‘No information on high commissioner’s recall’ — Nigeria’s consul-general in SA contradicts Onyeama

Godwin Adama, Nigeria’s consul general to South Africa, says he has no information on the recall of Kabiru Bala, Nigeria’s high commissioner to South Africa.

On Wednesday, Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs, announced that the federal government had recalled Bala over the recent xenophobic attacks.

But speaking on LUNCHTIME Politics, a Channels Television programme, Adama said he believes there is nothing as such.

He said the high commissioner is currently waiting to receive an envoy from Nigeria.

“We don’t have that information on that at all and we know there is a process that information to public servants is rooted,” he said.

“And I believe there is none of that because I was just in touch with the high commissioner a few minutes ago. We are always speaking at very short notices to be able to appraise the situation because we are getting information from the field at every time and we share this information.

“In fact, he is waiting to receive a special envoy that is coming and we are waiting to receive that and there is no information to the contrary.”

He said a number of Nigerian businesses were affected during the attacks, disclosing that a list is being compiled to know the extent of the damage and those affected.

“We have a number of Nigerian businesses that have been affected. I’ve been able to go to these places and there’s this particular street called Jules street and this street is in Jeppestown, a town at the outskirt of Johannesburg,” he said.

“A number of car shops…Nigerians own a lot of cars on that street. A lot were burnt and we are compiling the list. They have turned in information about those that were affected and the compilation is on because my minister has asked that he needs a comprehensive list of that which I believe by today will get to him.”

Asked if the situation is under control, he said: “On the state of things, the atmosphere in South Africa is calm, even though there is general apprehension but most of the Nigerians, we have created a communication centres where they are calling in and asking of the situation and we have been assuring them that there is safety, for now, there haven’t been any real challenges since Tuesday.

“Even today, there was supposed to be an incident in an area but the police mobilised. Since Tuesday, we have not had any and people are moving around, shops are beginning to open even in areas where the development took place.”

- THECABLE

Woman strangles husband, beheads him, feeds dog with his penis

After suffering years of domestic abuse, a 48 year-old Ukrainian woman has strangled her husband, beheaded him and hacked off his penis, throwing it to her dog to eat for dinner.

The woman, identified only by the name Maria, lives in  the village of Obariv in the north of the country.

The woman told police ‘she was suffering domestic violence for ages and murdered her husband to put an end to it’ and that ‘it was the only way out’.

According to a report by Mail Online, the woman  attacked her spouse Oleksandr, 49, in their bedroom after he came home from night shift work and fell asleep.

She strangled him to death with her bare hands before grabbing an axe and hacking the man’s head off, police said.
  
After that Maria used a kitchen knife to chop off the victims genitals and fed the organ to her dogs, local media report.

She then tried to cut the body into pieces but failed, investigators said.

Covered with her husband’s blood, Maria rushed out of her family’s house to the street where she was spotted by Nadezhda Opanasiuk, a woman living next door.

Mrs Opanasiuk said to local media: ‘Her hands, feet and clothes were in blood.

‘She said, ”I am in trouble. I’ve killed my husband.”
  
‘I did not believe her. I thought they had a quarrel and she might have hit him. I went to see if he needed medical help.

‘When I walked into the room, I saw his mutilated body. The bedsheets were soaked with blood.”

Read More In Mail Online

Teacher confesses to raping pupil after giving her codeine

The Adamawa State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Abdullahi Nuruddeen has confirmed the arrest of Nathan Yusuf, 37, for allegedly raping and impregnating a pupil.

Nurudden, in a news conference on Thursday in Yola, said that the suspect is a teacher at Namtari Primary School, Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa.

”On Sept. 2, at around 2:30 pm, we arrested a suspect of rape in person of Nathan Yusuf, 37, who is a teacher at Gurel primary school Namtari Yola South.

“The suspect raped his primary pupil who is below 14 years of age and confessed to have given her codeine syrup before raping her,” Nurudden said.

He said as soon as they finished their investigation, the suspect would be charged to court

Nurudden advised parents to be very vigilant and report any child abuse case to the authorities for appropriate actions, NAN reports.

Yusuf, during interview with newsmen confirmed to have committed the offence and blamed the devil for the ugly act.

He pledged to take full responsibility for his action, promising to take care of the baby after delivery.

Mr Bashir Tahir, Assistant Secretary, Adamawa Hope Center, who attend to the need of rape victims in the state, said the girl has been supported and given necessary medical tests.

“So far, she is free from all sexually transmitted diseases. But she will start receiving Anti Natal care next week at the hope center,” he said.

Tahir noted that since the establishment of the center in 2017, over 160 rape cases were brought, adding that 10 of them have been taken to court.

- DAILY POST

We reject xenophobia, says Shoprite

Shoprite, a South African retail store, has condemned the attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

In a statement on Wednesday, Shoprite expressed concern over the continued act of violence in South Africa and the resultant “intolerance being levelled against South Africans living in Nigeria”.

