Friday 31 December 2021


Multiple accident on Lagos- Ibadan Express road.

Scores fear dead. 

Tragedy has struck  few hours to the New Year as a tanker said to be laden with diesel failed brake and rammed into vehicle along the Lagos - Ibadan Express road by the Otedola bridge end road. 
Details of casualties are still sketchy at the time of filing this report. 
Officials of the National Emergency Management Authority NEMA , Federal Road Safety Corp, NSCDC, police are on the scene of the accident. 




Monday 27 December 2021

N9b loan: Wema Bank allegedly goes after Pastor Tunde


 

Wema bank is allegedly on the  heels of Pastor Tunde  Bakare over an alleged N9billion loan the clergyman allegedly  took from the bank  for a  new church building. 

According to information gathered, the loan repayment plan was allegedly affected by the Covid- 19 pandemic last year.

Saturday 25 December 2021

Who is next Lagos CP?

With the elevation of the Lagos state commissioner of police , Mr. Hakeem Odumosu to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police last week  the question  on the lips of Lagos residents, rank and file including officers of the command is who will take over from Mr. Odumosu?  

Lagos state is one of the States in Nigeria where policemen allegedly lobby to get posted to serve. 

Capable hands who can take over the helm of the Lagos state police command include DCP Olatunji Disu who has proven he is not only a tested and seasoned crime buster but also a professional policeman. 

Others include DCP Abba Kyari. Although he is facing suspension but DCP Kyari is also a seasoned crime buster. 

Others include CP Frank Mba the spokesperson for the police. CP Mba has a track record of a well refrained policeman and his wealth of experience as a Public Relations practitioner is an asset. 


Friday 24 December 2021

Phone repairer kidnapped boy, 9, from school.

 




A 24-year- old mobile phone  technician ,Teleheem Kamaldeen ,who allegedly went to a school in the New Nyanya  area of Nasarawa State to kidnap a 9 year old pupil said he planned  to expand his business from the proceeds of the illicit act .

The suspect ,who was arrested by the operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team( IRT ) led by Olatunji Disu a Deputy Commissioner of Police had collected #1.5 million from the parents  of the abducted student ,before he was arrested .

The police not only succeeded in reuniting the pupil with his parents but also recovered  the ransom from the suspect,who was smoked out of his hideout in the same New Nyanya in Nasarawa State 


SUSPECT' s statement .

" My name is Teleheem Kamaldeen .I am 24 yrs old . I am from Ogbomosho in Oyo State .I was arrested because I kidnapped a9- year- old boy in New Nyanya .I went to his school to pick him ."
" I have been monitoring him for many months and I have been looking for the opportunity to abduct him .His parents stay in my area in the same New Nyanya. I always saw when he was being driven to and from school.I have been monitoring him ."

" On the day of their vacation,I went to their school and I saw that there was free entry into the gate unlike in the past .People were moving freely into and out of the school.The students were all playing around."

" I walked into the school and looked for him .I told him that his mother had paid me to teach him computer operation .He was very happy .He instantly agreed to follow me .I told them in the school that I am his computer instructor and that I wanted to go and teach him ."

I took him away and lodged him in a hotel . I went with my laptop and I taught him how to operate computer .We were enjoying with the computer till late in the night ,when the battery went off and I told him that we would continue the following morning ."

" While we were doing the computer work ,I called his parents and told them I had had abducted their son and that they should pay me #4000000( four million naira) but they negotiated it to#1500000(one million five hundred thousand naira " 

" While we were in the hotel ,I lied to the boy that his parents were aware that he was with me but in actual truth ,I was speaking and negotiating ransom with the parents ."



REASON FOR THE ABDUCTION

" I  am a phone repairer .At times people would bring phone to me for repair .When I finish repairing them ,some would tell me to swap them with new ones for them to add more money ."

" I do t have money to but enough phones to be selling and to swap with these set of people.I hope  to use the ransom to buy new phones that I can be selling and swap with my customers." 




The force public relations officer,Frank Mba confirmed the arrest , describing it as a " non violent but crimnal offence "

He warned school owners to put a measure in place to protect the process of bringing  in and picking students from their schools .

He also threatened that the police would no longer only go after the suspects in case of such occurrence in the future but also arrest and prosecute school owners ,where such happened

Wednesday 22 December 2021

Four police personnel detained.

 




The Commisioner of Police of the Federal Capital Territory FCT CP Sunday Babaji,has ordered the immediate arrest and investigation of Police officers in the viral extortion video.

Following the above, the officers who were on traffic duty along Area 11, where a young man whose identity is yet to be identified was intercepted and extorted, have been taken into custody and are currently  under investigation towards unraveling facts surrounding the situation.

 In a press statement by DSP Josephine Adeh spokesperson for the FCT police command stated  that the FCT police command wishes to call on anyone who has a way of reaching out to the young man in the video to avail the Command with his contact details or to  relay a message of invitation to the Public Relations Office of the Command .

" The CP who received the news with grave bewilderment described the attitude of the officers as a Discreditable conduct, an act unbecoming of a Police Officers, and a total deviation from the core values of uprightness expected of a Police officer. The CP also stated that the act is unacceptable and will not be condoned in the command as hesitation will not be made in the administration of a commensurate disciplinary action. 
 that in the light of the above,CP while registering the assurance of the Command’s unflinching commitment towards service in line with  standard best practices , wishes to remind residents of the availability of the Public Complaints Bureau line ;0902 222 2352, a number specially  created for members of the public to report any unprofessional conduct of  Police officers while discharging their duties." 

