-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

CHAIRMAN/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has said that the seizures of cocaine and heroin at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in just over two months of 2021 is about double of seizures in 2019 at the facility.

Marwa, who expressed satisfaction with the record of activities of the agency in the last two months, disclosed that for the whole of 2019, MMIA Command only recovered 34.109 kg of cocaine and 21.72 kg of heroin but with less than three months in year 2021, the command had seized 63.217 kg of cocaine and 950 kg heroin.

Marwa who was in Lagos to boost the morale of the staffers of the MMIA and Lagos State Commands of the agency, charged the men and officers of the agency to intensify the fight against drug abuse and trafficking so as to rid the country of hard drugs.

He applauded them for the achievements recorded within the short period he assumed office as chairman of the agency , stating that reward for hardwork is more work.

The NDLEA boss who accompanied on the visit by other directors of the agency, said that the renewed war against drug trafficking is a fight to finish, urging them not to relent in their efforts.

The NDLEA boss said on his assumption of office, he had a meeting with all top commanders where he promised to reward any command with the most outstanding performance bi-monthly, adding that based on his promise, the MMIA Command merited the award. He thereafter presented the Commander , Ahmadu Garba with a plaque and a cash gift.

The NDLEA boss said, he was aware of all the challenges being faced by the officers in the course of performing their responsibilities but promised that very soon everything would be resolved. He charged them to be up and doing and not to relent despite the challenges.

In his words:”I am aware of what is going on here, both operationally and administratively, and I must congratulate this command for your tenacity, efforts and aggressiveness, you cannot win this war against drugs by sitting down, we must go on the offensive on a daily basis, we should take the war personal because we are Nigerians, those who are bringing in these drugs want to corrupt and destroy our own children, so, we are attacking the problem professionally with the agency, we are also doing it for ourselves and for our families and for our communities. We can’t allow people to come into Nigeria to destroy us.

“And you have done very well so far, and I urge you to keep it up. If you open the newspapers today or watch television everyday, you will see crimes; either that they are kidnapping school children or killing people; they all use drugs before going to perpetrate this evil, and until we tackle this issue of drug we may not see the end of insecurity, it has to go together.”

He added that: “I know that you need more men and women in this command and very soon the training of the new recruits will commence and from there, we are going to give you more personnel and other commands. Very soon different equipment will come in, including scanners. When I took over I found the morale of our officers very low and I know you are all trying very hard to meet up your responsibilities while we still owe you a lot of money, but I am giving you assurance that your welfare is a priority. We have made appropriate representations to the appropriate authorities and I have received the assurance that they have listened to us, so, we are confident that within this budget year, we will get relief”

The NDLEA boss thereafter visited Lagos State Command of the agency where he also reiterated his commitment to the welfare of men and officers. He equally met civil society stakeholders where he called for their partnership. He thereafter led his team on a visit to the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army where he sought the support of the military for the NDLEA in its operations.

Members of Celebrities drug free club on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency @ndlea_nigeria, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), OFR, today, Monday 15th March, 2021 in Lagos

• Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Sunny A. DAVID:

Following report of suspected gay activities at one SWISSER SWISS CLASSIC HOME HOTEL AND SUITE Ifitedunu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, Police officers in the State penultimate Sunday arrested undisclosed number of people, mostly men of different age brackets.

An indigene of the Community, who pleaded anonymity, explained that homosexuals were holding party at the facility when trouble ensued, leading to invitation of Policemen from Ukpo Police Division.

Pictures obtained in connection with the incident reveal that the suspects attempted fleeing from all directions in the hotel when Policemen arrived, leading to destruction of ceilings, roof and other items in the facility.
It was gathered that the suspects were taken to Police Anti-cult Office in Ukpo for further investigations.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra Police Command Mr. Haruna Mohammed (CSP) said report of the incident has not come to his desk.

It could also be recalled that Police arrest of homsexual are on the increase since 2014 when the gay law was enacted. Patrick Ebiprado Kentebe, Jubril Lawal, Ekene Igho Sunday, Femi Bright Amos, James O. Edet and Michael Adebola Lawal, who were reportedly caught on the act with Patrick are gay who are allegedly on police rader.

These men and dozens of others accordin,g to our Lagos state correspondent are still being hunted for by the police and will be persecuted if anyone is arrested. Findings reveal that majority of these men have reportedly fled the country.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Balogun MABAMIJE/Ughelli:

A consultant Opthalmologist, Dr (Mrs) Onoriode Umolo, has advised women on the danger inherent in the use of artificial eyelashes, saying that it could cause cornea ulcer and possible total blindness.

Dr (Mrs) Umolo, who spoke with journalists in Ughelli, the Headquarters of Ughelli North local government area of Delta State, said that ladies who indulged in fixing of eyelashes were ignorant of the danger such act posed to their eyes.

According to the Consultant Opthalmologist, “the eye is a very sensitive organ of the body and whatever we do around the eye matters a lot and as such, we should be careful so that we do not lose our vision,” she said.

Dr (Mrs) Umolo noted that sometimes, the artificial eyelashes would tend to rub part of the cornea and create sensation around it, indicating the presence of foreign bodies, which may compel the person wearing it to continue to rub the eye with her hands, thereby damaging the cornea, adding that it could lead to cornea ulcer.

She said that if the cornea ulcer was not properly handled by a specialist, it may degenerate to complete lost of vision by the patient.

Dr (Mrs) Umolo also noted that the glue used to attach the eyelashes to the eye could cause inflammation of the eye which may lead to series of infections in the eyes.

She advised ladies to shun the act of indulging in unhealthy practices, such as fixing of eyelashes, in the name of beautifying themselves, but to practise what could protect their eyes from being damaged.

Corroborating the view expressed by Dr (Mrs) Umolo, a beautician, Miss Rejoice Oru, said that some of the eyelashes could be dangerous to the eyes, adding that picking the eyelashes, which involved the use of needles while fixing the lashes, was most dangerous to the eyes.

