Temidayo Akinsuyi, Lagos

Quote:But for Northern power brokers in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who rallied behind Prince Uche Secondus, the party’s national chairman, the coup spearheaded by Governor Nyesom Wike to forcefully remove him from office last week would have succeeded, Daily Inde­pendent gathered.

Credible sources informed Dai­ly Independent that these northern powerbrokers were led by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Senator Walid Ji­brin, the chairman of the par­ty’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

Following the upheavals that trailed the resignation of seven members of the Na­tional Working Committee (NWC), which included the Deputy National Financial Secretary, the Deputy Legal Adviser, the Deputy National Auditor, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the Dep­uty Women Leader and the Deputy Organising Secretary, Tambuwal, who is the chair­man of the PDP Governors’ Forum was said to have ral­lied his colleagues while Ji­brin also mobilised members of the BoT to do all they can to prevent the party from an imminent implosion.

It was also gathered that some group of retired gen­erals from the Northern part of the country who played a crucial role in the formation of the party also used their influence to calm the situa­tion, leading to a temporary ceasefire.

According to our source, “But for the intervention of Northern powerbrokers in the party who quickly mobil­ised last week Tuesday, maybe the PDP national chairman would have resigned by now. The motive of those behind the coup plot, led by Governor Nyesom Wike, was to create the impression that Secondus was incapable to lead again as governors defected and NWC members had also passed a vote of no confidence on his leadership.

“However, Governor Aminu Tambuwal really lived up to his responsibility as chairman of the PDP Gov­ernors’ Forum. He mobilised his colleagues and I think they were the ones that gave Secon­dus the needed backing that he shouldn’t resign as they were solidly behind him.

“Also, Senator Jibrin, the chairman of the BoT, also mobilised elders in the par­ty against the coup plot. He wondered why some indi­viduals in the party want the NWC dissolved when the BoT passed a vote of confidence on the Secondus-led exco in March, this year, and the Na­tional Executive Committee (NEC) also did the same a month later.

“Those in support of Sec­ondus who are in the major­ity believe that it will be an insult for the PDP for a single individual to believe he can install a national chairman of the party and remove him when he deems fit. We are not talking of a mushroom political party here. We are talking of a party that still boasts of more than 10 gov­ernors and large number of federal lawmakers across the country.

“They also believed that the current NWC led by Sec­ondus should be allowed to serve out its term which will lapse in four months’ time and seek reelection if they deem fit. They also said if the national chairman decides to contest without the sup­port of his major backer and triumphs, it shows that he is now popular among party members.

“Also not to be forgotten is the silent roles played by some retired generals and some elder statesmen in the party who urgently called the warring gladiators to order, a situation that prevented the matter from degenerating into a full-blown crisis”.

Daily Independent also gathered that the PDP gov­ernors and the BoT will meet today to deliberate on the issue, while an enlarged meeting which include PDP governors, National Assem­bly members, NWC members, former governors, former ministers, among other stake­holders, will meet tomorrow where a final position will be taken.

Chief Ebenezer Babatope, a former Minister of Trans­port, on Sunday said the PDP would have been saved from its current political crisis if the party stakeholders had al­lowed Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, to be­come the national chairman in 2017.

Speaking with Daily Inde­pendent, Babatope said the powerbrokers in the PDP then conspired against Bode George because they wanted a national chairman they can easily dictate to and control.

He also said that aside the conspiracy against Bode George, many of his associ­ates in the party were victi­mised while he, who was the Director-General of Bode George’s Campaign Organisa­tion was removed as member of the party’s Board of Trust­ees (BoT).

“It is a pity that people have lost political vision. If they had not lost it, they would have discovered that the PDP would have been saved from the current disaster it is fac­ing if they had allowed Bode George to emerge as the na­tional chairman of the party. But they won’t because they want a national chairman they can control and dictate to.

“They conspired against him and all of us who are his friends. All those who they al­leged were loyalists of Bode George were removed from all the PDP offices they were holding. For example, I was kicked out of the Board of Trustees of the PDP and Bode George was not allowed to run the party.

“Now, we are facing a ma­jor political disaster. Election is only about one and half years and now we have mem­bers of the NWC resigning their positions. Honestly, we are faced with a political di­saster. All of us are all guilty of the crime of visionlessness whereby we allowed things to degenerate and the PDP is now left like a political beg­gar”, he said.

Quote:Men of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested a suspect with a vehicle stolen in Kogi State.

Spokesperson of the command, ASP Ramhan Nansel, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, August 8, said the suspect, Ifeanyi Christopher, was intercepted at Nasarawa-Loko road.

"On 6/8/2021 at about 1200hrs, a complaint was lodged at Nasarawa Divisional Headquarters that, a Honda CRV, Black in colour with registration number Abuja YAB 458 DC was stolen from Ajaokuta, Kogi State and geo-located at Nasarawa-Loko road, Nasarawa State," he stated.

"Upon receipt of the complaint, the Police personnel attached to Nasarawa Division mounted a Stop and Search point at Gidan Kwano along the aforementioned route; consequently, the vehicle was intercepted and one Ifeanyi Christopher 'M' of NO 15, Mabu close, Elelewa, Porthacourt, Rivers State was arrested. The vehicle have been recovered and brought to the Police Station." Nansel added.

The suspect has confessed to the commission of the crime and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

Falana demands arraignment dates of detained 800 Boko Haram suspects







Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) has demanded for an update on the arrest of 800 Boko Haram suspects from Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). 
 
The demand was made in a Freedom of Information request titled ‘Request for Information on Prosecution of Arrested 800 Boko Haram Suspects', which was signed by Sam Ogala on behalf of Falana and Falana chambers on August 5, 2021.

 
The law firm which demanded for when the Boko Haram suspects would be arraigned in court, said the information should be provided within seven days in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
 
The statement read; 
 

Quote:“In April, 2021, the governors expressed their reservations over the delay in the trial of the terror suspects, demanding for a prosecutorial power from the AGF to enable their respective state governments to prosecute the detained Boko Haram suspects.  The request was also rejected.


“However, by May 2021, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation was widely reported in the print and electronic media to the effect that the Federal Government had concluded arrangements to prosecute about 800 suspects linked to the Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, as soon as the industrial action embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria was called off.


“In the light of the above, we request that our law firm be furnished with information with respect to when these Boko Haram suspects would be arraigned in court, since the strike by JUSUN has since been called off.”

Two Nigerian fraudsters forfeit over N200m, luxury cars and properties valued at N260m to FG







Judgment day finally came for two Nigerian fraudsters, Tobilola Ibrahim Bakare and Alimi Seun Sikiru as they lost cash and properties in upscale Lekki axis of Lagos to the Federal Government following their arrest and prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
 
The forfeited assets include the sums of N196, 741, 216.82 and N7, 054, 852.01 in bank accounts; two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz E500 and a Toyota Hilux 2020.

 
Others are; five bedroom duplex situated at Ibrahim Eleto Street, Osapa London, Lekki, Lagos, four bedroom semi-detached duplex situated at Ologolo, Jakande, Lekki, Lagos and another four bedroom semi-detached duplex in Southern View Estate, Mayor Court, Chevron Alternative Road, Lekki, Lagos.
 
The two vehicles are valued at N30million while the three duplexes are valued at N230million.
 

 
The fraudsters gave up the assets as they could not give satisfactory explanation of the funds and properties linked to them. They confessed to involvement in cybercrime. Bakare, 27, an indigene of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State claimed his forte is Business Email Compromise, and that he had hacked into different companies outside the shores of Nigeria.
 
The scammers had been successful in their ignoble trade, earning a cumulative sum of $1million USD from victims including three foreign airlines through Business Email Compromise fraud. They laundered the proceeds of crime in acquiring properties including real estate and luxury vehicles.

 
Their problem began in September 2020, when Operatives of the Commission, in the course of investigating a case of suspicious transactions and money laundering involving one Kehinde Adelakun, a convicted internet fraudster, stumbled on evidence linking Alvine International Resources Ventures, owned by the second defendant, Sikiru.
 
The transaction that sets off the alarm bell was an inflow of N5million in two tranches from Alvine International Resources Ventures.
 

 
Further probing by the investigators, revealed several inflows suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities in two accounts of the second defendant. The balance in both accounts: N196, 741,216.82  and N7, 054,852.01 , were swiftly placed on a Post No Debit, to forestall dissipation of the funds pending the conclusion of investigation and determination of the case.
 
The second defendant, in his statement to the Commission , admitted that majority of the funds found in his account were from the first defendant, Bakare, who confessed to being into Business Email Compromise, BEC, between 2009 and 2020 and also hacking into the accounts of KLM, Turkish Airlines and British Airways.

 
The fraudster were subsequently arraigned before Justice O. A Taiwo of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja on five-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy and retaining stolen property, an offence contrary to Sections 411 and 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
 
One of the counts reads: “Tobilola Ibrahim Bakare and Alimi Seun Sikiru, sometime in 2020 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to commit felony to wit: retaining cumulative sum of about $1,000.000,00( One Million United States of America Dollars ) property of KLM, Turkish Airways and British Airways.”
 
Another count reads: “Tobiloba Ibrahim Bakare and Alimi Seun Sikiru, sometime in 2020 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court , with a dishonest intent, retained four -bedroom detached duplex situated at Ologolo Jakande, Lekki, Lagos.”

 
They pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charges preferred against them.

 
Delivering judgment, Justice Taiwo noted that the action of the defendants was “responsible for giving Nigeria a bad image globally, whereby the average Nigerian is looked upon as being untrustworthy and fraudulent”. She convicted and sentenced Bakare, to three years imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with the option of fine of N3m (Three Million Naira).
 
The Judge also convicted and sentenced Sikiru, to three years imprisonment on counts 1 and 5 with an option of fine of N1 million (One Million Naira).
 
Justice Taiwo also held that the five bedroom duplex situated at Ibrahim Eleto Street Osapa London, Lekki, Lagos, four bedroom semi-detached duplex situated at Ologolo , Jakande, Lekki, Lagos and another four bedroom semi-detached duplex in Southern View Estate, Mayor Court, Chevron Alternative Road, Lekki, Lagos recovered from the first defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government.
 
The Judge further held that the sums of N196, 741, 216.82 recovered from the second defendant’s company, Alvine International Resources Ventures account domiciled in a Bank and N7, 054, 852. 01 recovered from the second defendant’s account domiciled in a Bank be forfeited to the Federal Government.

 
Two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz E500 and a Toyota Hilux 2020 recovered from the first defendant were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
 

No 31, Alhaji Mudashiru Eletu Way, Osopa London, Eti-Osa, Lekki, Lagos

No. 13, AbdulRahman Oseni Street, Ocean Breeze Estate , Ologolo , Jakande, Lekki, Lagos

House 2B, Bamidele Majiyagbe Street, Southern View, Chevy View, Lekki, Lago
 

Troops repel dawn attack in Borno town







Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade have repelled a dawn attack attempted on Damboa town in Borno State.
 
Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu said the attack took place on Sunday August 8 in the town which is 87 kilometers by road from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

 
Nwachukwu said the criminals approached on foot and motorcycles but were forced to retreat after troops opened fire. However, two vehicles belonging to the Civilian Joint Task Force were razed by fire.
 
The army spokesperson also revealed that troops are currently trailing the “fleeing terrorists”.
 
The statement read; 
 

Quote:Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI in the North East have quelled a dawn attack attempted on Damboa town in the early hours of Sunday 8 August 21 by Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists. The criminals made a futile effort to infiltrate the town, but were met with heavy volume of fire from the vigilant troops.


While attempting to infiltrate the town with unconfirmed numbers of foot soldiers and some mounted on motorcycles, the terrorists suffered debilitating gunshot wounds from troops’ fire, forcing them to beat the retreat in disarray. The troops are currently on the trail of the fleeing terrorists. Unfortunately, in the exchange of fire that ensued, two vehicles belonging to the Civilian Joint Task Force were razed by fire.


The troops of Operation HADIN KAI have been commended for their vigilance and swift response in quelling the attack. They are also encouraged not to allow any form of distraction from the marauding terrorists, whose ranks have suffered enormous depletion in manpower as a result of ongoing air and artillery bombardments.


Law abiding people of North East Nigeria are assured of the Chief of Army Staff’s determination to finally rout the Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province criminals from their hideouts. The good people of the North East are also encouraged to continue to avail the troops with actionable information that will enhance the execution of the ongoing Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency operations in the region.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
9 Aug 21

Mother-of-four allegedly battered by her husband after he took another wife (photos)









A woman was allegedly brutally beaten by her husband, leaving her with bruises all over her body.

 

Mrs Ronke Akinyemi, who lives at Raimi Street, Ahmadiyya, Ojokoro, Agbado-Ijaiye, Lagos State, was allegedly battered by her husband and father of their 4 kids, Mr Olatunji Akinyemi at their home in Lagos.



 

Mr Olatunji is said to have taken a new wife on July 4, 2021, and since then, he is alleged to have been subjecting his first wife to physical abuse.

 



 

A source aware of the situation reached out to LIB, asking that the woman be saved before it's too late and she succumbs to the abuse.

 

When LIB spoke to Mrs Ronke, she explained that the latest beating was because she asked her husband to help sponsor their first son after he got admission into school.

 



 

Mrs Ronke said that she sells fruits, but due to an ailment she's been battling with for years, there is a limit to how much work she can do, hence, cannot handle her children's schooling alone.

 

Asking for their son's school fees allegedly earned her beating as her husband asked her to go and look for the money.



 

It was alleged that after beating her, he chased her around with his car, threatening to kill her.

 



 

Mrs Ronke said her husband claims he cannot send the son to school but he has money to marry another wife.

 

She said she and Mr Olatunji have been together for over 20 years but they got officially married in 2006. Since then, she said she has been abused by him but it got worse after he took a second wife.

 



 

After the latest beating, Mrs Ronke said her husband's younger brother also tried to beat her so she reported to human rights activists and they gave her a letter to receive treatment at the Orile-Agege General hospital.

 



 

She explained that since then, his family have been fighting her and accusing her of trying to get their son arrested.

 

Bandits kidnap Niger State Commissioner for Information







Bandits have abducted the Commissioner for Information in Niger State, Mohammed Sani Idris.
 
Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mary Noel-Berje, who confirmed the incident said the Commissioner was kidnapped by bandits in the early hours of Monday, August 9, from his home at Baban tunga village in Tafa local government of the State.

 
"Security agencies are however, already trailing the bandits with a view to apprehending them," the CPS added. 

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL



MONDAY 9th AUGUST 2021.


PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME


THEME: OUR CULTURE IS IN CHRIST


Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).


As Christians, though we’ve been called and chosen out of the world, we still live among different people with different cultures, backgrounds and mindsets. Sometimes, some Christians find themselves caught in a conflict between their Christian faith and what obtains in an earthly culture. First, it’s important to understand that being born again, your primary culture is in Christ Jesus. You must imbibe the culture of the Word of God.


2 Corinthians 5:17 says if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; you don’t have another nature, or belong to another culture; the Word of God is what guides your way of life and principles. Culture is often simply defined as the way of life of a people, and for us, Christ is our life (Colossians 3:4) and faith in the Word is our lifestyle (Hebrews 10:38, 2 Corinthians 5:7).


Some people like to identify with, or participate in “cultural” ceremonies in their countries, cities, or towns of natural birth. However, such “sub-cultures” or cultural events must not negate or be contrary to the Word of God and your faith in Christ Jesus.


When you’re cultured by the Word, your outlook on life changes. The Word will choose your new norms and become your reference for and in everything. You’ll only embrace and celebrate Christ-values; those things the Kingdom stands for—what you have, who you are—your heritage in Christ. Hallelujah!


PRAYER

Righteous Father, I rejoice at the transformation your Word brings to my spirit always; your Word has given me a culture and the mindset of success and greatness. I celebrate my great heritage in Christ—who I am and all the blessings of the heavenly Kingdom to which I belong, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY:


Romans 12:2 KJV “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Galatians 3:27-28 KJV “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”


DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:


1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Romans 11:25-36 & Psalms 82-84


2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 14:15-24 & Judges 17.



God bless you

Quote:Since the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), took office on May 29, 2015, his regime has allocated approximately N5.081tn for defence, including the appropriation of N4.669tn to the Federal Ministry of Defence from 2016 to date and $1bn (N412bn) for the purchase of military equipment.

This is despite the loss of 11,420 civilians and security personnel to Boko Haram insurgency and attacks by herdsmen and bandits between Buhari’s inauguration in May 2015 and July 2021.

The figure on the killings was obtained by a manual tally by our correspondents and the Nigeria Security Tracker, a project of the Council on Foreign Relations, an American think tank. Statistics were also sourced from the BBC, SBM Intelligence and Amnesty International.

Meanwhile, based on the 2016 Appropriation Act available on the website of the Budget Office of the Federation, a total of N443bn was allocated to the defence ministry, consisting of N312.2bn for recurrent expenditure and N130.8bn for capital expenditure.

In 2017, N483bn was budgeted for the ministry, including N330.4bn for recurrent expenditure and N138.6bn for capital expenditure.

In 2018, N576.3bn was allocated to the ministry, comprising N418.6bn for recurrent expenditure and N157.7bn for capital expenditure.

The defence ministry was expected to get N585.9bn in 2019, including N430.8bn for recurrent expenditure and N159.1bn for capital expenditure.

In 2020, N899.9bn was budgeted for the ministry, comprising N784bn for recurrent expenditure and N115.8bn for capital expenditure.

In 2021, N966.4bn was allocated to the ministry, including N838.5bn for recurrent expenditure and N127.8bn for capital expenditure.

Additionally, the recently signed 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Act allocated to the ministry a total of N714.5bn. The breakdown listed the Defence Headquarters (N35.8bn), Nigerian Army (N106.4bn), Nigerian Navy (N90.9bn), Nigerian Air Force (N426.6bn), and Defence Space Administration (N54.6bn).

The total recurrent expenditure budgeted for the ministry from 2016 to date is N3.11tn, while the capital expenditure amounts to N830.11bn.

However, the corresponding Budget Implementation Reports for 2016-2020, showed that a total of N575.9bn had been released for capital projects and programmes in the Ministry of Defence, representing 81.9 per cent of the total capital allocation for the five-year period.

For 2016, N97.2bn (74.3 per cent) was released for capital projects and operations in the ministry. In 2017, N117.6bn (84.4 per cent) of the ministry’s capital budget was released.

During the year 2018, N132.7bn (84.1 per cent) was released for the ministry’s capital projects and programmes. For 2019, the ministry received N106.8bn (67 per cent) of its allocation, while N121.3bn (104.7 per cent) was released for 2020.

The Budget Office has yet to release the Budget Implementation Report for 2021.

With the N575.9bn released to the defence ministry for capital projects (2016-2020 period) and the $1bn (412bn) released for the purchase of arms, the total defence spending on military equipment, including hardware and fighter jets is approximately N987.6bn. This figure is expected to increase to over N1tn by the time the Budget Implementation Report for 2021 is released.

More than N1tn spent on weapons, aircraft, others

Meanwhile, Buhari, on April 4, 2018, approved the sum of $1bn for military equipment, following a meeting with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Then Minister of Defence, Brig Gen Mansur Dan-Ali, who spoke to State House correspondents after the meeting, said, “Of recent, our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, gave approval for the purchase of more equipment for the military, worth $1bn.”

Sunday PUNCH reported in April that the Ministry of Defence had purchased equipment for the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Defence Intelligence Agency worth $99.5m (N37.9bn), out of the $1bn approved by the President.

In 2018, Buhari told the National Assembly that he had ordered the payment of $496m to the United States Government for the purchase of 12 Tucano aircraft ahead of legislative approval to withdraw the $1bn fund from the Excess Crude Account.

However, in March, the $1bn arms fund was engulfed in controversy when the National Security Adviser, Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (retd), alleged that the $1bn meant to purchase arms to tackle the insurgency had gone missing.

This came barely a month after the resignation and replacement of the service chiefs, including a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin (retd); former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (retd); former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (retd.); and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retd).

“I’m not saying the former service chiefs diverted the money, but the money is missing. We don’t know how, and nobody knows for now. I believe Mr President will investigate where the money went,” Monguno said.

Though the NSA recanted moments later, Nigerians were not deterred from calling for an investigation into how the $1bn arms fund was spent.

Similarly, the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Need to Review the Purchase, Use and Control of Arms, Ammunition and Related Hardware by Military, Paramilitary and Other Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria vowed to investigate the “missing” arms and ammunition.

Six suspects arrested as police raid hideout of internet fraudsters in Nasarawa







Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested six suspected internet fraudsters and recovered 22 Laptops. 
 
Spokesperson of the command, ASP Rahman Nansel, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, August 8, said the suspects were arrested during a raid at a hideout in Keffi area of the state. 

 
"Sequel to the sustained effort and unwavering commitment of the Nasarawa State Police Command towards actualising a crime free state, on 6/8/2021 at about 1130hrs, based on credible and duly processed intelligence, Police personnel attached to Keffi Area Command raided the hide out of suspected internet fraudsters," he stated. 
 
The following suspects were arrested: Vincent Damisa,23, of Auchi, Edo State, Monday Desmond, 18, of Edo State, Donald Godwin, 20, of Benin city, Edo State, Henry Chukwuemeka,18, of Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Emmanuel Ibiala, 27, of Bekwarra, Cross river State and Dakuruk Abel, 28, of Mangu Halle, Plateau State.

