Four Police Officers On Investigation For Alleged Extortion

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24/08/2017

By Amos Tauna

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, has directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Lagos to carry out a detailed investigation into alleged misconduct by four policemen in Lagos.

Idris added that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against anyone found to have erred.

“ACP Abayomi Shogunle, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit, PCRRU, Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters in a statement said, “All four policemen and bank statement of account have been handed over to the AIG Zone 2 by PCRRU investigators for the required action.”

The investigation is following a 17th August, 2017 viral social media post in which a citizen alleged that two officers one named Mathew Olasiji olaadujoye and Oba Roland stationed along Ogudu road, pulled him over and asked for his cell phone.

“I refused to hand it over cuz I felt it was infringement of my privacy…but it was forcefully taken and my messages were viewed along with my account details and other private areas in fone and I was extorted for 100000 naira the excuse for this was cuz he saw in my google app that I had more than one gmail log in…so I was tagged a yahoo boy…I was detained for 4 hours…and my car keys taken from me…I wasn’t released until I transferred to mAthew’s account a total of 15,000,” the statement explained.

The statement explained that following the receipt of the complaint, the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit, PCRRU, immediately registered the case and ticket number PCRRU972905 was issued.

It added that the author of the post (name withheld) was contacted and a meeting between him and PCRRU investigators took place at the Force Headquarters Annex, Moloney Street, Lagos on Monday 21st August, 2017, stressing that the police officers involved; two Inspectors and two Sergeants attached to Ogudu Divison, Lagos state have been identified and removed from duty that involves any form of contact with members of the public pending the conclusion of a detailed investigation.

The statement noted that the PCRRU preliminary investigation shows that the policemen on the 16th of August, 2017 at about 11:00am intercepted the complainant along Ogudu road and in the course of their interaction went beyond their mandate by going through the contents of the complainant’s mobile phone.

It said the Bank statement of account confirms that the complainant following the orders of one of the officers transferred the sum of fifteen thousand naira (N15,000) into the account of a third party (name withheld).

The statement reminded members of the public that the PCRRU is open 24/7 to receive and resolve all complaints relating to issues of police misconduct from across the country.

The Untold Story Of IDP Camps

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24/08/2017

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By Seyifunmi Adebote

Poverty, hunger, sickness, regret, rape, sorrow, misery, wretchedness, death pool; these are probably what first comes to mind when you hear ‘IDP camp’. Well, that’s partly true, because that is what you see on the pages of the dailies, the screen of your television and the timeline/feeds on various social media platforms, maybe?

Having spent plenty of time in different IDP camps recently; a part of me agrees that the IDP camp is not a place to be, a part of me also agrees that comfort and health is a stranger, sometimes, most times actually. Nonetheless, a greater part of me is eager to share the untold story of the IDP camps – a place that is beyond just an enclave for refugees.

I am tempted to paint a picture. A picture of leaking ‘batchers’, of bare-footed, of scantily dressed children, of pregnant young girls, of despondent aged men. A picture of mothers, each with a baby on her back – nudging another for gift items from a relief agency. I am tempted to paint such sad picture, but I won’t. That’s if I haven’t.

An IDP camp is more.

It is a place for little children to hold hands happily and run through the green field without carrying the bitterness of who or what displaced them from their father’s land. It is a place for teenagers to learn skills like barbing, soap making, bead making, tailoring, cards making, catering/baking and every other profitable skills they have an opportunity to learn.

It is a place for young men to indeed let go of the past, to practice true forgiveness, to channel their energy productively, to restore their hope in Nigeria and to move on boldly with life. It is a place that reminds us of why we should promote harmony and the things that unite us over our differences or things that could divide us – if we permit. It is a place to listen to the stories of the elderly; stories that help us appreciate the priceless worth of peace over war or strife.

It is a place to remind us of patience, of courage, of contentment, of appreciation and the value of things we take for granted. It is a place of hope, even to strangers. It is a place to show a suicidal person two million reasons why it isn’t over, yet.

It is a place to volunteer one’s self, to engaged unemployed youths, to share resources, to network with like-minds, to find one’s purpose for living and to identify ways Nigeria can be rebuilt and become a nation we all can be proud of.

It is a place to inspire and be inspired too.

An IDP camp is a place to put together the broken bits of our lives – as individuals, as groups, and as a nation.

I don’t know what you think about an IDP camp, but I know there are untold stories about the IDP camps and other places of refuge, especially in Nigeria. And these stories can’t be told in just one article.