She stated that the process of picking eyelashes was risky, adding that any mistake could result in instant blindness, as the needle could pierce the eye ball.

• Courtesy: Delta State Ministry of Information

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -From Ambrose OLOGIDE/Warri:

The Flag Officer Commanding ( FOC ) Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Garba, has warned operators of illegal refineries to desist from the criminal act or face severe punishments.

Rear Admiral Garba handed down the warning, shortly after the destruction of some illegal refineries in some parts of Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State and the Benin River Basin by the Nigerian Navy, on Tuesday March 9, 2021.

While noting that the illicit act was adversely affecting the national economy, he advised the operators to take to some other legitimate businesses towards the development of the area and boosting the national economy.

The exercise, code named, “Operation Ame Jiji”, also known as, “Cold Water”, was led by the FOC Rear Admiral Garba and the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Delta, Commodore Samiu Adepegha.

The areas where the destruction of illegal refineries took place included Madagho, Abiteye Egwa 1 & 11, all in Warri South West Local Government Area and in the Benin River Basin.

Rear Admiral Garba explained that the destruction of the illegal refineries was in line with the directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, to rid Nigeria’s water ways of criminal activities, adding that more than 2 million litres of illegal refined petroleum products were destroyed in the operation, while some suspects were also arrested.

• Courtesy: Delta State Ministry of Information

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –Edited by Albert OGRAKA:

As Women across the World celebrates the 2021 edition of International Women’s Day, Wife of the Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa and Founder, O5 Initiative encouraged women to stay strong and never give up their passion to build peaceful homes and effect global change.

Dame Okowa leaning on the theme for this year’s celebration “CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE”, in a statement signed by her Media Assistant, Mrs Alicia Dominic-Okobi, harped on the need for women to see challenges as opportunities to achieve greater heights through good works.

According to the First Lady, “the world is full of challenges and women go through these challenges at work place, family and society but the joy of it all is that, we come out stronger. Women are co-creators, nation and family builders; we cannot afford to abuse this privilege divinely assigned to us.

“As we look forward to a better future, I urge you to see it as a point of duty to positively challenge one another to good works. Let us stand for one another, speak for and not against one another, be optimistic about another, by so doing; we can build a world of peace and harmony.

“Let me use this medium to salute our sisters who are faced with various life challenges; never give up! Stay strong, this will soon pass.

“It is therefore my prayer that the Lord will give every woman the grace to succeed in life.

“As I join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day 2021, I wish to congratulate all Women on this beautiful occasion and wish you all a happy celebration.”

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -From Sunny A. DAVID:

AQUATIC life, agricultural activities and ecosystem were brought to a halt on Wednesday in Ogwu-Anaocha and Ogwu- Ikpere Communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident which was as a result of illegal oil exploration by a company known as SEEPCO in the past five years with the use of military personnel to protect it’s installations and business.

According to the Federal Ministry of Environment in conjunction with the Anambra State Oil and Gas Development Committee DPR the incident has completely damaged the ecosystem in the area.

Baseline Assessment visit to Ogwu-Aniocha by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Anambra State Oil and Gas Development Committee, DPR, SEEPCO, Ogbaru Local Government Oil and Gas Development Committee, representatives of Ogwu-Aniocha, Ogwu-Ikpele Communities and others; indicate that there has been oil spillage in Ogbaru arising from oil exploration carried out by SEEPCO; the bodies alleged.

This spillage has completely damaged our ecosystem and has caused the death of thousands of fishes in addition to polluting hinterland sources of water for the people of Ogbaru.

According to the Local Government Chairman of Ogbaru, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu, we had earlier today, received the joint team which are synergizing in the effort at bringing about the formalization of the process to making Anambra an oil producing State and guaranteeing the benefits accruable to the oil bearing and impacted Communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

But it is indeed shocking that such activities have been going on in the area without recourse to the relevant authorities in the State and at the National level.

We have made efforts as a government to look into the activities of this company without success and the products are transported to Kwale Community in Ndikwa West Local Government Area of Delta State where they are based.

The team moved into oil locations in Ogbaru following repeated reports on the oil activities in the area and were shocked to behold today’s discovery. It’s now clear that oil is indeed being lifted from Ogwu-Aniocha and Ogwu-Ikpele cum ajoining Communities in Ogbaru.

The Chairman further lamented that the Oil firm has refused the host Communities access to the oil locations and has set up parallel Community authorities against the Leadership of the towns which has led to the destruction of buildings and alleged killing of people.

“Anambra is an oil producing State and as such we should have access to what is accrued from the resources but some people are tapping our oil illegally under the nose of government authorities.”

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has launched the Nigerian Temporary Passport (NTP).

The Temporary Passport was launched on Tuesday at NIS Headquarters in Abuja and it is to allow Nigerian in Diaspora without the Permanent Passport to travel into the country before the more permanent document could be issued.

A statement by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Sunday James said: “The Temporary Passport is a new genre of Passport that will be issued at the Nigerian Embassies/High Commissions outside the country to Nigerians desirous of returning home but whose national passport is not available.”

Aregbesola, at the launch, explained that the Temporary Passport is a travel document designed for a one-way travel to Nigeria only and that the new document replaces the hitherto Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) which was issued to Nigerians in emergency situations for the purpose of returning home.

The Minister said the Temporary Passport is ICAO compliant and is valid for only 30 days before the date of travel and it is not in any way a replacement for the Nigerian Passport as it will only serve a temporary purpose in the case of loss or misplacement of the Nigerian Passport by a Nigerian abroad.

The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, on his part said that the replaced Emergency Travel Certificate was a huge security threat to Nigeria and the global community because it was an ordinary paper devoid of necessary security features of a travel document.

He said the Temporary Passport replacing it is a catalyst to Nigeria’s desire for effective identity management as it has a chip and surface personalization which is an enhancement of the current Electronic Passport Management System (EPMS).

