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Abducted nurse escapes after six years in Boko Haram captivity

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Abducted nurse escapes after six years in Boko Haram captivity

42-year-old nurse, Alice Loksha, who was abducted in 2018 by Boko Haram insurgents  in Borno State, has regained freedom

Speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Friday, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, North-East, Major General Wahdi Shuaibu,  said she was captured while working at a UNICEF office  in  Kala Balge

The commander, who was represented by his deputy, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Chigbu, also announced the escape of another abducted woman, Fayina Ali, who was captured by Boko Haram insurgents in 2020 while travelling from Kaduna to process her late brother’s death benefits.

According to him, both abductees were forced into marriage with the insurgents while in captivity.

“She was forced to marry Abu Umar, with whom she had a son, Mohammed.

“After Abu Umar’s death, she was forced into another marriage to ISWAP Commander Abu Simak. She later escaped from Dogon Chuku camp on October 24, 2024, and arrived at HQ TC on October 29, 2024, where she received medical attention.

“Fayina was initially held at Kangaruwa enclave for nine months, then transferred to Tumbunma for three years, and returned to Kangaruwa for another year before escaping,” he said.

He added, “Both women have undergone traumatic experiences and have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.”

Receiving the abductees on behalf of the Borno State Government, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, commended the Nigerian Army for restoring peace in the Northeast region and Borno State in particular.

She assured the military that the two women would receive extensive care.

“The woman will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” Gambo said.

Boko Haram’s insurgency has caused widespread devastation across Nigeria, especially northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The conflict has displaced millions, triggered severe humanitarian crises, and resulted in thousands of deaths.

A significant tactic in their insurgency has been kidnappings for ransom, which is now a lucrative funding source.

Abuja man bags life jail for raping seven-year-old girl

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Abuja man bags life jail for raping seven-year-old girl

Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday, sentenced one Laminu Ahmed, 36, to life imprisonment for the rape of a seven-year-old girl.

The conviction was secured by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The trial judge in her judgment held that the prosecutor from the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice headed by Mrs Yewande Awopetu, successfully proved the case.

The convict had on January 3, 2023, asked the victim (name withheld) to bring him a plate of food from the food her mother was selling at the Zuba Fruit Market, Abuja and lured her to follow him with the food to a public bathroom in the market.

He locked the door as soon as she entered and proceeded to sexually abuse and rape her by forcefully kissing her, inserting his forefinger into her vagina and then his penis and raped her.

He clamped his hands over her mouth when she attempted to scream and threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone.

Nevertheless, the little girl told her mother about the rape on her return. The mother had gone out to attend a friend’s naming ceremony when the incident occurred.

She and the father had immediately reported the matter to the local vigilante who arrested the defendant and handed him over to the Police.

The defendant confessed to the crime at the Police Station in Zuba and at the FCT Command where the matter was later transferred.

The defendant was charged to court by Prosecution Counsel from the SGBV Response Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice (representing the AGF), on an eight-count charge for the offences of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child and sexual abuse under the Child Rights Act; Rape, Intimidation and Infliction of bodily injury under the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act 2015; and Criminal force under the Penal Code.

However, the defendant upon arraignment in June 2023 pleaded not guilty to all eight counts.

The prosecution opened its case against the defendant, called witnesses and tendered evidence including the defendant’s confessional statement and confessional video, medical report and report of investigation as well as the statements of the victim and her mother to the police as proof of investigation.

Despite Laminu’s futile attempts to deny making the confessional statement and his claim that he was forced to confess, the prosecution succeeded in proving its case against him and he was convicted and sentenced for the heinous crime he committed against the seven-year-old survivor.

Awopetu described it as a win for the Justice Sector particularly the SGBV Response Unit in conjunction with the Gender Unit of the FCT Police Command and the FCT Judiciary, in their fight against the scourge of sexual violence in our society.

“It is also a warning to would-be perpetrators that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. A key lesson for parents in this case is never to leave their kids unattended in a public place.

“Laminu Ahmed’s name will be included in the Sexual Offender’s Register as is required by law,” she said.

Southwest plane struck by gunfire in US

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Southwest plane struck by gunfire in US

A Southwest Airlines plane was reportedly struck by gunfire at Dallas Love Field on Friday night, according to the airline.

A spokesperson for Southwest said the plane, preparing for departure to Indianapolis, was hit but no injuries were reported.

The Dallas Police Department responded to the shooting at approximately 9:48 p.m. at 8000 Herb Keller Way.

