The Ogun State Police Command on Sunday said it had arrested three suspected ritualists and uncovered another underground den where ritualists hide to carry out their distasteful acts in Idode-Imomo, Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The state Police Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, who stated this said investigation into the matter has begun.

According to him, the suspects, Kehinde Rufai,Debo Awonaya and one David, are presently cooling their feet in police custody.

The place was reportedly located between Ijebu-Ode and Atan, closed to the border area of Oyo, Ogun and Ondo states.

DailyPost gathered that the underground den located in the forest was discovered by some youths after a 70-year-old man identified as Kehinde Rabiu was declared missing.

According to a source, residents of the area were shocked when they saw the underground den which has stairs underneath.

The suspected ritualists were reported to have built a house beside the underground in the forest and planted indian hemp around the place.

Speaking on the incident, Chairman of Community Development Association in the area, Kola Ologbode, described the three suspects as criminals.

He said the trio had been known for criminal activities, adding that, he had overheard them saying they were looking for aged man for a business.

Also speaking, the village head, Durojaye Olugbode, begged the state government for assistance in order to get rid of kidnappers in the area.

The Baale of Imedu-Nla in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Jimoh Adebayo, and two others were arraigned at an Owode-Egba Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing a bunch of plantain from a church.

They were alleged to have scaled the fence of the church where they reportedly stole the bunch of plantain valued at N2, 000.

One of the accused persons was also alleged to have threatened and chased the pastor of the church with cutlass when the latter caught him.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Evidence Onyenmaobi, told the court that the monarch alongside two other persons whose names were given as 70-year-old Wahab Atenreti and Surajudeen Ayenreti, 35, allegedly connived to steal the bunch of plantain within the premises of Jubilee Baptist Church in the area on December 31, 2012.

The prosecutor argued that the offence contravened Sections 516, 390 (9) and 86 (2) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

However, the Baale and the two others pleaded not guilty to the three counts of conspiracy, stealing and threat to life.

Their counsel, Mr. Ade Agbolade pleaded with the court to grant his clients bail, assuring that they would not jump bail.

Tragedy struck in Okerowo area of Ondo State at the weekend when one Kazeem Sheu (ASP) a policeman attached to Ajagba Divisional Police Station reportedly shot a junior police officer, Inspector Adelakun Lawal during an argument at a beer palour in the State.

Until the unfortunate incident, the two officers, it was gathered, were long-time good friends.

DailyPost gathered that the officers were said to have gone to the beer parlour located at Ejankole Street in Okerowo area at about 5pm to relax, but in the course of their discussion, an argument ensued between them, which later resulted into a hot verbal war.

According to an eyewitness, all efforts by others present to broker peace hit the rocks as the one-time close pals later engaged each other in a verbal assault.

He disclosed that out of anger, the ASP brought out a pistol and shot the late inspector at a close range.

The inspector was reported to have fallen down after he was shot several times.

The ASP attempted to flee when he noticed that the Junior officer was dying, but the people around prevented him from escaping.

The quick intervention of some mobile policemen saved the officer from being lynched by some angry mobs.

The inspector died on the way to the state Specialist Hospital in Ondo town.
His corpse was later deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

The victim, until his sudden demise, served as a police prosecutor at an Ondo Chief Magistrate Court.

The command spokesperson, Donald Odogo, who confirmed the incident said the killer officer has been transfered to the state CID for further interrogation

Men of the Anambra State Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, on Wednesday evening arrested a four-man gang suspected to be hoodlums terrorizing Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

They four armed men engaged the police in fire exchange while attempting to escape after abducting a two-year-old boy from his parents in Onitsha.

They were arrested and taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment following the injuries they sustained during the gun battle with police.

DailyPost gathered that the four-man gang stormed the residence of one Philip Nweze, a native of Ehalumona in Enugu State who just returned to his Onitsha
residence after a business trip abroad and made away with his two-year-old Chidera, the male twin of the couple and an unspecified amount of dollars,
leaving behind the female twin baby, Emmanuela.

Confirming the incident, Anambra state Police spokesperson, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka said that the police command swung into action after being alerted about the kidnap.

He said the hoodlums were arrested in a house belonging to one of the suspects at Oba in the state.

