Again, Vandals attack Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kv Power line – TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which is currently under repair due to previous vandalism, has again been attacked by vandals.

In a statement released by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, on Friday, November 22, the TCN said the attack, which affected towers 29 to 31, resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.

The statement said that a team of TCN engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, has conducted an inspection of the site.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night. In an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LGA to secure the site until repairs are completed. Additionally, the line will be energized from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.

Efforts to replace the stolen 250mm conductor are currently underway. Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85% complete,” the statement read partly.

Earlier in November, vandals also attacked transmission towers in the Okada and Ofosu Communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines. A total of 31 towers were affected in this incident.

The vandalized towers which suffered significant damage, with critical components removed, were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol.

Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland over alleged 'terrorism activities'

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian has been arrested in Finland alongside four other individuals for alleged terror-related offenses. 

Ekpa is a seperatist agitator and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile. 

Local reports indicate that Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. 

Ekpa with Finnish authorities 

In a statement released on Thursday, November 21, the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals suspected of terrorist activities. 

According to the police, Simon Ekpa, identified as the main suspect, was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four others were apprehended “for financing a terrorist crime.” 

The police statement further revealed: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.” 

It elaborated that the investigation centers on “a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.” 

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation, stated: “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.” 

The four other suspects are accused of financing the activities under investigation. “All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week,” the statement confirmed, adding that international cooperation has been integral to the preliminary investigation."

US embassy in Kyiv orders staff to shelter over 'significant air attack' from Putin in response to Biden allowing Ukraine to fire missiles into Russia

The US embassy in Kyiv warned staff to shelter over a 'significant air attack' from Russia after President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to fire long-range missiles deep into Russia.

''The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20,' it said in a message on its website. 

'Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place. 

The embassy urged US citizens in Kyiv to 'be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.'

 

The threat comes just days after Washington lifted the ban on Ukraine using long-range missiles supplied by the US to hit targets in Russia as Putin's forces begin to recover ground.

 

A short memo advised US citizens in the capital to monitor local media and identify shelters in case of an attack.

Ukraine is bracing for a potential strike after Biden finally gave permission for Kyiv to use its long-range missiles in Russia on Sunday, approaching 1,000 days of war.

 

The missiles have a range of 190 miles (300km) and could allow Ukraine to repel Russia long-range weapons hitherto capable of striking Ukraine without retaliation.

In anticipation of Ukraine receiving permission to use ATACMS, Russia's air force is said to have redeployed many of its fighter jets and strategic bomber aircraft away from the airbases in range of the missiles to sites further east.

The decision to concede usage came after months of gridlock in the United States and followed news North Korean troops were reinforcing Putin's lines in Russia last month.

US-supplied ATACMS missiles will be used against both Russian and North Korean troops deployed against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region, officials said.

The US said the move was intended to send a message to Russia's ally in North Korea, deploying ground troops for the first time since the end of the Korean War.

I feel your pain but we need to hear her side of the story - Nigerian activist Israel Joe addresses man whose wife got married and pregnant for another man

 

Activist, Comrade Israel Joe, has addressed the Nigerian man who accused his estranged wife of getting married to another man while still legally married to him. 

 

It is reported that one Anthony Echebiri claimed that his wife married another man and got pregnant for him after disowning their daughters. 

 

Addressing Mr Echebiri in a Facebook post on Wednesday, November 20, the activist commiserated with him but however, said that one of the principles of natural justice is hearing from the other side. 

 

“I feel your pain my dear brother, how your wife would get pregnant for another man and still get married to the man while the l two of you are still married,” he wrote. 

 

"However, we would love to hear her side of the story, in one of the twin pillars of natural justice. She might have gone to the extreme but she isn't a mad woman.

 

“Before we conclude, we would hear her side and if she doesn't come out to clear the air in the midst of this allegations, then her silent would mean concurrence.” 

 

Gunmen k!ll prominent Anambra architect four days to his mother’s burial

Gunmen have k!lled a Port Harcourt-based, Anambra-born architect, Engr. Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, four days to the burial of his late mother.  

Egbuonu, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA) d!ed on Sunday, November 17, 2024, following complications occasioned by gunshots he sustained after being attacked by gunmen near his hometown in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The General Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Chike Chamberlain Ibeanu, who confirmed the tragic incident in a statement, said Egbuonu was k!lled while finalizing arrangements for his mother’s burial slated for Thursday, November 21. 