WFAA, citing a police source on Saturday, reported that 99 people were aboard the flight when the incident occurred.

In a statement on Saturday, Southwest Airlines confirmed the details:

“Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 taxied safely back to the terminal at Dallas Love Field after a bullet apparently struck the right side of the aircraft just under the flight deck while the Crew was preparing for departure for Indianapolis. No injuries were reported. Southwest will accommodate our Customers on another flight. Law enforcement authorities have been notified and the plane has been removed from service.”

The Dallas Police Department has stated that its investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Haitian airport gunfire

In related aviation news, New York Post reported on Saturday that the Federal Aviation Administration has banned U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after a series of gunfire incidents targeting planes at or near Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince.

Earlier this week, Haitian gangs reportedly shot at three planes. A Spirit Airlines flight was hit by multiple bullets on Monday as it attempted to land, grazing a flight attendant and forcing the plane to divert to the Dominican Republic.

On the following day, American Airlines and JetBlue flights departing from Port-au-Prince were also hit, with bullet holes discovered during post-flight inspections.

The agency highlighted the escalating violence as a major concern for aviation safety in the region.

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Police nab two suspects for killing Enugu market leader

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Police nab two suspects for killing Enugu market leader

The Enugu State Police Command, on Friday, paraded two suspects behind the killing of the Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, Stephen Aniagu on September 14, 2024.

The suspects, Chukwudi Aboshi, and Ani Ebuka (also known as Excellent), confessed to the crime during their parade at the state Police headquarters.

They claimed that Aniagu and one other victim were killed for “proving stubborn.”

Confessing the crime to journalists, one of the arrested criminals, Ebuka said he was contacted by one Obinna, the leader of the gang.

“The reason they called me out that day was to come and drive one of the Corolla cars that was stolen. I saw three AK47 riffles and three pump action riffles. We drove off to Mmaku.

“As we were on the way, they told me they wanted to snatch the vehicle from the man, but he was proving stubborn and they shot him and the second car they said they equally shot that one too,” he stated.

Ebuka, who had burns all over his body said they were recently inflicted on him in Oji River where he was set ablaze over theft of tricycles, but was saved by a good Samaritan, adding that he functioned as the criminal ring’s logistics supplier.

On his part, Aboshi said, “After closing my cosmetic shop at Gariki for the day, Obinna called me. They picked me to Topland. We saw one vehicle. We wanted to take it to Mmaku that day. So, we stopped the vehicle and the owner did not want to allow Obinna to take the vehicle.

“So, Obinna shot him. Immediately, we saw another one and stopped it. We shot the person. I was carrying a pump action. We were carrying four AK47s, and one Pump Action. We took the vehicles to a forest in Mmaku.”

He said the charms recovered from them and fetish marks allegedly given to him on the forehead by Obinna were for protection.

Also speaking, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, revealed that six other members of the gang are still at large, noting that the police have intensified the manhunt for them.

“You will also recall that the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, swiftly directed the state security forces to intensify efforts and ensure that all those involved in this crime are apprehended and held accountable.

“Consequently, through diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts between Police Detectives of the Anti-Robbery Section (D9) of the State CID and Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Command, the police arrested two male suspects involved in the crime on November 8 and 9, 2024.

“During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their active involvement in the crime. They provided detailed accounts of how they attacked Mr Aniagu, snatched his vehicle, and similarly shot another male driver several times at the same location on the night of the murder, snatching his Toyota Corolla as well. Fortunately, he is stable and undergoing treatment.”

Osun robbery suspect steals policeman’s phone in patrol van

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Osun robbery suspect steals policeman’s phone in patrol van

A 23-year-old armed robbery suspect, Godwin Emmanuel, has confessed to stealing a police officer’s phone from a patrol van while being transported to the Osun State Police Command.

City Round gathered that Emmanuel was arrested along with two other suspects, Olajide Kareem (28-year-old) and Emmanuel Mike (33-year-old) who allegedly robbed residents along the Ilesa-Osu Expressway.

Parading the suspects on Friday, the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, disclosed that, “The three suspects rob motorists and passengers of their belongings. In one of the incidents, a bus driver was shot in his leg but was subsequently rushed to Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Ile-Ife where he received treatment.

“Consequently, Olajide was arrested in the bush and he confessed that he was a member of a five-man gang of armed robbers who came from the Ikorodu area in Lagos state to perpetrate their acts in Osun State. The other two suspects were arrested.”

Speaking with journalists, Emmanuel said, “I was arrested for armed robbery. When I was been transported to the Police Command in Osogbo, inside the police patrol van that I was conveyed, I stole a phone. I don’t know that it is a police phone. I beg please don’t vex.

