Amnesty International Nigeria has commended the Federal Government over the trial of suspected Boko Haram terrorists, describing the ongoing trial as ”good progress for the justice sector”.

The commendation was contained in a letter addressed to the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), by Osai Ojigho, Country Director, Amnesty International Nigeria, a copy of which was made available to the office of the Minister of Information and Culture.

Amnesty International Nigeria said its delegates, who were invited to observe the proceedings at the third phase of the trial at Wawa Military Cantonment, Kainji, New Bussa, Niger State, 8-11 July, 2018, ”were treated with respect and decorum”.

”Amnesty International has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned the attacks by members of Boko Haram. We have repeatedly urged the Nigerian government to conduct thorough and independent investigations into the alleged human rights violations and abuses, with a view to bringing suspected perpetrators to justice in a fair trial without recourse to the death penalty and this indeed is a good progress for the justice sector,” the global rights campaigner said.

Amnesty International Nigeria expressed the hope that it will also be invited to observe future trials.

Commenting on the letter, Mr. Malami said it was a ”clear demonstration of the strategic role of the Federal Ministry of Justice and its commitment in adjudicating terrorism cases, implementing the Criminal Justice Act, and promoting the rule of law and human rights”.

http://www.metronaija.ng/amnesty-international-commends-fg-over-trial-of-boko-haram-terrorists/

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Popular Yoruba actress, Iyabo Ojo pictured at the red carpet of the biggest television and film award ceremony in Africa, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2018 (AMVCA 2018).

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-iyabo-ojo-at-amvca-2018/

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President Buhari arrives Beijing, the People’s Republic of China to participate in the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-buhari-arrives-beijing-china/

The Police Command in Anambra says it has arrested five kidnappers/child traffickers and rescued five victims in the last seven days.

Mr Haruna Mohammed, the Public Relations Officer of the command, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Awka.

Mohammed gave the names of the suspected kidnappers/child traffickers arrested on Aug.27, 2018 at about 8.30 a.m. as Emeka Nnoruo ‘m’ (44 years), Ekene Obodoako ‘m’ (27 years), Maduabuchi Ekwema ‘m'( 25 years) , Chika Obi ‘m’ (28 years), and Eberechi Onyeghara ‘m’ aged 14 years.

He said the arrest of the suspects followed intelligence report and efforts of Joint Police/vigilante Patrol teams attached to Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that the suspects conspired and kidnapped five children namely: Ifeanyinchukwu Obiukwu ‘m’ (3years from Umunze), and Chigozie Emeka, 8 years from Okigwe.

Others equally kidnapped are: Chimaobi Emeka ‘f’ aged 6 years from Okigwe, Chisom Emeka aged 4 years from Okigwe and Onyiyechi Emeka ‘f’ aged 3 years of Okigwe.

The PPRO noted that the victims were rescued from the suspects, adding that investigation into the matter had begun after which the suspects would be charged to court.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the command had in July arrested a three-man syndicate behind the series of child stealing in the state and charged them to court.

http://www.metronaija.ng/police-arrest-5-kidnappers-rescue-5-victims-in-anambra/

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it has received a batch of 164 assisted voluntary returnees from Libya who were stranded in failed attempts to reach different European countries.

The Agency’s Spokesperson, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said that the returnees arrived at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja at 8:50p.m. on Thursday night.

Farinloye said the returnees comprised of 61 adult females including seven pregnant women, 96 adult males, two children and five infants, adding that 17 of the returnees had medical cases.

He said that they were brought back through the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) aboard a Libyan Airline flight with registration number 5A-DMG.

The spokesman said the Nigeria Immigration Service, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Refugees Commission, the Police and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) officials were on ground for profiling and documentation of the returnees.

Similarly, the Director General, NEMA, Mr Mustapha Maihajja had therefore called on faith and community based organisations to join government in efforts at discouraging irregular migration and the get-rich-quick syndrome in the society.

Maihajja, represented by the Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Yakubu Suleiman, appealed to religious and community based organisations in leading attitudinal change towards discouraging irregular migration.

“When these organisations embrace the governments’ efforts at curbing the menace of irregular emigration that has led to the death of several youths and rendered many incapacitated, the surge of irregular migrations will be minimised.

