A leading Algerian opposition activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott.

Karim Tabbou, a key figure in demonstrations that forced longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019, was handed a one-year suspended sentence last year for “undermining state security”.

His detention comes as the pro-democracy protest movement known as Hirak has sought to regain some of the momenta it lost when it suspended street rallies just over a year ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tabbou was summoned to the police station on Wednesday evening to respond to a complaint filed against him by Bouzid Lazhari, the president of the National Council for Human Rights, an official body.

The 47-year-old was to appear before a prosecutor on Thursday, lawyer Me Ali Fellah Benali said on social media.

“Algeria’s youth is determined to fight for their right to a dignified life,” Tabbou told AFP ahead of his detention.

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He became one of the most recognisable leaders at mass demonstrations that broke out in February 2019.

The Hirak protest movement was sparked in February 2019 over Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term in office.

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria’s independence from France in 1962.

Since the group’s second anniversary in February, thousands have returned to the streets, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings.

Tabbou said his own party, the Democratic Social Union, was now “the largest political party” in the North African country, despite it being unregistered by the authorities.

His detention comes as activists warn of an increasing climate of repression, with political opponents and journalists targeted in the run-up to the legislative elections on June 12.

Earlier this month, security forces arrested eight people they said were linked to the Hirak movement over an allegedly foreign-financed criminal association.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune this month warned Hirak activists against “non-innocent activities” that “attempt to hinder the democratic process”.

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Authorities say the protest movement is being infiltrated by Islamist activists who are trying to drag it towards violence.

President Tebboune served as a prime minister under Bouteflika and won a presidential election in December 2019, in a poll that was boycotted by the protest movement. Official data put the turnout at less than 40 percent.

In further moves dismissed by the protest movement as window dressing, Tebboune oversaw a constitutional referendum late last year and brought the legislative elections forward, in a bid to soothe the political and socioeconomic crisis.

“This election does not concern us,” activist Tabbou told AFP.

“The regime mobilised colossal resources to hold a false presidential election, a false referendum — and now it organises false legislative elections,” he said.

Ordinary Algerians were fed up, he said. “We see the country as a barracks”.

Algeria Detains Leading Opposition Figure

Seven Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were killed  by suspected herdsmen on Monday night in a camp in Abagena, a Makurdi suburb in Benue State.

The men attacked the community destroying many houses before moving on to the camp.

One of the victims did not die immediately as he sustained injuries but he later died at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

According to eyewitness report, the gunmen overpowered the security operatives at the camp and operated from midnight till 2 am without any hindrance.

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The camp, about 10 minutes from Makurdi, is located on Makurdi-Lafia road. It has 8,620 displaced persons.

Governor Samuel Ortom, who visited the camp after the incident, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians.

“Mr President must speak out and not Garba Shehu, his spokesman,” Ortom said.

The governor also disclosed that over 70 persons have been killed in two weeks in Makurdi, Gwer West and Guma LGAs.

“Mr President must rise up as he is the President of Nigeria with over 200 ethnic nationalities. He has taken an oath of office to protect lives and property and cannot afford to be aloof. He must address the nation and tell us where we are going,” Ortom said.

Ortom called on the President to declare a state of emergency regarding the state of security in the nation.

“My colleagues, the governors, must rise and impress on the president to call a security summit, if possible, to declare a state of emergency on security so that all hands will be on deck to address the situation in the country."

“How do you reconcile a situation where Mr President gives an order to security agents to shoot at sight anyone illegally seen with AK47 and a minister counters it?” the governor lamented."

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7 People has been killed in Benue IDP camp

Ace comedienne, Damilola Adekoya aka Princess, released a video relaying her feelings on the incident that led to the arrest of popular actor, Olanrewaju James aka Baba Ijesha. f

In the video which was posted on Instagram, Princess narrated how Baba Ijesha defiled a minor in her house after opening her doors to him when he needed help.

Princess, in the 16- minute video, couldn’t help fight back the tears as she narrated how Baba Ijesha defiled the young lady and how he was eventually caught on camera through a hatched plan.

“I’ve heard and read what had been written and said in the past few days. I don’t even wish anybody should go through what I am going through."

“Some years ago, I had challenges with my marriage and I lost my baby so some parents in my area, out of compassion, allowed their children to love me so that I don’t feel lonely. They were six children – three boys and three girls."

“Now, Baba Ijesha had challenges and he asked me for help, so I tried my best. I registered him in a lesson, sat him for GCE and we even tried to get him into UNILAG."

“So, he came that day and said he needed more help, so I allowed the children the three boys who wanted to go and play, and the youngest girl to followed them. My aunt was also around and Baba Ijesha was also around."

“So, when my aunt was leaving, I had to go downstairs to see her off and lock the gate and I didn’t know what happened in the spate of three to four minutes."

