Buhari Admits To Plagiarising Obama Speech

President Muhammadu Buhari plagiarised quotes from US President Barack Obama in a speech promising change in the West African country, his office said on Friday.

Last week, Buhari gave a speech to launch a campaign titled “Change Begins With Me,” part of his credo to end graft in Africa's biggest economy which is gripped by mismanagement and poverty despite sitting on vast energy reserves.

But one paragraph in the speech urging Nigerians not to fall back “on the same partisanship, pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our country so long” was copied from Obama's victory speech after his election in November 2008.

“It was observed that the similarities between a paragraph in President Obama's 2008 victory speech and what President Buhari read in paragraph nine of the 16-paragraph address... are too close to be passed as coincidence,” Buhari's office said in a statement.

“President Buhari urges Nigerians to look beyond this incident and focus on the message of change which the country needs in order to restore our cherished value systems,” the office said after a Twitter user joked about the incident.

“Those responsible” would be punished, the office said, adding that a deputy director in the presidency had admitted the mistake.

Sanusi Buys New N132m Rolls Royce For Sallah

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has gotten a brand new Rolls Royce for Sallah. 

The Emir, Monday, shared the picture of the new car which is all white in colour on the social media even as the Eid el-Kabir celebrations by muslim faithful were in full gear.

On his official instagram page, the Emir captioned the shared pictures thus: “Has just been added” 

However, some findings revealed that the price of 2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom is estimated at $417,825 (about N132 million).

Operation Crocodile Smile: Four Soldiers Drown In Bayelsa Creek

The military operation against militants, code-named, ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’, on Monday suffered a setback as four soldiers drowned following a boat accident in Bayelsa State.

The incident occurred along the Brass waterfront in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

Service rifles belonging to the missing soldiers were also said to be missing.

It was learnt that the sad incident which occurred at about 10am on Monday, created panic among newly-deployed soldiers in the state.

Though the mission of the soldiers in the area could not be ascertained, it was gathered that it was not unconnected with the operations against renewed militancy, sea piracy and search for those threatening to hoist the Niger Delta Republic flag.

An indigene of the community, identified simply as Etta, said attempts by community youths and other soldiers to assist in a rescue operation failed as the drowned soldiers could not be found.

Etta said, “In recent times, we have been noticing increased movement of soldiers in our area. The boat that capsized was conveying a new batch of soldiers to the water front.

“I was going to dispose of refuse at the waterfront and I saw uniformed soldiers struggling to rescue their colleagues in a capsized boat.

“When the confusion subsided, four soldiers were found to be missing with their rifles and other military gear. Those that were rescued had their rifles missing and struggling out of the water. ”

It was further learnt that as of 2pm, the military authorities sought the help of local divers and youths in the search for the missing soldiers.

But one of the youths confirmed that the high tide of the water impeded the search for the missing soldiers.

PHOTOS: Operation Crocodile Smile Show Of Force In Port Harcourt

Troops of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army yesterday at Port Harcourt conducted a show of force as part of the ongoing OPERATION CROCODILE SMILE in the volatile Niger Delta.

61 Priests Preside Over The Burial Of Stella Oduah's Son

The dust raised by the death of son of Nigeria's former Aviation minister and presently the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District in the red chambers of the National Assembly,Senator Princess Stella Oduah, has finally settled as the remains of 28 year old, Maxwell,Chinedu Oduah-Etoromi was at exactly 2:15 pm Saturday, interred at the Oduah family mausoleum in Akili- Ozizor,Ogbaru local Government of Anambra State amidst tears and eulogies

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke,was represented in the burial mass by the Episcopal Vicar of Dunukofia Region, Very Rev Fr Theophilus Odukwe who presided over the mass with 57 other priests concelebrating,among whom was a Papal Chamberlain and Chaplain of the Catholic Women Organization(CWO) Onitsha Archdiocese, Monsignor Greg Adibe.In their midst were 3 Anglican priests. In his homily,the President of the West African Association of Priests,Very Rev Fr (Dr) Martin Onukwuba condoled with Senator Oduah and other members of their family saying that death is a mystery and universal experience which every mortal must pass through.According to him,the death of a Christian is nothing but a passage to meet the risen Christ adding that upon death,every believer must look forward to dying in order to open his or her eyes to the light of eternity.

