A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, the Most Rev. Adewale Martins, on Sunday called on Nigerians irrespective of religious beliefs to pray for the unity, peace and development of the country.
Martins made the call at the 50th anniversary of SS Mulumba and David Catholic Church, Lawanson, Lagos.
Martins said that an environment of peace, tolerance and harmonious living among the people irrespective of religious and political differences could lead to meaningful development.
"All hands must be on the deck to build again a virile nation, where love and harmony, forgiveness and peace, equity and prosperity will reign supreme.
"Our country's shoulders will be raised high among the comity of nations. All Nigerians irrespective of religion should pray for the resurrection of what our nation has lost, "he said.
The cleric urged Nigerians to remain patient in the face of political and religious intolerance, insecurity and economic hardships because Jesus would help them triumph over all of them.
He also urged Christians to pray for the country's leaders to lead the citizens with the fear of God.
"We should pray for fresh outpouring of Holy Spirit on our leaders so that they can lead us aright. We must not trade the unity of our nation, the federal character of our nation must be respected.
"Therefore, as a nation, those who have responsibility of our nation should ensure there is true federation, they must establish trust among the leaders and the led, they must work for the unity of our country, " he added.
Martins urged Catholics to show the importance of the most Holy Trinity by making the sign of the cross.
"As we celebrate the Holy Trinity today, we celebrate the majesty which belongs to only God alone and the glory that belongs to the Holy Trinity.
"We should be united and take as our lesson from the Holy Trinity to make a difference in the world as Christians," he said.
Martins called on Christians to always thank God, saying that the celebration of 50 years of the church called for thanksgiving for blessings received individually and as a community.
He urged the faithful to strive to attain holiness and make heaven which is their goal,
He also admonished the faithful to be their brother's keeper and live a life of holiness and virtue.
The archbishop administered the sacrament of confirmation on 200 youths from different parishes on the occasion.
The archbishop explained that confirmation made recipients soldiers of Christ, ready to preach the gospel and work for God.
Notorious kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Dumeme Onuamadike, AKA, Evans, who was arrested by police in Lagos on Sunday said that he chose to collect ransom in American dollars to be different from other kidnappers.
The suspect, while being paraded at the Lagos Police Command in Ikeja, told newsmen that he started kidnapping in 2015, after he left his spare parts business, a claim that contradicted the police statement that he was declared wanted in 2013.
He claimed that he lost N20 million to Customs officers, which made him to leave his trade.
The suspect was arrested in his mansion in Magodo area of the state on Saturday.
Evans, notorious kidnapper
Evans, who wasn't sure of how many people he had kidnapped, said the highest he had collected as ransom was one million dollars.
"I can't figure out how much I have collected so far or how many people I have kidnapped, but I have kidnapped up to 10 since 2015.
"I chose to collect ransom in dollars to be different, and the maximum I have collected as ransom so far is 1 million dollars.
"I work in two groups. A team moves with me to kidnap victims while we hand over to the other team that takes the victim to the hide out.
"Kingsley introduced me to kidnapping, but I usually get my ammunition from one Chinedu and Ehis whom I met at Ago-Iwoye.
"I also do drug business that enabled me to buy my property," the suspect said.
According to the police, Evans collected $1million from no fewer than four of his victims.
Among them are:
* James Uduji, who was kidnapped close to his house at 7th Avenue Festac late last year. The Evans gang held for six weeks. He paid $1million to regain his freedom.
* Chief Raymond Okoye – Odu- Na –Ichida,, who was kidnapped in 2015. He also paid $1million as ransom. He was released after two months in captivity.
* Uche Okoroafor, a trader at Alaba who was also kidnapped in 2015 for three months, also paid $1million.
* Elias Ukachukwu kidnapped November 2015 similarly paid $1million. The police said the Evans gang demanded an additional $1million, claiming family members were rude to them during negotiation.
The Force PPRO, Jimoh Moshood said that the suspect had collected billions of naira from his victims and had property in and outside the country.
He said that Evans was declared wanted in 2013, following a kidnap attempt that was foiled by the police.
"He is said to have masterminded several kidnap cases in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and South-South states,'' the police said.
Moshood said further investigation into his activities were ongoing.
Video clips shows the CSP Abba Kyari carried shoulder-high as undercover policemen dance and celebrate the arrest of notorious kidnapper Evans.
