Isoko Mirror columnist loses wife, to be buried March 14.

The death of Late Mrs. Hannah Arit Ejuwa (Nee Udofia) whose sad event occurred on the II February 2020 has been officially announced by the husband, Mr Gabriel Ejuwa, an Isoko Mirror Newspaper columnist.
In a statement released and signed by the husband, Mr Gabriel Ejuwa, stated that late Han, as she was fondly called, was a devoted Christian with Jehovah witness organization and until her death, she was a dedicated staff of the Navy medical centre, Obiesan Naval medical centre located at Mobil road Apapa, Lagos.
The statement further stated that late Mrs Hannah Arit is survived by her father, husband, a son, brothers, sisters, relations, colleagues and friends and her remains will be committed to Mother Earth on 14th Saturday, March 2020 at the Atan Cemetery, University Road, Akoka, Yaba Lagos at 9am.
May her soul, rest in peace.

Cleric’s wife docked for allegedly burying live pig

A 33-year-old cleric’s wife, Blessing Okechukwu, who allegedly buried a live pig in her husband’s church compound, on Tuesday appeared in an Ajegunle Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The police charged Okechukwu, who resides in Satelite town area of Lagos with three counts of conspiracy, breach of peace and animal cruelty.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp. S.I. Bassey told the court that the defendant committed the offence at 1.40 a.m. on Sept. 3, at the National bank estate, Satelite town, Lagos.

He alleged that the defendant, and her husband, who was the senior pastor of License of Healing Deliverance Mission, were caught burying a live pig in the church compound.

Bassey told the court that he had witnesses who saw the defendant in the act and picture evidence of the pig when the police dug it up.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 411, 168 (d) and 394 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.(Revised)

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sections 168 and 394 both stipulates a three-month jail term each for the offence of breach of peace and animal cruelty respectively, while 411 carries two-years for conspiracy.

The Magistrate, Mrs Ramot Ayilara, admitted the the defendant to bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

She ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed, with address verified by the court.

Ayilara adjourned the case until Sept. 19 for mention.

Swiss-based Nigerian man, Christopher Ehifoh arrested for marrying 14 women out of deceit

A Nigerian man based in Switzerland, Christopher Ehifoh, has been arrested after being accused of deceiving women in the name of marriage. The accused who is from Edo state, precisely Obedu in Uromi reportedly lives in Pratteln, Switzerland. where he is married to a white lady simply identified as Tanja.

According to Barrister Kingsley Ughe who shared this, the man conducted marriage ceremonies with three ladies in Delta, Lagos and Benin within one year and has married more than 10 - 12 women here in Nigeria in elaborate wedding ceremonies in the past 10 years.

After his wife Tanja got wind of his activities, she contacted the authorities who arrested him over criminal deceit, advanced fee fraud and bigamy.

The lawyer (Kingsley Uche) who revealed a petition has been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police and a law suit filed against Christopher -claimed about 14 women have surfaced to identify Christopher as their "husband" with evidence to back it up.

Police arrest Ebonyi APC Financial Secretary, 19 others for cultism

The Enugu State Police acommand has arrested the Financial Secretary of the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okenwa Uka and 19 others for belonging to a cult.

The suspects were paraded on Monday by the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdulrahman, after arrest for allegedly belonging to a suspected cult group, Norsemen Vikings Confraternity.

Also paraded were nine other suspects, who were arrested in various parts of Enugu State for various crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and cultism.

Abdulrahman said the 20 suspected cultists were arrested at a hotel in GRA, Enugu, where they were holding a meeting on September 7, 2019, following intelligence information.

Abdulrahman stated further that members of the Vikings Confraternity went in disguise to the Corporate Affairs Commission and registered the De Norsemen Kclub Inc. as a “simple organisation.”

According to him, a banner with the symbol/logo of the Norsemen, which is the same as that of Vikings Confraternity ‘Arrow Mate’ and envelopes containing documents and paper presented by one Henry Oputa, were recovered from the group.

Similarly, Abdulrahman paraded one Tochukwu Ugwu and Prince Samuel Nnamani, leaders of the Vikings and Aiye Confraternity in Nsukka.

Tochukwu, who hails from Orba, the state governor’s home town in the Udenu Local Government Area, confessed to belonging to a cult.

According to the suspect, who was wearing army lifejacket, he was working with a soldier based in Kano, who is now at large, adding that he supplied him the lifejacket and arms to protect himself.

He said the soldier was a member of the Vikings Confraternity and he gave him a bulletproof vest and gun to keep for him.

On his part Nnamani, who hails from Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state, confessed to being a leader of the Aye confraternity.

#Xenophobia: Obasanjo is one of the giants of Africa… what are we doing to his people?- Zulu leader chides angry South Africans

Mangosuthu Buthelezi, leader of the Zulu ethnic group in South Africa, has asked angry South Africans to remember the sacrifice Nigeria and Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, made for their country to come out of apartheid.

