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Nigerian Soldier Tortured To Death By Senior Officers Laid To Rest

By
Akintomide Aroso
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Nigerian Soldier Tortured To Death By Senior Officers Laid To Rest
The Interment

The Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, laid to rest the remains of Lance Corporal Benjamin Collins, who was tortured to death by three senior officers at the Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja, in 2017.

Soldiers from the Army Headquarters Garrison Battalion buried Collins with full military honours at the Guards Brigade cemetery along Kubwa Expressway.

The funeral was attended by his mother, Mrs Kate Dioma; uncle, Justice Daniel Isiagor of the Federal High Court; lawyer, Dr Johnson Oyewole; and representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

The national flag was presented to the deceased’s mother by Lt. Col. S. Shuaibu on behalf of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Oyewole, who fought to ensure justice for the deceased, thanked the COAS and the Army Headquarters Garrison Battalion for approving the funeral.

A general court martial had in February sentenced Majors Akeem Oseni and Ogbemudia Osawe, and Second Lieutenant Nuhu Dogary to 10 years’ imprisonment for torturing Collins to death.

The officers were found guilty of manslaughter by the GMC comprised of the President, Brig. Gen. G. Umelo; Brig. Gen. S. Aliyu; Brig. Gen, A. Edet; Brig. N. Mohammed; and Cols. K. Ndamadu, T. Agbor, and I. Tanko.

The convicts were said to have moved Collins from a guardroom at Mogadishu Barracks to a bush near the Ihejirika Quarters along the Abuja-Nyanya Expressway, where he was assaulted while in handcuffs and leg chains.

Collins, who hailed from Rivers State, died after the assault, which took place on February 23, 2017, and his corpse was deposited in Asokoro General Hospital morgue.

After the incident, the officers reported to their superiors that Collins, who was held for over two years for travelling to Lagos to see his sick aunt without official permission, had escaped from custody.

Senator Bukola Saraki Calls For Speedy Passage of Electoral Act

By
Akintomide Aroso
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Senator Bukola Saraki Calls For Speedy Passage of Electoral Act
Bukola Saraki

The immediate past President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, has called for speedy passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law.

He also tasked Nigerian youth and politicians across the country to create awareness for its importance ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He disclosed this during a special webinar on ‘Electoral Reforms and Democracy’ to mark International Day of Democracy organised by Center for Advancement of Civil Liberties.

He said nothing threatens democracy more than faulty electoral process.

Saraki said rigging of election was an invitation to chaos, adding that for any country to claim to be practising democracy, electoral process must be transparent, free, fair and credible.

He said, “In all the fight against the threat to democracy across the world, it is the youth that take the lead. So, it is encouraging that Nigerian youth are playing that role too.

“This should be the case because socio-economic development presents a bright future for the youth in our country, where there are job opportunities as well as security of lives and property. All these can only be achieved when we have stability in our democracy.

“One would have expected this initiative to have been spearheaded by political parties, politicians, elected and appointed officials who should recognise that the issue of having a credible electoral reform is very important.”

He called on civil society groups, politicians, youths, professional groups, market women and other stakeholders to create awareness and mobilise their members on the need and importance to have a credible electoral reform.

He stressed that ballot box must remain the outlet for ventilating legitimate grievances and changing of government.

“However, instead of our democracy to be maturing and for the process to be getting better, certain ugly developments have shown that we are now beginning to have elections that are devoid of the tenets of representative democracy.

“The last time we were in this same situation was in 2007 and you all saw what happened.

“The election was largely unfair. So, if we do nothing, from what we saw in the election adjudged of 2019, the tell-tale signs we are seeing preparatory to Edo elections, 2023 elections could be worse.”

The former Senate President therefore urged the National Assembly to ensure the quick passage of the Electoral Act in the interest of Nigerians.

Insecurity: Monarchs Should Have Constitutional Roles – Senate President

By
Akintomide Aroso
-
Insecurity: Monarchs Should Have Constitutional Roles - Senate President
Senate President, Ahmed Lawan

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday, said for Nigeria to surmount the security challenges confronting it, traditional rulers should be given specific roles to be enshrined in the Constitution.