It noted its desire to see an end to xenophobia across Africa, appealing to South Africans and Nigerians to protect and ensure the safety of every human life in the two countries.

It also said that it is ready to collaborate with stakeholders so that “decisive actions” are taken against those involved in violent crimes against foreigners.

“In the light of recent attacks on other Africans, especially Nigerians living in South Africa, Shoprite Nigeria, in strong terms, wishes to condemn any kind of xenophobic violence and intimidation against the citizens of other countries, anywhere in the world, ” it said.

“The retailer is highly concerned at the act of violence against foreign nationals that sporadically flare up in South Africa and the resultant rhetoric of intolerance that is now being levelled against South Africans living in Nigeria.

“As a reputable company with deep African roots who employ thousands of Africans nationals and most importantly, works tirelessly to bring low prices to fourteen countries outside of South Africa, we no doubt have excelled due to our peaceful coexistence and collaborations, hence, we would like to see an end to xenophobia across the continent.

“Shoprite Nigeria appeals to the general public of South Africa and Nigeria to protect the human dignity and safety of every person living in both countries.

“We remain committed to working with and alongside industry and appropriate consumer groups to engage relevant stake holders so that decisive actions are taken against those involved in violent crimes and intimidation against foreign nationals – in the same vein, convey our strong position against xenophobia.”

The latest xenophobic attacks had sparked a nationwide outrage in the country.

Shoprite and some other businesses owned by South Africa were targeted in reprisal attacks.

- THECABLE

‘This is the most trying period of my life’ — Siasia writes CAS, appeals FIFA ban

Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles coach, has appealed the life ban slammed on him by world football governing body FIFA.

In a statement seen by TheCable on Thursday, Siasia’s lawyer filed the appeal to FIFA on August 27, 2019.

The statement also said that another appeal was sent to the Court of Arbitration for Sports on August 29, 2019.

Siasia however denied involvement in illegal act that are contrary to the ethics of football.

“I wish to state that I have never been and would never be a party to any form of unethical conduct or perversion in the discharge of my duties in any capacity,” Siasia said.

“I built my career in the football industry on the foundation of hard work, integrity, consistency and God.

“In all my career, I have done nothing but serve my country clubs to the best of my personal and professional ability, with all my strength and might, with discipline, pride and passion and an awareness that it is a privilege to be an ambassador of our great nation.

“It is my greatest hope and belief that my country also stands by and with me at a time like this.

“The entire proceedings and decision was only brought to my notice on August 16, 2019 when the news broke in the public domain and friends and family started to call.

“I was totally unaware of the proceedings until I heard about FIFA’s decision.

“While I may not be able to publicly divulge the details and specifics, I think it fit to inform you that I have appealed against FIFA’s Decision and you all will probably hear the results like you hear about the ban.

“I am currently taking legal advice. My lawyer Austin Otah has been liaising with the NFF and their counsel.

Emotional laden Siasia added: “I thank everyone who has supported me in one way or the other. I must state that this is the most trying period of my life.

“I am still dealing with the pain and challenges of my mother being kidnapped again and fighting to secure her release.

“I urge the nation to support me with prayers, goodwill and support of all kinds. The demands are very heavy.

Otah, however, reacted to the appeal: “We have actually assisted Samson Siasia to file his appeal and we are awaiting FIFA to acknowledge the receipt of the appeal.

“We are awaiting feedback from FIFA and CAS.

“The decision of FIFA requires Siasia to appeal to CAS.

“We are exploring an internal appeal mechanism, exceptionally with the Appeal Committee of FIFA.

“But that notwithstanding we are still to ensure that his appeal rights are not impeded in anyway.”

On August 16, 2019, FIFA banned Siasia from the game of football for life, following a match-fixing investigation.

The adjudicatory chamber of FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee stated that the former Nigerian coach pleaded guilty of having accepted “bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics”.

- THECABLE

Why I collected pump action gun as collateral to recover my money – Suspect

A suspected drug baron identified as James Ameh has been arrested by the Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA).
Ameh who was arrested at about 5:30am on Thursday was in possession of a pump action gun loaded with cartridges.

DAILY POST reports that about 40 personnel of the NDLEA along side officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) left Lokoja in the early hours of Thursday to effect the arrest of the drug kingpin who has been on the wanted list of the command for several months.
It was further learnt that the suspect who was arrested in Igolijo community under Igalamele Odolu Local government Area, allegedly has 10 hectares of land where cannabis sativa is being cultivated.

Ameh who was arrested alongside six other suspects namely: Usman Bello, Eze Stanley, Innocent Ameh, Samule Idoko , Ojima ojo, and Ekene Ukwueze told journalists that, he got the pump action gun from his friend who still owes him N80,000.

However, the 54-year-old suspect who is also a native doctor denied knowledge of the allegations levelled against him saying the gun found in his possession serves as collateral security towards recovering his money.
His said” I am not the real owner of this pump action gun. It belongs to a friend who is owing me N80,000. I needed my money back urgently to do something with it. I’m sorry, I never knew that having this in my house would put me into trouble. As for the issue of dealing on drugs and having hectares of land for cannabis, it is also not true”.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the arrest of the drug kingpin, the Kogi state commander of the National Drug law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) Alhaji Idris Bello said that the arrest of the suspect and his accomplice was made possible through an information gathered by officers of his command.