Buthelezi said this on Sunday September 8th while addressing a mob chanting ''Foreigners must go'' in Johannesburg. According to Buthelezi, many African nations played key roles in the struggles of South Africa. The Zulu leader recalled how Obasanjo invited him over to Nigeria when the white minority was in power, adding that he also delivered a lecture at the 82nd birthday ceremony of Obasanjo.

“In fact, on the very day that Transkei took so-called independence, President Obasanjo arranged for me and my wife to be in Nigeria so that I could avoid attending Transkei’s independence ceremony. General Obasanjo invited me to Nigeria again this year, where I delivered a lecture in celebration of his 82nd birthday,” he said



Read his full speech below:

I come here today not as a politician, but as an elder. There is a terrible quarrel in our nation with foreign nationals who are living amongst us. Lives have been lost and property damaged. There has been looting and burning and violence. While all this is happening, the world is watching, and we are being judged.

I must speak very bluntly to my fellow South Africans, not to take sides, but to quell the tensions with the voice of truth.

What we have seen in the past few days is unacceptable. The attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses are purely xenophobic. It is a violation of human rights and a violation of our Constitution. Our Constitution enshrines the right to freedom from all forms of violence. That right applies to everyone in South Africa, whether citizens or not.
We cannot allow this to move in cycles. It is not the first spate of attacks; but it must be the last

I understand the tensions, the complaints and the anger. I understand that there is validity to the complaints, on both sides. I also understand that wrongs have been committed by both sides. This has not come out of nowhere.

But there is a saying in Zulu that you cannot slaughter all the sheep because one sheep has transgressed. In a situation of conflict, it is dangerous to tar everyone with the same brush. Even where there are valid complaints against an individual, we cannot take the law into our own hands. Looting and destruction of property is a crime, full stop. Assault is always wrong.

Don’t think these things have no consequences. This violence has diplomatic and economic ramifications. We have hundreds of thousands of South Africans living in countries throughout Africa. We have businesses and companies operating across this continent. We have vital trade relations within the African Union and within SADC, the Southern African Development Community. South Africa is not an island.
There will be sanctions against us for what we are doing. It started with the Zambian Football Association cancelling a soccer match against Bafana Bafana. Then Nigeria announced a boycott of the World Economic Forum on Africa being held in Cape Town. But as I feared they would, sanctions quickly turned to retaliation.

Already South African-owned companies in Nigeria have been targeted for looting and vandalism. MTN has had to close all its stores to protect staff, while the police stand guard at Shoprite stores. On Thursday our diplomatic missions in Abuja and Lagos were forced to close after threats were received. President Buhari has announced a visit to South Africa to speak to President Ramaphosa

We need to stop this thing in its tracks before serious action is taken against us. Do we really want to escalate into international conflict?

I feel ashamed. As Africans we are making ourselves a laughing stock in the rest of the world. Because the world knows what we seem so quick to forget: Africans are brothers and sisters.


In every family there are quarrels and squabbles. But the way we are behaving is shooting ourselves in the foot. We are making the name of South Africa a swear word on the continent.


This is not the first time we have had a spike of xenophobic attacks is our country. In 2008 and in 2015 lives were lost and livelihoods destroyed as communities went on the rampage against foreign nationals. I went then, too, to the communities and townships, and I spoke as I am speaking now.
But now my words are somehow different. The sentiments have not changed, but there is a sense of urgency because I fear what will happen if we fail to extinguish this fire.


The IFP has formally asked the Speaker of the National Assembly to call an urgent debate in parliament, not just to condemn xenophobia, but to hear what the state intends to do to swiftly end the violence.
We cannot allow this to move in cycles. It is not the first spate of attacks; but it must be the last.


We have been facing the rising problem of undocumented migration ever since 1994. I served as the first Minister of Home Affairs in a democratic era. For ten years my department grappled with this, trying to find a way to balance human rights with the good of the country.
I was struck even then by the number of undocumented Africans within our borders, especially from Zimbabwe, and the implications this had for our ability to create social and economic justice for South Africans. But when I pointed out our porous borders and said they need to be guarded, some people actually accused me of xenophobia, saying it was because I didn’t go into exile.


If anyone knows what our African brothers sacrificed for the sake of our struggle, it is I.


Many of the countries whose citizens were coming to South Africa had given sanctuary to our political exiles during the struggle for freedom. Being an Anglican myself, I received a letter from the Anglican Bishop of Mozambique, Bishop Dinis Sengulane, lamenting that I was not helping his people who were flocking to South Africa.


