₦airaland Forum

Justice D. D. Longji of a Jos High Court in Plateau on Tuesday, 11 April, discharged two armed robbery suspects, Mustapha Mohammed and Amos Emmanuel, over lack of diligent prosecution by Nigeria police.

“I am discharging you and it is with a heavy heart; I am discharging you not based on merit, but because my hands are tied,” a visibly miffed Mr. Longji declared, while accusing the police prosecutor of refusing to do his job.

He said that he was discharging the duo “because of the position of the law on lack of diligent prosecution”.

“I have no reason to hold you because the prosecution has not diligently prosecuted the matter and seem uninterested in it.

“But, if it is in your character to be a thief, you will come back here again; you will be re-arrested one day and brought back to court to face your charges.

“There is no peace for the wicked, you are hereby discharged, but not acquitted,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the suspects were discharged after their counsel, David Adudu, prayed the court to strike out the case and discharge his clients as the prosecution had not shown any interest in the matter.


He also claimed that the prosecution had consistently frustrated hearing on the case since it commenced in June 2016.

Mr. Longji, while agreeing with the defence counsel, said that the prosecution was not interested in the case and had been absent at the hearings.

“Because of the persistent absence of the prosecution, the case suffered series of adjournments. The worst aspect is that no reasons were usually given for the absence,” he said.

At their arraignment in June 2016, the police prosecutor, E. A. Enegbonoise, had told the court that the accused persons, armed with a knife and a pistol, robbed one Chinyere Onyeabor, at Abattoir, Jos, on April 14, 2016.

Mr. Enegbonoise said that the accused persons, in company of a third accused, Kenneth Okafor, currently in Bauchi prisons over another matter, attacked Ms. Onyeabor and dispossessed her of a hand bag, three phones and an undisclosed amount of money.

The police prosecutor said that the first accused person, Kenneth Okafor, had told the police, in a confessional statement, that the knife and pistol belonged to the first accused (Mohammed), who brought them to his house and suggested that they should go out to rob.

Mr. Enegbonoise quoted the accused as saying that when they went out to rob, they picked a woman at Farin-Gada roundabout in their tricycle, but later pushed her out of the moving vehicle and took her belongings.


The prosecutor further quoted the accused as saying that at a military check point at Abattoir, soldiers discovered the arms and apprehended them.

The statement also quoted Mr. Mohammed as saying that he bought the gun from one Isiaka Sani, a resident of Congo-Russia area of Jos, at the cost of N5, 000.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened sections 1 (1 and 2), and 27 (1), of the Robbery and Fire Arm special provision Act, CAP R11, of the Federation of Nigeria, and punishable with death and a prison term of up to 14 years.
more info @ http://www.asabametro.com/2017/04/armed-robbery-suspects-freed-as-angry-judge-blames-nigeria-police/#.WO5ZiLixXIU

Honourable Member Representing Ethiope East State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly Hon Evance Ochuko Ivwurie has called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of State Security (DSS) the Chief of Defence Staff and heads of other security agencies to come to the rescue of Ethiope East over the incessant killings, Kidnapping, rapping and destruction of farmland by Fulani Herdsmen in Ovre R’ Abraka/Eku/Igun by Ak47 Rifle-wielding Fulani Herdsmen.

Hon. Ivwurie stated this recently during a World Press Conference held at the Palace of Ovie of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, HRM Akpomeyoma Majoroh, Ojeta II, at Abraka.

In the world press conference, titled ‘Yet Another Incidence of Killing in Ovre R’ Abraka/Eku/Igun. Hon. Ivwurie said it is with sadness that I call upon President Buhari to stop the unwarranted and provocative killings of our kinsmen by AK47- armed Fulani Herdsmen.

The lawmaker stated that the people of Ethiope East have kept their records, documented and have regularly in the past dutifully reported tens of incidences of killings, Kidnapping, raping and destruction of farmlands by these invading Fulani Herdsmen to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Police and other security agencies, yet no single person has been prosecuted and no action has been taken to investigate any of the killings and to save the lives of my constituents”.

He faulted the claims by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Aniamaka that the Ovre R’ Abraka is temporarily inhabited by a minimal number of herdsmen and that the herdsmen are living peacefully with the Abraka communities as a fat lie.

Hon. Ivwurie asked, does it mean that those who invade our farmlands, destroy our crops and kill our people are GHOSTS? Our farmers are dead scared to venture into their farmlands which is occupied by over ten thousand cows and over two thousand Fulani Herdsmen with sophisticated weapon, our farmers and people are afraid to carry out farming activities which has resulted in shortage of farm produce and increase in the prices of farm products.