In his contribution, the representative of the Archbishop, Very Rev Fr Theophilus Odukwe described the late Chinedu Oduah as a chip of the old block, meaning that he took over from her mother in generosity and kindness to the less privileged.

Fr Odukwe conveyed Archbishop Valerian Okeke's condolences to Senator Oduah who he described as a true daughter of Igbo land going by her achievement as Aviation Minister. The Senate President,Dr Olusola Saraki, represented by Senator Dino Melaye who led other senators and House of Representatives members to the funeral laced his remarks with humour and jokes,said the Senate President was pained by the death of Chinedu whose mother,Senator Stella Oduah she described as a reliable and hard working colleague.He pledged that the Senate will donate generously to the newly formed Foundation for the deceased.

Also in his remarks,the governor of Anambra State,Chief Willie Obiano represented by the Deputy Governor,Dr Nkemdiche Okeke,described the death of Chinedu in his prime as painful as it woul not be the wish of any mother to experience such.He prayed that God will give the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Chairman of Princess Stella Oduah Campaign Organization and former Rep member, High Chief (Hon) Okwudili Add to dictionary gratitude to God for his marvelous works in making the week long funeral peaceful.

While speaking on the death of his brother,Master Tuoyo,the immediate younger brother to the deceased spoke at length on the sterling qualities of his late brother who he described as generous to a fault. Among the dignitaries that attended the burial are former Gov Peter Obi(represented)the PDP chairman,Anambra State,Chief Ken Emeakayi,Hon Obinna Chidoka,former Anambra Speaker,Chief Anayo Nnebe ,Hon Eucharia Azodo,Chief Mrs Comfort Obi,member of board of the Police Service Commission,Abuja, the Okpala of Akili Ozizor,Prfessor Stella Okunna,Chief Mrs Odife,Chief Dubem Obaze,etc.PDP stalwarts at local and state levels attended.

The liturgical coordinator of the burial committee,Rev Fr Donald Uzoh,the coordinator of burial logistics,Prince Joe Agwunobi Oduah and the Chief of Staff of Princess Stella Oduah Foundation,Princess Nwaka Ononuju,the Knights of St Mulumba,St Mary's Subcouncil led by its Grand Knight,Sir Joseph Nsika, the director of Princess Stella Oduah campaign Organisation,Chief Pandola Okwuosa among many others were present.

Militants Threaten Attacks On soldiers Deployed In Niger Delta

A group, Niger Delta Cleansers (NDC), has threatened to attack more soldiers in the region if the federal government does not withdraw them from the creeks in the next 14 days.

Its spokesman, Col Fikenibai Miesin, in a statement said the militants will launch ‘Operation Hurricane’ to face soldiers deployed in the region.

Miesin condemned the ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ launched by the federal government even after most militants have embraced the ongoing dialogue process in the region.

The statement reads: “The Niger Delta cleansers is unhappy with  the federal government for deploying soldiers in some Niger Delta communities under the operational code “Operation Crocodile Smile at a time dialogue is seeing the light of day

“We call on the federal government to immediately withdraw all soldiers deployed in the Niger Delta communities.

“Because of this we have perfected plans to launch ‘Operation Hurricane’ to combat government forces. We are giving them two weeks to withdraw the soldiers or face attacks.”

Kenyans Are Far Behind Nigerians In Every Aspect - Fani-Kayode

Former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has lent his voice in defence of his country in the ongoing Twitter feud between netizens in Nigeria and Kenya.

Fani-Kayode, who gave his verdict on his official Twitter account, @realffk, stressed that Kenyans are far behind Nigerians in every aspect.

Truth is that the Kenyans are v far behind us in every respect. I know their history inside out: they are just too small for us.

He furthers, "Kenyans should stop attacking Nigeria on twitter. They must know their place. Truth is the worse Nigerian is better than the best Kenyan."

When Kenyan leaders were still doing "mau mau", swinging from trees and eating one another ours were at Oxford and Cambridge university" He noted

When Kenyan leaders were still doing "mau mau", swinging from trees and eating one another ours were at Oxford and Cambridge university

Recall that the clash started following unclear reports and speculations which surrounds the back-and-forth movement of the billionaire Facebook CEO, between the two African nations.

Mass Wedding: Kano Government Screens 1,000 Prospective Couples

The Kano State Hisbah Board said it had commenced medical screening of 1,000 prospective couples for the next Mass Wedding Programme in the state.

