The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended a man, Nuhu Ezra, for allegedly trading human parts in Abuja.
Ezra, a resident of Gosa Kipikipi village, Lugbe, was allegedly caught with a human skull and bones on July 9, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m. by operatives from the Iddo police division.
According to the police, Ezra intended to sell the human remains for N600,000.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, urging residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Read also: ‘Nobody is too big to be voted out of office…’, Bashir El-Rufai drops veiled message
“The suspect, Nuhu Ezra, stated that he picked up the human skull and bones from the bush while hunting in Kuje. He intended to sell them for N600,000,” Adeh said.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Benneth Igweh, has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the source of the human parts, the intended buyer, and how long Ezra has been involved in the alleged business. The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
The police are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the illegal trade and ensure that justice is served. The incident has raised concerns about the illegal trade in human parts in the region, and residents are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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Man arrested in Abuja for trading human parts
Biden to address press conference after poor debate outing
United States President Joe Biden will Thursday give his first press conference since his debate disaster against Donald Trump, in a pressure-cooker moment that could seal the fate of his reelection bid.
The eyes of the world will be on the 81-year-old at a NATO summit as he tries to calm growing calls from his Democratic party to step aside over his age and health.
The White House has dubbed it a “big boy” press conference, and Biden will be under severe pressure to show he can handle what has become a rare unscripted moment in his presidency.
Any missteps by Biden at the 5.30 pm (2130 GMT) event at a Washington DC conference center could turn the trickle of Democrats who have so far urged him to abandon his 2024 election bid into a flood.
The walls closed in further on Wednesday when Hollywood actor and supporter George Clooney called on Biden not to stand, just weeks after holding a glitzy fundraiser for the president.
Party heavyweight and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi also subtly twisted the knife by stopping short of backing Biden, saying only that he should make a decision after the NATO summit.
The first Democratic senator, Peter Welch of Vermont, meanwhile joined at least eight House Democrats in openly urging the man who beat Trump in 2020 not to stand again.
But many Democrats are believed to be waiting to see if Biden pulls off his first solo press conference since November 2023, or whether it will be a repeat of the debate.
Biden has given fewer news conferences than his predecessors. His recent appearances have been joint appearances with foreign leaders restricted to two questions each.
Coupled with a lack of interviews, it has led critics to accuse the White House of shielding the effects of age on America’s oldest president from the public.
* ‘Devastating’ –
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has repeatedly promised Thursday’s “big boy press conference” — a phrase first used by a journalist that she has since adopted — will feature multiple questions.
A poor performance will pour fuel on the flames of the concerns about Biden’s age and health that were sparked when he appeared listless and often incoherent against Republican Trump, 78.
NATO allies have also been seeking reassurance about Biden’s leadership abilities, and over fears that a return of the isolationist Trump could spell trouble for the alliance.
Biden has blamed his debate meltdown on a bad cold and jet lag after two weeks of grueling foreign travel.
But Clooney said in a coruscating New York Times piece on Wednesday that the signs were already there at a June 15 fundraiser in Los Angeles that he co-hosted with actor Julia Roberts.
“It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010,” wrote Clooney.
“He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.”
Clooney said that Biden would lose the presidential election, and Democrats would also lose both chambers of Congress.
Biden has insisted that he is committed to running in November, and with the Democratic party primary votes under his belt there is no real way of forcing him out.
But the New York Times reported on Wednesday that some Democratic grandees like Pelosi are trying a different tack — appealing to his rational side rather than inflaming the stubbornness that has driven his political career.
Vice President Kamala Harris is widely seen to be the frontrunner to replace Biden if he steps aside, but any move would have to be before the Democratic convention in Chicago in August.
AFP
Euro 2024: Absolutely disgraceful decision – Gary Neville on referee awarding England penalty against Netherlands
Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville has hit out at referee, Felix Zwayer’s decision to award England a penalty against the Netherlands during both teams’ Euro 2024 semi-final clash on Wednesday night.
Neville branded the decision as ‘absolutely disgraceful’, insisting that it was not a penalty.
Recall that Xavi Simons had put Netherlands ahead during the encounter, but England were handed a controversial spot kick when Harry Kane hit the deck before the 20-minute mark.
The Bayern Munich attacker had already skied his effort when he was clipped by Denzel Dumfries, who was booked for his role in the goal, which was awarded after a VAR check.
Referee Zwayer had originally awarded the goal kick, but changed his mind after a check with the technology.
Kane then converted the penalty to restore parity before Ollie Watkins scored a late goal to ensure the Three Lions defeated the Dutch team 2-1.
“As a defender, I think it’s an absolutely disgraceful decision,” Neville said on ITV.
“There’s no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It’s not a penalty for me.”
Euro 2024: Absolutely disgraceful decision – Gary Neville on referee awarding England penalty against Netherlands
Nunez, Uruguay players fight Colombian fans after Copa loss
Liverpool star, Darwin Nunez, and other Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombian fans. The brawl erupted after their 1-0 Copa America semi-final defeat on Wednesday.
Uruguay striker, Nunez, unleashed a flurry of punches at Colombian supporters after jumping into the spectator seating at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium following an ill-tempered loss to Colombia.