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Austen AKHAGBEME:

One of the most disturbing part of the blighting security challenges we are facing in Nigeria today, is the many tributaries of scary narratives associated with it.

While the war of narratives is raging, the government seems to be tactically unaware of the magnitude of the problem enough to be decisive and definite in her approach to curb the menace.

Just because the government of the day may be holding the proverbial hammer doesn’t make every problem a nail. The problem looks deeper and more complicated ( given the narratives flying around) than the mere disdain for and prohibition of the possession of unlicensed arm and ammunition can solve. It is more knotty than a shoot-at-sight order can exhaustively resolve. This writer will attempt to look at some of the flying narratives here and continue subsequently.

The four most common among the deluge of narratives are: the supremacist narrative, the religious narrative, the poverty narrative and the international connection narrative.

The supremacist theorists are of the opinion that someone somewhere and very influential, woke up an age long belief, among the Fulanis, in the supremacy of the Fulani people, their invincibility and their God given right of occupancy to any land under heaven, as they deem necessary. And that acquiring a modern home land, like Nigeria, becomes absolutely necessary and imperative against the backdrop of an existential threat to their inseparable means of livelihood and life itself.

So the need for such “homecoming” or migration from the Futajalon mountains and the vast, plush and lush vegetation of the entire West Africa to Nigeria in particular by every Fulani herder, becomes a task that must be accomplished. Fortunately or unfortunately, some of the pronouncements of some prominent leaders of the Fulani ethnic stock have helped to give credibility to this narrative.

If the above is true, it means that the government needs to do something about value reorientation, championed by mass mobilisation and education of this group of people to drop their primordial prejudices and embrace modernity while jettisoning exclusivity.

And this is why it will be foolhardy of anyone to think that the mere banning of the public possession of an unlicensed weapon, suffices to checkmate the looming danger.

The above was further expanded and expounded to mean that a religious war of conquest and Fulani expansionism is behind the security troubles that Nigeria is facing. And this is about the most popular as some prominent Nigerians, in the past, have cried hoarse about it. Nigeria is a known secular state and any attempt to subjugate her citizens under one faith forcefully, may be herculean.

If this is true, it therefore means that Government has a lot on their hands to do to assuage the many rising tempers of religious extremists, waiting to explode. Again, mobilisation and sensitisation of the citizenry by the government, about the need for religious tolerance amongst the various religious groups becomes truly imperative and important.

This is why any Jack boot solution will not suffice; but a thorough and intellectual approach to getting a lasting solution to insecurity in Nigeria will do.

• Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has told officers of the agency to desist from hostage arrest (arresting relations of suspected drug offenders on the run).

He also warned against detaining suspected drug offenders beyond the hours allowed by law, insisting that they should be presented before the court within the time limit.

A statement on Saturday by the Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said commanders, officers and men of the Agency have been warned by Marwa against the detention of suspects beyond the limit allowed by law, while he equally prohibit the arrest of a relation, spouse or acquaintance of a suspected drug offender, often referred to as hostage arrest.

Babafemi disclosed that: “The directives were contained in the reviewed operations and investigations guidelines to all commands of the Agency across the country.”

He said the order has become imperative in view of the current democratic dispensation in the country and the need to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions regarding arrest and detention of suspects.

Babafemi said to avoid a breach of the operations guidelines, the NDLEA chief executive said, “arrangements must be made for the filing of charges in court within 24 or 48 hours as may be applicable. Where this is not possible, a detention order must be procured from the Federal High Court for the continuous detention of an arrested person.”

Marwa further directed that “investigations in all cases must be concluded not later than one (1) week”, adding that “in all cases of raid operations, all non-culpable suspects must be separated from those culpable and released immediately.”

The NDLEA boss equally demanded that all prosecutors must ensure prompt filing of charges in courts and pursue timely arraignment of suspects.

He however reaffirmed that NDLEA personnel remain empowered to arrest and carry out search whenever there is reasonable ground to suspect that a drug related offence has been committed, warning that “detention of persons for purposes of obtaining information and/or intelligence without such a person committing any drug related offence is hereby prohibited.”

He added that: “The Agency and its personnel shall in the course of arrest and search respect the dignity of the human person of the suspect. Accordingly, a suspect shall not in any way be ill-treated. Leg chain and handcuff may only be used where the person is violent and/or resistant to arrest such that reasonable force is required to restrain him/her.”

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Sunny A. DAVID

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has ordered the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, Anambra Vigilant group and Traditional rulers in all the 181 communities that constitutes Anambra to treat any cattle herders caught with AK47 as an armed robber in the State.

Chief Obiano gave the order at a one day Stakeholders Security Summit organized by the Nigeria Police, directed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Adamu in collaboration with the Anambra State government, held at Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka, on Tuesday.

He said the measure, if generally adopted by other Governors, will help stem down the security challenges currently facing the country. He said he is giving the order because everything about security of Ndi-Anambra was his major focus in the present government.

The Governor explained that the meeting will help restrategized on how to address the challenges of cattle herders parading the State with AK47 riffles.

He warned Traditional Rulers not to allow such people in their Communities. Any Fulani herdsmen with AK47 is not a Nigerian. Therefore should be treated as armed robbers.

“Security, been my number one agenda, I have purchased about 562 vehicles to security agencies since I came on board as governor of Anambra State in 2013, Obiano boosted. He use the event to begged the security agencies, traditional rulers, Youths and participants to support APGA candidate in the November 6, 2021 Governorship election.”

In his address, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, said the programme is aimed at mobilising all stakeholders comprising Traditional Leaders, Clergies, Community Leaders, Youths and general public to proffer advice for improved participation in policing their respective Communities; and enhanced security consciousness especially during this challenging period across the country.

The IGP was represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DIG Joseph Egbunike.

In their separate speeches, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Greg Obi and the Chairman of Anambra State Vigilante Service Rtd CP Ikechukwu Ayodele Aduba, while commending the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Adamu, for organizing the programme, assure the Governor of their readiness to enforced the directives across communities in the State.

