RANDY FATHER REMANDED FOR DEFILING HIS 5-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

A Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has remanded a middle aged man in the correctional center for allegedly defiling his 5-year-old daughter.

The randy father identified as Progress Phimia, allegedly committed the offence in November 2021 in his house located at Philip close in Agip Estate, Port Harcourt.

His plea was, however, not taken after the charge was read to him as the presiding Chief Magistrate F.N Amanze, made his remand order and directed that the case file to be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution for advice.

The case was adjourned 9 December, 2021 for mention.

The offence is punishable under the criminal code laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 2004.

TWO BROTHERS IN POLICE NET OVER DEFILEMENT OF 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Two brothers, Chima Nnamani and Michael Nnamani, have been arrested for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old girl in the Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu state.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the suspects and their case file have been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Enugu, for conclusive investigation.

The defilement case was incidented by one Prof. Joy Ezeilo, Founder of the Women Aid Collective (WACOL) who disclosed that the organization, on Nov. 28, 2021, received a case of defilement of a nine-year-old girl by two brothers from the same parents.

According to Prof. Ezeilo, “The minor said her Aunty had returned home unexpectedly in one of the fateful days and witnessed the incident where her sons were sexually abusing her yet she did nothing to end the sexual abuses.”

“Following the report, WACOL had petitioned the Nigerian Police (MTD), Garki, Awkunanaw in Enugu, which led to the arrest of Michael Nnamani and his brother, Chima Nnamani, who is a student of the University of Uyo.” Prof. Ezeilo added.

The Organization, then, called on the Nigerian Police to expedite action on the matter by charging the case to court as required under the Criminal Law of Enugu State and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPPL 2015) of Enugu State.

The suspects who allegedly started defiling the minor immediately she arrived to live with them, are sons to the victim father’s stepsister, Mrs Theresa Nnamani,

ALLEGED WITCHCRAFT: 74-YRAR-OLD WOMAN RESCUED

A 74-year-old woman, Madam Silifatu Olawale, who was accused of witchcraft has been rescued from being lynched by a mob in Ibadan.

Oyo state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Kafilat Olayiwola in a statement, said the government rescued the old woman on Thursday and reunited her with her family on Friday.

While condemning the recent upsurge of jungle justice in Ibadan, an act which she described as barbaric and traumatizing, the Commissioner advised members of the public to always hand over such cases to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

She also advised the peoplebto be cautious and avoid unlawful deeds that could lead to rancour in the state.

“About two weeks ago, we received an urgent call about an unclad woman in front of the state secretariat main entrance gate who was wrongfully accused of being a witch thereby leading to serious beating, we swung into action immediately and rescue her from being lynched by the angry mob.”

“We took her to one of our centres for adequate care and protection and thank God that today, the State government has rehabilitated her and she is now in her stable mind to return to her family hale and hearty.” The Commissioner noted.

POLICE ARRESTS FAKE MEDICAL DOCTOR, SOLDIER

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the arrest one Akpan Essien, a native of Ikot Andem Itam village in Itu Local Government Area of the state who was parading himself as a soldier.

Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Odiko Macdon who disclosed this in a press statement on Friday said that men of the Command also arrested one Samuel Isaac Jumbo of No. 26 Asokoro Road, Area II, Abuja who was also parading himself as a medical doctor.

According to him, suspects were arrested on intelligence adding that the duo were using that means to intimidate and defraud members of the public.

“Relying on a report on 30/11/2021 at about 11:00am, Quick Intervention Unit Operatives of the Command proceeded to Tranquility Hotel, Nung Oku village, in Ibesikpo Asutan L.G.A and arrested one Samuel Isaac Jumbo ‘m’, aged 29yrs old of No. 26 Asokoro Road, Area II, Abuja who claimed to be a Medical Doctor attached to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).”

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and stated that he is not a Medical Doctor as claimed.”

“In his confessional statement, he stated that in 2015, he told his mother that he had gotten admission into the University of Lagos to study Medicine, since then, he has collected various sums of money from her.”

“He further stated that on 3/11/2021, he told his mother that he was going for National Youth Service (NYSC) at Rivers State and collected the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000.00) for accommodation from her after she had bought a lot of household items for him.”

“He took the money and items, came down to Uyo, squandered it and continue to deceive unsuspecting members of the Public and the hotel management that he was a Medical Doctor.”

“To convince the public, he will dress up or carry his lab coat, use a bolt cab to UUTH Abak Road, after loitering around for a while, he goes back to his hotel and look for unsuspecting members of the public to defraud.”