These accusations were painful, and quite misplaced. Because if anyone knows what our African brothers sacrificed for the sake of our struggle, it is I. I went myself to Zambia and Tanzania in 1974, to thank President Kaunda and President Nyerere for giving sanctuary to all our exiles. Earlier this year, I again visited His Excellency Dr Kenneth Kaunda in Zambia, and he spoke touchingly about the risks they took on our behalf. Let me quote him directly.

He said:
“Prince Buthelezi, we first met in 1974 here in Lusaka when I was a leader of a young independent nation of Zambia and was honoured to be leader of the frontline states which were all newly independent states. We hosted South African political exiles and freedom fighters. (It) was a huge risk to our own freedom as a nation. Financially we could not afford this task, since Ian Smith had closed the borders for us to transport goods through Rhodesia. The security risk was enormous on our people as the apartheid regime in South Africa was becoming more and more vicious. But we had to do that historic duty for the freedom of black people. I am a very proud man that we did this and all God’s children in South Africa… are free today.”


Friends, this is our own history. African countries like Lesotho, Swaziland, Nigeria, Zambia and Tanzania took huge risks on our behalf. Is this how we repay them?


I am not saying that anyone should be able to live in South Africa if they come here illegally, or if they are illegally running a business. If they are committing crime, they are criminals like any South African would be a criminal for doing the same thing. But we cannot adopt the attitude that Africans have no right to come here, and no right to be here, if they come through legitimate channels.


I know that even this is controversial. I remember visiting Geneva for a meeting called by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. As South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, I discovered that many people who claim to be refugees are not refugees in the legal sense of the word. Yet due to various and very real problems in their countries, they are forced to try their luck in South Africa.


Through immigration legislation, I sought to protect South Africa, closing the door to undocumented migration while opening it to the skills our country so desperately needs. There is, for instance a shortage of doctors in South Africa, and with our failing health care system we need to welcome professional doctors from Nigeria and other countries.


I still regret the irrational hostility towards my Immigration Act when I brought it to the Cabinet of President Mbeki. We moved in the wrong direction as a country and we never resolved the rising tensions. It’s time to do that now, before it is too late.


We dare not forget or disregard all that was done for us by African leaders like His Excellency President Olusegun Obasanjo. As a member of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group, General Obasanjo revealed to the world the real conditions of our people under apartheid. He supported us in our stand against the regime’s plan to deprive us of our citizenship.
In fact, on the very day that Transkei took so-called independence, President Obasanjo arranged for me and my wife to be in Nigeria so that I could avoid attending Transkei’s independence ceremony. General Obasanjo invited me to Nigeria again this year, where I delivered a lecture in celebration of his 82nd birthday.


This is one of the giants of Africa. What are we doing to his people?
I have been a guest of President Hastings Banda in Malawi. I was received by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie in Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa I was received by the Under-Secretary of the OAU, Dr Peter Onu. In Liberia, President Tolbert bestowed upon me a National Order, The Knight Commander of the Star of Africa. And when the OAU bestowed a posthumous award on my mentor Inkosi Albert Luthuli, I accompanied MaNokhukanya Luthuli to Maseru to receive the award from His Majesty King Moshoeshoe II.


If we turn our despair, our anger and frustration against our brothers, we will start a feud that can only end in tragedy

Our struggle is tied to the struggle of these countries throughout Africa. They fought colonialism just as we did. And they sacrificed to see us liberated. So when I say that we are one family, I am speaking the truth. Just recently, when my wife passed away, His Majesty the King of Lesotho paid a visit to my home to comfort me.


We are brothers in Africa.


Yes, South Africa is struggling economic hardship. Our country is in crisis. The cry of our people has not fallen on deaf ears. But if we turn our despair, our anger and frustration against our brothers, we will start a feud that can only end in tragedy. We are fighting our own family.
Friends, I am a Christian. I believe what the Bible says. It says, quite clearly:


“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt…” (Leviticus 19 v 33 and 34)
“Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them.” (Deuteronomy 23 v 16)
“Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow (citizen) or a foreigner residing in one of your towns… Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice.” (Deuteronomy 24 v 14 – 17)
“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner.” (Deuteronomy 27 v 19)
“Do not oppress… the foreigner… Do not plot evil against each other.” (Zechariah 7 v 10)


I cannot put it more clearly. This is not my instruction, but God’s. Let us be led by our moral conscience.

Man allegedly defiles daughter for three years, mother keeps mum

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos command has arrested a 46 years old man, Mr. Chinedu Ifeleka, for sexually abusing his 14-year-old daughter, Chinwendu Ifeleka at Mapowu street, Ojo.

Kehinde Mary Bada, Public Relations Officer of the command, on Monday, said Chinedu started abusing the victim in 2016.

“This incidence according to the daughter happened twice when she was 11 years old. The victim said she reported to her mother but no action was taken”, the spokesman said.