Other dignitaries at the occasion includes; the State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Bala Kuryas, Chairman Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council HRM.Igwe Alfred Nnamaeka Achebe (Obi of Onitsha), other Traditional Rulers, Religious and Political leaders, top Government functionaries,Youths and Civil Society Organisations as well as Police Officers and men drawn from the Anambra State Command.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Sunny A. DAVID/Head Of Bureau (South East):

RESIDENTS and foodstuff dealers in Awka and its environs are experiencing difficult times as the rumoured restriction on food supply to Southern Nigeria by Northern traders hits Anambra State.

Our correspondent observation during visits to Eke Awka Market, Akwata Market, Garki Market, Amansea, saw both traders and buyers lamenting on the skyrocketed prices of fresh food and animals.

Our correspondent reports that at the busy Garki Market, Amansea and Akwata Markets, it was observed that almost all the tables in the markets were empty, and few sellers in the markets sale way above the original prices.

At Eke-Awka market, our correspondent discovered that a basket of Tomatoes sold at three thousand naira as at last week is now twenty-five thousand naira, and basket of pepper sold for four thousand naira last week is presently fifteen thousand naira, bag of onion is now thirty-two thousand naira as against the fifteen thousand naira sold last week.

Cattle sold for hundred thousand naira last week is now three hundred thousand, and the ones sold for two hundred thousand naira is now five hundred thousand naira, while tubbers of yam sold for six hundred naira is now eight hundred and above.

Some traders at Eke-Awka market who deal on vegetables and yam tubers, including Mrs. Ifeyinwa Amavuluozor, and Mrs. Joy Onyebuchi-Obi who regretted that the northern traders’ strike could cause such hardship on the southerners, suggested that governments in the region should support famers with special funds and permanently restrain herdsmen from entering the region to ensure food sufficiency and security.

Meat sellers at Akwata abattoir, including Mr. Sampson Igwe and Mr. Cosmas Nwali, as well as some of their customers, including Lady Stellamaris Etokwudo, and Mrs. Elizabeth Chinweze a food vendor, called on the federal government to take urgent action on the issue to save the citizens from the untold hardship.

For a meat seller at Amansea abattoir, Mr. Shadrach Nwankwo, and a buyer at Eke-Awka market, Mr John Umeadi, the southerners will survive without the northerners if they will venture into livestock farming and large cultivation of agricultural products, especially those delicacies supplied from the North.

Recall that last week, Northern traders alongside some Northern Groups imposed restrictions on supply of foods and cattle to southern part of the country as a result of farmers-herdsmen crisis across some Southern States of the country.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

After taking delivery of 3.92 million doses of Covishield vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Tuesday, India has promised Nigeria yet another 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccines.

A statement by Indian High Commission in Nigeria on Tuesday, said: “India will be gifting 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to Nigeria shortly, and 200,000 doses to UN peacekeepers, that includes many African military personnel.”

The statement said: “A large consignment of 3.92 million doses of Covishield vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII) arrived at the Abuja airport today (Tuesday), under the Covax scheme of GAVI.”

It said: “The Covishield vaccine is the first Covid-19 vaccine approved by NAFDAC, and it is the first lot of vaccines to reach Nigeria. It is also among the single largest consignments of vaccines shipped out of India.

“Nigeria is among the first few countries in Africa to receive the vaccine. In addition, India will be gifting 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to Nigeria shortly, and 200,000 doses to UN peacekeepers, that includes many African military personnel.”

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhay Thakur said that the supply of vaccines to Nigeria is in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment, made at the UNGA in September 2020, that ‘India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help humanity in fighting Covid-19.

The High Commissioner said India-Nigeria ties are age- old, based on close friendship and mutual trust, noting that the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines in Nigeria marks yet another milestone in the two nations bilateral relations.

He noted that India has been at the forefront of the global fight against the pandemic and supports a collective approach in this battle.

He said: “Guided by this philosophy, India, as the Pharmacy of the World, has supplied millions of doses of vaccines to many countries spread across the globe.”

India has supplied 36.369 million doses of Made-in-India vaccines to 36 countries and will be supplying to another 15 countries soon.

At a UNSC meeting on 17 February 2021, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar had reiterated India’s approach and called for ‘vaccine internationalism’. India’s commitment to deploy its capabilities for the health and well-being of the entire humanity is not limited to vaccine supply alone, and it has provided critical medicines, ventilators and PPE kits to more than 150 countries, including Nigeria, Benin and Chad.

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Austen AKHAGBEME:

Apart from the inherent contradictions bedevilling the Nigerian state from inception, which of course, was brought about by ethno- religious constructs and the fact of History, the immediate cause of the present agitations and conflagration in Nigeria, is the Fulani question.

The various matching orders given to the rogue variant of the nomadic herders by Governor Akeredolu of Ondo state and the subsequent audacious move by the Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, became the proverbial key that unlocked the pandora box.

As at today, tempers are high and the deep seethed animosity among the various ethnic nationalities is flagrantly being reawakened. Very recently, the rumour was rife that the north is “placing embargo” on supplying the South staple food, blah blah. It may look so innocuous, but such pronouncement and negative body language is a pointer to the dangerous level of intolerance among Nigeria’s ethnic divide and this is scary.

This forced Union is grossly being undermined by the various responses of some regionally based sociocultural groups and ethnic individual mouthpiece like Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state.
While some are threatening and bragadocious, others are deep and thought provoking.

The most remarkable but annoying part of it all is the fact that the Leviathan has suddenly turned taciturn in the midst of all these, not minding whose ox is gored. This seems to give credence to the general notion that the Nigerian state, is on a quick sand afterall. This, again, is disheartening.

Against the frightful and frightening circumstances of serious security challenges blighting the nation vis-a-vis government’s obvious nonchalance about it, what do we rather do to ensure a temporary respite and personal safety and security on the interim?