“I told the police not to be angry with me. I don’t know when I did that. I took the phone into the police cell without them knowing. I removed the SIM card, I want to use the phone to call my family because they don’t know I have been arrested for armed robbery.

“I have been here for about two months. They later came to search me in the cell where I was and discovered the phone on me. Please tell them to forgive me. I won’t do it again.”

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Court sentences man to life imprisonment for defiling minor

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Court sentences man to life imprisonment for defiling minor

Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced one Laminu Ahmed, 36, to life imprisonment for defiling a seven-year-old girl.

The conviction was secured by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

The trial judge in her judgment held that the prosecutor from the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice headed by Mrs Yewande Awopetu successfully proved the case.

The convict had on January 3, 2023, asked the victim (name withheld) to bring him a plate of food from the food her mother was selling at the Zuba Fruit Market, Abuja, and lured her to follow him with the food to a public bathroom in the market.

He locked the door as soon as she entered and proceeded to sexually abuse the young girl. He clamped his hands over her mouth when she attempted to scream and threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone.

Upon returning home, the girl narrated the ordeal to her mother, who along with the father, immediately reported the matter to the local vigilante who arrested the defendant and handed him over to police operatives.

The defendant confessed to the crime at the Police Station in Zuba and at the FCT Command where the matter was later transferred.

The defendant was charged to court by Prosecution Counsel from the SGBV Response Unit on eight counts for the offences of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child and sexual abuse under the Child Rights Act; Rape, Intimidation, and Infliction of bodily injury under the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015; and Criminal force under the Penal Code.

However, the defendant upon arraignment in June 2023, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The prosecution opened its case against the defendant, called a witness, and tendered evidence including the defendant’s confessional statement and confessional video, medical and investigation reports, as well as the statements of the victim and her mother to the police as proof of investigation.

Despite Laminu’s futile attempts to deny making the confessional statement and his claim that he was forced to confess, the prosecution succeeded in proving its case against him. He was then convicted and sentenced for the crime.

“It is also a warning to would-be perpetrators that the long arm of the law will definitely catch up with them. A key lesson for parents in this case is never to leave their kids unattended in a public place.

“Laminu Ahmed’s name will be included in the Sexual Offender’s Register as is required by law,” the prosecutor counsel said.

Police parade 20 suspected armed robbers, others in Osun

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Police parade 20 suspected armed robbers, others in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of no fewer than 20 suspected criminals for various offences across the state.

Presenting the suspects to journalists on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, revealed that armed robbery suspects Olajide Kareem, 28; Mike Emmanuel, 33; and Godwin Emmanuel, 23, were apprehended along the Ilesha-Osu Road.

She added that during the robbery, a bus driver was shot in the leg, and a female passenger was raped by one of the suspects.

“This concerns a case of conspiracy and armed robbery incidents along the Ilesha-Osu Expressway, where a gang of suspected armed robbers robbed motorists and passengers of their belongings, including jewellery, mobile phones, money, and other valuables.

“In one of the incidents, a bus driver was shot in the leg but was later rushed to the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Ile-Ife, where he received treatment. Following the report, the DPO at Moore Division, Ile-Ife, led his patrol team, together with members of the local vigilante group, and arrested one Olajide Kareem in the bush.

“Upon his arrest, the suspect confessed that he was a member of a five-man gang of armed robbers who came from Ikorodu, Lagos State, to carry out their activities in Osun State.

“Intelligence-driven investigations and tactical operations led the Anti-Kidnapping Squad to Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos State, where Mike Emmanuel and Godwin Emmanuel were arrested. Both suspects confessed to the offences during questioning,” the statement said.

Opalola further explained that, during the investigation, a 65-year-old female victim identified Kareem Olajide as the person who raped her while she was accompanying her sick husband to the hospital. Their vehicle was stopped at gunpoint. Tragically, her husband died at the scene.

The suspects will be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.

Also paraded was Emmanuel Anthony, who is accused of using military uniforms to rob passengers along Ekiti Road. He allegedly forced a victim from Esa-Oke to transfer N3 million to his account. Anthony is also accused of attacking two others and robbing them of mobile phones valued at N1.25 million.

Seven other suspects arrested for conspiracy, armed robbery, and the receipt of stolen vehicles were also paraded.

Opalola added that suspects Lawan Yaro, Gambo Dugje, Adam Abba, Ali Usman, Ali Muhammed, Abbas Abogu, Kamal Haudu, and others would be arraigned in court once investigations into their crimes are completed.