“Distinguished colleague, it is with a painful and heavy heart that I announce the death of our brother, Arc. Asomba Andrew Egbuonu FNIA, KSJ,” the statement read.

"He d!ed on Sunday, 17th November 2024, following complications from gunshot wounds sustained after being attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen near our hometown of Nnewi.

"He was heading home to conclude arrangements for his mother’s burial on Thursday, 21st November 2024.

"Until his d3ath, Arc. Asomba Andrew Egbuonu FNIA was the Chair, Architectural Exhibitions and Competitions Committee of the Institute and Past Chair, NIA Rivers State Chapter. 

“Kindly say a word of prayers for the gentle repose of his soul and God's strength and comfort for the entire family in this most trying of times."

 

Lagos court sentences oil and gas association chairman to 21 years' imprisonment for N43.5m fraud

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, November 18, 2024, convicted and sentenced Fatuyi Yemi Philips, Chairman, Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, NOGASA, to 21 years imprisonment for N43.5m fraud.

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on April 5, 2022, arraigned Philips alongside his firm, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N43, 502,000.00.

Count one reads: "Fatuyi Yemi Philips and Oceanview Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, on or about the 28th day of September, 2016 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of N43, 502,000.00 from Elochukwu Okoye and Elebana Unique Ventures Nigeria Limited on behalf of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited under the false representation that you would sell to WAPCIL Nigeria Limited $98,870.00, a representation you knew to be false."

Count two reads: "Fatuyi Yemi Philips and Oceanview Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, on or about the 28th day of September, 2016 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole the sum of N43, 502,000.00, property of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited."

He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges, thereby leading to his full trial.

In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, M.S. Owede, tendered several documentary evidence and called five witnesses to substantiate the allegations against him and his company.

The defense, on its part, called three witnesses during the trial.

Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Dada held that the prosecution proved its case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubts.

Consequently, the judge sentenced Phillips to 14 years imprisonment on count one and seven years on count two, without an option of fine.

The sentences are to be served concurrently.

The Judge also ordered the second defendant, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited, to pay a fine of N500,000( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in respect of count one and another N250,000( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) in respect of count two within 30 days or be wound up.

The court further ordered the convicts to make restitution in the sum of $90,202.00 or the prevailing Naira equivalent to the nominal complainants.

Phillips’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when he collected the sum of N43, 502,000.00 from Elochukwu Okoye and Elebana Unique Ventures Nigeria Limited on behalf of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited with a false promise of selling its dollar equivalent($98,870.00) to them. 

He neither returned the naira nor dollar equivalent to the petitioners. 

Canada now permits international students to work 24 hours

Canada has increased the permissible work hours for eligible international students during academic terms from 20 to 24 hours per week. 

This adjustment aims to provide greater opportunities for students to gain work experience while maintaining their focus on academics. 

Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister, stressed the intent behind this policy change, saying, “This change will give students more flexibility to manage their time and gain practical experience.” 

The decision builds on remarks Miller made in October 2022 when he emphasized the importance of work experience for international students. 

At the time, he stated: “With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth. 

“Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work more while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.” 

International students can now work full-time during designated academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays. These periods allow students to increase their earnings without interfering with class schedules, bolstering their financial stability while continuing their education. 

The updated regulations permit students to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms. This increase offers greater employment opportunities while ensuring students can maintain a sustainable study schedule. 

Designated Educational Institutions (DLIs) are now required to submit reports twice yearly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These reports will confirm students’ enrollment status and academic progress, ensuring compliance with study permit requirements and upholding the integrity of the International Student Program. 

Under the new rules, international students must obtain approval before transferring to a different DLI. This requirement ensures adherence to permit conditions and maintains academic standards across Canada’s institutions. 

In Quebec, eligible international students can work off-campus without a separate work permit, provided they meet specific criteria. Students must be enrolled full-time in post-secondary, vocational, or professional training programs, or vocational training at the secondary level. These courses must be at least six months long and lead to a recognized degree, diploma, or certificate. 

By introducing these measures, Canada aims to enhance opportunities for international students while addressing labour shortages in key sectors, ensuring a balance between work experience and academic success.