VIDEO: @PoliceNG officer CSP Abba Kyari carried shoulder high by colleagues after the capture of kidnapper Chukwudi Onuamadike aka “Evans” pic.twitter.com/CmbzSbYNLB
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) 11 June 2017
Prof. Ganiyu Arinola of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, says certain lifestyles including excessive consumption of alcohol may damage the human immune system with high risk of susceptibility to infections and life-threatening conditions such as liver cancer or liver diseases.
"Excessive alcohol may damage the immune system because alcohol reduces white blood cells (cells of defence system) and destroys essential nutrients like vitamins needed by the white blood cells to function well.
"Excessive alcohol intake can harm the body's immune system in two ways — it produces an overall nutritional deficiency depriving the body of valuable immune-boasting nutrients.
"Also, it can reduce the ability of white blood cells to multiply, inhibit the action of killer white cells on cancer cells," Arinola, the Chemical Pathology lecturer, told the Newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday.
According to him, the amount of alcohol that is enough to cause intoxication will suppress immunity.
Arinola, who is also a Consultant Immunologist at UCH, said alcohol could cause serious consequences for a person's body and mind as well as impede the immune system to fight infections and diseases.
`Digestion of nutrients is impaired by alcohol as a result of damage caused to the cells in the digestive tract.
"Alcoholism as a lifestyle can also impede the ability of the liver to store important vitamins and prevent the body from absorbing enough protein," the expert said.
The professor explained that too much alcohol in the body could reduce the ability of white cells to kill germs.
"The human body is exposed to numerous germs every single day which can be found in the air, food or water.
"The immunity of children and the aged is not strong enough to combat some diseases. Infants are born with only passive immunity received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
"Some drugs used for medication, cocaine and opioids (used medically to relieve pains) may also damage the immune system," Arinola said.
He advised people both young and old to engage in physical exercise daily to boost their immunity.
"The World Health Organisation and the American Heart Association have advised a minimum of 30 minutes of daily physical exercise for at least five days a week.
"Adults who perform moderate physical exercise have better immune system than those with sedentary life."
The Lagos State Government on Sunday joined Oyo, Ogun and Osun states to declare Monday public holiday to mark the June 12 anniversary in the state.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, said the state remains committed to the ideals of the annulled 1993 Presidential election.
Ambode said the holiday was in honour of the ideals which June 12, 1993 Presidential election represented, being a day that the country experienced an election that was adjudged as the freest and fairest in Nigeria's history.
He said that 24 years after, the ideals of June 12 are still worth celebrating, describing the day as one of the most defining moments of the country's political history which had positively shaped its democracy.
The Governor urged Nigerians to go beyond the commemoration and strive to entrench a viable democracy.
He said that this was a way to immortalise the late winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola through the practice of true federalism and conduct of credible and fair elections.
"June 12, 1993 is a day we must not forget in the annals of our democratic history. Our present democratic experience may still be far from the ideal, but we must all make concerted efforts to entrench fiscal federalism which is the only way to achieve true nationhood."
Ambode said that part of the enduring lessons of June 12 election was that it imbued the patriotic and nationalistic zeal in all Nigerians, to speak with one voice to make a political choice, devoid of ethnic, racial or social sentiments.
"On June 12, 1993, majority of Nigerians across all divides demonstrated through the ballot box that irrespective of class or ethnic sympathies, the Nigerian people are united and would always join hands to promote our unifying values.
" Though the peoples' hope was dashed with the annulment of the elections by the military junta, the lessons of the elections cannot be wished away despite subterranean efforts by many to do," Ambode said.
He described June 12 as the real Democracy Day in Nigeria.
"We owe it a duty to genuinely immortalise the fallen heroes of the June 12 struggle nationally and deepen our democratic values to ensure that never again will such anti-people action be allowed to take place," he said
He also assured that his administration would remain committed to the ideals of June 12 by carrying out people-oriented programmes across the State and making life more comfortable for the people.
He said that State Government, through the office of Civic Engagement, had perfected arrangement for the annual public symposium which would hold on Monday to celebrate June 12.
