Blog

NAN-H-11
Fraud
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) A self-acclaimed businessman, Olanite Folarin, who allegedly obtained N3.3 million under false pretences, was on Thursday docked at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
Folarin of No. 4/5, Ajao Estate, Off Oluwalogbon Street, Ikosi- Ketu, Lagos State, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused defrauded the complainant, one Mr Alabede Olakunle, of N3.3 million
He said that in July, one Asumo introduced the accused to the complainant as a marketer who deals in diesel (AGO).
The complainant transferred N3.3 million through his Diamond Bank account number 0051358805 to the accused Guaranty Trust Bank account number 0157739560 to supply 33,000 litres of diesel.
“Folarin refused to supply the diesel and failed to return the money to the complainant.
The complainant later discovered that he had been defrauded when he realised that the product earlier shown to him belonged to someone else,’’ Ayorinde said.
The prosecutor said that the accused committed the offence with one other still at large on July 16, at about 1.30.p.m at Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Lagos State.
He said that accused was later apprehended by the police.
Folarin, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years’ imprisonment for offenders.
Chief Magistrate Omolade Awope granted the accused N1million naira bail with two sureties in like sum.
Awope adjourned the case to Dec. 21, for mention. (NAN)
LAW/EAL/PAD
=============
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi, Peter Dada

NAN-S-3
Ranking
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved 10 places up in the November FIFA World ranking to 50th.

In the rankings on the website of the world football governing body on Thursday, Nigeria is now placed joint 50th with Burkina Faso and Slovenia.

Nigeria garnered 616 points for the month of November after defeating Algeria 3-1 in the 2018 World Cup qualifier earlier in the month.

With this movement, Nigeria is now joint 7th with Burkina Faso at the continental level behind Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Congo DR.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there have been many movements in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings.

Thanks to the 63 FIFA World Cup Russia qualification matches so far played and also to 71 other qualifiers and international friendly matches that took place over the past few weeks.

On the global scene, Argentina remains top for November, but has seen their command on the summit weakened by close rivals, Brazil (2 up 1).

The December ranking will be the final ranking for 2016 and will be published on Dec. 22.

It will reveal the winners for the “Team of the Year Award’’, given to the team in first place by year’s end.

“Mover of the Year’’ is awarded to the team that has won the most points over the course of the year. (NAN)
BAY/ENN/PDE
===========
(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-H-38

Speeding

By Awayi Kuje

Keffi (Nasarawa State), Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has advised motorists in Nasarawa State against speeding and reckless driving in order to save lives.

The Assistant Corps Commandant, Keffi Unit Command of the FRSC, Mr Mohammed Musa-Muktari, gave this advice while interacting with journalists on Thursday in Keffi.

Musa-Muktari attributed the high rate of road crashes in the state to speeding.

He, therefore, urged motorists to avoid speeding in the interest of their lives and the lives of other road users.

Musa-Muktari also identified overtaking at dangerous points, overloading, reckless driving and using telephone while driving, as some of the causes of road crashes in the country.

The commander cautioned that life had no duplicate and therefore, road users especially motorists, should adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations in order to save lives.

“We will not relent in our efforts in educating, advising and sensitising motorists on the need to do the right thing while driving, as we are working to minimise road crashes.

“Motorists should avoid speeding and other distractions in order to save their lives and the lives of passengers.

“Let us kill the speed before the speed will kill us, so that even if the accident will occur, the injuries or the damages will be minimal,’’ he said.

Mohammed-Muktari said that the rate of road accidents being recorded in the area, had drastically reduced to the barest minimum, compared to the 2015 record.

He attributed this development to the “all out strategic awareness campaign for road users by men of the unit’’.

The commandant, who stressed the importance of vehicle maintenance, urged vehicle owners to always ensure routine checks on engine oil and tyres among others for their safety. (NAN)

AKW/AIB/YEMI

Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

NAN-H-9
Phone
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) A 27-year-old barber, Wale Akinola, who allegedly stole a cell phone valued at N49, 000 was on Thursday in Lagos granted a bail of N100,000.
An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court which gave the ruling also ordered Akinola to provide two sureties as part of the bail conditions.
The chief magistrate, Mr. Alexandre Komolafe, said the sureties must have means of livelihood and show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.
The magistrate adjourned the case to Nov. 28 for hearing.
The accused, who resides at No. 35, Afariogun St. Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos State, is facing a charge of stealing.
Earlier the prosecutor, Sgt. Joseph Ajebe, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 19 at about 3 p.m. at No. 1, Alaja Road, Ayobo- Ipaja, Lagos State.
Ajebe said the accused stole a Lenovo cell phone from a shop where he went to buy a bottle of table water.
“The complainant, one Mrs Grace Muoneke, was in her shop having a nap when the accused entered and stole the phone.
“The complainant’s neighbour saw him putting the phone in his pocket and raised an alarm. The accused was caught and was taken to the Ayobo-Ipaja Police Station,’’ he said.
The offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011. (NAN)
LAW/EOB/PAD
=============
(Edited by Edith Bolokor, Peter Dada)

