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Robert Oru, the Chairman of Community Development Committee Otuoke, in Bayelsa State, has assaulted a student of the Federal University Otuoke, Nezie Obi for writing a fictional story which allegedly insulted the community.

According to reports, the chairman, alongside two members of the community, Richard Milliow and Imo Sunday, flogged the student for writing about his relationship with a lady and insulting the community.

It was further learnt that the people who took part in the flogging were angered by the fact that the student from Anambra state, in his story referred to Otuoke as a small place.

The student was also said to have described the water in the community as having the colour of Fanta, Ninja mosquitos and sun too hot for the skin.

Counsel for the victim, led by Ebi Robert, took up the matter and petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State command.

Robert also filed a case for the enforcement of the student's fundamental rights.

However, instead of the Otuoke community to play a neutral role, they wrote a letter to the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Otueke, asking the school to rusticate Obi from the school.

This letter was written by the community, represented by the King HRH King Paul Ariwareni Engoye CNA (JP) (Oke-De XI), the Obanema of Otuoke, through a law firm. 

The trio were found guilty for moving a motion that led to the violation of the fundamental human right of Obi.

The Bayelsa State High Court, Ogbia Judicial Division, awarded N600,000 in aggravated damages against Oru, Millow and Sunday for violating the fundamental human rights of Obi. 

The presiding judge, Justice Raphael Ajuwa while delivering his judgement said “this court is awarding a cost of N500,000 against Nezie’s violators, and N100,000 for the cost of litigation totalling N600,000."

Reacting to the judgment on Thursday, Ebi Robert applauded the student for standing up to his right despite a series of intimidation and threats. 

He said: "On hearing the matter, we took up the case and petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State command, and also filed a case for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

"I am particularly happy as a young lawyer because judgments like this show that our efforts are not in vain as human rights activists. It gives us the courage that the judiciary is indeed the last hope of the common man.

"I thank God for the victory in court today. Nezie Obi, for me, is the hero, he stood up for his right despite all the threats and intimidation. Students must understand that they have rights which are protected by law, and they should not be too careful to enforce them when the need arises."

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The International Criminal Police Organisation, INTERPOL, has warned against the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines online.

In a statement published on its website, the organisation said such products do not protect against COVID-19.

File photo used to illustrate story.

It added that members of the public that purchase such fake vaccines are at risk of serious health hazards.

The statement read: “With criminal groups producing, distributing and selling fake vaccines, the risks to the public are clear: these can include buying a product which not only does not protect against COVID-19, but poses a serious health hazard if ingested or injected. Such products are not tested, regulated or safety-checked.

“Legitimate vaccines are not for sale. They are strictly administered and distributed by national healthcare regulators.

“Anyone buying these products online also runs the risk of potentially giving their money to organised criminals.”

The Secretary-General of the organisation, Jürgen Stock, said since the beginning of the pandemic, criminals have preyed on the fears of unsuspecting members of the public to make quick cash.

Stock said, “From the very beginning of the pandemic, criminals have preyed on people’s fears in order to make fast cash. Fake vaccines are the latest in these scams, which is why INTERPOL and HSI are warning the public to be extra vigilant.

“Anyone ordering a vaccine online rather than obtaining it from their national provider will be buying a fake product.

“The networks behind these crimes have global ambitions. No country or region can fight this type of crime alone. INTERPOL is assisting law enforcement around the world to both identify criminal networks and to dismantle them.”

In December 2020, INTERPOL raised the alarm on the plan of the criminal gangs to produce and sell fake COVID-19 vaccines.

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Cattle breeders in the South-East have announced plans to set up ranches in the region.

The Coordinator of the Southeast Association of United Farm Products, Traders and Livestock Dealers of Nigeria, Godwin Obasi, disclosed this on Friday when members of the association paid a courtesy visit to their National Patron, James Ugwu, to congratulate him over his election as Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party, South-East Zone.

File photo used to illustrate story. Promptnews

Obasi said members of the association were already sensitised to set up ranches to be able to supply enough livestock in the region.

He noted that the South-East had the capacity and land to produce enough food for local consumption and for export, adding that it could not afford to rely on others perpetually for its food needs.

He said, “We must produce what we eat. We are looking at a point in our lives when we shall be producing massively for export.

