not legally married to Abiodun. Abiodun however blame the devil for the death of his son. He said a mystical force came over him which made him to kill his son. Narrating how he killed his son. Abiodun said "I met Ronke in 2011.I am a mechanic while She is a fashion designer. We fell in love and early this year, she got pregnant. " Though I have a wife with three children. I still wanted to marry Ronke. On August 30th , during one of my visits, I sent Ronke to go and buy me bread and make me some tea. She left the baby with me and went out . After Ronke left I felt a strange voice urging me to kill my child. I tried to resist but the force was too strong. Abiodun confessed that "I went outside and bought a liquid substance known as Bint El Sudan; a kind of perfume which hausa people use. "I took the substance, opened Kazeem's mouth and poured it into his mouth. I don't know why I did that." In her statement to the police, Ronke said by the time she got back to the house, Kazeem was already gasping for breathe and foaming in the mouth and nostrils. The dying child was rushed to the Epe General Hospital where he was dead. Ronke,however became who was suspicious when Abiodun could not tell her what happened to their child. She subsequently reported the case at Epe Police Station and Abiodun was arrested. The suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti , Yaba where he confessed to the crime. He said, " this is just the devil that pushed me to do this to my son. I love Kazeem and Ronke I don't know what came over me. It was after I gave him the poison that I got back to my senses. I didn't have any argument with Ronke. It was after the murder that my eyes opened. It was the devil's handiwork." Reply Forward

Toddler killed and stuffed in suitcase. By Patience Ogbo. The police in Abuja said they are yet to identiify a male child who was killed and his corpse stuffed in a suitcase. The incident happened last Saturday. The police have however arrested one Usman Inuwa,who claimed to be the owner of the suitcase. The suspect is said to be from Bwari, a satellite town in Abuja. According to the police,the suspect was arrested at Maitama when he attempted to travel with the suitcase. Unconfirmed sources however said the incident happened at the Tipper garage near Gwarimpa. It was gathered that luck ran out on the suspect when the bus conductor asked that his suitcase be kept in the boot of the bus. The suspect vehemently refused as he was said to have clinged to the suitcase. His refusal to let go of the suitcase raised other passengers' suspicion and they forcefully seized the suitcase and opened it. The passengers were shocked when they found the lifeless body of a toddler in the suitcase. The case was subsequently reported to the police. Doris England the spokes person for the Federal Capital Territory police command Confirmed the incident. “he has not mentioned any accomplices and other issues surrounding the dead child the case is being investigated ,” England said. Reply Reply to all Forward Click here to Reply, Reply to all, or Forward

Man arrested for Murder after confession in Church. By Patience Ogbo A- 23 -years old man Obina Maxwell is in the police custody for allegedly killing his friend. Maxwell was arrested by the police last month after his confession to a large congregation of the Lord's Chosen Church at Ijesha that he killed his friend Elijah and stuffed his corpse in a Ghana must go bag and dumped the corpse by a dumpsite at Orile -Iganmu. Maxwell said he did not intend to kill his friend but an argument over a debt of N50000 led to a fight. "I collected N50000 from Elijah sometimes but he came to my house at Orile for his money but I told him I had only N20000 to give him. He refused to collect it and held my shirt. We started arguing and fighting so he tried to grab a stool to hit me but I reached out for the stool before him and hit it on his head. He collapsed and was unconcious. I tried to revive him but he was dead." Sensing that Elijah was dead,Maxwell hurriedly stuffed his corpse into a bag and dumped him by a dumpsite but an onlooker noticed the blood dropping from the bag and accosted Maxwell. "When I saw that the man has caught me I told him what happened so that was how he decided to blackmail me. He demanded for N8000 but I gave him N3000. He later demanded for N50000 and started coming to my house to take whatever he wants; I had to sell my TV set and home theatre for N35,000 and I gave him the money .I was troubled about the death so I told a pastor and he said I should confess at the Lord Chosen Church. So I did that one Sunday and shortly after the police came to my house and arrested me. I guess a member of the church who heard my confession told Elijah's family and they reported to the police. " Ngozi Braide the Lagos State police command spokesperson confirmed the incident. She said the case will be charged to court soon. Reply Reply to all Forward

September 20, 2012. REJOINDER NO POLICEMAN WAS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2012 LAGOS ROBBERY. The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to the Wednesday September 9th publication, Page 5 of the Punch Newspapers captioned “Robbery in Lagos, two policemen arrested”. The command wishes to express its dissatisfaction about the false and malicious publication written by Punch Reporter, Eniola Akinkuotun, aimed at rubbishing the good works of the command that is working tirelessly to combat crime. The publication is seen as a calculated attempt to tarnish the good image of the Command and at the same time to create panic in the minds of the public. The command further wishes to state categorically clear that no policeman was arrested over the ill-fated Sunday robbery as stated by the reporter. The truth of the matter was clearly stated during the press briefing where the two suspected members of the evil gang were paraded. The command is at loss on where and how Eniola got his story. The Lagos State Police Command is hereby appealing to members of the public to disregard the Punch publication which was mischievous. We hold the organization in high esteem as we know it to be a reputable outfit but strongly frown at the misleading and mischievous way its reporter misinforms the public. In the light of the aforementioned, the command demands a retraction of the fictious story written by the said reporter. The Lagos State Command is reiterating that the good people of Lagos State should continue to go about their lawful duties and businesses as adequate security has been put in place to reduce crime to its barest minimum. Police have commenced intensive surveillance and patrol for the likelihood of arresting and smashing this evil gang. We will not relent in discharging our constitutional duties of protecting lives and property, please. DSP. NGOZI C. BRAIDE, POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, LAGOS STATE COMMAND, IKEJA. 08125151603.