Also arrested in their hideout was a lady allegedly employed by the culprits to look after the abducted baby.

26-year-old NYSC member, Samuel Udeh, was on Tuesday sentenced to two months imprisonment by an Ado-Ekiti Federal High Court for possessing 50 grammes of Indian hemp.

The prosecuting counsel, Iliya Waji, told the court that Udeh was arrested on November 19, 2012 with 50 grammes of the illicit drug.

Waji said Udeh committed the offence at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Emure-Ekiti.

The offence, he said, contravened Section 11 (c) of the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused pleaded guilty to the one-count charge while his counsel, Cletus Nnechetta, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.

Nnechetta said the accused was remorseful for his actions, adding that he could still be useful to the society as a member of the NYSC.

In his judgement, the presiding judge, Justice Adamu Hobon sentenced Udeh to two months imprison without an option of fine to serve as deterrent to others.

A part time footballer and marketer of aluminium frames in Mumako Estate, Ikotun, Lagos, Patrick Onyeka has been arrested by officers of the state police command for allegedly abducting and murdering his neighbour’s son, Ayuba on January 12.

Onyeka was arrested on the accusation of luring the seven year old boy into his compound, where he allegedly strangled him to his death with his bare hands and dumped his body in a sceptic tank located within an uncompleted building, 200 metres away from his house where he (Onyeka) resides with his brother.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the arrest stating that, “While neighbours thronged the home of Ayuba’s parents to sympathise with them over Ayuba’s sudden disappearance.
Onyeka also came to visit ostensibly to offer his sympathies. No one thought he could be connected to the kidnapping until a note appeared on the gate of Ayuba’s parents’ house, demanding N5m as ransom for Ayuba.

There was also a phone number by which the kidnapper could be reached.
Although the handwriting was not recognised by the neighbours and the victim’s parents, Onyeka’s elder brother recognised it.”

On becoming suspicious of his brother’s
activities, Onyeka’s elder brother revealed the secret by reporting his fears to the Ikotun police division, Lady Braide said.

Onyeka was immediately arrested and transferred to the Special Anti Robbery Squad, Ikeja five days later where he confessed to the crime, and led a team of SARS operatives to the uncompleted building where he deposited Ayuba’s decomposed body.

Upon confession, a remorseful Onyeka blamed his regrettable action on his desperation to make quick money.
“I don’t know what led me to commit this crime if not the urge to make quick money. I actually had no idea what
Ayuba’s parents do for a living but I felt they were rich because they
have about four cars.
“I had to kill the boy because he knew me and if I had let him go, he would have told everyone in the neighbourhood that I was
the person who kidnapped him.”

He said the body of the victim had since been deposited at the Isolo General Hospital for autopsy.

“Investigations have already been concluded and the suspect would be charged to court for murder,” the state police PPRO disclosed.

A mentally challenged man, Mr. Edwin Jato famously known as Torjor, of Naka town in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State has murdered five of his brothers. Torjor threw all of them into a dam and fled to an unknown destination.

DailyPost gathered that the sad incident happened on Sunday night when the culprit had reportedly asked the brothers to follow him to the dam so he could reveal to them the cause of his insanity. He killed them in the dam with a dangerous weapon and hurriedly absconded.

It was gathered that some members of the community had quickly organised themselves when the sad news broke out and traced the madman to a place where he was hiding and allegedly killed him.

However, reports say that Torjor was, few months ago, allegedly treated of mental illness at the psychiatric department of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi and that he regained sanity until last Sunday when the insanity returned.

Expressing her sadness over the tragic incident, the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government, Mrs Eunice Mbajwa said security operatives had been deployed to the area to calm situation. She added that the lunatic actually killed five brothers but, according to her, he had since been killed by angry mob.

Benue State Police Public Relations’ Officer (PPRO) DSP Daniel Ezeala who confirmed the sad incident said, “The man killed five persons but some members of the community used jungle justice on the man and they killed him.”
He disclosed that investigation into the matter was ongoing to ascertain the insanity of the lawbreaker.

One of the traders in Gatankowa market, oke-odo, Lagos, Taofeeq Shobulo, is to serve six months prison terms, for allegedly urinating in a pot of soup and provoking breach of peace on the 17th of January.

