Blog

NAN-H-25
Health
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) The Speaker,Osun House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, says the parliament will continue to support the executive arm of government in providing affordable healthcare for the citizens of the state.
Salaam said this on Wednesday in Osogbo while receiving the members of Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN).
The speaker, who noted that the state government had improved the health care delivery in the state, said the government would be encouraged to do more.
He urged all other stakeholders in the health sector in the state to support the government’s programmes in providing affordable and qualitative healthcare for the citizenry.
In his remarks, the House Committee Chairman on Health, Mr Leke Ogunsola, said diabetes was an ailment that kills if proper care and enlightenment were not given to the public.
Ogunsola said if these had been done, people would know the causes and how to prevent diabetes.
Also speaking, the DAN National Vice-President, Mr Sunday Olayemi, commended the assembly for supporting the association in its fight against diabetes.
Olayemi urged other states’ parliaments to assist diabetic patients in tackling the challenge of insufficient drugs for patients in the hospitals. (NAN)
VE/IKU/PAD
==========
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni / Peter Dada

NAN-F-24

Visit

Islamabad, Nov. 16, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Turkish President Recep Erdogan is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad later on Wednesday in a two-day state visit, during which he is expected to meet civilian and military leaders.

Erdogan has been to Pakistan on a number of occasions, but this would be his first visit to the country since assuming office.

“Ministers, senior government officials and a large business delegation are expected to accompany him.

“The exchange of views between the two leaders would cover the entire range of bilateral matters, as well as regional and international issues,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Erdogan is also expected to address parliament on Nov. 17 and visit the eastern city of Lahore.

Ahead of the visit, Islamabad has asked the Turkish staff of Pak-Turk schools and colleges to leave the country by Nov. 20.

The network of schools and colleges was launched in 1995.

“A decision has been taken not to extend the visas of 108 staffers and their family members,” Interior Ministry spokesperson Sarfraz Hussain said.

In August, the Turkish foreign minister visited Islamabad and expressed concerns about the network of schools and colleges for its alleged links with U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Gulen is accused of a failed coup attempt in Turkey in July.

Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Turkey have strengthened in recent years.

Both countries closely collaborate with and mutually support each other at regional and international forums. (dpa/NAN)

OYE/ASH

Edited by Damilola Oyewole

NAN-F-23

Police

Istanbul, Nov. 16, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Turkey is returning 3,181 suspended security officials to their posts, a report said on Wednesday, as the country continues to deal with the fallout of a coup attempt.

Tens of thousands of civil servants and police had been purged in the wake of a failed coup attempt in July by a faction in the military.

More than 35,000 people were arrested and in detention.

Ankara blames the plot on Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based preacher who was once an ally of the government.

Gulen has consistently denied the allegation.

Meanwhile, a broadcast station had reported that the military planned to recruit more than 30,000 new members to fill key vacancies.

Key generals and highly skilled personnel, including pilots, had been fired since the coup attempt.

Turkey is estimated to have the second largest military in NATO.

In addition to going after alleged followers of Gulen, the government has stepped up measures against other opposition groups, including the non-profit groups and media houses.

More than 100 journalists and 10 members of parliament from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) have been jailed. (dpa/NAN)

OYE/OPI

Edited by Damilola Oyewole

NAN-DS-3

Commendation

Yola, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) The new leadership of People Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa has commended security agencies for their effort in maintaining  peace and security in the state.

The state Chairman, Alhaji Abdurrahman Bobboi, made the commendation on Wednesday in Yola when he led the new executive members of the party on a courtesy call to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Musa Kimo.

Bobboi said the people of Adamawa and other states in the North East appreciated the sacrifice made by security agents to restore peace in the insurgency-affected areas.

“I want to welcome you as new Commissioner of Police for the drastic reduction in robbery cases in the state; we are feeling the impact of the police.

“I want to assure you of our party’s support to continue the good work; for any society to succeed, there must be peace,” Bobboi said.

