Abuja, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) The police on Thursday docked four persons in a Karmo Grade 1 Area Court over alleged joint act and cheating.
The defendants, Mbanialu Maryann, 28, Momoh Sani, 28, both workers of Tecabyte Nig. LTD, Jabi Abuja, Kabiru John, 33, and Patrick Friday, 20, reside in Tashar Gwagwa Abuja.
The Prosecutor, Ijeoma Ukagha, told the court that the matter was reported at the Utako Police Station Abuja on Dec. 14, by one Raphael Timothy, who works with the first two defendants.
Ukagha said on that same date, the two staff allegedly conspired with John and Friday to steal 58 pieces of 50mm flexible and 6 pieces of 50mm elbow all valued N105, 500, without the consent of the management.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 79 and 289 of the Penal Code.
The defendants, however, denied committing the offences and the judge, Alhaji Inuwa Maiwada, granted them bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety each in like sum.
Maiwada said the surety must reside within the court jurisdiction, deposit a copy of their identity card, utility bills and adjourned the case until Feb. 27, 2019, for hearing.(NAN)
Benin, Dec. 20, 2018, (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are working closely to reduce crime in Edo before, during and after the yuletide.
The Benin Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Anthony Oko, made the disclosure in Benin on Thursday when he paid a working visit to Mr Buba Wakawa, the NDLEA’s State Commander.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was to perfect collaborative measures aimed at reducing carnage on roads especially during the festivities.
Oko noted that most drivers got involved in road accidents due to their involvement in drugs.
He also said that a sustained working relationship with the NDLEA would ensure people’s safety on the nation’s highways.
‘‘The strategic partnership of stakeholders shall be maximally explored in reducing accidents and enhancing safety of roads.
‘‘My visit is to build on the cordial working relationship in our quest for excellence,’’ he said.
Responding, Wakawa said that the longstanding synergy between both agencies would be pursued with greater vigour.
‘‘This visit at this time of the year underscores the importance of our partnership.
‘‘The highways are of great interest to us because of the movement of drugs from one point to another.
‘‘Our areas of cooperation cover training, intelligence sharing and joint operations,’’ he stated.
NAN reports that the FRSC boss was conducted round the premises where he inspected seized drugs and vehicles and various modes of drug concealment.
The NDLEA commander was accompanied by Mr Peter Ogar, Assistant Commander Operations and Intelligence; Mr Sule Usman, Assistant Commander Administration and Logistics as well as other principal officers of the command. (NAN)
DCO/MOL/EMO
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ejike Obeta
Tape
By Deborah Akpede
Ikeja, Dec. 20, 2018(NAN) A 41 -year-old man, Annibong Annankwu, charged with filming policemen while they were performing their lawful duty, on Thursday appeared in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, whose occupation was not disclosed, was charged with two counts of assault and breach of peace.
Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Kenrich Nomayo, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Nov. 28 at Ojota, Lagos.
He said that the accused conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by unlawfully videoing Insp. Eche Adeyi and his team .
Nomayo said that the accused, in company of three others who rode in a Honda Accord car , were stopped by the complainant and his team.
He said that initially, they refused to stop and they did, they refused to wind down their window glass.
The prosecution said that the beaviours of the occupants of the car, prompted the police to search the car.
“During the search, the accused was caught secretly videoing the activities of the police through his phone.
“He obstructed the complainant and assaulted him while trying to arrest him,” the prosecutor said.
The offence, he said, violated the provisions of sections 168 and 174 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 174 stipulates three years imprisonment for assault.
Annankwu, who resides in Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, however, denied committing the offence.
Magistrate Mrs T.O Ojo, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.
Ojo adjourned the case until Jan. 29, 2019 for mention. (NAN)
DOA/SH
Jos, Dec.20, 2018(NAN) ) A Jos Upper Area Court sitting in Kasuwan Nama , on Thursday, sentenced a housewife, Zaituna Shaibu, to 18 months in prison for calling a woman witch.