The 38-year-old convict, who pleaded guilty to the charges, was sentenced on Tuesday by an Ojokoro Senior
Magistrates’ Court.

His prosecutor, Lugard Ahonle told the court that “Shobulo had asked the food vendor, Olayiwola Olayemisi, to sell food to him on credit which she refused because, according to her, the accused was fond of eating without paying.

“The accused later came back while the food vendor was not paying attention and urinated into her pot of soup,’’ he said.

The prosecutor noted that the offence contravened Sections 136 and 411 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State.

Presiding over the case, the Magistrate K. O. Ogundare sentenced the trader to six moths imprisonment saying “having found you Taofeeq Shobulo, guilty, you are hereby sentenced to six-months imprisonment which will be served concurrently.”

An 88-year-old grandfather, Olusola Alaba, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N1.4 million scam. The old man was this week charged before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly obtaining money under false pretext and forgery.

Alaba was accused of fraudulently obtaining N1.4M from one Mrs. Olutoyin Ogundipe, on June 20, 2011 for the purchase of a three bedroom flat located at Plot 8 Oladimeji Alo Street, Lekki Phase One.

EFCC prosecutor, Mr Francis Usani further accused Alaba of forging four international passports in the names of Babatunde Savage, Anthony Okundalaye, Lateef Alli and Magnus Obe, to facilitate the fraudulent act.

Defending himself, Alaba who was a former member of the Western House of Assembly, pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him . His defense counsel, Mrs. Mercy Emuveyan prayed the court to consider the defendant’s age and health condition and appealed to the Judge to remand him in EFCC custody pending the filing of his bail application.

Justice Okunnu who presided over the case remanded the defendant in EFCC custody and adjourned the case to March, 26 2013.

The Embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada on Wednesday advised their citizens not to travel to Nigeria for fear of insecurity.

The fresh warnings came on the heels of the deployment of troops in northern Mali.

The countries fear attacks on Nigeria by Islamic terrorists, who are supporting the course of for the Malian rebels.

The Canadian embassy on its website described the country’s situation unpredictable, saying there was a high risk of terrorism, crime, inter- communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings.

“Increased threat of attacks and kidnappings Military clashes are occurring in Mali between armed rebels and government forces. Since January 11, 2013, the French military has been assisting the Malian government in efforts to repel these rebels.

“Terrorist groups in the region have declared their intention to increase attacks and kidnappings, targeting Westerners. Citizens of countries supporting the military intervention are at particular risk, but all travellers should exercise increased vigilance in the region.

“There is a high threat of domestic terrorism in the northern states of Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Kano and Kaduna, where the extremist group, Boko Haram, which often claims responsibility for terrorist attacks, is based.

“Boko Haram-related attacks have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries. A state of emergency is in effect in some areas of Borno and Yobe states.

“There is a risk of foreign nationals being kidnapped in some northern states of Nigeria.”

The UK, on its website which was updated on January 13, 2013, and marked, “Still current” on 23 January, 2013, said, “We advise against all travel to: Borno State, Yobe State, Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. Warri city, Kano city.

“We advise against ALL BUT ESSENTIAL travel to: Bauchi State, Jos city, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas in Plateau State, Gombe State, Mubi Town in Adamawa State and the area north of Mubi Town that borders Borno State.

“Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states; Abia State, Kaduna City and Zaria City.

“There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including government, security and educational institutions, international organisations as well as public venues and areas such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres, places of worship and other areas frequented by expatriates, foreign tourists and business travellers.

“A number of attacks have taken place around religious and public holidays. There have been regular attacks on churches in northern Nigeria at times of worship. We cannot therefore rule out further attacks taking place. You should be particularly vigilant at these times and in these locations. You should avoid affected areas in the immediate aftermath of an attack.”

“Following French military intervention in Mali, there is a possibility of retaliatory attacks targeting Western interests in the region. We advise vigilance.”

The US Mission on its website, “The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria encourages US citizens in Nigeria to remain vigilant in light of recent events in Mali and the potential for retaliatory actions towards westerners in the region.”

“There is currently no specific information on threats against US citizens in Nigeria. It is prudent to be aware of events occurring in other countries of the region.

“As a precaution, US citizens in Nigeria should exercise caution when in public areas, particularly areas frequented by westerners such as: hotels, nightclubs, and various forms of public transportation including ferries.”

