Car For The Future: American Produces A Fold Up Car, Can Be Folded and Parked

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The "Hiriko," the Basque word for "urban," is an electric two-seater with no doors whose motor is located in the wheels and which folds up like a child's collapsible buggy, or stroller, for easy parking.

Dreamt up by Boston's MIT-Media lab, the concept was developed by a consortium of seven small Basque firms under the name Hiriko Driving Mobility, with a prototype unveiled by European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso.


Its makers are in talks with a number of European cities to assemble the tiny cars that can run 120 kilometers (75 miles) without a recharge and whose speed is electronically set to respect city limits.

They envision it as a city-owned vehicle, up for hire like the fleets of bicycles available in many European cities, or put up for sale privately at an asking price of 12,500 euros.

Several cities have shows interest, including Berlin, Barcelona, San Francisco and Hong Kong. Talks are under way with Paris, London, Boston, Dubai and Brussels.

The vehicle's four wheels turn at right angles to facilitate sideways parking in tight spaces.

I like this car and want it, but for them to bring it to Nigeria, which city do i want to be driving it, even in my estate sef, i sha want so if your looking for what to buy for me you can book for the car.

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Boko Haram Threatens To Unsettle Govt And Judiciary If Al Mustapha is hanged

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Boko Haram Threatens To Unsettle Govt And Judiciary If They Hang Al Mustapha.

This are not the best of times for the Nigerian Police force.

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State General Sani Abacha and Lateef Shofolahan was yesterday convicted by a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere over the murder of of Kudirat Abiola, the wife of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola.


Anew twist as been added to it by Boko Haram.It has previously threatened to attack Sokoto State, if members of the radical Islamic sect detained by security agencies in the state are not released immediately
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Kano State Ex-Governor, Ibrahim Shekerau Arrested By SSS Over Boko Haram

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A former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, was yesterday quizzed by the State Security Service (SSS) over alleged ties with the Boko Haram sect.

Some unnamed members of the sect claimed that they were on the payroll of Shekarau and the Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Isa Yuguda.

They claimed that the stoppage of their monthly stipends accounted for the upsurge in the sect’s insurgency.

The former governor and Yuguda denied the allegations. But the SSS said there was no way it could gloss over such "weighty allegations".

A source in the security agency said: "Based on the claim of Boko Haram, we invited the ex-governor to ascertain the extent of his relationship with the sect.

"We have been tracking his movement in the past few weeks but I think he was out of the country.

"The violence in the past two weeks in Kano where over 185 people died made the invitation of Shekarau necessary.

"He appeared before the SSS to answer some specific issues we highlighted for him and he denied any link with the sect.

"After preliminary questioning of the ex-governor, we have asked him to go, pending the time we may have cause to re-invite him - if necessary at all."

Another source, who spoke in confidence, said security agencies were worried that the Kano incident coincided with Shekarau’s trip abroad. They worked on the speculation that there might have been a foreknowledge of the Boko Haram attacks.

"We are looking at all theories but we still presume the ex-governor guilty, until we reach a convenient bend of a prima facie case against him if any at all," said the source.

Shekarau, who has since left Abuja for Kano, is the fourth highly-placed Northerner to be accused and quizzed over Boko Haram.

The SSS accused Senator Ali Ndume and the late Ambassador Saidu Pindar of being backers of the sect that has claimed responsibility for the spate of bombings in the North, including the Christmas Day explosion which killed 44 at a Catholic church in Madalla, Niger State.

Besides, a judge with the Kano State judiciary was retired from service, following his alleged romance with the sect.

The judge, who has since been placed under security surveillance, may face prosecution, if a prima facie case is eventually established against him.

The judge, who was a member of the Borno State Election Petitions Tribunal, allegedly fostered a relationship with some Boko Haram members upon arrival in Maiduguri.
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Alleged husband killer Hadiza Abutu granted bail

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Hadiza Abutu, the young woman accused of shooting and killing her husband at their home in Abuja , because he married a new wife, has been granted bail as police continue with their investigations.

Hadiza said her husband shot himself, her late husband's family say she shot him. All we can hope is that the truth eventually comes out.

So sad for all the parties involved...
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Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie ill, flown abroad

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75-year old Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, was flown to India some days ago for medical treatment, for an undisclosed ailment.

The cardinal couldn't walk for days as a result of swollen legs before he was flown abroad to receive treatment.
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So who's lying; Reuben Abati or Pan African News Agency?

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Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati said yesterday that President Jonathan never contested the AU chairmanship with Benin Rep President, Boni Yayi. But reputable news agency - Pan African News Agency (PANA) reported otherwise.

What PANA wrote below...

Yayi Boni succeeds Obiang Nguema as AU Chairman

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The President of Benin, Yayi Boni, has taken over the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) following his nomination at a mini-Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Boni's election came as a result of compromise by the West African leaders.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan had made a last-minute bid for the Chairmanship, but his quest was opposed by Ghana and other West African states which supported the Beninese President.

So who's lying?


Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema handed over the leadership of the AU and installed the new Chairman at the 18th AU Summit, which kicked off on Sunday, with the crisis in North Africa and the need to manage the transitions in the region dominating discussions.

Speaking during the meeting, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made a formal plea to African leaders to appreciate the differences in the crises in Libya and Cote d’Ivoire and mend fences for the sake of future relations.

“There were differences in Cote d’Ivoire and Libya. These were not differences of objectives or goals; our partnership is anchored in shared values. These were differences in operational and strategic approaches. This is natural, even to be expected among organisations with varied mandates and membership,” Ban said.

-0- PANA AO/VAO 29Jan2012
29 january 2012 10:23:18
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Bankole, Nafada have no case to answer – Court


An Abuja High Court sitting at Apo, Tuesday, has ruled that former Speaker Dimeji Bankole and his deputy Usman Bayero Nafada have no case to answer in the N40bn loan case. 

The court ruled on a “no-case-submission” before it by the erstwhile Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Dimeji Bankole and his deputy, Usman Bayero Nafada pertaining to the 17-count criminal charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged role they played in a N40 billion loan saga that trailed the sixth session of the lower chamber. Justice Belgore rubbishes Keyamo’s case as he ruled that he the accused did not benefit from the loan.

There was no theft as it was a loan that have been liquidated and it was provided for in the budget. Belgore further ruled that it was not a salary increase or allowance increase but increase in running cost. The judge in the ruling that lasted over three hours said there was no linkage of the accussed with conspiracy or thef which have not been established. The account for the loan was not operated by the accussed and the disbursement was not done by the accussed.
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Court acquits Bankole, Nafada of corruption charge

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A Federal High Court in Abuja today Tuesday 31st January 2012 acquitted former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and his deputy, Bayero Nafada, of all charges of corruption, saying they have no case to answer in connection with a N40 billion misapropriation charge.

