$12.4bn oil windfall: Court fixes April 27 for ruling on Okigbo report

Nigeria Attorney-General, Mohammed Adoke

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja today fixed April 27 to deliver judgement in a suit seeking to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to disclose how the $12.4 billion oil windfall money that accrued to the Federal Government between 1988 and 1994, was spent.

The suit was instituted before the High Court by six civil society groups led by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.

The other plaintiffs in the suit are: Women Advocates and Documentation Centre (WARDC); Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Access to Justice (AJ); Partnership for Justice, and Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

Though the judgment has been stalled since last year when hearing was concluded on the matter, however, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, today, ordered all the parties to appear on the next adjourned date to re-adopt their processes to enable him to give verdict on the case.

Specifically, the plaintiffs asked the court for “an order of mandamus compelling the respondents, individually and/or collectively, to publish detailed statement of account relating to the spending of $12.4 billion oil windfall between 1988 and 1994, and to publish in major national newspapers a copy of the statement of account.”

It would be recalled that in 1994, the Federal Government constituted the Pius Okigbo Panel with a mandate to investigate the activities of the CBN and recommend measures for the re-organization of the apex bank.

In the course of its assignment, the Okigbo Panel reportedly uncovered that about $12.4 billion that was reserved in the ‘Dedicated and Special Accounts’, was depleted to $200 million by June 1994.

Consequent upon the alleged mismanagement of the said $12.4 billion by the then military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, the investigative Panel, recommended an immediate discontinuance of the said ‘Dedicated and Special Accounts’.

In their suit however, the plaintiffs further pleaded the court to order the respondents to not only prosecute anyone indicted by the report, but to also recoup the money from them and return same to the national treasury.

Besides, they also sought for an order directing the respondents to provide adequate reparation, which may take the form of restitution, compensation, satisfaction or guarantees of non-repetition to millions of Nigerians that had been denied their human rights as a result of the respondents’ failure and/or negligence to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of $12.4 billion oil windfall between 1988 and 1994.

The duo preliminary objections that were raised against the suit by both the AGF and the CBN, the respondents pleaded the court to dismiss the suit on the premise that the plaintiffs were bereft of the locus-standi to approach the court for such reliefs as sought by them.

The CBN insisted that the suit was non justiceable, contending that it was not covered under the fundamental rights provisions of sections 33-46 of the 1999 Constitution.

The duo urged the court to reject the Okigbo panel report, saying it was not admissible in law considering that it was not published in a gazette, neither was an official white paper issued on it.

In the court today, the duo equally posited that they could not find the Okigbo report, and had no duty to render account on the spending of the accrued revenue.

The judge therefore postponed its ruling till April 27, 2012.

Trial of ex-ICJ judge opens in Madagascar

Raymond Ranijeva

A former judge on the UN's highest court went on trial in Madagascar Monday on charges of complicity in a coup plot.
Raymond Ranjeva denies any involvement in the alleged plot to unseat strongman Andry Rajoelina, who seized power in a coup in March 2009.
In November 2010, while the Indian Ocean island was voting in a constitutional referendum, a group of some 20 officers announced they were "suspending government institutions" and said a military committee would run the country.
Three days later, the armed forces put an end to the mutiny by storming the barracks where they were holed up.
A document dividing up missions for the mutiny was allegedly discovered in Ranjeva's home during a police search.
"Professor Raymond Ranjeva has always denied any connection to these events," his lawyer Andre Randranto said at the start of the trial.
Ranjeva, 70, is a former rector of Antananarivo university and was vice president of the International Court of Justice, which settles disputes between nations.
He returned to Madagascar in 2010 and openly declared his opposition to Rajoelina's rule.