by ibrahim bello

Trains 1,952 soldiers in basic counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency ARTICLE | SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 - 11:34AM | The Nigerian Army will look beyond the menace of Boko Haram in its determination to stamp out terrorism and insurgency in the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, said on Tuesday. Ihejirika made the statement at the passing out parade of 1,952 soldiers trained in basic counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency. According to him, the test of a nation does not lie solely in its ability to solve current problems, but in handling future challenges that include armed robbery and other violent crimes. The COAS said that soldiers must not relax, but constantly devise means of dealing with both current and future issues of security. Ihejirika enjoined Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support and co-operation with the security agencies. He revealed that 400 young officers and 1,500 young soldiers were to be drafted to the centre to receive similar training in counter-terrorism, while another set of soldiers would be trained in Sokoto. "All these moves are meant to ensure that we are not thinking of Boko Haram alone, because when Boko Haram goes, another one may come, at least that is the way we think in the army," he said. The NATRAC Commander, Maj.-Gen. S. C. Audu, commended the COAS for his visionary leadership which, he said, had paved the way for innovative infrastructural development across the nation's army formations. "At no time has the Nigerian Army witnessed positive transformation like during the tenure of Lt.-Gen. O.A. Ihejirika,” he said. Audu said the graduands include 138 young female soldiers who were trained for 37 days at the centre in combat competences to enable them face the challenges in the field. "It is important to let you know that you will be actively engaged in internal security duties. Your training has given you the required confidence to be capable of operating in all types of environment, under different threat conditions," he told them. Ihejirika had, on arrival in Kontagora, paid a courtesy call to the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, where he expressed delight with the cordial relationship existing between soldiers and people in his domain. The event doubled as the inauguration of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) complex named after the COAS.

