Blog

NAN-S-18
Semi-finals
By Franklin Ohaegbu
Lagos, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) Top male seed, Enrique Lopez-Perez of Spain sent off Poland’s Maciej Smola in two sets to berth in the semi-finals of the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis at Onikan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lopez-Perez defeated Smola, seeded eight in two sets 7-6, 7-5 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

The match lasted for one hour 45 minutes as the top seed served his ball deep into his opponents half of the court.

Lopez-Perez told NAN that he has his eyes on winning the second leg and would not allow anyone to get on his way.

“My game today was not an easy one; my opponent was determined to win the game.

“But because I am focused on winning the second leg, I didn’t want to leave anything to chance,’’ he said.

Reacting, Smola said that he had hoped to win but gave up when his opponent broke his serve in the tie break.

Meanwhile, Calvin Hemery, number two seed had a tough match against Boy Westerhof of the Nederland in another quarter-finals game.

Hemery defeated Westerhof in three sets, winning 2-6, 7-5 and 6-1 in two hours.

In the females’ match, Bulgaria’s Julia Terziyska, seeded seven, defeated number four seed, Valeriya Strakhova of Ukraine in two sets 6-0, 6-4 to qualify to the semi-finals.

Conny Perrin, number three, seed defeated Tessah Andrianjafitrimo, winner of the second leg of the 2015 edition in three sets, 6-4, 1-6 and 6-4.

Slovenia’s Tadeja Majeric, seeded two defeated unseeded Fatma Al Nabhani in three sets 4-6, 6-1 and 6-4.

NAN reports that the players, who came from 39 countries of the world, are vying for ranking points and the 50, 000 dollars prize money in the men and women’s events.

The grand finale of the second leg will hold on Oct. 22 with Gov. Ambode Akinwunmi of Lagos State present. (NAN)
FOE/ENN/PDE
===========
(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

Driver remanded in Lagos prison over alleged manslaughter

NAN-H-63
Driver
By Chinyere Omeire
Lagos, Oct.  20, 2016 (NAN) A 42-year-old driver, Alex Unubun, who allegedly drove his car recklessly and killed a man, was on Thursday remanded in prison on the order of an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Unubun, who lives at Ajah area of Lagos, is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on reckless driving and manslaughter.

According to Prosecutor Ingobo Emby, the accused committed the offences on Oct. 18 at about 8.20 a.m. on Bourdilon Road by link bridge, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“The accused drove a KIA Sorento car with registration no. LND 933 EC in a reckless and dangerous manner on a public highway and caused the death of a man, Benji Momodu.’’

Emby said the accused also damaged SUV car marked GCE 117 DG valued at N4 million, belonging to Mr Ademola Oluwaseun.

The offences contravened Sections 19 (1), 20 and 29 of the Road Traffic Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2012.

The accused denied the charge.

 The Magistrate, Mr W. B. Balogun, granted him a N2 million bail with two sureties in like sum, one of who must be a close relation of the accused.

He, however, remanded the accused in prison custody pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). (NAN)

OCC/ENN/DA
===========

Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Dele Akinsola

NAN-HE-21
Investment

By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) on Thursday urged the Federal Government to invest more in frontier basins exploration to stimulate investment opportunities in Nigeria.

NAPE National President, Mr Nosa Omorodion, made the call at a briefing for the associations forthcoming annual conference slated for Nov. 14 to Nov. 17.

Omorodion said that the association’s 2016 conference was geared towards exploring ways that government can attracts investment into the frontier basins of Nigeria.

The frontier basin is a basin where the exploration activities have not been carried out or a basin with short-term exploration activities and a significant volume categorized as undiscovered.

He urged government to explore the hydrocarbon potentials of the country’s green frontier basins in order to increase her depleting reserves.

According to him, there are needs for drilling deeper into the basin to unlock the hidden hydrocarbon.

“There is more gas in the frontier than oil and this period of oil crude price is the best time to do more exploration in the basins.