So EFCC arresting them and the 17-count charge was all for show?
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Senate query presidency over N1.3b budget for food & Refreshment

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The Senate, yesterday queried the Presidency over N1.3 billion budgeted for food stuffs and refreshment, including the purchase of computers and furniture, describing it as outrageous.

Out of N1.3billion, N293 million was set aside for refreshment, N500 million for food stuffs, N265 million for computers and N295 million for furniture for no specific office.


A member of the committee, Senator Isa Galadu, said, “the huge allocation for foodstuffs in a country where 70 per cent lives below a dollar per day and 90 per cent below two dollars per day is outright outrageous. I do not understand why you have allocated N293 million for refreshment, apart from the foodstuffs allocation.”

The chairman of the committee, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta also asked why the State House planned to spend N295 million on furniture for an unspecified residence.

“The purchase of residential furniture for N295 million, is it for the residence of Mr President? You also have N265 million for computers. You bought computers last year. Do you still want to buy computers this year again?” he queried.

In his response to all the queries, the permanent secretary, State House, Dr. Funmi Olaopa said that the State House is a huge bureaucracy on its own and it is a meeting point for a huge array of critical stakeholders, both local and international.

“There are lots of standing committees, visiting presidents, diplomats, people from the Diaspora, captains of industries and a lot of banquets are held and these are service- based. Moreso, we now run democracy unlike the military. Now, we necessarily have to expand in order to run an inclusive government."

WOW...WHAT A JOKE.
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Customs men beat teacher for purnishing student

SANITY was thrown to the wind in Ibadan as some men of the Nigeria Customs Service stormed a secondary school, United Senior Secondary School, Ijokodo, Ibadan and beat a teacher mercilessly for daring to punish a student whose father is a Customs officer.

Though, none of the students of the school was injured during the chaotic situation, the teachers in the school and other traders around the school said the Customs men shot sporadically to scare some students and teachers who wanted to come to the rescue of the teacher, Mr. Gbenga Ogunleye while he was being beaten by four officers in uniform.

The boy, Allison Ebuka who is in SS 3, had gone to the Customs Barrack to invite his parent after he had allegedly refused to serve punishment with other students who were found culpable of indecent behavior. While speaking with newsmen yesterday, the helpless teacher, said “last Friday, some boys who are fond of dressing indecently to school and assembling in an uncompleted building during odd hour were rounded up by the teachers and had all their indecent dresses, slippers, and other things that the school does not allow seized”. “We told them to form a queue and ask them to jump up and down. But Ebuka did not respond despite telling him to do so. I then used the cane in my hand to compel him, still he resisted. He then went home to call his father, mother and cousin. To my surprise, when his parent came, the father asked him to identify me, instructed him to beat me in his presence”, he said. 

“When I was resisting, the boy went for a wheel spanner and was aiming at my head. But, I used my hand to protect my head. The father then asked for reinforcement. Other officers in uniform drove in with high speed into the school compound. They dragged me on the ground, beat me to stupor and tore my shirt. When other teachers and students came to my rescue, the Customs men fired shots and students began to jump over the fence”. When Vanguard got to the school yesterday, the teachers said the boy in question had been expelled by the Ministry of Education. The teacher, who was hospitalized as a result of the beating, said he was yet to buy the drugs that were prescribed for him. “I was taken to Jericho Hospital for treatment. 

They treated me and prescribed some drugs. The Nigeria Union of Teachers in the state has taken exception to the behviour of the Customs officer”, he said. Efforts made to get the Customs officer or the command were unsuccessful. As at the time of filing this report, the Public Relations officer of Customs in Ibadan, Mrs. Nkiru Nwala had travelled and several calls made to her phone were not connected.
Source:Vanguardngr.com
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shocked with death by Hanging verdict – AL Mustapha Family


The family of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, yesterday, described the verdict of the court as shocking. Reacting to the verdict in Kano at their Bompai residence, the family spokesman, Hadi Al-Mustapha, said “the shocking verdict has pulled a temporary setback on our concerted effort to secure his freedom.” 

Devastated by the verdict and somewhat broken in spirit, Hadi Al-Mustapha, noted that the long trial, which was brought to the end yesterday, was laden with ‘political undertone,’ stressing “the case would be pursued to its logical conclusion.” “We strongly believe in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, but I must confess to you that we are shocked by this verdict. But in every situation, we should give glory to Almighty Allah,” he said. 

Hadi Al Mustapha, hinted “the only thing I can tell you is that we are going on appeal and we will be vindicated at last, I promise you.” He added, that the judgment had proven beyond reasonable doubt that his brother’s case was politically motivated in the light of years it took to bring it to close. “Over 13 years, this man has been standing trial alongside many others but today all of them have been discharged and acquitted and my brother has been sentenced to death by hanging,” he said. 

He was confident of the judgment being upturned at the appellate court, adding “we still have fate in the judiciary”. the highest court of the land will do justice on this matter and the family shall have course to smile again.”
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Fulani Hardsman Chops Off Vulcaniser's Hand

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Pandemonium gripped Akure, the Ondo State capital recently when a Fulani herdsman allegedly chopped off the right hand of a vulcaniser, Mr. Deji Adeleye in Akure during a misunderstanding. The incident, which occurred at Ayedun area of Akure recently threw the entire community into confusion as people feared possible attack from other Fulani herdsmen grazing their cows in the area.

Daily Sun gathered that the victim, a vulcaniser in Ayedun quarters and some carwash owners had warned the herdsmen several times to stop grazing their cows in their business premises. It was learnt that the herdsmen turned deaf ears and as a deliberate way of causing trouble the herdsmen changed their movement to the place from twice in a week to daily routine. Apparently angered by attitude displayed by the herdsmen after several warnings, Adeleye and other people chased the cows out of the area.

The herdsman, it was gathered who did not show any sign of annoyance when his cows was chased away later came back when many people had left the area and chopped off Adeleye’s hand with a sword. It was gathered that the Fulani herdsman wanted to behead Adeleye but the vulcaniser escaped by whickers as he used his right hand to block the herdsman’s sword.

An eyewitness and a relation to Adeleye, Olorunlogbon Ajayi quoted the victim to have said: “The herdsman moved stealthily towards me and drew out his sword with the intention to behead me. I raised up my hand to protect my head, but had my hand chopped off.” The victim was rushed to a private hospital while the herdsman ran away when some youths around the area wanted to lynch him.

Efforts made by our correspondent to speak with Adeleye where he was receiving treatment proved abortive as security operatives did not allow visitors to gain access to him except few of his family members. The security agents, in a bid to prevent the victim from speaking with the newsmen moved him from the hospital to another private hospital within the Gbogi axis and only doctors and a nurse were allowed to have access to the victim’s room while the security operatives were giving the medical officers close monitoring so that they would not use any device to take the photograph of Adeleye.