In her statement, Chiwendu said her father sexually abused her again on the 9th of August, 2019 while her mother was away at her paternal grandmother’s place.

She disclosed that her father woke her up at about 2.25am and started touching her inappropriately after which he had carnal knowledge of her.

The girl said she reported again to her mother.

The suspect, in his statement, admitted to committing the crime but insisted he had carnal knowledge of his daughter once.

The victim’s mother, Mrs. Florence Ifeleka, in a separate statement, said she was scared to report the first two incidences because the suspect, her husband threatened to deal with her ruthlessly if she did.

The Commandant, Mr. Cyprian E Otoibhi, told newsmen that, “the suspect will face the full wrath of the law and will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution.”

He further stated that this is a heinous crime and all perpetrators of such, when caught will be made to pay dearly.

Reiterating the corps’ mandate of protection of critical infrastructure as well as protection of lives and property, the Commandant said the Corps will not rest on its oars in ensuring a crime-free Lagos.

Ponzi scam: EFCC arrests MD of Millionaire African Leaders’ Club

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Office, is currently interrogating Princess Benny Chidinma, Managing Director of a suspected Ponzi Scheme, “Millionaire African Leaders Club, on allegations of providing financial services without statutory licence.

Chidinma’s arrest comes two days after her Enugu branch Coordinator, Nwonu Priscilla Chika, was apprehended by operatives of the commission following a raid on the premises of the club at No. 79 Nike Road, Abakpa Nike, Enugu, Enugu State. Three promoters and newly recruited staff of the organisation were arrested in the operation.

EFCC Head, Media and Publicity Wilson Uwujaren said Wednesday in a statement: “Under interrogation, Chidinma admitted that the Ponzi scheme was initially registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and that she was running it in connivance with her accomplice, one Ken Onyekwere Okwuikpo, who resides in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“She further revealed that the scheme pays 70% interest and not 50% as earlier stated by the Coordinator as annual return on investment, to contributors.

“She also disclosed that their offices are spread across Nsukka, Port Harcourt, Aba, Abakaliki and Enugu.

“Investigation is still ongoing, while efforts are being made to arrest other accomplices.”

DESOPADEC begins Town hall meetings ahead of its budget preparation.

By Hezekiah Senator

The Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has kick-started its town hall meetings with the five ethnic groups under the commission, ahead of its next budget year.

The town hall meetings which started, Monday with Isoko ethnic nationality at the Isoko Unity House, Oleh, witnessed an interactive session with monarchs, President General of Isoko Development Union, President Generals of the various Isoko communities and the management of DESOPADEC, led by its Managing Director, Bashorun Dr. Askia Ogieh

Speaking on the essence of the meeting, Bashorun Dr. Askia Ogieh explained that the commission is embarking on a bottom-to-top approach in line with the rebranding of DESOPADEC by the state government, to meet with its vision of developing the oil producing communities.

On continuity of projects being carried out by the commission, the MD stated that there is one united DESOPADEC, irrespective of board leadership, adding that the commission will be spending 60 percent of its fund on ongoing projects while 40 percent will be spent on new projects.

 According to Bashorun Ogieh: “I am awaiting your project compendium for our budget preparation in line with the bottom-to-top approach as we will be starting our proper budget process by next week. The funds for the commission are shared according to the quantum of ethnic groups and projects are shared accordingly on this with Isoko nation getting 14 percent.

"The DESOPADEC budget system is actually in two forms namely centralised project and ethnic project, but the centralised project is the legacy project of this administration and the government is very interested in these projects as it will show that we have changed from the DESOPADEC of old to a rebranded DESOPADEC.”

Speaking earlier in his address while reeling out the demands of Isoko nation, the President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU) High Chief Iduh Amadhe, commended the commission for its bottom-to-top approach, adding that the approach will be a turn around in the future mandate of the commission.

He said: “I must place on record that we acknowledge and appreciate the new bottom to top approach system being adopted by the board as a wonderful initiative that is bound to bring a sharp turn around in the fortunes of area of mandate.

“It is my fervent believe that if well executed, the new approach will not only bring about the desired results, but will remain a potent factor in achieving the set goals. I also wish to commend the new approach to attending to payments payable contractors. I urge you to keep this up as it is confidence building and a possible spur for greater performance as well as quality service delivery."

On Isoko  electricity problem, Chief Iduh Amadhe advised the Commission to partner with BEDC, NDDC to fast track the completion of the 132KVA line for Isoko People as well as set up a micro credit scheme, scholarship, employment to indigenes of oil producing communities according to the production quota of the Oil producing ethnic nationalities.