Lawyers move against corrupt colleagues

The Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has held its yearly Law Week. The members examined the state of the nation and explored new areas of law practice. Over 20 resource persons presented papers on criminal law and prosecution, arbitration, oil and gas, among others. JOSEPH JIBUEZE, PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU and FISAYO IGE report. Lawyers have vowed to expose their colleagues who are corrupt, calling for "strong punishment" for graft. They called for the imposition of disciplinary measures against those who work to delay quick dispensation of justice. The lawyers condemned the practice of prosecutors "rushing" to court with improperly investigated cases in the name of anti-corruption campaign, saying such can do more damage than good to the campaign. These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of this year’s annual law week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch held last week. The week-long event had the theme: New frontiers, challenges and opportunities of legal practice in a growing mega-city. It began on Monday with a legal clinic, a visit to an orphanage and Ikoyi prison, and a meeting of the Young Lawyers Forum with bar leaders and senior lawyers. Opening ceremonies were held on Tuesday, which included a keynote address by former Lagos Attorney-General and Commission for Justice Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), a showcase session, and bar and bench forum. From Wednesday, breakout sessions began, with papers presented by experts in areas such as maritime law, general practice, oil and gas, criminal law, infrastructure law, family law, capital market, energy law, banking, among others. There was a bar dinner and an award night, in which individuals, such as Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN); his predecessor Bola Tinubu; Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola; former Chief Judge of Lagos Justice Inumidun Akande, were honoured. A press conference/reading of the communiqué were followed by a closing party on Friday, with lawyers dancing to both old and new-school tunes. They felt even more elated sharing the dance floor with former Law School boss Dr Kole Abayomi. In the communiqué, signed by Chairman Taiwo O. Taiwo; Secretary Alex Muoka and Law Week Committee Chair Hannibal Uwaifo, the lawyers said there is the need to encourage and sustain interaction and dialogue between the bar and the bench to ensure integrity in the judicial system. They resolved to encourage lawyers to develop specialist skills in specific areas of law, and to pull their resources to form 21st century law firms as the era of sole practice is gradually drawing to a close. NBA said governments should take immediate steps to improve infrastructure and invest in technology for effective and timely dispensation of justice. It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to inaugurate the new leadership of the National Human Rights Commission, adding that lawyers should approach the court to challenge any law or regulation that tends to discriminate against any person. The lawyers want quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, a review of the Investment and Securities Act to strengthen the oversight functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reduce the cost of listing in the capital market. They spared a thought for women saying: "In view of the effect of modern-day life on women and children in families, legislatures should make laws that would enable mothers to close early if they so wish to attend to their families." On electricity, they said: "We support government’s attempt to improve the power sector through deregulation. However, every effort must be made to ensure that deregulation creates a fair balance between investors and customers." Fashola, who was represented at the opening session by the Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, said his government’s increased capital expenditure on infrastructure has provoked a commensurate increase in private sector investment. He said: ‘’However, there can be no meaningful and lasting capital development in any mega-city without the instrumentality of the law and the assistance of lawyers. "That is where our challenges as legal practitioners lie. In the 70s and 80s, the most complicated transactions lawyers were called upon to advise on commercial contracts, mortgages and perhaps some mergers and acquisitions. "Now, new vistas have opened up in legal practice. Nigerian lawyers have to compete on the same terms with their counterparts in the world. On our part, Lagos State has enacted the Partnership Law to encourage law firms and other professions to migrate from sole proprietorship to limited partnership." Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, in his goodwill message, praised the lawyers for their contribution to the rule of law in the state, and urged them to desist from filing "frivolous cases.’ He said: "I crave your indulgence to remind you that the challenges of a growing mega city like Lagos are enormous enough without the added burden of frivolous court cases which are a clog in the wheel of justice and serve as conduit for state resources. We are partners in progress." Former Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Inumidun Akande, who retired on Sunday, said a cordial and harmonious interaction between the bar and the bench are essential for effective justice delivery, as it is difficult for one to exist without the other. Ipaye urged lawyers not to jettison the ethics of the profession in blind allegiance to a client’s interests and to push disparately for victory in court. Should that happen, he said: "There can be no doubt that society will assume a rapid run to disintegration, with lawyers, God forbid, as the arrowhead." He added: "If on the other hand, we hold aloft the ideals of justice, equity and ethical practice, then we can surely take on the role of stabilisers in society, using our renowned learning to enthrone law and order and to steer our society towards civilisation. "We must, therefore, find time to look back on what we do in court. What we do in chambers and how we advise our clients generally, making sure that we have only a positive influence on events around us." Former World Court judge, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), , said more integrity is needed in the judiciary, which can be achieved through dialogue. Ajibola, who was also an NBA President, said: "Between the NBA and the judges, we need some fora whereby we should be able to discuss with our judges matters of particular interest. "If we don’t call a spade a spade, we may lead this country into chaos. We should be ready to put our houses in order. We can’t let things deteriorate without taking any action whatsoever. We should wake up. There is need for dialogue," he said. A lawyer, Pa Tunji Gomez, called on the government to create special courts to dispense cases that are above 10 years in court, describing the situation where cases lingered in court for 10 years and above as "justice for the dead". He said courts should be created purposely and solely to clear old cases, adding that such courts should be manned by retired judges or senior lawyers. Pa Gomez berated lawyers who raise preliminary or other objections to delay cases, even as he called on the NBA to institute disciplinary measures against such lawyers. "I recommend that lawyers who deliberately raise objections that will delay the hearing of cases contrary to constitutional provisions should be punished because it is an attempt to disrupt justice. "We need a commitment by the bar to ensure that cases are not delayed because people suffer unduly." On the issue of courts hearing cases of Senior Advocates of Nigeria before others, Pa Gomez noted that such a practice also encourages delay in judicial process, even as he insisted that cases should be heard on merit and age. He fingered oppression of the SAN title on junior lawyers and non-SANs as part of the delay. Recounting an experience, he said: "When I was over 48 years at the bar, I had a case in court and there were about six SANs in court that day. My matter was adjourned for six months and after six months, a similar situation occured and my matter was adjourned for another six months because I am not a SAN, making one year. So, to discontinue the endless adjournment of my matter, I had to get a SAN, who happens to be my classmate and my matter was heard first on the next adjourned date because he was the oldest SAN in court." He said the constitution provides for speedy dispensation of cases, but there are cases lingering for over 10 to 15 years in courts. "I can show you a list of over 2,000 cases that are over 10 years in courts, and I think Lagos, particularly, should be provided with more courts." He maintained that the legal profession is a matter of conscience and urged lawyers to disengage from acts that make rubbish of the profession. "This is a profession for honest, dedicated people. We must not allow charlatans, nouveau rich, and impostors to take the profession away. It is a matter of conscience and we must protect it," he stressed. On ethics and law practice, Chief Mary Bassey admonished young lawyers to uphold moral and professional duty towards their clients, colleagues and the court irrespective of debased values and orientation in the society. "A lawyer should do all he honourably can to defend the interest of justice for his client; he should always remember that he holds allegiance to the call of truth and justice. In a society bedeviled by corruption and moral decadence, a lawyer can only maintain high ethics by practising with integrity. "The values have changed, lawyers believe it is either you join the rest of the society or you’re left behind because some clients will dump lawyers who hold onto ethics for those who will do their bidding. So, young professionals need to decide not to belittle their standards for what ever reason. "Do not allow yourselves stray from the path of truth and justice expected of you so that you do not lose your respect."　 For the maritime session, President, Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria, Chief Gbola Akinola was chairman; Prof. Akin Oyebode; legal adviser Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Matthew Egbadon, as well as Director-General, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping, Ify Anazonwu-Akerele were speakers. Oyebode said the key element of bill of laden runs through maritime practice. He acknowledged maritme lawyers to draw a distinction from goods and cargoes and that the risk of destruction of a property falls on the owner. He said understanding of the sector would help lawyers draft necessary legal documents for companies and called on practitioners to train in maritime as it is lucrative. Combating piracy was the thrust of Egbadon’s discussion, noting that its incidence on the waters has been a cause of concern to maritime practitioners, especially NIMASA, which has a responsibility for safety and security of the country’s　　　maritime domain. He said the country relies on cross border trade to sustain its domestic economy, saying it is imperative to protect the maritime domain against acts that are inimical to the her economy. He noted that though Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, there is no stand alone legislation underlying piracy and hence providing for the prosecution outside.

CAN demands ‘truth-based’ terror reports from US

Pastor Oritsejafor The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the United States to work with it to achieve a truth-based peaceful resolution to the terrorism and extremism that threaten “the very life” of Nigeria. In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, CAN President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor said sometimes facts were misrepresented by the American government on the true situation of things. He said some pronouncements from the State Department have distortions, omissions and in some cases clearly misrepresent facts on the ground in a manner that beclouds the crisis facing Nigeria. That, he said, is “ultimately deleterious” to the quest for a peaceful and truthful resolution of the crises. For instance, Oritsejafor said information contained in CAN’s memorandum to the presidential panel on Post-Election Violence was not included in the 2011 State Department International Religious Freedom Report. “Our memo presented widespread incidents of violence targeting Christians in 12 northern states in April last year during the reporting period of the 2011 report. “Unfortunately the destruction of over 700 churches and the systematic massacres of hundreds of Christians in 48 hours – the largest single attack on Christendom in contemporary world history anywhere on the planet - were not included in your report. “Even more surprising, the report failed to accurately describe the horrific Christmas Day multi-city church attacks. These coordinated attacks on three states, comprising Niger, Plateau and Yobe, claimed over 60 lives and, for a second consecutive year, stunned the world. “The report merely mentions the Christmas Day church bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic church in Madalla, then fails to communicate the scope and significance of the Christmas Day attacks,” he said. The cleric added: “It is deeply troubling that your report makes an unsubstantiated claim that more Muslims than Christians died in the attacks of last year. “This theory was predicated on erroneous assumptions that since the attacks were in ‘predominantly’ Muslim areas, it ‘follows’ that Muslims would be hardest hit. “Even if such assumptions could be made without empirical data, the more credible and more plausible proposition is that given Boko Haram’s declared intent to obliterate Christianity in northern Nigeria and its systematic attacks which began almost a decade ago, the majority of the victims are Christians. “Since Boko Haram has stated that it does not theologically or operationally target mosques and has so far not succeeded in attacking any, it is only logical that Muslims cannot be the majority victims. “We recognise that the State Department reports cannot cover every incident of religiously motivated violence in a country the size of Nigeria. “However, the State Department has a statutory duty and moral obligation to give an accurate picture of events on the ground. “Although your report indicates that your embassy had “regular” meetings with religious leaders, it is somewhat odd that key data such as what we are now submitting was never asked for.” Advertisment