”In the next 20 to 25 years, Nigeria will run out of oil if we don’t replenish our reserves.

“Our oil replenishing rate does not match with the depleting ratio. This is the right time to invest more in exploration activities,’’ he said.

Omorodion urged government to provide incentives to investors who are willing to invest in oil and gas exploration in Nigeria’s frontier basins.

“Low oil prices had led to slowdown in projects as well as the hindering of exploration activities with many companies rather re-actively focusing on short-term production.

“Understandably, it was a quest for survival as they got banks and lenders to deal with. For years we have decried the decline in exploration activities and have shouted loud on the need to focus more attention on it,’’ he said.

He said that the negative impact on Nigeria’s oil receipts from the activities of the sector calls for a sustainable strategy to mitigate the situation.

He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for renewing its exploration effort across the country’s basins in collaboration with the Frontier Exploration Services.

Omorodion added that one of the key lead sessions of the conference would be discussing commercial exploration efforts within the Benue trough and frontier section of the Niger Delta.

“ The workshop is supported by NNPC. Much has been written and said on funding but let’s just also add that it is crucial for government to assure E &P companies that they will be more upfront in honoring JV cash-call obligations.

“Times like these calls for creativity and out of the box thinking. National interest should take precedence over emotive and non-commercially economic interest that will be of no benefit to the Nigerian people.

“ It is time to consider partial divestment and let’s do what is best for the nation and its people. There is no reason why the Marginal Field Act should not be modified and incentivized to enable exploration activities and not just production,’’ he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAPE 2016 conference is tagged “The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry, Tackling Our Realities’’. (NAN)
YO/IS/IS
=======

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Court decides fate of 6 disengaged workers Oct. 31
NAN-H-76
Judgment
By Doris Esa
Abuja, Oct.20, 2016 (NAN) The National Industrial Court will deliver judgment in a suit filed by Innocent Igila and five dismissed workers of China Civil Engineering Construction Company Nigeria Limited on Oct.31.

Other claimants were; Ojo Adeyemi, John Ukwueze, Abel Shenom , Stephen Obi, and Daniel Attah.

The aggrieved workers dragged the construction company to court for allegedly dismissing them from the company in 2012.

The claimants were also seeking for payment of their severance entitlements, cost of litigation as well as damages for the alleged unlawful dismissal.

At the resumed hearing, the trial could not go on because respondent’s counsel, Mr U.Onyejeke, who held brief for Lawrence Erewele, had a motion seeking to adopt his written address out of time.

The Counsel to the claimant, Miss O.Temi, had expressed displeasure over respondent ‘s delay in filing and adopting his written address.

Temi told the court that the respondent had hitherto employed ways of delaying the progress of case, but said that the claimant would not opposed the application in the interest of fair hearing.

“We have just been served with their motion to file their written address out of time. They have delayed this matter so much. We have filed our own written address since June 20 and equally served the respondents on June 25.

“The respondent has employed so many means to delay our case, we are expecting judgment today, but for fair hearing to prevail, we will accept their application,” she said.

She asked for a cost of N100,000, but the court awarded N50,000 against the respondent. (NAN)
ORD/OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha

UNHCR advocates more measures to prevent childhood statelessness
NAN-H-62
Statelessness
By Victor Asije
Lagos, Oct. 20,2016 (NAN) The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday called for more urgent measures to prevent childhood statelessness in all countries.

UNHCR, which made the appeal in its October edition of ‘I Belong Campaign Update’ report, also called on countries to promote adherence to UN Conventions on Statelessness by taking measures at regional, national and global levels.

‘’This Update covers a number of high level meetings and other developments that are continuing to raise awareness about statelessness

‘’The Update covers recently adopted Executive Committee Conclusions highlighting the urgent need to take further measures to prevent childhood statelessness,’’ it said.

The UNHCR said that its Executive Committee on Youths had noted the adoption of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants on Sept.19 2016.

It said that the committee had restated its concern for youths as well as the importance of mainstreaming age and gender sensitive issues.