 He further advised the Management of DESOPADEC, to; "Review some of the old projects initiated by the commission that did not meet up engineering standard and requirements and subsequently of negative impact on the benefiting communities, adequate budgeting for ongoing or inherited projects against previous system of concentrating on new projects while   ongoing projects are not accommodated in financial outlay for continuity"

Regency Elongation Allegation: Ibrede community to hold emergency meeting

...process for new king almost concluded - PG

Elo Edremoda


People of Ibrede community in Ndokwa-West council area of Delta state, are set to hold an emergency meeting on the allegation that the Odio-Ologbo of the clan, HRM Patrick Iliroma, is unwilling to vacate the traditional stool, after the lawful three year regency.

This is coming on the heels of a petition to the Delta state commissioner of police, by one Victor Akokomebe, an indigene of Ibrede, accusing the regent of trying to elongate his tenure.

Speaking to Imirror via mobile phone, president general of the community, Dr. Esi Oweh, revealed that the process to crown a new Odio is near concluded.

Pointing out that the issue is no threat to security, he wondered why the petitioner chose to toe that line, noting that some people have no regard for constituted authorities.

Akokomebe had in the purported petition dated September 5, claimed the regent is holding on to the monarchy, and as well in late August, conferred chieftaincy titles on some individuals even though his tenure expired since May. He had also warned investors to desist from doing business with HRM Iliromah, stating that anyone who does, is only taking a risk.

However, Dr. Oweh revealed that a meeting has been summoned for the weekend, so that the right steps can be taken to address the matter.

He stated, "it is not a security threat. Besides, I'm convening a meeting this weekend. Those who think they are above the law, that they don't have respect for any constituted authority, I cannot give ears to them. He is just trying to instigate crisis where there is none. I don't like it.

"The whole central working committee of the community consisting of the organs of government and branches are meeting this weekend. Then, we will take appropriate decision and communicate same. All of us have equal stakes. He may have people using him and just pushing his name forward."

Asked what may be delaying the emergence of another traditional ruler, he added, "the process is on and almost concluded, as I speak to you".

Responding to the matter, the Regent had reportedly lamented the inconvenience of his continual stay on the throne.

"It is not convenient for me to be here. I am waiting for Ward B to come up with a candidate. Am I supposed to vacate office to create vacuum? Since I have not handed over, I can confer chieftaincy titles," HRM Iliromah said.

Man jailed for using expired ATM card to buy drinks, fried meat in Edo

A 51-year old man, Ikidi Innocent, is to spend three months in jail for using expired Union Bank ATM card to buy drinks and fried meat.

Ikidi was sentenced by Oredo Magistrate Court after he was arraigned on three-count charge of cheating and obtaining by false pretence.

‎The accused who pleaded guilty to the charges, was said to have committed the offence on June 27, 2019.

He was said to have tricked one Blessing John and Dorothy Amaka to buy meat and beer for his consumption.

Police Prosecutor, ASP Patrick Agbonifo, informed the court that the convict bought fried meat worth N1,500, stout beer worth N9,000, bitters worth N300, and other alcoholic drinks worth N3,430.

He said the offences were punishable under Sections 516, 421 and 419 of the Criminal Code cap 48 Vol ii laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria now applicable in Edo State.

Presiding magistrate, Ivie Akhere, therefore, sentenced the accused to three months imprisonment without an option of fine.

Police arrest prophet for killing Imo graduate

The operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a prophet, Michael Mbonu, for allegedly killing one Princewill Ezeji.

The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo, said that apart from the prophet, four other suspects were arrested by the SARS operatives for allegedly murdering the graduate of philosophy.

He disclosed that the arrest of the suspect was as a result of digital analysis led by the SARS commander, Godfrey Victor.

He said that the deceased had gone missing after buying a Lexus vehicle.

He said, “SARS operatives led by the commander, Godfrey Victor, swung into action on receipt of a complaint of a missing person.

“Five persons were subsequently arrested. They are, Mbonu Michael, a 27-Year-old prophet, Kingsley Udemba, 24, Nwogu Anslem  59, Blessing Michael, 25, and Chidinma Godwin, 27.

“It is important to note that on August 3, the deceased, Princewill Eleji, a graduate of Philosophy bought a Lexus vehicle and went to see his Prophet, Michael Mbuno.

“From that date the victim was nowhere to be seen. While that was going on, one Kingsley Udemba, a close friend showed up and claimed that because the victim defrauded him was the reason he was missing.

“The parents of the missing person had to raise N960,000 and paid Kinsley Udemba, yet the boy was not released. Upon investigation, and thorough digital analysis, though Kingsley collected the ransom as agreed but had no knowledge about the victim’s whereabouts.

“The prophet, a family friend who was following the parents to look for Princewill was indicted. On interrogation, he confessed to the crime. He took operatives to see the decomposing corpse of the victim. The victim’s car, telephone and sim card were recovered. Charms, a Bible were also recovered.”