By ADEBISI ONANUGA, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

• Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar• Rights’ groups issue damning reports Reports just released by Amnesty International, CLEEN Foundation and Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) accuse the police of large-scale impunity and rights violations, resulting in loss of public confidence. For lawyers, there is nothing new about the reports; it is the same old story. Will the police image ever change? ADEBISI ONANUGA, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU ask. Year after year, the Police seem unable to shed the toga of impunity. Tasked with protecting lives and property, the police have been accused of doing the reverse. Their reputation for scant regard for human rights remains intact. Three reports just published by international and local human rights organisations confirm that nothing has changed about the police. Instead of improving, things are getting worse. The Amnesty International (AI) in its report on the state of human rights in Nigeria in the past year, blamed the police for hundreds of alleged unlawful killings, most of which remained uninvestigated. The police engaged in torture, forced confessions out of suspects and disobeyed court orders, it alleged. The CLEEN Foundation, in a survey, claimed that police officers were among the first group of bribe-taking public officials, adding that corruption was on the increase in the country. The Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP), a survey which examined the public’s perception of the police, said 80 per cent of respondents believed that the police were inefficient and unable to protect them from violent crimes. According to Amnesty, police operations remained characterised by human rights violations. Hundreds of people were allegedly unlawfully killed, often before or during arrests on the streets. Others were tortured to death in police detention. Many of such unlawful killings may have constituted extrajudicial executions, it alleged. It claimed that the disappearance of many people from police custody, only a few police officers were held accountable, leaving relatives of those killed or who disappeared without justice. Police are wearing plain clothes or uniforms without identification, making it much harder for people to complain about individual officers. It said special task forces, including the Special Anti-Robbery Squads and SOS, committed a wide range of human rights violations. Early last year, the Bayelsa State Government set up Operation Famou Tangbe – “Kill and throw away” in the local language – to fight crime. Many officers linked to the operation, Amnesty alleged, unlawfully killed, tortured, arbitrarily arrested and detained people. Suspects in detention reportedly had no access to their lawyers or relatives. The report claimed: “On 22 February, Dietemepreye Ezonasa, a student aged 22, was arrested by Operation Famou Tangbe and taken to a police station. On 27 February, the police denied that he was in their custody. His whereabouts have since remained unknown. “On 11 May, Tochukwu Ozokwu, 25, was arrested by Operation Famou Tangbe. The next day the police told him to jump in a river or be shot. He could not swim and drowned. No investigation was carried out.” Amnesty alleged the police frequently disobeyed court orders. For instance, they refused to release Mallam Aliyu Tasheku, a suspected Boko Haram member, after a court granted him bail on March 28. He was finally released in July. The police, it claimed, failed to produce Chika Ibeku, who disappeared from police custody in April, 2009, more than a year after a court ordered that he be brought to court. The rights group said there were consistent reports of police routinely torturing suspects to extract information. Confessions extracted under torture were used as evidence in court, in violation of national and international laws. According to Amnesty, scores of people were rounded up by the police and security forces in relation to the violence in the North, but a few were successfully prosecuted or convicted. Previous commissions of inquiry into the Plateau State violence reportedly named suspected perpetrators, but no criminal investigation was started during the year. It said the criminal justice system remained under-resourced, blighted by corruption and generally distrusted. When investigations occurred, they were often cursory and not intelligence-led. The security forces often resorted to dragnet arrests instead of individual arrests based on reasonable suspicion. Suspects were regularly subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment in detention. The report said the police frequently arrested and detained children unlawfully, including those living on the streets and other vulnerable ones. Children continued to be detained with adults in police and prison cells. The country’s one functioning remand home remained overcrowded. The CLEEN Foundation, in its 2011 National Crime and Safety Survey report presented by its Head, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, said apart from the police, other public officials that take bribe were those serving in Immigration, Customs, Prison and Road Safety. Chukwuma said: “Among public officials who demand for bribes, the police (70 per cent), Immigration (66 per cent), Customs (65 per cent), Prison officials (52 per cent) and Road Safety officials (51 per cent) were the highest.” Corruption and violent crimes have been on the increase in Nigeria in the last two years notwithstanding efforts by government and security agencies, the report said. The survey showed a steady rise in armed robbery from 11 percent last year to 17 percent in 2012, with robbery more prevalent in Edo, Anambra, and Ondo states. In a communiqué issued at the end of the Sixth Policing Executive Forum on Intelligence-Led Policing in Nigeria held in Abuja last week, the Foundation observed that lack of efficient performance evaluation methods in the policing system have contributed to lack of relevance of intelligence in crime prevention. It said there is the need to set out structures and processes that would provide strategic guidelines to gathering intelligence and also to meet up with the contemporary policing system. LEDAP’s National Coordinator, Mr Chino Obiagwu said despite 80 per cent of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with the police, almost two-thirds said they respected the police in their communities despite their inefficiencies. The report entitled: Assessment Report Poll Survey on Death Penalty and Crime Management in Nigeria also indicated that the use of the death penalty for capital punishment has not deterred crime, with more Nigerians opposed to its use. Most respondents said they feared that innocent persons may be wrongly convicted and killed due to the defective justice system where the police extract confessions by force and forensic analysis are virtually non-existent. LEDAP said 51 per cent of respondents were opposed to the use of the death penalty. Only 42 per cent supported it, while seven per cent were unsure. Among young people under the age of 30, 59 per cent opposed the death penalty. “Majority of the people interviewed also believed that the justice system is unfair to the poor, as it is usually the poor and uneducated that are punished by the system while the rich people are protected and often get away with crime,” Obiagwu said. Lawyers urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar to ensure that allegations of police impunity do not remain a recurring annual decimal. Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) said: “Extra judicial killings in Nigeria are almost a daily occurrence. It is not only the police that are guilty, other security agencies too are. The only way to stem the tide is for the IGP to put in place a mechanism to constantly prosecute and convict every officer that is caught. “We will continuously have bad reports from international organisations if the police do nothing to restore public trust and confidence. If care is not taken, in the nearest future, charge of human rights abuse will be instituted against the head of the police. “So, the IGP needs to show seriousness. It is not enough to arrest officers caught in the act and then nothing is heard about the case anymore, the public should constantly feel and see the police prosecuting security personnel who indulge in extra-judicial killings.” Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chairman, Ikorodu Branch Mr. Sahid Owosile said despite the persistence of police brutality, all hope is not lost. He said: “The new Inspector-General of Police has come out and one could see some of the changes he is bringing about, such as driving the police out of the roads. You can now traverse the country without seeing the police harassing you on the road. That is a good development. “On the human rights thing, it is unfortunate that we don’t have statistics, we don’t have records. If we have records, they would have seen that human rights violation has reduced drastically because if you sit down and write a petition to the IGP, I believe that there will be a response. Unlike what we had before when even if you write directly to the IGP, nothing would happen.” Owosile also does not think state police will be the answer. “It could be very dangerous in the hands of some governors. However, if you have the right to make law, you must have the right to enforce them. If we have a federal arrangement in our law making process, then the enforcement process must be federal in nature. “That is, a federal Police should enforce federal laws, state police to enforce state. We are still a developing country. The thing is about people. It is the calibre of people in government that would determine whether state police will work or not.” On his expectations from the police chief, he said: “The structural system in the police is so awkward that they do not have jurisdiction. If somebody has stolen your property in a local government where there is a divisional police office, why must you go to state police? “The fact that you can go to the Inspector-General Police for simple stealing is a lot of distortion. It is only when you are not satisfied at the local level that you can move up. He should restructure his organisation in such a way that everything will have its own limitation. “It is not that when you have offended somebody who reports you to the local police, then the next thing you do is to go to the state. That is not good enough. He must re-structure his organisation. Then, he must have a monitoring unit, a proper monitoring unit where you can report if there are human rights violations and what-have-you. There must be an organisation or a system that can correct that.” A former NBA, Ikorodu Branch chairman, Mr. Anthony Ebeh, said: “I believe that what Amnesty International, CLEEN Foundation and LEDAP wrote is what they have written year in, year out. It is a recurring decimal. It is what they have said every time about the Nigerian Police. “And to my mind and in my humble opinion, they have not said anything which is far from the truth because the question of extra-judicial killings, violation of rights by the Nigerian Police are very very much with us and it is not going to abate anytime. The reason is simple. The Nigerian Police are completely alien to the people they were supposed to police. “That is one of the biggest challenges that we have. And so often when you pass by police formations, you hear shootings even inside police cells, inside their interrogation rooms and all that! Do you think they are hunting animals inside there? No! It is human beings that they are shooting. They are either wasting their lives or wasting their limbs. “Any way you look at it, it is extra-judicial. Nobody is supposed to suffer any injury, whether bodily, emotional or any other wise on account of an alleged crime without the pronouncement of the court. So to that extent, the Amnesty International and others are very, very correct.” Ebeh want to see changes in how officers are deployed. “The Police are too alien to the people they are supposed to police. Now you imagine this scenerio. You are recruited in Lagos, you are trained in Ikeja, you are a Lagosian at best. May be after six months, after your training at Police College, Ikeja, you are transferred to Zamfara. You have never travelled up North since you were born. “Then you go to Zamfara, you report at the State Police Command and they assign you to one local government. In six months while you are still learning the tricks, you are transferred again to Kano. You get to Kano Central Police Command, and then you are transferred again to one small place.You begin to learn the ropes all over again and before three months when you begin to know the tricks, you are again transferred to Ilorin. Probably these transfers continue. The Nigerian Police will say I have 20 years of experience. I have worked in Sokoto, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano. “But, in truth, they have no experience because he doesn’t know anybody in all these places he claimed to have worked. But if they knew the way other places appointed their Police, the London Metropolitan Police or New York City Police for instance, in USA you talk about the districts, they have their police. “What happens is this, you begin to know, to a large extent, the area of your jurisdiction and whenever there is a rogue, that is why it is not so difficult for them to apprehend the offender. Very easily, they can identify them. These are the kind of people within your jurisdiction that would have committed an offence, and when they go after them, not by way of arresting and torturing them, it is by looking at their life over the period that the alleged crime was committed before they take final action. “But in our own case, the policeman himself is lost; he doesn’t know anybody anywhere in the area he is supposed to police. So, what he simply does is to resort to brute force. So, unless we begin to embrace what some people are afraid of, the State Police, and create policemen who are recruited in Lagos, trained in Lagos and worked in Lagos all of their police life, those recruited in Ibadan to work in Ibadan all of their police life, we are not going to get there. “My advice to the Inspector-General of Police is that since everybody is afraid of State Police, even governors, he should reduce the postings of the police. When you send a man to police Lagos State, for God’s sake, leave him alone to police Lagos State so that he can begin to know Lagos. “In effect, we would achieve the effectiveness of State Police without necessarily creating a State Police. And beyond that, they should check and re-check and re-check the character of the people they are recruiting and have recruited into the police. It is very important,” he added

IGP visits injured officers assured on security.