Also efforts made to interview the wife of the victim when our correspondent approached the woman for comment proved abortive as the woman first denied being the victim’s wife but after much pressure she admitted being his wife but declined comment on the incident. It was further gathered that the herdsman had fled the area and all efforts made by the police and other security operatives to track him down had not yielded any positive result.
The state government had directed the security agents to manage the situation so that it would not degenerate into inter-tribal clash.

The victim, it was reliably gathered had also been promised N5 million as a compensation by some politicians in the state to start a new life after living the hospital.
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Man chokes wife to death for giving birth to third baby girl

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A man allegedly choked his wife to death after she gave birth to a baby girl for the third time.

30-year-old Storay was choked to death by her husband and mother-in-law after she gave birth to the third girl.

The murder took place in a remote village in Khanabad district of Kunduz province, which is located in northern Afghanistan. Storay’s mother-in-law has been arrested but her husband has fled and the Police in northern Afghanistan are looking for him.

Despite the fall of the Taliban more than a decade ago, violence and abuse of women continues to be a serious problem in Afghanistan. Human rights activists have criticized Afghan authorities for their failure to protect women, and the issue was highlighted again by two recent cases.
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National Sports Commission Spent 1.2 M to Open Facebook Account

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Justify Full

Just N1.2m to open a Facebook account? Wow, this guys got a good discount o. It cost me N7.1m to get mine. Hehehehe!

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mr Patrick Ekeji, has been summoned by the House of Reps over the commission's expenditures, including N1.2m for a Facebook account.
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Court dethrones Obong Of Calabar

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THE Calabar High Court presided over by Justice Obojor Ogar, Monday, declared the stool of Obong of Calabar vacant and told the current occupant Edidem Ekpo Abasi Otu not to parade himself as the Obong of Calabar

A one time Minister of Finance during the late Gen. Sani Abacha military regime, Etubom Anthony Ani and four others had in April 2008 dragged Edidem Abasi Otu and eight others to court challenging the selection and proclamation of the dethroned Obong as the rightful occupant of the throne.

Etubom Ani had in his claim through his counsel Mr. Agi, SAN, sought a declaration that “the presentation and/selection of the 4th defendant (Edidem Otu) who was Chairman of the screening committee for the selection of the 4th Defendants as the Obong of Calabar elect is contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

He also claimed “That the purported selection of the 4th Defendant as the the Obong of Calabar-elect, who is from Adiabo is contrary to the decision of the Western Calabar Traditional Rulers Council that Ikoneto has the exclusive right to produce the next Obong of Calabar and the 4th Defendant is not qualified to be selected and/ or appointed the Obong of Calabar.”

Ani sought a declaration that the Etubom Traditional Rulers Council of the Obong’s Palace refusal to entertain the complaint of the Plaintiff violated their right to fair hearing and an injunction restraining the government from according recognition and/ or giving staff of office to the 4th defendant.

Delivering judgment that lasted for about two hours, Justice Obojor Ogar restrained the Obong from parading himself as the Obong of Calabar until proper election has been done and also restrained the Etubom Traditional Council, from excluding Etubom Anthony Ani and Mbiabo Ikoneto from any election or selection of an Obong.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the Etubom Traditional Council Mr. Paul Eba said they were still studying the judgment, though, he noted that the judgment did not make any order for the withdrawal of the certificate of recognition from the state government that had earlier given recognition to him, meaning that the “Obong is still on the throne.”

Mr. Eba said the Obong still occupies his throne and that they will study the judgment to go for appeal and described the judgment as “a declaration judgment that Ikoneto has right to contest. Definitely we are going on appeal to determine some issues raised by the Judge”.
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Today In Senate, It’s Battle Of The Women

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Senator Nkechi Nwaogu and Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, two women involved in oil and gas sector management are set to engage each other in a battle of wits today. UCHENNA AWOM, presents the issues at the base and what might likely be the outcome of the fight in the Senate.

Two women will square out today in what promises to be an epic battle between the executive and the legislature.

The two arms of government before now enjoyed chubby, rub my back I rub yours kind of relationship.

But the Senate Committee Chairman on Gas Resources,Nkechi Nwaogu and her committee is set to grill the Petroluem Resources Minister, Mrs.Diezani Allison-Madueke.

Alison-Madueke will lead her team of oil and gas experts to the Senate Committee room for what promise to be a robust engagement. Chances are the after the sitting, that relationship between the two arms of government may head for the rocks. The seat may be too hot for the amiable oil minister after all.

The crux of the matter is budget; issues arising from somecontract infraction, and financial shortfalls which require explanation.

Senator Nwaogu is fuming. She and her team are angry and understandably so over the failure of Madueke to appear before the committee last Tuesday to defend the ministry’s budget.

The minister was expected to make clarifications on the revenue profile of the much harangued and less trusted Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

According to the committee, the woman was billed to shed light on the government’s gas policy and its potentials as big revenue source for the country.‘‘Madueke was also supposed to talk on gas flaring and how her ministry plans to enforce compliance and the law on zero gas flaring, but she ignored us, may be we are not what her while. On Monday, we shall meet and Nigerians will see us,’’ Senator Nwaogu said.

Madueke had written the Gas Committee that she would be in far away Davos, Switzerland to attend an international meeting at the period of the budget defence meeting.

“It is not true. She is in Nigeria, infact she was sited within the premises of National Assembly”, an obviously enraged Nwaogu retorted.

So what is scaring the minister away? Could it be because she was yet to balance her records or because she is yet to recover from the heat generated from the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee probing subsidy palaver? The fiery Hon. Farouk Lawan heads the committee.

Well, the minister is yet to respond at least publicity to the committee’s complaints. Sources however, revealed that she may have reached out to the senator before today’s meeting. One thing that is clear is that the cordiality expected of such high profile meeting may be missing.

But Madueke may not want to engage in brick bat as doing so will rather add to the already hard times, the oil industry is facing currently. It is also believed that the minister may simply stoop to conquer another day so that the anti-NNPC sentiment will mellow down before she teaches Nkechi lesson!

Aside the subsidy removal, the chilling and mind-boggling revelations at the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee probe have deepened Nigerians’ distrust and hatred for NNPC and Madueke.‘‘No sane person not to talk of a smart minister like Madueke who is eying the future will gamble,’’ a source said.

So addingNkechi’s or any woman senator’s fight for that matter to her worries may be one trouble too many. But those who know the flamboyant minister say she is a proud woman. They also swear that she can’t sacrifice her pride on the alter of political expediency. Anyway, wait and see, remains the best attitude as the meeting goes on.

But who blinks first would ultimately be determined by wise counseling between the two accomplished but fiercely opposed amazons in the current government.

Either way, political analysts contend that the senator must be careful in tackling the minister except if she has forgotten that Maduekeis a sacred cow in the hallowed gamut of President Goodluck Jonathan government. Secondly, the senator must remember that there is an appeal at the Supreme Courton her controversial election.