Uruguay central defender Jose Maria Gimenez said players had leapt into the melee out of concern for the safety of family members and loved ones watching the game.
“This is a disaster. Our family was in danger. We had to go to the stands to take out our loved ones, with tiny newborn babies,” the Atletico Madrid player said.
“There was not a single police officer… I hope those who are organising this are a little more careful with the families.
“Every game it’s been happening because there are people who don’t know how to handle a couple of drinks.”
The overwhelming majority of the spectators in the crowd were supporting Colombia but there was no segregation between them and their Uruguayan counterparts.
Several Uruguay players climbed into the crowd, seemingly to protect fans, with Nunez prominent.
The fighting continued for several minutes until police finally intervened.
A group of around 80-100 Uruguayan fans remained in the stadium, on the pitch, long after the rest of the fans had left with Uruguay players returning to the field to meet them.
Ugly scenes also broke out on the field after the final whistle, with players and staff from both teams involved in a mass melee in the centre circle following Colombia’s victory.
CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation which organises the Copa America, issued a statement condemning the incidents.
“CONMEBOL strongly condemns any acts of violence that affect football. Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values.
“There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the pitch. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party.”
AFP
‘Nobody is too big to be voted out of office…’, Bashir El-Rufai drops veiled message
Bashir El-Rufai, one of the sons of former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has dropped a cryptic message which many believe was targeted at President Bola Tinubu over his reelection in 2027.
In a post on his X handle on Wednesday evening, the outspoken Bashir said that nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the electorates, adding that it will happen with no consequences.
He went on to say that even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank would not be able to save those who depend on them.
He also advised that people should forget all the intimidations flying up and down, saying they should be patient.
“Nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen. So forget all these intimidations flying up and down. Let us be patient,” Bashir wrote.
READ ALSO:El-Rufai absent as Kaduna APC passes vote of confidence on Gov Sani
“Even IMF & World Bank no go save una that time. Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos,” he added.
Nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen. So forget all these intimidations flying up and down. Let us be patient.
Even IMF & World Bank no go save una that time. Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos.
— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) July 10, 2024
A few hours later after many commenters insinuated that Bashir was referring to Tinubu, he made a follow up post where he said he did not mention any name in his earlier post.
He added that nobody would force him to support what he described as utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.
“I didn’t call names o, but due to their guilt, they already know who is being spoken about. Wallahi, none of you will force anyone to support this utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.”
I didn't call names o, but due to their guilt, they already know who is being spoken about. Wallahi, none of you will force anyone to support this utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.
— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) July 10, 2024
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Nigeria approves release of 2,000 tractors, other farming equipment to boost food security
Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has announced the approval of 2,000 tractors, 4,000 disc ploughs, 1,200 tractor trailers and other equipment under its National Agricultural Mechanization Programme, NAMP, to promote food security in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy disclosed this in a statement on his X handle, outlining the outcomes of Thursday’s FEC meeting in Abuja.
He stated that the approval included other assorted spare parts that would boost Nigeria’s food production drive.
“Procurement of 2000 tractors, 4000 disc plows, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers and assorted spare parts. The items to be supplied are for the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme(NAMP) to strengthen national food security.
“Astride DMCC, which has done a similar job in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa and Togo, will supply all the equipment and will also set up a plant to assemble the machinery, in the second stage of the contract,” Onanuga said.
The development comes after the government had earlier announced a plan to grant a 150-day suspension of taxes, and import duties on rice, wheat, beans and other staple foods to tackle soaring food inflation in the country which rose to 40.66 percent in May.
Also, Tinubu announced on Tuesday the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry. According to the government, the new ministry will tackle farmers-herders age-long conflicts causing food insecurity.
This is as Nigerians continue to groan over high prices of foods in the country resulting in low purchasing power among the citizenry.
Recall that the Food and Agriculture Organization, an arm of the United Nations recently warned that by 2030 about 80 to 82 million Nigerians may slip into severe hunger in the country amid food insecurity.
Nigeria approves release of 2,000 tractors, other farming equipment to boost food security
LeBron, Curry impress as USA romp past Canada in Olympic warm-up
LeBron James and Steph Curry made a winning start as USA team-mates in an 86-72 victory over Canada in a pre-Olympics exhibition game in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The two NBA superstars are part of a formidable USA basketball roster that will be chasing a fifth consecutive gold medal when the Paris Olympics get under way this month.
James and Curry are playing alongside each other for the first time as international team-mates, and showed glimpses of a near telepathic understanding during Wednesday’s game.
Curry finished with 12 points while James had seven as the US recovered from an early 11-1 deficit to cruise to victory in their final game at home before Paris.
They decamp to the United Arab Emirates for exhibition games against Australia and Serbia next week.
Los Angeles Lakers ace James gathered the USA team for a huddle following a win which suggested the Americans will, unsurprisingly, be red hot favourites for the gold in France.
“We know we can be a lot better but we’ve only been together four days,” James said afterwards.
“All the miscues offensively, and the turnovers. We’ll get better with that — but it starts on the defensive end.
“As long as we defend we’ll give ourselves a good chance to win every night.”