The UNHCR said that it was imperative for it, states and relevant stakeholders to proactively identify ways of engaging youths in protection and assistance programmes.
The UNHCR also called for youth protection and engagement through their inclusion, participation and representation in their communities’ management and decision making processes.
It said that the committee’s conclusion on refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and returnees, as well as internally displaced persons were of concern to the organisation.
The UNHCR also referred to the committee’s observation that refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless youths had vulnerabilities that were negatively affecting them.
It also said that the committee’s call on the international community to provide UNHCR with the needed support and resources for building capacities of youths was of concern to UNHCR. (NAN)
AVU/TA

NAN-H-67
Dariye
By Sylvester Thompson
Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) Absence of defence witness on Thursday stalled trial a former Governor of Plateau, Joshua Dariye, before an FCT High Court.

Defence Counsel, Mr Nantok Dashuwl, holding brief for Mr Garba Pwul (SAN), told the Court that the witness slated for Thursday travelled and had yet to return.

He said that some other defence witnesses were also being expected to testify in the matter.

Dashuwl consequently applied for adjournment of the case.

However, Prosecution Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said that the defence had notified the court that it would provide three witnesses in court on Thursday.

”On the last adjourned date, he said he had three witnesses and your lordship said that he must present all his witnesses today,’’ Jacobs noted.

He submitted that he would oppose any other application by defence for adjournment and file an application for it to close its case.

Justice Adebukola Banjoko cautioned the defence against incessant applications for adjournment.

”This is a case which should be heard at the rooftop, otherwise it will remain like this for the next seven years.

”If one party is not able to go on today, there must be justification,’’ she said.

The accused, Dariye, told the court that defence witnesses were afraid of testifying against the prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

”In a situation where people’s houses are invaded, people are scared; the experience is enough for them to run away,’’ Dariye said.

He, however, gave the assurance that the witnesses would testify on the next adjourned date.

Banjoko adjourned the case till Oct. 26 for continuation of evidence by defence.

Dariye’ is standing trial for alleged diversion of N1.16 billion ecological fund belonging to Plateau government. (NAN)

SET/HAS/IGO
===========

(Edited By Hajia Sani/Ijeoma Popoola)

Guardiola will stick to playing style in spite of hefty Barcelona loss

NAN-S-7
Guardiola
London, Oct 20, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said his side’s 4-0 Champions League defeat at Barcelona will not have any impact on his style of play.
Guardiola has instilled in his City side the same kind of style he used to great success at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, which includes asking the goalkeeper to pass the ball instead of kicking long.
City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was sent off for handball early in the match, having tried to play the ball out of defence rather than clearing his lines.
A hat-trick from Lionel Messi, the 37th of his Barcelona career, helped the Catalan side easy to victory but Guardiola said he would always play the same way.
“There will be no change,’’ he said. “Until the last day of my career as a coach I will try to play from our keeper.
“Sometimes there are mistakes and sometimes you have to kick the ball out, but most of the time, when we play good, it starts from there.’’
Guardiola refused to blame Bravo for his error but said City were still a work in progress at Champions League level.
“We lost the game 4-0, but we are a new club, we are getting to know each other,’’ he said. “We are a club that for 35 years was not in Europe.
“We came here and played with huge personality but it is always difficult to play Barcelona with 11. With 10 the game was over. Until then the game was open.’’ (dpa/NAN)
TON
===

Police arraign 3 for 419, impersonation
NAN-H-74
Impersonation
By Wandoo Sombo
Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The police on Thursday arraigned three men on a six-count charge bordering on impersonation and advanced fee fraud popularly called 419.

Stanley Onwuka, Henry Ushi and Moshood Stephen allegedly impersonated Donald Onwuma, a Police Public Relations Officer attached to the peace keeping unit and duped unsuspecting civilians and police men.

They allegedly collected various sums of money electronically from civilians and police officers with a promise to send them to police foreign mission in Sudan.