Lawan stated this when a delegation from the Argungu Emirate visited him in his office at the National Assembly, according to a statement by his media office titled: ‘Traditional rulers should be given constitutional roles to tackle insecurity, says Lawan’.

The Senate President, the statement added, explained that giving roles to traditional rulers would allow them to support the efforts of government and security agencies in addressing the challenges of insecurity.

He said, “Traditional fathers have always been supportive of government. In fact, in the past, for those of us from the northern part of the country, the traditional leadership played a key stabilising role in administration.

“Before 1976 when local governments were created, the traditional leaders brought both administration and management into focus, and we still need them.

“We need to have a proper role given to them, and especially in the current security situation. I’m sure that the traditional rulers can provide a lot of support for the government and security agencies in fighting the challenges of insecurity that we have today.”

The delegation, which was led by Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan (Kundudan Kabi), said the visit was at the instance of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, to thank Lawan for honouring the emirate’s invitation to attend the Argungu Fishing Festival as a special guest.

Hassan, while conveying a goodwill message from the Emir, announced the conferment on the Senate President the esteemed traditional title of ‘Ganuwar Kabi’.

The Senate President in his acceptance speech, thanked the Emir for the honour bestowed on him and expressed his willingness to be a “protector” of the emirate.

Lawan, who also sympathised with the government and people of Kebbi State over the recent flooding, appealed to the Federal Government to provide interventions that would alleviate the plight of residents of communities affected by flood in parts of the country.

Texas Woman Arrested Over $2m Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

By
Akintomide Aroso
-
Texas Woman Arrested Over $2m Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

A Texas woman who received nearly $2 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic was arrested Tuesday by USA authorities on fraud allegations.

Lola Shalewa Barbara Kasali, of Houston, was charged with making false statements to a financial institution, wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions, according to a U.S. Department of Justice statement.

Officials say Kasali, 22, allegedly submitted two fraudulent PPP loan applications for two businesses — Lola’s Level and Charm Hair Extensions — and claimed to have several employees and large payroll expenses.

“According to the charges, however, neither entity has employees nor pays wages consistent with the amounts claimed in the loan applications,” according to the statement.

After receiving more than $1.9 million in loans, Kasali transferred the funds into four additional bank accounts, officials said. Kasali is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan in Houston on Wednesday.

This isn’t the first incident of a person being charged for fraudulently receiving PPP loans. In July, a Florida man was charged for receiving $3.9 million in loans to buy himself a Lamborghini sports car, among other things.

Last month, a House oversight committee reported that thousands of loans were incorrectly distributed, including 10,000 loans totaling more than $1 billion that went to companies that received more than one loan, a violation of the rules. More than 11,000 loans totaling about $3 billion were given to companies that failed to completely full out the application.

A report released earlier this month found that PPP loans, originally designed for small businesses, were wrongly dispersed to firms that had already received a loan or were excluded from the program. Among other things, the report shows that about 10,000 loans went to companies that received more than one PPP loan.

“Treasury must improve oversight and accountability to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not squandered,” said James Clyburn, D-S.C., chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.

“Taxpayers should not have to choose between quickly getting aid to those who need it and wasting federal funds, and there are simple steps that could have been taken to improve oversight and reduce fraud,” he said during a hearing when the report was released.

The Paycheck Protection Program expired Aug. 8, with no clear plan to extend it. The program was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress in March that offered assistance to more than 5 million businesses.

Castration, removal of fallopian tubes of convicts – government signs bill for rape punishment

By
Shalom Ekelaka
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Castration, removal of fallopian tubes of convicts - government signs bill for rape punishment.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, has signed the state penal code (amendment) law 2020.

In a document seen by TheCable, the law, which took effect on September 11, stipulates strict penalties for males and females convicted of rape.

The new law is an amendment to the state’s penal code law No. 5 2017. The state penal law prescribed 21 years of imprisonment for rape of an adult and life imprisonment in the case of a child.

