‘Our wives and daughters are being raped’ — Katsina cleric laments bandit attacks

Sabiu Jibia, an Islamic cleric in Katsina state, has lamented atrocities committed by bandits during attacks on people of the state.

According to PRNigeria, Jibia, who is also the imam in Jibia local government, said wives and children in the state have become victims of rape perpetuated by bandits.

The cleric also lamented the desertion of villages and farmlands as well as the kidnappings in some local government areas in the state.

“We are living in tough time of fear. Cattle meant for farming activities are rustled, wives and daughters are being raped in the presence of their husbands and fathers, while other victims are taken captive by armed hoodlums in the communities in Jibia, Tsayau, Zandam and Malamawa respectively,” he said in his sermon.

“People are scared to carry out their farming and business activities as their lives are in danger due to the continued banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling. Our women and daughters are raped and held captive by gangsters. Where are our traditional and political leaders?”

Jibia accused the government of not taking needed action, saying the people of the state are ready to engage their children in the protection of their lives and properties.

He called on the government to ensure that its duty to protect life and property is well enforced.

“It is surprising that our leaders are not taking rapid actions on these killings and kidnapping. If the government is willing, we are ready to give our children for training and recruitment as security forces so that they can protect their families and country at large,” he said.

“Close allies of our leaders are charged with the responsibility of telling them the truth about the happenings in this country. If they are telling them all is well, they are lying. We are calling on our leaders to provide security to our lives and property as it is their fundamental responsibility.”

- THECABLE

EFCC takes on money launderers, arrests over 200

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kano Zonal Office has smashed a gang of money launderers and arrested 280 suspects.

The money launderers who specialized in various racketeering including MMM, Black Money and others were apprehended between January and August 2019 in the ancient city and its environs.

The Zonal Head of the Commission Kano Regional Office, Akaninyena Azima said: “the suspects were arrested for crimes of cybercrimes, money laundering, black money, wash-wash, foxy scheme and mmm, among others.”

In the same vein, the commission had recovered the sum of N550m and 690,000 dollars during the period under review, noting that the 690,000 were recovered at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA.)

He noted that they are currently pursuing 51 cases of various offences in courts, while investigation into several cases is neared completion.

He called on the management of banks operating in the states under the zone to improve their response system in order to protect their customers from being duped by the fraudsters.

“The commission has observed that such crimes take place during weekends when banks are not operating, so by improving the response system of the banks, the banks can avert any attempt by such criminals to steal from someone’s account,” he said.

He said the commission on its part had embarked on rigorous sensitization campaign.

He said, “We have held programmes in two television stations and a radio station in Katsina state where we sensitised public on how these fraudsters operate and discouraged them not to engage in such activities.

“The commission will soon organized similar programmes in other states under the zone. I, therefore, appeal to members of the public to always avail the commission useful information that will help it curtail all corrupt related crimes in the zone.

“We assure that the commission would treat such information with maximum secrecy in order to protect the informant.”

- DAILY POST 

FIFA reveals final three-man shortlist for Best Coach, Goalkeeper of the year [Full list]

FIFA, on Monday, announced their final three-man shortlist for this year’s Men Best Coach of the Year.

The world football governing body also announced their final three-man shortlist for this year’s Best Goalkeeper of the year.

The nominees were chosen by a panel of football experts and FIFA confirmed the chosen candidates on Monday via their official website. 

The final three-man shortlist for Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award are: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), and Muaricio Pochettino (Tottenham)

The final three-man shortlist for Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award are: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester CIty), and Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona).

The winner would be announced during The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony at the Teatro all Scala in Milan on Monday 23 September.

- DAILY POST

Four bag jail terms over internet fraud in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos office, has secured the conviction of four internet fraudsters before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

The convicts; Adeoye Oriyomi, Onabule Adedokun Kenny, Osei Amankwa Isaac and Sodeindene Oluwatosin, who were arraigned on one count separate charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them by the EFCC.

The anti-graft spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said this in a statement in Abuja. 

The charges read: “That you Adeoye Oriyomi on or about the 30th day of July, 2019 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud had in your possession a document titled “Google Account” wherein you represented yourself as Katherine Peters (a white female) which representation you knew or ought to have known to be false.

“That you Onabule Adedokun Kenny on or about the 30th day of July, 2019 in Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division with intent to defraud had in your possession a document titled “My Love” where you represented yourself as Tama Jones (a white female) which representation you knew or ought to have known to be false.

“That you Onabule Adedokun Kenny sometime in July, 2019 in Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division had in your possession a document dated 9th July, 2019 wherein you falsely represented yourself as a white female, Evelyn Barker, to Dean Wohlgemuth when you ought to know having regard to the circumstances of the case that the document contains the false pretence.