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“The following week, the school called me to come and see my child. They said the girl sat on the brother’s leg and she started walking somehow. They also called the attention of the biological parents, who were staunch-born again Christians. They said the problem is probably spiritual, so they started praying."

“Meanwhile, I didn’t know he had warned her not to tell anybody and to make sure she didn’t tell anybody, he came back the next day to be sure if she had told anyone or not."

“He came in and said he bought some fruits and the girl should follow him to the car to get the fruits. When she got to the car, he used his key to defile her again after the first time."

“After then he didn’t come to my house again, but every time he needed assistance, he would call me to render help, so when people started saying he has been defiling her for seven years, I felt sad and bad."

“Fine, he defiled her, assaulted her and we just found but he never came to our house again, he was dodging me, so when he needed my assistance again, he called and I told him I wasn’t feeling fine because of my wedding which ended and it was wrong for me to be the one coming to him when he was the one that needed my assistance. He apologised and said he called because he was shooting and I said it’s okay and decided to go see him. I noticed he was avoiding me but I didn’t know why.”

“Then the child started failing in school. I would pay for a private lesson and all. I even discussed with my family and the girl’s biological parents but they all said we should keep praying and I should keep the kids with me because I was also seeking a child of my own. I expressed to them that something is wrong with the child but everyone told me to have faith and fast and we all kept fasting."

“This continued but after two years, nothing changed but they all said I was nagging too much on the girl. All the children are grown now and they are all in boarding houses, so a friend of mine advised me to adopt a baby I can call my own."

“So in January 2020, I decided to adopt a baby but I was still worried about the girl’s condition and I wanted to get to the root of the problem. The children were home during 2020 because coronavirus kept us all at home and I wasn’t able to adopt a child.”

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“So, last month, I decided to adopt a baby because the children will be returning to school. I never imagined this was happening right under my nose because, for several years, I have been helping abused children and women with domestic violence."

“My friend and I called the girl one day after she saw a film that had myself and Baba Ijesha in it and just couldn’t be herself again. For several years after she had been molested and defiled, she never saw Baba Ijesha again and after much pleas, she told us what happened and I was so shocked."

“Immediately, I reached out to Baba Ijesha via Instagram DM because I tried calling him and his number wasn’t connecting. I told him I wanted to shoot a film and needed him for a role and he agreed to come and over."

“My mum and I had planned to sit him down and ask him the truth about the matter but my sister and friend had advised me to ensure I get evidence because he might deny it and people will support him.”

“On the day he was coming, I called in the CCTV company and they installed the CCTV. We asked everyone to go out and stay in the neighbour’s house and the girl became jittery and afraid because since the incident she hasn’t seen him again. Baba Ijesha later got in while those that came to install the CCTV were leaving and when he queried about them, I told him they were DSTV representatives and that I was going with them but will come back much later, so I dropped my phone and went out".

“Shortly after we stepped out, we started monitoring Baba Ijesha’s moves on a mobile phone. We noticed that he checked all the rooms to be sure he was all alone with the girl. He even checked for cameras, then he started."

“I can’t begin to relate the things he did because we were monitoring him on the phone but when she stood up to go into the kitchen and we knew there were no cameras there, we came in and called the police immediately. They picked him up and I asked him why and what led him to do what he did. He started talking gibberish."

“It’s sad to know that some people were asking for the video evidence and I wonder why and what for? The police have begun their investigation and Baba Ijesha confessed four times. Why would I want to set him up? Someone I was helping for years, what will I gain?"

Baba Ijesha betrayed my trust – Comedienne Princess

Anambra State government has imposed a curfew on six communities in the state, following an attack by gunmen on Monday.

The communities include Igbariam, Aguleri, Umueri, Nteje, Awkuzu And Umunya.

In a statement, the Secretary to Anambra state government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, says the curfew which started on Monday, 26th April 2021, is expected to last between 7 pm and 6 am daily.

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Professor Chukwulobelu urged the people of Anambra state and other residents of the state living in the listed communities to obey the curfew order, as security personnel are on strict orders to enforce the curfew.

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Governor addressing issues of insecurities

Anambra Government Imposes Curfew On Six Communities

Bayern Munich have announced that Julian Nagelsmann is to become their new manager, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly paying up to €25 million (£22m/$30m) compensation to RB Leipzig to land the highly-rated coach on a five-year contract.

After learning of Hansi Flick’s desire to walk away from his role at the Allianz Arena when the 2020-21 campaign comes to a close, those in Bavaria have wasted little time in getting a successor lined up.

They have not had to look far for a top candidate to fill the most demanding of roles with Nagelsmann being lured away from domestic rivals on a long-term agreement that will begin on July 1 in a deal which makes the 33-year-old the most expensive coach in history.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer told the club’s official website: “Julian Nagelsmann stands for a new generation of trainers.