Oil Spillage: Court orders Shell to N4bn to 5 Communities in Imo State

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has awarded N4 billion as general damages against Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), in favour of five communities in Imo State for a crude oil spill that occurred in 1997.
A Shell pipeline which ruptured along the Egbema-Assa delivery line, had large volume of crude oil beneath the surface until the soil became saturated, and with rising water levels, oil was carried to the surface, destroying swamps, streams, forest of Umudike, Alimiri Umudike, Ekpe Agah, Ukpazizi Ekpe Mbede and Etekuru communities in Imo State.
Based on this, Chief Sylvester Onyema Esiegwu (Eze-Ali Umudike-Egbema) and 11 other chiefs on behalf of the communities, through their counsel , Mr. Lucius Nwosu (SAN) had filed a suit No.FHC/PH/CS/159/2002, to demand special damages in the sum of N5,408,000.000 as compensation for immediate direct losses to their means of livelihood as assessed by their expert chartered Valuation Surveyors and itemized in their report.
Prior to the suit, a N900 million ex-gratia was made by Shell to the communities, for which they were compelled to sign an undertaking that the full and final settlement for the oil spill had been made.
Justice Gladys Olotu in her judgement, observed that looking at the documents presented by Shell in relation to the agreement, one might be tempted to agree with Shell.
But she stressed that by doing so, the course of justice will not be served.
And based on the fact that the word ex-gratia means favour and not right, Justice Olotu said the agreement with the communities cannot act as bar on their rights to claim adequate compensation.
While looking at the claims for the sum of N5.4 billion in special damages as compensation for the immediate direct losses to their means of livelihood as assessed by their experts, chartered valuation surveyors, the Judge declined to grant this based on the fact that it was not pleaded by the plaintiffs as required by law.
Instead, Justice Olotu ordered Shell to pay the sum of N4 billion as general damages for the indirect economic losses and negative environmental impact the communities suffered, including loss of objects of reverence, totems, historical land marks, air quality and associated fear and forced refugee status.
Shell had in a bid to determine the cause of the spill which occurred on April 29, 1997, constituted a tripartite investigation team made up of 11 persons, five of whom were on its staff, one from the Department of Petroleum Resources, as well four persons from the communities.
In a report which Shell tendered in court as Exhibit 5, it was noted that the spillage incident was as a result of an external corrosion on the pipeline. In course of the trial, Shell presented an amended statement of defence, alleging that the spill was caused by sabotage.
But Nwosu had argued that a graphic examination of the point of rupture and the depth of the pipeline (buried seven metres) will show the impossibility of a saboteur accessing the point to punch the hole standing atop the buried pipeline from the earth’s surface above.
“From the graphic illustration attached, possibility is zero that a saboteur standing on the surface of the earth, using a punch can achieve a punch on the pipeline at an impossible angle such as the 4 o’clock position instead of the 12 o’clock or at the worst 2 o’clock position” he said.
The communities accused Shell of negligence, for failing to realise that the steel pipelines it buried underground in a tropical rain format environment is susceptible to rapid corrosion.

Two Nigerians jailed for £1.7m fraud in London

JOBCENTRE staff swindled £1.7million by hijacking identities and making thousands of false benefit claims, a court has heard.

The Nigerian-born gang are accused of ripping off nearly £900,000 in tax credits over five years by submitting claims using names, dates of births and addresses raided from the Department of Work and Pensions' confidential database.

They are also said to have netted another £820,000 in bogus claims for Sure Start Maternity Grants — a one-off £500 payment to support pregnant women. They backed these claims by forging the signatures of midwives, nurses and doctors, Croydon Crown Court in South London was told. The cash was said to have been paid into accounts they had set up.

Prosecutor Andrew Evans said Anthony Ekajeh, 48, of Rainham, Essex, played a "principal" role in the fraud while an executive officer at the Dagenham JobCentre in East London.

He denies conspiracy to defraud along with Fiayo Akinwumiju, 35, of Coulsdon, Surrey, and Olufemi Kehinde, 47, of Acton, West London, who worked in other branches.

Three others are being tried in their absence and a seventh man admitted three charges at an earlier hearing. The trial continues

Pastor Joachim Gauck elected as Germany's president

Joachim Gauck

A former Lutheran pastor and civil rights activist has been elected as Germany's new president.
Joachim Gauck, from the former East Germany, won 991 votes out of 1,232 at a special assembly of MPs.
The 72-year-old has no party affiliation, but has gained a reputation as an eloquent speaker not afraid to address controversial issues.
He will replace Christian Wulff, who resigned last month in a scandal over financial favours.
Chancellor Angela Merkel had supported Mr Wulff, her ally, against Mr Gauck when they ran against each other for the largely ceremonial role of president in 2010.
This time round she has backed Mr Gauck, although observers say her hand was forced by the liberal Free Democrats, whose support she needs in the coalition government.
By all accounts, Mrs Merkel likes him as a person, the BBC's Stephen Evans in Berlin reports.
The question is, he says, whether Mr Gauck will be too outspoken for her political needs - say during a visit by a dignitary from an oppressive regime.
Our correspondent says the appointment means that the political leader and the head of state of a united Germany both grew up in the old East Germany - something few would once have imagined.
Communist-era crimes
Mr Gauck was elected by an overwhelming majority at the Bundestag on Sunday, easily defeating his main rival - former Nazi hunter and journalist Beate Klarsfeld. She won 126 votes.
Joachim Gauck

• Born in Rostock in 1940
• Became a Lutheran pastor in 1965, when he was forbidden to study other university subjects
• In late 80s, held services which preceded big demonstrations that eventually toppled the regime
• After the wall came down, he headed a probe into the activities of the Stasi, East Germany's secret police
Lawmakers and dignitaries greeted the result with a standing ovation.
"What a beautiful Sunday," Mr Gauck then said, prompting loud cheers in the chamber.
The new president and Mrs Merkel share a similar background.
They were both raised in the East, which disintegrated in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Mrs Merkel is the daughter of a Lutheran pastor, while Mr Gauck is both a pastor himself and the son of a pastor.
Mr Gauck became interested in politics in the East after his father was deported to Siberia for his civil rights activism.
He became a Lutheran pastor after opting to study theology when other university courses were denied him because of his father's dissidence and because he was not a member of the communist youth organisation.
As a pastor, he held services which preceded the demonstrations that eventually toppled the communist government.
After the fall of the wall, Mr Gauck was made head of the body which investigated the activities of the Stasi, the East German secret police - earning the admiration of all but diehard communists for his work in exposing the crimes of the communist era.
In recent years he has concentrated on campaigning against both left and right extremist threats to Germany's democratic system.
Mr Gauck describes himself as a "liberal left conservative", and has expressed support for the policies of both Social-Democrat and Christian-Democrat coalition governments on a non-partisan basis.
A father of four, he is separated from his wife.
His partner since 2000, the journalist Daniela Schadt, will take on the ceremonial duties of First Lady.
culled from BBC