“That you Sodeindene Oluwatosin on or about the 13th day of February, 2019 in Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division with intent to defraud had in your possession an email wherein you represented yourself as “Richard Davis” an American citizen, which representation you ought to have known to be false.”

Based on their pleas, the prosecution counsel, E.S. Okon reportedly informed the court that the convicts willingly entered into a ‘plea bargain agreement’ with the Commission.

The fact of the cases were also reportedly reviewed wherein the convicts made extra-judicial statements confessing to committing the crimes.

Items recovered from the convicts which include a car, five mobile phones, and four laptops were also highlighted by the prosecutor.

Okon, therefore, urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants according to the plea bargain agreements entered into by them.

However, Counsel to the convicts, Z.S Makinde and Ikhide Daniels pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they were first-time offenders and that they are remorseful about the crime committed.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi, however, convicted the defendants but gave them an ‘option of fine’ of N200, 000 each, which must be paid within sixty days from the day of judgment.

He also ordered that the convicts must undertake a 6-month community service at Old People’s Home, Yaba, Lagos and that there must be monthly report from the community service unit to the court as to ensure proper supervision.

Further, the judge ordered that the EFCC must ensure the service was carried out and must also file and serve the court with a report on the last Friday of every month for the duration of six months.

It, however, gathered that all items recovered from the convicts were forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Justice Oshodi, however, added in his ruling that the convicts shall be imprisoned for a term of one year if the fine is not paid within sixty days and that the term shall commence from the day of default.

- DAILY POST

UN to declare SDG action plan by 2020

The United Nations (UN) is set to declare a decade of action from 2020 to assess the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Gombe today. Mohammed said that with such assessment, the UN would plan on how to best improve provision of basic amenities such as health, education, water and sanitation, as well as make investments in infrastructure that would create jobs.

She added that “ For the SDGs, we are looking to see where we are off-track and how we can reinforce getting back on track.So we will declare a decade of action from 2020 to 2030,and that means we will begin to look for the investment in our economy; those that will look at infrastructure that will create jobs. We will ensure it is inclusive such that we do not leave anyone behind so that we can generate the revenue that can pay for basic services, health, education, water and sanitation”.

“You know that the SDGs framework is a 15-year one, and we are five years into it now; we about to assess how far we have gone with the SDGs at the General Assembly this September”, she said.

To foster development, the UN deputy secretary-general urged states to strengthen their institutional structures to attract investment globally.

“In the cases of states like Gombe, this is where we need to reinforce our structures institutionally to bring investments to achieve the SDGs and the plans”, she added.

- PM NEWS

Xenophobia: Reactions trail attack on Nigerians, others by South Africans

A cross-section of Nigerians on Monday lamented on social media over a recent attack on Nigerians in South Africa.

DAILY POST reports that viral videos on Monday showed widespread attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa.

The President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo who confirmed the development to NAN said on Monday that the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

“The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals. But the Police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest.

“Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg looted and burned shops/businesses,’’ he said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Reactions have continued to trail the development on social media as Nigerians expressed sadness over the development, calling on the present administration to secure Nigerians.

Here are some comments gathered by DAILY POST from Twitter:

@Is_salsu “This Xenophobia attack on Nigerians in South Africa is saddening. Our brothers and sisters do not deserve this no matter what.”

@Royaltyuso “Nigeria cannot even vex and ask her citizens to return home. Nigerians in the diaspora will rather face hell abroad than return to Nigeria. The harsh reality of a failed nation.”

@Yohanloyal “South Africans call our Nigerian brothers criminals but see them. Bloody hungry people. No food when there is no attack on foreigners.”

@Localblack_man “Dear South Africans, Let’s all learn how to love and uplift one another as Africans, don’t forget there are South Africans in other countries. Let love reign.”

@Onyiiforlife “This is unacceptable. We can’t have this Xenophobia attacks happening. Right now it is out of control.”

@Odun42000 “South African owned companies in Nigeria are the most patronized among their equals e.g. MTN, DSTV, Shoprite etc and Nigerians never hated or harm their people nor their properties. Stop killing/hurting your fellow Africans, we are one Africa stop Xenophobia.”

@Frank_Leahxv “Nigerians have accommodated other countries in the past and it never leads to unnecessary killings, see South Africa wey just blow yesterday are now killing Nigerians because they want them out of their country. Make them know to say this world dey revolve o.”

@Makanakii “I’m black and Nigerian, you are black and South African… we are both black, Don’t attack me, I’m your brother!!! Let love reign, allow me in your home and come to mine too!