“That is why the campaign within our association is organic farming so that our products will be accepted across the board.”

Also speaking, the PDP South-East Secretary, Ugwu, who was also the first chairman of Udenu Local Government Council in Enugu State, urged governors in the South-East to initiate policies and programmes that will promote agriculture.

He said: “I believe that the governors are aware that there is a need for food security in the region.

“Given what happened at the onset of COVID-19, everybody came to realise that access to food is important. Without food or a garden around your house, you are in trouble.

“That thing which you think money could buy, that money could not buy it at that time."

Ugwu added that he would use his new position in the PDP to enhance the activities of the association to ensure food sufficiency in the region.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to assist and support its fight against money laundering and other financial crimes.

Its Executive Chairman, Abdurrasheed Bawa, noted this on Thursday, while speaking at a virtual programme titled ‘Expert Training and Advocacy on Tracking and Recovery of Illicit Funds and Assets,’ organised by the Human & Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, in collaboration with the EFCC, MacArthur Foundation, Kent Law School, Open Society Initiative for West Africa, OSIWA, the Corner House and other stakeholders.

Abdulrasheed Bawa EFCC

This was contained in a statement made available to SaharaReporters on Friday by the anti-graft agency’s Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwajaren.

According to the statement, the EFCC boss, who was represented by Dr. Enakeno Oju, a staff member of the Commission, urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to continue to support the fight against economic and financial crimes.

“As critical stakeholders, we are urging the Nigerians in the Diaspora to continue to support the fight against economic and financial crimes and to be assured of the EFCC’s support and commitment. We must collectively strive to achieve the Nigerian dream,” he was quoted as saying.

Highlighting the importance of the collaboration, the EFCC boss told participants that the agency has provided a Diaspora Information Desk at the Commission “to attend to issues of concerns from the Diaspora and to further ensure that Nigerians in the Diaspora are able to safely invest in Nigeria and improve the image of Nigeria among the comity of nations”.

Bawa also called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to assist the Commission with vital information about Nigerian looters.

“I am therefore calling on you to assist the EFCC in getting vital information about Nigerian looters who stash our stolen monies and properties in the United Kingdom and other foreign countries. Nigerians in the Diaspora cannot afford to sit on the fence. They are closer to the scene of Crime, therefore, must play an active role in the war against graft and provide vital information to the EFCC that will assist in the recovery of our stolen wealth abroad,” he said.

Bawa also bemoaned the challenges Nigeria is facing as a result of illegal movement of funds from Nigeria to other countries and the new techniques deployed by organised criminal groups in siphoning the wealth of the country to other countries.

He noted that the situation constitutes “a severe and damaging drain on the Nigerian economy”.

“Organised criminal groups have developed intricate channels of illicit flows that deprive African economies of crucial resources for development,” he said.

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A sex educator, Paul Adeyemi Itiolu (Arakunrin NG) has said pollution has nothing to do with how the human body should function.

Itiolu was reacting to recent outcome of a research carried out by an environmental scientist, Dr Shanna Swan, claiming penises were shrinking and genitals becoming malformed because of pollution around the world.

Paul Adeyemi Itiolu (Arakunrin NG)

The environmental scientist had warned in a new book detailing the challenges facing human reproduction.

She said that fertility rates were falling due to the impact of a chemical used in manufacturing plastics.

“The chemicals, called phthalates, impact the endocrine system in humans. Basically, it means a lot of babies are being born with noticeably smaller penises,” she said.

Dr. Swan researched the effect by examining phthalate syndrome, which is found in rats whose fetuses were exposed to the chemical.

She found they were likely to be born with shrunken genitals.

But speaking to SaharaReporters on Friday, Itiolu popularly known as Arakunrin NG, said there is no harm - natural and man-made - pollution can cause to the human private parts.

The sex educator said, “According to the significance and stipulating ideas set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it’s when an infant system (health) is tampered with, as a result of malnutrition that reduction sets in the system.

“Whatever you happen to call it, todger, wang, willy, or dangler, the penis is an odd-looking bit of kit. But beyond the japes and sniggers, it is, of course, vital to the survival of our species.

