Blog

US, UK are Nigerians most travelled destinations – VFS
NAN-H-22
Destinations
By Victor Asije
Lagos, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) Mr Jiten Vyas, the Chief Operating Officer of VFS Global in Africa, a visa processing company, says U.S. and UK are Nigerians most travelled destinations.

Vyas told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that his organisation’s statistics had also revealed a rise in the number of Nigerians travelling to Europe, South Africa, Dubia and India.

‘’There has been a significant rise in Nigerians travel, be it student travel, leisure or business, largely due to the improvement in income levels in the last few years.

‘’Several multinational companies have also set up base here and more Nigerian residents are becoming increasingly keen to travel or study abroad.

‘’The U.S. and UK remain popular travel destinations amongst Nigerians today; they also travel to Europe, Dubai, India and South Africa,’’ he said.

Vyas said that more countries had in the last decade taken advantage of outsourcing their visas application services to his organisation.

The company boss said that Nigeria had always been one of the top priorities of his organisation in the sub-Saharan region.

Vyas said that his organisation was currently providing visa application services to 13 client governments in Nigeria.

The chief operating officer said that the company was currently on a project for the Nigeria Interbank Settlement Services to provide Bank Verification Number (BVN) for Nigerian account holders abroad.

‘‘This initiative by the Central bank of Nigeria is aimed at providing a more secure banking platform for boosting Nigerians conventional security.

‘’Over the last decade more governments are seeing the advantages of having an outsourced visa services model,’’ he said.

Vyas also disclosed that VFS Global was currently in touch with Nigerian government departments to introduce technology, citizen services, immigration, foreigners and National Identity registrations to them. (NAN)
AVU/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

Nollywood actor wants stiffer penalty for piracy, plagiarism
NAN-ELS-2
Piracy
By AbdulFatai Beki
Ilorin, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) A veteran Nollywood actor, Mr Dele Odule, on Monday urged the National Assembly to enact a law enforcing stiffer punishment for anybody or group found guilty of piracy or plagiarism.
Odule, who is the National President of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers of Nigeria (TAMPAN), made the appeal in llorin on Monday while speaking with newsmen.
The Nollywood actor said that piracy, though a global problem, occurred at an alarming rate in Nigeria.
He attributed the high incidence to the low penalty meted out on the perpetrators and non-enforcement of laws against the offence.

“Film producers in Nigeria do not have retirement benefits like civil servants and ordinarily, their production should be their benefits after retirement.

“However, in a situation where these works have been pirated, they are doomed and have nothing to look forward to in future,’’ Odule said.
He appealed to the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from developed countries by assisting film producers in creating an enabling environment to operate.
The actor appealed that a large film village should be built, where actors would be required to pay a token to the government to achieve their mission.
He also solicited that loan facilities should be provided for actors at low interest rates.
The Nollywood actor disclosed that under his leadership as the TAMPAN president, plans had reached an advanced stage to professionalise theatre and film production in the country.

This, he said, was to guard against non-professionals bastardising their good jobs. (NAN)
BEKI/COF/SOA
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-H-7
Policing
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, has advocated the creation of additional layers of policing to effectively tackle the growing security challenges facing the country.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Governor, Dr. Muyideen Akorede,  in a statement issued Monday, quoted Ahmed as making the suggestion at a forum for Northern Nigeria Governors, organized by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington DC.

The governor said that Nigeria had different layers of policing in the past, particularly in the early 1960s, which worked efficiently for the country before they collapsed due to change in government.

Ahmed commended the Nigeria Police for its efforts at securing lives and property in the country, but noted that it was becoming more challenging for the present policing system to take care of the country’s critical needs.

He stressed that federal police as is currently constituted, could not provide the required policing for the whole country.

The governor said in view of the growing population of Nigeria, it had become imperative for the country to have additional layers of policing to guarantee maximum security of lives and property.

He noted the presence of local security organizations such as vigilante groups in almost every community, adding that in creating local policing system, the government only needed to formalize those groups into well structured and trained security organizations, with specific roles and responsibilities.

According to him, this will enable them carry out security support service and complement the efforts of the police in curbing crimes and ensuring adequate security for the country at all levels.(NAN)
OOH/ASH/ASH
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Alleged N2.4 bn shipping fraud: Court fixes Nov. 25 for suit against Innosson Ltd

NAN-H-10
Documents
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday fixed Nov. 25 to hear a N2.4 billion suit filed against a company — Innosson Nig. Ltd — over alleged falsification of shipping documents.

Charged alongside Innosson Nig. Ltd are Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’ and Anajekwu Sunny, who are facinf a four-count charge.

At the hearing of the case on Monday, Mr J.I. Ajakaiye, announced appearance for the prosecution, while Chief George Uwechue (SAN), Prof. C. Mbadugha, and Mr Olusola Abioye announced appearance for the accused.