 
"The suspects rented a four bedroom apartment at G.R.A, Keffi where they engaged in cyber crime/internet fraud (Yahoo-Yahoo); consequently, a search warrant was executed in the house which led to the recovery of the following exhibits: twenty two (22) Laptops, Computer mouse, Laptop chargers and extension boxes." the PPRO added. 

 

Quote:

Quote:In an intelligence-driven operation, the Nigerian military has so far received 605 ISWAP Boko Haram members who laid down their arms and surrendered to the troops, PRNigeria authoritatively gathered.

It further gathered that 229 of the members who are mostly women and children have been handed over to the Borno state government.

In recent weeks, many Boko Haram fighters and their families wilfully denounced their evil campaigns and surrendered to the Nigerian Army.

A top intelligence operative involved in the operation told PRNigeria that the exercise for the repentant terrorists and their families adhered to international laws and best practices, relating to enemies willing to surrender.

According to the senior officer, some of the former fighters were afraid they could be killed if they surrendered but were persuaded by their spouses and parents.

The officer said: “Surprisingly, their parents and wives gave them encouragement that they would stand by them if they surrender to troops.

“The intelligence efforts are invisible but manifesting in current outcomes. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Faruk Yahaya encourages a mixed technique of kinetic and non-kinetic operations that are humane in nature as he instructed that while we accept those willing to surrender, we should not spare the stubborn one by sending them to where they belong.

“The sustained and well-coordinated military operation has exerted pressure on the terrorists who have deserted their various hideouts and camps, while their members who felt being misled are surrendering with their families to the Nigerian troops

“During profiling, some of the Commanders who surrendered to troops admitted that their various enclaves are bedevilled by hunger, disease, and the perpetual fear of military offensives.

“The media are key to shaping the troops’ resolve to continue their aggressive posture, while the citizens maintain their confidence on the military efforts on Counter-Terrorism,” he said.

PRNigeria

UNIUYO Student allegedly killed by roommate barely 24 hours after burying his mother







A student of University of Uyo identified simply as Ubong has allegedly been killed by his roommate barely 24 hours after burying his mother. 

 
Facebook user, Daniel Etokidem said the deceased was killed on Saturday August 7, after burying his mother on Friday August 6. Ubong was reportedly stabbed from the back after an argument ensued between him and his roommate. 
 
Ubong's roommate is said to be currently detained at Barracks Road Police Station in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital. 
 
Etokidem wrote; 
 

Quote:Ubong, what manner of death?
How can you bury your Mum yesterday (Friday) and today (Saturday) you're stabbed to death by your roommate? Less than 24hrs after you struggled to bury your Mum?
Ubong is a simple, easy going, hardworking, humble and God fearing young man. I knew him through my Electrician, Kennedy. If I needed someone to help clean the compound, Ubong will do that efficiently and will be done with it in less than an hour.
This morning, I was inside the town campus of the University of Uyo, Uniuyo, when a friend who was with me pointed to a young lady crying desperately and walking towards the University gate. What could make a young lady cry this way inside the University environment on a Saturday morning? We both pondered.
Less than 10 minutes, my phone rang? It was my electrician friend, Kennedy. "Hello Sir. Sir Ubong is dead oh! Ubong is dead oh just like that", the call ended.
Confused and a bit disoriented, I called back. "Kennedy which Ubong? Is it your boy who just buried his Mum yesterday", I asked. Yes, he replied. How? What happened? Was he sick? I asked. No Sir, he replied. He just had a minor argument with his roommate he lived together at Idak Okpo Street and within seconds, the roommate took a knife and stabbed him from the back. He lost a lot of blood and we rushed him to the University Clinic where he died". His body is at University of Uyo Clinic, town campus.
"Hold on Kennedy, I don't understand". I'm inside the University and infact I'm not too far from the Clinic and moments ago, I saw a young girl crying, walking towards the gate", I asked. "Yes Sir, that's his Cousin. We just left to call a photographer to take some pictures of Ubong's corpse before we take him to the mortuary", he replied.
So where is this his "roommate" who stabbed him to death, I asked. "He is currently being detained at Barracks Road Police Station", he replied with emotions and agonizing tears overshadowing his voice.
Till this very moment, I'm yet to recover from this news and still can't understand what anger, provocation, or quarrel will make a roommate pick up a knife and stab to death his fellow roommate who just buried his Mother barely 24 hrs ago.
I pray the Police will help unravel more of what we don't know but it's hard to say Rest in Peace Ubong. I still can't understand what just happened. Ubong, dead? Just like that? Someone who just buried his Mother yesterday? I wish it was a nightmare.

14 people killed and 18 injured after bus swerves off highway road in Turkey (photos)







At least 14 people have died with 18 injured after a bus veered off a road and overturned in Balikesir province, Turkey.
 
The injured victims are now being treated in five hospitals.
 

 
According to the governor’s office the bus overturned at 4.40am local time today, August 8.
 


 
Emergency units rushed to the crash site, where 11 people were pronounced dead and a further three passengers died in hospital.

The cause behind the horrific crash is not yet known.

by

Suspected Fulani herdsmen kill woman 8 months after her wedding in Kaduna









Family and friends are mourning a woman allegedly shot dead by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 



 

The woman identified as Dinatu Marshall, got married in December 2020, as confirmed by the MC at her wedding, Jones Moses.



 

"After being your M.C during your wedding 28 December 2020 I never knew I will bid you farewell this soon. Mdan Marshall RIP and I pray that your blood will report this Fulani herdsmen in the Heavenly Court in Jesus name" he wrote. 

 





 

 

 











 

 

Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional



Sunday, 8th August 2021.


Pastor Chris Oyakhilome


THEME: FOLLOW THE MASTER’S EXAMPLE


And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men, (Matthew 4:19).


Everything about your life should focus on winning people to Jesus Christ; there’s no higher priority than that for the Christian. The Lord Jesus Himself was a Master soul winner. In John 4:6-42, He encountered a certain woman at the well of Samaria, and engaged her in a dialogue. The woman came to draw water from the well. But to get her attention, the Lord initiated a conversation with her on something that was of interest to her—the water.


Upon getting her full attention, the Master witnessed to the woman, who believed and went about telling others about her encounter with the Christ. Matthew 4 tells us another beautiful story of how Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee and saw two brothers who were fishermen: Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew. He said to them, *“…Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”* (Matthew 4:19).


The Master always knew how to engage others in a conversation on a subject that was of interest to them, in a bid to witness to them. If you’ve often wondered how to engage people in a conversation in order to lead them to Christ, emulate the strategy of the Master. Observe what such people might be interested in, and initiate a conversation along that line.


You can ask that he or she explain something to you about a book or magazine they might be holding or reading, and then you listen with rapt attention. If you do, they’re more likely to also give you their attention when you start witnessing to them.


Of course, there are times the Lord could give you specific instructions about someone you need to witness to. At such times, don’t negotiate; go right ahead and follow the Lord’s guidance. Whatever He tells or inspires you to say at that time and place, that do. He said in Psalm 81:10, *“…open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.”* Always be bold, and the Lord will honour His Word in and through you.


PRAYER

Blessed Father, I thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives within me, making me an able steward and minister of the mysteries of Christ. I take advantage of the opportunities I have today, to preach Christ to those whom you’ve ordained to receive salvation through me; they’re turned from darkness to light and established in your righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY:


1 Corinthians 9:16 KJV “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”


Acts 17:22-34 KJV “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. *23* For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. *24* God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; *25* Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; *26* And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; *27* That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: *28* For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. *29* Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. *30* And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: *31* Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead. *32* And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter]. *33* So Paul departed from among them. *34* Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which [was] Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.”


DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1 Year Bible Reading Plan :
Romans 11:1-24 & Psalms 79-81

2 Year Bible Reading Plan :
Luke 14:1-14 & Judges 15-16.







#RHEMAFORTODAY 


Say these with me, ‘The Lord has made my life beautiful! He has crowned me with favour, and positioned me by grace for the supernatural life! 


I rejoice in God’s infinite grace and boundless love, for He has caused me to dwell in super-abundance in Christ Jesus! I am living triumphantly, every day, enjoying my life, and celebrating the greatness of God in me. Hallelujah!


My spirit, soul, and body are under the dominion of the Word, and the influence of God’s Spirit. I am not ordinary; I am a child of God and a joint heir with Christ. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places, for I have a goodly heritage. 


I’m conscious of my glorious heritage in Christ, and through meditation on the Word, and fellowship with the Spirit, I get to know more and enjoy my inheritance in Christ. Hallelujah! My mind is blessed with life-changing ideas and innovations


 I have the mind-set of a champion, and the wisdom of God has mantled my heart for greater results. No weapon formed against me will ever prosper. 


Today, I go out with joy, and I am led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills break forth before me in singing and all the trees of the field clap their hands. I function in God’s perfect will and have insight into the realities of the Kingdom. Blessed be God. Hallelujah!






God bless you

*✍️Description*

Stem cells are "master cells" that naturally maintain and repair tissue. The normal aging process causes adult stem cells to decrease in number. Maintaining and promoting the health and growth of stem cells optimizes health and wellness. This formula designed to promotes the growth and health of stem cells, encouraging cell renewal. Unique extract blends have been added to protect the cells from the harmful effects of free radicals and help support the proliferation of stem cells.

*Suitable for:*
Normal healthy adult

*8..Ingredients List*
1. Isomalt,
2. Elderberry,
3. Apple Stem Cell Extract,
4. Grape Stem Cell Extract ,
5. Bilberry Extract,
6. Beta Carotene,  
7. Lycopene Extract and 8.Ascorbic Acid.
*Functions Cell Renewal and Regeneration*
•Protect skin from being damaged.

•Show tremendous potential to repair damaged tissues.

•Divide offspring rapidly that supply new cells to replace skin cells that are lost or dying

•Stimulate human stem cell proliferation

•Improve skin cell regeneration. 

How to take 2Cell+??????
*Pour one sachet under the tongue ? on an empty Stomach.*
Products

NutriPure
IMMUNE BOOSTER

ToxPure
DETOX

SlimPure
MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKE

BeanPure
COFFEE

SparkPure - For Men
FOR MEN

FemPure - For Women
FOR WOMEN

DermPure - Anti-inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY


*✍️Description*

Specially designed according to a proprietary blend with all-natural herbal ingredients which introducing the power couple to slim down. This product is seamless tandem to improve bowel movements and flush the toxins out of your body, all while speeding up your body’s natural fat- burning processes. Say goodbye to the flabby arms, big thighs and stomach rolls. With this Slimming coffee, you feel and look better than ever.