Tension in Kano as churches shut down over threats by terrorists

Kano State Governor,Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Churches in Kano State, Nigeria shut down services abruptly yesterday, following threats by the fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram, to launch attacks..
At the St. Thomas and St. Charles Catholic churches, the parish priests reportedly ended services abruptly, dispersing worshippers after reading a piece of paper handed over to them.
Rev. Fr. Charles Agumadu of St. Thomas on Bompai Road was said to have cited “security reasons” for terminating the mass. Following the announcement, worshippers rushed home.
In Jos, the Plateau State capital, the police barred worshippers from parking their cars inside church premises.
Some Kano churches were said to have received a letter believed to have been written by the sect, threatening to bomb them.
Worshippers hurriedly dispersed as the news of the threat spread.
Security was immediately strengthened in other churches where services went on. A joint team of military and riot policemen cordoned off the areas where most of the prominent churches are located.
Some worshippers had a hectic time entering their churches as the security operatives combed them for explosives.
There was heavy security presence at the Anglican Church of St Stephen’s on New Road.
A road block in areas with many churches stretched to over 1,000 metres to the church buildings. There was also vehicular patrol around the city.
Church attendance has remained low since January 20 when Boko Haram struck, killing no fewer than 200.
Worshippers in Jos parked their vehicles outside church premises, in compliance with a directive aimed at checking suicide attacks during services.
The directive to park vehicles outside churches came after a meeting between religious leaders and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Emmanuel Ayeni.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The measure was informed by the spate of suicide bombings at churches on Sundays, and “the general state of insecurity”.
Most worshippers did not park their cars within the premises of the buildings.
At the Living Faith Church on Richards Street, the Senior Pastor, Abel Dingamaji, did not park in his official parking space. He parked outside the premises like other members.
At the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church on Murtala Mohammed Way, worshippers’ vehicles were barred from the premises.
The parking lot of the Church of Immaculate Conception, Zaramangada was empty as most people did not bring their vehicles.
Women were also not allowed to take their handbags into the churches. They were directed to drop them at the security posts and enter the church with only their Bibles and writing materials.
Security has been strengthened across the metropolis, with the military Special Task Force (STF) searching vehicles, motorcycles and passengers.
This is in compliance with the directive of the STF Commander, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim, who decried the alleged use of military uniform by suicide bombers.
He directed that everybody, including security personnel, be subjected to rigorous checks to halt the trend.
Vehicle bonnets and trunks were searched. Motorcyclists and their passengers were frisked by the soldiers to ensure that they were not carrying any explosive device.
Roads leading to churches were also blocked and traffic diverted by the churches’ security personnel and soldiers.
Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were stationed at strategic locations and STF, police force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel stepped up vehicular patrols.

Nigerian Senate approves 4.8 trillion naira as budget for 2012

Nigerian Senate President, David Mark

After several months of committee work, the Senate yesterday passed a budget of N4, 877,209,156,933 for the 2012 fiscal year with an oil benchmark of $72 per barrel.
Details of the budget presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Ahmad Maccido and passed by the Senate showed that N372, 593, 095, 601 is for statutory transfers and N559, 580, 000,000 for debt service.
The recurrent expenditure is put at N2,425,049,954,640 while capital expenditure is N1, 519,986,106,691.
Maccido stated that the budget contains N180 billion for the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) of the Federal Government and N888 billion for fuel subsidy.
He added that the Senate raised the oil benchmark from $70 to $72, which helped to reduce the provision for deficit budget of N1.162 billion by N98billion.
He explained that the deficit is less than N1billion.
Other highlights of the budget are as follows: Crude Oil Production 2.48mbpd; Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate 7.2 per cent: Inflation rate at 9.5 per cent and exchange rate of N155 to a dollar.
He spoke further: “It is important that in preparing the details of this bill, the committee adopted a benchmark price of $72 per barrel of crude oil recommended by the Committee on Finance.
“The Committee also adopted the Executive proposal of crude oil production of 2.48 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N155 to US$1.”
The committee recommended that budgets should be forwarded to the National Assembly early enough for timely passage.
“It would be proper if a gap of three months is given between the time of laying and the end of the previous fiscal year. This is in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007,” Maccido said.
He further advised that the conceptualisation of the budget by the Executive should be thorough before it is laid at the joint session of the National Assembly.
“This will quicken the passage and will not bring confusion among the legislators as this revised version almost did,” he added.
The Senate, which earlier dissolved into a committee of supply later resolved into a committee of the whole to consider and pass the budget.
It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan presented the budget to the joint session of the National Assembly in December last year but because of the partial removal of subsidy on petroleum products, he forwarded a revised version in February urging the lawmakers to expedite action. Due to the delay in presentation of the budget to the Legislature, the latter extended the period of implementation of the 2011 to March this year.
Speaking after the passage of the budget, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, emphasized the need to lay budget proposal before the Legislature early.