The prosecutor informed the court that he had served the court processes on all the defence counsel on Oct. 21 at about 4.18 pm, while the counsel to the third to sixth defendants were were served in court before the commencement of trial.

In his response, Uwechue, confirmed to the court that he had received the processes, but required adequate time to study and file a response.

Based on the agreement of counsel, Justice Saliu Saidu, adjourned hearing to Nov. 25.

Meanwhile, Uwechue has filed a motion, urging the court to recuse from the suit.

Recuse, according to dictionary.com, is to reject or challenge (a judge or juror) as disqualified to act, especially because of interest or bias.

In the charge, the defendants were alleged to have conspired to commit the offences on Oct. 10, 2013 at Apapa Wharf.

The prosecution alleged that they falsified shipping documents which they deposited with Guaranty Trust Bank as collateral for the sum of N2.4 billion granted to Innosson Nig. Ltd.

The shipping documents were also said to have been presented as genuine and with intent to defraud and to clear goods worth N2.4 billion.

The offences contravened Sections 1(2) (c), and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Laws of the Federation 2004.(NAN)
UNS/BOLA/DA
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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Dele Akinsola

NAN-H-40
Fraud
By Wandoo Sombo and Mabel Yakubu
Abuja, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) The police on Monday arraigned one Amina Mohammed on a two-count charge of fraud.

Mohammed was dragged to court with her company, Albarka Property and Investment Limited, by one Abdulkareem Isa for allegedly defrauding him of N6 million.

She pleaded not guilty to both counts.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Dennis Abi, said that the offence contravened Section 1 of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act, adding that investigation into the matter had been completed.

Abi objected to an oral application for bail brought by the defence Counsel, Mr Joel Obaike, saying that the defence team should bring a written application for bail.

He prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison and order an accelerated hearing into the matter.

Obaike had made an oral application for bail for his client, saying that she was rceiving treatments due to an accident.

The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, ruled that since the prosecution opposed the oral application for bail, the defendant should properly file a written application.

Abang said that the case would be given accelerated hearing when the proper bail application is filed.

He ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody until the written bail application is tendered and adjourned commencement of trial to Nov. 16. (NAN)
WS/PMY/HAS/IS
===============

Edited By Haija Sani/Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-H-37
Conference
By Emmanuel Acha
Enugu, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Enugu State Government will use its donor conference scheduled for Tuesday to showcase both its assets and liabilities to development partners, an official has said.

The conference is billed to pull development partners to Enugu for a roundtable on sustainable development.

The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Planning Commission, Mr Dan Onyishi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the roundtable would focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state.

Onyishi said the conference was a collaboration between the state government and the UK Department for International Development (DFID).

He said that the event would also identify and align partners’ mandates and articulate synergies with the state government toward the SDGs.

He said that the one-day programme would focus on the key components of the state government’s four-point agenda, adding that the session would be basically interactive.

Onyishi mentioned the key components of the four-point agenda to include agriculture, education, environment, health and gender affairs.

It also includes water resources, finance and economic development, security and justice as well as poverty reduction and human capital development.

“The conference is expected to showcase the main policy thrusts of the state government on sectoral basis.

“This is part of our strategy to provide the space to seek additional support from development partners.

“A successful outing will mobilise technical and funding support to complement the development efforts of the state government,” he said.

Onyishi said that the current recession had made it compelling for governments at all levels to think outside the box to increase resources for social service delivery.

He said that the conference was the first of its kind in the South East, adding that the state government was open to doing business with the development partners. (NAN)
EOA/MNA/MVO
(Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-H-21
Saleswoman
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) A 24-year-old saleswoman, Anabel Akuneziri, on Monday appeared before an  Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly converting N420,000 belonging to her employer to her own personal use.

Akuneziri is charged with stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Kokoye Olusegun, said that the accused committed the offence at Abia Plaza BBA Market, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos on Sept. 14.

He said that the accused stole N420,000 belonging to one Oraemedo Sunday.

Olusegun said that Akuneziri was supposed to deposit the money at Diamond Bank on behalf of her boss, but instead converted the money to her own personal use.

“When Sunday did not get any alert from his bank, he became worried and decided to confront his employee, who claimed she paid the money into his account.

“Sunday went to the bank to inquire about his money, only to discover that the accused did not pay any money into his account.

“The complainant said that by the time he got back to his shop, the accused had absconded.

“Sunday said he tried to get through to the accused on phone, but all efforts proved abortive.

“The accused was later traced to her apartment and arrested by the police,” Olusegun said.

He said that the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, who resides at Ajegunle area of Apapa, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr M.A Etti, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till Nov.1 for mention.(NAN)

LAW/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

NAN- ELS-1
Change
By Babajide Awoyinfa
Lagos, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) One of Nigeria’s renowned entertainers, Charles Oputa, popularly known as “Charlie Boy’’, on Monday took to Social Media to say he will spearhead a revolt against corrupt politicians in Nigeria.