The presiding Judge, Mr Lawal Suleiman, sentenced Shaibu, after she pleaded guilty to defamation of character and begged the court for leniency.
Suleiman, listened to her plea and gave the convict an option to pay a fine of N15,000.
Earlier, the police prosecutor, Inspt. Labaran Ahmed, told the court that the case was reported at the Angwan Rogo, police B division, on Nov.21, by a housewife, Zainab Ahmed, who resides at Naraguta village in Jos.
Ahmed said that the convict defamed her character by calling her a witch, and accused her of being responsible for casting a spell on her which has caused her an ailment.
Ahmed, revealed that during police investigation, the accused person confessed that he said so.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 292 of the penal code law of Northern Nigeria.(NAN)
Contracts
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) Zaria Local Government Council of Kaduna State on Thursday awarded a chain of contracts worth over N820 million to upgrade infrastructure in all wards of the area.
Chairman of the council, Alhaji Aliyu Idris-Ibrahim told newsmen after signing the contracts at the council secretariat in Zaria that the projects were spread across all the 13 wards of the area.
He directed the contractors to ensure quality job and speedy completion.
The chairman said: “the contracts cut across all the 13 wards of the local government depending on demands and areas of need as requested by the people of respective areas.”
Idris-Ibrahim explained that the contract cover procurement, distribution and installation of transformers, construction of drainage, building and renovation of primary schools’ classrooms.
Other areas are renovation of primary health centres, supply of vehicles to security agencies, construction of culverts as well as repairs, renovation and upgrading of the local government secretariat among others.
“During our electioneering campaign, we made some promises in different wards and by the grace of Almighty Allah this is the fifth month we are steering the affairs of this council.
“Almighty Allah in His infinite mercies has enable us make adequate provision for the award of many important contracts; we have been able to curtail the usual siphoning of money from the treasury.
“In view of this, we have been able to save over N600 million specifically meant for contracts because we want the contractors to be paid immediately they complete their job.”
The chairman assured that the balance of N200 million would be ready before the completion of the projects.
He disclosed that about 75 qualified contractors were engaged for the projects, adding however that they must work according to specifications and designs.
“We will soon mobilise the contractors to their respective sites, we pray Almighty Allah will enable us achieve our mission and vision in line our campaign promises for the good people of Zaria.
“I want to use this medium to call on our people to be vigilant by supervising the work and report to the council any contractor doing the wrong thing because we cannot be everywhere.
“I want to assure our people that we will ensure prudent management of their resources, together we shall move Zaria local government to next level of development.”
Idris-Ibrahim appreciated Gov. Nasiru el-Rufa’i for giving local councils the freedom and autonomy to execute meaningful projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the common people.
The chairman appealed to electorate to vote All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates at all levels, assuring that it was the only option to sustain the democratic dividends being enjoyed in their areas.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, the Managing Director, Dogara Liman and Sons, Alhaji Dogara Liman appreciated the council for considering them worthy of the contracts.
He pledged quality jobs and completion of all the projects within schedule. (NAN)
KLM/MZA
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Piggery
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) The National President of Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Prof. Akinyele Adesehinwa says pig production is highly profitable and can boost Nigeria’s economy if supported.
Adesehinwa made the remark during a courtesy visit of the PFAN National Executive council to the Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IART), Ibadan, Prof. James Adediran, on Thursday in Ibadan.
He said that pig production presented a medium for eradicating poverty and creating employment opportunities in the country.
The president added that pigs were highly prolific as they could easily convert feed and other agro-bio products to edible meat or pork, adding that they were also easy to manage.
“Pork is the most consumed meat in the world, there is increase in the demand of pig in Nigeria presently, this is because of the increase in consumption of pork coupled with increasing in population.
“This presents a huge potential for profitable pig production business, we enjoin people, farmers and even youths to engage in it.