NAN-H-45
Arraignment
By Aisha Ahmed
Kano, Nov., 23, 2016 (NAN) A 56-year-old man, Bature Musa, was on Thursday arraigned in a Federal High Court sitting in Kano for having unlawful carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl.

The Prosecutor, Abdullahi Babale, told the court that the accused was arraigned on a one- count charge of rape.

He said  that the accused, an indigene of Agadasawa area of Dala in Kano, had unlawful carnal knowledge of the 13-year old girl by taking advantage of her at Koki Quarters in the area.

The prosecutor said the accused was arraigned for the offence which was contrary and punishable under Section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons Act of  2015.

Justice Saleh Kogo, however, adjourned the case to Dec. 1 for ruling after accepting the prayer of the accused seeking leave of the court to hire a lawyer.(NAN)
AAA /BOLA/OJO
=============
(Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-S-2
Basketball
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Babs Ogunade, Chairman Lagos State Basketball (LSBBA) has slammed the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) for not supporting the Africa Basketball League (ABL) which, he said, was a commendable development initiative.

Ogunade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that it was unfortunate that the NBBF declared the competition illegal.

He said that the league had indicated great development for the future of private sector involvement in sports in Nigeria.

He added that the association was committed to backing it once the new season began in 2017.

“Lagos always thinks out of the box, we have always led from the front and we will continue to do that for the future of sports development in Nigeria.

“I do not see any reason for rancour as the league is a private investment that seeks to develop basketball and entertainment in Lagos and in Nigeria as a whole.

“The league creates another avenue where players can be developed and an opportunity where players can earn good money for themselves.

“It is a private initiative and it is welcome to Lagos State as it brings development,’’ Ogunade said.

He added that the state would always welcome any platform that brought development for any sport in the state.

“If we look at the U.S, where basketball is huge, there are leagues such as the NBA, the U.S. League and ABL to mention a few; sincerely, there is no need for animosity.

“We are looking forward to next season and will always welcome new initiatives that bring development to sports.

“I am apologetic for taking part in it and will always be a part in the future,’’ Ogunade said.

NAN reports that the ABL held its inaugural season on March 4, with six clubs — Lagos Islanders, Stallion of Lagos, and Lagos Warriors competing with other African teams.

The foreign teams are Dakar Rapids from Senegal, Libreville Izobe from Garbon and Abidjan Ramblers from Cote D’Voire.

Abidjan Ramblers emerged the overall champions defeating Lagos Warriors, 61-52 in June in a capacity crowd with glorifying ambience in Abidjan.

Eminent personalities such as the Ivorian Minister for Housing and Construction, Mamadou Sanago, and his host, the Minister of Sports, Franciose Amicha watched the final day actions of the season.

The League is organized by Ugo Udezue, owner of Wakanow.com and is backed by Cornerstone Insurance, the Beat 99FM, Channels TV and CNBC Africa.

ASKY Airlines, Yahoo Sports, Ebony Life TV, Trace TV, Sports Business, Union Bank Nig. PLC and Radisson Blu are other supporters.

The League also featured on the U.S.-based CNN on special features of business development in Africa in June. (NAN)
BAO/PDE
=======
(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-H-46
NYSC
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, Nov.24, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 2,200 2016 batch B stream 1 corps members will participate in three-week orientation at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Iseyin, Oyo State.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Mr Simeon Bankole, of the NYSC in the state, and issued to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday.

According to Bankole, the orientation course would last from Nov.24 to Dec.15, and that the opening ceremony would be held on Monday, Nov.28.

He said the ceremony would be presided over by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, while the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Munta Abimbola, would administer the oath of allegiance on the corps members.

He, therefore, urged the people of the state, especially the transport unions, to extend their hands of fellowship to the corps members, many of whom, were visiting the state for the first time. (NAN)
CC/AMY/AMY
Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-8
Sanitation
By Bolaji Buhari
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Some Lagos residents on Thursday expressed mixed feelings over the cancellation of the monthly sanitation exercise by the state government, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The residents stated their feelings in interviews with NAN.