The PPRO also disclosed that men of the Anti-Robbery Squad had on November, 16, 2021 at about 1:00am while on a Stop and Search operation along Nwaniba arrested a fake soldier, Akpan Essien.

SP Odiko Macdon disclosed that an army uniform, jack-knives, walkie talkie, a Toyota vehicle and other items were recovered from Essien’s house during a search by the police.

The PPRO disclosed that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

THREE ILLEGAL REVENUE COLLECTORS ARRESTED

Three youngmen allegedly involved in illegal collection of revenue have been apprehended by a combine team of the Edo State Joint Security Operation, Wabaizigan and officials of the Edo State Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) in Benin City.

Two of the suspects; Austin Otunba and Bisi Adewunmi were arrested at Airport Road, while the third suspect, Friday Imade, was arrested along Oba Market Road, near Oredo Secretariat, in Benin City.

Addressing Newsmen after the arrest, State coordinator of PUWOV, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie, disclosed that the suspects were allegedly found in possession of fake identification cards and receipts with which they operate as well as proceeds from the sales of the illegal revenue tickets.

Yusuf-Osagie noted that the arrest, was in line with efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to rid the Edo streets of extortionists and other criminal elements.

According to him, “PUWOV officials have apprehended one Friday Imade, a suspected illegal revenue collector, who has been extorting residents along Airport Road axis in Benin City,”.

“In the same vein, the state’s joint security operation, Wabaizigan arrested two other illegal revenue collectors along Oba Market Road, who were illegally selling tickets and extorting unsuspecting traders”.

“The suspects have been handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution.”

“The Edo State Government is committed to apprehending all illegal ticket racketeers and other illegal revenue collectors. Governor Obaseki is very involved and will never support oppression or exploitation of Edo citizens.” Yusuf-Osagie added.

APOSTOLIC CHURCH PASTOR ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING REV. FATHER

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Hussaini, has paraded some suspects, including one 35-year-old Pastor Izuchukwu Anoloba who allegedly kidnapped a Catholic Priest.

The Commissioner of Police disclosed that the suspects held the Priest Fidelis Ekemgba, hostage for over seven days and thereafter made him to cough out the sum of N5 million as ransom.

Rabiu Hussaini disclosed that the abductors double-crossed and whisked away the 45-year-old Catholic Priest who is in charge of St. Peters Catholic Church in Umunohu Amakaohia, Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo state.

According to him, the Pastor who is a member of a deadly syndicate, after allegedly committing the ac, fled to Lagos where he was subsequently arrested, following intelligence gathering by men of the anti-kidnapping unit of the command.

Speaking to Journalists, Anoloba, who begged God for forgiveness, said that he got the sum of N1.5m from the ransom paid by the Priest.

“I am a pastor with Apostolic Church of Christ in Lagos. I got N1.5 million from the kidnap of the priest. I never knew I will be arrested.I regret my actions because I am now a disgrace to the body of Christ and my family.” Anoloba said.

NIGERIAN NAVY ARRESTS 35 SUSPECTED OIL THIEVES

Nigerian Navy warship
Nigerian Navy Warship

The suspects were arrested by the Nigerian Navy and handed over to officials of civil defence.

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, said it has arrested 35 suspected vandals of petroleum pipelines.


The Commanding Officer, FOB, Mohammed Abu, told reporters in Ibaka on Wednesday that the base also impounded 408 drums of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from the suspects.


Mr Abu, Navy Captain, spoke when he handed over the suspects and exhibits to an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).


He said the Nigerian Navy Ship Thunder had on November 26, while on routine patrol, intercepted and arrested the suspects.
According to him, the base impounded three wooden boats used in conveying the AGO.


“I will be handing over the suspects and exhibits of wooden boats that were intercepted by the NNS Thunder on November 26, at high sea, having infracted the economic policy of the country.


“The Chief of the Naval Staff has given a clear directive to the Nigerian Navy to free the waterways of illegalities and other maritime crimes.


“So, having said this, we have three wooden boats which were conveying 408 drums of AGO and 40 drums of PMS mixed with oil, 906 empty drums and 35 male suspects are here before you.


“I am handing them over to you, as the prosecuting agency to carry out further investigation and prosecute them accordingly and revert to the Nigerian Navy on the outcome,” Mr Abu said.

The commanding officer said the arrest of the suspected vandals was a clear message that the Navy would not tolerate any act of economic sabotage in the Nigerian maritime environment.