Bobboi promised that the new party leadership under him would ensure respect for constituted authorities.

Responding, the Police Commissioner, Mr Musa Kimo, thanked the party for the visit and urged it to always get in touch with the police should there be the need.

“We are here to serve everybody irrespective of political party; I can assure you that we are going to be professional in our operations,” Kimo promised.
(NAN)
YMU/JEO/ASH

Mechanic docked over alleged N225, 000 theft

NAN-H-50

Mechanic
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) A 46-year-old mechanic, Tajudeen Kasali, was on Wednesday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court over alleged N225, 000 theft.

Kasali, a resident of No. 7 Soyinka St., Agege, a Lagos suburb, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Joseph Ajebe, told the court that the accused committed the offences in his house at 10.30 a.m. sometimes in April.

He said the accused obtained N225, 000 under the pretext of helping the complainant, one Mrs Temitope Raheem to purchase an engine and a gear box for her car.

Ajebe also said that the complainant gave the mechanic her KIA Space bus to change the engine and service it.

“But to the dismay of the complainant, Kasali converted the money to his personal use and abandoned her bus in his workshop until he was recently apprehended by the police.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for anyone convicted of stealing.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Alexander Komolafe, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 and two sureties in like sum.

He  adjourned the case till Dec. 5 for mention. (NAN)

LAW/ESAN/OU

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

Edited by Abiodun Esan/Obike Ukoh

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

NAN-H-52
Death
Dutse, Nov 16, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Muhammed Badaru of Jigawa  on Wednesday described the death of former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki ,as monumental loss to Sokoto Sultanate Council and Nigeria at large.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his Senior Special Assistant, Alhaji Bello Zaki, the governor said he received the sad news of Dasuki’s death while in Morocco on official engagement with President Muhammadu Buhari

He said stated that the demise of Dasuki came at a time when Nigeria needed his wealth of experience to move the country forward.

Badaru said the former sultan was a fine gentleman, technocrat and a successful businessman who, during his reign as the 18th Sultan, spearheaded the modernization of Sultanate to its present status.
According to him, Dasuki will be remembered for his report on Local Government Reforms which gave birth to present Local Government structure as well as his tenacity on issues related to harmonious relations with other faith and national integration.
“On behalf of the people of the state, we therefore commiserate with  the Sultanate Council, Sokoto State Government and indeed all Nigerians over this loss” (NAN)
MS/ASH/ASH

NAN-H-18
Robbery

By Boboye Moronke

Lagos, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) Three unemployed men, who allegedly burgled a house and stole items and cash valued at N3million, were on Wednesday arraigned.

The accused: Oyekunle Femi, 23, Ebenezer Aina, 23, and Ediae Marvellous, 22, all residing in Ojota, a Lagos suburb, are being tried for break-in and stealing at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Rafael Donny, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Nov. 10 at Abiola Garden, Ikeja.

Donny said that the accused and some others still at large burgled a house of a Chinese woman (name withheld).

“The accused beat up the woman and her house keeper after which they tied them with a rope and gagged their mouths.

“They stole her four iPhones valued at N1.2 million, N900,000 and $1, 250 , two gold watches, all valued at N3million, ” he said.

Donny also said that the accused threatened to kill the woman and her house keeper if they did not cooperate with them.

“It was when they were trying to escape that the police on patrol sighted them and apprehended them,” he said.

The offences contravened Sections 166, 170, 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate, Mrs Davies Abegunde, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 each with two sureties in like sum.

Abegunde adjourned the case to Feb. 14 for mention. (NAN)
MTO/EOB/PAD
=============
(Edited by Edith Bolokor, controlled by Peter Dada)

2 artisans docked for allegedly stealing armoured cable, pumping machine

NAN-H -45

Stealing

Abuja, Nov. 16, 2016(NAN) Two artisans, Patrick Sylvester and Ruben Haruna were on Wednesday arraigned in a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly stealing armoured cable and pumping machine.