Declares June 12 as public holiday By Rotimi Ojomoyela Ado Ekiti- The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has described the ultimatum given to Igbos living in the North as a recipe for anarchy, calling on the Federal Government to put those behind the pronouncement in check. Ayodele Fayose According to him, the statements credited to some elements in the North has not only put the unity of the country in total jeopardy but a clear indication that Nigeria is no longer one.
Fayose said this while reacting to a quit notice served on the Igbo in the north by the Coalition of Northern Groups, and which was recently backed by some northern elders, including a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ango Abdullahi.
”The gap has widened beyond measure because of the body language of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. We are more divided than ever. The elements are emboldened because they believe their person is in office and nothing would happen.
“This is not surprising to some of us as the herdsmen set the tone and became notorious under the watch of Buhari.
“If this continued, it would further heat up the already tensed situation and promote distrust among ethnic groups in the country.”
Fayose urged the federal government to accept responsibility for trend and called for a decisive action to stop it.
“Buharis government has not taken responsibility; no responsible government would encourage this. It is an empty threat that if not checked would snowball. This is why people are calling for restructure.
“The government should take responsibility and take decisive actions on those promoting war situation in our country.
“It is disheartening that a personality like (Ango) Abdullahi would support that; that’s danger lurking in the country.
“He should be invited for questioning by security agencies. Leaders should rise up and condemn this instead of giving tacit support to the ultimatum.
“So many lives have been lost due to the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government. All these I saw when I warned that Buhari would leave our country worse than he met it in 2015.”
Meanwhile, the Governor has declared tomorrow, Monday, June 12, 2017 as Public Holiday to mark the 24th year of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by late Chief MKO Abiola.
In a statement issued on Sunday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor said it was in the spirit of a united Southwest States and the Yoruba nation agenda to speak with one voice at all times.
Governor Fayose, who made the declaration in a state broadcast, noted that his action was in line with the united spirit of the Yoruba nation.
According to him, his administration is taking the step for the first time to align with other South Western States that had done the same, noting that “the interest of the people being represented supersedes political or economic interests.”
Department of State Service (DSS) has denied a trending online report that its operatives have recovered $9m from the home of Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen during an operation.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen,
A top security officer with the intelligence service told PRNigeria that the report is false in its entirety.
The officer said: " The entire report claiming that DSS has found close to $9m in the account of the Chief Justice of the Federation is complete falsehood and baseless insinuation.
"In fact, there is no single operation or raid at any residence or home of the Chief Justice. The media and the public are kindly advised to ignore such reckless reports.
"It is unfortunate that some mischief makers may go to any length to fabricate stories to cause confusion in the polity.”
The Igbo National Council, INC, Sunday, called on the Federal government to declare state of emergency in the Northern part of Nigeria, following the statement by Arewa youths that Igbo should vacate the region before October 1st.
The, INC, National President, Comrade Chilos Godsent, stated this in a release, a copy which was made available to Vanguard in Owerri.
The release also warned the North that nobody has a monopoly of violence as well as described the call by the Northern youths as “naive and childish.”
It stated: “The Igbo National Council (INC) note with dismay the position of some Northern Nigerian Youth organizations mandating Igbo people leaving in the North to leave within seventy two hours or face the wrath of the North.
“We wish to state without fear of contradiction that the call contravened the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The call is also naive and childish.The Igbo National Council (INC) would like to remind the North that nobody have a monopoly of violence.
“We would also request these group of Northern youths to go and study history. Those who make peaceful change in possible make violent change.
“On the forgoing, the Igbo National Council (INC) we like to reiterate that if the fanners of ethnic war should think twice before they make real their threat.
“As the Igbo race will not fold their arms and watch those shenanigans destroy lives and properties of the Igbo people resident in the North.
“Consequent upon the above, the INC call on the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately declare a State of Emergency in the Northern Nigeria in other to forestall the avoidable breakdown of law and order in the country.
“Please we wish to state that if this our demand is treated with levity, We shall have no other option than to call on Northerners living in Southern Nigeria to Immediately leave the region with the next seventy two hours or face the wrath of the law.”
“Wonder Woman,” the muscular feminist superhero from Warner Bros. and DC Comics, stayed strong over the weekend, easily holding onto the top spot in North American theaters while leaving newcomer “The Mummy” in the dust.