“When you consider the penis as an evolutionary adaptation, it has done remarkably well. Penises are born ready. It is common for babies to exit the womb with an erection. Yes, very possible.

“Even before the moment of birth, ultrasound scans sometimes show a foetus with a fully formed erection in the womb.

“Measuring the growth of infants and children is an important part of child health surveillance. Inadequate infant growth due to poor nutrition leads to under-nutrition in children.

“There's no harm any or both natural and man-made pollution can cause to the human private parts. There's no way the corpus spongiosum can be tampered with. No direct access to it. Without sex or masturbating, no man will ever come easily and no access for sperm to get out of the sac."

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A mob of angry villagers has allegedly killed two bandits in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina state.

The gunmen were killed following an attempted kidnap of a customs officer in the area.

According to a trending video, residents of a neighbouring community, Mazoji got information about the bandits’ operation and mobilised to the area.

They were said to have given the suspected bandits a hot chase, caught and killed them.

“These are kidnappers who went and kidnapped a customs officer in Matazu, but credible information reached the next village of Mazoji and the villagers mobilised against them.

“When we are united, we can help to quickly end this nonsense,” a voice was heard saying in the video.

Katsina is one of the states most affected by terrorism and banditry in Nigeria's North-West region.

On December 11, 2020, some bandits kidnapped 344 students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara. They were released about a week later.

However, on December 19, 84 Islamiyya students of Hizburrahim Islamiyya in Mahuta village, Dandume Local Government Area of the state were also kidnapped but rescued shortly after.

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Beneficiaries of the Niger Delta third phase presidential amnesty programme have threatened to demand the return of their arms and ammunition from the Nigerian government and return to the creeks to cause havoc if the government does not finalise the demobilisation process for them.

The group while commending the interim administrator of the presidential amnesty programme, Col Milland Dixon Dikio, said It was unfortunate that over 11 years after surrendering their arms, the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process has not been completed.

File Photo: Niger Delta Militants

The National Chairman of the group, Mr Tonye Bobo, while speaking during a visit to members of the Federated Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Yenagoa on Thursday, urged the amnesty office to document those who surrendered their arms and ammunition but have yet to be documented into the programme to ensure complete peace in the Niger Delta region.

He said despite the fact that the interim administrator of the scheme, Dikio has tried in solving most of the issues confronting the ex-agitators, but the office should be funded to do more.

He also demanded that the third phase of beneficiaries of the programme should be included in education and vocation training programmes for its delegates.

He said: “It's unfortunate that we have stayed for 11 years plus and the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration is not completed, we are just trying to calm our followers, but our patience should not be considered to be foolishness.

“That is why when we saw the vision of Col. Dikio for the amnesty programme, we decided to key in to restore peace in the region.

“I want to assure you, if the needful is not done, there will be more agitations, we are only trying to calm our people for us to change the narrative. We are seeking maximum support from the government to the office of the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty programme. All the funds that are required and due to the office should be released.”

He said some of the militants who had embraced peace “have been crying that if the government is not reasoning with them, they will be demanding for their arms and ammunition that they submitted to the government”.

“We want to partner with the government and create a relationship that will be free of violence, so that people will know that what they are thinking about us is not what we are.

“Some of our people have applied since 2012 for education scholarships, up till date, these things have not been met," he said.

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Social media has been flooded with reactive comments towards the news of President Muhammadu Buhari’s son getting married to a Kano princess.

Yusuf, the son of President Muhammadu Buhari is planning to marry the daughter of the Emir of Bichi in Kano State, Nasir Bayero.

While Zahra Bayero is currently studying architecture in the United Kingdom, Yusuf graduated from the University of Surrey, Guildford, the United Kingdom in 2016.

Sources told DailyNigerian that the wedding ceremony would take place “in the next two to three months”.

“Preparations are on top gear for the grand event. As the tradition provides, the parents of the groom have met with the parents of the bride to express Yusuf’s interest in marrying Zahra,” the source said, pleading anonymity.

The source added that the event would have taken place earlier but for the absence of the groom’s mother, Aisha Buhari, who recently returned from a six-month medical trip in Dubai.

“Now that his mother returned a few weeks to Ramadan [Muslim holy month], it is clear the wedding will take place after Sallah holidays,” the source said.