Written by Adebote ‘Seyifunmi from Abuja, Nigeria

Bell Pottinger found in breach of code for South African campaign

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24/08/2017

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Phumzile Van Damme of the Democratic Alliance National speaks outside the Bell Pottinger offices in London — Image caption Members of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance, including communications spokesperson Phumzile Van Damme, outside Bell Pottinger’s London offices this month

A UK public relations firm has been found in breach of an industry code of conduct for a controversial social media campaign, South Africa’s opposition party said.

Bell Pottinger was accused by the Democratic Alliance of inflaming racial tensions with the campaign.

The party said the UK Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) upheld a complaint.

Bell Pottinger, which declined to comment, can appeal the decision.

The PRCA, which represents more than 20,000 members in the PR industry, can impose a range of sanctions. The most stringent is ending a firm’s membership.

Francis Ingham, the PRCA’s director-general, told the Guardian: “Our final decision on this case will be made once it has been through the full and balanced process set out in our professional charter and codes of conduct, including any appeals. We can’t comment further while the process is ongoing.”

The Democratic Alliance accused the PR firm of emphasising the power of white-owned businesses in the campaign, which used the #WhiteMonopolyCapital hashtag.

The party filed a complaint with the PRCA that Bell Pottinger carried out a “hateful and divisive campaign to divide South Africa along the lines of race”.

On Thursday, the Democratic Alliance said: “We have now received confirmation that our complaint stands, and Bell Pottinger will now be given five days to appeal the PRCA’s decision if it so chooses.”

In July, Bell Pottinger apologised, sacked an employee and admitted the campaign was “offensive”.

The PR firm was hired by Oakbay, a company owned by the wealthy Gupta family. The PR firm said in April that it had ended its contract with Oakbay.

Image copyright Getty Images

Image caption A protest outside the Gupta family compound in Johannesburg earlier this year

President Jacob Zuma has faced corruption allegations and suspicion over his ties with the Guptas. Mr Zuma and the Guptas have consistently denied all allegations.

Bell Pottinger chief executive James Henderson also said he could not comment. He has denied reports that he has resigned.

Mr Henderson said the firm was “looking at all options for the company, including future ownership” following reports it has received takeover interest.

The PRCA is due to publish its decision on the case in early September.

Mr Henderson said in July: “We wish to issue a full, unequivocal and absolute apology to anyone impacted.”

The PR firm also said it had asked an independent law firm to review the Oakbay account and the work done on it.

Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from BBC News syndicated feed and has not been edited by Africa Prime News staff.

Russian Sudan envoy, Mirgayas Shirinsky, found dead in pool

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24/08/2017

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Russia’s ambassador to Sudan has been found dead in a swimming pool at his residence in Khartoum.

Sudanese police said a preliminary investigation indicated Mirgayas Shirinsky had died of natural causes.

Although his death is not suspicious, Mr Shirinsky is the fourth Russian diplomat to die in service in the past year.

In February, Russian UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin died suddenly in his New York office.

A month earlier, Alexander Kadakin, the Russian ambassador to India, died following a brief illness.

Last December, Russian ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov was shot dead in Ankara by a Turkish policeman apparently in protest at Russian involvement in Syria.

Sudanese police announced 63-year-old Mr Shirinsky’s death on Wednesday evening saying he was “found dead in the swimming pool of his residence at 7:05pm (16:05 GMT).”

“Preliminary investigation shows that his death was natural,” police spokesman Omar al-Mokhtar told AFP news agency.

‘Dedicated diplomat’

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that staff at the Khartoum embassy called an ambulance but Mr Shirinsky “could not be saved”.

“The Russian envoy was found in his residence with evidence of an acute heart attack,” she said.

“He dedicated his life to diplomacy. We express sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Mr Shirinsky served in the Russian diplomatic corps for 40 years.

US officials have not disclosed the cause of Vitaly Churkin’s death, saying details were withheld to comply with international law.

Russian officials argued that disclosing details could cause embarrassment to the ambassador’s family or hurt his reputation.

Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from BBC News syndicated feed and has not been edited by Africa Prime News staff.

Engagements With Our Duty Bearers, Yielding Positive Result – Kaduna Communities

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24/08/2017

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By Longtong Ibrahim

Residents of 18 communities from six Local Government Areas(LGAs) of Kaduna state have expressed satisfaction over the response they are getting from their duty bearers as a result of engaging them on developmental issues within their localities, saying their engagements has started yielding positive results despite the challenges.