" Finally, while urging residents to not relent in cooperating with the Police  as touching the rendition of prompt and accurate information relevant in fighting crime and criminality in the FCT, The command implores residents to report all suspicious movements, emergencies or distresses through the following lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883" 




Tuesday 21 December 2021

Woman pours hot water on daughter for coming home

 



A 15 years old girl name withheld is lying critically ill at a general hospital in Lagos after her biological parents allegedly poured boiling water on her.
The offence of the 15 year old according to sources is that she allegedly  came back home late after her parents sent her on an errand. 
 A non profit human rights group , the  Advocates For Children and Vulnerable Persons Network ACVPN has since intervened   and are calling for   justice for the girl. ACVPN's  Coordinator Mr. Ebeneezer Omejalile  said the assault needs  urgent medical attention. The source who took the girl to the hospital said  " A case  of physical assault occasioned by body harm on a 15 years old  girl perpetrated by her father and mother. The Survivor and her parents reside   at Baales house, Imobido Ibeju Lekki Lagos.   The survivor was  sent on errant and somehow she came back late .  Her mother got furious and poured hot water on her while her father supported the dastardly act and hit her on her head with a stick. The hot water peeled off her back and she is in serious pain. The mother is in custody of  the AKODO police police station.The  survivor was rushed to the AKODO general hospital where she is undergoing treatment ". 

It was gathered that the human rights group is  calling  on the Officer in  Charge of the Gender Anti-Human Trafficking at  SCID PANTI Lagos command to take over the investigation of the assault on the girl. 

Sunday 19 December 2021

CRAN honours Kogi State Governor in Lagos.

 Woman strip naked, paraded over husband's death 




A childless Widow has been reportedly  stripped naked and paraded round town a day after husband's death.
It was gathered that the dastardly act which happened in Anambra State was       video recorded and posted on social media which has since gone viral. 

The incident has provoked outrage which has alsoled to petitions and open letters to the wife of the governor of the state to act swiftly to give justice to the woman and arrest those behind the shameful act. 


One of the letters  written by  Anwulika Adonah sought the   help from the first lady of Anambra ; reads 

"Dear Chief Mrs Osodieme Obiano , the Executive First Lady Anambra state,

Madam, are you aware that a young childless widow from Igbo-ezunu Aguleri whose husband died yesterday, was stripped completely naked same yesterday and paraded around Otuocha, and Enuobodo Aguleri, for allegedly killing her husband through Adultery?

Your excellency, it's been over 24hrs now and not a single one of the people who humiliated this widow has been arrested.

No one has seen the woman since the shameful parade ended so, we suspect that they may have killed her or she took her life where no one could find her body.

Your excellency, as a concerned daughter of Omambala, i write to demand justice for Ajuese, not only because you are from Aguleri but because, you are the mother of the state and this widow is your subject.

I know how much you have sponsored women empowerment and I am convinced that you won't let this go like the culprits expect.

What happened yesterday is an eyesore and an abomination. We are not as backward as these monsters portrayed us yesterday.

Whether the widow is alive or not, I plead that you use your office to perfect justice.

The attached picture was cropped out from the heartbreaking video these animals in our midst made of their crime and circulated on social media. I censored it.

The culprits numbering over 100, headed by her husband's relatives, could be seen in the trending video.

It is a pity that the Police could not save this woman yesterday as they paraded her past the Otuocha police station.

I am doing my best to get to the root of this as I am on ground in Otuocha but, my best will never be enough, since I am not from Aguleri.

This is why I need your help, Ma
Also condemning the act, are members of the Advocates for children and Vulnerable Persons Network ( ACVPN ) 

---- 

Friday 17 December 2021

Corruption affects women,men differently--- experts

 Nigeria ,Germany , Sweden gather anti- corruption and gender experts to debate how corruption affects men and women differently




On the 3rd day of the ongoing session of the Conference of States Parties of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nigeria, Germany and Sweden gathered anti-corruption and gender experts to debate how corruption involves and affects men and women differently. 

One of the key panelists at the session, Ms. Lilian Ekeanyanwu, Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anticorruption Reforms (TUGAR) Nigeria pointed out “the limited research on gender and corruption give strong indications of divergent experiences and disproportionate impact of corruption on women in relation to men.”

Presenting some of the findings from the UNODC Gender and Corruption in Nigeria Study, Ms. Ekeanyanwu highlighted that 35% of men and 24% of women who came into contact with a public official between July 2018 and June 2019 ended up being requested and, in most cases, paid a bribe. Consistent with what occurs in other countries, women seemed to experience corruption differently, and sometimes more drastically than men. Women, in particular young women and girls are also subject to sextortion when their bodies become the means of payment. While the prevalence of this particularly insidious form of corruption was more complex to establish due to the related stigma, the report found that close to 70% of the respondents, both women and men thought that sextortion was either very or fairly frequent. Most revealing, however, were the findings relating to the likelihood of male vs. female public officials engaging in bribe seeking behavior.

 Taking into account the existing gender gap in most public institutions, the data clearly indicated that female public officials are consistently less likely to engage in corruption than their male counterparts. 
Ms. Monika Bauhr, Associate Professor, Quality of Government (QoG) institute, University of Gothenburg, Sweden explained why women in elected office reduce corruption levels from the In her research published in the “Oxford handbook on the Quality of Government”,  she found that women were typically more risk adverse and often more focused on the public good and welfare. Also, being outsiders in most male dominated environments insulated them to some extent from becoming part of corrupt networks. She also pointed out that besides the strong association between women in elected office and lower corruption levels, corruption can be an obstacle to the recruitment of women which needs to be urgently addressed to encourage more women representation on office.

Ms. Ekeanyanwu also pointed out
 some of the missed opportunities in gender-sensitive language in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) as well as the implementation review mechanism. She also urged for the introduction of gender- sensitive anti-corruption policies and programming in as well as for the gender disaggregation of data in the review of countries’ implementation of the requirements of the Convention. 

H.E Ambassador Ehab Fawzy, Deputy Executive Director of the Women Development Organisation stated that “If we want to achieve our SDGs we need to work on corruption and the empowerment of women. We need to build gender responsive mechanisms to help women play a role in all public policies.”

According to the Moderator of the event, Mr. Daniel Kempken, Senior Advisor, Rule of Law and Anticorruption at the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany ‘the UNGASS declaration has established the global commitment for increased focus on the interlinkages between gender and corruption and the Sharm-El-Sheikh declaration reiterates this commitment.”