FEC endorses $2.2bn external loan proposal – Edun

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FEC endorses $2.2bn external loan proposal – Edun

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has authorized a $2.2 billion external borrowing financing program, which may include an offer of Eurobonds and Sukuk bonds.

This was revealed to reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday following the FEC meeting by Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

In the recent Federal Executive Council meeting, I had the honor of introducing two memoranda to the group.

The first was to approve a $2.2 billion financing scheme in order to finish the Federal Government’s external borrowing program.

Access to the global capital market for a mix of the Sukuk and Euro bond offers, as well as maybe a Euro bond worth roughly $1.7 billion, make up this package.

Once the National Assembly has reviewed and, ideally, approved the borrowing plan, the real financing will be completed with sukuk financing of an additional $500 million.

“If approved, external borrowing will be completed this year, as soon as possible after approval.”

“What the advisors would say about market conditions at the time of the decision to enter the market would determine the actual combination of instruments that would be raised,” he stated.

Naturally, earlier this year, we demonstrated the depth of the Nigerian financial markets’ resiliency, as well as their growing sophistication and complexity, by issuing dollar bonds domestically, which drew in Nigerian investors from all over the country.

Access to the global capital market, he added, is another indication of support and acceptance for the macroeconomic policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Read Also: Akeredolu’s brother declares support for SDP candidate

According to the minister, the macroeconomic pillars of foreign exchange and PMS market pricing were the main focus of the economic recovery and restoration program that was implemented to turn the economy around.

Additionally, he said that the FEC had authorized the Ministry of Finance’s real estate investment fund.

The fund provides the foundation for the Nigerian economy’s recovery and the reintroduction of long-term mortgage lending, he claims.

“The Morph Real Estate Investment Fund would initially be a N250 billion fund that will offer long-term, affordable mortgages to Nigerians who wish to own homes.

The yawning housing deficit of 22 million units will be partially or completely filled by it. Of certainly, it will boost economic growth and provide jobs.

Additionally, it will create opportunities for additional private sector investors to enter and take part in the crucial home construction sector, which will have a significant positive impact on the entire economy.

“Long-term investors can profit from market interest rates on their investments.

He stated, “This will be combined with N150 billion in seed funding.”

Akeredolu’s brother declares support for SDP candidate

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Akeredolu’s brother declares support for SDP candidate

Barely 24 hours before the governorship election in Ondo State, the brother of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, declared his support for the Social Democratic Party candidate, Mr Bamidele Akingboye.

Oluwafemi Akeredolu, a member of the Akeredolu family and the younger brother of the late governor, stated this at a programme to declare his support for Akingboye in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday.

According to him, Akingboye’s vision was to activate Ondo’s underutilised resources, particularly the Ondo Seaport, one of the state’s most promising assets, which remains undeveloped despite its potential as a major economic driver.

He said, “I am the youngest brother of the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu — same father, same mother. Our family is known for being truthful and decisive. My brother, known as ‘talk and do’, was a dedicated APC member, but this election is not about the party.

“Sometimes, parties select candidates who are unfit for office. It’s time we vote for individuals based on competence, not party loyalty.

“Ondo State’s seaport is one of the deepest and capable of accommodating large vessels. My brother obtained the port certificate before he passed, but progress has stalled. Now, we’re being promised that it will be handed over to a foreigner. We can’t let that happen. Ondo State needs change, and that’s why we’re endorsing SDP and Akingboye.”

He stated that if elected, Akingboye would begin his term by investing his resources to advance the state.

“This is a leader who has a vision for the people, not just for himself,” he said.

NSCDC vows to dismiss personnel caught in electoral fraud

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NSCDC vows to dismiss personnel caught in electoral fraud

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has stated that it would sack any official found culpable in aiding electoral fraud in the Ondo State governorship election held on Saturday.

The Corps’ Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Philips, stated this in Akure, the state capital, on Friday on the preparedness for the election.

According to Philips, any official culpable of any action that compromised the process of the election would be dismissed from service.

He urged the electorate to go all out to vote without fear.

He assured them that his men are ready to checkmate anyone planning to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

He said, “We want the people to trust us and also believe in us that we shall give them the best and nothing but the best.

“However, let me just say, from the authority of the civil defence. We don’t condone any act of unprofessionalism from any of our officers and men.

“Anybody who decides to commit any atrocity, I think he is asking himself to be out of the system. We shall not leave anybody. Once you commit, you should know your way is out.”

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