NAN reports that no fewer than 4, 395 prospective couples were registered by the state government to participate in the programme.

The Director General of the board, Dr Abba Sufi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Friday that the screening which started last week was aimed at ensuring the health status of the couples before the marriage

“The medical screening started about eight days ago and it is intended to ascertain the health status of each and everyone of them.

“The screening is mandatory as it will enable the board and each partner to know the health status their partners before the marriage is conducted,”he said.

Sufi said the medical screening was in preparation for the conduct of the programme scheduled to take place after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

“The state government has planned to conduct the programme after Sallah, hence the decision to start the screening of the couples in time,”Sufi said

He said the state government under the leadership of Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje was committed to the success of the programme as it would check prostitution especially among indigent unmarried young girls and widows.

NAN recalls that no fewer than 5,000 indigent unmarried young men and women benefited from the programme during the administration of former Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso who introduced it in 2012.

NAN

Economic Woes: Dangote Losses N1.7trillion

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has lost N1.7trillion ($5.4bn), representing 35 per cent of his fortune. 

This is a consequence of the slump in commodities prices and the devaluation of the naira in June by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to data obtained from Bloomberg Billionaires Index on Wednesday, Dangote, whose current net worth stands at $9.9 billion, has lost 62 per cent of his fortune between January 2014 and the present.

On the contrary, the fortune of Africa’s second wealthiest person South African Christo Wiese, who is worth $2.8bn, has risen by 12 per cent.

Dangote, who is rated world’s 118th richest person, is a victim of Nigeria’s economic woes which resulted in Naira being worsted by other currencies. Since the bulk of Dangote’s assets is domiciled in Nigeria and valued in Naira, his net worth on Bloomberg Billionaires Index, calculated in dollars, has headed south.

Army Deploys 12 Trucks Full Of Soldiers To Osun For Buhari's Visit

In preparation for Thursday’s working visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Osun, no fewer than 12 trucks of heavily armed soldiers had been deployed to the state to beef up security.

The soldiers, who arrived Osogbo, the state capital on Tuesday night and in the early hours of Wednesday would complement the efforts of the anti-riot policemen on ground.

Speaking on the preparedness of the Osun State Police command, regarding the presidential visit, the acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Egbedele Ajibade said “we are fully ready to provide effective security for Mr President during Thursday visit to the state.”

He maintained that “we are fully on ground. Our men are on ground. Though I cannot give you the specific number of policemen that would be deployed for the visit, we have large number of policemen to cover Mr President’s visit. We have other security agencies that would collaborate with us to ensure effective security of lives and properties. There is no cause for alarm.

Ahead of the visit, virtually all the traders, who have their stalls beside the roads have been evacuated.

At the popular Olaiya junction and Fakunle, where inter state commercial buses, plying Osogbo-Lagos have their garage, none of them were sighted yesterday as they have been ordered to leave the vicinity.

One of the traders, Mrs Sade Bolarinwa said “the task force people from the government came on Tuesday and chased us away from our stalls. They said the state government ordered that nobody should be here again. I think their action was informed by the plan of President Buhari to visit Osun State.

Christian Association Of Nigeria Rails Against John Kerry For 'Devisive' Visit

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry of being “discriminatory...and divisive” during a recent trip to the country.

Kerry was in Nigeria on Monday and Tuesday and was hosted by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the most senior Islamic cleric in the country. The U.S. diplomat also met with 19 governors of Nigeria’s northern states and held talks with President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also a Muslim.

The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Supo Ayokunle, told reporters on Thursday that Kerry’s visit showed a “lack of respect for the heterogenous nature of Nigeria” and favored the country’s Muslim population “to the detriment of the Christian community.” 

Nigeria’s population is roughly split between a largely-Muslim north and majority-Christian south. Religious and ethnic violence are not uncommon, particularly in the middle belt of the country, where Fulani herdsmen—who are mostly Muslim—have clashed with farmers, some of whom are Christian. Christians have also been targeted by Boko Haram, a militant group that wishes to instal an Islamic caliphate in northeast Nigeria. The insurgency has been largely circumscribed to the north of the country.

“There’s a siege on Christians [in Nigeria]. Kerry, his actions speak volume[s], his actions [and] body language were very divisive,” said Ayokunle.

Lagos Ranked World’s 3rd Worst City To Live In

According to a report released by The Economist Intelligence Unit on Thursday, Lagos is ranked as the third worst city to live in.