Wednesday 15 December 2021

EFCC arrest Bank MD over $72.8m

  

 
As part of the ongoing investigations into the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said it has arrested a former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, allegedly over an additional $72, 870,000million still in the coffers of the bank.


Okonkwo, who is currently the Chairman of First Bank Holding, alongside others, had earlier been grilled over a sum of $153million and $115million by the Commission.

While all the $153 million were recovered by the EFCC, the cases involving $115million, as it relates with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, bribery matter, are in various courts.

Okonkwo and Charles Onyedibe are  currently being detained by the EFCC over the whereabouts of the new $72.8m said Wilson Nwajuren EFCC spokes person 

​POLICE ARREST MAN FOR ALLEGEDLY MASTERMINDING ABDUCTION GRUESOME MURDER OF HIS WIFE OVER PROPERTY

 


 


The Operatives of the Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by DCP Olatunji Dish have arrested  a man and three other suspects over the  abduction and gruesome killing of one  late Mrs Nneka Nwanyi-Sunday Emeh Kalu who was earlier reported missing am but  later found dead in a cassava farm on  August,29th 2021 in Ngugworo Community in Nguzu Edda in Afikpo South, Ebonyi State. The suspects arrested are; Irem Ifeanyi Mbah, Igwe Anya Chima, Okorie Okam and Emeh Kalu – the husband of the deceased and the principal suspect. The suspects are within the age bracket of 25 – 40yrs and all native of Nguzu Edda village in Afikpo South Local Council Area of Ebonyi State.
 
Investigations into the death of the victim follow complaint received from the people of Ngugworo community, Ebonyi State, a border town to Abia State where the victim resided, when the decomposing body of the late Mrs Kalu was discovered in their community. The discrete investigations carried out by the Police team led to the arrest of the four suspects.
 
Force Public relations officer CP Frank Mba said investigations by the Police team revealed that " Emeh Kalu – the husband of the deceased, in a bid to allegedly fraudulently and hastily ‘inherit’ his wife’s numerous assets including landed property, houses, money in bank and thriving business, and other properties, allegedly procured the services of five (5) other criminal elements to stage the abduction of his wife by luring her to meet him at a junction to pick up somethings for the house. Investigations further revealed how the criminals strangled her to death after obtaining necessary information on the whereabouts of title documents and other relevant papers of her possessions. Efforts are being intensified to arrest other suspects and persons indicted in the matter with a view to concluding the investigations"
 
The Force, while condoling the family of the deceased for the unfortunate loss, enjoined families and relatives to be their “brother’s keeper” and provide prompt information to the Police that would assist in proactively containing crimes and all forms of gender-based violence.  
 
All the suspects would be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.
 


Friday 10 December 2021

Romance Scammer Jailed


 

UK court convicts Nigerian man for scamming over 600 women





REPORT ON KIDNAP, RESCUE OF 20 P0LICEMEN IN YOBE STATE IS FAKE NEWS --- POLICE

 





The  Yobe State Police Command has  described as fake news  trending 
on both social media at  www.crimechannels.com and the mainstream media platforms by  Channels Television  that  20 Police personnel were  kidnapped by Boko-Haram/ISWAP insurgents during an attack on  Buni-Yadi Police Division in Gujba Local Govt. Area of the State.
The alleged fake news according to the police added that the 20 policemen  were rescued by Troops of the Nigerian Army (Operation Hadin Kai) 
ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, thd spokesperson for the Yobe State police command in a press statement revealed that the news is disheartening , as it is not only a  fake news/story but aimed at putting the police in bad light as the report is devoid of any element of a genuine story as the claim  failed to disclose the policemen's identities; their ranks; the formations they belong to; or which medical facility they were taken to for check-ups; or who were they handed over to; or when and where were they handed over to.
The Yobe state command stated that  the absence of all these vital information in the publication, means that the story is nothing but false, misleading and a misinformation 
The statement read " The news item was further replicated in many online publications, such as neptuneprime.com.ng, etc has been published in many media outlets, without seeking for clarification from the requisite police authorities. 
It’s even more worrisome that such misleading story is alleged to have emanated from military sources" 

However, in view of the sensitive nature of the issue, and the prevalent security situation in the State, it’s deemed imperative that such negative impression must be erased from the minds of the public by setting the records straight. It’s equally important that the actual facts and circumstances surrounding the incident must be brought to light, for the sake of the families of police personnel serving in Yobe State." 

In this regard therefore, the Command stated the story or news item (on the alleged kidnaping of 20 police personnel in Buni-Yadi and their rescue by troops) is misleading, an utter fabrication and fake news, as no single police personnel was kidnapped from Buni-Yadi town on the day of the alleged incident, or at all;

On Tuesday 30th November 2021, suspected members of Boko-Haram/ISWAP insurgents had attacked the Buni-Yadi Police Station in Gujba Local Govt. Area of the State and burnt down the structures, but there was NEITHER any loss of life, NOR was any Police personnel kidnapped, or declared missing. All the conventional personnel of the Division, as well as the PMF personnel, had been accounted after the incident;
 
"The general public is therefore, by this PRESS RELEASE from the Yobe State Police Command, enjoined to discountenance/disregard/ignore the said ‘Kidnap & Rescue Claim’ as false, mischievous and fake!

 While reiterating the commitment and dedication of Police personnel currently serving in or deployed to Yobe State, in sustaining the relative peace and security in the State, we call on the entire members of the public to continue to cooperate and support the command, as always". 

Sunday 5 December 2021

NEMA advises residents to install smoke detector, fire extinguishers in their homes,offices,Shops as fire razes apartment in Ibadan.

 





The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA has urged residents in Ibadan to install  smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in their homes, offices and shops  as a way of checking the spread of fire  in the state. 

NEMA South West Coordinator, Mr. Saheed Akiode stated this on Sunday when the Agency visited a scene of fire at the Alafia Estate Orogun,in  Ibadan Oyo State. 
According to residents, the fire which engulfed the upper rooms of the one storey apartment was said to have been caused by a high voltage   surge from  one of the locked  rooms upstairs. 