*✍️Ingredients List*
Coffee, Skim Milk, Frutafit (Inulin), Treha (Trehalose), Guarana Extract, Gymnema Sylvestre Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea Extract, Lotus Leaf Extract, Skullcap Extract and Salacia Extract.

*✍️Functions..Nutrient Supply*
?Supply high quality of protein
?Contain all essential amino acids needed for human growth
?High omega-3 fatty acid - alpha linolenic acid (ALA)
Increase nutrient absorption
?Controls Insulin Spikes

*✍️Slimming Effect*
?Reduce body weight
?Reduce body fat percentage
?Support fat loss

*✍️Digestive Health*
?High in reduce soluble fiber (mucilage gum) & insol

How to take BeanPure ????
*Mix one sachet in hot water and consume before meal*

Attacks on Southern Kaduna, Middle Belt pure genocide – SOKAPU


on
 August 7, 2021



The President, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Comrade Jonathan Asake, has alleged that there is a systematic plan by suspected Fulani militias to exterminate nationalities in the middle belt and take over their ancestral lands.


Speaking on Friday on AIT Television on “overcoming the Southern Kaduna security challenges”, he said, “the level of carnage and destruction going on among the nationalities of the Middle Belt is the same.”


He explained that a situation where the attackers killed, maimed, kidnapped, burned houses, loot, destroyed properties and go to the extent of destroying crops in their victims’ farmlands is pure genocide.


Comrade Jonathan Asake lamented, “When you have a sect of people that are profiled along their ethnicity, beliefs and cultural practices are into systematic extermination and there is a constituted authority that turns its eyes the other way while the carnage is going on, and they have gone ahead to destroy the very source of livelihood and homes that even if you go back, you have no place to stay, you don’t have what to eat and yet help is not coming from government, that is genocide.”


He added, “So genocide is going along the axis of Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger states and the greater part of the Middle belt.”

The SOKAPU President explained that the attacks on Atyap Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State are unchallenged, saying that the killings and destruction of properties started on 8 July, 2021, with the killing of a widow and her children and to date, the attackers go from village to village unchallenged resulting to the burning of about 400 houses, loss of lives, looting of property, carrying them in Hilux vans and destroying crops in farmlands.

He added that the attackers also burnt down the houses of the paramount ruler of Atyap Chiefdom, Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya and the former Commander of ECOMOG, Major General Shekari Biliyok.

Comrade Asake noted that the attacks in Southern Kaduna have been a silent genocide by suspected Fulani militias or terrorists with the sole mission to kill, maim, destroy and chase the people out of their ancestral homes, adding that the problems affected all the local government areas that make up Southern Kaduna.

He added that the Southern Kaduna people have talked for years on the security situation of the area and even went to Geneva to make a case before the United Nations on the killings taking place in the area but till date, the destruction of lives and properties is on the increase.



He noted that presently as a result of the attacks on the area, many communities have been abandoned and the attackers have taken over, stressing, “As l am talking today, there is no organized Internally Displaced Person(s) camps in Southern Kaduna that the people that are being attacked are catered for by the government. 

As they attacked, women were raped and some taken to the bush by the attackers and our properties destroyed, our farmlands destroyed and some survivors went to neighbouring communities that are not even spared by the attackers.”

He said the attackers are foreign Fulanis together with some criminal indigenous Fulanis that have lived with the natives for years, lamenting that most of the criminal indigenous Fulanis are known with their names but none has been arrested or prosecuted by the state government.

He further lamented, “What is happening in Kaduna state that each time a community is attacked and the indigenes go out to chase the attackers away, that is when the security come and arrest the innocent people and take them to Kaduna State CID and are being humiliated before they are finally set free. The Adara and Atyap elders were made to go through such treatment.”


Asake further explained that each time there is an attack, governor Nasir El-Rufai end up imposing curfew on the communities being attacked for months leaving them to suffer with the loss of their loved ones, destruction of property and made to be indoors hindering them to go out to look for the means of their livelihoods.


He noted that the attacks on Southern Kaduna and the Middle Belt is meant to change the demography by chasing the natives away from their ancestral lands and the attackers take over the land.


He also lamented that kidnapping is being carried out on people and recently students is part of those affected with an increased atrocities and insecurity going on in Kaduna state, adding that it is a shame that such atrocities are being practiced in the 21st century without any concrete steps by the authority to bring an end to it and give people hope of living.

Police exhume body of abducted Rivers pastor killed and buried in shallow grave by kidnappers after collecting N500K ransom (photos)







Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have exhumed the remains of a pastor from a shallow grave where he was buried by his abductors in Luorre Community at Khana Local Government Area of the state. 
 
56-year-old pastor Friday Olakada, the General Overseer of God Is God Ministries at Agbochia in Eleme Local Government Area, was kidnapped on May 14, 2021, by four men who pretended to be passengers. 
 

 
Briefing Journalists at the scene of the crime in Lorre Community on Friday, August 6, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Friday Eboka said the four suspects collected the sum of five hundred thousand naira as ransom from the victim's family, killed and buried him in a shallow grave.
 
The CP explained that the suspects confessed to have killed the father of six ten days after collecting the ransom.

 
The prime suspect, Prince Odi, 27, in an interview with journalists shortly after leading the police team to the shallow grave, said they killed the victim because he recognized one of them.
 
Odi said they were contacted by someone who was in need of a Siena bus so they lured the victim and snatched the car. 
 
The younger brother to the deceased, Mr Woko Olakada commended the police for their efforts and asked that justice be served in the matter.

 
Mr Olakada also expressed sadness over the demise of his elder brother noting that the family is in pains as the children of the deceased are facing untold hardship. 
 

Quote:Senator Dino Melaye has denied the report that he told people to stop posting the pictures he took with Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi.

Hushpuppi, known for his flamboyant lifestyle is currently in prison in the United States is facing criminal charges including conspiracy to launder money obtained from business email compromise frauds and other scams.

The fraudster pleaded guilty to the charges and indicated some persons.

Following this development, there have been several reports on the internet space that Senator Dino Melaye is begging people not to post the pictures he took with Hushpuppi as he does not want to be dragged in the crime committed by Hushpuppi.

Dino has taken to his social media page to debunk such reports. According to Dino, he has never told anyone not to post his pictures with Hushpuppi.

The senator said he his a political celebrity and as such can take pictures with anybody regardless who they are.

His post reads; “There was never a time I asked people not to post my pictures with Hushpuppi or anyone for that matter because there is no reason to. Am a political celebrity, please continue posting jare. Wetin bird chop na im e go carry fly. SDM”

Quote:There was never a time l ask people not to post my pictures with Hushpuppi or anyone for that matter because there is no reason to. Am a political celebrity, please continue posting jare. Wetin bird chop na im e go carry fly. SDM

150 Nigerian doctors set for exams to enable them practice in the UK 








150 Nigerian doctors interested in practising in the United Kingdom are currently set to take clinical examinations which will decide their eligibility.
 
According to Punch, the coronavirus pandemic delayed the examination usually conducted by the General Medical Council, who are responsible for granting licences to medical doctors in the UK.

 
No fewer than 8,384 Nigerian medical doctors were practising in the UK as of June 9, 2021. But the council’s Senior Media Officer, Miranda Newey, in an e-mail sent to the publication, said the figure of Nigerian doctors in the UK would have increased if not for the pandemic.
 
Newey said, “There have been significant delays for Nigerian doctors taking our clinical examination before gaining registration due to the pandemic. From the information I have here, we have 150 doctors who have been delayed. I hope to get more data to share with you to enable you to do the comparison you want.”

 
Reacting to the news, the National President of the National Association of Resident Doctors, Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, called on the Federal Government to quickly address the emigration of highly trained medical practitioners. 
 
Okhuaihesuyi made the call in an interview with Punch.
 
He said, “It is normal for us to experience brain drain and I don’t blame the doctors migrating. Look at those of us who have chosen to stay behind. The only way the Federal Government can address this is if it attends to the demands of doctors.
 
“Look at resident doctors; most of our members are still being owed. If our welfare is of paramount interest, there won’t be a need to migrate.”

35-year-old fashion designer paraded by NSCDC in Ilorin for allegedly raping four-year-old girl


on
 August 6, 2021


The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, on Friday, paraded a 35- year-old serial rapist Kola Mogaji
for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl (name withheld).


Kola, said to be a fashion designer and a resident of Oja Ago area of llorin, the Kwara State capital, already has a rape charge prefered against him and currently standing trial in the court before this fresh allegation against him.


According to the NSCDC spokesman in Kwara State, Babawale Zaid Afolabi, the suspect has a pending case in court after he was accused of having canal knowledge of a three-year-old girl some months ago.


“The suspect can be categorised as a serial rapist because this will be second rape case prefered against him while we are still carrying out further investigtions about his rape escapades,” Babawale declared.


The spokesman said further that it was the mother of the four year-old-girl who alerted the office of the NSCDC when she noticed some abnormality in her child.


“After medical explanation, it was discovered that some semens were found in the private part of the girl,” he added.


In his confessional statement , Mogaji admitted to have had carnal knowledge of the girl, whom he said usually comes to his shop.


“The situation is worrisome. The guy is on bail. He has already earlier been charged to court bordering on rape charges. Now he has again been caught in the act,” Babawale lamented.


“The state commandant lskilu Ayinla Makinde has been briefed on the sad development and has ordered full scale investigation before further action will be taken,” the PRO added.

He seized the opportunity to appeal to the parents, especially mothers to take adequate care of their children during and after the ongoing schools’ long vacation.

One allegedly killed, 3 injured by security agents in Ibadan market
 
on
 August 6, 2021


At least, four persons have been allegedly shot by some people believed to be security agents in a market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.


DAILY POST gathered on Wednesday that the four people were reportedly shot at Oje market on Tuesday.


The incident, according to reliable sources, occurred around 8.pm.
The reason for the shooting at the market has not been ascertained as at the time of filing this report on Friday.
However, DAILY POST gathered that one of the four people who were allegedly shot died a few minutes after he was shot.


It was gathered that the gunmen took the corpse of the deceased away.
The three other victims who sustained bullet wounds according to the sources, one included Kehinde Omoboye, a motorcyclist and another trader at the market.
The three people were still nursing the wounds, DAILY POST reliability gathered.


A woman identified as Iya Ibeji, who is the mother of one of the victims, noted that she and the family of another victim spent the sum of two hundred and thirty thousand naira to remove the bullets from two of the victims.


Iya Ibeji told DAILY POST on Friday that she was surprised when she was called on Tuesday that her son had been shot by people suspected to be dressed in Amotekun Corps uniform.


“Yes, it is true. We have gone home, but when they called us, they said that Amotekun shot some people. And there was no fight. They just heard the gunshots. But, my own son, Kehinde Omoboye was one of the victims. He was shot when he was about to leave the market.