The Police Command and DSS have neither visited the areas to see things for themselves nor investigated any of the gruesome killings, maiming, kidnapping and raping cases reported by my constituents.
SEE ALSO: Hon Ivwurie Hails Delta State Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill

According to him, “Ethiope East Local Government lands are arable, quite fertile and the Constituency remain very peaceful. We have very serious business in our hands; this matter must be in the front burner and we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to come to our aid. These invasion by the Fulani herdsmen and annexation of our land by Presco Plc cannot push us out of our God’s given and sacred land. Our right is our right and we are ready to do everything possible to protect the rights of our constituents”.

This is the sad story of Ethiope East people today. The most painful thing is to live a life that you don’t want to live.
Fulani-Herdsmen Menace


“As I speak, my heart is bleeding; I am shedding tears struggling to hold back. I saw this morning many victims families and children whose fathers and mothers have been killed by the herdsmen, children without fathers and mothers, wives without husbands and husbands without wives, children whose parent went to their farm and never returned back as a result of been killed by these blood sucking Fulani herdsmen in their own ancestral and sacred land,” Hon. Ivwurie reiterated.

Hon. Ivwurie challenged the Media, stating that the media as the strongest force in the society has the legitimate duty to escalate the killings and developments in Ethiope East and the conspiracy of silence by the Federal Government and the Nigerian Security Architecture to the whole world. “I challenge the Nigeria Press as a world class media to please expose and inform the world about the happenings, killings, Kidnappings, rapping and attacks as well as the conspiracy of silence by the President and the Nigeria Security agencies in my constituency”. Hon. Ivwurie screamed; ‘enough is enough’ while calling on the security agencies to go into the Ovre R’ Abraka/Eku/Igun to see the destruction of our farmland and crops worth tens of millions of Naira.
more follows here with photos of the families affected http://www.asabametro.com/2017/04/herdsmen-menace-ivwurie-urges-president-buhari-to-stop-the-killings-in-ethiope-east/#.WO5YFLixXIU

Lol efe all the way... Based on coded logistics

Efe

More here http://www.asabametro.com/2017/04/bbnaija-delta-state-government-throws-weight-behind-efe-ejeba/

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has thrown his weight behind Delta State born BBNaija contestant Efe Ejeba, describing him as an epitome of exemplary conduct.

The Governor noted that Delta State is proud of the conduct and behaviour of Efe in the competition as he has remained out of controversies in the Big Brother’s House.



In a statement issued in Asaba on Wednesday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa lauded Efe Ejeba for being a good ambassador of Delta State, adding that the State Government will continue to support talented Deltans to achieve their dreams.

“As a state we are very delighted that our son Efe is in the finals of the #BBNaija competition. We are glad that he is relating very well with the house mates and has survived all the evictions and avoided controversies in the house,” he said.

Lol

Train

Full story and more pictures here http://www.asabametro.com/2017/04/14-killed-in-saint-petersburg-metro-suicide-bomb-blast-russian-officials/#.WOPzeYMo_Js

Russian authorities Tuesday confirmed a suicide bomber was responsible for the metro blast that killed 14 people in Saint Petersburg, as the city began three days of mourning.

Flags flew at half-mast in Russia’s second city and flowers and candles piled up at an impromptu memorial outside the metro station rocked by the attack, as authorities beefed up security on the busy underground transport system.



The Kremlin said the bombing was “a challenge to every Russian”, including President Vladimir Putin, after Kyrgyzstan said earlier that one of their natives had staged the blast.

Russian investigators said they had “established that the explosive device could have been activated by a man whose fragmented remains were discovered in the third carriage” of the train.

It was not immediately clear whether he was counted in the official death toll.

Meanwhile, commuters travelled to work under an anxious cloud after Monday’s bombing, which forced the entire metro system — seen as the lifeblood of the city — to shut down temporarily.

“Everyone in the metro can only think of this,” said 45-year-old Svetlana Golubeva as she entered the underground.

The bombing raised jitters coming just over a year before Russia is due to host the Football World Cup in venues including Saint Petersburg.

Photo

More info and photos here. http://www.asabametro.com/2017/04/meningitis-death-toll-rises-to-328-in-nigeria/#.WOHeUYMo_Js

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that no fewer than 328 persons have died in the latest outbreak of meningitis in different parts of Nigeria.