“Pig production will take a new turn in Nigeria as the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has promised their support to promote the pig value chain,” he said.
Adesehinwa commended the institute for its support and contribution to the advancement of pig production and agricultural development in the country.
He further sought for continued support for pig farmers in the area of nutrition, reproduction, breeding and other management aspects of pig production through research and training.
Responding, Adediran said the institute supported pig farmers through research, innovations, training and making its facilities available for their meetings and conferences.
According to him, the institute built the first artificial insemination center and boar stud in Nigeria primarily for the benefit of pig farmers for genetic improvement of their stock through artificial insemination.
He reiterated that the institute would not relent in its efforts at promoting the pig value chain.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the courtesy visit preceded the first national executive council meeting of PFAN after the inauguration of its national executive council by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on Nov. 20 in Abuja. (NAN)
CC/CHOM/GY
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Grace Yussuf
Akure, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, says 1, 500 personnel have been deployed to all the Local Government Areas of the state to ensure protection of lives and property during and after the festive period.
Mr Pedro Awili, NSCDC state commandant, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Akure that the deployment of personnel would curb activities of criminals who may want to take advantage of the season to perpetrate their nefarious activities.
Awili, said that the NSCDC officers deployed for the special assignment comprise intelligence officers, armed personnel and regular officers.
He said that the personnel were positioned to strategic areas of the state and would work round the clock throughout the festive period.
According to him, the officers and men of the state NSCDC were given special training before their positing.
“The selected officers were all trained, especially toward managing security during the festive season, and they were adequately deployed to cover all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
“It is obvious that this season is a period where crimes are most perpetrated; people want to make quick money by engaging in armed robbery and stealing.
“That is why we have decided to beef up security in the state during this Christmas season.
“Also, all the security agencies have agreed among ourselves to ensure that our men are adequately mobilised to beef up on patrol, especially in the flash point where crimes are most perpetrated.
“This will give people of the state the confidence that security agencies are responsive to their responsibility,’’ Awili said.
The NSCDC commandant called on all traditional rulers and local government chairmen to partner with the command to ensure maximum security.
The commander also urged members of the public to maintain peace during the festive period, assuring them that the state is protected.
“We are also calling on members of public to adequately give us timely and verified information.
“Security agencies in the state are not spirits, we are human beings like you and without information we can not do more than what we are doing.
“Moreso, security is a collective responsibility, people should not think that the job of security is meant for security agencies alone.
“The job of security is for everybody; the traditional rulers, landlords and tenants.
“Please, let us be watchful in our environment and report any suspected movement of any person suspected to be criminal to security agencies; we are on 24 hours patrol,’’he said.(NAN)
Abuja, Dec. 20, 2018 (NAN) The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has pledged to make adequate budget available to Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) to facilitate speedy completion of projects.
Jibrin, during oversight visit of the House Committee to the NITT Zonal Outreach Learning Centre, Abuja, said the major project being undertaken by the transport institute was the construction of study centres.
He said that the opening of NITT learning centres across the six geo-political Zones would fast-track growth of the Transportation sector and the emergence of professionals.
“Transport is at the heart of logistics; you cannot talk about the economy without transport; it is the foundation of every aspect of the economy.
“Again, we have limited knowledge because, essentially, we just look at it like commerce.
“We need deeper knowledge of the technologies; the modules, the operations, the technical aspects and lots of other issues that are related.
“I believe that with these centres, we will be able to produce more professionals and competent people that will contribute to the transport sector of the economy,’’ Jibrin said.
Commending the progress of work on the building of the NITT learning centre, Jibrin pledged the support of the House of Representatives to the project which, he said, would be of immense benefit to the nation.
He said that the committee would visit all centres to see the progress of work.
“We are in the budget season and we can give them a push so that they can complete the whole of this project and we can get the school running,’’ Jibrin said.