Banks in Iran to be blocked from global banking system

Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejed

Swift, the body that handles global banking transactions, says it will cut Iran's banks out of the system on Saturday to enforce sanctions.The move will isolate Iran financially by making it almost impossible for money to flow in and out of the country via official banking channels.
It will hit its oil industry, but may also have a heavy impact on Iranians who live abroad and send money home.
The move follows EU sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme.
The US and its allies accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons - a charge it denies.
Sanctions expert Mehrdad Emadi: said "Losing Swift facilities is equivalent to not having travel documents for a business person"
Iran last week agreed to hold talks with six major world powers over its nuclear programme, although no date or venue has been set.
Almost all banking transactions pass through Belgium-based Swift, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, which is sometimes called the "glue" that holds the financial system together.
Swift will pull the plug at 1600 GMT on Saturday, in what is all but the final blow to Iranian business dealings.
Its announcement coincides with news that major money exchange houses in the nearby United Arab Emirates have stopped handling Iranian rials over the last few weeks, something that has further reduced Iran's ability to trade and acquire hard currency.
Iran's business activities had already been restricted by US anti-money laundering legislation which made it risky for banks around the world to do business with Iran, including trade financing.
It is heavily reliant on its oil industry.
China and India have said they will still take Iranian oil, but the only obvious way for Iran to be paid for it is now in gold.

Nigerian twins break world mathematics record

Nigerian 8-year-old twins from Waltham Forest in North-East London, are a part of the highest-achieving clan in the history of education in Great Britain.

The two young Nigerias, Peter and Paula are about to make British history as the youngest students to ever enter high school. They astounded veteran experts of academia when they became the youngest to ever pass the University of Cambridge's advanced mathematics exam.
That's on top of the fact they have set world records when they passed the A/AS-level math papers.

Chris Imafidon, their father, said he's not concerned about his youngest children's ability to adapt to secondary school despite their tender age. "We're delighted with the progress they have made," he said. "Because they are twins they are always able to help and support each other.
"
To Peter and Paula's parents, this is nothing new. Chris Imafidon said he and his wife have been through this before: They have other super-gifted, overachieving children.

Peter and Paula's sister, Anne-Marie, now 20, holds the world record as the youngest girl to pass the A-level computing when she was just 13. She is now studying at arguably the most renowned medical school in the United States, Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore. Another sister, Christina, 17, is the youngest student to ever get accepted and study at an undergraduate institution at any British university at 11. And Samantha, now age 12, had passed two rigorous high school-level mathematics and statistics exams at the age of six, something that her twin siblings, Peter and Paula, also did.

CORRUPT PRACTICES: Nigerian govt official spends 5,380 dollars on food in one day

Arunma Oteh

The Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh, spent a huge 850,000 naira(about 5,380 dollars)on food in one day, in violation of regulations on how much Chief Executives can spend, a House of Representatives committee said on Wednesday.

Ms. Oteh was accused of multiple violations at a bad-tempered public hearing of the House committee on Capital market investigating a dwindling market that has weakened investors trust and cost the nation billions of naira.

The House committee, headed by Herman Hembe, said the commission’s boss flouted rules, compromised her position and engaged in a spending spree in the last one year she has held office.

At a point, Ms. Oteh accused the committee of pursuing an agenda and surpassing the mandate of the hearing. She branded the house sitting a Kangaroo court, and dodged questions put to her. The inquiry sets out to establish why the capital market is almost collapsing, and why big organizations are protected by the commission while investors face increasing risk. Lawmakers said the DG’s unbridled spending and her relationship with some of the organizations she oversights have eroded the commission’s regulatory role.

In one case, the DG spent as much as 30 million naira on hotel bills accommodation in eight months.

Arunma Oteh is of Nigerian/British nationality. She is from Abia State. She studied at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Nigeria, earning a first class honors degree in Computer Science. She went on to the Harvard Business School where she obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration. She co-edited the book, African Voices African Visions.[2] Oteh worked for various institutions including the Harvard Institute for International Development and Centre Point Investments Limited of Nigeria in corporate finance, consulting, teaching and research. She joined the African Development Bank (ADB) in 1992.[2] She was a Senior Investment Officer/Senior Capital Markets Officer from 1993 to 1997, then Division Manager Investments and Trading Room from 1997 to 2001 when she was appointed the Bank's Group Treasurer responsible for fund raising and investments in major international capital markets.[3] Oteh was appointed Vice-President for Corporate Management at the ADB in March 2006, responsible for Language Services, General Services and Procurement, Human Resources, and Information Management and Methods.[2] The SEC Director General Musa Al-Faki resigned in April 2009 amid criticism of the SEC role in a share-manipulation scandal involving African Petroleum stock.[4] Oteh was nominated Director-General and Executive Commissioner (Legal & Compliance) of the Securities & Exchange Commission by President Umaru Yar'Adua in July 2009, subject to Senate confirmation.[3] Arunma Oteh became Director General of the SEC in January 2010.[4]