It asked citizens to “stay tuned to media reports, be aware of your surroundings, and report suspicious activity or unattended packages to the police. As always, avoid demonstrations should you come upon them.”

Germany said, “Due to the military operation in Mali, also Germans in Nigeria have to act on the assumption of an increasing endangerment. Please take note of the updated travel advice of the German Foreign Office.”

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday dismissed four soldiers for alleged cases of rape, extortion and assault.

This follows the public outcry over an incident that occurred in the Wuse area of Abuja a forthnight ago. The soldiers had ‘arrested’ some ladies they claimed were prostitutes, drove them to a black spot where they were extorted, beaten and repeatedly raped.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, had condemned the incident and asked the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command to investigate the matter.

The sacked officers, Corporal Nsa Eyedep and Privates Emezien Uzoma, Ugwu Mathew and Efosa Ikhuomoregbe were all attached to the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

Commander Guards Brigade, Brig-Gen Emmanuel Atewe, said investigations showed that the soldiers abducted and raped some women at the Wuse Zone 2, Abuja in December 2012.

Atewe, represented by Major Peter Elayo said the claims were broadcast on January 14, 2013 after which the brigade convened a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstance surrounding the allegation with a view to taking action and preventing a future re-occurrence.

“The board whose report has already been submitted was able to establish that the four soldiers during the period abandoned their duty post to an unauthorized destination.

“The Military Police Investigation led to their trial and they were found guilty of misdemeanor and abandoning their location where they were officially deployed thereby compromising security and the soldiers have subsequently been dismissed from service in line with service discipline,” he said.

200 buildings, electric poles and property worth millions of naira, Monday evening, were destroyed by the 2013 first rainfall in Owo, Ondo State.

We learnt that residential buildings, shops, vehicles, four public schools, churches and stadium were also damaged by the rainstorm.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Niran Sule-Akinsuyi, lamented the extent of damage caused by the storm, noting that the town is presently in total black out following the destruction of it’s electric poles by the rainstorm.

He appealed that “Relevant authorities
and agencies of government should quickly come to the aid of the affected people as many of them have been rendered homeless”

Meanwhile, several buildings in Obasanjo Estate, in Ikere Ekiti were also destroyed by the rain. We gathered that electric poles and some trees were also uprooted by the rainstorm.

The chairman of the Landlords and Residents Association of the estate, Mr. Jide Ogunluyi said, “We are counting our losses. Parts of the roof of my building were damaged. Some of the electric poles were pulled down. We have been thrown into darkness since this happened.

“We have complained to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and we are expecting them to come to our rescue.” He said.

 

As Nigeria joins the rest of the word to celebrate this year’s Eid-el- Malud, President Jonathan has called on Muslims in the country to pray for peace as well as the quick recovery of the Emir of Kano who was shot by unidentified gunmen last week.

Jonathan in a goodwill message to Muslim faithful as they celebrate Eid-el-Maulud which commemorates the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) said they should not forget the nation in prayers.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity matters, Reuben Abati quoted the President saying that as Muslims celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed, all true believers of Islam should continue to pray for peace in all parts of the country and resolve to do more to support the ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and its security agencies towards ensuring greater safety of lives and property in Nigeria.

“The President urges them to offer special prayers for the officers and men of Nigeria’s security agencies at home and abroad who are working very hard, day and night, and sometimes making the supreme sacrifice for the security of the country and all who live in it.

“The President also urges the Islamic faithful to remember the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and members of his family in their prayers and pray for their speedy recovery from the trauma of last weekend’s heinous attack, and the peaceful repose of the souls of those who sadly lost their lives in the despicable assault on an icon of the revered institution of traditional rulership in the country.”

Upon seeing the effects of the gory images of the Police College, Ikeja, that made the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan to pay an unplanned visit to the school, Medical students of the Lagos state University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) have voiced out their concern over the deplorable conditions of their medical school.



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Jonah Oguniyi Otunla has lauded INEC over its decision to use Vice Chancellors of universities as returning officers in the 2011 election, saying that the idea was a brilliant one.

He said that the election was successful because the professors were not ready to compromise.

“2011 election was successful because of the employment of Vice Chancellors as INEC returning officers,” he said.