Caution, observers insist must be the senator’s watch word. Yes, because in Nigeria, the Executive Arm can change man to women literally speaking. Examples abound in Nigeria.

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Boko Haram Costs Jonathan AU Chair

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The gory activities of Boko Haram yesterday stopped President Goodluck Jonathan from clinching the chairmanship position of African Union (AU).

Against expectations that the Nigerian president would emerge Chairman of the Africa’s political topmost body, the President of the Republic of Benin, Boni Yayi, was elected the new chairman of the AU and will server for 12 months.

NEWSMEN gathered that news of insecurity and the mass protests both home and abroad that trailed the removal of fuel subsidy played major roles in turning down the choice of Jonathan as the AU Chairman.

The newly -elected chairman an economist, in his acceptance speech, however, promised support for Jonathan and Nigeria in tackling the terrorism problem which the country currently faces.

Yayi, whose emergence as AU helmsman was announced at the 18th ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia , added that he was prepared to consolidate on the good works being done by the AU particularly in the areas of integration and peace in the region.

Yayi was elected alongside Yoweri Museveni of Uganda as the vice- chairman while the second Vice -chairman of the AU which was slated for North Africa was given to Moncef Marzouki of Tunisia.

Jacob Zuma of South Africa took the slot of third vice Chairman of the union.

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South Africa postpones Okah’s trial

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The man accused of masterminding two deadly bombings at 50th independence celebrations in Abuja will face trial in October after a South African court Monday delayed his case by nine months.

Henry Okah is facing trial in South Africa, where he has permanent residence, on charges that he orchestrated the twin car bombings — which killed 12 people in Abuja on October 1, 2010 — from his home in Johannesburg.

Lawyers for both sides said Monday they needed more time to prepare their arguments.



“Neither the prosecution nor the defence was in a condition to continue with the trial at the moment, so we agreed to postpone it,” Okah’s lawyer Rudi Krause told AFP.

Dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt and a blazer, Okah looked visibly thinner than his first court appearance following his arrest the day after the bombings. He was denied bail last year and has been in jail awaiting trial.

He also faces terrorism charges in connection with two explosions on March 15, 2010 in the southern Nigerian city of Warri, a major hub of the country’s oil-rich Delta region.

South Africa is trying Okah because Nigerian authorities have not applied for his extradition, said prosecutor Shaun Abrahams.

“We have extra-territorial jurisdiction. It is part of our international obligation” to try cases of terrorism, he told journalists outside the courtroom.

Okah has denied involvement in the attacks, which were claimed by the militant Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Prosecutors accuse Okah of being the head of MEND, which says it is fighting to give the people of the Delta more access to the region’s oil wealth.

Okah has denied being the group’s leader.
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B-r-e-a-k-i-n-g N-e-w-s : Al-Mustapha, Shofolahan to die by hanging

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Embattled former Chief Security Officer, CSO, to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamzat Al-Mustapha and a protocol officer in the MKO Abiola campaign organisation, Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan, today, at the Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere, were sentenced to death by hanging for the conspiracy to murder and murder charge preferred against them.


Justice Mojisala Dada of Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere delivered the judgment Monday afternoon.

Details later.
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Sect attacks kill 2 at N. Nigeria police stations

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Police say suspected members of a radical sect have attacked two more police stations, leaving two people dead in a north Nigerian city where 185 people were killed just over a week ago.
Kano State police chief Ibrahim Idris said two civilians died in crossfire between suspected Boko Haram gunmen and police officers Sunday evening in Kano.

Idris said parts of the police station collapsed under the impact of bombs hurled by the attackers.

He said a new attack Monday morning targeted another police station where a policeman was killed last week.

He said the latest strikes occurred just outside curfew hours imposed after coordinated Jan. 20 attacks claimed by Boko Haram left at least 185 dead.

Those were the group's bloodiest attacks against Nigeria's weak central government.

___
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New Acting IG of Police loses wife

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The wife of the new acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, has died. She died over the weekend after a brief illness. RIP, Ma'am!
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POLICE NABS CHILD-WITCH SELLER IN AKWA IBOM STATE.

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A 28 year old woman (name withheld) has been arrested by a special police detective team in Eket for attempting to sell a seven year old boy. A police source said in Eket.

The youngster who is said to be her step-son was, however, living with his biological mother until the father requested to take full responsibility of him. Apparently angered by the child’s arrival, the step-mother contracted a pastor to screen the little boy to ascertain if he was possessed with witchcraft spell or not. On confirmation that the boy was possessed, he was reportedly disappeared from the house.

A dependable source said lady who operates a local Hotel called Prince Udoette Hotel in Ikot Idung Offiong community had arranged with a Port-Harcourt based child trafficking syndicate to pick the boy in a location along Uqua Road, in heart of Eket, but the late arrival of the spoiled the show, as the detectives swooped the scene and arrested the lady on a tip-off.

The community source did not confirm whether the hotel was used as a conduit for the sales of other children; but stressed that she’s been notorious for dealing with suspicious elements coming to the community.

She confessed to the police that she was scared based on the prophet’s instruction that the boy will infect her children with his magical power. When the man of God told me that he will transfer the spell to my children, or kill them, I was really afraid…” she said.

The a police inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who did not want his name mentioned said that sales of children of Akwa Ibom origin to syndicates coming from Aba and Port-Harcourt was a common phenomenon. “They have a robust network, which keeps buying more and more children here in the State.

It depends on the s*x, the age of the child and the negotiation. A male child is said to be sold between N150, 000 to N170, 000 a female is between N130, 000 to N50, 000. But it varies on age.” The officer said. “Our team is monitoring them… We will get them all,” he added.

But the coordinator of a human right group, Freedom Impact International (FII), Mr Jackson Bas, though commended the police for rescuing the child; he expressed scepticism over the willingness of the police to prosecute the culprit.

“This is not the first time they have arrested child traffickers. They have been doing so before; we know about this. How many of them have been taken to court. Police will keep them in the cell till their men will come and bail them out with money they called bond…” Bas noted.

He appealed to the government not to turn a blind eye to the torture and killing of children and elderly people who are accused of practicing witchcraft or sorcery.
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Man docked for stealing of Policeman’s N30,000

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A 28-year-old man, Jamiu Surakat, who allegedly stole N30,000 belonging to a policeman, Sgt. Henry Okon, during the nationwide strike and protests against Federal Government removal of fuel subsidy, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos.

The accused and others at large were said to have stolen the N30,000 from Sgt. Okon when he, alongside other policemen, were removing illegal roadblocks mounted by Surakat and his accomplices on January 13, 2012 at Freeman and Igbosere Streets, Lagos Island, Lagos.

According to the charge, Surakat and his accomplices also damaged a police walkie-talkie held by Sgt. Okon and breached public peace by blocking the streets with tyres and woods, which created problem for people of the area.