In a June 2010 interview with the BBC Oteh listed "wash sales, market rigging, pumping and dumping shares" as some of the abuses in Nigeria's capital market. She said the SEC expected to charge about 200 individuals and entities in civil or criminal cases. She faced resistance from the powerful Nigerian rent-seeking elite, but expressed confidence due to the backing she had received from President Goodluck Jonathan.[1] In August 2010 Oteh dismissed Okereke-Onyiuke from the stock exchange.[4

UK spokesman defends failed attempt by Nigerian govt to rescue kidnapped foreigners

Chris Mc Manus an Franco Lamolinara



The abortive bid to rescue Briton Chris McManus and Italian Franco Lamolinara in Nigeria was the hostages' "best chance", Philip Hammond has told MPs.A decision to act was taken because "there was a significant possibility" the kidnappers knew their location was known, the defence secretary told MPs.
But the pair were killed before they could be rescued.
Mr Hammond faced questions about the failure to inform the Italian government before the raid.
He told MPs that the UK government had kept in touch with the Italian government throughout the 10 months the two men, found dead during the raid, had been held.
The two countries' security services had also kept in close contact and the Italians had known of the general "direction of travel".
Pressed on when the Italian government was told about the operation taking place, Mr Hammond said he could not specify a time
The urgency is evident from the fact that the raid took place in daylight. It was deemed too risky to wait even 12 hours for dark”
He said that the go-ahead decision was taken at a Cobra meeting chaired by Foreign Secretary William Hague which ended just before 9am on Thursday, and the "responsible officials" then went away to contact the UK ambassador to Italy, who was then to go, as soon as possible, to inform the Italian foreign ministry.
The operation began at 10.58am. On Friday the Italian president said it was "inexplicable" that the British government had not told Rome about the rescue attempt until it had begun.
In his statement, Mr Hammond said by Thursday morning: "The assessment on the ground was there was a significant possibility the kidnappers, if present, were already aware their security had been compromised and, if they were not, the level of military activity in the town meant there was a real risk of them developing that awareness.
"The military judgement was the hostages were facing an imminent and escalating threat and while an immediate rescue attempt would inevitably involve risk it represented the best chance of securing the release of Chris and Franco alive."
He told MPs the operation had lasted about 90 minutes but that the bodies of the two hostages had been found by the troops in a room at the rear of the compound with "early indications clear both men were murdered by their captors with automatic gun fire before they could be rescued".
Mr Hammond said the UK and Nigerian government had worked closely together to try and establish where the hostages were being held - learning of the location after debriefing captured suspects last Wednesday.
He also rejected the idea that any ransom had been paid, saying that as far as he knew no demand had ever been made.
"The deaths of Chris McManus and Franco Lamolinara were a terrible tragedy. But let us be clear that the responsibility for their deaths lies squarely with the people who kidnapped them, held them, threatened them, and then murdered them in cold blood.
"Terrorism and kidnapping can never be justified. Many of the group responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Chris and Franco, including their senior leaders, are either dead or have been contained - and important achievement in reducing the threat of future kidnapping."
For Labour, shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy said: "We believe the government took the right course of action in seeking to rescue two innocent captives."
But he questioned the apparent failure to keep the Italians informed.
Mr Murphy also said: "This tragedy is another painful reminder the UK must retain the ability to act across the globe. It is also reflective of the vindictiveness of our opponents and the valour of our forces.
"Can you convey the appreciation of Parliament as a whole to the commanders of the Special Boat Service for their remarkable efforts and bravery

IMO STATE PAYS TRIBUTE TO OJUKWU AS ROCHAS CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL STATE FOR S/E

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at the Heroes Square, Owerri yesterday where they paid tribute to the late Igbo leader, Ikemba Odimegwu Ojukwu whose body was flown into the State from Abuja after being honoured with a full military burial by the federal government of Nigerian same day.
In a speech at the ceremony, the governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said that Chief Odimegwu Ojukwu was a courageous leader who fought for justice. He called on the National Assembly to create an additional State for the South-East geo-political zone as a way of immortalizing the name of the late hero, adding that the Igbos believe in the unity of the nation and as such, have over the years shed their blood for the unity of Nigeria.

He thanked the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for honouring the late elder Statesman with a State burial similar to what befits a late General and appealed to Nigerians to always sustain the legacy of Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu and to remember the family in their prayers always.

Ojukwu

In his tribute, the Imo State deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso remarked that the late Ojukwu gave the Igbos hope and pride that made them to rise in defence when their lives were threatened.