The Centre also confirmed that 2,524 suspected cases have been recorded.



The Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikezie Ihekweazu, listed the states most affected to include Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and Niger.

The disease, he said, has spread to 16 out of the 36 states. At least five people have died in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“We have about 2,524 cases across the country and exactly 131 of those have been confirmed, (laboratory confirmed) for meningitis and there have been 328 deaths,” he said.

According to him, the outbreak started in Zamfara before it spread to other states.

He however stated that the NCDC has been working very hard with the state government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Ministry of Health, as well as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, to curb the menace and according to him, much progress has been made so far.

nigeria prisons service

The Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) on Wednesday announced the establishment of a second all-female prison facility in Nigeria.

Mr Peter Tenkwa, the Controller of NPS in Adamawa, confirmed the development in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.

Tenkwa said that the development followed the ongoing restructuring of the Nigeria Prison Services to be gender sensitive.

“The Nigerian Prisons Service has established the second female prison in Nigeria after that of Kiri-kiri Female Prison in Lagos.

“The Numan Old Prison in Adamawa is now the second female prison in Nigeria with a total capacity of 400 inmates; currently there are six inmates in the prison,’’ Tenkwa said.

He said that seven out of the 17 prisons in the state were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgency when he assumed duty in June 2016.

According to him, with the collaboration of state government and the prison department the Mubi, Maiha and Ganye prisons were renovated and put back to operation.

Tenkwa said that Mubi, Maiha and Ganye prisons currently had 184, 43 and 145 inmates, respectively.

Sequel to establishment of the female prison in Numan, the male prisoners in the Numan Old Prison were taken to a new prison that had be opened in Numan.
for more info visit http://www.asabametro.com/2017/03/nigerian-prisons-service-gets-second-all-female-prison/#.WN5DRzgYGxg

fulani herdsmen

The people of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, has yet again been thrown in mourning over the death of Mr Sunday Idama who was brutally murdered by suspected Fulani Herdsmen.

The victim who was Senior Staff of the Delta State University, (DELSU) Abraka, met his untimely death at hands of the herdsmen on Friday, March 21, 2017, in his farm at Abraka hinterlands.

In a statement released by the lawmaker representing the local government area, Hon. Evance Ivwurie who was briefed by his constituents on this sad event, he called on Security Agencies in the state to swiftly and properly investigate the activities of the criminal elements of the herdsmen and bring them to justice.,

The statement read thus;

“Another of my Constituent Mr. Sunday Idama a Senior Staff of the Delta State University, Abraka- Library Department, 50 years with 14 children was brutally murdered by the ravaging Fulani Herdsmen on Friday in his Cassava farmland in Ovre Abraka.

I have reported to the whole world that I was briefed by my constituents residing across Ethiope East Mainland; towns/villages and Ethiope East Hinterlands; Ovre-Eku/Abraka/Igun of the sighting by some of them of an unspecified Helicopter said to be dropping supplies in the same Ovre-Eku/Abraka axis.

Since after my receipt of that brief, five of my Constituents namely Mr. Philip Akpine, Mr.Fr ancis Okotie, Mr. Sunday Couple, Mr. Eyabigun Akpovena and Mr. Sunday Idama have all been slaughtered by this mercenaries; Fulani Herdsmen in their farmlands in Ovre-Abraka which is a safe haven, dwelling and business place for thousands of Fulani Herdsmen and their cattle.
for more info and photos visit http://www.asabametro.com/2017/03/herdsmen-menace-delsu-staff-hacked-to-death-by-fulani-herdsmen/#.WN5CFTgYGxg

governor okowa

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has described the recent death of Three Secondary School Principals and a Vice Principal, as an unfortunate incident, even as they have commiserated with the State Governor and the body of principals in the state, over the tragic loss.

In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli and the Secretary, Mr Shedrack Onitsha, they described the death of the teachers, as unfortunate, as they were on their way to finding a solution to the industrial action that led to suspension of academic activities in all public schools in the state.

“We commiserate with His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the entire body of Teachers and Principals in the State, over the demise of four secondary school principals in a ghastly motor accident along Benin/Sapele road on their way to a meeting in Kwale, Delta state, to resolve an industrial action, embarked upon by Primary/Secondary School teachers in the State.