It maintained its position at the lowest rankings of the Global Livability Index.

Lagos was placed 138th out of the 140 cities ranked in the latest livability survey and only Tripoli and Damascus were ranked worse than Lagos.

The livability survey assesses which locations around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions across five broad categories, including stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

According to the report, the top five best countries to live in are: Melbourne, Australia; Vienna, Austria; Vancouver, Canada; Toronto, Canada; and Calgary, Canada.

“Of the poorer-scoring cities, 13 continue to occupy the very bottom tier of livability, where ratings fall below 50 percent and most aspects of living are severely restricted.

“Continued threats from groups like Boko Haram acts as a constraint to improving stability in Lagos,” the report stated.

Lagos scored highest in culture and environment, followed by infrastructure. It scored lowest in stability.

Three other African cities joined Lagos at the bottom rung of the liveable cities, including Douala, Cameroon; Harare, Zimbabwe; and Algiers, Algeria; ranking 132nd, 133rd, and 134th respectively.

No African city made it to the top 10 most liveable cities, five were in the 10 least liveable cities.

Over 4,000 Register For Mass Wedding In Kano

No fewer than 4,395 prospective couples wishing to participate in the Kano State Government’s mass wedding have so far registered for the programme.

The state government had directed the Hisba Board to register all interested prospective couples in the state.

Dr Abba Sufi, the Director-General of the board, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Saturday that7 were registered by Hisba offices in 41 local government areas, and the remaining 1, 278 were registered at the state headquarters of the board in Kano.

He said as soon as the remaining three local government areas submitted their list, the board would write a comprehensive report to the government for necessary action.

Sufi, who was giving update on the registration exercise, reaffirmed the commitment of the government toward ensuring the success of the programme.

“The government is committed to the programme hence its decision to continue with the programme. “The registration is still open to all interested persons as the exercise is still ongoing,” Sufi said.

The registration for the mass wedding began simultaneously across the 44 local government areas of the state on Aug. 8.

NAN

Man Arrested For Naming Pet Dog ‘Buhari’

A 30-year-old trader has been arrested by the police in Ogun state for naming his pet dog ‘Buhari.’ 

The trader, Joe Fortemose Chinakwe, of No 10, Omikunle Street, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, was reportedly arrested last weekend, after one of his neighbours of Northern extraction complained bitterly that he named his dog after his father, Alhaji Buhari. 

Vanguard learned that the complainant reported the case at Sango Police Station, last Saturday, after which the trader was arrested and detained.

However, it was gathered that efforts by the police to recover the dog, which they intended using as evidence failed following a clever move by the suspect. 

The trader, said to be trading in female wears at a popular market in Sango, allegedly directed his friends secretly to kill the dog and possibly eat the meat in order to avoid being implicated. It was gathered that consistent appeals by his friends and relations for the police to grant him bail failed as the complainant and his kinsmen reportedly threatened to kill the trader if he was released on bail.

Trader denied bail 

The case, however, took a different dimension two days later when Chinakwe’s relatives went to Sango police station to further plead for his bail only to be informed that the case file and the suspect have been transferred to Ogun State Police Command headquarters at Eleweran. 

A relation to the suspect, who simply identified himself as Chiedozie, told Vanguard that his brother was being persecuted for no just cause and expressed fears that he may either be poisoned inside police cell or thrown into jail.

Chiedozie said: “Chinakwe is a lover of dogs and he names them after things that tickle him. He bought this dog a year ago and named it Buhari.  Unfortunately, some Northerners, who dominate the vicinity where he resides misconstrued his intention and connived to take him up. The complainant then claimed it was derogatory because his father answers Buhari.”

Police sources, however, told Vanguard that the actions of the suspect “were very provocative.

The source said: “he not only named the dog Buhari but boldly wrote it on the body of both sides of the dog and was seen parading the neighbourhood dominated by Northerners with it.”

As at press time, relations to the suspect were still making frantic efforts to effect his bail while his accusers are insisting that he must be prosecuted. 

Police confirms arrest

When contacted around 8pm yesterday, the acting Police spokesman in Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, ASP, said he was still trying to get the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Sango for details. 

Oyeyemi later called, stating that: “I have made enquiries. The man bought a dog and inscribed Buhari on both sides of its body. One Mallam lodged a complaint and when our men got there, we found out that it was true. You know such thing can cause serious breach of the peace and ethnic or religious unrest. We are charging him to court for conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.”