“His name is Kehinde Omoboye, they have removed the bullets, but we spent a lot of money. For two people who are from my side, we spent N230,000. I was told that one of the four people died and they took the corpse away. We removed the bullets at Elege place. It was Elege that helped us to remove the bullets.


“I was told that a policeman followed them on that day but, I do not know where the policeman came from. One person died instantly, they took his corpse away, the remaining victims are one motorcyclist, one person beside our shot and my own son.”


Amotekun Corps commandant, Olayinka Olayanju when contacted on Wednesday, said he was not aware of the incident.
Olayanju said, “I am not aware of anything like that.”


However, all efforts made by DAILY POST to get a reaction from the Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Adewale Osifeso since Wednesday were fruitless.


Osifeso, when contacted on Wednesday sought for more time to get details of the incident.
He said, “You would be updated soonest.”

Osifeso is yet to supply details of the incident as at the time of filing this report on Friday.






Daily post

Zahra not above the law – Hisbah slams Yusuf Buhari fiancee’s bridal gown


 
on
 August 7, 2021



The Hisbah Police in Kano has expressed their displeasure at the gown worn by Yusuf Buhari’s fiancee, Zahra Bayero, to her bridal shower which took place in Abuja on Tuesday.


The gown generated a lot of interesting reactions on social media.
Many Nigerians called out Hisbah over its silence on the dress, which some perceived to be immoral for a Muslim lady.


They wondered why Zahra didn’t face any criticism from Hisbah, which is known to enforce Sharia precepts in Kano.


Zahra is the daughter of the Emir of Bichi in Kano and is set to marry Yusuf, the son of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Hisbah through Sheik Harun Ibn Sina insisted that Zahra is not above the law.


Sina said the bride-to-be ought to lead by example if she wants blessing in her marriage.

Stop breastfeeding your husbands, breast milk is for babies - Commissioner for Gender Affairs tells women








Commissioner for Gender Affairs Enugu State, Hon. Peace Nnaji, want women to stop 'breastfeeding' their husbands and reserve the breastmilk for their babies instead. 
 
The Commissioner made the remark at a UNICEF media dialogue with selected journalists from South East, South-South, and parts of North Central. 

 
She explained that it is wrong for men to be sharing their wives' breastmilk with the babies while insisting that breastmilk is naturally meant for “the baby and not the man”.

 
In her words; ” Breastmilk is meant for babies and not their fathers. Mothers should stop feeding their husbands with their breastmilk, it’s for their babies.
 
” It’s wrong for mothers not to breastfeed their babies for fear of having flat or saggy breast.”
 
The Commissioner also urged mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding of their babies for at least the first six months after birth because of it has numerous benefits.
 
 

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL


SATURDAY, 7TH AUGUST 2021.


Pastor Chris Oyakhilome


THEME: RAISED TOGETHER WITH CHRIST

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1).


When Jesus died on the Cross, He died for all men. This means legally, all men have been saved. But Christianity didn’t begin from the Cross or death of Jesus, but from the resurrection. His resurrection made the new life in Christ possible.


This is the reason the only way anyone can experience the vital reality of salvation is to act on Romans 10:9-10. It says, “…if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”


Recall the words of the Spirit through the Apostle Paul in Romans 6:4: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” When God raised Jesus from the dead, we were raised together with Him, to a newness of life. We became new creatures in Christ Jesus, alive to God, with the transcendent life.


The new creation is the product of His resurrection. You’ve been brought out of spiritual death into life. You’ve been raised together with Christ, and seated with Him in the heavenly realms; now the Bible says you should seek those things which are above: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).


Have the consciousness of one who’s born from above and is seated together with Christ in the place of dominion, glory and power! Let the things of God, of His heavenly Kingdom to which you’ve been born mean more to you. Speak the heavenly language; live and see from above.


PRAYER


I live and see from above, because I’m seated with Christ in the place of dominion and power; I’m alive to God, with the transcendent life. I walk in prosperity, victory and glory; reigning and ruling in the realm of life through Jesus Christ. My affections are set on Him and the glories of His heavenly kingdom, now and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


FURTHER STUDY:


Ephesians 1:18-23 KJV “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places], Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”


Ephesians 2:4-6 KJV”But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus.”


DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Romans 9:30-10:1-21 & Psalms 78


2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 13:31-35 & Judges 13-14.





#TALKINGSESSION 




Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the joy of being filled with the Holy Spirit and divinely transported into the higher realms of life, far removed from poverty, sickness, death, defeat, destruction, and failure. 


The eyes of my understanding are enlightened, therefore, I see the invisible and I am powered to do the impossible. I thank You for Your Word in my heart is as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I’ll preach it everywhere I go.


My words are anointed to produce life for everyone who listens, to the glory and praise of the Father. I am full of the Holy Ghost; my confessions of faith come to pass because my words are anointed to produce results. 


There’s no hopeless situation I can’t change, for my faith is the victory that overcomes every adversity. Irrespective of what I hear, see or feel, my faith in Your Word prevails.



I walk in health, victory, prosperity, and success today. I am the seed of Abraham, and my life is for the glory of God. This is my set time to experience the unprecedented favour and manifold blessings in every area of my life. 


I declare that all things are working together for my good because I love the Lord, and I’ve been called according to His purpose. Everything I require for life and godliness has been delivered unto me, and I am enjoying life to the full, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.




God bless you

Suspected serial burglar nabbed by Ilorin residents







Angry youths of Danialu Upper Gaa-Akanbi area in Ilorin, Kwara state's capital on Friday August 6 apprehended a suspected serial burglar identified as Aina Toheeb.
 
The suspect was nabbed while allegedly trying to burgle a house in the community after scaling a fence. He was apprehended after a resident saw him and raised an alarm. 
 
An eyewitness said; 
 

Quote:“I saw the young man who I suspected to be a thief jumping into the compound through the fence and entered one of the apartments on the premises. 
“I immediately raised an alarm and the action drew the attention of everyone in the neighbourhood who later gave him a hot chase.
“The suspect must have been on the business for long considering the way and manner he was jumping over several fences including a security fence and maneouvering his way in order to escape."

Three Internet fraudsters convicted in Katsina







The Kano Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, today August 6, secured the conviction of three internet fraudsters before Justice Musa Danladi of the Katsina State High Court, Katsina for impersonation and cheating.
 
The convicts, Mojeeb Olayemi and Afonja Mujeeb Adewale, were prosecuted on a one-count charge while Paul Kelvin Alfred was charged with two counts of fraud. The convicts pleaded guilty to their respective offenses.

 
Counsel for the prosecution, Mohammed Gambo asked the court to convict each of them accordingly. Counsel to the convicts, N. I Abdallah, M. T Steven and A. Yusuf all pleaded for leniency on behalf of their clients.
 

Quote:''Consequently, Justice Danladi convicted and sentenced Kelvin to three months imprisonment on each of the two counts with an option of a N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only) fine. The sentence is to run consecutively while his iPhone 11 Pro and Infinix were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
 
Mojeeb Olayemi on the other hand bagged two months imprisonment or a fine of N20, 000 (Twenty Thousand Naira Only). He is also to forfeit the instruments he used in committing the crime which are an iPhone and Gionee mobile devices.
 
The court equally sentenced Afonja Mujeeb Adewale to three months in prison with option of N50, 000 (Fifty Thousands Naira Only) fine. The court further ordered that Afonja restitute his victim the sum of $585 (Five Hundred and Eighty-Five Dollars) and forfeit his iPhone 11 Pro to the Federal Government of Nigeria.''a statement by the commission reads in part

by

17-year-old girl reportedly missing for one week after her mother dropped her off at school in Port Harcourt







A 17-year-old girl identified as Lala Onwukwe, has been declared missing by her family in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. 
 
The teenager has been missing since Friday, July 30th, after her mother, Nancy Nnenna Onwukwe, dropped her off at her school in Odili Road, Port Harcourt.

 
She speaks English language fluently and is of average height.

 
Family and friends are urging anyone with any useful information that can help in finding her to kindly contact the mother on 08141204644.
 


 

*Says new president should be in his sixties

Quote:Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), might have ruled out a former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and a former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, from the 2023 presidential run, because they would be in their 70s by the next election.

Although IBB as Babangida is fondly called did not in any way mention their names as ineligible for the nation’s number one seat, he however suggested that individuals in their 60s should be the focus of Nigerians as potential presidential candidates in 2023.

By the next general election in 2023, Atiku, who is 75 this year would be 77, while Tinubu, who marked an official 68th birthday in March, would have turned 70 years.

Babangida, who himself will be 80 on August 17 this year, was confident that the nation is endowed with both human and natural resources, hinted at a few individuals, whom he said were in their 60s, had the capacity to become president and could effectively run the country.

Speaking in a sneak preview of a two-part series of an exclusive interview to be aired on the Arise News Channel this morning, focusing on the State of the Nation, IBB said one of the reasons Nigeria has refused to progress and achieve the dreams of the founding fathers was because Nigerians no longer believed in the future of their own country.

The former leader, who accused the Nigerian people of creating and at the same time, destroying their own country, identified bad leadership as yet a major reason for the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.

Talking about the presidential hopefuls he had in mind, IBB said they were persons in their 6os with contacts across the nation and who had been traversing the geo-political zones marketing their acceptability and capacity.

Specifically on the importance of leadership in nation-building and where he thought the likes of Atiku and Tinubu no longer fit the bill, IBB said: “If you get a good leadership that links with the people and tries to talk with the people; not talking on top of the people, then we would be okay.
“I have started visualising a good Nigerian leader. That is, a person, who travels across the country and has a friend virtually everywhere he travels to and he knows at least one person that he can communicate with.

“That is a person, who is very verse in economics and is also a good politician, who should be able to talk to Nigerians and so on. I have seen one, or two or three of such persons already in his sixties.”
But when asked if the person could emerge victorious in the 2023 presidential election, the Minna-born former military leader said, “I believe so if we can get him.”

Responding to a question on whether or not he still believed in the future of Nigeria, the former military president, who turns 80 on August 17, 2021, said: “I do believe in the future of Nigeria, but Nigerians don’t believe in the future of their country. They created and they destroyed.”

Reiterating his belief in the future of Nigeria and urging Nigerians to remain patriotic, Babangida, who claimed to feeling good as he was about to turn 80 years, with gratitude to God for sparing his life, advised Nigerians to go for the person that has what it takes to transform the country when the time comes.

IBB served as head of state between 1985 and 1993. Born in Niger State, he received military training in Nigeria, India, Great Britain, and the United States. He rose through the ranks and was known for his courage, having also played a major role in suppressing an attempted coup in 1976, when he walked into a rebel-held radio station unarmed.