But the new provisions include bilateral salpingectomy (removal of the two fallopian tubes) for female convicts and castration for male convicts.

It also included the punishment of death for the offenders, while their names will be listed in the sex offenders register and published.

“Whoever commits rape of a child below the age of fourteen years shall on conviction, be punished with surgical castration and death,” it read.

“Whoever has sexual intercourse with a male child below the age of fourteen years shall be punished with surgical castration and death.

“Where a female adult is convicted for the offence of rape of a child, the court shall punish the accused with bilateral salpingectomy and death.

“Where the victim is above fourteen years, the court shall on conviction sentence the accused with punishment of surgical castration and life imprisonment.

“Where the convict is a child, the court shall order as appropriate under the Children and Young Persons Law Cap 26 Laws of Kaduna State 1991.

“Where the victim is a child, the court shall in addition to the conviction under sub-section (1) and (2) order that the convict be listed in the sex offenders register to be published in the media by the Attorney General.

“Where the court is trying the offence of rape involving a child below the age of fourteen (14) years, corroboration of medical report shall be necessary.

Amid incessant cases of rape, the governor had earlier advocated stiff punishment for convicts, saying that they may assault more persons after serving their jail term.

“In addition to life imprisonment or 21 years’ imprisonment, anyone convicted of rape will have his organ surgically removed so that even after he finishes his term, he will not be able to rape anyone again,” el-Rufai had said.

“So long as the tool exists, there is the likelihood that he may go back to do it again. Most of the perpetrators are young people, so even after 21 years, they can come back and continue.”

Bill Gates Mourns As His Father Dies

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-
Bill Gates Mourns As His Father Dies

William Gates Sr., the father of Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, is dead.

The death of the 94-year-old was announced by his son Bill in a statement released via his Instagram account on Tuesday.

He said “My father’s death is a huge loss for our family and to many people whose lives he touched.

“Dad lived a long and meaningful life.

“I never stopped learning from his wisdom, kindness, and humility.

“Melinda and I owe him a special debt because his commitment to serving the community and the world helped inspire our own philanthropy.

“Although he would be the last person to say it, my father’s compassion and generosity will live on in the foundation he helped build.

“As I would always say, my dad was the real Bill Gates.

Before his death, Gates was a prominent Seattle attorney.

He was also the founding partner of one of the region’s best-known law firms.

Bill Gates Mourns As His Father Dies

 

Coronavirus Vaccine Will Be Available For Worldwide Distribution In November – China

By
Shalom Ekelaka
-

An official the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guizhen Wu, has said the coronavirus vaccines being developed in China may be ready for use by the general public as early as November, 2020.

According to france24.com, China has four COVID-19 vaccines in the final stage of clinical trials and at least three of those drugs have already been offered to essential workers under an emergency use programme inaugurated in July.

Wu, in an interview with state TV on Monday, said the phase three clinical trials were proceeding smoothly and the vaccines could be ready for the general public in November or December.

Wu, who said she has experienced no abnormal symptoms in recent months after taking an experimental vaccine herself in April, did not specify which vaccines she was referring to.

A unit of state pharmaceutical giant, China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) and U.S.-listed Sinovac Biotech are developing the three vaccines under the state’s emergency use programme. A fourth Covid-19 vaccine being developed by CanSino Biologics was approved for use by the Chinese military in June.

Sinopharm said in July that its vaccine could be ready for public use by the end of 2020 after the conclusion of phase three trials.

The global vaccine makers are racing to develop an effective vaccine against the virus which has killed more than 925,000 people.

Emir Of Biu, Umar Aliyu, Is Dead

By
Akintomide Aroso
-
Emir Of Biu, Umar Aliyu, Is Dead
Alhaji Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu

The traditional ruler of Biu in Borno State, Alhaji Mai Umar Mustapha Aliyu, is dead.

The cause of the monarch’s death was not stated by the family, who described his demise as a huge loss.

He was 79 at the time of his death and ascended the throne in 1989.

“We lost our father a pillar to Biu Emirate and Borno entirely, the Emir of Biu.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in Jannatil firdaus,” a member of the family said.