The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Ben Uwajimogu in a brief tribute, said that the late Ojukwu was a great man among the people of Igbo ethnic group, hence, the Imo State House of Assembly had unanimously awarded a Posthumous Merit award to the late hero.
Highlight of the event was a match pass parade by the military band, 21-gun salutes and fire-works displays.

Also present at the ceremony were the National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance , Chief Victor Umeh, former member of the House of Assembly in the old Eastern Region, Chief Arthur Eze, Her Excellency, the wife of the Imo State governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha and a host of others.

Nepalese man named shortest ever in history

A Nepalese man who stands no taller than a newborn has been declared the world's shortest man in history. Chandra Bahadur Dangi, 72, earned the title with a height of 54.6 centimeters (21.5 inches), Guinness World Records announced today Sunday, 26th Feb.

Boko Haram Gunmen Attack Kano Mosque Killing 5 Persons

Islamists militants from Boko Haram sect killed five persons at a mosque in the center of Kano city yesterday evening.
Five people died instantly and some people were injured after a brazen attack was carried out on the mosque as muslim faithfuls were observing evening prayers.

EFCC Secret Document Exposes Ohakim’s N57.9billion Financial Crimes

Ikedi Godson Ohakim


Two secret documents belonging to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC], dated August 23rd 2010 with subject “IntelligenceReport: Chief Ikedi Godson Ohakim, Governor Imo State, and the other dated July 2nd 2010 with subject “Intelligence Report: conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money laundering against governor Ohakim of Imo State” which was recently made available to 247ureports.com through sources close to the anti-graft agency reveals that the former governor of Imo State, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim may have committed financial crimes against the treasury of Imo State that is more damning than was publicly known.
According to the document, in the period leading to the final days of the former Governor’s stay in office, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim used conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money laundering to liquidate the various accounts of Imo State. On the eve of Ohakim’s departure from the State, the local government joint account housed at Bank PHB Account number082112000037 was drawn down to zero Naira. This was following Mr. Ohakim”s coerced collection of N2.8billion from 307 of the Councilors through his Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The document indicted Ohakim on the use of four road construction companies as fronts to siphon monies from Imo State government. The companies used were stated as – CODUC Construction [owned by his brother in law Mr. Chinedu Chukwuonye], Solid Foundation Construction [owned by his business partner], AMAIFEKE Construction [owned by HRH Eze Okeke], and Zerock Construction Company [owned by his political godfather and former governor of Abia State]. Among the many deals with the companies mentioned is the award of a 15kilometer road to Solid Foundation Construction for a whooping sum of N1.3billion – equivalent to N87million per kilometer. The road stretches from Standard Shoe Industry to Amulu Mbieri.
Prior to Ohakim’s accession to the seat of governor, Chinedu Chukwuonye lived at No 37 Savannah Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos and had an “office” along Sanusi Road in Lagos before he relocated to Imo State to start CODUC Construction. The company then,did not have materials and equipment for construction but has now transformed into one of the biggest construction companies in Imo State with “State of the art equipments” valued at over N7billion.
According to the document, the former governor also utilized other companies as fronts. On Friday November 9th 2007, he secretly awarded the supply of IBC transmitters to Pinnacle Communication Nigeria Limitedfor the sum of N776.32million. On June 5th, 2008, some sub-standard transmitters were installed. The transmitters have not worked till date.
In terms of security of the state, the former governor was reported to have siphoned a minimum of N6billion. This is as he appropriated the sum of N6billion in the 2009 Appropriation Bill for “the provision of security and purchase of operational vehicles” to police. The N6billion was spent but not for what it was meant for. It was later discovered that the vehicles were bought by Commercial Banks operating in the State.
EFCC Intelligence reports of July 2nd 2010 further disclosed that the former governor of Imo State mismanaged public funds to the extent that the indebtedness of the state became staggering as salaries are paid using overdraft facilities obtained from Commercial Banks that in turn,charge high interest rates. As at July 2010, the indebtedness of the State stood at over N70billion.
Persons fingered in the alleged mismanagement of the State funds include Emmanuel Ohakim [Chief of Staff and relation to the former governor], Onuoha Chukwem [Special Assistant], Anselem Okorie [Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals].
The document reveals that monies from Ohakim’s fraudulent financial activities were paid into a particular bank account believed to be the personal and confidential account of Ikedi Ohakim. The particulars of the Bank account are J. O. Edeson and Sons – Zenith International Bank PLC, Account number 6010176554.
Acquisition of properties:
Until his appointment as the governor, Ohakim had a 3 bedroom bungalow and a plot land at Prefab Estate. Within 18 months he acquired mansions in major cities.
Some of these properties include:
1. A mansion located at Prefab Aladinma Housing Estate behind St. Andrew’s Anglican Church – valued N100million
2. Two storey building along wetheral road Owerri next to N. Nwasco and Sons Electronic Plaza. Ohakim allegedly bought the building using a fictitious name – valued N120million
3. A palace located at Civic Center Imo Concorde Hotel – valued N800million
4. A mansion for his in-laws at Anara Mbano – valued N150million
5. A house bought through his Commissioner for Youth & Sports [Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri] under Property Development Company – located in Prefab Aladinma housing estate behind Startright primary school.
6. A house acquired for his lady friend Ruth Osieme at Ikoyi, Lagos
7. Acquired a mansion at the Parview Estate Ikoyi, Lagos in October 2007 – valued N400million
8. Acquired a mansion at Asokoro Abuja – valued over N400million
Property and Investment Abroad:
1. A house in Kensington London – valued 2.1milion pounds
2. A house in Atlanta USA – valued $2.3milion
3. A house in Maryland USA – valued $2.2milion
4. A five star hotel in South Africa – $27million
5. $10milion investment in Chinese manufacturing company in China
In summation, both documents recommend that additional covert activity be conducted with a view to obtaining more information .It is also recommended that operatives be detailed to the state to covertly gather information that will assist further investigations. Sources within the Commission reveal that the former governor remains of interest to the Commission.

