Crime Facts

DAILIES TOP STORIES: Reps panel invites accountant general, ICPC chair, begins probe of non-remittance of housing fund

  Sunday 20 August 2023 MNJTF: 4 Boko Haram commanders, 13 fighters surrendered to troops in two days NDLEA: Why we engaged Naira Marley in anti-drug abuse campaign Tony Elumelu: Mistakes are inevitable in business — learning from them is essential Two Nigerians risk 30-year jail term in US over COVID unemployment benefit ‘fraud’ ‘All eyes on judiciary’: Tinubu didn’t order removal of billboards, says ARCON DG Smart Adeyemi loses appeal as court affirms Ododo as Kogi APC guber candidate Patients evacuated after fire outbreak at ICU of UCH Ibada ‘Rumour from the pit of hell’ — Edo speaker denies impeachment plot against Shaibu Why ECOWAS should focus on restoration of constitutional order, not Bazoum Eight Weeks After: FG has held no discussions on palliatives, says Labour Customs tightens security around facilities in Adamawa over attempted attack ‘Why killing between farmers, herders persist in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa’ Don’t add to Nigerians’ pains, PFN tells Tinubu UNICEF to Immunise 181,000 children in Borno Foreign Policy: Why Nigeria Is Not Taken Seriously – Prof. Akinyemi We’ll Hand Over To A Civilian Govt Within 3 Years – Niger Coup Leader Gambian President Suspends Foreign Trips By Govt Officials Including Himself PDP NWC Charges Gov Election Campaign Council To Deliver Imo Tribunal Reserves Judgement In Suit Challenging Ebonyi Gov Nwifuru’s Victory Herdsman tried to behead my husband on our farm — Delta woman IPOB lawyer kicks over Simon Ekpa’s comment Unical alleged sexual abuse: NBA probes Prof Ndifon Expect more bandits in Nigeria if Niger is attacked — National Missioner, Abdurrahman Ahmad Amid mourning of Niger Ambush Victims: Chilling revelations on N/West bandits Palliatives: Knocks trail distribution, beneficiaries decry inadequate foodstuffs, delay Hope rises over use of gene therapy to reverse blindness Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Gambian President Suspends Foreign Trips By Govt Officials Including Himself

  Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has suspended all foreign travel by officials, including himself, to reduce public spending, a government spokesman announced Saturday Barrow signed an executive order “suspending all overseas travels by the president, the vice-president, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, civil servants and employees across all government institutions and agencies,” for the rest of the fiscal year, presidential spokesman Ebrima Sankareh said in a statement. Meetings where Gambian participation is compulsory and foreign trips entirely financed by external sources will be exempt. The Gambia, continental Africa’s smallest country with just over two million inhabitants, ranks 174th out of 191 on the UN’s Human Development Index, which combines health, education and standard of living criteria. More than a fifth of the population lives on less than two dollars a day, according to the World Bank. Annual inflation reached 11.6 percent last year. With tax revenues falling, and high state subsidies on fuel, fertiliser and grain due to the effects of the Ukraine war, the budget deficit widened last year The budget deficit and debt levels have also risen, as tax revenues have fallen and due to higher subsidies for fuel, fertilisers and cereals as a result of the war in Ukraine. AFP

Gambian President Suspends Foreign Trips By Govt Officials Including Himself

  Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has suspended all foreign travel by officials, including himself, to reduce public spending, a government spokesman announced Saturday Barrow signed an executive order “suspending all overseas travels by the president, the vice-president, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, civil servants and employees across all government institutions and agencies,” for the rest of the fiscal year, presidential spokesman Ebrima Sankareh said in a statement. Meetings where Gambian participation is compulsory and foreign trips entirely financed by external sources will be exempt. The Gambia, continental Africa’s smallest country with just over two million inhabitants, ranks 174th out of 191 on the UN’s Human Development Index, which combines health, education and standard of living criteria. More than a fifth of the population lives on less than two dollars a day, according to the World Bank. Annual inflation reached 11.6 percent last year. With tax revenues falling, and high state subsidies on fuel, fertiliser and grain due to the effects of the Ukraine war, the budget deficit widened last year The budget deficit and debt levels have also risen, as tax revenues have fallen and due to higher subsidies for fuel, fertilisers and cereals as a result of the war in Ukraine. AFP