Will you now blame those who agitates for regional security outfits and those who calls for restructuring or outright dismemberment of the Lord Lugard’s contraption entirely?What can Nigeria do to benefit from this crisis that will make her a better enclave for her citizens to dwell in?

The continued “pampering” of the bandits in the North and the unequal highhandedeness with which agitators in the East are handled is fanning the embers of distrust and disunity among the Nigerian people.

“Ethnic profiling”, a new expression added to the Nigerian political lexicon, do not allow us to call a Spade its actual name. When you do, you will be running the risk of being called an ethnic jingoist who do not understand that crime and criminality is universal.

This is our present collective dilemma. While we’re waiting for a permanent solution to the blighting insecurity challenge in our Nation, we are being forced to cope with any bad news that may emanate from the thick bushes of the north. Let us hope that we’re not truly waiting for Godot.

• Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Albert OGRAKA:

The Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has said he was never invited by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over an alleged purchase of cars for members of the House.

Chief Press Secretary, (CPS) to the Speaker, Mr Dennis Otu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba, described media reports that the Speaker and the Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Aliya Ocholor were arrested and detained by the EFCC as incorrect and malicious.

Noting that the report was the handwork of mischief-makers who were out to tarnish the good image of the Speaker, he explained that VAT and Tax were deducted at source by the office of Accountant General of the State from the value of the cars.

Explaining that the Clerk who was invited by the EFCC to bring documentary evidence of the cars transaction based on a petition, he said the Clerk returned same day after presenting documents requested for by the Commission.

Mr Otu held that the cars were purchased in accordance with the procurement law, adding that the Petitioners decided to resort to blackmail having failed in their devilish act.

While calling on the public to disregard the said media report in its entirety, he reiterated that neither the Speaker nor the Clerk of the House was detained by the EFCC.

Insisting that the Speaker has never been involved in shoddy businesses, he said the Speaker is on the same page with the members and very transparent in the running of the House.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- Editor’s DESK:

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR, DR IFEANYI OKOWA, GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE CONCESSION AGREEMENT FOR ASABA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH FDIC/MENZES CONSORTIUM ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021, AT THE ASABA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this signing ceremony.

2. My joy knows no bounds as we make another breakthrough in our goal to transform Asaba International Airport into a regional economic hub in line with the vision establishing it.
3. The journey to today’s ceremony began in November 2015 when I set up a Project Steering Committee headed by my Senior Policy Adviser with the mandate to shop for a consortium of Concessionaire Operators/Investors with the technical and financial capabilities to redevelop, finance, design, operate, maintain and manage the Asaba Airport for the Delta State Government.
4. As we may be aware, this airport was conceived and built by the previous administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, CON, not only as a passenger airport but one that will tap the vast economic potentials accruable from the proximity to the eastern commercial cities of Onitsha and Nnewi, and be a hub for export of agricultural and manufactured goods.
5. Unfortunately, the vision suffered a major setback when the airport was downgraded to a Category 3 airport by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) just few months before my administration came into being. That meant the airport could only accommodate smaller aircraft such as the Q400 and DASH 8. In the face of an economic recession at the time, we were confronted both with the challenge of upturning the downgrade and turning the airport into a model economic platform that is self-sustaining through a robust public/private partnership.
6. This administration had to fully rehabilitate/reconstruct the runway, taxiway and other ancillary works, complete the perimeter fence, and evacuate the hill beside the airport for the provision of obstacle free zone for the runway as demanded by the regulatory authority. Subsequently, the airport was upgraded to Category 6, which enables aircraft as large as the Boeing 737 to land.
7. In addition, this administration completed the installation of the Instrument Landing System and the Airfield Ground Lighting System. As a result, the airport can now handle night operations; in the last two months, the airport has operated several night flights as approved by the NCAA and the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
8. I am happy to report that the airport now has a medical centre. The Firefighting Station has been completed while the Watchtower for firefighters is 80% ready. Meanwhile, the previously unserviceable Automatic Weather Observation System and the Low-Level Wind Shear Alert System have been repaired and are functioning, improving the overall safety of the airport. This assurance of safety and the attractive nature of the route has continued to attract new airlines to the Asaba International Airport.
9. Moving forward, we chose concession as the most viable option for the airport to be run more professionally, efficiently, and profitably for the overall good of the State. The Project Steering Committee invited bids for a Transaction Adviser to guide the State Government and manage the process. Bids were received from 14 consortia, and after a rigorous selection process, Halcrow Infrastructure Consortium was appointed and approved by the State Executive Council for appointment as Transaction Advisers for the Concession of Asaba International Airport. For those who may not know, Halcrow Infrastructure Group is a multinational infrastructure consultancy firm with global pedigree.
10. Sequel to the successful development and presentation of the airport Master Plan by this administration as requested by the Transaction Adviser, the State Government in April 2019 solicited for bidders with proven track record in the aviation sector.
11. Bids were received from First Investment Development Company (FIDC)-MENZIES Aviation (MA) Consortium with the following as members;

• First Investment Development Company Limited
• Menzies Aviation Plc
• Air Peace Limited
• Cybernetics International Services Limited
• Rainoil Limited
• Radisson Blu Hotels
• Quorum Aviation Limited
• Arbico Plc
• Sibraxis EEIG of Greece

2. The second bidder was the Asaba International Airport Development Consortium, a blend of international aviation experts and experienced local partners, created solely for the development and operation of Asaba International Airport, with the following as members:

• AI-MS Aviation Infrastructure Management Systems GmbH of Austria
• AMD SIGMA GMBH of Austria
• AIRIC Aviation Infrastructure Research Innovation Centre
  ANET Technologies Ltd.