Nigerians, however, on Facebook reacted to the planned wedding, with many blaming the first family for the poor state of the country.

For instance, Arthur Williams said, “May your marriage be like Nigeria's economy. May your union be blessed like the educational sector. May children come smoothly like Nigeria's roads. May you be as happy as the Nigerian Army. May your marriage be as peaceful as Nigeria. May you live long and happily as those #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate. I wish you what your father turned this country to. Happy Married Life.”

“So, Buhari son did not see any beautiful lady in the North that is from a poor home?” Gloria Daniels asked. “He wants to marry from a wealthy home. So, the daughters of poor Northerners are not good for marriage. Instead, of circulating the wealth so others can benefit. They keep it in their circle. The lady he wants to marry must be educated. But they use Boko Haram/bandits to disturb the little education the children of the poor can afford. They don't even marry for love. Only ‘arrangie’ (arranged) marriage all the time. Fake people everywhere.”

Comfort Enekere commented, “Wetin concern me? l dey hungry (How is it my business, I’m hungry), provide food for the nation.”

“The Bible says parents are not to be punished for the sin of their son, same as a son is not to be punished for the sin of their father. Happy married life bro. But your dad has caused us more pains,” Julius Chosen reacted.

Igwe Chisomunazu Udeh questioned, “Where is her hijab? Isn't she a Muslim? The Hisbah should get her arrested for this.”

“Wetin concern us about this?  Wicked people (are) getting richer at the expense of the masses (that are) suffering. God will Judge,” Okiki Ola Gold lamented.

Nnaelo Chiadikaobi Serguis said, “Why wouldn't he marry after they have siphoned our common (resources of the) nation, leaving the citizenry in abject poverty?”

Chukwuma Lex Okorie said, “The rich marry the rich, the Alimajris clap and support them in poverty.”

“So mummy Buhari came back for her son's wedding,” Divine Favour Dominic bemoaned. “Thought she missed Nigerians and came to check on us over the rising insecurity across the country. Lol! We are on our own ooo.”

Shokunbi Sulaimon Oriola commented, “The richest president's son in the world that never work before still the richest. Nigeria, nawayo!”

Yemi Oyedele said, “Jobless youth marrying a princess. I greet you Mr. Integrity...”

“We only have two religions...the poor and the rich,” Ikenna Daniel reacted.

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Social media has been flooded with reactive comments towards the news of President Muhammadu Buhari’s son getting married to a Kano princess.

Yusuf, the son of President Muhammadu Buhari is planning to marry the daughter of the Emir of Bichi in Kano State, Nasir Bayero.

While Zahra Bayero is currently studying architecture in the United Kingdom, Yusuf graduated from the University of Surrey, Guildford, the United Kingdom in 2016.

Sources told DailyNigerian that the wedding ceremony would take place “in the next two to three months”.

“Preparations are on top gear for the grand event. As the tradition provides, the parents of the groom have met with the parents of the bride to express Yusuf’s interest in marrying Zahra,” the source said, pleading anonymity.

The source added that the event would have taken place earlier but for the absence of the groom’s mother, Aisha Buhari, who recently returned from a six-month medical trip in Dubai.

“Now that his mother returned a few weeks to Ramadan [Muslim holy month], it is clear the wedding will take place after Sallah holidays,” the source said.

Nigerians, however, on Facebook reacted to the planned wedding, with many blaming the first family for the poor state of the country.

For instance, Arthur Williams said, “May your marriage be like Nigeria's economy. May your union be blessed like the educational sector. May children come smoothly like Nigeria's roads. May you be as happy as the Nigerian Army. May your marriage be as peaceful as Nigeria. May you live long and happily as those #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate. I wish you what your father turned this country to. Happy Married Life.”

“So, Buhari son did not see any beautiful lady in the North that is from a poor home?” Gloria Daniels asked. “He wants to marry from a wealthy home. So, the daughters of poor Northerners are not good for marriage. Instead, of circulating the wealth so others can benefit. They keep it in their circle. The lady he wants to marry must be educated. But they use Boko Haram/bandits to disturb the little education the children of the poor can afford. They don't even marry for love. Only ‘arrangie’ (arranged) marriage all the time. Fake people everywhere.”