Landlady arrested for allegedly pouring hot water on tenant

  A landlady identified as Amaka Okonkwo, is currently in custody at the Nimo police station, for allegedly pouring hot water mixed with pepper on her tenant, identified as Imabong William, over a disagreement on a rent increment. The incident, it was gathered, happened at Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area Anambra State late on Thursday. An eyewitness said trouble started between both parties when the suspect asked the victim to vacate the house over her inability to pay the new rent, noting that her rent had expired in July. The victim, who hailed from Akwa Ibom State, is currently receiving treatment at Zion Hospital, Nawfia. She said, “I requested more time from my landlady to enable me to get a new place, but unfortunately while I was washing my clothes on Thursday, the landlady poured hot water mixed with pepper on me from behind.” The Woman President-General of the community, Chiegbunam Nwosu, and Florence Okoye condemned the act, stating that the community is not in support of the dastardly act meted on the victim. The women also visited Nimo Police Division where the DPO assured them that the case will be transferred to the state CID for onward investigation and consequently maintain peace and order in the community. Upon interrogations, the husband of the suspect, Ebere Okonkwo, who was also seen at the hospital on Saturday, denied any involvement in his wife’s actions. Okonkwo stated that, although he was at home at the time of the incident, he was not aware of his wife’s intentions toward their tenant. Reacting to the development on Saturday, the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Ify Obinabo, who rushed to the hospital where the victim is recuperating thanked Enugwu-Ukwu women for their timely intervention in the situation and for arresting the perpetrator. The commissioner expressed displeasure over the incident and promised to get justice for the victim. She warned that the state government will not take lightly anyone found culpable of assault of any kind, advising the public to always report crimes and misdemeanors at the appropriate channels for quick intervention.

REPORT: Niger Republic Floods Kill 27, Affect Thousands Since July

  Flooding in Niger caused by heavy rains has killed 27 people and affected more than 70,000 since July, the authorities said on Saturday. The rainy season between June and September often triggers deadly flooding in the mostly desert West African nation, including in the arid northern regions. As of August 18, the floods have caused 27 deaths, injured 30 people and affected 71,136, the humanitarian action ministry said. The regions of Maradi, Zinder and Tahoua were hit hardest and 6,530 houses have collapsed, according to the ministry. The capital Niamey, home to two million people and frequently the scene of deadly flooding, has been spared for now. Last year’s rainy season caused 195 deaths and affected 400,000 people. Niger’s weather services say the rainfall is due to climate change that has struck the country for several years. AFP Editor’s Note: This photo is for illustrative purpose 

Drugs War: We never appointed Naira Marley ambassador —NDLEA

  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Saturday clarified that its engagement with music star, Afeez Adeshina Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley is to encourage him to use his skills and platforms to put out content that will discourage millions of his followers and Nigerian youths from substance abuse. The artiste had on Thursday 17th August 2023 led members of his team on a visit to the National Headquarters of the Agency in Abuja to express his preparedness to join the fight against drug abuse in the country. Spokesman of the agency,Femi Babafemi said, “This clarification became necessary following continued misrepresentation of the purpose of the visit especially on online platforms where some reports suggest that the British-Nigerian singer was appointed as an NDLEA Ambassador. “This is misleading and absolute falsehood as the pictures of the visit and the short video containing Naira Marley’s advocacy message to his followers were properly captioned and shared by the Agency without any suggestion of such appointment”. The agency said “its decision to encourage Naira Marley with over seven million followers, half the population of those who abuse drugs in Nigeria, use his platform share anti-substance abuse messages is to create a balance between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts”. The agency said this is against using his platform to promote and glamourize drug abuse with the dire consequence of misleading millions of Nigerian youths into their peril, “This is also in line with the Agency’s whole of society approach to the fight against drug abuse, and in tune with global best practice as well as the theme for this year’s World Drug Day; People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”. NDLEA asked, “When an artiste, who professes that marijuana is good to seven million followers, turns a new leaf after some serious counselling, do we reject him, turn our back to him and allow him continue in his old habit or we accept him, give him a chance so he can reach out to his followers to quit substance abuse? “In other words, why should we take our anti-drug abuse advocacy messages to schools, churches, mosques, market places, motor parks, Nollywood, kannywood, traditional rulers, labour and the entertainment industry but when one of their members accepts to turn a new leaf, we turn our back to him? “These are questions those opposed to Naira Marley’s needed change may have to ponder on. “Indeed, no one is better suited to take the message against drug abuse to the Marlians than the head of the same movement. “This is no time for mischief or cynicism but the right moment we all need to encourage the singer and hold him accountable to his public commitment against substance abuse in his video message to his followers in the overall interest of our youths.”