After Murtala Mohammed became the military head of state in 1975, Babangida joined his Supreme Military Council, and as military president after taking over power on August 27, 1985, he introduced economic policies such as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), that altered the course of the nation and liberalise the economy.

At 80 on the 17th, Babangida is one of the leaders like Muhammadu Buhari who have dominated Nigeria’s political space since 1966.

Quote:The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has submitted that Nigeria is in a bad place.

The monarch stated this on Thursday, while speaking during the opening ceremony of a summit in Gombe State, organised by the Da’awah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN).

He advised Governors to ensure there is adequate supply of food, as food shortage looms.
According to the Sultan, scarcity of food will increase insecurity in Nigeria.

“I will like to call on governors to ensure they make adequate supply of food in store for the common man in anticipation of possible shortage of food in the world. And at the right time, subsidise it so that the common man can afford.

“This is because a hungry man is an angry man. Without food, there will be no peace and without peace, there will be no security,” he said.
The traditional ruler, commenting on the security situation in the country, said: “Let us not deceive ourselves that things are right. Things are not right, we know it and we have seen so much in our lives.
“It doesn’t take anybody a lot to know that Nigeria is in a very bad situation and it is a fact.”

Ex-beauty queen, Iheoma Emenike, flaunts her curves in sexy swimwear photos







Ex-beauty Iheoma Nnadi-Emenike, is currently on holiday in Ghana with her footballer husband, Emmanuel Emenike.
 
The mum of two shared these hot swimwear photos on her Instagram page today August 5. See another photo below
 

 

Court sentences Sudanese soldiers to death for killing protesters







A Sudanese court on Thursday, August 5, sentenced to death six members of the country's paramilitary forces convicted of killing six students at a pro-democracy student protest in central Sudan two years ago.
 
In his opening statement, the judge in the case, Ahmed Hassan al-Rahma, recounted how school and university students had taken to the streets of Obeid, in North Kordofan province, in a peaceful rally on July 29, 2019.

 
However, they were intercepted by members of the Rapid Support Forces who beat them with sticks and whips. When the students responded by hurling stones, the paramilitary troops opened fire, killing six people, the judge said.
 
"The students exercised their right to protest, which is protected by the law and the constitution," said al-Rahma. "However, those criminals responded with all cruelty and savagery."

 
The judge insisted the assault was an isolated incident and dismissed claims that higher command was involved.

 
"It is an individual act that emanates from the perpetrators' evil nature," he said, addressing the court in a hearing that was broadcast live on Sudan's national television.
 
The Obeid students were having the rally to demand justice for at least 128 people killed in a violent dispersion of a protest camp outside the military headquarters in the capital of Khartoum a month earlier, as well as better economic conditions.
 
The trial against the troops in Obeid had lasted for over 20 hearings during a year's time. Three other troops were initially indicted in the case; two of them were acquitted and the third, a minor, was referred to juvenile court.
 
Before handing down his verdict, under Islamic tradition, the judge had heard the testimony of the parents of the killed students, who demanded the defendants be executed for their crime. 

Late President Yar’Adua’s son remanded in Yola prison for allegedly killing 4 people







Aminu Yar’Adua, son of late former President Musa Yar’Adua has been remanded in prison for allegedly killing four people in an auto crash in Yola.
 
36-year-old Aminu is said to be a student of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, and he is being charged to court for allegedly causing death by dangerous driving on 23 June, 2021.

 
In the First Information Report (FIR) tendered in court by police prosecutor Insp. Zakka Musa, it was alleged that while driving along Yola bye pass on 23 June, 2021 , Aminu crushed six people as a result of over speeding.
 
The accident victims are from Sabon Pegi, Yola South Local Government Area, and it was learnt that while 4 died, two others are receiving treatment. 
 
The FIR read; 
 

Quote:“Those that died in the accident were identified as; Aisha Umar (30), Aisha Mamadu (32), Suleiman Abubakar(2) and Jummai Abubakar (30), while, Rejoice Annu (28) and Hajara Aliyu(27) sustained injuries."

Officer and 3 gunmen killed in attack on Imo police station







A police Inspector was killed on Thursday August 5 as gunmen attacked and burnt down Orlu police station. 
 
Three of the gunmen were also killed in a gunfight which ensued. Imo police spokesperson, Mike Abattam said the gunmen at about 9:35pm attacked and threw explosives and petrol bombs on top of the roof of Orlu Police station, damaging the roof and causing a fire in the station.

 
Some vehicles in the parking lot were affected by the fire and it was learnt that the command’s tactical teams on ground engaged and subdued the gunmen in a gun duel. 
 
Abattam said; 
 

Quote:“Three of the bandits were neutralized and their guns, one pump action gun and two locally made double barrel pistols were recovered while others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds.
“Unfortunately, a police inspector lost his life in the attack."

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL



FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST 2021.


PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME


THEME: CHRIST AT HOME IN YOU


To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).


“Christ in you” refers to all that’s in the character, personality, potency of the glory and graces of Christ embodied in you. And that’s done by the Holy Spirit. Recall the words of Jesus in John 14:23; “…If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” This was before His death, burial, resurrection and ascension to heaven. He had said in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter… ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”


He made good on His promise, and on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and indwelt the disciples. Today, being born again, we’ve become His living temple; He’s set up His abode in us. This was a mystery in the Old Testament; the prophets and even the angels wondered how it would be possible for God to make His home in men’s hearts.


But it was ever God’s desire; He said in Proverbs 8:31, “…my delights were with the sons of men.” Paul, by the Spirit, eventually writes and unveils this mystery as read in our theme scripture. So, when we say, “Christ in you,” we’re looking at the character, the beauty, all of the glory, power, and the righteousness of God encapsulated in a man.
Ephesians 3:17 says, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith….” That word “dwell” means “settle”; so, you’re one in whom Christ has settled. 


He has made His home in your heart by faith; there’s a mingling; a oneness of spirit. His very life, the very quality of His personality and the characteristics of His glory are all in you today. Glory to His Name forever!


CONFESSION


Blessed Lord, thank you for setting up your abode in the quarters of my heart. You sanctified me, and made me your living tabernacle, with your very life—the very quality of your personality and the characteristics of your glory—resident in, and expressed through me. What a blessed reality; for this, I’m forever grateful.


FURTHER STUDY:


1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”


John 14:16-17 AMPC “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever– The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.”


1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”


DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:


1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Romans 9:1-29 & Psalms 74-77


2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 13:22-30 & Judges 12.






#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN 



I affirm that the land is green for me! The wilderness is now a fertile field, and the fertile field has become a forest. New doors of opportunities are open unto me by the Spirit of God. I’ve been granted spiritual insight and set on the right course for life. 


The keys of the kingdom have been given unto me; therefore, I am celebrating my riches generously. I live above lack and other distracting influences of this earthly realm because I live in, and by the Word.


Nothing is impossible with me because my life is the story and testimony of God’s grace. There’s nothing that I do that is void of the anointing. The anointing of God is on everything that I do. This anointing causes me to expand, spread, flourish, and advance in life. This is my year of preparation and I am far ahead of any competitor or distractor. Hallelujah!

The speed of the Spirit has been granted me and I experience luxuriant growth and persistent productivity in every area of my life. Whatever I set my heart to do, the blessing of God is on it. I have multiplied abilities, wherever I am being checked or tested; the least they will ever find is that I am ten times better. I am anointed to walk on water and everywhere around me is green. Blessed be God. Hallelujah!

Quote:God bless you

10 out of 34 LGs in Katsina are under persistent bandit attack - Governor Masari tells COAS







Governor Bello Masari has disclosed that 10 out of the 34 Local Government Areas in Katsina state are under severe daily attack by bandits.
 
While receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, at the Government House, Katsina on Thursday August 5, the Governor said these bandits kill, rape, injure the people, burn houses and rustle cattle.

 
Expressing unhappiness over the situation, Masari added that the military and other security agencies need logistics support and manpower to tackle banditry and other insecurity challenges confronting the nation, adding that the world has gone into the era of technology, as “with technology you can fight your war with minimum number of personnel”.
 
He said; 
 

Quote:“We here in Katsina, if we say we are very happy, we are not being honest. We are disturbed with this issue of banditry accompanied with kidnapping, raping of innocent women, armed robbery on our highways. I want technology to be properly deployed to bring this banditry activities under control.


“We are not deceiving ourselves that we will eliminate criminality; it has never been done before, it cannot be done today rather can it be done tomorrow but we can bring it under control in such a way that it does not disturb the way of life of people as we are seeing today.


“10 out of 34 local governments in Katsina State are under severe bandits attacks daily. So, with that in mind, there is no way we can sleep. Our phones are permanently on to hear what is happening in local governments. Before breakfast, I am briefed about what happened last night. So General we are not in a very comfortable situation but we thank God.”

Taliban 'execute 900 people in 6 weeks  including police, village elders and a comedian' 







The Taliban have executed 900 people in six weeks in just one province as its fighters overran government troops, a police chief has claimed

The victims included police officers, tribal elders, civil activists, and even a popular comedian who were dragged from their homes and killed in southern Kandahar province, the region's former head of police Tadin Khan said.


The police chief also disclosed that the Islamist fighters have recaptured much of the province and have laid siege to the regional capital - also named Kandahar - as they push to retake control of the country following US troop withdrawal.
 
Many of the deaths occurred in the town of Spin Boldak, on the border with Pakistan, Khan told Afghan news outlet TOLO.
 
'The people have suffered enormously,' he said. 'The brutality that occurred in Boldak is unforgivable.'

 
Among them was comedian Nazar Mohammad, who previously served in the Afghan police, who had his throat slit before images of his body were posted online. 

 
Other targets of the Islamists have been Afghan soldiers in hiding,  some of whom may have surrendered to the Taliban rather than fight on the promise they would be allowed to return safely home.
 
Religious scholars, government employees, and anyone thought to be a supporter of the government has also been targeted, Khan said.
 
 The Taliban has denied claims of executions.

b

24 Chadian soldiers killed by Boko Haram







24 Chadian soldiers were killed on the night of August 4 to 5th during an attack by Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad region as reported by several Chadian media. 
 
Xinhua reported that the attack on the Chadian army position in Tchoukoutalia, Lac province, was confirmed by army spokesperson, Azem Bermandoa Agouna. 

 
Agouna however said a counter-offensive is underway. Lac province is said to have repeatedly been the target of attacks by Boko Haram. 
 
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said;
 

Quote:“Six people died, including a soldier in the attack in Kaiga-Kindjiria district."

Two bankers convicted for stealing from a dead customer's account









The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Uyo Zonal Command, has secured the conviction of two bank officials, Daniel Akpan Eno and Mbuk Idongesit before Justice Edem Ita Kufre of the Cross River State High Court, Calabar for conspiracy and theft of funds in the account of a deceased customer of a commercial bank.