Man lands in serious trouble after stealing church offering in Benin

An Oredo Special Grade Magistrates’ Court sitting in Benin, on Thursday, sentenced one Henry Godspower to three months imprisonment for stealing church offerings.

Mr Godspower was alleged to have broken into the Greater Liberation Ministry Church located at James Watt road in Benin City to carry out the act.

He, however, was apprehended and consequently arraigned in court by the police on a two-count charge of stealing and felony.

He pleaded guilty to the charges.

The police prosecutor, Patrick Agbonifo, informed the court that the convict stole the sum of N3,520 from the church.

He said the offences were punishable under Sections 415 and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap 48, Vol 11, Laws of the Defunct Bendel now applicable to Edo State.

The presiding magistrate, Ivie Akhere, sentenced Mr Godspower to three months imprisonment without an option of fine.

Student escapes death for attempting 41-days fast, Hospitalised

A student of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) identified as Ikechukwu Oke, has been escaped death and has been hospitalised after his failed attempts to fast for 41-days.

According to Naija News report, Oke decided to willingly engage himself in the fast over the challenges his family was going through.

He was hospitalized when he collapsed as a result of malnutrition.

It was gathered that Oke lost so much weight as a result of the fast and was placed on medication and drips to help him recover.

While giving a detailed report on how he was admitted, a friend and roomate to Oke, Christian Nwaokpa said;“He is from Ebiaji in Ezza North LGA. It is his nature.

“As it stands now, men of goodwill and ambassadors are on the way conveying him to the Accident and Emergency Ward in Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki.”

Nigerian Grandmother convicted in London for circumcising grandchild without parents’ consent

A 70-year-old Nigerian pharmacist and a devout Christian who posed as the mother of her 11-month-old grandson so he could be circumcised without his parents’ consent has been sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

Martina Obi-Uzom was entrusted to look after the child while his parents were away over the weekend of September 2 to 3, 2017.

She used the opportunity to travel to London and employ the skills of a Jewish mohel – a Jew trained in the practice of circumcision – to get the child circumcised, determined he conform to her Nigerian Christian beliefs.

Obi-Uzom was accompanied by a male friend and filled in a consent form, duping the mohel into believing they were the boy’s parents.

The boy’s mother was furious when she found out and reported Obi-Uzom to the police, Inner London crown court heard.

Obi-Uzom, who runs a pharmacy in Clacton-on-Sea, was acquitted at trial of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but was convicted by a jury of unlawful wounding.

She was sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months at Inner London Crown Court. She was also ordered to pay £1500 costs and a £140 victim surcharge.

The court heard she recruited a male to pose as the child’s father and travelled to Golders Green, north-west London, while the child’s parents were away.

When she arrived she signed the parental consent form, which was accepted on face value by the mohel.

Judge Freya Newbery told her: ‘You have a Christian belief in circumcision that has great cultural and religious significance to you.

‘You wanted the boy circumcised and the mother of the boy did not agree with you.

‘She and the boy’s father went away for the weekend and they left you both of their children to look after and you booked the Jewish mohel to perform the circumcision.

‘You went with a male friend and pretended to be the parents of this boy and the mohel took on face value the parental consent form.

‘The circumcision was a significant physical step with irreversible consequences.’

The judge added that ‘there was no parental consent’ however, and ‘that is what is missing here.

He said: ‘You imposed your will, ignoring the mother’s objections to the circumcision and as the boy’s father describes it was a massive violation.

‘Circumcision can only be lawful with the consent of parents.

There is high culpability here, plus the vulnerability of the boy and this was planned and carefully organised.

‘You acted quickly to bring into effect your will, using the deceit that I have found you have.

‘It was an arrogant, imperious decision for what you wanted in place of the mother. It was a serious breach of trust.

‘The probation officer you spoke to found the offence was controlling and manipulative on your part.’

Judge Newbery said the offence merited a prison sentence, but there were circumstances that allowed her to suspend it.

‘I accept your intention in your mind wasn’t to harm the boy and you are a woman of impeccable character,‘ he said.

‘You have worked in the community promoting the needs of less fortunate children. You are a professional person, a pharmacist, highly qualified and devoted to your family.

‘Both of the parents gave evidence and there has been a deep impact on you because of these criminal proceedings, but you brought it on yourself.

‘As a pharmacist I recognise your profession is under jeopardy as is potentially your ability to travel to family in America with this conviction.’

Decomposing body of police officer found inside bush three weeks after he was kidnapped in Rivers State

The decomposing body of a sergeant kidnapped about three weeks ago in Rivers State was found inside a bush on Thursday.

Sergeant Lawrence Igbero, attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Unit 56, was taken away by suspected kidnappers on the Ogoni Road, Rivers State.