2. After a thorough and rigorous review/analysis of the bids by a separate committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, the First Investment/Menzes Consortium was the preferred bidder, having provided demonstrable capacity to meet all the requirements of the Master Plan while also outlining their financial commitment and injection of new investments.
3. It is their duty to manage the airport and develop the various strategic business units in the form of;
   • Cargo Business and the development of the Cargo Terminal
   • Development of the Logistics Hub and Cargo Warehouses
   • The operation and management of the Tank Farm
   • The development and management of the Business Park
   • The development and management of the Hotel and Convention Centre
   • An Airline operating out of Asaba International Airport as an Operational Hub
   • Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility
4. The concession shall be for an initial period of thirty years with the following terms as approved by the Delta State Executive Council and the Delta State House of Assembly.
   i. Naming of the Airport: The name of the Airport shall remain Asaba International Airport. However, the Concessionaire, upon discussion with the State, can include tagline to the existing Airport name for the purpose of branding.
   ii. Competing Airport: There shall not be any publicly or privately-owned new airport, whether greenfield developments or expansions in Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State, during the concession period.
   iii. Employment of Deltans: The Concessionaire shall at all times be under an obligation to maintain an employment ratio of twenty percent (20%) of its staff for the operation of the Airport comprising indigenes of Delta State;
   iv. Mandatory Capital Projects; The Concessionaire shall undertake the development of Mandatory Capital Projects, and they shall be completed within a period of three (3) years from the effective date of the transaction. The Mandatory Capital Projects include Airport/Terminal Facility, Cargo Facility, Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Facility, Tank Farm Facility, Industrial Park and Office Facility, and Hotel and Conference Facility.
   v. Concessionaire Obligation: The Concessionaire shall be responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the airport, keeping it in good operating repair and condition throughout the concession period at its own cost and risk, and in accordance with Prudent Industry Practice and the provisions of the Agreement.
   vi. Exemption of Payment of Tax: The Concessionaire shall be exempted from the payment of some specific taxes to the State for a period of five (5) years, to enable it concentrate on the development of the mandatory capital projects as listed above;
   vii. Rights of Inspection of the Airport Facilities: The State and its representatives, with a written notice to the Concessionaire, no less than seven (7) days prior to visit, can undertake the inspection of the airport facilities to ascertain compliance with the terms of agreement.
   viii. Project Delivery Oversight Committee (PDOC): A Project Delivery Oversight Committee comprising representatives of the State and the Concessionaire shall be constituted to ensure the implementation of the terms of the agreement.
   ix. Terms of the Concession: The assets and all infrastructure constructed by the Concessionaire, together with all related investments in, and upgrades to the assets, shall be handed back to the State at the end of the concession period.
   x. Insurance Policy: The Concessionaire shall purchase and maintain in full force and effect any and all of the insurances required for the operation of the airport.
   xi. Royalty Fee: The Concessionaire shall pay to the State a royalty fee of 2.5% of the annual Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization.
   xii. Annual Fee: The Concessionaire shall pay to the State an annual fee of One hundred-million-naira (N100,000,000.00) each year during the concession period, with 10% escalation every five (5) years of the concession period.
   xiii. Upfront Fee: The Concessionaire shall pay to the State an upfront fee of N1b only on or before close of business on the 15th day following the signing of this agreement.
5. My good people of Delta State, with over N28b expected to be pumped into the airport development by the Consortium over the concession period, the benefits to the State in terms of employment generation, economic growth, urban renewal, and tourism potentials are enormous.
6. I thank the Project Steering Committee and the Committee that analysed the bids, for a job well done. My deep appreciation also goes to the Transaction Advisers for their patience and commitment to guide us through the entire process. I also express my profound gratitude to the First Investment/Menzes Consortium for believing in this project, which is the first Brownfield Airport Concession in Nigeria, and possibly Africa.
7. In concluding this address, I am happy to announce that based on my personal intervention on the Osubi Airport closure, the Federal Airports Authority has made a commitment to resume operations at the airport within two weeks. I am relieved that the hardship which the closure had inflicted on our people and businesses is about to end. We will work closely with FAAN to ensure that the target date is met. In fact, I am pleased that the authority’s General Manager, Operations, Mrs Olajumoke Oni, is here with us.
8. The State Government is supporting the resumption process with some logistics, particularly in the area of covid-19 protocols, even though the airport is not our property. Furthermore, we have had fruitful discussions with the management of United Nigeria Airways to commence full operation on that route immediately it is reopened and they have assured us of their readiness to do so. It is my earnest hope and expectation that other airlines will follow suit.
9. Thank you all for your time and attention.
10. God bless Delta State.
11. God bless us all.

Office of the Governor
Government House
Asaba
February 2021

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

Part of troubled Maiduguri was thrown into panic as a strange rocket fell, killing four persons and causing injuries to several others.

A large explosion which shook part of the town and caused many to flee was heard at about 6pm.

Some of the people who spoke to our correspondent, said a rocket fell on Adam Kolo area of the town.

Multiple sources said four person were killed in the explosion, which also resulted in injuries to many others.

One of the source, said a Mercedes Benz parked in the area was totally scattered.

He said that the corpses was removed and taken to the State Specialist Hospital.

He said those that were injured were equally assisted to the hospital to be treated.

When our correspondent drove to the place at about 6:30 to have a clear picture of happenings, the entire area was cordoned off by Civilian JTF and some soldiers.

Many people were seen fleeing into other parts of the town.

Some of those that spoke said they were not sure if the town was under attack.

As at the time of filing the report, the source of the rocket was yet unknown.

All attempts to get the military to talk on the incident was unsuccessfully as messages sent to their known spokesmen were not replied and call to their mobile lines were not picked.

The Delta State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council has expressed confidence in the arrangements for the March 6, 2021 local government elections in the state.