Five feared k!lled as gunmen attack two communities in Anambra

Five persons were feared k!lled when some unknown gunmen attacked two communities in Anambra State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 18, 2024. 

It was gathered that the heavily armed gunmen said to be enforcing sit-at-home, stormed the Abatete community in Idemili North Local Government Area, targeting security personnel attached to the town’s President-General.

Some sources in the area said three security men were shot and k!lled during an exchange of gunfire.

The PG of the community was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.

“We are praying for his recovery. The armed hoodlums invaded the community in the early hours of today. This senseless violence has left our community shaken,” one of the sources said. 

In another separate incident, some gunmen attacked the Ukpo Community at the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, k!lling one vigilante operative and a motorcycle rider. 

“It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately,” an eyewitness said. 

A police source who pleaded anonymity confirmed the incident to the punch.

"The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and are working to apprehend the perpetrators.

“We condemn these heinous acts and assure the public that we will do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.”

It was gathered that both incidents were said to have occurred within an hour interval, with the first attack happening at 8am in Abatete and the second at 8.45am at Ukpo Roundabout. 

 

Driver of minister's wife d!es after falling into abandoned well in Kano

A 60-year-old man, Sabi'u Yusha'u Unguwa Uku, has d!ed after falling into an abandoned well located at CBN Quarters Hadejia Road, in Kano State.

The spokesperson for the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement at the weekend said the deceased was the driver of the Minister of Defence's first wife. 

According to the Abdullahi, the deceased came to drop some guests at a house after which he came out to urinate. 

Unknown to him, there was an abandoned well in the area. 

 “On Friday 15th November, 2024, at about 22:35 hrs, State Fire Service under the leadership of Alh. Hassan Ahmad Muhammad received a call for emergency assistance from one of our staff PFS II Sabo Wada Abdullahi who informed of the incident where a person fell in a well at CBN Quarters Hadejia Road,” the statement read.

 

"The crew on duty were mobilized to the scene of the incident and arrived at 22:50 hrs.

 

"When they arrived, they found a 60-year-old man named Sabi'u Yusha'u Unguwa Uku, who had fallen into a well.

 

"The victim was rescued unconscious and conveyed to Sir Sunusi specialist Hospital Hadejia Road for medical examination while doctors confirmed his d3ath.

 

"The corpse was handed over to CPL Faruku Musa of Dakata Police Division.

 

"Meanwhile, the victim was a driver to the first wife of the Minister of Defense and he came to drop some guests at one house nearby the place of incident.

 

"The victim came out with the intention of urinating in a place where he did not know there was an abandoned well and some debris.

 

“In that process he stepped on one side of the well cover, as a result of that he drowned in the water.” 

Lagos plotting to colonise Northern Nigeria — Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused Lagos of plotting to “colonise” the northern region.

Speaking during the convocation ceremony at Skyline University in Kano, the former Kano State governor alleged that Lagos played a significant role in the ongoing emirate rulership battle in the state.

Let me note our situation here in Kano and indeed northern Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said.

“The emir is just being a stooge at this very difficult time, especially in this part of the country (northern Nigeria).

“Today, we can see very clearly that there is a lot of efforts from the Lagos axis to colonize this part of the country. Today, Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir, Lagos has to come to the centre of Kano to put their own emir.”

“Today, we are aware that the Lagos young men are working so hard to impose taxes and take away our taxes from Kano and this part of the country to Lagos,” he stated. “Even the telephones that we make or register here in Kano, efforts are there to take all the taxes to Lagos.

Even our sons and daughters who have brought factories—many of them here in Kano and northern Nigeria—and even banks, somehow, they are forced to take their headquarters to Lagos because taxes will now have to go to Lagos.”

The NNPP supreme also decried the widening gap between the rich and the poor, describing the situation as perilous for the nation.

At this moment, I would like to call all our National Assembly members to keep their eyes open so that they don’t do anything that would cheat the people of northern Nigeria, especially here, Kano,” he said.

We are witnesses to what happened during the first term, 1999 to 2000, where our members of the National Assembly were bribed, were treated into collecting huge sums of money to support offshore in this country. That law put a huge blow into our economy not only here in northern Nigeria but all other states,” Kwankwaso concluded.