It was gathered that the team, led by the unit Commander, Egbe Sunday, had combed the bush for the sergeant since his kidnap, but could not find him.

It was gathered that the detectives later tracked his phone, which was being used by a man who claimed to have bought it.

“Through the ‘buyer’, the police tracked and arrested the ‘seller’. It was then they confessed to have killed the sergeant and dumped his body in the forest. It was discovered that the suspects were responsible for several other kidnappings and snatching of vehicles and motorcycles in Ogoni. The body of the sergeant was evacuated by the search party. He was identified because his uniform was still on the body,” said a source.

Police spokesman Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident said the body has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy, adding that a suspect has been arrested.

Vehicle pelted with bullets as Boko Haram attack governor’s convoy

The convoy of Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, was recently attacked, allegedly by members of the Boko Haram sect on Thursday night, September 5.

It was disclosed by security sources that the convoy of Zulum was attacked at Konduga, around 9 pm, as the governor was returning from a trip to Bama Local government area.

It was further reported that the Borno State governor had as part of his “familiarity and need assessment tour” of the 27 LGAs in the state, visited Kwaya Kusar, Askira Uba, Bayo and Gwoza.

The security source was quoted to have said:

“Luckily the governor, his commissioners and other vehicles in the convoy escaped unhurt but the last vehicle which is an army gun truck was pelted with bullets.

“Immediately after they fired at us, our men in collaboration with the armed personnel from the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad(FSARS), quickly retaliated and thwarted the ambush.”

Many attacks have been made in Konduga, an area close to Sambisa forest, from the Boko Haram faction which is under the control of Abubakar Shekau.

This latest attack is coming seven months after Kashim Shettima the former governor of Borno State was attacked by the outlawed organisation as he made his way to Gamboru Ngala.

It will be recalled that former Governor Shettima spoke on his ordeal and how he was able to successfully escape from the ambush laid against him by the Boko Haram terrorists who attacked his convoy.

‘Professor’ arraigned for internet fraud by EFCC not our staff —OAU

Authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State on Friday declared that one Professor Charles Jide-Oni who was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged internet fraud is not a staff of the institution.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of OAU, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, which was made available  to Saturday Tribune in Osogbo.

According to the press statement, “the attention of the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, has been drawn to a news item in the social and conventional media about one Charles Jide – Oni, who was arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, for obtaining money under false pretences and other fraudulent activities, by the Ibadan Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He was also alleged to have claimed to be a Professor in our University.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, and to set the records straight, we make bold to say that, having gone through our staff list, data, and other record – keeping devices in our archives,  we do not have  any of our professors, retired or serving, dead or living, who goes by that name.”

“Accordingly, the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, does not have anything to do with the self styled ‘Professor’ and urged the general public to disregard, in its entirety, whatever claims he might have made in connection with our esteemed Institution of higher learning.”

“The Vice Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, therefore, advised the public to be wary of those who may be using the name of the university for anything unholy, emphasising the zero tolerance of his administration for fraud and other related vices.”

“He implored the general public to always verify from the university the claims of anybody who may be using the name of the university for fraudulent activities or any unholy conduct”, the statement concluded.

Flood overruns Warri, victims cry over losses

.............Tidi, Omatsuli promise government’s intervention

By Rita Ossai

The Oil City of Warri in Delta State, was on Friday September 6, overran by flood, following the rains that fell for most part of Thursday afternoon and night, till Friday morning.

Areas affected included large expanse of Ekurede-Itsekiri Community, Ubeji Community, Ugbori Community, Olomu Street, Ighorue Street, Okumagba Avenue, Okumagba Estate, Ode-Kporo Quarters Okere, Ginuwa, Esisi, Upper Erejuwa and Swamp Roads.


Worst hit was Ekurede-Itsekiri Community, where residential houses, shops, undeveloped plots and business premises, were literarily  submerged, leaving some inhabitants of the densely populated community trapped in their various homes, as they tried to rescue some of their belongings.



Observers were worried that should the prediction of heavy rains cum flood for the months of September and October by NIMET, becomes reality, then major parts of Warri would be totally submerged.



A team comprising Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi and the Commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Hon. Griftson Omatsuli, which went round Warri to ascertain the extent of the flood, identified causes of the flood to include blocked drains, indiscriminate dumping of wastes and erection of structures on natural water-ways.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, while reacting to the flood situation, stated that the political will to tackle the flood was not lacking in the state government as the Okowa administration had previously set up a committee to tackle the problem.



Dr. Tidi advised those directly affected by the flood to seek temporary abodes with their relatives as efforts were on going to address the flood headlong.



Hon. Griftson Omatsuli on his part, assured that the management of DESOPADEC, will immediately deploy materials with a view to opening up blocked drains and water channels, so as to mitigate the situation. 