MURDER: Gunmen Kill Ekiti Director In Bedroom At Midnight

By
Akintomide Aroso
-
MURDER: Gunmen Kill Ekiti Director In Bedroom At Midnight

Tears flowed on Umesi Street, Ado Ekiti, residence of a director in the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, David Jejelowo, who was killed by gunmen around 1am on Monday.

As sympathisers thronged the house to condole with the family, co-workers at the commission were in shock and tears as they could not understand what led to the killing of the civil servant.

The Commissioner in charge of the General Administration Department of the commission, Mr Wole Olujobi, described the death as painful.

Olujobi said, “He was a complete gentleman. His name bears his character: Jejelowo; gentle in everything. He was not a person that pursued riches. My impression of him was of somebody always contented. He was not desperate for money. He followed the rules.

“He never compromised rules and he had excellent human relations – a very disciplined civil servant that would not compromise any rule. He was always at peace with others and ensured he did not inflict pains on others. These were the reasons for the tears and sadness at the commission today (Monday).”

He expressed hope that police investigation would reveal why he was killed.

“Remember, he was kidnapped recently. When somebody underwent that kind of trauma and at the end of the day still got killed by criminals, you can understand the pain of everybody that knew him.

“Nobody can answer why he was always a victim of criminals. I believe that with this killing, the police will unravel why he was murdered,” he added.

A source said the director was shot after he opened his window in response to an unfamiliar movement outside his house that night.

Another source, however, said the window was open before the assailants got there and shot him dead.

The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident to journalists in Ado Ekiti.

He said, “He was killed in his room by assailants, whose intention we have not established as of now. Investigation will reveal whether it was a case of assassination or robbery.”

Abutu, who said the corpse of the civil servant had been deposited in the morgue of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, assured members of the public that his killers would be brought to book.

John Boyega Cuts Ties With Jo Malone After Chinese Ad Removal

By
Akintomide Aroso
-
John Boyega Cuts Ties With Jo Malone After Chinese Ad Removal
John Bayega

John Bayega has stepped down as a brand ambassador for British cologne company Jo Malone after he was cut out of the Chinese version of an ad campaign he originally conceived and starred in.

The “Star Wars” actor took to his Twitter page to explain the reason for his decision.

“I have decided to step down as Jo Malone’s global ambassador. When I joined the brand as their first male global ambassador last year, I created the short film we used to launch the campaign. It won the Fragrance Foundation Virtual awards 2020 for Best Media Campaign,” Boyega tweeted.

The original commercial is a short film titled “A London Gent,” which showed Boyega walking around his childhood neighbourhood in Peckham as well as a reference to his Nigerian heritage. It also featured a predominantly Black cast.

Boyega continued: “Their decision to replace my campaign in China by using my concepts and substituting a local brand ambassador for me, without either my consent or prior notice, was wrong. The film celebrated my personal story– showcasing my hometown, including my friends and featuring my family.”

Boyega found out about the new commercial after it was put on Twitter. The new ad kept major elements of the original’s script, but replaced Boyega with local actor Liu Haoran (star of the hugely popular Detective Chinatown film franchise), The Hollywood Reporter reported.

This is not the first time Boyega has been removed for promotional material in China. According to Deadline, in 2015, a “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” poster for China left out the actor and co-star Oscar Isaac.

Boyega added: “While many brands understandably use a variety of global and local ambassadors, dismissively trading out one’s culture this way is not something I can condone.

“It’s back to back but I assure you this will be dealt with swiftly. I don’t have time for nonsense. We press on and strong. Stay blessed people.”

Jo Malone had earlier issued a public apology to Boyega stating that it was a “misstep”.

“We deeply apologize for what, on our end, was a mistake in the local execution of the John Boyega campaign. John is a tremendous artist with great personal vision and direction. The concept for the film was based on John’s personal experiences and should not have been replicated.

“While we immediately took action and removed the local version of the campaign, we recognize that this was painful and that offense was caused. We respect John, and support our partners and fans globally. We are taking this misstep very seriously and we are working together as a brand to do better moving forward,” Jo Malone said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

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