The owner of the building , a septuagenarian and his family were having breakfast when the incident occurred it was learnt.
Following the fire incident which started in the morning , a resident placed a distress call to the NEMA office  and subsequently, the Agency's Coordinator in South West, Mr. Akiode activated  the federal and state fire services and they all raced to the burning house to put off  the fire while the police were on ground to control the crowd and  stop miscreants from taking undue advantage of the situation.  
The combined efforts of all the agencies stopped the fire from spreading from the upstairs to other rooms downstairs and to nearby apartments

Advising residents to take pro active measure  in checking fire incidences, Mr. Akiode said " Some weeks ago, we held  a road show in Ibadan and in Bodija market where we educated residents of the need to stop fire incidences by being proactive. This is dry season and  we are advising that they should be proactive by installing smoke detectors, fire extinguishers in their homes, offices and shops. The smoke detectors will alert the occupants that there is a fire and the fire can be quickly checkmated before it spreads and destroys   valuable property  to lost of lives. ". 
Mr. Akiode on behalf of the federal government commiserate with the owner of the burnt building as he assures residents of the federal government quick intervention whenever they are in crisis. 

How police maintained law and order when Edo youth blocked FG road for 6 days.


 




Officers of the Nigeria police Force In Edo state command  kept watch  at the  Sapele By- Pass road in Benin City Edo state as youth in the state blocked the federal government road for six  days. 
Sources said the protest was  sustained   as the  youth from various communities  allegedly  received  financial support from  traders and community members  who were  levied N5000 each to keep  the  protesters  on the road in their bid to force the state and federal governments  to  fix the bad   road. 
It was gathered that the Federal Road Management Agency  FERMA carried  out  palliative repair  on the road but the youth continued  blockage on the road inward and outward Benin City for days thereby subjecting travellers to long hours of traffic snarl.

It was learnt that the  policemen from the the LoveWorld Division One  and other policemen from the Area command  ensured that hoodlums do not hijack the protest as the police are stationed there from morning till night. 

It was learnt that the protest started on   November 22nd  at about 07: 30am when , the  Sapele By Pass area after the bridge the road inward and outward Benin was completely blocked by the youth for more than ten  hours.
The Ogheghe junction off Sapele road was also blocked.The road was later opened  for vehicular movement at 7pm  that day.On Wednesday the road was also blocked at about the same time and later reopen at about 8pm . On Thursday the road was also blocked in the early morning  and reopen at about 11pm.On Friday the road was also blocked at about same time  and reopen at night. 
It was gathered that on   Saturday 27th November at  about 8. 20pm, the Youth came out again and blocked the road as usual.Although the Youth were not violent .
A resident in the area who requested anonymity said " At about 11: 00am,  FERMA came with a payloader for the grading of the road and work is still on to cover the fail portion on the road. Army check point is situated where the protest and blockage of the road is being carried out. Police visibility is also high for close monitoring of the protesters activities for it not to be hijacked by hoodlums.Work on the road is still on. The Area is calm  but motorists are suffering".
 It was gathered that  the governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Obaseki later came  at about 5pm on Monday to address the Youth and promised  to fixed the fail portion of the road.The road was later reopen on Monday .
The youth it was learnt opened the road and work  commenced   with repair work starting from RCC portion of the Sapele road by the State Government 

Celebrating Chief Mba on His Birthday : An Icon of Excellence, A Great Philanthropist Of Our Time.

 




"Happy Birthday To An Icon Who Has Risen by Lifting Others"

Chief Charles Ndubuisi Mba, a philanthropist whose passion for human development is immeasurable, recently celebrated his birthday where he expressed his joy of living a fulfilled life. 

The great icon who could not hide his excitement revealed how rising by lifting others gave him joy and how impacting people positively made him an achiever. 

Many will spend their lifetime trying to figure out rules to living, however, Dr Charles Mba not only figured them out but has been living them for almost two decades now.

"The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively. 

"So, achievements generally could not necessarily be achievements in terms of material things. There is a way I look at achievement. 

"How many people have you impacted in life? How have you changed situations around you? These are areas where one needs to perform well before he is called an achiever. 

"We have been able to give scholarships to different people, especially indigent people. We have also been able to train people who are graduates" Dr Charles Mba said.

He demonstrates the exact meaning of living by using his talent to serve the world and leaving a lasting impression while serving and mainly a positive impact on the causes that matter to the powerful.

It was gathered that Dr Charles Mba pet project, Charley Mba foundation, a charity organization was  established to give scholarship to indigent students Udenu & Nsukka at large from primary to university education.

"I feel fulfilled. I am so grateful to God for keeping me alive till 50. I have lost some friends. Even at the age of 40, some died. I have lost close friends who didn’t get to 50 but for me, the most precious thing God has done for me is keeping me alive and healthy to attain 50 years. 

"I know he will continue to keep me until I am 100 years old. I have achieved a lot. I have done so well in my area of discipline and other areas. God has been so kind to me and things have been working so perfectly for me"

"Excellence, a rare quality possessed by a few in the society, an ideal that stands out the few, making them exemplary and quintessential in all facts." he added.

Chief Mba, (CEO) of CDV Group, is the brain behind CDV Properties & Development Ltd, a frontline real estate firm with properties spread across Nigeria. 

The construction magnate behind 34V Engineering Limited, Chief Mba hails from Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. 

An alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Microbiology, he is a fellow of several professional bodies including Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management & Politics, Ghana (CIPRMP) and a member of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN). 

Dr Mba is a real estate magnate & a phylantropic doyen. He is the founder,  Charley Mba foundation.

Dr Charles Mba is one of the billionaire’s who rose from the scratch and became very influential, successful and a major player in real estate within Nigeria and beyond.

Dr Mba has sponsored & trained many who aspire to for professional course in Engineering, pharmacy, medicine & nursing.

His philanthropic magnanimity across Nsukka zone earned him the unique title “Ihe Oma Chukwu mere na Nsukka ” which means the good thing that happened to Nsukka zone for the main reason that he doesn’t discriminate when he wants to give, he see’s everyone in the six local government of Nsukka zone as one.

Apart from Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Dr Charles Mba remains the benefactor leader of Nsukka zone.