CONFIRMED: Mali, Burkina Faso Deploy Warplane In Niger After Fresh ECOWAS Threat

  Burkina Faso and Mali have deployed war planes in Niger Republic following the threat of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) troops that they were waiting for order to strike, DailyTrust is reporting. The regional bloc had given Niger junta a week ultimatum to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum or face possible sanctions, including possible military action. The coupists had called the bluff of ECOWAS and vowed to resist foreign intervention. Subsequently, ECOWAS Defence Chiefs were ordered to activate the region’s force for action to restore civil rule in Niger. But Burkina Faso and Mali warned that any military intervention in Niger will be considered a declaration of war against them. In a joint statement, the governments of Burkina Faso and Mali said, “The disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger could destabilise the entire region,” the statement read. At the end of a two-day meeting of ECOWAS Defence Chiefs in Accra, Ghana capital, Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, said, “We are ready to go any time the order is given. The D-day is also decided. We’ve already agreed and fine-tuned what will be required for the intervention.” However, he said the option for diplomacy was still available. “As we speak, we are still readying [a] mediation mission into the country, so we have not shut any door.” Tomorrow there is the possibility of an ECOWAS mission going into Niger to continue to pursue the peaceful path to restoration of constitutional order. We are ready to resolve the issue peacefully but it takes two to tango.” The latest move of Mali and Burkina Faso was disclosed by Niger’s national television. In a report, the television station said the military leaders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger convened Friday in the Nigerien capital Niamey to decide on “concrete measures” in case ECOWAS chooses to “escalate a war.” Most of ECOWAS’s 15 member states are prepared to contribute to the joint force, except Cape Verde and those also under military rule – Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Source: DailyTrust

Teenager set ablaze in Niger over missing children

  A suspected thief caught in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday afternoon was set ablaze by some residents after he allegedly kidnapped two children. City Round gathered that the suspect, whose identity had yet to be known, was carrying the children away to an unknown destination when he was accosted by some residents who asked him where he was taking the two children to. Unable to give any credible answer, it was learnt that they descended on him and beat him to a coma. Not satisfied, the mob gathered wood and tyres and put them on the suspected thief while some others provided fuel which they poured on the lifeless body before setting him ablaze. A video of the mob action showed people pouring fuel on the lifeless body and setting it on fire. The video also showed some children participating in the jungle justice. The spokesperson for the state police command, Abiodun Wasiu, when contacted, confirmed the incident. He said when the police arrived at the scene, the mob had dispersed but were able to evacuate the burnt body to the hospital, adding that the police would arrest the culprits.

Lightning kills ‘Mai tea’, customer in Kwara

  Two people including a Tea seller (otherwise known as Mai tea) and his customer were reportedly killed by a thunderstorm that struck at Eyenkorin in the Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State. PUNCH Metro reliably gathered that the sad incident occurred at the Onigbegiri junction of Eyenkorin on Thursday evening during a downpour. An eyewitness, Mr Mojeed Onigbegiri who spoke with journalists said that a Hausa Tea seller and another yet-to-be-identified man who came to buy tea from him died instantly when the thunder struck during the heavy rainfall in the area at about 6:30 pm. It was also gathered that the yet-to-be-identified victim was a customer who came to drink Tea when the tragedy struck. The people of the community however appealed to the state government, Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to come and evacuate the lifeless body of victims. When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer in Kwara Command, SP Okasanmi Ajayi confirmed the incident. He said that the thunderstorm killed two people in the Eyenkorin community, a suburb of Ilorin during the downpours. He said that the corpse of the tea seller who is an Hausa man had been released and buried by his family while the Yoruba man who went to buy tea from the man had not been claimed as the family said that they would perform certain rites on the victim before he could be buried.

