Checkout This Throwback Photo of Nollywood Actor Kanayo O Kanayo
Here we have a never before seen photo of Nollywood actor, Kanayo O Kanayo who is popular for his devilish role in movies.
Obanikoro Refunds N100m To EFCC
The detained former Minister of State for Defence, Sen.Musiliu Obanikoro, has refunded the sum of N100m to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
A top associate of the former minister, who confided in Punch correspondent, noted that the former minister had yet to be released after the payment of the N100m as of the time of filing this report by 9pm on Friday.
The EFCC had given a bail condition to Obanikoro, who has been in custody since October 21, 2016, to refund the sum of N100m as a major condition for his bail.
In his statement to the commission, Obanikoro had said that he paid the sum of N2.3bn to the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and another N1.7bn to Sen. Iyiola Omisore.
However, the commission was said to have questioned his claim that N785m of the N4.7bn traced to Silva McNamara, was spent on the campaign against Boko Haram in Lagos and other parts of the South-West.
He had said that N200m was spent on surveillance activities and another N200m and N385m on operations under the supervision of Silva McNamara, a company in which, the commission says, he has interest.Suspected Herdsmen In Military Uniforms Attack Kaduna Village, Kill Seven
The detained former Minister of State for Defence, Sen.Musiliu Obanikoro, has refunded the sum of N100m to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
A top associate of the former minister, who confided in Punch correspondent, noted that the former minister had yet to be released after the payment of the N100m as of the time of filing this report by 9pm on Friday.
The EFCC had given a bail condition to Obanikoro, who has been in custody since October 21, 2016, to refund the sum of N100m as a major condition for his bail.
In his statement to the commission, Obanikoro had said that he paid the sum of N2.3bn to the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and another N1.7bn to Sen. Iyiola Omisore.
However, the commission was said to have questioned his claim that N785m of the N4.7bn traced to Silva McNamara, was spent on the campaign against Boko Haram in Lagos and other parts of the South-West.
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Army uniforms on Thursday evening invaded the Ungwar Missi village in Jema'a Local Government Area, Kaduna State, killing seven persons while several others were critically injured.
Among those killed by the suspected herdsmen dressed in Army uniforms were an 85-year-old District Head of the village, John Zango and an 80-year-old man, Yakubu Abuja.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the attack but said only four and not seven persons lost their lives.
Its Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Usman, who confirmed the attack, said the police had since commenced investigation into the matter.
This is coming just less than two weeks after the attack on Godogodo, in Jema'a Local Government Area, which claimed no fewer than 20 lives, a development that forced the chairman of the local government area to place the area under curfew.
It was learnt that the group, in army uniforms, came to Ungwar Missi village and called out the Village Head, Mr. John Zogo, and the elders of the village for what they claimed to be security briefing on the situation in the area.
An eyewitness said that as soon as the group in military uniforms started discussing with the village head and the elders, there were gunshots on the outskirts of the village and "the same soldiers then shot and killed the village head and some others in his house and fled."
According to the eyewitness, they did not stay to defend the village.
"The whole village was burnt down and those who managed to escape have no place to stay now," he said.
Banks suspend ATM card usage abroad
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Army uniforms on Thursday evening invaded the Ungwar Missi village in Jema'a Local Government Area, Kaduna State, killing seven persons while several others were critically injured.
Among those killed by the suspected herdsmen dressed in Army uniforms were an 85-year-old District Head of the village, John Zango and an 80-year-old man, Yakubu Abuja.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the attack but said only four and not seven persons lost their lives.
Its Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Usman, who confirmed the attack, said the police had since commenced investigation into the matter.
This is coming just less than two weeks after the attack on Godogodo, in Jema'a Local Government Area, which claimed no fewer than 20 lives, a development that forced the chairman of the local government area to place the area under curfew.
It was learnt that the group, in army uniforms, came to Ungwar Missi village and called out the Village Head, Mr. John Zogo, and the elders of the village for what they claimed to be security briefing on the situation in the area.
An eyewitness said that as soon as the group in military uniforms started discussing with the village head and the elders, there were gunshots on the outskirts of the village and "the same soldiers then shot and killed the village head and some others in his house and fled."
According to the eyewitness, they did not stay to defend the village.
"The whole village was burnt down and those who managed to escape have no place to stay now," he said.
Deposit Money Banks have begun suspending their Automated Teller Machine cards (debit and credit) from working overseas as dollar scarcity continues to hit the economy badly.
Stanbic IBTC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank on Friday announced the suspension of their overseas ATM card services.
Also suspended by the banks are online transactions priced in foreign currencies. This means that customers of the banks will no longer be able to use their debit or credit cards to make online transactions that are denominated in dollars, euros, pounds sterling and other foreign currencies.