The accused is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, stealing, malicious damage and breach of public peace, punishable under sections 409, 285, 348 and 44 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

Magistrate L. Balogun granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum, who is to furnish the court with verifiable residential and office addresses.

The case has been adjourned till February 3, 2012 for further hearing.

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Otumukpor? Drogba’s Mom Cooks for Supporters

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The mother of Cote d’Ivoire international, Didier Drogba has been cooking for the national team supporters at a makeshift restaurant she set up near the fans’ village in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where the Elephants are playing their Group B games.

Clotilde Drogba, who personally does the traditional home cooking of fried plantain chips, pepper soup, white rice, tomato sauce and attieke, said it was her contribution to nation at the tournament by feeding the supporters so they could have enough strength to cheer the team to final victory, reports AFP.

Every match day, some 60 members of the national committee of the Elephants supporters (CNSE) queue up with empty bowls to collect food free off charge from the mother of the most influential Ivorian player, before heading to the stands to sing and clap.
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Lagos begins mental screening with Agbero.

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To ensure full implementation of its Mental Health Policy, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, has concluded plans to begin mental health screening at various motor parks across the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Lagos on the ministry’s 2012 activities, said the policy which is all encompassing, will also deal with various mental health challenges such as depression. According to him, the exercise is part of the State Government’s policy to guarantee free treatment of mental disorders at all levels of care.

Idris who lamented the discrimination associated with mental disorders, explained that mental health also includes issues such as depression, work stress and anxiety as well as drug related. problems.

He said: “ The exercise will take care of anxiety, work-related stress and road accidents through adequate checks for drug use and alcohol consumption. These illnesses may not necessarily be psychosis but untreated minor mental illnesses which affect the quality of life.

We want to look at the issues of drugs and alcohol and how it affects morbidity and mortality. It will also include screening for diabetes and hypertension. We will also want to break discrimination associated with mental health. Apart from free screening, persons with mental cases will be offered referral to specialist services for further assessment, treatment and care if they require”.
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Ex-militant runs amok, kills speed boat driver

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A notorious ex-militant went berserk, weekend, at Obotebe community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State and gunned down a speed boat driver, Salemon Ariri.

He fled the community after the incident but irate villagers set ablaze the residences of his father, a prominent leader of the town and other relations on Saturday evening.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Tsafe told newsmen when contacted that the police would collaborate with the Joint Task Force, JTF, on the Niger-Delta to track down the fleeing ex-militant.

Traditional ruler of Obotebe, HRH, Akemeotubo Okeren, confirmed the incident, yesterday, on phone, saying arrangement was being made to bring the remains of the deceased, who was married before his death, to a mortuary in Warri.

Information available to newsmen showed the suspect was embroiled in a physical combat with another ex-militant over a community matter, when suddenly he scurried into his house, brandishing a rifle, which he fired randomly.

Villagers ran helter-skelter as he shot sporadically into the air, while Salemon Ariri, who was just arriving home at the time, was hit in the process. He died on the spot.

A source said, “The villagers could not apprehend the ex-militant because he was armed and had been terrorizing them since he and other ex-militants were granted amnesty by the Federal Government”.

His words, “There is no police post in Obotebe, everybody was running away after the incident because nobody wants to be shot too. His parents live in the community, his father is a known chief, but the boy is very wild”.
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Muslim leader proposes amnesty for Boko Haram members

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A Muslim leader in Delta State, Mr Sadiq Musa, weekend, called on the Federal Government to grant amnesty to members of the Boko Haram sect as a way of resolving the security crisis posed by the group.

He also advised that the government should introduce amnesty programme for them, as was done for former militants in the Niger Delta, few years ago.

But a Niger Delta activist, Mr. Vincent Oyibode, said the ideal thing for President Goodluck Jonathan to do was to relocate the seat of power from Abuja to the Niger-Delta for safety reasons.

Oyibode said there was nothing wrong with President Jonathan relocating to the Niger Delta since it was obvious that the plan of the northerners behind Boko Haram was to make the nation ungovernable for him.

Musa, who is spokesman of the Delta State Muslim Council, also faulted the advice by national president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, that Christians should defend themselves against Boko Haram, saying it was an inciting statement.

He dissociated Delta Muslims from Boko Haram sect, pointing out that the group was anti-Islam and commended President Jonathan for recently asking the group to come out with their complaints and demands for a better Nigeria.

He said “Boko Haram is giving Nigeria a bad name, making the country ungovernable for President Jonathan. The group is not fighting a religious war because both Muslims and Christians are being killed in the attacks.”
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Police may deploy anti-bomb team to Orubebe’s residence

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MEN of the Anti-Bomb Unit of the Delta State Police Command and police finger print experts may be deployed in Ogbobagbene, the country home of the Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs, Elder Peter Orubebe, which was bombed last week by suspected ex-militants, in a bid to track down perpetrators of the act.

A police source told NEWSMEN that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Tsafe, was considering the option, but was finding it difficult to move the anti- bomb team and their equipment to the riverside community because of the difficult terrain.

Tsafe declined to reveal his plan when contacted by NEWSMEN on the development, but confirmed that the terrain was difficult.

He said the community was cooperating with the police, but that no arrest had been made. Vanguard learnt that there is no police post in Ogbobagbene.

A member of Delta Waterways Security Committee, DWSC, Warri, who visited the community said: “What is obvious is that the attack on the Minister’s home was carried out by Ijaw boys. The villagers told us when we went there that the boys who came in very fast moving speed boat were speaking Ijaw language.

“They, however, said their Ijaw did not sound like that of those from within the area, but they, certainly, did their homework before coming, as they were shouting the name of the caretaker of the minister’s house, one Goddy, asking him to come out or they will kill him.”

He said, “DWSC had spread its intelligence network for information on the persons behind of this wicked act. You know it is not easy since the boys vanished into thin air after the incident, but we are working on some clues.”
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President Jonathan responds to Sahara Reporters

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In response to the story which Sahara Reporters broke some days ago about First Lady Patience Jonathan taking 32 delegates to AU conference; special adviser to the president on Media & publicity, Reuben Abati has issued a public statement. See it below...

Dear Omoyele Sowore,
RE: Sahara Reporters on “Culture of Waste and Insensitivity” and the 18th AU Summit
I observe that you have made no effort, following my earlier explanations, to amend your story titled “Culture of Waste And Insensitivity Continues As Mrs. Jonathan Arrives Addis Ababa With 32 Aides” (Sahara Reporters), and have allowed your readers to rely on deliberate misinformation.

The story in question does not reflect the true state of affairs with regard to the President’s delegation to the 18th annual African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I therefore want to set the records straight by making the following observations:


1. There is only one Nigerian Delegation to this summit not two as your report suggests. Specifically, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has no delegation, official or unofficial, to this summit, and she did not arrive in Addis Ababa with “32 aides.”