According to them, things are beginning to turn around because their knowledge on processes and technicalities of how to engage their representatives has been enhanced.

cross section of Participants during the Workshop

They stated this while presenting their various reports during a Community Development Charter (CDC) learning workshop, organized by League of Democratic Women (LEADS-Nigeria) in collaboration with Actionaid in its Strengthening Citizens Engagement in Electoral Process (SCEEP) project for SCEEP Focal Community Members (SCEEP FCM) in Kaduna, northern Nigeria.

While presenting reports from the communities of Sabon Gari LGA, the Focal Facilitator, Yusuf Kambai, explained that one of Makera’s major challenges was gully erosion. Others in the locality include bad roads, lack of electricity, insecurity, inadequate school structures and drug abuse.

Kambai noted that after meeting with the Member representing their constituency, he gave them the support of which the issue of gully erosion was solved; roads and drainages were constructed while some of the PHCs have been renovated.

“Through community efforts, Water was provided in some areas while the challenges of insecurity and drug abuse have been addressed through the formation of a vigilante group that collaborated with security agencies such as the police and NDLEA.”

“We were able to achieve that through organizing town hall meetings, writing and making advocacy visit to our local government council, member representing our constituency and key stakeholders who could help us in pushing the process to achieve what we want. Some help in the influencing the process while others actually help us”, he added.

Focal Facilitator of Kajuru Local Government Area, Aliya Yarba, in his submission said Idon community has been challenged with lack of portable water and vandalism of its electricity cables, but after much efforts and meeting with those who are financially buoyant in the area, a new borehole was sank and the non-functional ones rehabilitated.

He added that, “through our engagement, the Member of the House of Representative representing our constituency in the National Assembly built a block of classroom at GSS Idon; also the traffic Congestion around Kasuwa Magani market on market days has been tackled through our collective effort.”

Also speaking, Focal facilitator of Zagon Kataf LGA, Friday Iya, said through their intervention, they were able to tackle the problem of drug abuse by youths of the area. According to him, an intelligent committee was set up where it worked with the Police to tackle the menace.

He added that, unemployment also has been a key challenge in Ungwan Rimi community, but with much effort, a committee was set up which has enable them to access loans as well as acquire different skills through various interventions.

He further pointed out that, “13 boreholes have been sunk – two solar boreholes inclusive while some of our PHCs were renovated; we had all this challenges prioritized in our village book.”

Earlier in his welcoming remark, LEADS program officer, Mr. Daniel Michael, pointed out that, the workshop was to further strengthen the capacities of community members on how to actively participate in governance and engaging with relevant actors/duty bearers to demand for accountability and ensure development.

He explained that, “Looking at the seven principles of the Reflection Action it is time for community to actively participate in the circle of governance hence, this workshop is meant to evaluate the progress of work done in the communities and successes recorded and address the challenges or the limiting factors.

“Citizens have been marginalized due to their poor financial status; therefore it is proper to engage them to acquire the skills and knowledge to be able to hold duty bearers accountable to the resource allotted to them.”

The six LGAs where the communities were selected are Lere, Sabon Gari, Sanga, Kaduna North, Kajuru and Zangon Kataf.

Grace Mugabe’s alleged victim in bid to annul immunity

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24/08/2017

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The woman who has accused Zimbabwe’s First Lady Grace Mugabe of assaulting her has mounted a legal challenge against the South African government for giving her diplomatic immunity.

Gabriella Engels said in court papers that a head of state, let alone a first lady, failed to qualify for immunity when accused of a serious crime.

Mrs Mugabe left South Africa on Sunday.

She has not commented on Ms Engels’ allegation that she “beat the hell out of me” in a Johannesburg hotel.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) investigated the alleged assault, which took place on 13 August.

But they failed to charge the first lady after President Robert Mugabe’s government claimed diplomatic immunity on her behalf.

South Africa’s International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said she had “agonised” about granting Mrs Mugabe immunity.

She agreed to the request after taking into account “legal considerations” and the need to main “inter-governmental relations” with Zimbabwe, Ms Nkoana-Mashabane said.

In papers filed in the High Court in the capital, Pretoria, Ms Engels, a 20-year-old model, said the minster “misconstrued her powers” and her decision should be declared invalid as it “lacks legality”, South Africa’s privately owned Times Live news site reports.

Media captionModel Gabriella Engels: Grace Mugabe “beat the hell out of me”

Heads of state who killed or injured people in South Africa did not qualify for immunity under the Foreign States Immunities Act and there was therefore no way that their spouses qualified for it, Ms Engels was quoted as saying.

Lobby group AfriForum, which is representing Ms Engels, said that if the court challenge was successful, Mrs Mugabe, 52, risked prosecution if she ever returned to South Africa.