“Despite his young age, he has had an impressive career. We are convinced that with Julian Nagelsmann we will build on the great successes of the past few years.

“I would like to expressly thank Hansi Flick on behalf of FC Bayern. He took over our team in a difficult phase in 2019 and then won six titles, the seventh will hopefully follow soon. He will always have a place in the history books of FC Bayern. We wish him all the best for his future.”

Future CEO Oliver Kahn added: “Julian’s five-year contract alone shows how much he identifies with FC Bayern.

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“I am convinced that we will shape the sporting future of FC Bayern very successfully together with Julian Nagelsmann.

“My thanks go to Hansi Flick. With great football, he has led FC Bayern to great success. Now we have fulfilled his wish to leave FC Bayern before the end of his contract. All the best, Hansi!”

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic went on to say: “The discussions with Julian were very cooperative, very constructive. We’ll have a lot of fun with him, I’m sure of that.

“I would like to express my thanks to Hansi Flick. After he took over the position of head coach a good one-and-a-half years ago, we celebrated numerous victories and titles, the treble in 2020 was the highlight. These successes will remain associated with his name. I wish him all the best on his future path.”

Bayern Munich appoint Nagelsmann new coach

Disgruntled losers out to blackmail Akeredolu

Donald Ojogo recently disclosed that a plot to blackmail and discredit Ondo state Governor and other officials in government are in the works.

The commissioner, in a statement in Akure, said: “Obviously, the motive of those behind this heinous plot is to distract the administration as it begins the aggregation of the modest achievements within the first 100 days of the governor’s second term."

“Among others, these disgruntled losers and their known accomplices have hatched devices. This method includes the cloning of official documents, fabrication of fictitious documents and concoction of imaginary data and perceived details and linking same to the governor, his family and a few government officials."

“Already, a few of such fake documents have been fraudulently procured and sent to selected media houses in line with the intention of the sponsors of this devious act."

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“For the records, the Akeredolu-led administration stands on the tripod of integrity, transparency and accountability. These inspiring watchwords have provided the needed confidence and vigour for the government to thrive on the path of the modest efforts in the last four years plus."

“These virtues were indeed, the reasons sponsors of such plots could not find any incriminating transactions against the government in the build-up to the last elections in spite of strenuous efforts in that regard."

“For Governor Akeredolu, he has moved on since the election and remains the pilot of the Ondo State project for the benefit of all without discrimination. Elections, the intrigues as well as the activities of players remain confined to the past, he believes."

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“Therefore, while government remains unperturbed by the last kicks of disgruntled losers who voluntarily cleared paths of personal political destinies for themselves, it finds it expedient to raise the alarm as regards the intended act.”

'Losers set to blackmail Akeredolu,' says commissioner

Governor Fayemi speaks as he inspects Ikun dairy farm

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi during his visit to Ikun Dairy Farm at Ikun-Ekiti, disclosed that when the farm commences operation, it will serve as a prototype for National Livestock Transformation Plan in addressing farmers-herders crisis.

He disclosed this information during his inspection of the newly arrived 227 cows from the United States of America and the expansive farm for the cultivation of hays for the cows.

The integrated farm, designed to begin production of 10,000 litres of milk daily, is a joint project by Ekiti State Government and Promasidor Diary Company.

Governor Fayemi, who revealed that the new cows, which were pregnant, would be confined to their sheds on the farm, said about 500 hectares have been acquired to grow fields that would be used to take care of the animals to prevent them from roaming about.

Fayemi inspecting cows that were recently delivered to Ikun diary farms

Ikun Dairy Farm will serve as model, says Fayemi

The Federal Government has managed to force states and local governments to share N680.687 billion as allocation for this month.

The much-awaited April 2020 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting which kicked off before noon with the technical session, was still ongoing as of press time last night.

A source reported that at 5 pm that the plenary session collapsed when the state governments demanded to share the entire revenue generated for the month.

But the Federal Government rejected the request and insisted that it must save some money.

There exists a gentleman’s agreement between the three tiers of government that not less than N650 billion should be shared every month after the FAAC meeting.

Where there is a shortfall in revenue, the Federal Government is obligated to withdraw from strategy accounts to augment what is to be shared for the month.

The shortfall in March threw up controversy following Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki’s claim that N60 billion was printed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to augment allocations.

Thursday, a drama ensued when the federation account recorded revenue of over N800 billion.

The state governments went up in arms when the Federal Government team announced that a portion of the money would be saved.

The source: “The Federal Government was obliged to honor the gentleman’s agreement of sharing N650 billion for the month. But the economic realities of today have forced it to save whatever it can to mitigate economic volatilities."