Security in Lagos State has received a boost following the commissioning of 114 patrol vehicles and 52 power motorbikes to the Lagos State police command. Also bullet proof vests and other security gadgets were commissioned at Alausa by the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar during a visit to the state on Monday. The security equipment and vehicles were donated by the Lagos state local councils and the state security trust fund. Mr. Abubakar said Nigerians will get the best of security during his tenure. Mr Abubakar also paid an unscheduled visit to the 68 Army Reference Hospital at Yaba where he conducted other senior police and army officers round the hospital to see five police officers who suffered various degrees of injuries during a United Nation peacekeeping assignment at Darfur Sudan. "We are here on an unscheduled visit to encourage and empathize with five of our officers receiving treatment. We are satisfied with their level of recuperation.We express our gratitude to the army for treating our officers;the Force is footing their medical expenses and will do everything possible to facilitate their quick and full recovery.".Mr. Abubakar said. Mr Abubakar added that the police hospital need upgrading so as to position it to meet the medical needs of officers and men of the Force. It was gathered that the police men sustained injuries on June 5th 2012 when a rain storm blew off their apartment at Zalingei Darfur. Reacting to the robbery incident in Lagos on Sunday where at least three policemen and civilians were killed Mr Abubakar assured Lagos residents of the police determination to rid the country of crime. "There is no doubt that there has been a reduction in crime in the last six months. There was a time when police stations,army formation and other infrastructure were been attacked daily but this is no longer so. The death of the officers is the supreme price we pay to secure lives and property in the country. You must know that when you fight crime,crime will fight back but we are committed to the security of lives and property".Mr Abubakar said.

Cynthia's corpse abandoned in Lagos Morgue By Patience Ogbo Cynthia Osokogu"s corpse is still lying in the morgue despite findings that autopsy has been carried out. It was gathered from reliable source at the TOS funeral home and mortuary at the LASUTH on Tuesday where Cynthia"s corpse was taken to for an autopsy last month that pathologists have conducted the autopsy on her corpse and it is ready for collection but her family members have not shown up to retrieve the corpse . " Her corpse is still in the mortuary and we have given the necessary documents to her family memebrs but they have not shown up to take her corpse away" the source stated. The police in Lagos state have stated last week that the autospy is required to bld a strong evidence against the suspects arrested in connection with her grusome death on 22 at the Camillas Hotel and Suites FESTAC Town Her burial which was fixed for September 8th was eventually cancelled as pathologists were said to be conducting an autopsy on her to detemine the causes of her death . Reply Reply to all Forward Click here to Reply, Reply to all, or Forward Why this ad?Ads – Western Union Transfers Trust The Leading Money Transfer To Get Your Money There Safely. www.stanbicibtcbank.com 512 34% full Using 3.5 GB of your 10 GB ©2012 Google - Terms & Privacy Last account activity: 24 minutes ago DetailsPeople (4)Dotun Oladipo Join Google+ Show details Ads – Why these ads? Real Estate In Dubai Amazing Capital Growth On Luxury Apartments from N60m. Great Returns www

Oil Thieves Invade Festac, Residents Accuse Police Of Complicity

4 September, 2012 Local Festac Town residents in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, have decried the activities of oil thieves who damage NNPC pipelines to siphon petroleum products. Some of the residents who spoke with P.M.News yesterday, decried the incessant activities of the oil thieves operating in the 7th Avenue Area of Festac, adding that they have made several complaints to the Area ‘E’ Command of the Nigeria Police Force, to no avail. Chukwuemeka Nwani, a resident, who lives very close to the area where oil thieves carry out their activities, alleged that despite several complaints to the Area ‘E’ Command, they are yet to curb the oil pilfering. Nwani disclosed that policemen from the Area ‘E’ Command collude with oil thieves. He called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to look into the issue before it gets out of hand. Another resident, Alhaja Nimota Bilikis said she always sees some policemen from the Area ‘E’ Command escorting the oil thieves, saying that something has to be done urgently to stop the ugly trend. According to Bilikis, “we are tired of the activities of the oil thieves; they come here at midnight to scoop premium motor spirit, and on some occasions we see policemen from the Area ‘E’ Command with them. That is why whenever we inform the police they won’t act. We want the IGP to come to our aid.” A security guard, who works with a church close to where the canoes of the oil thieves berth, said the church has also made several complaints to the Area ‘E’ Command but nothing has been done about it. The guard, who craved anonymity said: “The police are causing all these problems. Weeks ago I was woken up by sporadic shootings. When I enquired, I discovered that it was a gun duel between policemen from the Area ‘E’ Command and Zone 2. The IG has to look into this issue.” Corroborating what the guard said, an automobile mechanic who identified himself as Fatai Aromire, said if men from the Area ‘E’ Command put aside sentiment, they can stop the activities of the oil thieves. He recalled how fire almost razed some parts of 7th Avenue as a result of the activities of the oil thieves. “I could remember what happened some years ago, when fire erupted in parts of 7th Avenue. The police made some arrests but they were later released based on the cordial relationship that existed between both parties. Up till now the oil thieves still operate with reckless abandon and the police can’t stop them.” An accomplice, Muhammed Haliru, who sells engine oil, said there is nothing the police can do to stop their activities because they bribe the police. “We always ‘settle’ the police whenever we go on operation. The residents can only complain but they cannot stop us,” he boasted. Telephone calls by P.M.NEWS to the Commander of Area ‘E’, Donald Okoro, were not picked as at the time of filing this report. us on twitter and become a fan on Facebook Source: PM News