While stating the support NDLEA is getting from the state government, Bello warned that whoever that is caught engaging in illegal drug business will be meant to face the full wrath of the law.
According to him, the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded and the items recovered from the suspects which include pump action gun, and seven live cartridges will be confiscated.



- DAILY POST

Immigration: New e-passport valid for all countries

Muhammad Babandede, the comptroller general (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), says the enhanced e-passport is acceptable and valid for entering all countries.

Babandede made this known in a statement released by Sunday James, NIS’ public relations officer, in Abuja on Thursday.

The CG’s reassurance is coming against the backdrop of the recent problem on the e-Passport with the authority of the United Arab Emirate(UAE).

“The recent problem on the e-Passport with the authority of the United Arab Emirate(UAE) has been resolved,” he said.

“I will like to seize this opportunity to thank both the Ambassadors of UAE and Nigeria for resolving the issue.

“In view of the above, Nigerians are encouraged to get their national identity number (NIN) and ensure that the information tallies with the one on their Passports.

“The uniformity of the NIN information and that of the 10-year validity Passport is to ensure one identity which is a major feature of the new enhanced e-Passport.”

According to the immigration CG, the new passport is available in the service headquarters, Abuja and Ikoyi, pending the roll-out in other centres.

“It is worthy to note that the issuance of the former and the new enhanced e-Passports will run concurrently,” he said.

NAN reports that the new passport incorporates details of enrollees as captured by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The new e-passport was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 16.

The cost of the 32-page five-year standard passport stands at N25,000, while the 64-page five-year standard passport costs N35,000.

The 64-page 10-year standard passport costs N70,000.

- THECABLE

60 year-old ‘Professor’ Jide Oni charged with fraud

A sixty-year-old man, Charles Jide-Oni, who claimed to be a professor and lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, was arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State for allegedly obtaining money under false pretence and engaging in advance fee fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, arraigned the ‘Professor’ and 12 other internet fraud suspects before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, the Federal High Court vacation judge for the Southwest zone, on Wednesday, September 4, 2019.

Jide-Oni’s arraignment was sequel to the EFCC’s damning findings about the activities of an illegal financial outfit he floated through which he allegedly swindled his victims of several millions of naira.

Some of the victims had earlier written a petition to the Commission which led to the investigations that indicted him in the alleged fraud.

Among other 12 suspects equally arraigned are Olaleye Kolapo, Madukife Ifeanyi Azuka, Fatanmi Yinka Sunday, Adebayo Bolaji Adeyinka, Adeleke Peter and Adebowale Fadairo.

Others are Oyewunmi Tolulope Michael, Bello Ayoade Jalal Arikalam, Owolabi Toheeb Toluope, Abdullahi Abdulazeez Oluwatobi, Temitope Fatolu and Adesina Adewale.

Fatolu (aka Gold Crumb), however, opted for a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to a one-count amended charge of fraudulent impersonation when he was presented before the court on Wednesday.

He was subsequently sentenced to one year imprisonment with effect from June 20, 2019 when he was arrested.
‘Gold Crumb’ was also to refund $500, through the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to his victim, and to equally forfeit his iPhone 6, Nokia 103 and Hp Laptop to the Federal government of Nigeria, being part of the benefit he derived from his fraudulent act.
Justice Oweibo granted Jide-Oni bail to the tune of N10 million and two sureties in like sum.

Tolulope Oyewunmi Michael

Temitope Fatolu

The sureties, the court held, must be of Grade Level 10 in the civil service and must be resident in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
The judge also ordered that the accused person be remanded in Ilesha Prison pending the time he is able to fulfil his bail conditions as he adjourned substantive hearing till October 14.

Unlike Fatolu, other 11 suspects, who were charged with sundry internet-related offences including obtaining money by false pretence, impersonation, being in possession of forged and fraudulent documents to defraud people, pleaded not guilty to the respective charges preferred against them.
Consequent upon their not-guilty plea, EFCC counsel, Dr. Ben Ubi, asked the court for an order to remand them in prison and fix dates for the hearing of their cases.
The court granted the remand prayer, and also fixed different dates for the hearings.
He fixed October 7 for the hearing of the cases involving Fatami, Adeleke, and Fadairo and ordered that they be remanded in the Ilesha Prison.
Olaleye and Azuka are to be remanded in Ado-Ekiti Prison till October 9 when their cases will be opened for hearing.

For Abdullahi, Oyewunmi and Bello, the hearings would hold on October 14. They are ordered to take shelter in Ilesha Prison till then.

The judge equally fixed October 15 and 21 for hearing of Adesina and Owolabi’s cases while both will be housed in Ilesha prison pending the adjourned date.
Adebayo was, however, returned to the EFCC’s custody.

- PM NEWS