“The Federal Government, the source said, “stood its ground and after several hours of consultations between governors and their commissioners of finance on the one hand and a resolute Federal Government on the other."

“A compromise was reached and the Federal Government released an additional N30 billion to the already agreed N650 billion.”

April FAAC: Fed Govt forces states to accept N680b

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of 18 Court of Appeal justices.

The appointed judges were recommended and interviewed by the National Judicial Council to the President at its 94th meeting.

The newly appointed justices include;
1. Bature Gafai
2. Muhammad Sirajo
3. Abdul-Azeez Waziri
4. Yusuf Bashir
5. Usman Musale
6. Jauro Wakili
7. Abba Mohammed
8. Mohammed Danjuma
9. Danlami Senchi
10. Mohammed Abubakar
11. Hassan Sule
12. Amadi Ikechukwu
13. Peter Affen
14. Sybil Gbagi
15. Olasumbo Goodluck
16. Banjoko Adeoti Ibironke
17. Olabode Adegbehingbe
18. Bola Ademola

Buhari Approves Appointment Of 18 Court Of Appeal Justices

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that it is prepared to take its renewed campaign against the use of illicit drugs to nuclear families.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, said this in an interview with  the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday. 

Babafemi was reacting to the video footage that went viral of a teenage boy caught with Marijuana recently in an uncompleted building and a bust of drug cookies’ syndicate on April 20.

The NDLEA Director said that the agency would not compromise the safety of young Nigerians.   

Speaking on the agency’s approach to achieve the target, Babafemi said that the agency would reach out to faith-based and community-based organisations to get its messages to the families and homes.   

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According to him, NDLEA is  reaching out to faith-based organisations and community-based organisations to get our messages to the families and homes.   

“NDLEA has kicked off advocacies and campaigns in the schools and communities. “The agency is encouraging the setting up of drug control committees in schools and communities to curb the trend.   

“These are parts of the tangible efforts being taken at the moment to save the young ones from the menace of drug abuse." “The chairman of NDLEA Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, also drew attention of parents to drug cookies, a new dubious strategy to get children addicted to drug cookies."  

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“He urged parents to remain vigilant while monitoring what their wards were bringing home from school or consumed as snacks,’’ Babafemi  said.   

Speaking on the number of traffickers arrested within three months of Marwa’s takeover of the leadership of NDLEA, he said that 2,175 drug traffickers were arrested.   

He also mentioned the seizure of 2,050,766.33 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs. “About 2,000 drug cases are in court with 329 convictions and 1,549 pending cases,” he said.   

Babafemi said that cash and drug seizures were valued at over N75 billion.




Drug Fight: NDLEA takes campaign to homes


Drug Fight: NDLEA takes campaign to homes

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/drug-fight-ndlea-takes-campaign-to-homes/

Contingent of 144 police officers from Nigeria have arrived in Somalia to boost stabilisation efforts in the country, the African Union Mission (AMISOM) has said.

AMISOM Police Operations Coordinator Daniel Ali Gwambal said 30 police officers to serve under the AMISOM for a period of one year will be deployed to Beletweyne in HirShabelle State, while the rest will serve in various roles in the capital, Mogadishu.

He said: “They are here in order to fulfill the mandate of AMISOM with regards to operational support to the Somalis and at the same time to mentor the Somali Police Force (SPF),” Gwambal said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

He went on: “There are certain specific duties that are also incumbent on them to perform while they are here such as regular patrols at checkpoints, guard static duties and other duties that involve general policing.”

Gwambal said the officers will work on providing VIP escort and protection services, training and assisting the SPF in public order management, conducting joint patrols with their Somali counterparts and securing key government installations and high-level events.

The AU mission said the arrival of the new contingent is a major boost to law and order efforts, as they will be working in concert with their Somali counterparts in ensuring improved security in liberated areas.

The commander of the newly-deployed unit, Samuel Ita, said his officers were eager to begin discharging their duties to help advance the mission’s mandate.

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144 Nigerian policemen in Somalia to boost security

Austria defender David Alaba will join Real Madrid at the end of the season on a free transfer when his Bayern Munich contract expires, according to reports on Tuesday.

Sky claims the 28-year-old, who has won the Champions League twice with Bayern, will sign a five-year deal with Real after spending 13 years in Munich.

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Alaba played in Tuesday’s 2-0 home win against Leverkusen which leaves Bayern 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Bayern can be crowned Bundesliga champions for the ninth consecutive season at Mainz on Saturday.

Having made 428 appearances for Bayern, Alaba is on the verge of his 10th Bundesliga title with the club world champions.

Bayern Munich's David Alaba set to leave club 

David Alaba To Join Real Madrid Next Season – Reports

Nigerian newspapers,on one page.