Omovusu appeals for more funds to complete Oleh house

The Managing Director of Austin vins and partners Ltd, Dr. Amb. Vincent Omovusu DD has appealed to the entire Oleh sons and daughters, friends and well-wishers for financial assistance to complete the Oleh community development union (OCDU) "House" at Ajegunle.

Dr. Amb. Omovusu made this appeal while on interactive session with the Press recently in his office. He pointed out that as the chairman of the launching/fund raising for the Oleh house, it is a duty bound on him to appeal for financial support for the completion of the OCDU House. The appeal for more donations from the Oleh sons and daughters including those in diaspora and other public spirited individuals so as to enable the building committee of the OCDU to put the building project in a befitting stage.

Dr Amb. Omovusu used the medium to acknowledge and appreciate donations from Chief Dr. Amb. Mrs Beatrice Ugbeku and others who graced the occasion during the launching/funds raising of the house.

Noting that as Oliver twist, it has become necessary to appeal again for more funds for the completion of the house.

"I want to use this medium to join OCDU executive to appeal to all sons and daughters of Oleh kingdom and other public spirited individuals for more donations so as to enable the building committee to put the Oleh house in a befitting stage" he said.

According to him all donations should be made to the following account details:
OLEH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UNION
0017062901
UNITY BANK

Please for further enquiries, please kindly contact the following persons:
Mr Commander Obi, building committee chairman
Tel: 0806 07864 71,
Engr Samuel Ubietu, Chairman OCDU Lagos
Tel: 08098144340, 07084435434
Mr E.S.O Evro, patron OCDU
Tel: 08035726463

DTSG decries agonies of road users on Warri Benin Federal Highway

...set to intervene

The Delta State Government has stated that it will intervene on the failed sections of the Warri-Sapele-Benin road to reduce the sufferings of road users on the highway.

Commissioner for Works Chief James Augoye and his Information counterpart Mr Charles Aniagwu stated this Wednesday at Okuvo, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State while conducting journalists round the failed sections on the road.

The Works Commissioner noted that although the road is a Federal Road, Deltans and other Nigerians depend on the road to erk a living for themselves.

He said Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was disturbed by the sufferings of the people who ply the road and decries the loss of man hour and productive time on the road.

"This Warri Sapele Benin road is a Federal Highway and as a state we actually did palliatives works on some portions of the road before now and the parts we intervened on are still very solid till today, what we are doing here is to look at the possibility of the state government intervening.

"The work here is not just maintenance or rehabilitation, it requires total reconstruction because the mud here is very clayed and it needs to be excavated to the soil base and refilled with sharp stand to make it solid so there is much work to be done here.

"Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has directed that we visit the site and see the possible way of intervention by the state government to free the masses from the sufferings on the road.

On his part, Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said the state government was intervening because Deltans and Nigerians use the road irrespective of where they are from, because what they are going through on account of the deplorable condition of the road.

"You have seen it by yourself that it is in a very very bad condition and we are pained so it doesn't just have to be Deltans that pass through here for us to be disturbed, we are disturbed because what is happening here affects not just the economy of the state and the nation.

"The Commissioner for Works has made it very very clear that we are going to start work in earnest but we have to plead with the Federal Government to assist us in taking care of these Federal roads because it is digging very deep into our pockets as a state and the more they assist us the better for us and the better for other Nigerians that are making use of these roads," he added

The duo had earlier inspected work at the ongoing construction of the Ughelli Asaba Federal highway and appealed to the Federal Government to reimburse the State Government for previous interventions so that such funds can be deployed to other needs.

"As you can see it is taking us several billions to ensure that these roads are put to motorable condition. It is costing the State Government several billions to carry out these interventions and of course you know there are a lot of needs and other challenges that are within the direct responsibility of the State Government that requires attention but here we are investing huge sums of money to address these Federal roads because we believe that leaving it unattended will lead to untold hardship for our people.

"We are equally using this opportunity of this inspection to plead with the Federal Government to reimburse the State Government with what it has spent before on previous interventions so that we can deploy the funds to other important needs.

"The Commissioner for Works had earlier hinted that the 47.8km Section A alone is costing the State Government over N19bn and you know what that kind of money can do for us as a state," he said

"Governor Okowa is seriously troubled that all the Federal roads in the state are in terrible conditions, he is disturbed by the hectic traffic at the Head bridge leading into Onitsha in Anambra state, you will recall that at one time we wrote to the Federal Government to allow us fix that road, but they declined on the ground that they have engaged a contractor to address the failed sections of the road.

"The Asaba Benin stretch of the road has also become a nightmare and even our decision to remediate part of the Agbor Eku road is just a palliative as that road requires total reconstruction. So you can understand now why we are pleading with the Federal Government to expedite action on these roads.

"The fact is that beyond the hardship faced by commuters it's effect on the economy is incalculable." he said