He has provided quality tarred roads, electricity, provided jobs for Nsukka youths and most importantly provided financial assistance to local traders and nursing mother’s in rural areas.

Chief Charles Mba is a great pillar & proud supporter to our esteemed Governor, His excellency Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Dr Mba is a notable philanthropist whose humanitarian acts and deeds have brought considerable succour to many. He has also won many awards and honours.

"Every 4th of December is my birthday, which is symbolic with gifting, paying hospital bills, and other valuable items to worthy and deserving individuals"

Dr Mba is a blessing to this generation, his passion for human capital development is unparalleled.

This piece was culled from Hybride news. 

Friday 26 November 2021

47,000 female killed by someone in their family in 2020-- UNODC

 



---Every 11 minutes, a woman or girl is  killed by someone in their family 


A total of 81,000 women and girls were killed globally  in 2020.
Around 47,000 of them (58 per cent) died at the hands of an intimate partner or a family member, which equals to a woman or girl being killed every 11 minutes in their home. 

This is according to data published today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
The research brief, released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, is based on data from 95 countries on gender-related killings of women and girls by intimate partners or family members.
“Although eight out of 10 of all homicide victims are men or boys, women and girls are the primary victims of lethal violence at home in every part of the world, accounting for six out of 10 killings committed by intimate partners or other family members,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. 
“UNODC research shows that the situation has not improved over the past decade, even in places where lethal violence has decreased overall. Urgent and targeted action is needed to empower and protect women and girls, to prevent gender-based violence and save lives.”
Africa remains the region with the highest rate of killings of women and girls by an intimate partner or a family member with 2.7 victims per 100,000 inhabitants. 
Global data on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on gender-related killings on women and girls remain patchy and inconclusive. Between 2019 and 2020, the average annual number of these killings showed a slight increase in both Europe and the Americas, with differences in the various regions. These changes, however, were similar in size to previous annual changes recorded in the past decade.
The number of gender-related killings between 2019 and 2020 has increased in Western Europe by 11 per cent, while a slighter increase was recorded in Southern Europe with five per cent. In comparison, in Northern America the numbers have increased by eight per cent, in Central America by three per cent, while data from South America shows an increase of five per cent. According to the research brief, the numbers in Northern Europe have not changed during the examined period, while a slight decrease of minus five per cent could be noted in Eastern Europe. 
Monthly data on women and girls killed by intimate partners or family members received from 14 countries from different regions around the globe show high variability in trends across countries throughout the various waves of COVID-related mobility restrictions in 2020. 






Thursday 25 November 2021

FAMILIES OF 5 DECEASED POLICE OFFICERS IN ZAMFARA STATE GET N5, 136000 CHEQUES

 







Commissioner of Police in  Zamfara State Police Command CP Ayuba

Elkanah has presented cheques to  the next of kins of five (5) deceased Police Officers who died while in active service. 

SP Mohammed Shehu the spokesperson for the Zamfara state police command said  cheques worth five million, one hundred and sixty thousand Naira was part of the welfare scheme of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba to officers and men of the Force. 

The Commissioner of Police while presenting the cheques appreciates the  Inspector General of Police for the gesture aimed at alleviating the sufferings being faced by families of Police officers who died in service.

The CP described the IGP's gesture  as timely and will serve as a moral booster to Officers and men to redouble their unalloyed commitment in the ongoing fight against criminal elements in the country.

He therefore charged the beneficiaries to utilize the money judiciously, noting that, in the last three (3) months alone, the Command had received similar cheques from the Inspector General of Police five (5) times and presented same to the beneficiaries.

One of the benefiting families,  Usman Musa, who spoke on behalf of other benefiting families thanked the Inspector General of Police for the gesture and promised to use the money judiciously.


AIG GARBA BABA UMAR EMERGES INTERPOL VICE PRESIDENT (AFRICA)

 





Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Garba Baba Umar, psc, the Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Nigeria, has emerged the duly elected Vice President (Africa) and Executive Committee Member of the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) - INTERPOL. AIG Garba was elected in the early hours of today, 25th November, 2021 in the 89th INTERPOL General Assembly currently holding at the Halic Congress Hall, Istanbul, Turkey. The year 2021 General Assembly, which have in attendance 470 Police Chiefs, Ministers and Senior Law Enforcement Officials from the 195 INTERPOL member countries, seeks to identify areas where the organization can reinforce the global security architecture and enhance collaboration against national and transnational crimes. 
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer CP Frank Mba, AIG Garba, is one of Nigeria’s finest criminal investigators and professional strategic police manager, with over thirty (30) years policing experience both at national and international levels, polled the highest number of votes in the elections. With this appointment, which will span through a period of 3yrs, AIG Garba is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in coordinating INPERPOL operations targeted at ensuring a safer world for people and communities across the African continent. This is in addition to drawing international policing support and cooperation towards advancing public safety and security, protecting the cyber space and generally addressing challenges faced by law enforcement officers and policing managers in the continent. 
The Nigeria’s delegation to the 89th INTERPOL General Assembly was led by the Honourable Minster of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, ably supported by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc. The other members of the delegation are: the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (represented by the Naval Provost Marshal).   

 

Death penalty will stop corruption in Nigeria- Royal father

 


--- Kogi  state govt advocates good education system 
--- NDLEA identifies illicit drug abuse as fuelling insecurity in Nigeria. 
---- CRAN calls for complete synergy of all security agencies in fighting insecurity. 

By Patience Ogbo 

As the government continues to seek  solutions to tackle crimes in the country, speakers  at this year's Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, CRAN, Annual Award ceremony which held in Lagos on Thursday  lamented the high level of insecurity in the country and the increasing level of illicit drug abuse which has been identifed as increasing  banditry, kidnapping, and criminality in the country. 
The 2021 annual CRAN award/ Lecture and 30th anniversary had the theme " Proliferation of drugs, bane of insecurity". 

The National President of CRAN, Sunday Odita calls for a complete synergy among all security agencies, noting that CRAN was well disposed working with all security agencies to curb insecurity in the the country.