Otunla made this known yesterday, at Caleb University, Lagos that: “In 2015, if INEC has no better alternative, I think it is best to re-employ the service of Vice Chancellors because it has the best result on the 2011 election.”

According to him, judging by the calibre of people that were involved, it restored confidence in the electorates and gave credibility to the election. “So I wish the idea of INEC using them as returning officers should continue,” he added.

The financial expert who based his recommendation on the fact that the VC were empowered to announce the results of the election as given to them by INEC, said they did a nice job and were not manipulated, hence restoring the confidence of the electorates in election process.

Speaking on a lecture note entitled: “The impact of quality education on national development: where is funding situated?” Otunla dispelled the agitation from private universities that they should benefit from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) insisting that private universities are also profit making venture.

He said: “As private ventures or enterprises, private universities depend on income generated through a variety of sources. These according to him include; tuition fees, contributions from a variety of sources and income from investments.

Otunla enjoined private universities, which maintain academic standard, to continue in their good works, saying that “the public is watching, one day some one will come and assist financially, just as it is being done in the US and UK”.
“If you want quality education, you must be ready to pay for it. I have three children and non of them is in private university because I cannot afford it,” he said.

However, as part of his commitment towards education, Otunla has pledged N100,000 endowment fund for the best graduating student of accounting department of Caleb University effect from 2013.

Otunla who berated the manner with which teachers are treated said: Our country should celebrate teachers as it is done in overseas, reiterating that the teaching profession is more important than any other profession as all professions were taught by teachers.

He said: “The role teachers play qualify them to have a say in the national development as quality teachers will produce quality students who will drive the national economy. If you have a bad teacher, you cannot have a good student”

 

Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo on Monday rejected the conviction of Henry Okah, the alleged leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND).

Okah was arrested a day after a bomb went off near the Eagles Square in Abuja, venue of the Nigeria’s 50th Independence anniversary.

The blast killed at least 12 persons.

But Keyamo in a statement claimed that “Henry Okah was not given adequate facilities and the opportunity to defend himself,” adding that the “Nigerian government must immediately use all diplomatic efforts to ensure that Henry Okah does not die in a South African prison”

He also called on the South African government to grant Okah unconditional pardon.

Below is the full text of the statement.

The decision of the South African Court that convicted Henry Okah this morning of charges relating to terrorism is politically motivated and legally incorrect.

As counsel to Charles Okah and others who are facing the same set of charges under Nigerian Laws, I have been actively involved in coordinating the trials both in South Africa and in Nigeria.

The fundamental flaw in the trial is that Henry Okah was not given adequate facilities and the opportunity to defend himself. This is because after the prosecution closed its case in South Africa, the defence attorneys and my Chambers here in Abuja tried frantically to summon the witnesses of Henry Okah who are based here in Nigeria to testify on his behalf. These witnesses include some government officials.

In this regard, we wrote to the Attorney General of the Federation who replied and directed that Henry’s counsel in South Africa apply to the court there for an order to secure the legal assistance of the Attorney-General of Nigeria. This was only two weeks ago (please, find attached a copy of the letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation to my office and note that the date on the letter was mistakenly given as 8th January, 2012 instead of 2013.)

Without giving Henry’s counsel in South Africa adequate time and facilities to follow the directives, the South African court foreclosed his opportunity to call witnesses and rushed to convict him. This is a breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing and an obvious attempt by the South African authorities to please Nigeria at all cost. That is why the judgment is nothing but political.

Whilst all Nigerians empathise with those who lost their lives and limbs in the October 1, 2010 bombing, it is wrong to convict anybody for it without due process. Henry has been convicted without due process.

I condemn this judgment and call on Nigerians and the international community to condemn the trial and judgment of Henry Okah whose only offence was his refusal to accept the so-called amnesty offered by the Yar’Adua-Jonathan administration and his insistence on the Niger-Delta controlling its resources.
With the recent condemnation of Jonathan by some militants who initially accepted the amnesty programme, I am sure they now know that Henry Okah was correct not to have accepted the poisoned chalice called amnesty.

The Nigerian government must immediately use all diplomatic efforts to ensure that Henry Okah does not die in a South African prison and for the South African government to grant him unconditional pardon. This is without prejudice to his right to appeal against the judgment.