Comfort Enekere commented, “Wetin concern me? l dey hungry (How is it my business, I’m hungry), provide food for the nation.”

“The Bible says parents are not to be punished for the sin of their son, same as a son is not to be punished for the sin of their father. Happy married life bro. But your dad has caused us more pains,” Julius Chosen reacted.

Igwe Chisomunazu Udeh questioned, “Where is her hijab? Isn't she a Muslim? The Hisbah should get her arrested for this.”

“Wetin concern us about this?  Wicked people (are) getting richer at the expense of the masses (that are) suffering. God will Judge,” Okiki Ola Gold lamented.

Nnaelo Chiadikaobi Serguis said, “Why wouldn't he marry after they have siphoned our common (resources of the) nation, leaving the citizenry in abject poverty?”

Chukwuma Lex Okorie said, “The rich marry the rich, the Alimajris clap and support them in poverty.”

“So mummy Buhari came back for her son's wedding,” Divine Favour Dominic bemoaned. “Thought she missed Nigerians and came to check on us over the rising insecurity across the country. Lol! We are on our own ooo.”

Shokunbi Sulaimon Oriola commented, “The richest president's son in the world that never work before still the richest. Nigeria, nawayo!”

Yemi Oyedele said, “Jobless youth marrying a princess. I greet you Mr. Integrity...”

“We only have two religions...the poor and the rich,” Ikenna Daniel reacted.

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, has received the first dose of AstraZeneca Coronavirus jab at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja.

The vaccine was also administered to other top Principal Staff Officers including the army’s Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj Gen BI Ahanotu, Chief of Administration, Maj Gen AM Aliyu as well as the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Mohammed Yerima.

After the administration of the vaccine, the COAS also received his certificate.

The army chief urged the personnel of the Nigerian Army to endeavour to vaccinate themselves in order to be protected against the pandemic.

Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control had on March 17 insisted that it would not suspend the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine because it is better for the government to contend with the minimal side effects of the vaccine than to have deaths from the virus.

The NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, had stated this in an interview, noting that the risks of getting COVID-19 are worse than the risk of getting a vaccine side effect.

“It is logical to think that way but when you come to think of the many hundreds of thousands that are dying, especially in Europe, of COVID disease, then you start wondering, is it better to die than take a risk of 0.00002%?

“I don’t blame (countries halting the administration of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine) but, at the same time, we have to look at the risk of getting COVID-19 disease versus the risk of getting a side effect of the adverse effects,” she had said.

Several countries had earlier suspended AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines amid rising fears over blood clots and other possible side effects.

AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish company that developed the vaccine with Oxford University, had insisted that there was no risk.

On March 11, Denmark said it would suspend the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as a precautionary measure over fears of blood clots in vaccinated people.

Iceland and Norway followed suit on the same day, temporarily suspending the use of all the supply of the vaccine, citing similar concerns.

Bulgaria suspended the use of the vaccine on March 12 as it investigates the death of a woman with several underlying conditions who received the jab in the past week.

 

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The Nigerian Army has released a list of successful candidates for the Short Service Combatant Course 47/2021.

The candidates’ list was released on Friday and the candidates have been asked to report for officer cadet training at the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, 6 April, 2021.

According to the army’s Military Secretary, Major General GAT Ochigbano, candidates who fail to report by latest 6 pm on Wednesday, 7 April, 2021, will forfeit their positions and be replaced by candidates on the Reserve List.

The successful candidates were directed to report with the following:

Original credentials and SSC 47 online application print out that bears their passport photograph.

Four copies of 5×7 coloured photographs in suit and in full standing position without cap/hat.

Two pairs of white (unmarked) round neck vests and navy blue shorts (without stripes).

Two pairs of black trousers.

Two pairs of pure white canvas trainers (rubber type NOT acceptable).

Two white bedsheets and pillowcases.

One blanket (grey or army green colour).

A set of cutleries.

Two pairs of national dress or suit and casual wear.

Serving military personnel are to come along with release letters and passes from their commanders/commanding officers.

Below is a full list of shortlisted candidates:

DOCUMENTS: Army Releases Details of Successful Candidates for Short Service by Sahara Reporters on Scribd

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Bandits have struck again on the Minna-Kontagora Expressway in Niger State, killing an account officer, Abdullahi Isah, who worked with the Niger State Development Company.