In his address the Oluwo of Iwo kingdom, HRM Abdul Ràsheed Akanbi called for death penalty for corrupt persons and life sentence for their accomplices.

The respected royal father called on government at all levels to fashion out a program that would create job for the restive youths who have resorted to drug taking.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Hakeem Odumosu   at the occasion assured Lagosians of their safety during the festive period adding that policemen in the state are well prepared to tacklev criminals in any guise. 

In their respective presentations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Directorate of State Security, DSS, lamented the sharp increase in drug usage among the youths in the country.

Kalus Alumona, who spoke on behave of NDLEA disclosed that the Chairman of the Agency , Gen. Buba Marwa, is determine to bring an end to drug importation and put a stop to the use of illicit drugs in the country.
Amakiri (Rtd) official of DSS, observed that drug use by youths was a major problem which has further fuelled the crime rate in the country.

Meanwhile, the Kogi state government has said that to effectively tackle the  security challenges in the country, government at all levels should invest in education.

Speaking at CRAN occasion, through his spokesman, Com. Jerry Omodara, governor Yahaya Bello, disclosed that Kogi State  invests thirty per cent of her budget on education, calling on other states to emulate Kogi state, as to eradicate illiteracy which is yet another cause of the huge challenges facing the nation.

Tuesday 9 November 2021

Annual School Health Educators and professionals Association Conference holds in Oyo State


                                                            


School Health Educators and Professionals Association in Nigeria SHEPAN formerly known as  Nigeria School Health Association is holding  her  2021,33rd annual conference and presentation of volumes 32 and 33 journals.           


The conference/workshop will commence on  Wednesday  November 10th  at the  Federal  College of  Education  (Special) Oyo State with the theme:  "Healthful living during and after Covid-19 through school and community health education".                     Keynote paper will be presented by  Prof. Oyedunmi Arulodun the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Ibadan.  Guests of honour are Mrs. Atere Bamidele, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Ibadan and Dr. Iyiola Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Ibadan.

 

 


School Health Educators and Professionals Association in Nigeria SHEPAN formerly known as  Nigeria School Health Association is holding  her  2021,33rd annual conference and presentation of volumes 32 and 33 journals.           


The conference/workshop will commence on  Wednesday  November 10th  at the  Federal  College of  Education  (Special) Oyo State with the theme:  "Healthful living during and after Covid-19 through school and community health education".                     Keynote paper will be presented by  Prof. Oyedunmi Arulodun the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Ibadan.  Guests of honour are Mrs. Atere Bamidele, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Ibadan and Dr. Iyiola Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Ibadan.

Friday 5 November 2021

Nigeria leads UNODC’S Coding4Integrity Hackathon

 

   a

nti-corruption coding competition with over 1700 application entries



 In a bid to help countries in fostering youth innovation and employing new technologies in the fight against corruption, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has kicked off a month-long hackathon in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. 

The hackathon – Coding4Integrity is one of the ways UNODC is actively working to promote the development of sustainable ICT-based anti-corruption solutions and ultimately, to advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Over 1700 application entries were received from Nigeria - the largest number of entries across all of the five countries participating in the anticorruption hackathon. Twenty teams (out of the 1700) were selected to participate in the initial round of the Hackathon. Of the 20 teams, 9 teams have advanced to the 2nd phase of the hackathon and pitch their ideas today to a group of local and international jurors. 

According to Lanre Olaniyan, a representative of SoftStructures, one of the event’s sponsors, the hackathon will help bridging the digital divide that currently plagues technological development in Nigeria and Africa at large.  “The hackathon provides young and daring developers/software engineers’ opportunities to display their skills, logical thinking, and technology-based approach to contemporary issues affecting humanity. It allows the participants to display their talents to other enthusiasts and industry players who may help them develop their skills or the solutions proposed from the hackathon to unprecedented levels.

 For the 2021 event, we are committed to our promise of One million naira (N1000,000) to top winners and internship opportunities for the top 3 winners”, stated Olaniyan. 

Commenting on the importance of the hackathon to youths and the fight against corruption in Nigeria, Kwarsen Shedrack Titus of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology  and Innovations stated “The innovative idea of these youths will lead many African countries to establish e-government services that would allow the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in connection with government functions and procedures, with the purpose of increasing efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the system”- 

“The Hackathon event will really expose the youth to challenges bordering their countries, in other for them to tailor the coding skills towards addressing the exact and pressing needs of their countries or even the entire continent”- Mr.Akilu Umar, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission - EFCC

“I have always believed in the power of technology to lead transformation across many industries.  But this project was surreal for me. Seeing young minds gather to build and "code for integrity" was a delight! I believe the solutions that emerge out of this hackathon are only the beginning.  A movement of young people will be birthed who do not just complain but build solutions that matter. We are glad to have partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes on this monumental project”-Adebayo Komolafe,  Ennovate Lab, Ltd.

The coding4integrity hackathon will be the third justice related hackathon Nigerian youths are participating in  with support from UNODC since 2019.

                                                     









Thursday 28 October 2021

Nigeria Police IRT arrest foreigners for allegedly supplying explosives ,ammunition to Cameroonian separatists , bandits

 






A man who claims to be a Cameroonian and his Nigerian counterpart have been arrested by the   Intelligence Response Team, IRT of the Nigeria Police Force led by DCP Olatunji Disu   for  illegal possession and illicit sales of explosives and ammunition
Their arrest follows the order by the  Inspector General of Police,IGP, Usman Alkali Baba to all commands  of the police to  battle crime to its barest level in line with his  zero tolerance to crime and criminality.
The IGP has ordered that any one who is found with illicit weapons and  exploiting the crisis in Cameroon by dealing  in ammunitions in order to make selfish gains must face the full wrath of the law 

Following the order,the men of the  IRT swiftly went to work and arrested the  suspects identified as 38 years old farmer Obi Ndifon Bate,from the Nmojosob Division in Cameron and the main suspect, 40 years old Ntui Lambart Assam from Ntui local government area of Cross Rivers whose mother is a Cameroonian.