Wonder WOMAN
With $57.2 million in ticket sales for the three-day weekend, according to industry estimates, “Wonder Woman” has taken in a total $205 million in its first two weeks, elevating it to what Variety.com dubbed “box office royalty.”
The well-reviewed film stars Gal Gadot, she of the “Fast and Furious series,” as the Amazonian goddess-princess-superhero whose lasso, bracelet and tiara have magical powers. Patty Jenkins last week became the first female director to break the $100 million mark for an opening weekend.
Universal’s “The Mummy,” meanwhile, placed second but fell below industry expectations.
Industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said the Tom Cruise movie, the latest revival of the original “Mummy” made in 1932, took in $32.2 million in its first weekend. Made for $125 million, it has been widely panned by critics.
But studios increasingly rely on overseas ticket sales, and there “Mummy” has not disappointed. Its $141.8 million international launch made it the largest opening ever for a Cruise film, Boxofficemojo.com reports.
In third on North American screens was “Captain Underpants: The First Epic movie,” a Fox animation based on the popular children’s books by Dav Pilkey.
“Underpants,” which tells the story of two students who hypnotize a school principal to believe he is a superhero, took in $12.3 million for the weekend.
Next was Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” the latest installment in the popular franchise starring Johnny Depp as a dreadlocked pirate, at $10.7 million.
Fifth spot went to another Disney production, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” at $6.2 million. The lighthearted tale about misfit space adventurers played by Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel has taken in $366.3 million domestically since it opened on May 5.
Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Sunday said his administration was working out measures to curtail the menace of Fulani herdsmen in the state.
A week ago, some cattle gained access to classrooms at Ohovbe Primary School at Ikpoba-Okha Local Council of the state.
The pupils were said to have stayed outside for about one hour before the herdsman came to take the cattle out.
Obaseki made the disclosure on the sidelines of a thanksgiving service at the Christ Embassy Church in Benin for his victory at the appeal Court.
He promised that the state government would build fence around schools in the state to address the indiscriminate grazing of cattle in Schools' premises.
Obaseki ascribed his election as Governor of Edo to the Grace of God upon his life, adding that he would capitalise on that to develop the state.
In his sermon, the Rev. Tom Amekhena commended the governor for his developmental leadership, stating that although he had never met him, he has heard of his good policies and projects in the state.
He said, "we are seeing the burning desire you have not only to develop the state but also to transform it."
Protests against Islamic law rocked in cities across the US drawing counter-protests by people who said they stoked unfounded fears and a distorted view of the religion.
According to News.com, hundreds marched through downtown Seattle, banging drums, cymbals and cowbells behind a large sign saying "Seattle stands with our Muslim neighbours."
Participants chanted "No hate, no fear, Muslims are welcome here" on their way to City Hall, while a phalanx of bicycle police officers separated them from an anti-Shariah rally numbering in the dozens.
In front of the Trump building in downtown Chicago, about 30 people demonstrated against Islamic law and in favour of President Donald Trump, shouting slogans and holding signs that read "Ban sharia" and "sharia abuses women."
Protests for and against Islamic law rocks U.S
About twice as many counter-protesters marshalled across the street.
A similar scene played out in a park near a New York courthouse, where counter- protesters sounded air-horns and banged pots and pans in an effort to silence an anti-Shariah rally.
"The theme of today is drowning out racism," said counter-protester Tony Murphy, standing next to demonstrators with colourful earplugs. "The more racists get a platform, the more people get attacked."
The rallies, held in more than two dozen US cities, were organised by ACT for America, which claims Islamic law is incompatible with Western democracy.
The organisation said it opposes discrimination and supports the rights of those subject to Shariah.
However, the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, calls it the largest American anti-Muslim group.
"I don't believe Islam can peacefully coexist with the Constitution," said Seattle anti-Shariah demonstrator Aaron Bassford, 29.
"I'm not going to tell them they can come here and take away my Second Amendment right. We need unity in this country under no ideology and no banner except the Constitution of the United States of America."
But the overwhelming majority of Muslims don't want to replace US law with Islamic law, known as Shariah, and only "radical extremist groups" would call for that, said Liyakat Takim, a professor of Islamic studies at McMaster University in the Canadian city of Hamilton, Ontario.
Sharia, Takim said, refers to guidelines or principles — how Muslims should live. "Fish" refers to jurisprudence, or specific laws.