@MrUcheya “If our govt could be a bit more responsive, I don’t think this bloodthirsty South Africans would be killing our brothers in their land. South Africans are the most miserable people on earth. How do u sleep after killing your type?

@Stevehezy “Burning of humans? And you think this is right? You are just a murderer, nothing more to this. stop Xenophobia.”

@Anulikay “For a nation that suffered racial segregation/apartheid for almost fifty years, I find it quite inhumane that South Africans have no qualms meeting the same to others. Especially, as a nation that had to rely on aid from other African countries.”

@Yungtunesneh “Africans hating on Africans. Stop xenophobia now.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, reacting to the attack in a tweet on his official Twitter page on Monday, said the Nigerian Government will take decisive measures on the issue.

He said, “Received sickening and depressing news of continued burning and looting of Nigerian shops and premises in South Africa by mindless criminals with ineffective police protection. Enough is enough. We will take definitive measures.”

- DAILY POST

IMN to Buhari, IGP: Shiites not your problem, Bandits, kidnappers, terrorists are

The banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria has bemoaned the fresh crackdown ordered by the police against its members, claiming the action is misdirected as the group is not a security threat to Nigeria.

Rather the group called on the Buhari government and the police to focus on the security challenges facing the country, such as incessant kidnappings, attacks by bandits and terror attacks in most parts of the north.

The group claimed, in a statement by spokesman Ibrahim Musa, that the Inspector-general of police has issued a countrywide order to police state commands to arrest members and leaders and to demolish their structures. It also claimed the crackdown is done to coincide with the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram.

“To this end, we want to draw the attention of well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to the fact that the major problem confronting this country is certainly not the free Zakzaky processions, but rather the security challenges characterized by incessant kidnappings, attacks by bandits and terror attacks in most parts of the North. 

“The Sheikh Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement is not a security threat to Nigeria and Nigerians and has never ever been. Certainly, none of our religious rites, including the Ashura mourning sessions and its associated mourning procession or the moulud procession for which members of the Islamic Movement are well known for, can be of any threat to the nation. Even a child can attest to this fact,” Musa said

Please read IMN’s statement
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has issued a nationwide order to all State Police Commands and Zonal Headquarters dated August 30, 2019 for the immediate arrest of members and leaders of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and the demolition of their structures across the states.
It is on record that the Buhari administration, since its inception in 2015, has always used the commencement of the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram to persecute, kill and maim us and deny us any space to conduct all our religious rites expected of all Shi’ites. This recent order given on the eve of Muharram this year underlines the evil intention of the government to continue this pattern of attacks against Shia Islam and prevent us from conducting all our Muharram religious mourning obligations.

Already, a parade of show of force by the Sokoto police command in dozens of vehicles has started in a neighbourhood with a large population of members of the Islamic Movement, despite the existence of a substantive court order from a Sokoto high court obtained since 31/01/2018 restraining the police force from curtailing the activities of the Islamic Movement in the state. Similarly, in a meeting held in Kaduna, it was decided that the El-Rufa’i administration will engage the vigilante groups to clamp down on any Ashura mourning session in Kaduna and environs to augment attacks by the Police command since the police has thus far failed to ‘finish’ the Islamic Movement.
To this end, we want to draw the attention of well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to the fact that the major problem confronting this country is certainly not the free Zakzaky processions, but rather the security challenges characterized by incessant kidnappings, attacks by bandits and terror attacks in most parts of the North. The Sheikh Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement is not a security threat to Nigeria and Nigerians and has never ever been. Certainly, none of our religious rites, including the Ashura mourning sessions and its associated mourning procession or the moulud procession for which members of the Islamic Movement are well known for, can be of any threat to the nation. Even a child can attest to this fact. 

It is therefore strange that a fresh attempt by this regime to use all the paraphernalia of its office to brutally kill, maim and imprison thousands of innocent Nigerians, simply because of their faith at such a difficult time being experienced by Nigerians. The Buhari administration cannot continue to hide its incompetence and inadequacies in remedying the major problems confronting Nigeria by manipulating religious sentiments simply to score some cheap political points.

Members of the Islamic Movement will most certainly remain steadfast and continue with all our religious programs and activities of Ashura mourning as well as the peaceful struggle for the freedom of Sheikh Zakzaky and the hundred others still in detention since the infamous Zaria genocide of December 2015. We have since challenged the proscription order in court and should our rights and freedoms to worship be further infringed upon in any way, we will not hesitate to take all necessary legitimate measures to enforce our rights.

We are the followers of Imam Husain (AS), the Grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We will never bow and submit to tyranny, oppression and extrajudicial killings.

 - PM NEWS