“As much as these bodies can cause positive change, which the government is aware of, some of them are culpable in misleading the youths based on revelations of some of the returnees,” he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nema-receives-another-164-stranded-nigerians-from-libya-2/

The Nasarawa House of Assembly, on Wednesday declared the seat of a member representing Wamba constituency, Mr Makpa Malla vacant for defecting from the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Malla’s letter of defection was read by the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, during plenary in Lafia.

The speaker, after reading the letter, called for investigation into the matter before the House could take any decision.

The House Majority Leader, Tanko Tunga, thereafter, moved a motion that Malla’s seat be declared vacant, which was received with voice votes from other members.

After reading the letter to the House, the Speaker said, “My colleagues, this letter is from Hon. Makpa Malla, member representing Wamba constituency that he is defecting from the APC.

“Makpa cited alleged division in the APC, emergence of R-APC and APC leadership as reasons for his defection.

“He, however, did not mention the party Malla is defecting to.

“I wanted us to investigate the matter based on the reasons he gave for his defection, but with the voice votes put on all the members, my hands are tight.

“I hereby declare his seat vacant,” he said.

The speaker directed the clerk to House to communicate the development officially to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Tunga, while moving the motion seeking to declare the member’s seat vacant, cited various sections of the constitution supporting the action of the assembly.

He maintained that the member also failed to state the party he was defecting to, hence the need to declare his seat vacant.

Mr Daniel Ogazi, the Deputy Majority leader of the House seconded the motion.


http://www.metronaija.ng/defection-nasarawa-assembly-declares-members-seat-vacant/

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Troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, under Operation WHIRL Punch have arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered 49 cows from him in Gawgawda village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Muhammad Dole, disclosed this in a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday.

Dole said the troops responded to a distress call on the activities of suspected cattle rustlers in Gwagwada village.

“While on the pursuit, one cattle rustler was arrested and 49 rustled cows were recovered from him,” he said.

He also disclosed that troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army (1 Div NA) under Operation WHIRL PUNCH received credible information about a location near Jumu Village in Chukun local government area.

He said the place was where bandits used as a base to perpetrate criminalities along Kaduna – Abuja road.

“The troops embarked on fighting patrol, located and raided the identified hideouts.

The deputy director, however, said the bandits fled the area on sighting the troops.

” After ransacking the hideouts, one AK47 rifle; one locally made pistol and one fabricated Dane Gun were recovered,” he said

He assured the general public that the troops would continue to dominate the Kaduna – Abuja and Kaduna – Birnin Gwari general areas with patrols and raids on the suspected bandits’ routes and hideouts.

Dole also assured that the pressure on the bandits would be sustained in order to ensure safe passage for commuters and motorists.

http://www.metronaija.ng/troops-arrest-suspected-cattle-rustler-recover-49-cows-in-kaduna-state/

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Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola endorses music star, 2face Peace Campaign in Osogbo today.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-aregbesola-endorses-2face-peace-campaign/

President Buhari receives Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II and HEH Sherif Ahmad Bin Zuhir Al-Natour, and Investor in Green Projects and Chairman of GDTC Investment today at the State House, Abuja.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-ooni-of-ife-oba-adeyeye-ogunwusi-ojaja-ii-others-visit-buhari/

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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-juliet-ibrahim-osas-ighodaro-ajibade-mimi-onalaja-toni-tones-attend-premiere-of-fromlagoswithlove/

Nollywood film From Lagos With Love, starring Sharon Ooja, Nonso Bassey, Bimbo Manuel, Jon Ogah, Etim Effiong, Damilola Adegbite, Shaffy Bello, and more, is premiering today, at the IMAX cinemas, Lekki.

Osas Ighodaro Ajibade, Mimi Onalaja, Toni Tones, Meg Otanwa and more celebrities have been spotted at the Beach Elegance-themed premiere.

See photos below:

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-juliet-ibrahim-osas-ighodaro-ajibade-mimi-onalaja-toni-tones-attend-premiere-of-fromlagoswithlove/

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President Buhari and Minister Finance , Mrs Kemi Adeosun break record as Forbes 2018 rate Nigeria as the biggest economy in Africa. See the list below

. 10 BIGGEST ECONOMIES OF AFRICA 2018 (​Rated in US$ Billions​)

1. Nigeria :$172

2. South Africa :$166.735

3. Egypt :$78

4. Algeria :$66

5. Libya :$65

http://www.metronaija.ng/nigeria-now-the-biggest-economy-in-africa/

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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 1.50 per cent year-on-year in real terms to N16.58 trillion in the second quarter.