The Edo State Command of the State Security Service, SSS, has apprehended the abductors of the Auditor General of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Fred Omoaka.

Omoaka was late last year forcefully seized alongside a lecturer of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma.

While parading the suspects before the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole and journalists, Edo State Director of the SSS, Bakore Tukur, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at various locations in the state.

He said the kidnappers were nabbed in the process of collecting the sum of N10 million ransom.

The SSS boss said locally made guns were recovered from the suspects, adding that they would be charged to court once investigations were concluded on the matter.

He further thanked the state government for its support towards the service.

Governor Adams Oshiomole who commended the agency in its fight against nefarious crimes , said the state government would continue to assist security agencies to ensure a safer environment.

The Department of Security Service (DSS) has apprehended two suspected fraudsters who specialize in sending threat text messages or letters to un suspecting individuals, business men and politicians, demanding huge sum of money from them.

The Director of SSS, Mr. Abdullahi Ahmed who disclosed this while parading the suspects arrested by his men in Maiduguri said “the perpetrators of such crime who operate in clichés, explored the security situation in the state to intimidate their targeted victims, while many masquerade as members of the Jamatul Ahlis Sunnah Lid Daawa wal Jiad issuing letters and text messages, asking their victims to comply with their demands or face death threat”.

He said leaders of the two different syndicates, Mohammed Garba, 39 was born and bred in Kano and Luka Dogonyaro 39, a dismissed police Corporal from Adamawa state were arrested while trying to execute their criminal acts.

He added that the DSS had embarked on a painstaking and careful trail of members of this syndicate which yielded positive results.

“The suspects specialize in extorting money from private individuals, business men and government functionaries at all levels, several of whom have their victims conned or intimidated into paying huge sums of money into the accounts given to them by the suspects”.

Mr. Ahmed stated that among the victims of the arrested suspects were present and past chairmen of local government councils in Borno state, including those of Biu, Bayo, Mafa, Hawaul, Kwaya-Kusar, Konduga, Mobbar, Bama, and Chibok local government areas.

The DSS boss therefore advised the general public to always exercise restraint in giving their personal account numbers to second and third parties, except to their trusted friends and relatives. He also called on receivers of such text messages not to pay money into any account, as paying such money will amount to the encouragement of the extortion and other crimes, stressing that those victims should instead report such cases to law enforcement agencies nearest to them for necessary action.

He advised that members of the Jamatul Ahlis Sunnah, Lid Daawa wal Jihad should consider dropping their weapons and to embrace dialogue, so that peace will reign in the land, adding that already, the Federal Government has offered the group the platform to express their grievances.

In an interview, one of the suspects Mohammed Garba admitted extorting money from his victims through threat text messages but denied being member of the Jamatul Ahlus Sunnah lid Daawa wal Jihad, adding that he has extorted money from so many people that he cannot remember their numbers.

While the other arrested fraudster, a dismissed police Corporal Luka Dogonyaro denied being involved in defrauding people but accepted that his account number was used by One Mamman who fled to Chad Republic to avoid being arrested.

Amarachi Uyanne, winner of the just concluded Nigeria’s Got Talent reality TV show has been honored with an Excellence Awarded by the Oba of Benin, Omo No’ba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa. The 8-year-old girl was awarded alongside ten other outstanding persons at this year’s edition of the annual Benin Achievers Recognition Awards, which held recently at the Royal Palace, Benin, Edo State capital.

The other awardees include: Justice Efe Ikponmwosa, Former Chairman of Nigerian Premier League and the Ohe of Benin kingdom Chief Oyuki Obaseki, media icon Soni Irabor and the late Nollywood veteran, Sam Loco Efe for his immense contribution to the entertainment industry.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin and Professor Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, were also awarded for their academic excellence.

Also honoured were the duo of Sir David Osunde and Pa Joseph Alufa Igbinovia of the Idia Mask sculpture fame which was a master piece at FESTAC 1977.

President Goodluck Jonathan will travel to Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire tomorrow for an Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government ahead of the full deployment of the community’s troops to Mali.

President Jonathan will be accompanied to the meeting by the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada and the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim.

The meeting is also expected to discuss the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

President Jonathan is due back in Abuja on Saturday.