 

The duo were convicted on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 after pleading guilty to separate one-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and fraudulent transfers. A third defendant, and alleged accomplice, Victor John Okon pleaded “not guilty”. His trial was adjourned till August 10, 2021 for consideration of bail application.

 

Justice Kufre convicted and sentenced Akpan to three months imprisonment with an option of fine of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50, 000.00), while Idongesit was sentenced to three months imprisonment with an option of Thirty Thousand Naira (N30, 000.00) fine.



 

The convicts’ journey to prison started on May 23, 2021 when Idongesit (alongside one Utibe George- currently at large) approached Akpan with the burial programme of one Godfried Godwin Osso, a deceased customer of the Bank, whom George(at large) claimed was his step - father, with a plot to steal from the deceased’s account.

 

On May 24, 2021, George concluded the deal with the convicts and also contacted a Teller (Victor Okon – the 3rd defendant) from another branch of the bank to ease access to the funds in the account of the deceased. A 50% sharing formula was agreed upon by the conspirators and the plot was executed.



 

The commission waded in following a petition from the bank, alleging suspicious dissipation of monies in the deceased account into the accounts of family members and acquaintances, from where they were diverted to personal use.

 

Investigation revealed that on June 19, 2019 Victor Okon connived with George Ifiok Utibe (at large) and received the sum of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N1, 500, 000.00). Daniel Akpan also benefited the sum of One Million and Forty Thousand Naira (N1, 040, 000.00) while Godwin Mbuk benefited the sum of One Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira (N130, 000.00) only

 

The judge ordered the convicts remanded at the Nigerian Correctional facility until they pay their fines, while Victor was remanded at the Commission’s detention facility pending the hearing of his bail application.

 

Quote:FIRES OF HELL : Thousands flee California wildfire bigger than New York City as shocking pictures show blaze destroying towns

THOUSANDS were forced to evacuate as a devastating wildfire that's larger than New York City ripped through parts of California.

The Dixie Fire has already destroyed 278,000 acres and is only 35 percent contained as shocking pictures show intense flames leveling the town of Greenville.

The blaze is burning around 250 miles northeast of San Francisco.

Around 2,400 people had evacuated their homes in Placer County and another 4,200 people were under evacuation orders in Nevada County.

And, at least 5,400 firefighters are tackling the raging inferno.

Homes were devastated as the blaze ripped through historic buildings and properties.

Striking images show a gas station, hotel, and bar burning to the ground.

Abandoned cars are covered in ash and firefighters have been pictured at the scene clearing debris.

It’s reported that 67 homes in Greenville have been destroyed since the blaze broke out on July 14. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

The blaze generated a towering smoke plume that was visible around at least 70miles away.

Fire chief Mike Wink said the column rose 30,000 feet in the air.

Dawn Garofalo watched the cloud grow from the west side of the lake, where she fled with a dog and two horses, from a friend’s property near Greenville.

She said: "There’s only one way in and one way out. I didn’t want to be stuck up there if the fire came through."

Pandora Valle, a spokesperson at the US Forest Service, told the San Francisco Chronicle that "firefighters are fighting for the town of Greenville".

Residents were warned of bone-dry conditions and wind speeds of up to 40mph were forecast.

Crews are warning that the blaze could cause potentially more devastation.

Shannon Prather, of the US Forest Service, said: “I think we definitely have a few hard days ahead of us.”

Another wildfire, the so-called River Fire has torched around 1,400 acres in Placer and Nevada counties.

And, the McFarland Fire, which was sparked by a lightning strike, has threatened remote homes located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Heat warnings have been issued across Southern California for much of the week, especially in mountain and desert regions.

It’s reported that there are at least 25 active blazes in Montana, 21 in Idaho, and 13 in Oregon.

Meanwhile, there are at least 11 fires burning in California, according to the latest statistics.

RAGING INFERNOS

In Hawaii, crews gained control of the 160-square kilometer Mana Road blaze that had destroyed at least two homes on the island.

Last month, it was reported that more than 80 blazes raged across the West Coast.

The Bootleg Fire in Oregon has destroyed at least 400,000 acres of land but firefighters are said to making "good progress" as it is 84 percent contained, according to ABC7.

Experts warned of fire tornadoes as infernos destroyed more than 300,000 acres of land in Oregon and changed weather patterns.

Marcus Kauffman, of the state’s forestry department, said the intensity of the flames can cause the wind to go around it – creating swirling clouds of heat known as fire tornadoes.

Scientists feared that a megadrought could unleash a climate catastrophe as Americans continue to battle with the intense heat.

In July, temperatures in Las Vegas hit 117F and the mercury soared to 121F in Portland, Seattle, and Lytton – a small town in British Columbia.

The National Weather Service recorded that Washington state was in “exceptional drought” – the first time since the Drought Monitor began in 2000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnTvcyyKUW8

https://www.thesun.com/news/3416770/thousands-flee-california-wildfire-bigger-new-york-city/amp/

NAPTIP arrests Islamic teacher for sexually exploiting 16-year-old student in Maiduguri







The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Maiduguri Zonal Command, has arrested a 28-year-old Islamic teacher over alleged sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old student. 
 
A statement issued by the agency on Thursday, August 5, said the suspect, Yanga Abdullahi of Maura ward, is a teacher at Darul-Arqam Islamiyya school, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
 
"The suspect sexually exploited a 16-year-old girl of Mairi Kuwait area, Maiduguri, Borno State. She is a student of the suspect at Darul-Arqam Islamiyya school Maiduguri." the statement read. 
 


 

Family demands justice as body of artisan who drowned while fleeing from police is recovered







The family of Ubong Friday is asking for justice after the corpse of the deceased was recovered from a river in Rivers State.
 
Friday drowned in a swamp while trying to evade arrest by the police in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday, August 2.
 
The artisan was working on a construction site in Rumuigbo, when a resident invited the police to arrest workers on the site, claiming that the contractor used sand to block his apartment.
 
When the police got to the site, Ubong ran into a swampy area after one of them allegedly chased him with a gun, and he drowned in the process, an eyewitness told journalists.
 
The deceased’s brother-in-law, Joseph Etim, who confirmed that the artisan’s corpse was recovered by policemen and deposited in the morgue of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, alleged that the police were responsible for his death, Punch reports.
 
Etim told the publication: "The Divisional Police Officer sent her men to bring the corpse from where it was recovered. I want justice so that the issue will not be swept under the carpet like it is normally done when police personnel kill innocent people.
 
"The police are not saying anything other than recovering the body and depositing it in the UPTH morgue."
 
The spokesman for the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, told Punch the police personnel had no hand in the artisan’s death, but only responded to an invitation by a resident.
 
He said: "They were trying to clear the place that was blocked and our men were invited. It wasn’t as if the police were chasing him (Ubong); when our men advanced to the place, the workers all ran.
 
"He (the artisan) tried to scale a fence and landed in a pit and got stuck. What I’m telling you is what the DPO told me."

13 suspected Internet fraudsters arrested in Abuja













Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, have arrested 13 persons for alleged Internet fraud.


 The suspects are Daniel Nwafor, Yusuf Abdulwaheed, Yusuf Adekunle, Ejiga Samuel, Umar Farouk Mohammed, and Emmanuel Simon. Others include Habeeb Ikojo, Osondu Stanley, Ibrahim Oyelade, Taiwo Samuel, Churchill Onodu, Jamiu Abdulkareem and Ogbede Y. Oguchi.


They were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at different locations in Dawaki and Dutse areas of Abuja, following credible intelligence on their alleged fraudulent activities.


Items recovered from suspects include two cars (a Toyota Camry and Mercedes C300), 32 smartphones and 3 laptops.


The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Bandits kidnap Zamfara Speaker's father, stepmother, five others







Suspected bandits have abducted the biological father of the Speaker of Zamfara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Muazu Magarya. 
 
It was gathered that the bandits also kidnapped the Speaker’s stepmother, uncle and four others in a raid on his community, Magarya in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.
 
Salihu Zurmi, lawmaker representing Zurmi West in the state assembly, who confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, said that the armed men invaded the community on Wednesday evening, August 4. 
 
"This is the fourth time they are attacking the community, the first one they killed some people while during the second assault they torched residential houses and carted away cows and other domestic animals,” he said.
 
Also confirming the abduction, the Director General, Press Affairs of the state House of Assembly Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, said that they would soon issue press statement on the issue.
 
"I’m right now with the Honourable Speaker, we will issue statement, give us some times please,” Mustapha said.
 
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Muhammad Shehu, who confirmed the incident, said the command would soon issue a press release on the incident. 
 
He added that the command has deployed additional troops to the affected area to ensure the safe return of the victims. 

Quote:US consul-general, Claire Pierangelo, described the ban as “worrisome” at the “Conversation on Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Civic Space in Nigeria” which was held in Lagos.

“Nigerian government’s ongoing suspension of Twitter and stated intent to introduce registration requirements for other social media platforms is deeply worrisome.

“Banning or significantly restricting social media, including under threat of prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental freedoms,” she said.

Following the ban, human rights activists and groups had dragged the Federal Government to the ECOWAS court.

In a counter-affidavit, the Federal Government told a Federal High Court in Lagos that it had not stopped Nigerians from using Twitter, adding that many Nigerians still used it every day.

Quote:Claire Pierangelo, US consul-general, made the remarks on Wednesday at a programme titled, “Conversation on Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Civic Space in Nigeria” held in Lagos.

Pierangelo said the government’s intention to introduce registration requirements for social media platforms, banning or restricting social media with threats of prosecution, undermines the human rights and fundamental freedom of Nigerians.

“Nigerian government’s ongoing suspension of Twitter and stated intent to introduce registration requirements for other social media platforms is deeply worrisome,” she said.

“Banning or significantly restricting social media, including under threat of prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental freedoms. We are encouraged by the meetings between Twitter and government technical committee last week aimed at resolving the suspension.”

Speaking on the right to freedom of expression for the press, she said journalists must be vigilant as they are the mouthpiece of the people.

“In view of these recent developments, you — reporters, editors, media executives, and civil society representatives — must remain vigilant to protect the right to freedom of expression and press freedom,” she said.

”To fulfill its highest civic purpose, the press must be both independent and unbiased. Without independence, a media outlet functions as a public relations mouthpiece for the government and other powerful interests.

“In the same breath, history is full of cautionary tales showing that when governments try to limit citizens’ right to talk about certain topics, important conversations are pushed into the shadows allowing individuals to express their opinions — no matter how much the government and other citizens may disagree with them. Rigorous debate promotes transparency and social stability.”

Lady Arrested For Butchering Her Boyfriend And Escaping With His Car In Uyo (Graphic Photos)

A lady has been arrested by men of the Nigerian Police Force for killing her boyfriend and escaping with his Mercedes Benz 4matic and the car papers in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, IgbereTV reports.