2. You correctly reported that Mr. President travelled with a “25-person delegation to Addis Ababa for the 18th African Union Summit” but after salting your story with a dash of hype and peppering it with innuendo you have managed to cook up the impression that there are 57 Nigerian delegates in Addis Ababa. This is not fair.

3. The Nigerian Entourage list contains 35 names in total, however three of those whose names are listed did not join the delegation and the total number of delegates in Addis Ababa is not more than 32.

This includes two Senators (the Chair of the Senate committee on NEPAD and another member), a member of the House of Representatives (NEPAD House of Reps), essential aides of the First couple, and Foreign Ministry Officials. Mr. President meant every word of it when he said that only persons who have work to do will be allowed to travel, officially.

4. As you well know, Nigeria is a free country; President Jonathan cannot prevent Nigerians from travelling to Ethiopia or anywhere else without good reason, legal sanction or authority. If there are other Nigerians in Addis Ababa, they are certainly not official delegates, and they have nothing to do with the First Lady.

5. It has become Sahara Reporters’ favourite sport to taint and bait President Jonathan with hooks and details that are inconvenient with the truth. You do your readers and Nigeria no favours by this shrill and deliberate misrepresentation of information.

6. President Jonathan remains committed to the Constitution he swore to protect and defend. You have a responsibility to report the truth.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
January 29, 2012″
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KUDIRAT’S MURDER: Judgment day beckons on Al-Mustapha, Sofolahan

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Major Hamza al-Mustapha, former chief security officer to the late General Sani Abacha, and a co-accused to know fate over the killing of the late Kudirat Abiola.

Twelve years ago when they were arraigned before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over alleged complicity in the murder of Alhaja Kuditrat Abiola, the wife of the billionaire businessman cum politician, Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, it appeared that judgment in the case will not come.

However, tomorrow will be a significant day for the nation’s judiciary as well as the family of the late Kudirat Abiola, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and his co-accused, Alhaji Lateef Sofolahan, when Justice Mojisola Dada, sitting in High Court, Lagos Division, will deliver judgment on the controversial case. Whichever way the pendulum of the judgment swings, it will either add more injuries to the 12 years Al-Mustapha and his co-accused have spent in prison or make them free men.

The duo of Al-Mustapha and Sofolahan had earlier been accused of complicity in the murder of Kudirat alongside Mohammed Abacha, son of the late head of state, General Sani Abacha, and former head of Mopol in Aso Rock, ASP Mohammed Rabo Lawal.

They were arraigned alongside former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd), the former Lagos State police boss, Mr. James Danbaba and Lt Col Jibrin Bala Yakubu, former military administrator of Zamfara State in another criminal charge of attempting to snuff life out of the late Guardian publisher, Mr. Alex Ibru, and a former commissioner for sports in Delta State, Mr. Isaac Porbeni, in 1996.

Before then, Al-Mustapha, Sofolahan, Mohammed Abacha and Rabo Lawal had been charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in December 1999 and the court ordered them to be remanded in custody pending their formal arraignment at the High Court. When the state eventually established a prima-facie case against them, a four-count charge of “conspiracy and murder of Alhaja Abiola on June 4, 1996 along the Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway, Lagos toll gate, opposite Cargo Vision, Ikeja in Lagos” was preferred against them.

The charge No ID/43c/99 read: “At the Criminal Division of the High Court of Lagos State holden at Ikeja on the …. day of ….1999, the court is informed by the Attorney General on behalf of the State that: Hamza Al-Mustapha (m) Mohammed Rabo Lawal (m) Mohammed Sani Abacha (m) Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan (m) are charged with the following offences:

Statement of Offence -1st Count “Conspiracy to commit murder contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code Cap 32 Laws of Lagos State 1994. Particulars of Offence Hamza Al- Mustapha, Mohammed Rabo Lawal, Mohammed Sani Abacha, Lateef Shofolahan between 1995 and June 1996, at Ikeja Judicial Division conspired to murder Kudirat Abiola.

Statementof Offence-2ndCount “Murder contrary to Section 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 32, Laws of Lagos State 1994. Particulars of Offence Hamza Al-Mustapha, Rabo Lawal, Mohammed Sani Abacha and Lateef Shofolahan on or about the 4th day of June, 1996 along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway opposite Cargo Vision, Ikeja in the Ikeja Judicial Division murdered one Kudirat Abiola.

Statement of Offence -3rd Count “Accessory after the fact of murder contrary to Section 322 of the Criminal Code, Cap 32, Laws of Lagos State, 1994. Particulars of Offence Mohammed Sani Abacha sometime in 1999 knowing Mohammed Abdul (a.k.a Katako) to have murdered Kudirat Abiola in the Ikeja Judicial Division gave him various sums of money with intent to facilitate their escape from arrest and prosecution.

Statement of Offence- 4th count “Accessory after the fact to murder contrary to Section 322 of the Criminal Code, Cap 32 Laws of Lagos State 1994. Particulars of Offence – 4th count Mohammed Sani Abacha sometime in 1999 knowing Aminu Mohammed to have murdered Kudirat Abiola in the Ikeja Judicial Division gave him various sums of money with intent to facilitate their escape from arrest and prosecution.”

When the charges were read to them before Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, then of the Ikeja High Court, they all pleaded not guilty, which eventually set the stage for the trial.

Of course, the then Lagos State Attorney General, Prof. Yemi Osibajo, SAN, led the team of the prosecutors, supported by the then Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, and other lawyers from Lagos State ministry of justice.

The defence team was led by the current president of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, a former Minister of Solid Minerals, Alhaji Ali Kaloma, Messrs . Bala Ibn Na’Allah and Yakubu Mik’yau.

But no sooner than the case started when it began to suffer hitches. The defence brought a motion on notice asking the court to quash all the four counts and statements of offences purportedly filed before the court against Mohammed Abacha, one of the accused.

They hinged their application on the premise that the proof of evidence did not disclose a prima facie case against Mohammed requiring him to stand trial before the High Court on any of the charges. In her ruling, Justice Kekere-Ekun turned down the application and held that the accused person had a case to answer.

This led to an appeal lodged before the Lagos Division of the Appeal Court. The appellate court affirmed the decision of the lower court that there were sufficient facts and inferences in the proof of evidence upon which Mohammed could be linked to the offences preferred against him.

Not satisfied, Abacha proceeded to the Supreme Court, which set him free. In its judgment of July 11, 2002, the Supreme Court unanimously quashed the information preferred against Mohammed. As if the other accused persons should be left off-hook after Mohammed was released, they started filling applications aiming at creating holes in the amended charges filed against them by the state.

But the state courageously continued with the trial until sometime in July last year when the trial jdge, Justice Dada, while ruling on a no-case-submission by the defence, acquitted one of the accused, Rabo Lawal, on the grounds that the prosecution could not establish his involvement in the crime.