According to Ndifon Bate, he claims  he only comes to Nigeria to do menial jobs but was unfortunate to have been arrested in Ikom local government area of Cross River State along side Ntui whom he claims  to be his cousin.
Due to the crisis in Cameroon between the separatists and the government, it has forced a lot of people from Cameroon into Nigeria through the boarders. 
In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force in order to curb crime in its boarders sorted intelligence gathering and discreet investigation to arrest anyone involved in illegal sales of any ammunition or involving the use of improvised explosive device(IEDs)through the boarder to cause high rate of crime.

Speaking with journalists, ,Ndifon who further explained how he got involved in the crime said, '’I am a registered member with the United Nation,my wife was pregnant and the baby died inside of her, I went to Calabar to collect money. Ndifon who according to him went to Ikom to collect money from his brother confessed to be aware of the kind of illegal business his brother was into.
He said’ I am aware that my cousin is into the business of selling dynamite and he sells them to Cameroonian but I was not involved in the business. I was only unfortunate to be around when the IRT men came around to make arrest.

The suspected  mastermind who is referred to as General Assam Lambert Ntui(Black Mamba)of Manyu was arrested in Ikom in Cross River State.
The 40 years old Assam Ntui who is from Ntui local government of Cross River but whose mother is from southern Cameroon said he was arrested in his house in Ikom.
Narrating his story,Ntui said he was introduced into the business of selling explosives and ammunition through a friend he met in his home town in 2019,thou he has successfully done the business five times between the spaces of three years and claim it’s not a regular business he does.
He said, “ I was introduced to this business of selling dynamite by a friend I met in Ikom, thou he’s now based in Jos. When we met,we were discussing the crisis going on in Cameron. He said the fighters will need ammunition and the need arises I should contact him which I did. I contacted him the first time in 2019,when I sent him money,he will send the explosive to me. 
Ntui denied having knowledge of where he got the ammunition or explosives from.
According to him, I don’t know where he gets those things from. I only contact him when I needed them, I will pay him money and he will send them to me.The explosives does not come regularly,it comes every five month at times. 
They send it with waybill by road through trailers and the drivers will call me and give it to me. I don’t know the faces of the guys that comes with them because they always hide their faces. Some of them masks their faces while some will hide inside the trailer but the drivers are the ones who deliver the explosives and ammunition well wrapped to me.
He further said,”The Cameron boys give me the money to buy the explosives in bulk for them.They give me #70,000 or #80,000 and I burchase it and give it to the fighters in Cameroon to face the crisis in their Country. The fighters compensate me with 20 to 30 thousand naira.

When I was arrested in my house in Calabar by the IRT men,I was taken to a bar I manage in Ikom where they discovered some dynamite in my custody.
The suspect denial knowing the suppliers of the dynamite,he claim they are  from black market and has disclosed their phone numbers to the Police when he was taken to Uyo in Akwa-Ibom State.
Ntui who sometimes ago was burnt by unknown explosive said he's married with five kids and regretted getting involved in the illicit business and promised to practice the good conducts  he learnt while in  police custody.

Oil magnate Jim Okolo bags Nelson Mandela leadership Award

 


The Chief Executive Officer of Jimez Petroleum Resources, Chief Hon. Jim Chimezie Okolo has bagged the prestigious 2021 Nelson Mandela Leadership Award.  Organizers of the ceremony, Trans-African Youth Initiative in Accra, Ghana said Hon. Okolo who was described as a patriotic African, bagged the award because of his immense contribution to nation building, educational empowerment, selfless service to humanity and youth empowerment in Africa.


Presenting the award, founder of the Initiative,  Amb. Bakare Luqman described Hon. Jim Okolo as a golden fish with no hidden habitat stating that his delectable and impeccable records, visionary leadership and characteristics are rarely found amidst other men and lovers of youth in Africa.  According to him, Hon. Okolo has displayed rare commitment to the cause of humanity in the areas of security of lives and property, educational development and empowerment, nation building, youth emancipation among other human capital development.


Luqman said Okolo’s philanthropic and indelible contributions towards the transformation of good governance in all ramifications are in line with the vision of President Buhar’s vision of transforming and repositioning Nigeria.


Responding, Hon. Okolo dedicated the award to God, his family and Nigerians for their trust and support.


The award came on the heels of another honorary doctorate degree conferred on him by the Freedom University and Theological Seminary, Pottstowm PA, USA. Hon. Okolo who holds the traditional title of Ezeugo 1 of Okwe Kingdom, Nike  Autonomous  Community  was awarded the degree at a colorful ceremony attended by high caliber individuals who showed up to be identified with Chief Okolo.

Monday 25 October 2021

CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF LAUNCHES FOUR SEMI BALLISTIC GUNBOATS CONSTRUCTED BY NAVAL SHIPYARD LIMITED




Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor on Monday, 25 October 2021 launched four Semi Ballistic Gunboats constructed for the Defence Headquarters by the Naval Shipyard Limited in Port Harcourt. According to the Chief of Defence Staff who was also the Special Guest of Honour for the occasion, the decision to provide armoured gunboats for operations was informed by the need to provide added protection to troops in the discharge of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s responsibility of ensuring safety and security of the nation’s maritime environment.


Speaking further, the CDS reiterated the confidence emplaced on the Naval Shipyard Limited by awarding the contract to construct the boats. In his words, “From all indications and from what we are seeing here today, the decision has proven to be a wise one. I must also state quickly that the decision was borne out of the need to support the shipbuilding capability of our Armed Forces in order to improve local capacity and expertise for the production of our defence needs”. General Irabor further commended the Nigerian Navy and the Naval Shipyard Limited for achieving this feat despite the interruption of industrial, commercial and economic activities that emanated due to the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic. He further stated that this achievement would be a boost to enhancing military presence within the waterways in order to mitigate maritime security challenges in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The General enjoined the end users of the ballistic gunboats to imbibe the culture of maintenance to ensure their longevity.