According to a statement signed by Pius Mordi, Special Assistant (Political) to the Governor on February 22, 2021, the Council, the umbrella group of registered political parties in Delta State, also commended Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of the state, for his developmental strides.
In a letter to Okowa signed by Mr. Emeka Bidokwu, state chairman and Mr. Lucky Okorakpa, state secretary, the group expressed “implicit confidence” on the governor for his “managerial ability” and liaison with all political parties irrespective of their different identities and ideologies.
They also commended Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, for initiating measures that engendered a free atmosphere for political parties to express themselves unencumbered.
They said Solomon has ensured that parties in the state are consulted on major political and administrative issues, urging him to continue to strengthen the synergy between the ruling party and other parties in the state.
On the coming March 6 local government election in the state, Bidokwa said the Inter-Party Advisory Council has been liaising with the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DESIEC) on its preparation for the exercise. “We are satisfied with the level of work done so far and we will continue to monitor the process and make recommendations to DESIEC on making the process more credible. So far, they are on the right track”, Bidokwu said.
He said DESIEC’s preparations for the elections hold bright prospects of a free and fair poll.
Elections will be conducted on March 6 to fill the chairmanship seats in the 25 local government areas in Delta State. Counselors will also be elected during the exercise. Already, primaries have been conducted while all the parties are now campaigning with their candidates.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Austen AKHAGBEME:

It is daily becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to understand the personality called Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, the Kaduna based, controversial Islamic Cleric and self appointed negotiator.

On one front, he’s a religious teacher; fierce, fearless and vitriolic with his gospel. On the other, he’s a “peacemaker “, queer, daring and suspiciously subversive and distrustful.

This owes partly to his self appointed role of reconciling the daredevil bandits with the government and the people who have become the unfortunate victims of these marauding abductors.

Since Nigeria became an unsolved security riddle ridden with truths, lies and half truths, conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated claims have become the order of the day. And people like the Cleric, Sheikh Gumi, are seizing the moment to shine like a million stars.

The recent utterance of the Islamic scholar is definitely a negative way to go, against the backdrop of the earlier applause enjoyed by him as a conscientious negotiator who happened at the nick of time.

To add a religious colouration to a social crisis that has no regard for creed or belief is to distract the generality of the people from getting a possible solution to the crisis.

There’s no human crisis without someone or group of persons benefiting from it; the disaster capitalists, rebuild contractors and very recently, truce brokers and negotiators all stands for a gain, as it were.

So where does Sheikh Gumi stand in all of these? Does his self given assignment an avenue to partake in the booty in this new and booming “business venture” of kidnap-for-ransom or a genuine move of a concerned Clergyman to establish peace within a traumatized people?

Why on earth would an acclaimed negotiator instigate the bandits against a certain section of the Army ( Christian soldiers) as the one killing them and not every other soldier? This is a way too far to get the job done. This is capable of causing disaffection among the rank and file of the Nigerian Army going forward.

Banditry should be condemned in all its ramifications and solution against it should be generally accepted by all regardless of religion or ethnic inclination. Crime and criminality has no natural selection capacity in its evil train. The Sheikh goofed this time and should be stopped in his tracks as such whimsicality must not be tolerated anymore.

• Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

-Blank NEWS Online –By Albert OGRAKA:

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, has expressed satisfaction on the consensus election of Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), saying that besides recent global health and economic challenges, she posseses the ability to steer the organization fairly and equitably.

The DESOPADEC MD/CEO said her emergence was by Divine intervention, considering the protracted process that led to her becoming the first African and first woman to head the global body.

In a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online on Friday, February 19, 2021, the DESOPADEC boss congratulated Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for consistently bringing Delta State and Nigeria into global limelight.

“At a time our country is bogged down by unsavoury tales of violence, economic recession and threats to law and order, news of the eventual emergence of Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has brought a lot of cheer and soul lifting to Nigerians of all persuasions.

“After a protracted process that was under threat of being scuttled but for Divine intervention that saw the change of administration in the United States of America, our own Okonjo-Iweala deservedly became the first African and first woman to head the global body.

“I am immensely delighted by her victory. She is the most qualified, the most experienced and her rich pedigree as a former Managing Director of the World Bank, two-term Minister of Finance in Nigeria among other posts she has held made her the most suitable for the job.

“Her victory is a soul lifting development for our country and an indicator that despite the legion of challenges facing Nigeria, the solutions and the path to progress are very much within our capacity. What is required of us is to jettison all primordial considerations and confront our challenges with our best hands.

“I am very confident that this great daughter of Delta State will steer global trade on the path of fairness and equity.
As the world moves towards post-Covid 19 recovery, critical agencies such as the WTO need to adopt trade practices that will be fair, equitable and create wealth for all regions.
These are some of the immediate challenges Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has to contend with. And I am confident she will deliver.

“To our dear sister, we at Delta Sate Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, celebrate your consensus election as the first African, first female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. We congratulate and celebrate you for once again bringing Delta State and Nigeria into global recognition.

“The task before you is daunting because the WTO has been at a crossroads as many member countries have been deviating from longstanding norms governing international trade.

“With your unblemished background as a development economist and long running worldwide achievements, I am confident you will achieve meaningful multilateral agreements and trade-monitoring functions consistent with 21st century world trade.

“As the world anxiously awaits your reforms and rejuvenation of the trade body, there are no doubts about your capabilities in striking a balance in checkmating the paralysis that has lately been the bane of the WTO and effectively promote free and fair trade across the world.”

–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi as the new Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

This follows the retirement from service of Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu. the last occupier of the position.

According to a statement on Thursday by
Director (Press & Public Relations) to the Minister of Interior, Mohammed Manga: “Ahmed Audi, emerged the top best candidate out of those that went through the transparent selection process initiated by the Ministry of Interior through the Board to ensure that the most suitable among the top-ranking officers in the service was appointed to replace the out-going Commandant-General of the NSCDC.”

Manga revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has also nominated Haliru Nababa as the new Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), subject to the confirmation of the Senate in line with the provision of the new Act establishing the Nigerian Correctional Service 2019.

He said the Minister of Interior and Chairman, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola while congratulating the new appointees, called on them “to ensure full implementation of the mandate of their services as well as to ensure synergy with other security agencies in the country with the view to providing efficient internal security services and citizenship integrity for Nigerians and foreigners alike in line with the policy thrust of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration.”