In a note to its customers on Friday entitled: 'Suspension of international transactions on naira debit cards', Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria said, "Please be informed that effective immediately, your naira denominated debit cards will no longer be functional for international transactions.
"This is due to the current volatility in the foreign exchange market. Your naira-denominated debit cards can only be used for local transactions at Point of Sale terminals, Automated Teller Machines and online for Nigerian retailers."
In a text message to its customers on Friday, Stanbic IBTC Bank similarly said, "Dear customer, kindly note that effective October 18, 2016, your ability to carry out transactions priced in foreign currency using our naira debit and credit cards will be suspended. We apologise for any inconvenience in this regard."
Both Stanbic IBTC Bank and Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria advised customers seeking to carry out transactions denominated in foreign exchange to apply for dollar or pounds sterling debit credit cards. According to them, the dollar or pounds sterling debit or credit cards will be linked to the customers' domiciliary accounts.
GTBank also announced the suspension of the ATM cash withdrawal service abroad. The lender also slashed its monthly ATM forex transactions to $100.
In a notice to customers on Friday entitled: 'Review of the international spending limit on your naira Master Card', the bank stated, "We write to inform you of the monthly spending limits currently applicable when using your GTBank naira Master Card for international payments via PoS and online. Previous monthly limit via PoS and online was $250; the new monthly limit via PoS and online is now $100. Kindly note that ATM cash withdrawal on your naira MasterCard is now only available in Nigeria."
The development will make students studying in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ukraine and other parts of the world to face more challenges getting their monthly stipends from their parents.
Most of the students had relied on the ATM card withdrawal to get their monthly stipends from their parents before now.
This means customers seeking to do foreign transactions will have to open domiciliary accounts and fund same with dollars, pounds or euros purchased from the parallel market at the prevailing exchange rates.
Although other banks have yet to announce the suspension of ATM card services abroad, findings by our correspondent showed that many lenders had reduced drastically the amount that customers could withdraw via ATMs abroad.
This is despite the fact that the banks have in the past few months reduced the monthly total amount of forex-denominated transactions that customers can do, using their naira debit or credit cards via ATMs and PoS terminals abroad as well as online payments or transactions.
As of last week, findings showed that some banks had slashed their daily ATM withdrawal limit abroad from the $300 advised by the Central Bank of Nigeria's Bankers Committee to $100 due to their inability to source for dollars to fund the transactions.
Unconfirmed sources said some banks had reduced their monthly ATM withdrawal limit abroad to $100.
Top banking officials close to the development told our correspondent under the condition of anonymity that banks were increasingly finding it difficult to fund their foreign-currency denominated services, especially online forex transactions and overseas ATM withdrawals, as well as PoS usage overseas by customers.
A top official of Deposit Money Bank, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on Sunday, "We have to stop the services. Formerly, we were sourcing forex at high prices and we were selling same to customers at similarly high prices. But the situation is now tense; the dollar scarcity has assumed a new dimension.
"This is coupled with the fact that some bank customers are using the platforms to do round-tripping. It is high time we stopped it."
The decision by some banks to suspend overseas ATM card services and online forex transactions came barely one week after the CBN, through the Bankers' Committee, raised concerns about what it called the indiscriminate and suspicious manner in which some bank customers were spending dollars and other foreign currencies abroad through their naira debit cards.
Consequently, the regulator said it had concluded that bank customers who spent above the $50,000 annual forex limit it imposed would be barred from the nation's forex market.
The Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, stated this after the 329th Bankers' Committee meeting held at the apex bank's office in Lagos on Wednesday.
She said, "In the CBN's move to manage the demand for forex, there was a rule that was put in place that people were not allowed to withdraw more than $50,000 annually on their naira debit cards.
"For a while, the policy has been abused by bank customers, and the CBN has not taken any step to that effect. We have decided to take the step now to enforce the rule. So, we want members of the public to remember that that rule is in place.
"All your accounts are linked to a particular Bank Verification Number. Now, that the BVN only allows you to withdraw only $50,000 per annum, if people continue to breach that rule, they will lose access to forex market."
Dollar scarcity has been ravaging the economy after the price of crude oil, Nigeria's main forex earner.
It crashed from $110 per barrel to around $44 per barrel from June 2014.
The nation's foreign exchange reserves have been depleting since then.
On Wednesday, the country's external reserves hit an 11-year low of $24.21bn, the latest data posted on the CBN website showed.
This means a limited amount of dollars will be available at the official interbank spot market, fuelling concerns over another round of depreciation of the naira.