“We also send our heartfelt condolences to the families and schools that lost their principals and vice principal, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary School (ANCOPSS), Delta State chapters and pray that those still in the hospital as a result of the accident be granted quick and divine recovery.
more info and photos here http://www.asabametro.com/2017/03/fallen-principals-delta-online-publishers-forum-mourns-with-governor-okowa-ancopss-nut/#.WN5ABzgYGxg

Tanzania’s most notorious elephant poacher, nicknamed “The Devil”, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Boniface Matthew Maliango was responsible for killing thousands of elephants, a conservation organisation said.

He was arrested in Dar es Salaam in September 2015 after a year-long manhunt.

His crimes were the focus of a Netflix documentary film, The Ivory Game, produced by actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Maliango’s nickname, Shetani, means devil in Swahili.

The Elephant Action League, which fights wildlife crime, said he ran an ivory trafficking network across five African countries: Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, Mozambique and southern Kenya.
Poached Elephant
Poached Elephant in Tanzania

He was sentenced alongside his brothers, Lucas Mathayo Maliango and Abdallah Ally Chaoga.

The three were arrested in October 2015 while attempting to smuggle tusks worth more than $850,000 (£700,000).

Maliango was accused of supplying ivory to Chinese citizen Yang Fenglan, known as the “Ivory Queen”, who is on trial in Tanzania for trafficking more than 700 elephant tusks worth $2.5m (£1.7m).

Conservationists have said demand for ivory in China has fuelled poaching.

Although there is an international ban on buying and selling ivory across borders, it is allowed inside certain countries.

In December, China announced a ban on all ivory trade and processing activities by the end of 2017.

see photos here http://www.asabametro.com/2017/03/animal-justice-tanzania-jails-notorious-elephant-poacher-the-devil/#.WLqqyDhGSxg

Full article and photos of protesters here. http://www.asabametro.com/2017/02/the-noisemaking-protesters-of-delta-state/#.WLVWFYMo_Jt

A wise man once said that where the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse becomes inevitable. The above clearly illustrates the scenario playing out in Delta State where a handful of individuals have made the probe and jailing of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan their sole and life ambition.

This group of people obviously propelled by malice and the consuming urge of political vendetta has planned mob protests in a bid to instigate anti-graft agencies to beam their searchlight on the former governor. The interests and welfare of the good people of Delta State are least on their minds as they see protests as a franchise to get their daily bread.

To be continued or Read full article here http://www.asabametro.com/2017/02/grazing-reserves-in-the-niger-delta-and-a-keg-of-gun-powder/#.WLRSwYMo_Jt

n the past years however, especially since the turn of the millennium, certain individuals especially of the Fulani ethnic stock have emerged seeking to change the narrative about cattle breeding and animal husbandry generally. Moving about with their cattle, they trample upon other peoples farms and devour farm produce with reckless abandon. The annual labour of farmers struggling to eke out a living are wiped out in one fell swoop.

SEE ALSO:  Herdsmen Menace: A Major Security Challenge To Life and Properties - Hon. Ivwurie
It was the Chinua Achebe who stated in his work, Things Fall Apart the following Ibo proverb to wit, “let the kite perch and the eagle also. Anyone that says no to the other, let his wings break”.  Cattle rearing is a business venture just like the farmer who has planted cassava and potatoes and yams and vegetables. No one is superior to the other. However, while the farmer seeks out a piece of fertile land and cultivates same for several months, the herdsman sees the whole world as his grazing field. This is inequitable, and unacceptable by any standard.

From the beginning of time, man has been endowed with the intellect to control and tame animals to meet his food and other needs. This has made animal husbandry one of the earliest professions known to man. .

In pre-colonial Nigeria and up to the present day, domestication and rearing of animals has been a recurring feature. Such animals as goats, cattle, pigs, ducks, guinea fowls etc. have been used for food, traditional sacrifice as well as merchandize. Therefore, the rearing of these animals is not a recent phenomenon. It is a part of our history. No dispute ever arose from such activity as the owners of such animals were responsible for the housing and feeding of the animals. Where in rare situations they strayed onto the property or farmland of another person, and cause any damage, the  owner  of the animals hastens to make good the damage caused. In this way, societal harmony was maintained.

In order to regularize and checkmate the activities of herdsmen in Delta State, the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources recently organised a public hearing on the proposed Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill, reaffirming its commitment to securing the lives and properties of Deltans.

The lead sponsor, Hon. (Comr.) Barr. Reuben Yakubu Izeze and other members of the Committee; Hon. Barr. Daniel Mayuku, Hon. Chief Samuel Mariere and Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, said the major intent of the bill is to protect the life and properties of Deltans.