Women business get a boost By Patience Ogbo At a time when women are fast becoming a force to be reckon with politically in the country,their counterparts in the business sector likewise are getting the supports they need to grow their businesses. The support this time is coming from global phone manufacturer Nokia in partnership with MTN and the Cherie Blair foundation for Women. At the event held at the Civic Centre on August 23,Nokia lauched its service for women the New Nokia Life Service "Business Women" which according to Nokia will boost women businesses in Nigeria by providing them with affordable business tips and relevant information via sms subcriptions. Nokia said its aim is to connect Nigeria business women to opportunities that will improve their busineses. "women entrepreneurs are faced with significant barriers to scaling their businesses including access to affordable resources,marketing channels and training outputs;the business women aims to address this imbalance"said James Rutherford,vice president Nokia West Africa. Cherie Blair ,the Wife of former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair was also at the event. Mrs Blair stated that her foundation with support from the ExxonMobil foundation conducted a research in Nigeria where it was discovered that "93 percent of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria,were willing to use a value added mobile service like Business women to address core challanges they face in their businesses while 75percent of them felt that addressing these challanges would led to a significant increase in the value of their business" Mrs Blair added "Giving women the chance to become financially independent and make the most of their talents is the key to higher living standards for them and their families". Mr Rutherford, added that Business Women service will also benefit local business women who cannot read nor write as a special subcription will enable them get the service in venacular."Most of business women in Nigeria are literate and we are focusing on them so that they can inform others but we also intend to make this service available in local languages so that those women who cannot read nor write can benefit"Mr Rutherford said. Sifiso Dabengwa,the President and Chief Executive Officer, MTN Group, said,MTN Nigeria, will provide free of charge service for an initial six-month subscription period for subcribers to the Business Women package. The event was also spiced with jokes and comments from former talkshow broadcaster, Funmi Iyanda. While Olusola Lanre CEO, Impression Management Consulting, and, Toyosi Akerele the CEO, Rise Networks as guest speakers at the event urged women to break the yoke of poverty and all forms of limitation by embracing information that will transform their lives.

62 police officers graduate in human rights training 62 police officers at the weekend graduated in human rights studies. The officers attached to the Nigeria Police Railway command in Lagos State are the first set of police officers to attend a human rights training course from the Railway Command. The training programme was organised by the Crime Victims Foundation. GLoria Egbuji, the Executive Director of Crime Victims Foundation stated that the officers have acquired basic knowledge and skills on human rights and these skills will improve their relationship with the public. "These officers join more than three thousand other officers we have trained on human rights and we believe with the knowledge they have acquired ,they will relate with the public better and ensure that both the rights of suspects and the victims are upheld." Mrs Egbuji also urged members of the public to support the police to do their work professionally . "policing is a huge challenge and the officers cannot do the work alone. They need finance as what they have is not enough compared to the growing challenges they face therefore in anyway the public wish to support the police it will be to the interest of all". The Commissioner of police Railway command Saba Ndagi expressed delight over the training. He said "This human rights training is in line with the IGP Mohammed Abubakar's vision to transform the officers and men of the Nigeria police force into world class policemen who respects human rights and dignity. The IGP frowns at torture of suspects and other inhuman treatment by police men . As officers we are friends to the public and this human rights training will help us do our worke better. The graduands were presented certificate of merit as proof for attending the training. They expressed their gratitude to the IGP for giving them the opportunity to attend the training.

Tricycle rider killed over N50 bribe. Irrate youth attack police station. By Patience Ogbo. There was pandemonium on Friday at the Merian police station as irrate youth attack policemen attached to the station. The youth mostly tricycle riders attacked the officers over the alleged shooting of one Dele Oroja the Unit head of the tricycle riders at-Iwe/Ile-Epo Meiran. Oroja allegedly died on Friday morning after he was shot on September 6th by a policeman for refusing to part with N50 bribe. Youth however took to the street after they received the sad news of Oroja's death and would have burnt down the Merian police station but for the timely intervention of anti-riot policemen drafted to the station. Residents also accused policemen attached to the station of extortion and incessant roadblocks despite the Inspector General of Police directive banning roadblocks across the country. Narrating how Oroja was killed an eyewitness who requested anonimity stated “ on Wednesday Oroja picked a soldier in mufti in his tri-cycle but when he got to Ile Iwe junction, a policeman stopped him and demanded for N50 bribe but the soldier challenged the policeman and told Oroja not to pay the bribe :the policeman slapped the soldier, not knowing he was a soldier. Immediately this happened, the soldier called for reinforcements from his barracks at the Command Area Meiran and they came in droves and beat up the policeman. The eyewitness added that the police man stopped Oroja again on Thursday and accused him of sendinng soldiers to beat him up "Oroja was with his brother on Thursday evening, they were going to buy animal feeds when the policeman accosted him and said he was the one who brought soldiers to fight him so that was how he shot Oroja. " . The source added that Oroja was rushed to the Araba Medical Centre but was confirmed dead on Friday morning. The Lagos State Commissioner of police Umaru Manko, has called for calm over the incident stating that the policeman involved in the shooting has been arrested. In a press statement on Friday, Ngozi Braide, the Lagos State police spokesperson identified the trigger happy policeman as corporal Abbey Adekunle. The statement reads “On the 6th of September 2012, at about 2020hrs, one corporal Abbey Adekunle attached to Meiran Division while on duty and clearing of obstruction in front of the Police Station allegedly shot one Dele Oroja ‘m’, a tri-cyclist, in a mysterious circumstance. “The victim was immediately rushed to Araba Medical center, Meiran, but unfortunately died over the night. “The corpse has been deposited at the General Hospital Ikeja for post mortem examination, while the suspect is under arrest and currently being detained at the State CID Panti, Yaba. “I am appealing to the members of the Meiran Community and Lagosians to embrace peace and remain calm as we have commenced investigation and justice will definitely prevail.”