The values embedded in Shariah do not change and are shared among Muslims, he said, while fish is open to interpretation and change, and in fact differs among Islamic sects and communities.
"The Koran allows slavery, so does the Old Testament. That doesn't mean we allow it today, too," he said.
"Laws are amenable to change," Takim said.
The marches come amid a rise in reports of anti-Muslim incidents in the U.S., including arson attacks and vandalism at mosques, harassment of women wearing Muslim head coverings and bullying of Muslim schoolchildren.
France midfielder Blaise Matuidi has called on home fans to join in the singing of the English national anthem when the nations meet in a friendly on Tuesday out of solidarity following recent terror attacks.
Matuidi
“I encourage those who will be at the stadium — if the English anthem is sung, everyone should join in,” said the 30-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star.
Matuidi’s call on home fans attending the game at the Stade de France to sing along with ‘God Save the Queen’ comes after the attacks in England over the last month.
Eight people were killed in an attack in London last weekend, while a suicide bombing in Manchester on May 22 left 22 people dead after an Ariana Grande concert.
Tuesday’s end-of-season friendly will be the first meeting of the countries since November 2015, when they clashed at Wembley in the aftermath of a wave of attacks in Paris.
On that occasion, the English crowd had joined in the singing of the French anthem ‘La Marseillaise’ in tribute to the 130 people killed in the French capital days earlier.
Matuidi added: “That country deserves it, especially with everything that has happened recently. It would be a pleasure. It would be our way of supporting them after all that has gone on.”
The Nigerian Police Force made good its promise to parade Nigeria's billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudi Dumeme Onuamadike, alias Evans and members of his gang, revealing their victims and the ransom collected at various times.
Most shocking, the police also unveiled a woman, Ogechi Amadi as one of the gang members.
"Ogechi Amadi is the woman who rented the house and cooks for the kidnappers and their victims in the camp", the police said.
Evans, the kingpin was arrested in his mansion in Magodo estate in Lagos on Saturday by the police Joint Special Forces led by the Intelligence Response Team, the Lagos State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Technical and Intelligent Unit of the Force under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
The police described Evans, a native of Nnewi, "as the vicious leader of a highly organised kidnap-for-ransom syndicate and criminal gang terrorising and responsible for several kidnap of notable/prominent Nigerians in Lagos State, including the Western, Eastern, South-South and some Northern States".
"He has his gangs active and spread across these mentioned states", the police said.
Ogechi Amadi: a member of the Evans kidnapping gang
"After an intense gun battle that lasted several hours, Chukwudi Dumeme Onuamadike and his gang were overpowered by the Superior Fire Power of the Joint Special Forces and he was arrested at Magodo Estate, in Ikeja Lagos.
"Chukwudi Dumeme Onuamadike a.k.a EVANS was first declared wanted in August, 2013 when he masterminded the attempted kidnap of CHIEF VINCENT OBIANUDO, the owner of Young Shall Grow Motors in Festac, Lagos, where a Policeman attached to the victim foiled the attack and killed three three of Evans gang members but also lost his life in the process.
Some of Evans gang members were subsequently arrested, but he regrouped after with several gangs and became more vicious and unleashed terror in the mentioned States of the Federation.
" Evans and his gang keep their victims kidnapped in Lagos Area at House No. 21 Prophet Asaye Close New Igando, Lagos State until the ransom is paid to him.
"Ransom money are paid to him in Millions of Dollars, some victims are kept for upward of six to seven months until the last penny is paid. He never reduces his tagged ransom money. None of his gang members knows his house.
MODUS OPERANDI
"In every kidnap attack he has a separate armed group that kidnapped victim with him and has another armed group who takes over the victim to their hideouts and prevent them from escaping. The members of the two '2' groups don't know each other. They complied with Evans instructions.
"Evans, and the dreaded vampire who died during a gun duel with the Police Special Forces led by IRT and Imo State Police Command in a forest in River State early this year are axis of evil in kidnappings in Southern Nigerian States and some Northern States. This is a huge success for the Nigeria Police Force. The Force will build on this success and continue to prevent kidnap cases and criminality generally in the country, and ensure prompt detection of those crimes that cannot be prevented, and also ensure that perpetrators are arrested, investigated and prosecuted".