Man accused of witchcraft, hacked to death by relatives

Mr. Mfon Edung


The killing of a 45-year-old Akwa Ibom man, Mr. Mfon Edung, by people believed to be his relatives over allegation of witchcraft is generating concerns among the family of the slain man.
It was learnt that the father of three, who hailed from Mbokpu Eyoima in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area of the state, was killed on his way to collect his church’s pulpit from Mr. Ini Edung on Friday.
An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said the deceased was riding on a motorcycle when he saw some men at Oyoku Ubighi, drinking and eating dog meat at a joint.
The eyewitness explained that the men jumped inside a vehicle immediately they sighted him and chased the deceased.
He said, “We saw Mfon riding on a motorcycle and almost all the men that were drinking left immediately to close him. They followed him and when they got to a desolate area, hit him with their vehicle.
“As he tried to get up and run, people around the area, who thought it was an accident, rushed to the scene to rescue him.
“But no fewer than five persons got out of the vehicle, with axes and cutlasses and hacked the deceased. They shot into the air sporadically to scare the crowd, and took the body away to an unknown destination.”
Also, a bicycle rider, who also craved anonymity, corroborated the eyewitness’ account.
He added that as he was running to the scene to rescue the deceased, he saw some men coming out of a white Volvo car with no number plate.
He said, “When I saw them, I was afraid and quickly retreated. In the process of killing Mfon, I heard one of them say, ‘You use your witchcraft power to kill my mother. I warned you if the woman died, you too would die. And let us see if your witchcraft will be able to save you.’
“I held my breath. When they finished cutting the deceased up, they took the body away, and nobody could trace them anymore.”
The wife of the deceased, Ikwo, said her husband was going to ask Etim how far he had gone with the aluminium pulpit he was making for the church.
She said from what she learnt, when her husband was returning home around 5pm at Mbokpu Oyoima, a vehicle was trailing him but he didn’t notice it.
She said she learnt her husband was killed at a desolate area, opposite a church at Oyoku Ibighi, in Urue Offong/Oruko LGA.
She said her husband had abandoned home to live with friends following repeated threat messages by his relations.
She said, “All along they had been sending threat messages to the extent that a Deacon in a church, summoned my husband and advised him to avoid some of his relations because of the threats.
“My husband had on two occasions been mercilessly beaten by his own people and some cult men in the village. When I reported the matter to the police who came to my husband’s rescue, his relations blamed me and fined me one she-goat and 10 bottles of locally-made gin for insulting them by calling the police.
“They blamed my husband for the sickness of her sister and said if the woman should die, my husband would also be killed. And so, they carried out their threat.”
Ikwo said when she reported the matter to the police in the area, they asked what she expected them to do after the man had been killed.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onyekaozuru Orji, said the police were unaware of the incident but would do everything within their constitutional power to bring all the culprits to book.

Culled from punch

Man sets self ablaze, attempts to kill judge

A man identified as Abdulsalam Al-Kazeem, on Wednesday in Delta State, set himself ablaze at about 2.30pm and attempted to wrap his burning body around his boss.

The suspect, Al-Kazeem, worked as a guard at the residence of Justice Patience Keujubola, an Effurun High Court judge, until he attempted to set her ablaze along with himself.

Security sources said the suspect had bought a keg of fuel and hid it in the premises of his boss’ house and when the judge came out, he immediately soaked himself with the fuel and lit a match.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Charles Muka confirmed the incident.

“We have a report that an Hausa man poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze and he attempted to wrap his burning body around the judge, but she was rescued. The suspect sustained severe burns all over his body in the process,” he said.

It was gathered that Al-Kazeem was angry that the judge was paying him peanuts and therefore decided to kill his boss and commit suicide.

Cyclist charged to court for defiling daughters

Nigerian Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke



A 51-year-old Okada rider, Collins Oleka, has been charged before a Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly harassing, sexually assaulting and having carnal knowledge of his daughters, aged 15 and 18 years old respectively.