Continuing, he said: “He was arrested last Saturday and we are taking him to court later today (Tuesday) or tomorrow morning (today). You know an average Northerner will feel bad over such a thing. It can cause serious ethnic crisis or religious confrontation because when you are relegating such a name to a certain person, you are indirectly insulting him.” 

When asked about the whereabouts of the dog that will be used as evidence against the suspect, the police spokesman said: “The dog cannot follow anybody except the owner. We will use him as our evidence because he did not deny it.

- Vanguard

Newborn Twin Boys Dumped In Lagos Canal, Found Dead

The Lagos State Police Command has begun investigation into the death of two newborn babies, whose corpses were recovered from a canal beside a filling station in the Ajangbadi area of the state.

A crowd of residents, who were drawn to the scene, was reported to have started taking snapshots of the babies before the arrival of policemen from the Ilemba Hausa division.

After seeing the corpses, the policemen were said to have called the attention of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, which removed and deposited them in a mortuary.

A police source wondered why the residents did not act immediately they saw the babies, adding that the twins were dead by the time the police arrived.

He said, “A resident alerted us to the scene. By the time we got there, the babies were already dead. There was a crowd of onlookers, some of them were taking snapshots. It is probable that the babies were dropped by their mother for reasons best known to her.

“We searched all the communities to see if we could find her or anyone who could volunteer any useful information, but we couldn’t. It is sad that while many women are looking for children, someone could take two baby boys and dump them in a canal.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation was ongoing.

She said, “We got the information around 1pm on Friday and our operatives attached to the Ilemba Hausa division went there and saw the corpses of the infants in the canal. We discovered that they were two corpses of newborn male babies, packed in a polythene bag and abandoned by the canal by unknown person(s).

“The corpses were removed and deposited at the Badagry General Hospital morgue for autopsy. But effort is on to track down the perpetrator(s) of the act.

Delta Communal Clash: Pregnant Woman Shot Dead

Five persons have been declared missing after Enwhe and Igbide communities of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta state clashed over a disputed plot of land.

The five missing persons comprising three women and two men are alleged to be from Enwhe, one of the communities claiming ownership of the disputed land.

On the other hand, a notable prince from Igbide, Prince Palmer Obukeni and a woman with six and a half month old pregnancy were shot dead during the clash last Monday.

The President General of Enwhe community, Mr Sunday Egboye, when contacted said that the matter has been reported with the police in the area.

Egboye alleged that the suspected attackers from Igbide community were behind the missing five persons.

He disclosed that a truce committee set up by the Isoko Development Union and headed by Mr Vincent Omurie was working towards an amicable settlement of the land dispute.

The President General of Igbide community, Mr Alex Edegware, denied the allegation that the Igbide people were responsible for the violent attack.

He said, “That is not true. They (Enwhe people) attacked our people and nobody is missing there. Enwhe people are the aggressors, they kidnapped and killed our son, Prince Palmer Obukeni and also shot dead a woman with six and a half month old pregnancy. Nobody is missing.”

But when contacted, Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, SP Celestina Kalu said she was not aware of the incident, promising to investigate and report back to the news agency.

5 Dead In 3rd Mainland Bridge Accident

Five persons were on Sunday reported dead in an accident which occurred on the 3rd Mainland Bridge inward Iyana-Oworoshoki by UNILAG waterfront.

Michael Akindele, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEPA, confirmed this in a statement he made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos.

He said the accident involved a LAGBUS luxury bus, a Hilux truck belonging to a local vigilance group and a Rover jeep.

“Five persons comprising: three female adults and two children died in the accident.

“Their bodies had been had been deposited at the Lagos Mainland Hospital mortuary by the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU).

“Five others who sustained injuries had been transported by LASAMBUS to another general hospital’s trauma centre.

“Security and others agencies on ground to ensure free flow of traffic after the accident included : LASTMA, FRSC, Nigerian Police and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS),” he said

The statement added that the LASEMA response unit had also recovered the affected vehicles from the scene of the accident.

The statement quoted the LASEMA General Manager as saying that the relevant government agencies would conduct proper investigation into the causes of the accident.

Mr. Akindele in the statement, however, advised motorists to reduce their speeding while driving.