They all pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The Counsel to the first defendant, Mr Benjamin Nwanokenye, urged the court to admit the defendant to bail because the offence was bailable.

But, the prosecuting counsel, Mr David Igbodo, opposed the bail, citing public interest.

He said that there was cause to believe that if granted bail the defendants would commit another offence.

“Their statement of account before the court shows their antecedent as that account was opened to defraud Nigerians because they do not go to the bank but use ATM to collect the money.”

Igbodo argued that although bail was at the discretion of the court, the court was enjoined to exercise the discretion judiciously.

He also said that Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 spelt out what the court should look out for in considering bail.

The prosecutor urged the court to refuse bail and rather order accelerated hearing of the case.

Justice John Tsoho ruled that it would amount to mere speculation for the prosecution to say that allowing the defendants their liberty would make the society unsafe.

“There is room for revocation of bail when it is breached rather than to out rightly refuse it based on speculative fear.”

Tsoho granted only the second defendant, Ushi, bail in the sum of five million and one surety in like sum because only he had served his processes on all counsel.

He ordered that the surety must reside and own a property in the FCT and must be willing to submit the title of the property to the court if need be.

He also ordered both defendant and surety to provide two recent passport photographs to the court in addition, Ushi should deposit his travel documents with the court.

Tsho adjourned consideration of the bail application for the other defendants and continuation of trial till Nov. 7. (NAN)
WS/HAS/OFN
Edited By Hajia Sani//Felix Nwadioha

NAN-S-14
AFCON
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) Ghana will come up against familiar foes in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations following the group stage draws for the tournament.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the draws were conducted at the Stade de l’Amitie in Libreville, Gabon on Wednesday night.

The Black Stars are placed in Group D alongside Uganda and Egypt — two of their three opponents from their 2018 World Cup qualifying group — as well as fellow West Africans, Mali.

Group C sees Herve Renard’s Morocco placed in the same pool as his former team, Ivory Coast, as well as DR Congo and Togo.

NAN recalls that Renard took the Elephants to continental glory in 2015, his second Nations Cup triumph after guiding Zambia to the trophy in 2012.

He will next year have the chance to face the West Africans in his current role as the Atlas Lions’ head coach.

Also, Group B features two North African giants in Algeria and Tunisia, as well as Senegal and Zimbabwe, while the host nation Gabon are pooled in Group A with Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau.

The opening match on January 14 will see the Panthers face Guinea-Bissau in Libreville.

Here is the full list of the 2017 AFCON group stage draws.

Group A – Gabon, Burkina Faso Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau

Group B – Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe

Group C – Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Morocco, Togo

Group D – Ghana, Mali, Egypt, Uganda (NAN)
VO/PDE
======
(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-H-59
Sales rep
By Chinyere Omeire
Lagos,  Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) A 42-year-old sales representative, Nicolas Udo, who allegedly obtained pharmaceutical products worth N11.6 million on the pretext of supplying his customers the drugs, was on Thursday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Udo, who resides in Kano, is standing trial on a two-count charge of stealing and fraud.

Prosecutor Sylvester Azubuike of Legal Section, Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, told the court that the accused committed the offences between 2014 and 2015 at Pharmatex Nigeria Ltd, Lagos.

He said the accused collected a pharmaceutical product named Hovid BHD, valued at N11.6 million on the pretext of supplying same to customers.

“The accused obtained the products from the company on the pretext of delivering it to the company’s customers in Kano.

“He, however, failed to remit the proceeds of the sales into the company’s account; he converted it to personal use.”.

According to Azubuike, the accused issued 12 different cheques of Fidelity Bank to cover the amount which were dishonoured on presentation at the bank.

The offences contravened Sections 285 and 320 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused denied the charge and his lawyer, Mr C. A. Okafor, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

In her ruling, Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe, granted him bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties, who should be working in reputable organisations, should also show evidence of three years tax payment as part of the bail condition.

The case has been adjourned to Nov. 29 for mention.  (NAN)
OCC/ENN/DA
===========

Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Dele Akinsola