Those who supported the government`s decision said that it would give people time to go about their economic activities on the last Saturday of the month.

However, people who opposed the decision said the cancellation could result in making the environment dirtier than the present situation.

NAN further reports that the government had announced the cancellation after the weekly State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, who announced the cancellation, said it was no more appropriate to lock down the state for three hours, in a 24-hour economy like Lagos.

He added the restriction of movements no more suited the state’s economy, saying the government would instead look at other innovative and more holistic ways of improving the environment.

Mr Morufu Adelaja, a member of Igbogila Residents Association, Ipaja, said the government’s action was a step in the right direction.

“We are happy with the decision because what it means is that we would no longer be forced to stay at home to clean our environment.

“The former restriction affected us a lot; we could not attend to businesses and other matters for three hours. This is indeed great news, ‘’ he said.

Adelaja, however, urged residents not to take the cancellation for granted, urging them to keep their surroundings clean all the time.

Mr Emeka Ude, a trader at the Aregbesola Market, Iyana-Ipaja, said the cancellation of the exercise would have great impacts on businesses in Lagos.

He said the man-hours and money lost to the restriction was much, saying the action would further promote economic activities in the state.

“The cancellation is good for us. We can now attend to our customers on time and make more money. That does not mean we will now neglect the cleaning of our environment.

“The cancellation is good,’’ he said.

Mr Bariyu Kazeem, an engineer in Ayobo, said the restriction was demeaning and was an affront on the rights of the residents to unhindered movements.

“At least, the cancellation will remove this bad stereotype. We can now move freely and still clean our environment,’’ he said.

Mrs Catherine Adesuwa, a teacher, however, faulted the cancellation, saying that it would take Lagos back to the era of filth.

She said Lagosians were busy people and that some people needed to be restricted before they could clean their neighbourhoods.

“ The restriction came because Lagos was dirty, people would not clear their refuse or drains.

“While it lasted, the results were great. Now that we are cancelling it, are we not going back to those filthy days,’’ she wondered? (NAN)
BHB/MOL/PIO
============
(Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Idonije Obakhedo)
 

NAN-H-42

Minerals

Lafia, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Nasarawa State Government said on Thursday it would set up a task force that would control the mineral deposits in the state toward boosting its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Mr Gabriel Aka’aka, the state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, told reporters in Lafia that the task force would deal with the issue of illegal mining of minerals and other unlawful acts in the sector.

“Since I assumed office as commissioner, I have been trying my best to improve on the state’s internally generated revenue in order to enhance standard of living in the state.

“We are planning to re-organise all illegal miners into artisan miners/cooperative societies so that they can benefit from the Federal Government’s N30 billion mining fund.

“We have also re-introduced uniform for our forestry officers, who will be inaugurated next week for proper identification of the officers.

“All these measures are to ensure sanity in the sector and to boost the state’s internally generated revenue,” he said.

Aka’aka said the ministry had taken proactive steps to be in charge of mining activities in the state and to synchronize them for the benefit of all stakeholders in the sector.

He said the ministry generated about 1million naira in the last one week.

The commissioner charged the staff to ensure quality service delivery for the overall development of the state. (NAN)

BAB/EMO/YEE

Edited by EJike Obeta/Emmanuel Yashim

==============================

NAN-H-6
Tourism
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Mr Anthony Shishler, President, Fahrenheit Hospitality Ltd., says hospitality firms in the county should take advantage of the economic recession to make huge sales and groom their businesses.

Shishler told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that the period of recession had been observed to curb Nigerians’ travelling abroad for leisure.

He said that Nigerians who had reduced the rate at which they travelled would be forced to search for appealing tourism sites within the country.

“Tourism and the hospitality industry do not have to fall into recession because I am making more sales this season of economic recession.

“I have observed that since the beginning of the recession, people no longer travel like before but the thirst for leisure in these people is still intact.

“Every hotelier should focus more on his business now because Nigerians are thinking of cutting costs, so, they are forced to patronise local tourist sites,’’ Shishler said.

He urged hoteliers to ensure that the quality of their services and hygiene were improved on and necessary facilities put in place to groom in-bound tourism.

He added that it was a period the government could realise handsome revenue from tourists’ sites as Nigerians decide to look inwards.

“The government need to renovate the existing tourism sites and make them attractive to local and foreign tourists,’’ Shishler said.
(NAN)
PTB/PDE
=======
(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)