Robbers wreck havoc in Lagos on Sunday. KIll three policemen,others. By Patience Ogbo The relative security in lagos state suffered a set back on Sunday as rampaging robbers were said to have shot dead a total of about six persons including three policemen, a bureau de change operator, a commercial motorcycle rider and a bus driver. The robbery incidents took place in Ikeja,Anthony Village,Oba Akran,-jesha ,Oshodi-Along and Agege areas of the state. Also more than 10 people allegedly sustained injuries as the robbers engaged the police in a shoot out. Some of the victims shot by the robbers at Anthony Village include an official of the Lagos State Traffic management Authority (LASTMA) simply identified as Sosan. Several Bureau de chang operators at Anthony Village and Agege areas of the state were robbed of undisclosed amount of foreign currencies. But the Lagos State Government assured residents of adequate security. The robbers, said to be eight, were said to be driving two SUVs - a Prado and an Armada. The robbers were said to have started the robbery operation at Anthony Village about 10:30am where they robbed the Bureau de chang operators. The police were contacted but the armed robbers escaped and headed towards Oba Akran where They shot dead two policemen inside a patrol vehicle trailing the robbers near the Guinness Brewery. Another policeman and a commercial bus driver were reportedly killed at the Ikeja-Along bus stop by the fleeing armed robbers. At Agege area the robbers also shot and robbed bureau de chang operators. A stray bullet also hit a Volvo ambulance with registration number HL 355 AAA belonging to Motolani Medical Centre. Residents relaxing at home also sustained bullet wounds. The robbers were said to have been spotted at at Ifako-Gbagada from where they reportedly drove through Oshodi to Mile 2 and Agege. They shot dead an Okada rider on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. The Lagos State police command spokes person,Ngozi Braide confirmed the robbery incidents. She assures the public to go about their lawful busineses without fear as the police will arrest the fleeing robbers soon.

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Police recovers Cynthia Osokogu's blackberry phone from business man arrest phone seller,driver By Patience Ogbo The saga over the gruesome death of Cynthia Osokogu has continued with the arrest of two other prime  suspects . The police also recovered Cynthia's white  Blackberry Bold 5 99100 from a business man in Port Harcourt who allegedly bought the stolen  phone from her killers. The police identified the suspects as Nonso Ezike a younger brother of Chidera Ezike one of the suspects paraded and arraigned by the police over Cynthia's death. Nonso is a graduate of Mathematics and Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology Owerri. Nonso is also said to be a second hand hand phone dealer at Ladipo Market who is  the receiver and onward seller of all the phones stolen by the internet fraudsters. After his arrest Nonso said he sold Cynthia's phone for N68,000 after he bought it from his bother Chidera for N42,000 naira. "Chidera is my blood bother. I am a dealer in London used second phones. It was Chidera who sold the phone to me. He said the phone belongs to our cousin Okwumo. I later sold the phone to a man in Port Harcourt for N68,000 "Nonso said in a statement to the police. The other suspects was identified by the police as Gideon Okechukwu a driver for the gang.  The suspects were  arrested by policemen attached to the Area E police command in Festac Town led by the Area Commander an Assistant Commissioner of Police Dan Okoro. ACP Okoro  said electronic policing led to the arrest of the suspect. Confirming the arrest of the suspects.  Confirming the arrest,the Lagos State Commissioner of police Umar Manko said "In continuation of our investigation, we arrested two men and recovered Cynthia's blackberry phone.Investigation is still ungoing to arrest others" Narrating how the police arrested the suspects ACP Dan Okoro said "during the   Investigation, I told late Cynthia's father to give me  the pin of her blackberry phone. I got the pin and started chatting with the number. During the course of  our chatting, I got to know that the person with the phone is at Port harcourt. I told him I need the phone and he told me he bought it from Lagos and the phone was sent to him via courier and he was willing to return it to the person who sold it to him. He said he would like to get his money for the phone back and I told him there is no problem. Continuing ACP Okoro stated that the phone was returned to Nonso who later brought it to the police station in company of his lawyer. On September 3rd, two men came to my office with a white Bold 5 99100 backberry phone. Immediately I told my men to detain them and they were interrogated so that was how we got to know that Nonso is a brother of one of the suspects Chidera Ezike that we arraigned". The police also arrested  Gideon  39 years old said to be the driver of the suspects. The police alleged that Gideon Okechukwu was also arrested through intelligence policing. CP Manko said "Okechukwu is believed to be the man who conveys the suspects to all their destinations. He is helping us with our investigation. The police also recovered a black Compaq 610 laptop belonging to Echezona Nwabufor Okwuomo,one of the suspects arraigned. The laptop is said to   contain  over fifty nude photographs of female victims who have fallen prey to the internet sex ring. Some of the photographs show pretty ladies tied with rope and their mouths covered with cellotape with dangerous objects inserted in their vigina. Cynthia's naked photographs also shown bites and wound inflicted all over  her body. Some of the victims were also videotaped when the suspects were having sex with the and the videos sold to phonography website.   Cp Manko said the police will not relent until all the suspects involved in the case are arrested.  He warned phone users to desist from buying stolen phones "What these people do is that after stealing this phones they will flash the phones and remove all the details of the owners of the phone that is what they did with Cynthia's phone but we got her pin which cannot be destroyed so people should be wary of the phones they buy as this can be stolen property. The suspects will be arraign in court soon" Mr Manko said.