SaharaReporters learnt that Isah was gunned down by the bandits somewhere along the road on Friday, while he was attending an occasion.

One of Isah’s friends, Awwal Ahmad Paddy, also took to Facebook, to confirm the killing, saying he was still with the deceased on Thursday.

Paddy wrote, “He called me yesterday and asked me where I was, and I told him I was at the State Universal Basic Education Board office, he later came and picked me up and we spent almost three hours discussing some issues that were personal to me and him.

“When we finished, he dropped me at the junction and told me: ‘please, we should meet on Friday in Kontagora’. Just 30 minutes before he entered Kontagora today, he called me and told me that he was about to enter Kontagora not as we earlier scheduled due to some emergency.

“But suddenly, I just received a call again after some few minutes that Abdullahi is no more. A best friend of mine which I will never forget, may your gentle soul continue to rest in peace. We will forever miss you, friend.”

Niger is one of the states most affected by bandits’ attacks.

As insecurity worsens nationwide due to increased banditry, Niger State between January 2020 and February 2021 lost 301 persons to bandits and terrorists’ attacks, according to a report by the SB Morgen Intelligence.

The African-focused research firm had said the deaths occurred during 73 various incidents which were documented.

“Niger State, Nigeria’s largest by land area is just one of four states (the others being Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau) in the vast North-Central region hardest hit by attacks by organised armed groups and militias with affiliation to international terror networks, most notably al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

“Between January 2020 and February 2021, at least 301 people were killed in 73 various violent incidents in the state. Perception of the government’s neutrality in the conflict has not helped as the government’s attempt to disarm parties to the conflict have been seen as partial to the herders, and have thus backfired, frustrating the entire disarmament campaign,” the report partly read. 

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The Cape Verdean government has continued to hold Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab, in detention despite orders for his release by two international courts. 

 

Saab was arrested and detained by the Cape Verdean police in June 2020 at the request of the United States government during a stopover on his way to Iran over allegations of money laundering.

File Photo: A protester putting on “Free Alex Saab" shirt Twitter/nadeska16

The Venezuelan government had, however, faulted the move, explaining that Saab was on a humanitarian mission as a special envoy when he was arrested.

 

On March 15, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court ruled that the arrest and continued detention of the Venezuelan diplomat were illegal. 

 

The court also ordered that all extradition process against Saab by the Cape Verde government should be stopped immediately. 

 

The court said there was no Red Alert (used as a basis for the detention) at the time of the arrest.

 

However, Cape Verde authorities have refused to obey the order. A ruling by the Cape Verdean Supreme court on Tuesday, March 16 ordered that Saab be extradited to the United States. 

 

In its ruling, the Cape Verdean Supreme Court explained that it refused to comply with the decisions of the ECOWAS court because "it considers itself as not legally bound to the said protocol." 

 

The development comes as Switzerland withdrew a three-year-long money laundering probe against Saab over lack of evidence.

 

On Thursday, Geneva's prosecutor announced that it has shut a probe into Alex Saab's suspected money laundering case via Swiss offshore accounts

 

According to the government Office tasked with evaluating suspicious funds, the investigation was sparked by several banks lodging reports with MROS.

 

Prosecutors said the now-shuttered Genevan investigation focused on a single-vehicle tied to Saab noting that the evidence from this was insufficient to bring formal charges against him.

 

Many believed that the withdrawal of the money laundering probe against Saab strengthened the position of the ECOWAS Court that there was no red notice in place during the time of his arrest.

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The Kano State Police Command and the Consumer Protection Council have given N1 million to two of police officers for rejecting the same amount of money offered to them as a bribe
 
Garba Rabo and Jamilu Buhari were serving on the task force of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in the state when they were tempted with the bribe.

According to a statement by the police spokesperson in Kano, Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Friday morning, Rabo and Buhari in the course of their operation received information that expired goods worth billions of naira were kept in a warehouse in the Kano metropolis.
 
“The task force team stormed the warehouse, where one million naira was offered to them as a bribe. They rejected the bribe, recovered the expired goods worth billions of naira, the money as an exhibit and arrested the suspect,” Mr Kiyawa said.
 