According to the eldest of the girls: “He has been sleeping with me since I was 12 years old and when I reported him to my mother, she warned me not to tell anybody because it will bring shame to our family.

”Now, I am 18 and I can’t continue to bear it, so I told my friend, who informed a non-governmental organisation about it. He also sleeps with my younger sister.”

The alleged offence, which was reported to the police by a Lagos-based NGO, was said to have been committed on September 17, 2011, and contrary to and punishable under sections 262 and 259 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

However, the girls’ father (Collins), a native of Mbano in Imo State, denied the charge and pleaded not guilty, when he was asked to enter his plea.

Magistrate Oshoniyi admitted him to bail in the sum of N200,000 and a surety, whose address must be verified.

Collins was later ordered to be remanded in Kirikiri Prison, when nobody indicated interest in standing as surety for him, while the matter was adjourned till February 13.

Meantime, in another development, a 37-year-old pastor, Joseph Olukaiyeja, has been charged before an Ejigbo Magistrate‘s Court, Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N1.6 million from two brothers, Akintunde Akinloye and Akindele Akinloye, under false pretence.

Olukaiyeja (accused) was arraigned on a five-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing, offences that contravened Sections 390 (9), 419 and 516, Cap C17 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

Bangladesh man 'admits' cutting off wife's fingers

, Hawa Akther Jui



Human rights groups in Bangladesh have demanded a severe punishment for the husband of a young woman who allegedly cut off most of her right hand.
Police say Rafiqul Islam, 30, attacked her because she pursued higher education without his permission.
They say Mr Islam, a migrant worker, admitted to the crime shortly after returning home from the Gulf.
However there has been no independent confirmation from the suspect that he carried out the attack.
The incident is one of a number of acts of domestic violence targeting educated women in recent months.
Police say that Mr Islam, who works in the United Arab Emirates, tied up his 21-year-old wife, Hawa Akther Jui, earlier this month. He then taped her mouth and cut off the five fingers.
'Severe consequences'
Doctors say the fingers cannot be re-attached and it appears that Ms Akther will have to live with permanent disfigurement.
Rafiqul Islam is reported to have confessed to the crime
"After he came back to Bangladesh, he wanted to have a discussion with me. Suddenly, he blindfolded me and tied my hand," Ms Akther told the BBC from the town of Narsingdi.
"He also taped my mouth saying that he would give me some surprise gifts. But, instead he cut off my fingers."
She said her husband, who is not well educated, did not approve of her enrolling in a college for higher studies.
During their earlier telephone conversations, she said, he warned her of "severe consequences" if she went against his word.
"Doctors said my fingers could be re-attached within six hours but he refused to give them. After that time, another relative of my husband threw the fingers in a dustbin.
"We finally recovered them but it was too late," said Ms Akther, who is still recovering at her parents' house.
She said that she did not want to live with her husband - who is now in police custody - any more.
The police officer investigating the case, ARM Al-Mamun, said "preliminary investigations" had led police to believe that it was a "pre-planned attack".

Islam


"He [the husband] admitted to cutting off his wife's fingers. We will be pressing charges against him," Mr Al-Mamum said.
A family member of Mr Islam said that the couple had "differences" on some issues, including her decision to pursue higher studies.
Ms Akther - who is eager to continue her studies - said that she wanted her husband to be severely punished for the attack.
"I have now started practising writing with my left hand. I want to see how far I can go. I never imagined that my fingers would be chopped off like this because of my studies."
The attack follows an incident in June in which a university lecturer lost one eye while the other was badly wounded in an attack allegedly carried out by her husband.
The accused man in this case, Syeed Hasan Sumon, died in custody earlier this month while awaiting trial.

Culled from BBC

Indian student Jyoti Amge named world's shortest woman

Jyoti Amge





An Indian student measuring just a little over two feet has been confirmed as the world's shortest living woman by Guinness World Records.
Jyoti Amge, at 62.8cm (24.7in), is 7cm shorter than previous title holder, American Bridgette Jordan.
Ms Amge was conferred the title on Friday as she celebrated her 18th birthday in the city of Nagpur.
Ms Amge has a condition called achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, and is not expected to grow further.
In 2009, she was named the world's shortest teenager at 61.95cm.
The shortest woman ever recorded was Pauline Musters (1876-1895) of the Netherlands, who stood at 61cm.
'Grateful'
Ms Amge was presented with a certificate, watched by her parents in Nagpur.
"It is wonderful to celebrate my 18th birthday with a new world record, it's like an added birthday present," she said.
"I feel grateful to be this size, after all if I weren't small and had not achieved these world records I might never have been able to visit Japan and Europe, and many other wonderful countries," she said.
Dressed in a traditional sari, she stood on a chair next to a seated Rob Molloy, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, to cut her birthday cake.
"In accordance with our guidelines, Jyoti was measured three times in 24 hours by a doctor," Guinness World Records said.
Ms Amge has attended regular school since she was four and has just finished her high school exams. She plans to undertake a university degree.
Guinness World Records said she dreamed of becoming a Bollywood film star.

culled from BBC