Sylvester, a plumber and Haruna a mason, are standing trial on a two-count charge of joint act and theft.

The prosecutor, Gambo Musa, said that one Bello Yerima of Jahi, Abuja, reported the matter at the Wuse Police Station on Nov. 9.

He said that the duo who were hired to work at the house of the complainant at Jahi, broke into a room and stole armoured cable and pumping machine.

He said that the security man saw the defendants moving away with the items and raised an alarm.

Musa said that people around arrested the defendants and recovered the stolen items from them.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 79 and 287 of the Penal Code.

The defendants denied committing the offences, while Chief Magistrate Munirat Tanko, admitted them to bail in the sum of N100,000 each and a surety each in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned the case till Dec. 12, for hearing. (NAN )

UMD /OU/OU

==========

Edited by Obike Ukoh

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

NAN –H-49
Role
Jalingo, Nov.16, 2016 (NAN) Sen . Kabiru Gaya, Chairman, Adhoc Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East, on Wednesday said the provision of constitutional role for traditional rulers would enhance national security.
Gaya, representing Kano South District at the National Assembly, said this in Jalingo during an interactive session with security chiefs and community leaders in Taraba .
He said the constitutional role would empower the traditional rulers by law to initiate measures to tackle ethnic and religious crises in their domain.
Gaya noted that in the past when traditional rulers had freehand, they put their communities under surveillance against strangers with questionable character.
He said such surveillance adopted at the time had assisted in checking crime and arresting criminals.
Gaya advised the stakeholders to embrace dialogue in handling issues affecting them so as to have sustainable peace in the state.
In his remarks, the State Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr. Sunday Nimzing, advised the state to appoint officers that would alert security operatives on the presence of suspicious strangers in their localities.
He said compensating victims of ethno-religious clashes would also go a long way in restoring peace and unity in crises-prone areas.
The State Controller, Nigeria Prisons Service, Alhaji Mustapha Atta, urged the citizenry to always cooperate with the security agents to rid the state of criminals.
“Security should not be left in the hands of the security personnel alone; you should see security as your own business too,” he said.
Alhaji Shehu Saulawa ,   Director of State Security Service in Taraba, advised the public to always confront suspicious characters even in places of worship to avert  disaster.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate adhoc committee is in Taraba to ascertain the influx of Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) into the state.(NAN )

NB/ASH/ASH

NAN-H-16
Stabbing
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 16, 2016 (NAN) A cobbler, Gbemi Akinbobola, 22, was docked in Lagos on Wednesday for allegedly stabbing his friend with a broken bottle.

Akinbobola, a residing at No. 13, Olanipekun St., Aboru at Iyana Ipaja, near Lagos is facing a count charge of assault, occasioning harm at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Clement Okuoimose, told court that the offence was committed on Nov. 8 at 11.30 p.m. at Jolaosho Street, Iyana Ipaja.

Okuoimose said that Akinbobola stabbed one Babalola Ibrahim in the head and back with a broken bottle over a mat.

He said that the accused assaulted the complainant over a `mere’ argument over a mat, making Ibrahim to sustain grievous bodily harm.

“The complainant who works in the same shop with the accused told him he would be sleeping over in the shop because he was working late.

“The accused started abusing Ibrahim and requested to take his sleeping mat from him.

“This led to an argument and the accused threatened to hurt the complainant.

“Later, when Ibrahim was sleeping, he felt someone stabbed him on the head and back,’’ Okuoimose said

He further alleged that“ immediately Ibrahim stood up, he saw Gbemi with a broken bottle which he used in inflicting injury on him, causing him to sustain grievous injury’’.

The offence contravenes Sections 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mrs S.Y. Ekogbulu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ekogbulu ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case to Nov. 28 for mention. (NAN)

LAW/DEB/SN

==========

Edited by Debo Oshundun/Silas Nwoha