Subsequently, the case suffered so much delay to the detriment of the accused persons who continued to languish in detention and the family of Abiola waiting for justice to take its course over the gruesome murder of their mother.

Then the state’s key witnesses, Sergeant Barnabas Jabila (aka Rogers), and another soldier, Mohammed Abdul (aka Katako), recanted on their roles in the alleged murder and how the crime was perfected. They had earlier told the court that Sofolahan, acting as Kudirat’s aide, gave them information on her itinerary, which aided them in accomplishing their task of eliminating her.

Jabila, a member of the special security outfit established to protect Abacha and his family, had also confirmed he shot at Kudirat, while Abdul, who served as personal driver to Mohammed, narrated how they (himself and Jabila) went out the day after meeting Sofolahan, trailed a white Mercedes Benz car from Ikeja to the old Lagos toll gate and how Jabila shot at the car and directed him to drive back to Dodan Barracks where they were staying.

In his evidence-in-chief, Jabila narrated how he was, some days before Kudirat’s assassination, summoned by Al-Mustapha to his office in Aso-Rock, handed some bags containing guns, and briefed on “ a special assignment”.

He also told the court that Sofolahan provided them with information about Kudirat’s movement and even led them to her residence after which his team planned strategies for the operation.

Jabila also said Sofolahan’s information aided them in trailing Kudirat until he shot her on June 4, 1996 in the car driven by Abdul.

Abdul, who acted as the prosecution’s third prosecution witness, corroborated Jabila’s testimony. He said he once worked with Mohammed’s late senior brother, Ibrahim, but had his service transferred to Mohammed after the latter’s death.

The revelations were stunning but with time and after the matter had passed through many judges, Jabila and Abdul recanted during cross-examination, denying all their earlier evidence. They later blamed their strange decision to somersault on their allegation that the state reneged on its promise to compensate them materially after the trial.

They alleged that the state failed to fulfil its promises, under the witness protection programme, to reward them and their families for acting as prosecution witnesses.

The case also suffered some hiccups after the fourth prosecution witness, Yusuf, who allegedly obtained statements from Al-Mustapha during investigation, also, midway into his testimony, refused further to cooperate with the prosecution. He allegedly refused to attend court, a development that forced the court to close the prosecution’s case in July after several adjournments.

Opening his defence, Al-Mustapha who witnessed for himself, denied all the allegations against him. He particularly denied sending anybody to kill Kudirat.

Apart from this, he denied any knowledge of sending any emissary or sponsored anybody to kill the victim and also monitor the activities of NADECO members. But he was confronted with his statement, from which he read to the court a portion, where he admitted sending Rabo Lawal to monitor a NADECO rally in Lagos.

On Kudirat, the prosecution confronted him with a statement by Mohammed Abacha, contained in the Supreme Court’s judgment in an interlocutory appeal by Mohammed, and upon which he was freed.

In the statement, part of which was read to the court by the lead prosecution lawyer, Lawal Pedro ,SAN, Mohammed admitted witnessing where Al-Mustapha gave Jabila a bag containing guns. This was vehemently opposed by Al-Mustapha’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo.

Also, Al-Mustapha, who earlier testified not to have tortured anyone in his life, later admitted, during cross-examination, that he tortured one Turner Ogboru. He also admitted that, as trained military personnel, he could take lives in public interest.

The defence also called a retired army personnel, Kyari Gadzama, who worked as an aide to Al-Mustapha, who testified in his favour. He admitted knowledge of Kudirat’s assassination, but said he heard of it from media reports. He also denied accompanying his ex-principal always to every of his engagements and meetings.

In his own testimony on August 17, 2011, which almost turned the court into a theater, Sofolahan, the third defence and last witness, also testified for himself. In his own testimony, he denied involvement in the offences for which he was accused.

To the chagrin of those present in court, he denied ever working for any member of Abiola family or was a personal assistant to Kudirat. He claimed he only heard about the woman’s death from media reports while denying knowledge that she was shot dead on June 4, 1996, but said he only learnt she died in her car.

Speaking about his relationship with the Abiola family, he said he only served as a protocol officer in the late Chief Abiola’s campaign organization in 1993.

He, however, told the court how he worked for the transmutation agenda of the late General Abacha while Abiola was in custody. He also said he later worked in 1998 with the campaign organization set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Sequel to the adoption of the final written addresses on November 10, 2011 by the parties in the case, the prosecution argued it had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and urged the court to convict the accused accordingly. The defence urged the court to acquit his clients on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to satisfactorily discharge the burden of proof placed on it by law.

Ojo, the lead defence counsel, who prepared a long list of citations to buttress his argument, said it was impossible for the court to find his clients guilt based on “the bunch of contradictory and unreliable evidence provided by the prosecution, particularly by its star witnesses, Jabila and Abdul.”

The lead prosecution counsel and Lagos State Solicitor General, Pedro, argued that, in proving conspiracy, it is immaterial that there should be direct communication between each conspirator and every other.

He added that the court could also reach a decision of conviction based on inference as against relying solely on direct evidence.He argued that though Jabila and Abdul recanted, having earlier admitted carrying out the murder on the order of Al-Mustapha, the court could still establish the accused persons culpability from the available circumstantial evidence.

On the issue of whether the prosecution had proved the charge of murder, the lawyer told the court he relied on Section 7 of the Criminal Code.

He submitted that it was immaterial for the accused persons to be present where Kudirat was shot or participated in the shooting for them to be guilty of the offence.

According to him, what was material was the circumstantial evidence brought by the prosecution before the court. Pedro added that despite the argument by the defendants that prosecution’s key witnesses were inconsistent and unreliable, the court could still establish a guilt verdict against the accused persons.

In his 112- page reply, Ojo, counsel to the defendants, raised five issues for determination. First, he argued that the court had to find out whether or not Jabila and Abdul were credible and reliable witnesses, whose evidence could be accepted and relied upon by the court having regard to the contradictions and inconsistent evidence.

He drew the attention of the court to what it required of it to pass conviction on the defendants, since the law says, the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Also, he spoke on what evidential value the court could attach to the extra judicial statements made by the defendants and the extent to which they could be used by the court in the determination of the suit.

He maintained that since some of the evidence, especially statements obtained from the defendants were allegedly taken under duress, the court should discountenance them.

Without doubt, the ball is now in the court of Justice Dada who will sit in judgment to sieve the truth from the falsehood on the gruesome murder of Kudirat.
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We’ll attack Sokoto, Boko Haram warns Sultan, Tambuwal, others

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ABUL-Qaqa, the spokesman of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnati Lidda’awati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, yesterday, alleged that security agents have arrested “many” of its members in Sokoto and called for their immediate release.

He however, urged senior citizens in Sokoto and other neighbouring states to intervene in order to avert the replication of what he described as “the big attack in Kano State.”