PROPERTIES OWNED BY EVANS:
The Police said Evans has two (2) Mansions in Magodo GRA Phase 2 worth about three hundred million naira (N300,000,000). He also has two (2) House in the Highbrow area of Accra City in Ghana among many other properties such as exotic cars, expensive watches, Jewelries e.t.c, he bought from the ransom.
EVANS GANG MEMBERS:
* Felix Chinemerem 36yrs Native of ArichukwuOhafia LGA of Abia State second in command of Evans.
* Nwosu Chikodi Chukwuma aka Sudo 42yrs, 3rd in Command to Evans. He has over 20yrs experience in Armed robbery and about 8yr experience in Kidnapping.
*Uchechukwu Amadi, Native of Anambra State longtime Evans Boy and head of the detention Camp in Igando.
* Ogechi Amadi is the woman who rented the house and cooks for the kidnappers and their victims in the camp.
* Suoyo Paul aka Nwana 42yrs Native of Bayelsa States Gangmember and Supplier of Rifles and Ammunitions to Evans.
* Ikenna Emeka 28yrs Native of Anambra State.
EVANS VICTIMS IN LAGOS:
* Mbarikatta William Uboma, 35, kidnapped June 16th, 2012 at about 11.am on his arrival from Hungary while he was close to his house. He was in his Toyota Car 2010 model in company of his brother to drop him at his house when a Passat car emerged from nowhere and blocked his car.
They blindfolded him and forcefully abducted him to an unknown destination. They later demanded a ransom of N10M. However, N2M was later paid while they collected other personal accessories. He was finally dropped at Okota on the third day.
* Paul Cole, 34, from Ohafia in Abia State. A Director with Ocean Glory Commodities, Apapa, kidnapped August 3rd, 2012 at Festac Town together with his General Manager, Jude Ugoje and another staff, PiriyeGogo, and taken to an unknown destination. They demanded for N10M. On August 6th2012, they collected N5M ransom at Maza-maza area of Lagos State.
* Mohammed Jamal, 22, a Lebanese, kidnapped on August 19, 2012 at Ajah by three armed men, taken away blindfolded. N7M ransom was later paid at Ojo Barracks.
* Kingsley Nwokenta, 34, kidnapped September 19, 2012 after he left Lebanana Bar in Festac at Mile two under bridge. Later, paid N1.5M ransom while they made away with his black Toyota Venza and other accessories.
* Anthony Ozoanidobi, 41, kidnapped in October 10th 2012 along Marwa Road Satellite Town. Ransom of N1.5M paid after which he was released at Apple Junction, Amuwo-Odofin.
* Leo Abraham 58, kidnapped August 20, 2012. Paid ransom of N5M and was later released along Badagry road, Lagos.
* Ojukwu Cosmas, 45, sells Toyota parts at Aspanda Trade Fair. Kidnapped January 21, 2016 at Festac Town. It was not clear when and how he was released.
* James Uduji; kidnapped close to his house at 7th Avenue Festac late last year. Held for 6 six weeks. Paid $1M.
* Chief Raymond Okoye – Odu- Na –Ichida, kidnapped 2015. Paid $1M as ransom, held captive for 2months
* UcheOkoroafor, trader at Alaba, kidnapped 2015, held captive for three (3) months, paid $1M.
* Elias Ukachukwu kidnapped November 2015. Paid $1M. Date of release unknown but it was gathered that his abductors were insisting on another $1M claiming family members were rude to them during negotiation.
* Francis Umeh also a spare parts dealer at Aspanda, kidnapped July 2016 at Raji Rasaki Estate, released after two months in captivity.
* The last Victim is Mr Donatus Duru. He was kidnapped in Ilupeju February 2017 and fortunately the man escaped from the Igando House where Evans kept him with his boys last month.
Police said during interrogation and preliminary investigation, Evans and his gang confessed to all the kidnappings linked to them and made confessional statements on the various roles they played in the commission of the crimes.
They will be charged to court on completion of investigation, police spokesman Moshood Jimoh said.
Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed that a policeman, Sgt. Thomas Agada, has committed suicide after shooting his wife and maid.
The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday at Masaka in Karu Local Government Area of the state.
The command's spokesman, Mr. Kennedy Idirisu, told newsmen in Lafia that late Agada served at the Police command in the FCT, but resided at Masaka, where the incident occurred.