Ms Nkoana-Mashabane has not yet commented on the court challenge.

No date has been set for a hearing.

Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from BBC News syndicated feed and has not been edited by Africa Prime News staff.

Nigerian Air Force Holds Information Conference, Launches Booklet On Counterinsurgency Operations

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23/08/2017

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Nigerian Air Force says it will provide needed equipment and enabling environment for its Public Relations Directorate to perform efficiently and effectively.

Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, stated this while declaring open, the Directorate’s Annual Public Relations and Information Conference.

The 2017 Conference with the theme “Social Media in Modern Public Relations Practice” was aimed at re-strategizing and developing the capacity of information personnel to leverage on the use of social media to further project the image of the NAF.

The Chief of Air Staff acknowledged the unique role of the Directorate in projecting the image of the NAF, saying, “the Public Relations Specialty in the NAF is a more dynamic and active specialty that now plays a significant role in the day-to-day running of the NAF”.

While promising to consolidate on the efforts to build the capacity of NAF Public Relations and Information personnel, Air Marshal Abubakar said the NAF was now better positioned to project air power in an effective, efficient and timely manner towards meeting the nation’s security imperatives.

He urged the participants to utilize the advantages of the knowledge gained from the Conference to project the activities of the NAF via the social media.

In a welcome address, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Lawal Alao said the Conference was among series of activities to reposition the NAF into a highly disciplined and professional force by the current leadership.

AVM Alao thanked the CAS for the support given to the Directorate to function effectively and urged the participants to learn more on how best to use the social media to the advantage of the NAF.

Earlier, the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya described public relations as a tool for creating value to generate awareness instead of creating awareness to generate value.

“You should never let anyone else tell your story because you are always the best positioned person to tell your own story. While still relying on the traditional media for information dissemination, the NAF strives to tell its own story via its social media platforms”, he said.

The keynote lecture, which was centred on the strategic usage of the various social media platforms to project the NAF activities, was delivered by Mr Wole Olaoye, a seasoned Public Relations practitioner.

The occasion also witnessed the launch of a booklet and posters on the fight against insurgency in the country.

Lowering Cut Off Into Tertiary Institutions Will Make Students Unserious — UNYF Tells FG

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23/08/2017

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By Amos Tauna

United Nigerian Youth Forum, UNYF, has noted that reducing cut off marks for admission into tertiary in 2017/2018 academic session by Joint Admission Marticulation Board, JAMB, will affect students performance in all levels of education in the country.

The forum therefore rejected the recent pronouncement of the cut off mark for 2017/2018 academic session of 120/100 cut off marks for universities and polytechnics made by Prof. Ishaq Olayede, Registrar, Joint Admission Marticulation Board, JAMB.

“We reject in totality the pronouncement of the cut off mark for 2017/2018 academic session by IJMB, registrar. 120/100 marks for universities and polytechnic, as cut off, out of 400 marks further shows the level of decay in our educational system, which represent 30 and 25 per cent respectively,” UNYF president, Abdulsalam Muhammad Kazeem, said in a statement.

The forum appreciated the effort of Prof. Ishaq Olayede, the registrar of JAMB for exposing the high level of corruption been practice in the Agency under the watch of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that is, remitting the sum of N5 billion for the year 2017 alone against 200m of over 16years of the agency establishment.

The statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday said, “With this development, we are sure that the level of unseriousness will increase from 20 to 78 per cent.

“Lowering the qualification entry mark to our institutions is not in tandem with new global realities, in terms of educational standard as it will led to the admission of unqualified candidate into our tertiary institutions, and it further shows that Nigeria do no give regards to excellence.

“With this development the struggle to salvage public education must be linked with the struggle to do away with this unholy pronouncement by the JAMB registrar.

“The allocation to the educational sector for 2017 is less than 10 per cent, we passionately re-appeal to ASUU to please go back to classes, because public institution belongs to the children of the masses.”

The Forum called on the federal government to give education the attention needed, adding, “If this is done, it will help in areas of infrastructure, conducive learning environment, research and teaching.

“We call on all Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provost to immediately withdraw any form of tuition fee increment be it lab fee, registration fee, bank charges, maintenance fee or fee in any form within 72 hours, because we believe that most of them enjoy free, functional and qualitative education during their days as students and even foreign scholarship.”

UNYF called on government at all level to as a matter of urgency, give education the needed attention, stressing that if that is done, it would help reduce the danger ahead of the nation.

“A free, functional and quality education is possible in Nigerian, only if we jointly fight for it and the time is now,” the forum advised.

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