“This arrest is to send a message to those vandals of our crude oil pipelines that the CNS has zero-tolerance for crude oil theft and our ships are out there looking for them and we will arrest them until they are out of our maritime domain,” he said.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Head of Anti-Vandalism Unit of NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Assistant Commandant of Corps, Adamu Jafa’aru, received the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the corps.

Mr Jafa’aru assured that the agency would carry out thorough investigation and all those found culpable would be arraigned.


He warned vandals to desist from sabotaging the nation’s economy, stressing that the NSCDC would not relent in protecting the country’s critical infrastructure.


He commended the Navy for their resilience and doggedness in ensuring safety across Nigeria’s maritime environment.

(NAN)

OBASEKI CONSTITUTES EDO PRIVATE PROPERTY PROTECTION COMMITTEE

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has appointed Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga (Rtd), as Chairman of the Edo State Private Property Protection Law 2021 Implementation Committee.

In a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the constitution of the committee is in line with Section 4 (1) of the Edo State Private Property Protection Law 2021.

“The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has, in line with Section 4 (1) of the Edo State Private Property Protection Law 2021, appointed the under-listed persons into the Edo State Private Property Protection Law Implementation Committee.

Other members of the committee are: Mr. J. O. Uhunamure, Mr. Nosa Edo-Osagie Esq., Dr. Olufemi Ayewoh, Gen. Friday Airende (rtd), Mr. A. Agbonlahor AIG (rtd), and Chief Osaro Idah, while the Chief State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Oshirekun Otokunrin Esq., is to serve as the committee’s secretary.

TERRORISM: CAN TASKS ON BUHARI, SECURITY CHIEFS TO PROTECT CHURCHES AGAINST BANDITS

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on President muhammadu Buhari and security Chiefs to rise up to the challenges in the defense of Churches in Zamfara State to prevent the terrorists from carrying out their threats against Christians.

A statement signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Joseph Bade Daramola, said the Zamfara State Police Command reportedly confirmed that a threat letter was earlier sent to Christians in the state asking them to stop worship and to close down churches or risk their violent attacks.

The association expressed her displeasure over the manner the security agencies have been handling the issue of errorism in the Northern part of the country.

According to the statement, “Now that both the leaderships of Christianity and Islam in the country are working together on how to stop their criminalities in the Northwest, they are now trying to introduce divisive ways by declaring war against Christians and churches in the zone especially in Zamfara State where they are gradually turning into their strongholds.

“We have no problem with Islam or with our Muslim brothers and sisters but with the handful fanatics and their financiers who have declared war against Christianity. We appeal to all peace-loving Muslims to speak against those who are painting Islam what is not.

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to sanction any Commissioner of Police or Zonal Police Commanders and the Director of State Security Services wherever kidnappers operate in the country henceforth. This will go a long way in reducing the menace as we are approaching the Yuletide season. We have never had it this bad.” the General Secretary said.

ANAMBRA ELECTION:11 POLITICAL PARTIES SET TO BATTLE SOLUDO BEFORE TRIBUNAL

The Tribunal said the timeline for filing notice of petitions had elapsed.

Eleven political parties that participated in the November 6 and November governorship election in Anambra have filed petitions challenging the outcome of the exercise.

Surajo Gusau, Secretary of the 2021 Anambra Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, disclosed this to reporters in Awka on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor-elect, Charles Soludo and his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) were declared winners of the election.

Mr Gusau, however, said the timeline for filing notice of petitions had elapsed.

He said members of the 3-man panel were expected to arrive in Anambra following the filing of the petitions and that the fears that the panel would sit in Abuja was not correct.

This is against the backdrop that petitioners had appealed to the President of the Court of Appeal to allow the tribunal sit in Awka as the cost and inconveniences of going to Abuja were enormous.

NAN reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) with its candidate, Andy Uba, was among those who approached the tribunal with petitions.

Also, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and its candidate, Afam Ume-Ezeoke, in their petition prayed the tribunal for the nullification of the election on the ground that the Bi-Modal Accreditation Verification System (BVAS) was not in the electoral act.

The Accord Party with its candidate, Godwin Maduka, also called for the nullification of the election on the ground of irregularities.

Meanwhile, Ifeatu Obiokoye, special adviser to Governor Wille Obiano on political matters, told reporters that APGA was not losing sleep over the petitions, adding that a particular party was sponsoring some lesser political parties to go to tribunal.

Mr Obiokoye said that “Our party APGA won the election and we are prepared to defend our mandate at the tribunal”. (NAN)