According to the Sponsors, the bill will also create room for the establishment of the State Advisory Council on Grazing to repeal the Control of Movement of Animals Law 2000 and other matters connected thereto.

Speaking at the one-day public hearing held at the Labour House, Asaba on Thursday, February 16th, 2016, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Chief Evance Ochuko Ivwurie, said this bill is fundamental. It is a pro-developmental law that is important to the development of Delta State and Nigeria.


Members of Agric. Committee of the Delta State House of Assembly
According to him, it is no longer news that the issue of cattle rearers also known as Fulani Herdsmen has been a major security challenge to both lives and property. The business of Cattle-Rearers/herdsmen had become a sensitive issue both at the state and national levels.

SEE ALSO:  Hon Ivwurie Hails Delta State Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill
Hon. Ivwurie said the bill did not only seek to regulate the activities of nomadic herdsmen, also to protect the lives of genuine herdsmen and seeks to ensure that all nomadic cattle rearers, owners and herdsmen, who move cattle into the state, must register such cattle.

We are aware that Nigeria is facing the worse form of economic recession and the only option was to diversify into agriculture. So, how can this menace of Fulani Herdsmen help agriculture?

The lawmaker reiterated that the philosophy behind the bill was “basically of the doctrine of necessity, following the disregard for the lives and properties of Deltans by some unscrupulous members of the society’’.

In his words “We know that when these cattle rearers visits your farms, you have a very bitter story to tell. They will leave your farms, communities with series of deaths, kidnapping, raping which is a very big security challenge in Nigeria, specifically in Delta State which has assumed alarming situation.”

“We are saying that we are diversifying into agriculture. We have animals that come to the farm and in less that two minutes your investment will be reduced to nothing, so this is a major challenge to our national development, and the only affected part is the Southern part of Nigeria,” the House Committee Chairman on Agriculture and Natural Resources posited.

SEE ALSO:  Delta Assembly Receives Consumer Rights Protection Agency Bill

Cross Section Traditional Rulers at the Public Hearing
Hence, Hon. Ivwurie said the State House of Assembly decided to hold this public hearing to have the views of Deltans. Every stakeholders involved had made their contributions, it is now left for us as lawmakers to go back and do further legislative studies in order to curtail the excesses in the State.

Hon. Ivwurie said with the kind of contributions that we have received from every nooks and crannies of the state. We will come up with a good law that will put a final stop to this menace of the nomadic cattle rearers otherwise called Fulani Herdsmen.

Hon. Ivwurie used the opportunity to thank everyone for coming, especially members of the Press.



Hon Ivwurie Hails Delta State Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill Herdsmen Menace: Ivwurie Cautions Constituents Against Taking Laws Into Their Hands Delta State Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill Scales Second Reading Evance Ivwurie condemns Herdsmen attack on Delta Community… says Law to Regulate Nomadic Cattle Rearing to be Ready Soon
Delta State House of AssemblyEvance IvwurieHerdsmen
Post
21 Bank Accounts Linked to Stella Oduah FrozenUS Military, Ambassador Meet Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at Aso Villa
RELATED ARTICLES


Delta Assembly Resumes Plenary After Christmas Break

DTHA Confirms Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency Nominations

Delta State House Of Assembly Workers Suspend Strike Action

LEAVE A REPLY

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *

Email *

Website

Please enter an answer in digits:

four × 3 =
Comment



RECENT POSTS


US Military, Ambassador Meet Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at Aso Villa

21 Bank Accounts Linked to Stella Oduah Frozen

PDP Youths Disrupt Anti-Corruption Summit, Press Okowa to Settle Them (Photos)

Nic-Ola Beauty Sparkles Corner: Give Love

Traditional Wedding: Benue State First Lady Appeals for the Reduction of Bride Price in Tiv Land


TRENDING POSTS

PDP Youths Disrupt Anti-Corruption Summit, Press Okowa to Settle Them (Photos)
under Delta State News
US Military, Ambassador Meet Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at Aso Villa
under Nigeria News
Traditional Wedding: Benue State First Lady Appeals for the Reduction of Bride Price in Tiv Land
u

Pictures

EmmySparky:
This is a coded condolence visit...

lol...u funny o

Lol Nigerians are thinking

The relationship between the United States of America and Nigeria, has been strengthened once more with the visit of the Commander of the US-Africa Command and the American Ambassador in Nigeria to Vice president Yemi Osinbajo.

Osinbajo who was elated by the visit, expressed his satisfaction to Nigerians via his official Facebook Page posting pictures of the August visitors. It reads below;