The NBS disclosed this in its “Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (Q2 2018)’’ report released on Monday in Abuja.

The report stated that the growth in the period under review was 0.79 per cent points higher compared to the second quarter of 2017 which recorded a growth of 0.72per cent.

It, however, said it was about –0.45 per cent points lower than 1.95per cent recorded in the
first quarter of 2018.

It said the real GDP growth on a quarter –on- quarter basis was 2.94 per cent while the aggregate GDP stood at N30.69 trillion in nominal terms in the period under review.

NBS said this represented a 7.85 per cent increase in nominal GDP compared to the preceding quarter (N28.46 trillion) and 13.57per cent increase when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2017 (N27.03 trillion).

The bureau said the growth in the second quarter was driven by developments in the non-oil sector as Services sector recorded its strongest positive growth since 2016.

“However, the relatively slower growth when compared to the first quarter and second quarter of 2017 could be attributed to developments in both the oil and non-oil sectors,” it said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nigerias-gdp-growth-slumps-to-1-5-in-q2-nbs/

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Sokoto state Governor Tambuwal on a condolence visit to the Government of Rivers State, over the death of their Attorney General, Late Aguma, SAN. He was received by the Rivers state Governor Wike.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-governor-tambuwal-visits-governor-wike/

President Buhari departs Katsina for Abuja after celebrating Eid el-Kabir in his hometown, Daura.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtOCYM2BGuA

http://www.metronaija.ng/video-buhari-departs-daura-for-abuja/

Former Super Eagles striker, Joseph Akpala has joined the growing legion of Nigerian stars moving to Saudi Arabia, as he on Friday sealed a deal with Al Faisaly in the Middle East oil rich country.

The former Club Brugge and Racing Charleroi of Belgium striker, who was Nigerian league top scorer before he went abroad, signed a year’s deal at Faisaly with an option to extend for a further season.

The deal was completed before the close of the transfer window on Thursday, after he passed medical tests same morning in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

It is another step forward for Akpala, who started his career at Bendel United then moved to Bendel Insurance and was joint top scorer in the league with Timothy Anjembe in 2005.

The 31-year-old, who last season played 40 games for KV Oostende of Belgium, scoring nine goals, has also played for Werder Bremen of Germany and Karabükspor of Turkey.

Akpala, who was released by Oostende at the end of his contract, arrives in Saudi Arabia from NK Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia after a short loan spell with Israeli side FC Ashdod.

He becomes the third Nigerian player moving to the Saudi Professional League after Musa swapped Leicester City for Al Nassr in the summer and Paul Onobi joined Al Jodoom.

Akpala, who notched nine goals in 40 games for Oostende, will begin life with Al Faisaly Harmah in a clash against Al Batin in their opener next Friday.

He could be thinking of a recall to the Super Eagles, after seven international appearances for Nigeria and scored one goal for the three-time African Champions, which came during a shock 1-0 friendly win against France in Paris.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-super-eagles-striker-joseph-akpala-joins-growing-legion-in-saudi-arabia/

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Nigerian has recounted how she faked being pregnant to enable her get her PVC.

The young lady identified as Grace Ehi Isabella, said she had been going to the PVC registration center in her area for 4 days consecutively but was unattended to.
”#Pregnancyscam #Pvc

I’ve been to the INEC PVC center for the past 4 days and I wasn’t attended to, truth is it is not just me but millions of Nigerians go through the same.

I had to disguise as a pregnant woman and in less than 10hours I got my PVC. Which way #naija
Ensure you do anything you can to get your PVC and vote in the right candidate in the year 2019”

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-woman-fakes-being-pregnant-to-get-her-pvc/

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday congratulated President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe on their victories in their respective country’s elections.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, issued the Buhari’s congratulatory message in Abuja on Friday.

Buhari hailed Malians for giving the incumbent another opportunity to serve them after the Aug. 12 presidential run-off even as Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court declared Mnangagwa the winner of the July presidential poll.