In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo stated that the construction of the Semi Ballistic Gunboats is yet another milestone achievement by the Naval Shipyard Limited in the provision of necessary support to the on-going effort at combating threats to the nation’s maritime interest. Speaking further, Admiral Gambo said the protection of Nigeria’s maritime environment remains a key mandate of the Nigerian Navy hence the need for developing requisite capacity for ship building as well as provision of necessary logistics support for the sustenance of the fleet. Therefore, the construction of the platforms and their subsequent induction into the maritime assets of the Operation Delta Safe would bolster the operational capacity of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta area. 


The Chief of the Naval Staff expressed delight on the project and appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff for the patronage as well as trust and believe in the capability of the Naval Shipyard Limited to build the boats for the Defence Headquarters. He said the achievement has contributed immensely to the development of expertise of the Naval Shipyard Limited and expectedly a cost saving option considering other competing demand for scarce resources. According to him, the endeavour also aligns with the Federal Governments agenda of encouraging local content towards developing indigenous capacity and reducing dependency on external vendors. The Admiral reaffirmed that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its effort at developing the capacity of the Naval Shipyard Limited stating that the Navy is exploiting partnership with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer to further develop the infrastructure and human capacity of the Yard towards national socio-economic development.


The event was graced by very senior officers from the Defence Headquarters and the Services.

Sunday 24 October 2021

Ebosetale Favour Okojie, daugther of Dr Luke Okojie bags First Class Degree in Accounting from the Covenant University Otta Ogun State.

 



Dr.  Okojie, FIMC, CMC
A modest Prince and Selfless Leader
Dr. Luke Okojie is a Prince from the Okojie Royal Dynasty of Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. He is a media magnate, an experienced communication expert with specialties in Public Relations, Advertising and Print Journalism. He is the Managing Director and chief Executive Officer of Accolade Communications Limited, a media platform on which he has contributed his own quota not only in the industry but towards the growth and development of our dear country. With an enviable track record of being an enthusiastic operator in the Small and Medium Enterprises, he foray into public relations and communications is in fulfillment of his desire to form a conglomerate targeted at wealth creation and employment generation with consequential economic growth. 
He is skilled in Event Planning, Customer Service, Strategic Planning, Marketing Strategy, and Public Speaking. This Strong business development professional is a 1990 graduate from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is SMEs Business and Life Coach as well as brand specialist. He is Fellow of several institutes including the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC).
Dr. Okojie’s new found interest in internet and digital marketing is infectious. The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR has recognized him as a HeForShe person for her campaign of egalitarian and equal gender society. He is that person that knows no impossibility as he fines opportunities even at unlikely places. He is a leader par excellence, compassionate philanthropist,bridge builder, reformist, community leader, astute administrator, devout Christian, committed parent, husband and selflessly patriotic.

Known for his uncommon charisma, Dr.Okojie possesses a remarkable aura that enables him interact across class divides and mixes well with the high and mighty without losing his essential values and orientation. He is a lover of peace, a conciliator and arbitrator. He is a Convener/ current Executive Secretary of Accolade Ambassadors.
Dr. Luke Okojie’s conglomerate and organizations include: Jacob Stones Technical Company, Accolade Communications Limited, International Centre for Comparative Leadership for Africans & Blacks in Diaspora, Laurel Garments, Accolade Colours, David Ziglar Training Centre, Guild of Professional Biographers, Accolade International Magazine, Nigeian@50 Leaders Par Excellence, Nigerian Role Models (Volumes 1 &2), Audacious, Nigeria@60:60 Leaders Par Excellence amongst others.
An amiable family man, Dr. Okojie is happily married and blessed with children.

Monday 18 October 2021

UI final year student murdered , another killed by hit and run vehicle.

 

 


Two students of the university of Ibadan have died within two days at the weekend.  
The students are Adedayo Ridwan, a 400level student of History Department who was reportedly killed by suspected armed robbers at a shopping mall closed to the university on Saturday by supected armed robbers who were said to have snatched his phone before shooting him. While the university is still mourning Ridwan, a 200level female student  identifed  as Adeyemi Ayomide, was reportedly knocked down by a vehicle as she attempted to cross the road in front of the university gate. 
Their deaths are coming few days after the university appointed a new Vice Chancellor. 

IMB report shows piracy in Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria waters records lowest in 17 years.

  

 
 
 
 

 The latest piracy report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) released this week shows 85 vessels boarded, nine attempted attacks, two vessels shot at and one hijacked. 
This is indicative that the  Nigerian navy may have begun to win the anti-piracy war as activities of pirates in the Gulf of Guinea and Nigerian waters are now a record low.     
 Piracy incidents in the first nine months of 2021 are the lowest reported in 17 years, with at the other end of the scale, 51 crew kidnapped, eight taken hostage and one killed.

The bureau, while welcoming the decrease, repeats its ongoing warning for seafarers to remain vigilant particularly in view of high levels of violence against crew in many areas.

  The Gulf of Guinea region recorded 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in 2021’s first nine months, compared to 46 for the same period in 2020. “Notably, Nigeria reported only four, compared to 17 in 2020 and 41 in 2018. Crew kidnappings in the region dropped with a single crewmember kidnapped in quarter three 2021, compared to 31 in five separate incidents during the same quarter in the preceding year. “All 2021 quarter three incidents were against vessels at port anchorages and the average successful kidnapping location was 100 nautical miles from land. “The overall reduction of piracy and armed robbery incidents in the region bears testament to enhanced maritime security and response co-ordination measures adopted by regional and national authorities,” according to an IMB statement.
  The IMB statement makes no mention of piracy incidents, kidnappings, violence against crew or hijackings on the east coast of the continent off Somalia including the Horn of Africa. Going further east, the IMB notes 20 armed robbery incidents in the Singapore Straits, the highest since last year and four up on the 2019 number. Attacks are low level and opportunistic in nature with IMB warning perpetrators pose a direct threat to seafarers and vessels underway. In four incidents, crew were threatened, assaulted or injured. There was also a “noticeable reduction” in incidents reported from Indonesian waters. The six reported in the first nine months of this year is the lowest in Indonesian water since 1993.
 
(Source: www.defenceweb.co.za)