He also advised them to always adhere to all traffic rules and regulation while driving to avoid a recurrence.

(NAN)

Oyegun Confesses: We Didn't Know Nigeria’s Economy Was This Bad

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has admitted that the party did not actually know Nigeria’s economy had deteriorated to the current disturbing extent when it took over government last year.

The ruling party boss who made the confession while speaking during a surprise bash organised by staff of the APC national secretariat in Abuja to celebrate his birthday, equally admitted that it has been very tough for many Nigerians.

While reassuring that within the arrangements in place, Nigeria will graduate from a mono-product economy, he stressed that though APC knew that things were bad in the country during the 2015 Presidential campaigns, it never knew how bad it really was.

His words: “It has been tough times for the nation. When we were campaigning, and it is necessary to continue to hammer on this part, we were not in government. We knew things were very bad, but we did not know they were as bad as we eventually found them and the revelations that come out everyday continue to buttress that fact.

“Nobody ever expected the price of crude oil to collapse in the way it has done, and one can only repeat what Mr. President said a few days ago. That, from being a nation that had an excess crude account, today because of the collapse of the price of crude, a lot of states of this country do not have enough resources to meet their basic functions, and responsibilities.

“That we would never again depend on a single crop whether it is oil, solid minerals or agriculture. The president is laying a single foundation, very solid foundation, for the take-off of this nation such that all the resources that God has endowed this nation with, whether it is in solid minerals or in agriculture. We can grow virtually anything in this nation of ours. We have been blessed with rich soil. “The Nigeria of tomorrow would be a Nigeria that produces, the Nigeria of tomorrow would be a Nigeria that can give employment to its youth. The Nigeria of the tomorrow would be a nation that would provide plentiful opportunities for its people; that is the Nigeria Buhari is presently constructing,” he assured.

NDLEA Discovers Cocaine Hidden In Shoes

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested three suspects after discovering some cocaine inside shoe soles at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The consignment of shoes in which the drugs were found originated from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The owner of the luggage was arrested alongside two other suspects said to have excreted ingested drugs.

According to the NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, 3.950kg of cocaine was recovered from the suspects.

The NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Ahmadu Garba, said 32-year-old Mbatugosi Ifechukwu, concealed 1.950kg of cocaine hidden inside shoe soles, while 34-year-old Adugba Godson, ingested 1.50kg of cocaine on his way to Sydney, Australia.

Forty-two-year -old Onuoha Dominic also ingested 850g of cocaine from Brazil. The cases are under investigation and will be charged to court soon.”

Housemaid Steals, Buries N1.5 Million In Bush

The sum of N1.5 million stolen in Lagos by a housemaid, Happiness Gabriel, has been recovered in a bush, in Ogun State.

The 18-year-old maid, who stole her boss’s money within two and a half hours of being engaged in her Lagos home, was reportedly aided by her 30-year-old stepfather, Gabriel Igbang.

It was gathered that sometimes in May 2016, Happiness was contracted by Mrs Bolanle Ibukunoluwa through one Alhaja popularly known and called Iya Dolapo, as a housemaid and the monthly salary agreed upon was N7, 000 which was to be paid at the end of the year.

Happiness moved to the house of her mistress and on June 26, 2016, at about 5:30 p.m. the complainant went out and came back at about 8:00 p.m. to discover that her housemaid had absconded. She forced the gate opened and then discovered that her Lenovo phone valued at N20, 000 was nowhere to be found. She hurriedly went to her room and discovered that N1, 500, 000 had been stolen as well.

Immediately the complainant saw that her money and phone were missing, she went to her neighbour’s place to enquire if they knew the whereabouts of her housemaid and they said she left before 8:00 p.m. She then went to report the incident at Central Police Station and the police swung into action.

Happiness was later apprehended at Benin, Edo State where she ran to, after giving her step father the money she stole.

Under interrogation, her stepfather denied receiving any money from her and even her mother, Joy, also denied that she was given money by her daughter.

After much interrogation they all confessed and Happiness took the police to the bush in Ogun State where a cash of N300, 000 was recovered and another sum of N252, 500 was also recovered at another location in the bush at Ogun State.

Delivering her judgement, Magistrate Omoyele found the first defendant guilty of conspiracy and stealing and consequently sentenced her to two and half years imprisonment without an option of fine.

Her step father was found guilty of the offence of receving stolen property and was jailed one year without an option of fine.