Also speaking, Dr Abimbola Odumosu, Director General, NITT said that the visit of the Committee members showed the commitment of the legislators to the development of the transport sector.
Odumosu said that the NITT had made significant contributions to address the problems confronting the transport sector by providing the required training and professional manpower to run the industry
He explained that the Main Campus of the Institute was in Zaria, Kaduna State with outreach learning centres across the six geo-political zones, to enable every Nigerian to have access to learning.
“We are a training institution and our main focus is training on knowledge, skill and competence in transportation and logistics.
“When government found out that there was a gap in the expertise in transportation and logistics, it necessitated the establishment of the NITT as a Research Institute; we still do sustainable research.
“The last one we did under the Federal Ministry of Transportation was on `National Transport Survey Projections’.
“We have another sustainable research we are doing now; `how to use railway and logistics as a tool for poverty reduction and employment generation’.
“The report which is being prepared by the Federal Ministry of transportation is going to be ready by January,’’ he said.
Odumosu said that the institution was affiliated to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria which gives certification to its grandaunts.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NITT outreach centre in Abuja, which is already at 82 per cent completion stage, is expected to be completed and opened for full operation in 2019. (NAN)
TY/HAS
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Edited by Hajia Sani
Uyo, Dec 20, 2018 (NAN) The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Akwa Ibom says it has sealed 46 filling stations without the department’s licenses and under dispensing of petroleum products in the state.
DPR Head of Operations in Eket Mr Olusegun Dabor disclosed this when the department carried out routine inspection of fuel stations in Uyo and its environs on Thursday, saying that the fuel stations concerned were sealed from December till date.
He noted that some filling stations were yet to acquire licenses since they started operating in the state while others were operating without sign posts.
The head of operations aid that the filling stations were operating for over six years without approved licenses from the department.
“The department has sealed 30 filling stations without operational license and 16 stations were under dispensing their products.
“For those filling stations under dispensing, we have to come back and check if their pump is working before we can unseal them,” Dabor said.
He said that the department had embarked on aggressive surveillance to check the activities of petroleum products dealers during the yuletide season.
Daboh said that the names of the defaulters would be given to the sister agencies for further prosecution.
He said the surveillance team of the department was working with sister agencies to monitor the sealed filling stations in the area.
The DPR head of operations said the department would give the defaulters one month to repair their pumps.
He advised the public not to panic in buying petroleum products during the yuletide season “because there is availability of the products in the country.“
Reacting to sealing of filling stations, Mr Paul Dickson, Station Manager at Mega Filling, Uyo whose pump was allegedly under dispensing, acknowledged the sealing of some pumps in the station.
He said that the under dispensing of petroleum products in the station was as a result of old pumps, adding that such pumps had been worn out.
“Some of our pumps are actually old and plans are underway to change the old pumps and fix new pumps, “ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that pumps 9 and 10 of the Mega filing station were sealed for under dispensing of the products. (NAN)
SDB/CHOM/DUA
Minna, Dec.20, 2018 (NAN) A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Minna on Thursday, remanded a 30-year-old cattle rearer, Kabiru Hassan, accused of allegedly killing a man on suspicion that he was having an affair with his wife, pending legal advice from the Office of the Niger State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The police charged Hassan with culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code law.
Magistrate Nasiru Muazu, declined to take the plea of Hassan, on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.
Muazu directed the police to forward a duplicate copy of the case file to the DPP for legal advice.
He thereafter adjourned the matter until Jan.30, 2019 for further mention.
Earlier, the police prosecutor, ASP Daniel Ikwoche, told the court that one Ibrahim Hana-Aiki of Tsako village in Shiroro Local Government Area reported the matter at the Erena division on Dec.8.
Ikwoche quoted the complainant as alleging that on Dec.7, at about 11 p.m., the accused person killed his son, Lawal, with a stick.
He said during police investigation, the accused person confessed to hitting Lawali on the neck because he suspected that he was having an affair with his wife. (NAN)