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –Education Desk

Delta State government has ordered the immediate closure of all Lesson Centres across the state in order to ensure sanity in their operations.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Patrick Ukah, who disclosed this in Asaba yesterday (17/02/2021) when members of the Delta State Child Right Implementation Committee paid him an advocacy visit, said that the decision is as a result of public outcry on the level of child abuses by the operators of the centres.

Mr. Ukah stated that most of the centres were operating miracle examination centres, adding that they operate in the day time in contravention of laid down education guidelines for extra moral classes which are supposed to operate purely as evening lessons, noting that there was need to regulate their activities so as not to end up endangering the future of the children.

He advised operators of the centres to reach out to the ministry, through the appropriate department, for proper documentation and regularization of their operations and ordered the department of Inspectorate and Quality Assurance of the ministry to ensure strict compliance with the directive by immediately closing down such lesson centres across the state.

The Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner, who emphasised the strong need for stakeholders to brace up to the challenge of ensuring effective implementation of the Child Rights Act, stated that the ministry had established an Advocacy and Mentoring division, just as he pledged the ministry’s collaboration with the committee towards realising their terms of reference.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, said that the Child Rights Act was signed into law in 2008 while their committee was inaugurated in 2020, explaining that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education was very strategic in the enforcement of the child right.

Mrs. Agas, who is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, reiterated that the committee was charged with the responsibility of enforcing the right of every child, adding that the committee was designed to protect them.

While calling on teachers to play key roles in ensuring that children were adequately protected from any form of abuses, Mrs. Agas recalled that the increasing population of children in schools could make monitoring a bit difficult, even as she decried cases of rape either between students and teachers or among students.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

A Nigerian, Obinwanne Okeke has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by an American court over a fraud of $11 million.

A press release on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia on Tuesday read: “A Nigerian national was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that caused approximately $11 million in known losses to his victims.”

The press release quoting Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Raj Parekh further read that: “Through subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year global business email and computer hacking scheme that caused a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims.”

Parekh said: “Today’s sentence further demonstrates EDVA’s and FBI’s worldwide reach in vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of American victims and others and holding international cybercriminals accountable, no matter where they commit their crimes.”

According to court documents, Obinwanne Okeke, 33, operated a group of companies known as the Invictus Group based in Nigeria and elsewhere. From approximately 2015 to 2019, Okeke and others engaged in a conspiracy to conduct various computer-based frauds.

The conspirators obtained and compiled the credentials of hundreds of victims, including victims in the Eastern District of Virginia.

As part of the scheme, Okeke and other conspirators engaged in an email compromise scheme targeting Unatrac Holding Limited, the export sales office for Caterpillar heavy industrial and farm equipment.

In April 2018, a Unatrac executive fell prey to a phishing email that allowed conspirators to capture login credentials.

The conspirators sent fraudulent wire transfer requests and attached fake invoices. Okeke participated in the effort to victimize Unatrac through fraudulent wire transfers totaling nearly $11 million, which was transferred overseas.

Okeke also engaged in other forms of cyberfraud, including sending phishing emails to capture email credentials, creating fraudulent web pages, and causing other losses to numerous victims.

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, Brian Dugan was quoted in press release to have said that:
“The FBI will not allow cyber criminals free reign in the digital world to prey on U.S. companies.

“This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners at the Department of Justice and our foreign counterparts to locate cyber criminals across the globe and bring them to the United States to be held accountable.”

Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Samuels prosecuted the case.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

A petition has been sent to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) by a family of a 40 year-old Abudu Adedayo Temitope, over the killing of their son by a yet-to-be identified assailant in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In the petition signed by Mr. Abudu Olatunde Mustapha, a brother to the deceased, implored the Commission to investigate the killing of his brother Adedayo and bring the culprits to justice.

He narrated that his brother, who lived in Delvers street, Central Johannesburg South Africa, was gunned down on January 5, 2021 by unknown gunmen “for no just cause.0

He said his brother Adedayo was assassinated in cold blood by an unknown gunman and was rushed to Hilbrow Community Health Centre by some eyewitnesses where he was pronounced dead.

The deceased, a 40-year old native of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state, Nigeria is survived by a wife and three children, and five siblings, who are all based in Nigeria.

The petitioner, Mustapha claimed that Adedayo was a law abiding citizen who was going about his lawful business in South Africa and had no criminal records both in South Africa and Nigeria.

He appealed to NiDCOM to help the family unravel the mystery behind the “wicked killing of the breadwinner of the family.”

When contacted, the Head of NiDCOM Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun confirmed the receipt of the petition by the Commission.

Balogun said that all petition are written to the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, who immediately had minuted and directed the Legal Department of the Commission to take up the matter.

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

A suspect, who abducted and raped a 15 year old bean cake seller to the point of death has been arrested by the police.

A statement on Friday by the Yobe Police Command said the suspected rapist who committed the act was arrested somewhere in Gombe, where he had fled.

The Yobe State Police Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim in the statement, said: “On 11th February, 2021 at about 0700hrs Detective from Fika Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended one Sani Sale resident of Gadaka who fled to Gombe State for alleged Abduction, Assault, Rape which resulted to the death of a 15 years old girl of same Gadaka Town.”

Abdulkarim said: “Investigation revealed that, the said victim left home on 10th February, 2021 at 0700hrs to sell Akara (Kosai), eventually she couldn’t return home until the following day when her corpse was discovered in a room at the house of the culprit who fled to Gombe after the alleged acts.”

Abdulkarim while revealing that the suspect is divorced, noted that: “Investigation has since commenced on the matter and preparation for onward transfer to State CID Damaturu for discreet investigation and subsequent prosecution is ongoing.

He however condoled with the family of the deceased, while calling on all and sundry to support the Police in the fight against such heinous acts in Yobe State.