Qaqa, who spoke to journalists on phone yesterday said: “This is an open letter to the emir of Sokoto (Sultan of Sokoto) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and the Acting Governor of Sokoto State.

“Before we visited Kano, we wrote open letter to senior citizens there on the imperative of releasing our members but nobody cares to talk. Indeed, we sent three warnings to Kano before we strike,” Qaqa said.

“What happened in Kano will be inevitable in Sokoto unless you (Sultan and others) intervene and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of our members who were specifically arrested in the city of Sokoto on Thursday,” Qaqa said.

Qaqa faulted the call for dialogue by President Goodluck Jonathan. “There is gross inconsistency in all the proclamations of the Nigerian leader. Our members are being trailed and killed on one hand, and on the other hand, some people are telling us to surrender our arms and come out. This is impossible,” he said.
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Access Bank Sacks 1, 500 staff of Intercontinental Bank

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As a result of the completion of the acquisition of Intercontinental Bank Plc by Access Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc yesterday January 27th terminated the employment of 1, 500 employees of Intercontinental Bank and also shut down some branches of Intercontinental Bank nationwide for 'non-performance'.
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Somali Trained Nigerian Sucide Bombers Arrive Nigeria

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Information recently made available to 247ureports.com from source within the ranks of the terrorist Islamic group, the Boko Haram indicates not all is well with the federal governmentof Nigeria and it’s call to dialogue. The Islamic group has began preparations for another grand attack. Intelligence reports confirmed by Boko Haram source point the next attack at one of the northern states near the Bauchi tri state area.

Bauchi State was supposed to have been “destroyed” immediately following the black friday attack on Kano State. Personalities within the State government of Bauchi State calmed tensions. They approached the terrorist and suggested dialogue – of which - the source admitted that they stopped and dispatched their men to Kano to assist complete some “remaining assignment”. It is not certain the extent the Bauchi State government reached to have placated the Boko Haram. What is certain is the group’s determination to ‘destroy’ Bauchi State once the operation in Kano State has been completed.

Adding the international linkage to Somalia, [the second home of the Al Qaeda king pin, Osama Bin Laden] is the ungaurded threat that ”we are 38 here, 109 more of us are coming from Somali ready for sucide missions. We want to destroy Nigeria, not separate Nigeria. Our men are already in Onitsha, in Lagos and Port Harcourt”. Adding also that ”the River Niger Bridge can be ‘done with’”.

This development, the State Security Service [SSS] in Awka confirms. They have received intelligence pointing to Boko Haram activity near the River Niger Bridge. The SSS deputy director said the agents are monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, the escaped mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing at Madalla, Suleja, Niger State, according to the source, has moved to Niger Republic to a town near Diffa - where he is well protected. Presently engaged in the planing of more sucide attacks against the police, prominent politicians and religious clerics [both christians and moslems] of Nigeria.

On the police escape, he said “the Abuja Police” did not let Kabiru Umar Sokoto go. It was through the help of “our youths”. They overpowered the police and secured his freedom. ”He” exited through the “kind assistance” of some officials in Gigawa and Katsina State.

In a related development, intermidiaries have begun attempts at possible dialogue. It is gathered both sides have made contact. But “we don’t trust them”, states the source. He claims the President of Nigeria does not respect them. And promises “he will soon see.”
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How South-Bound Luxury Buses Would Have Been Bombed

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Following Thursday’s explosion at New Road Luxury Park, Sabon Gari, Kano, northwest Nigeria, management of the Luxury Terminal, this evening called for increased security.


Chief Sunday Odum, Vice-Chairman of the Park’s Task Force demanded for the presence of military personnel at the Luxury Terminal, “because in a critical situation, the police may retreat, but the military would explore all the tactics to confront the enemy.


“It is regrettable that we have the presence of security in this park only when there is a problem. Look at what happened yesterday, the bombs were loaded inside two luxury buses owned by God Bless Ezenwata and Gobison Motors and were timed to explode at 9 p.m. and 12 midnight respectively.”


Odum noted that because of security lapses at the park, no one could detect when the bombs were brought in and left as abandoned load at the back of the luxury buses with other luggage.


“The one exploded was concealed in a 7-UP container and it was by the grace of God that it was discovered. Actually the bombs were three. Two were detonated by the anti-bomb squad. One of them, concealed in a Turkey vegetable oil gallon and hidden inside a small travel bag timed to explode at 9 p.m., while the other was concealed in a brown onion sack timed to explode at 12 midnight; but by the grace of God, their plans did not work.”


Odum, who is also the manager of Chukwujekwu Motors, said the New Road Park has recorded about hundred per cent passenger influx.


“Ordinarily, we use to have 20 to 25 buses moving out of the park on daily basis, but since this Boko Haram threat, it has doubled to 40 to 45 buses on daily basis; and all the passengers head to the Eastern route via Okene, Igala, Otukpo, Enugu, Onitsha, Agbor, Owerri, Umuahia, Aba and Port Harcourt.


“In fact, I must tell you that the luxury bus companies have to bring most of the buses plying Lagos route to Kano route because this is where the passengers are now. And this will confirm the fact that Southerners are leaving Kano and the majority of our customers are mostly women and children,” he said.


Mrs. Obiageli Onwumere from Ideato South said the family in Kano decided to relocate to Imo state, her home state, ”until everything subsides.”


Onwumere is a teacher at a private school located within Sabon Gari and she noted that since the Boko Haram attacks started in Kano, privates schools have been closed.


“It has been 22 years since I got married to my husband who is a businessman here. But I want to tell you that the anxiety is high. We just have to leave and stay alive in our home town until the government solves all these security problems.


“I am not unaware of the fact that the governor of my state, Chief Rochas Okorocha was in Kano a few days ago. People have been misquoting him that he said that we should stay back. I was there and His Excellency told us that anybody who wants to leave should leave and those who want to stay should stay, that the Federal Government is making serious plans to calm the situation.


“But my brother, there is an Igbo adage that says that ‘a tree that its branches are about to chop off stands still, but a human being whose hands are about to cut off must, at least, run. As we are sitting here in the park, we are waiting for my husband to get our remaining load and children.”
Another lady, Mrs. Edith Okwolisa from Ihiala in Anambra state said her family has no choice but to leave Kano for good.


“As you can see, the situation is so tense that no one knows what will happen next. I and my husband are moving with all our families and property. The problem is still going on and we do not have the intention of returning to Kano again. We are not coming back,” she said.


The Area Manager of God Bless Ezenwata Motors, High Chief Sunny Philips Njikonye whose bus was shattered by last Thursday’s explosion at the New Road Luxury Park recalled how the incident almost affected the trip by the bus which had already been booked to ply the East.


According to him, five windscreen on the conductor’s side were damaged by the blast and seven passengers were wounded.
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