Idirisu explained that before killing himself, the deceased had shot and injured his wife and maid at their shop around De Memories Hotel in Masaka.
He said the wife and maid were currently receiving treatment at the Asokoro General Hospital in the FCT, adding that investigation had begun to ascertain the motive behind the shooting.
"We cannot say for sure now what could have led to the dastardly act but we believe that the wife, currently being treated would be of great help to our investigation, once she stabilises," Idirisu said.
…Says State Remains Committed To Ideals Of The Annulled Elections
The Lagos State Government on Sunday declared Monday public holiday to mark June 12 celebration in the State, saying that the State remains committed to the ideals of the annulled 1993 Presidential election.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello on behalf of the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the government said the holiday was in honour of the ideals which June 12, 1993 Presidential election represents being a day that the country experienced an election that was adjudged as the freest and fairest in Nigeria's history.
The Governor said 24 years after, the ideals of June 12 commemoration were worth celebrating, describing the day as one of the most defining moments of the country's political history which has positively shaped its democratic rule.
Governor Ambode said the time has come for Nigerians to go beyond the commemoration and entrench a viable democracy as a way to immortalise the late presumed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola through the practice of true federalism and conduct of credible and fair elections.
He said: “June 12, 1993 is a day we must not forget in the annals of our democratic history. Our present democratic experience may still be far from the ideal but we must all make concerted efforts to entrench fiscal federalism which is the only way to achieve true nationhood."
Continuing, Governor Ambode said part of the enduring lessons of June 12 election is that it imbued the patriotic and nationalistic zeal in all Nigerians to speak with one voice to make a political choice devoid of ethnic, racial or social sentiments.
"On June 12, 1993, majority of Nigerians across all divides demonstrated through the ballot box that irrespective of class or ethnic sympathies, the Nigerian people are united and would always join hands to promote our unifying values," he said.
Governor Ambode said though the peoples' hope was dashed with the annulment of the elections by the military junta, the lessons of the elections cannot be wished away despite subterranean efforts by many to do, describing June 12 as the real Democracy Day in Nigeria.
"We owe it a duty to genuinely immortalize the fallen heroes of the June 12 struggle nationally and deepen our democratic values to ensure that never again will such anti-people action be allowed to take place".
He also assured that his administration remains committed to the ideals of June 12 by carrying out people-oriented programmes across the State and making life more comfortable for the people.
Meanwhile, the State Government, through the office of Civic Engagement, has perfected arrangement for the annual public symposium which will hold at the De Roof, LTV 8 in Ikeja, to celebrate June 12.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, apex socio-political organisation of the Igbo, has said that the northern youths asking the Igbo to leave the north should be treated like Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) he also said that the ‘Ohanaeze has called on the Igbo in the North to go about their normal activities and to be law-abiding’
Nnia Nwodo, President-General of Ohanaeze Chuks Ibegbu, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in an interview with PUNCH on Sunday, went further to say that ‘Ohanaeze believes in the rule of law, Ohanaeze has advised the security agencies to do their job.
‘It is their duty to protect lives and property.
‘So, they should ensure that nothing happens to the Igbo living in the North.
Ohanaeze has called on the Igbo in the North to go about their normal activities and to be law-abiding. Ohanaeze however advised that they should be vigilant. Ohanaeze has also called on northern leaders to caution their youths. Ohanaeze has equally asked the Federal Government to address the situation.
About justice in Nigeria
Speaking on justice in Nigeria he said ‘that the only way the government can convince Nigerians that there is justice, equity and fair play in this country.
‘The authorities know that these northern youths are calling for secession.
‘The Federal Government should arrest them and also charge them with treason. That is what we expect the Federal Government to do.’
On whether the Igbo will give northerners ultimatum to leave the South-East Ibegbu said that the Igbo will not retaliate similar quit ultimatum to northerners in the South-East
‘No! The Igbo are too sophisticated to engage in such behaviour. We will never ask the northerners to leave. They are welcome and nobody will molest them in the South-East. The Igbo have never asked their visitors to leave. In fact, we are encouraging the northerners in the South-East to expand their businesses, build factories and prosper as much as possible.