The Acting Managing Director of the CPC, Baffa Dan’agundi, also applauded the officers for rejecting the bribe.
 
Dan’agundi said the council had decided to show appreciation for the good conduct of the officers by presenting them with a gift of one million naira.
 
He called on the people to continue to support the police and appreciate those performing their duties well.
 
The state Commissioner of Police, Sama’ila Dikko, called on other officers to emulate their example.
 

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Mixed reactions have continued to trail the comment made by Bishop David Oyedepo, the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church worldwide, over the hijab crisis rocking schools in Kwara State.

Kwara has been in the news recently amid a face-off between Christians and Muslims over the use of hijab in some grant-aided missionary schools in the state.

Reacting to the development on Wednesday, Oyedepo warned Muslims to steer clear of missionary schools to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The clergyman said the crisis had lingered because the church did not show the opposing side in the controversy “the other side of God” and the “consuming fire of God.”
 
He had said: “It is such a nasty development in Kwara State where Muslims are asking their students in our schools to wear hijab, and the church said 'no'. You know the reason why we have never shown the world the other side of God. God is not a toy; let us show them the consuming fire part of God. They need to know.

”Leave the schools for the owner, go to your schools. Is there any fight? Stop putting fingers in the eyes of others, the world should be warned against the church. The church is a time bomb.
 
”When God turns his back on anyone or any system, that system is cursed. My advice is; leave the schools for the owners, find your schools. Men and women can wear hijab there. Stop putting your fingers in the eyes of others when they are not blind.”

His comment has ignited reactions on Twitter with many calling on the cleric to use similar energy to tackle corrupt politicians in the country. See Also Sahara Reporters Bishop Oyedepo Reacts To Kwara Hijab Crisis: Let Us Show Them Consuming Fire Of God 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

A Twitter user identified as Umar Farouk wrote: "Use the same fire to consume our corrupt politicians & those who have kept innocent Nigerians in misery. All you guys do is make money off religious fears which have been implanted in the minds of the vulnerable."

Eze David also wrote: "The spirit of God has for long left the majority of Nigerian pastors for being complicit in the constant murder of innocent citizens across the board, in Nigeria. They are silent because they benefit from the evil government of the day indirectly. The cry of the blood of innocents has reached heaven. And that's why God is gradually destroying Nigeria. Nothing can save Nigeria any longer because it's undergoing natural disintegration & Almighty is the catalyst in this case."

In the same vein, Emmanuel Opara wrote: "Dear Sir, if you know you are a true man of God, pray that fire should come down and consume every man and woman who has held Nigeria captive, then will Nigeria be at peace."

Rainbaro Victor also wrote: "I don’t see any wisdom in this...Why can’t you call fire to destroy all those ones troubling Nigeria so the country can have peace it deserves?"

Joining the fray, Ataneh Bello wrote: "Which fire...You that bought 3 private jets without considering hungry members in your church... Did fire get you? The pope of Vatican City in Rome till today doesn't have a private jet and flies commercial planes to wherever he wants to go...Most people in your church can't even afford the school fees of the school you used their offerings, sweat and tithes to build...Just pray for things to get better and forget the fire."

Fagbohun Didas also wrote: "You cannot show all our evil politicians God fire, its hijab you want to call fire on? But wait...I thought you're both calling on the same God? Lol, these religious people can be funny."

Pemisire Akinbambo also wrote: "The fire you can't call upon those bringing Nigeria backward,... The fire you can't call on those bringing Nigerians to one meal per day....poorer and poorer every day....you don't care if your congregation eat or not ...as much as tithe has been paid...wisdom is by age."

Abdulfatai Sobi wrote: "Look at this man when you have power like that, why can't you use it for Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers, etc. You just play yourself, please go and sleep, we are not your sheep."

Kogite Solar wrote: "Our sister Sharibu Leah has been in captivity for years, unleash the fire on Boko Haram to release her. Those who attempted to wear hijab do not intend to wage war on Christianity, is a mere identity.

"Release that fire on all corrupt Nigerians, including those that fly private jets at expense of Nigerians. Respected Christians are already working on resolving hijab issues, park well."

Daud Shittu also wrote: "Please Oyedepo if you are a Man of God, please help our government to finish Boko Haram."

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