Curry agreed that defense would be the key to the Olympic campaign.
“We can work out the kinks and the timing on offense, but if we compete like that and commit to playing defense, we’ll be fine against anybody,” Curry said.
James, the NBA’s all-time leading points scorer, meanwhile said he had enjoyed joining forces with Golden State star Curry.
“We’re just two guys who love to play the game of basketball,” James said.
“It’s fun. We play the game at a high level but more importantly, we just play the game that we love the right way.”
Curry said winning a fifth consecutive gold would be a team effort.
“We just want to win gold, whatever that takes,” Curry said.
“No matter what your stats are, no matter how many minutes you play — if everybody on the floor commits to just doing what you’re asked to do, we’ll be good.”
AFP
Naval chief extends fight against crude oil thieves by 90 days
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has granted a 90-day extension to the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity, aimed at combating oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta region.
The operation, launched on January 6, 2024, has achieved significant successes, including the recovery of stolen products, dismantling of illegal refining sites, and arrest of suspects.
According to Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, in a statemeng on Wednesday, the operation has deployed personnel, platforms, helicopters, and UAVs for aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations. The Chief of Naval Staff, represented by Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, announced the extension onboard Nigerian Navy Ship Okpabana at Onne, Rivers State.
Read also: Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, July 11, 2024
“The successes were immediate and remarkable, including the recovery of massive quantities of stolen products, the dismantling of Illegal Refining Sites, the arrest of suspects, and the seizure of stolen products,” the statement read.
Rear Admiral Samson Bura, Commander Task Group, reported that since the extension in April 2024, 22 suspects have been arrested, 122 Illegal Refinery Sites deactivated, 57 boats and 65 storage tanks seized, and large quantities of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil recovered.
The operation’s achievements have led to the approval of a further 90-day extension, effective from July 10, 2024, to sustain the fight against oil thieves and illegal refining activities.
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Gov Adeleke sets up implementation committee on staff audit, commits to public service reform
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has set up an implementation committee on staff audit in the state civil service, vowing to pursue the ongoing public service reform to a logical conclusion.
Governor Adeleke made this known during the submission of the final audit report by the state staff audit consultant, Sally Tibot Consult on Wednesday in Osogbo.
According to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the action committee to be chaired by the Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, will review and act on the recommendations.
The governor said, “I thank the consultant for finally completing the assignment. Our administration is committed to pursuing public service reform to a logical conclusion.
“We have done a lot to reposition the public service. I am encouraged to drive the reform further because we have the full support of the public servants. I have received several commendations for our emphasis on workers’ welfare.
“We are not only paying salaries regularly but we are repaying inherited salary and pension debts. Our government remains committed to workers’ welfare as a priority.
“Above passion for workers is why we are blocking all loopholes in the salary system. Let me reaffirm that the process is not meant to witch hunt anybody. The process is for our collective good.
“To review and act on the staff audit report, I hereby set up an action committee on the staff audit report.
“The terms of reference of the committee are as follows: study the report and assess the recommendations ;consider the implications of the recommendations on the public service; take action to implement the recommendations; interface with stakeholders to ensure effective implementations; and consider all other issues related to the subject.”
The lead consultant, Saadat Bakrin Ottun said the staff audit was concluded after due diligence and critical analysis of the data gathered during the auditing exercise.
Submitting soft and hard copies of the report, Bakrin Ottun said best practices were applied to prepare the report, noting that the report contained actionable recommendations for further action by the state government.
While thanking the state government for the opportunity, the consultant commended the labour unions for their cooperation and support.
The members of the implementation committee are as follows: “Kazeem Akinleye (COS) — Chairman; Dr. Biyi Odunlade; Ayanleye Aina – HOS; Remi Atolagbe – AG’s Office; Linda Bibilari; Christopher Arapasopo – NLC Chairman; Lasun -JNC Chairman; Fasasi – TUC Chairman; Eniola Omotosho; lyabo Olanrewaju – NLC; Prof Anthony Ola Olusanya; Atoyebi Oyetunde; Adepeju Ogini; – Asst. Secretary; and Bankole Omisore – Secretary.”
Gov Adeleke sets up implementation committee on staff audit, commits to public service reform
Joke Silva celebrates husband, Olu Jacobs, at 82
Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, is celebrating his 82nd birthday on Thursday, barely two weeks after false rumours of his death swept across social media.
Jacobs’ wife, Joke Silva, took to Instagram on Thursday to celebrate the milestone, sharing a video that included the actor in a customised house coat as she showered him with prayers.
She wrote, “82 just like that. Agba ko ni nira l’agbara Jesu.
“Happy birthday and have an amazing year ahead, my darling… Sir J of life _olujacobs (loving his customised housecoat).”
Celebrities and fans have since begun to congratulate Jacobs on social media.
Commenting on Silva’s post, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde wrote, “Happy birthday to a legend, a father to the industry, an outstanding actor, an incredible soul.”
Osas Ighodaro wrote, “Happy Birthday, legend! God bless you immensely.”
Chioma Akpotha similarly wrote, “A living legend ! Happy birthday, Sir. We love you.”
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