The ECOWAS Chairman urged Keita’s main challenger, Soumaila Cisse, and his supporters to abide by the verdict of the people as confirmed by the ruling of the constitutional court.

He enjoined Cisse to cooperate with Keita in the interest of the country in particular, and peace and stability of West Africa.

Buhari expressed his optimism that the successful outcome of the election in Mali would further strengthens Africa’s democratic credentials as the citizens exercised their franchise in choosing their leader without let or hindrance.

He wished Keita a successful second tenure in a peaceful and stable atmosphere and urged all Zimbabweans, especially politicians, to unite and work for the progress and development of their country.

http://www.metronaija.ng/buhari-congratulates-keita-mnangagwa-on-election-victories-2/

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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-alaafin-of-oyo-visits-ajimobi/

President Buhari received different Groups in Daura Katsina State on 24th Aug 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-groups-in-daura-kastina-visit-buhari/

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Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu received a Platinum Award as the Ondo State Engineering Man of the Year.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-akeredolu-receives-platinum-award/

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The Naira on Thursday lost 30 kobo to exchange at N358.30 to the dollar at the parallel market in Lagos, weaker than N358 traded on Wednesday.

The Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N475 and N418, respectively.

At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the naira traded at N360 to the dollar, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N475 and N418, respectively.

Trading at the investor’s window saw the naira close at N362.60, with a turnover of 167.78 million dollars, while the naira exchanged at N306.10 to the dollar at the CBN official window.

The naira closed at the interbank market at N307.10, N396.16 and N353.53 against the dollar, Pounds and Euro, respectively.

For Personal Travel Allowance (PTA), the naira was sold at N360, N462.15 and N414.97 against the dollar, Pound and Euro respectively at the interbank market.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that low activities characterised the market as some of their members were yet to return from the Sallah break.

http://www.metronaija.ng/naira-weakens-against-dollar-at-parallel-market-2/

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Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo at Special National Dialogue for young girls in commemoration of 2017 International Day girl-child (IDG) in Abuja. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/10/photos-dolapo-osinbajo-at-special.html

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Download Video at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/10/photos-ambode-unveils-fela-statue.html

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode ; Yemisi Ransome-Kuti ; Yeni Kuti ; Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola ; Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts & Culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola (right), Human Rights Activist, Mr. Femi Falana and APC South West Women Leader, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson during the unveiling of the Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Statue titled - the Liberation, at Allen Roundabout, Ikeja, on Sunday, October 15, 2017.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/10/photos-ambode-unveils-fela-statue.html

Download video at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/10/photos-parents-withdraw-children-from.html

Unconfirmed news



Some unknown agencies are going school to school, injecting Pupils without informing school authorities, armed with Police and Military

all Schools are currently closed
missionary has ordered full closure of every church owned schools till better information are passed

Details Later

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/10/photos-parents-withdraw-children-from.html

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Newly commissioned Alapere bus stop with comfortable Shelter, Lay-by, Lighting, Walkways, Guard-rails, passenger information system and Wire-mesh Fencing for pedestrian protection, by the Lagos State Government on Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/10/photos-lagos-govt-commissions-modern.html

Following the release of Behind The Scene Photos of Dele Issues’ special episode last week, popular Nollywood actor Samuel Ajibola has released an official trailer, which features Nigeria’s former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.



This special episode titled “Dele for President” which is scheduled for release on YouTube on Saturday, October 14, 2017 has been the talk of the town since its announcement.



The trailer combines the element of suspense and comedy as former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is seen supporting and declaring “Dele for President”, ultimately making the episode a must-watch.



Samuel Ajibola’s Web Series marks the first time we've seen Chief Olusegun Obasanjo acting in a movie.



Nigerians on social media have since expressed their anticipation for the comedy skit, one fan tweeted “So former president made acting debut on Spiff’s project, wow, I can’t wait to see it”.



The web series, Dele Issues (Daily Issues), revolves around the main character; Dele, who always takes on different roles. The skits are popular for having elements of comedy and satire – ultimately making the series a must-watch.



Watch Trailer featuring Chief Olusegun Obasanjo here:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNbwOWZF1gU

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/10/video-samuel-ajibolas-new-skit-starring.html

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Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo and his wife & Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed attend the command performance of Waka The Musical in Abuja. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/10/photos-osinbajo-saraki-and-lai-mohammed.html

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