‘Come to think of it, the Igbo have always been hospitable – the first Mayor of Enugu, Mallam Umoru Altine, was a northerner. Don't forget that northerners have been doing business in the South-East for centuries; nobody molested them. The Igbo are very hospitable and we can't change because of this provocation. If the northern youths should ask their elders questions, they will learn that Igbos contributed immensely to the development of the North. In the 1930s, the Igbo unions set up schools in the North.
‘Majority of the current crop of northern intelligentsia are beneficiaries of those schools set up by Igbo unions in the North. The North owes a debt of gratitude to the Igbo. Instead, they are repaying us with ingratitude and threats. But Igbos will not be provoked into taking similar steps against northerners that are living in the South-East.
On secession he said that ‘Ohanaeze believes more in a restructured Nigeria; a Nigeria that has a level playing field for all sections of the country; a Nigeria that gives each part of the country a sense of belonging.
‘For example, in a country of 36 states, the South-East has five states and 95 local governments; while Kano State alone has 44 local governments. The other time, we saw the statistics of recruitment in the Department of State Services with Katsina State alone having 51 allocations. Yet, we have the Federal Character Commission. We want the FCC to investigate the recent recruitment in the DSS. Abia State got only six allocations; Enugu State, six; Katsina, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari, got 51 slots.
‘These are the sort of issues that elicit agitations. When there is no level playing ground, do you think people will keep quiet? Abia State alone produces more graduates than 10 states in the North combined, yet you gave them only seven opportunities and gave Katsina 51.
‘We are not saying Nigeria should be divided, but the issues these young men are talking about should be addressed. Instead, it seems they want people like Nnamdi Kanu to shut up without addressing the issues, judging by the bail conditions (they gave him).
The British prime minister's office on Sunday confirmed President Donald Trump’s visit to Britain, after the UK Guardian reported that the trip has been postponed.
The newspaper, citing an unnamed adviser at May’s office, said Trump had told May by telephone in recent weeks that he did not want to come until the British public supported his visit.
“We aren’t going to comment on speculation about the contents of private phone conversations. The Queen extended an invitation to President Trump to visit the UK and there is no change to those plans,” a spokeswoman for May’s office said.
ABUJA: The Adamawa State Government has asked Nigerians to be careful of the antics of the Boko Haram group, saying its members now disguise as epilepsy and abdominal pain patients to carry out their nefarious acts among large crowds.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, Adamawa state Commissioner for Information, Ahmad I. Sajoh, said “the government is taking proactive measures but it is difficult to read the minds of people who are satanic”.
He said; “We are also aware that the terrorists now have another tactics which is that they will come to a place where people are gathered and begin to pretend as if they are epileptics or having severe stomach pain, and once people gather to assist them, they will detonate the bomb.
“So, we are also doing advocacy to tell people not to fall for such tactics. We have had it in the past; the first bomb blast in Yola was engineered like a street fight. Two people were fighting and people gathered to watch the fight and they detonated the bomb.
“The second one, they went to a tipper garage where labourers were buying food, they declared the food free of charge, paid the woman and started giving people N500 gift, then people rushed down and gathered and then they detonated the bomb.
“We have now understood and going on advocacy to the parents to tell their children not to collect anything from people they do not know.”
While narrating how the terrorists were able to detonate an explosive that killed two children last week, the commissioner said: “What happened last week was very simple; a man was driving a vehicle and he stopped somewhere he saw some children playing, he gave them a parcel to take to their parents but unfortunately for these kids and fortunate for the parents, it was suppose to be a timed bomb but children being children continued playing and did not immediately take the parcel to their parents.
“And by the time they took the parcel to take it to their parents, the bomb exploded and two of the children, age 8 and 7 died immediately while three others were injured.”
On the recent measures taken to forestall such incidences, the commissioner said government had realized that terrorists all over the world, normally scale up their game during Ramadan, “because of that we had series of security council meetings and in fact we did not sleep over this in the first two days of Ramadan, and we took some measures.”
He said as part of the measures taken, the government interfaced with all the traditional rulers, followed by local government chairmen with instructions that they should also do that with their councillors
“We also interfaced with all the Vice Chancellors, Rectors and their heads of security in anticipation that something like this could happen. We took several measures but you know somebody who is planning evil may have more ways than you can imagine.”
No comments:
Post a Comment