Blogger, Vincent Aluu who shared the news on Facebook wrote;

Quote:"Why are ladies killing guys these days?

She visited the deceased in his Osongoma residence,butchered him to death and made away with his brand new Mercedes Benz 4matic and the original documents.

Chukwuemeka, is the only son to the parents and was an importer. All efforts to reach him by his friend to come clear his consignments failed. He was found in his pool of blood inside his bed room.

Using the vehicle tracker, the daughter of Jezebel was traced to a nearby hotel enjoying. Currently, she is singing like a parrot at Ewet Housing Police Station.

What is this life turning into?

Viewers discretion is advised."

Quote:Popular Blogger , Linda Ikeji Looking Amazing In Recent Pictures .

Linda Ifeoma Ikeji is a Nigerian blogger, writer, entrepreneur and former model. She is known for her blog and controversial publications online.

Ritualists gang rape, kill 50-year-old woman, remove her eyes and private parts in Delta







The deceased and suspect
Suspected ritualists have killed a 50-year-old woman, Mrs. Patience Komone, at Umeh community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
 
The suspected ritualists allegedly removed the eyes and private parts of the deceased and dumped her remains in a bush in the community.

 
The deceased fondly called Pat, a native of Otughievwen, Ughelli South Local Government Area was declared missing by her family since Tuesday 27 July, when she left her home to Umeh where she periodically buys pepper and sundry vegatables for sale along Sapele Road, Effurun, Uvwie. 
 

 
The State Commissioner of Police,  Ari Mohammed Ali, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, August 4, said decomposing body of the woman was found in the bush on Tuesday, following the arrest of one suspect, Onoriode Simon Akpoavirhi, 25, the Okada rider who carried her on that fateful day.
 
The suspect was paraded alongside sixteen others arrested for kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism across the state. 

 
On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the killing of the missing woman in connivance with one Akpoghene Shoemaker, now at large. They raped her and robbed her of the sum of forty thousand before killing her using a machete.
 
The suspect also confessed that one lucky Daniel of Ohoro town contracted them to bring the body parts for him after paying them one hundred thousand naira (N100,000). 
 

 
"Sequel to the missing person report received by the Command on 2/8/21 at about 1456hrs of one Mrs. Patience Komore aged 50yrs, who disappeared after leaving for Umeh market in Isoko south LGA to get fish. I directed the Divisional police officer Oleh to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance," the CP stated.
 
"The DPO Mobilized police operatives, vigilante, and community leaders who continuously worked together and gathered information regarding the case. Acting on a tip off, on 3/8/2021 at about 1300hours, One Onos Simon m’ age 25yrs an Okada man was arrested, the Okada rider was the same person who carried the woman on that faithful day. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the killing of the missing woman Mrs. Patience Komore in connivance with one Akpoghene Shoemaker ‘m’ now at large.

 
"They raped her and robbed her of the sum of forty thousand before killing her using a machete. Not only did they kill her, they also removed her eyes and private part for ritual purposes. Suspect also confessed that one lucky Daniel of Ohoro town contracted them to bring the body part for him after paying them one hundred thousand naira (#100,000).
 
"The decomposing corpse has been recovered and deposited in the mortuary. Members of the public are hereby urged to assist the police with useful information that can lead to the arrest of the fleeing Akpoghene shoemaker and lucky Daniel," he added. 
 
 

Lightning strike kills 17 people at wedding and injures 14 others including the groom







At least 17 wedding guests were killed after being struck by lightning on their way to the nuptials in Bangladesh.

Fourteen others  including the groom were injured after the group was caught in a thunderstorm on their way to the bride's house in the riverside town of Shibganj, Bangladesh.

 
The group had just got off a boat on the bank of the river Padma near Shibganj on Wednesday 4th at noon, to take shelter at the bride's house when lightning struck, the BBC reported.

The bride was not with the party when the lightning struck on Wednesday, according to Sakib Al-Rabby, a local government official.

The lightning struck Chapainawabganj, the Western district of Bangladesh, about 150 miles north-west of Dhaka. 

Lightning kills more than 200 people in Bangladesh, the majority being farmers in their fields, each year.

We’ll deal with you in language you understand – IPOB warns herdsmen terrorizing Enugu residents


on
 August 5, 2021




The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Thursday, threatened Fulani herders killing farmers in Enugu State.


IPOB vowed to teach them a lesson in the language they would understand.
About eight persons were recently killed in Mgbuji community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.


The ambush carried out by herdsmen also left hectares of farmland destroyed, with a number of residents missing.


The community had linked the attack to threats by herdsmen who reportedly blamed IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for their action.


Reacting, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, described the renewed attack as barbaric.


In a statement he issued, Powerful said the attack has exposed the Nigerian security agencies as hypocrites who are compromised.

The statement titled: “Fulani killer herdsmen slaughtering farmers in Enugu will be taught a lesson in the language they understand,” reads: “The renewed barbaric and unprovoked attacks on different communities in Enugu State by Fulani terrorists masquerading as herdsmen, have once again exposed the hypocrisy of the compromised Nigeria military, police and other security agencies supervising the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Biafrans by the Fulani.

“The same double-faced and Fulani-controlled Nigerian security agencies hunting for the operatives of the Eastern Security Network ESN, are watching Fulani herdsmen as they continue their killing spree across Biafra land.

“Instead of halting these genocidal attacks against innocent Biafrans, the compromised and complicit Nigeria security agencies take pleasure in hunting and killing our volunteers defending our ancestral land.


 The massacre of innocent Biafrans at Ehamufu in Enugu State Wednesday morning unchallenged by the security agents is another confirmation of the criminal role of the Nigeria security agencies in the evil agenda of the Fulani in Nigeria.

“The barbaric attacks on the hapless people of Eha-amufu and Ogbuji communities in Isi-uzo local government has proven that Nigerian soldiers singular agenda in Biafraland is to be distracting the ESN and IPOB and thereby create the environment for Fulani Herdsmen to continue with their land grabbing tendency and atrocities against Biafran communities.


“We the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, therefore, want to remind the Fulani jihadists masquerading as herdsmen and their partners in crime that they won’t succeed in Biafra land as long as we exist. Our gallant men will again teach them in the only language they understand. We did it before and they attested to that, and we shall do it again.”

Senator Shehu Sani Shared the video of the alleged Olympic kits for Nigerian on his facebook timeline with the caption:

Quote:PUMA donated these $2.7 million kits freely to Nigeria and offered to financially reward our medal wining athletes. Our officials rejected them and preferred to use public funds to purchase from other sources. Now our Athletes are embarrassed in Tokyo.

Three suspected foreign smugglers arrested as Nigeria Customs intercepts pangolin scales, elephant tusks worth N22.3bn in Lagos







The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested three suspected smugglers in connection with pangolin scales and elephant tusks worth N22.3 billion intercepted in Lagos State.
 
Briefing the media on Wednesday, August 4, in Lagos, the Controller General of Customs (CGC), Col. Hameed Ali, said the 17,137.44 kilograms of Pangolin scales (196 sacks), 870.44 kilograms of Elephant tusks and 4.60 kilograms of Pangolin claws were evacuated at a location in Lekki, after proper examination.
 

According to the Customs CG, NCS’s extensive collaboration yielded credible intelligence that triggered swift and comprehensive actions by the Customs Intelligence Unit and Headquarters Strike force. 
 
"The ever increasing and relevant functions of the global Customs community demonstrate the necessity of Customs actions to raise revenue, suppress smuggling and intercept illegal movement of items that can compromise national security, economy, health and environmental protection," Ali stated 
 
"Deforestation and depletion of wildlife especially the endangered species have been global concern with nations collaborating, sharing intelligence and expertise that will stamp out indiscriminate killing of endangered species.
 
"In line with global best practices, NCS has been in robust collaboration with embassies of US, UK and Germany with other credible international bodies already indicating interest to join our quarterly meetings that provide platform for shared experiences.
 
"I am therefore happy to announce that our extensive collaboration yielded credible intelligence that triggered swift and comprehensive actions by the Customs Intelligence Unit and the Headquarters Strikeforce. This led to the evacuation of sacks of different kilograms of Pangolin scales and Elephant tusks at a location on Eastern side of Ijeoma street, Lekki, Lagos State
 

Proper examination of the sacks revealed the followings: 17,137.40kg of pangolin scales (196 sacks) 44kg of Elephant Tusks, 60kg of Pangolin claws. All with estimated value of N22,283,747,850.00.
 
The Controller General said the seizure is in-line with Section 63 “e” and “g” of CEMA, Cap 45 LFN 2004 as amended, adding that it also falls under Export prohibition schedule VI of the extant Common External Tariff which prohibits their exportation. Nigeria is a signatory to CITES convention hence cannot be used as a transit hub.

 
Ali said the feat is a testimony of what sincere collaboration between nations can achieve for our world, and individual nations in particular.

 
"While thanking our partners, especially the wildlife justice commission. Let me give the assurances of the Service determination to treat any and every information with utmost confidentiality and swift appropriate action(s) to stem this tide of illegality.
 
"Already three suspects who are non-nationals have been arrested. They are Mr. Traore Djakonba, Mr. Isiak Musa and Mr. Mohammed Bereta. The kingpin, Mr. Berete Morybinet is on the run thinking he can evade the long arm of the law.
 
"Security agencies at all entry and exit points are on red alert to track and arrest him to face justice. He is therefore advised in his interest to surrender himself to the NCS.
 
"The suspects arrested will soon have their date in court as NCS will leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice. We will extend same treatment to any person or organization remotely connected to this or any illegal wildlife trade." 


b

The bandits crossed bridge manned by soldiers before invading our communities and killing inhabitants - Southern Kaduna spokesperson







Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has said that gunmen killed 20 persons in a fresh onslaught less than 24 hours after the attack on communities in Kauru, Kaduna state.
 
SOKAPU also alleged that the bandits crossed a bridge manned by soldiers to invade the communities and kill the inhabitants.

 
The spokesman for SOKAPU, Luka Binniyat, stated, Wednesday, August 4: "The attackers crossed a bridge well manned by soldiers at Bakin Kogi market town and invaded neighbouring Apiababun village in Atyap Chiefdom, Zangon Kataf Local Council.
 
"They killed a pregnant woman, her two children (Bitrus and Samuel) and two children of her brother-in-law.

 
"Mrs. Naomi John, aged 32, was few days to delivery when the attackers, described as armed Fulani herdsmen, stormed Apiababun on Tuesday about 10a.m. and killed her."
 
The group added that Naomi’s brother-in-law Michael John, escaped with serious machete cuts.
 
The five victims were reportedly buried in a mass grave on Wednesday, August 4, amid rumours that the killers would return.