British nurse found guilty of murdering seven babies

  A British nurse was found guilty Friday of murdering seven newborn babies and trying to kill six others at the hospital neonatal unit where she worked, becoming the UK’s most prolific child killer. Lucy Letby, 33, had been on trial since October last year, accused of either injecting her sick or premature young victims with air, overfeeding them with milk, or poisoning them with insulin. The victims’ families said in a joint statement read outside Manchester Crown Court in northern England said, “Justice has been served.” But they cautioned, “This justice will not take away from the extreme hurt, anger, and distress we have all had.” The jury, some of whom were in tears after they were discharged, deliberated for 22 days, returning their first guilty decisions on August 8, which could not be reported until Friday because of a court order. Letby fought back tears in the dock after the initial verdicts were read out. She was not in court Friday to hear the jurors’ final determinations. They eventually acquitted her of two counts, and could not reach decisions on six others. Prosecutors have asked for 28 days to consider whether to seek a retrial on those charges. – ‘Betrayal’ – Letby will be sentenced on Monday and has reportedly told her lawyers she will not attend court to hear her fate but she faces the prospect of never being released from prison. The nurse was arrested following a string of deaths at the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital in northwest England between June 2015 and June 2016. Described by the prosecution as a “calculating” woman who used methods of killing that “didn’t leave much of a trace”, Letby had repeatedly denied harming the children. “Time and again, she harmed babies, in an environment which should have been safe for them and their families,” said senior prosecutor Pascale Jones, calling the killings “a complete betrayal of the trust placed in her”. The court was told that colleagues raised concerns after noticing that Letby was on shift when each of the babies collapsed, with some of the newborns attacked just as their parents left their cots. The prosecution said Letby “gaslighted” her colleagues into believing the string of deaths were “just a run of bad luck”. – ‘Playing God’ – Letby’s final victims were two triplet boys, referred to in court as babies O and P. Child O died shortly after Letby returned from a holiday in Ibiza in June 2016, while Child P died a day after their sibling. Letby was also said to have attempted to kill the third triplet, child Q, but the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the charge. Prosecutors said by that time Letby was “completely out of control”, adding that “she was in effect playing God”. Letby was arrested and released twice. On her third arrest in 2020, she was formally charged and held in custody. During searches at her home, police found hospital paperwork and a handwritten note on which Letby had written: “I am evil, I did this.” Letby later tried to explain the note by saying she wrote it after being placed on clerical duties following the death of the two triplets. Defence lawyer Ben Myers told the court Letby was “hardworking, deeply committed” and “loved her work”. Letby also suggested that a “gang” of four senior doctors pinned blame on her to cover for the hospital’s failings. When she gave evidence at the trial, she insisted she “always wanted to work with children” and said it was “devastating” to find out she was blamed for the deaths. – Police probe – Police are investigating Letby’s entire tenure at the Countess of Chester and at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital where she also previously worked, sifting through more than 4,000 neo-natal unit admissions between 2012 and 2016. Nigel Scawn, medical director at the Countess of Chester, said the case had a “profound impact” on the hospital’s patients but “significant changes” have been made since Letby worked there The government meanwhile announced an independent inquiry into Letby’s case and will look at how concerns by clinicians were dealt with by hospital management. UK Health Secretary Steve Barclay said it would help the victims’ parents and families “get the answers they need” and “help… identify where and how patient safety standards failed to be met”. Her case revived memories of two of Britain’s infamous medical murderers, doctor Harold Shipman and nurse Beverley Allitt. Shipman, a general practitioner, hanged himself in prison in 2004, four years after being convicted of killing 15 of his patients. A later public inquiry concluded he killed about 250 patients with lethal morphine injections between 1971 and 1998. Allitt — a nurse dubbed the “angel of death” — was jailed for life in 1993 after being convicted of murdering four young children in her care, attempting to murder three others and other offences. AFP