Charlie boy who now calls himself “President of Frustrated Nigerians’’ added that he would take the first bullet in the proposed revolution to restore change to the country.

He said “Like my friend Obinna said and I agree with him, henceforth…. “don’t ask for a revolution; be the revolution.

“Be the change. Do not wail for that which is troubling this country; Fight to fix it and make the country great again.

“Do not hail the corrupt and destroyers of our Dreams; Expose and ridicule them.

“The Politicians are corruptly connected, criminally bonded and fearful of the people.

“We must be audacious in our demands; we must be Fearless in our Agitation and we must be ready to sacrifice our all for this Country, “he said.

He continued by saying, “I will take the first bullet; let my body be the first to drop; let my blood be the first to wash our lands.

“But let no Nigeria turn back once we begin this resistance to political insensitivity and mindless looting of our common wealth; let no Nigerian walk alone.

“The Nigerian politician is our Enemy; The Nigerian people are the victim and it is time to channel our anger towards a “Peaceful Revolution”.

“We must stop being the victims and become “THE FEAR“. (NAN)
BAG/ERO/MZA
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Maharazu Ahmed)

NAN-H-17
Kidnapping
By Chinyere Omeire
Lagos,  Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) Four men, who allegedly kidnapped Oba Goriola Oseni, the traditional ruler of Iba in Lagos State, were on Monday remanded in prison custody by a Lagos High Court.

The accused: Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh, are standing trial before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of a Lagos High Court in Igbosere, Lagos on eight-count charge.

The charges are: conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and kidnapping.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 74-year-old monarch, who celebrated his 40 years on the throne on Nov. 22, 2015, was abducted in his palace at Iba ‎on July 16 at about 8.00 p.m.

NAN also reports that four days after the abduction, the kidnappers demanded for N500 million as ransom, which the family claimed they could not raise.

The Prosecutor, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, the Attorney-General of Lagos State and Commissioner for Justice, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 16 at the oba’s palace in Iba.

Kazeem, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said that the accused conspired with others at large and kidnapped the traditional ruler.

He also alleged that the accused murdered two people- a palace guard, Sunday Okanlawon, and a commercial motorcyclist, Joseph Okeke.

The prosecutor said that the accused also attempted to murder Abosede Oseni, wife of the oba.

He said that the accused were armed with guns and robbed the oba’s wife of her Cell phone.

Kazeem said that the offences contravened Sections 223, 230, 297, 299, 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Each of the accused persons denied the charges.

The attorney-general, however, urged the court to remand the accused persons in prison custody.

A defence counsel, Mr Seliowei Baidu, represented the first, second and third accused, while Mr J. O. Eguraoje, represented the fourth accused in court.

The judge, consequently, adjourned the case till Nov. 4, 11 and 18 for trial.

Kazeem, had in a statement on Sunday, expressed the resolve of the present administration to rid the state of all forms of criminality.

“The swift commencement of trial of the accused in the kidnap of the monarch is a strong signal by the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode that the state does not have any room for criminals.

“Ambode, as part of his commitment to make the state a safe place to live in and do business, will continue to support law enforcement agencies in the investigation and apprehension of all criminals.

“The governor is also committed to ensuring that Lagos State becomes a no-go area for criminals who target innocent citizens for kidnapping and collection of ransom in an effort to get rich quick,” he said. (NAN)
OCC/ENN/GOK
(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Olagoke Olatoye)
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NAN-H-18
Agents
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, Oct. 24, 2016(NAN) Two pool agents, Ola Obafemi and Muritala Adeyemi, were on Monday arraigned in Lagos for allegedly denying three customers the sum of N386,000 they won in a lottery.

Obafemi, 38, – a female – and Adeyemi, 50, both residents of Agege area of Lagos, are standing trial before an Ikeja Magistrates Court on charges of breach of peace, conspiracy and fraud.

The prosecutor Insp. George Nwosu told the court that the accused committed the offences on Sept. 8 at No. 3, Akinola Close, Agege, a suburb of Lagos State.

He said that the accused conspired with others still at large to cause breach of peace by withholding the coupon results of Gbenga Karonwi, Ben Olaoluwa and Sunday Ubah.

Nwosu said that the complainants went to the pool office to play and won, but the accused refused to give them their money.

“The complainants went to play and their numbers were among the winning numbers which was to the tune of N386,000.

“The accused refused to give them the money but kept asking them to come back for their winnings,” he said.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene sections 57, 166 and 321 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that section 321 prescribes two-year jail term for offenders.

However, the accused pleaded innocence of the offences and were granted bail, each in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mr A.A. Adesanya, adjourned the case till Oct. 31 for mention. (NAN)
DOA/AOS/SOA
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Oluwole Sogunle