The foreign exchange reserves fell by $600m in two weeks before shedding $1bn in four weeks, the CBN statistics showed.
An expert at Ernst and Young, Mr. Bisi Sanda, lamented on the dollar pressure on the economy.
He said the Federal Government needed political will to address the issues fuelling dollar scarcity on the economy.
He said, "The issue of dollar is very important to the economy. It is predicated on the fact that we are a dollar-denominated economy. It appears the government is still begging issues as far as the import-dependent state of our economy is concerned.
"We need to fix issues, we need to go back to the drawing board. The CBN said between 2010 and 2016, a total of $11bn was sold to the Bureaux De Change annually. We need to plug leakages in this area."
Hired Killer Sent To Kill Lady Falls In Love, Demands S3x (Photo)
Deposit Money Banks have begun suspending their Automated Teller Machine cards (debit and credit) from working overseas as dollar scarcity continues to hit the economy badly.
Stanbic IBTC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank on Friday announced the suspension of their overseas ATM card services.
Also suspended by the banks are online transactions priced in foreign currencies. This means that customers of the banks will no longer be able to use their debit or credit cards to make online transactions that are denominated in dollars, euros, pounds sterling and other foreign currencies.
In a note to its customers on Friday entitled: 'Suspension of international transactions on naira debit cards', Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria said, "Please be informed that effective immediately, your naira denominated debit cards will no longer be functional for international transactions.
"This is due to the current volatility in the foreign exchange market. Your naira-denominated debit cards can only be used for local transactions at Point of Sale terminals, Automated Teller Machines and online for Nigerian retailers."
In a text message to its customers on Friday, Stanbic IBTC Bank similarly said, "Dear customer, kindly note that effective October 18, 2016, your ability to carry out transactions priced in foreign currency using our naira debit and credit cards will be suspended. We apologise for any inconvenience in this regard."
Both Stanbic IBTC Bank and Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria advised customers seeking to carry out transactions denominated in foreign exchange to apply for dollar or pounds sterling debit credit cards. According to them, the dollar or pounds sterling debit or credit cards will be linked to the customers' domiciliary accounts.
GTBank also announced the suspension of the ATM cash withdrawal service abroad. The lender also slashed its monthly ATM forex transactions to $100.
In a notice to customers on Friday entitled: 'Review of the international spending limit on your naira Master Card', the bank stated, "We write to inform you of the monthly spending limits currently applicable when using your GTBank naira Master Card for international payments via PoS and online. Previous monthly limit via PoS and online was $250; the new monthly limit via PoS and online is now $100. Kindly note that ATM cash withdrawal on your naira MasterCard is now only available in Nigeria."
The development will make students studying in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ukraine and other parts of the world to face more challenges getting their monthly stipends from their parents.
Most of the students had relied on the ATM card withdrawal to get their monthly stipends from their parents before now.
This means customers seeking to do foreign transactions will have to open domiciliary accounts and fund same with dollars, pounds or euros purchased from the parallel market at the prevailing exchange rates.
Although other banks have yet to announce the suspension of ATM card services abroad, findings by our correspondent showed that many lenders had reduced drastically the amount that customers could withdraw via ATMs abroad.
This is despite the fact that the banks have in the past few months reduced the monthly total amount of forex-denominated transactions that customers can do, using their naira debit or credit cards via ATMs and PoS terminals abroad as well as online payments or transactions.
As of last week, findings showed that some banks had slashed their daily ATM withdrawal limit abroad from the $300 advised by the Central Bank of Nigeria's Bankers Committee to $100 due to their inability to source for dollars to fund the transactions.
Unconfirmed sources said some banks had reduced their monthly ATM withdrawal limit abroad to $100.
Top banking officials close to the development told our correspondent under the condition of anonymity that banks were increasingly finding it difficult to fund their foreign-currency denominated services, especially online forex transactions and overseas ATM withdrawals, as well as PoS usage overseas by customers.
A top official of Deposit Money Bank, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on Sunday, "We have to stop the services. Formerly, we were sourcing forex at high prices and we were selling same to customers at similarly high prices. But the situation is now tense; the dollar scarcity has assumed a new dimension.
"This is coupled with the fact that some bank customers are using the platforms to do round-tripping. It is high time we stopped it."
The decision by some banks to suspend overseas ATM card services and online forex transactions came barely one week after the CBN, through the Bankers' Committee, raised concerns about what it called the indiscriminate and suspicious manner in which some bank customers were spending dollars and other foreign currencies abroad through their naira debit cards.
Consequently, the regulator said it had concluded that bank customers who spent above the $50,000 annual forex limit it imposed would be barred from the nation's forex market.
The Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, stated this after the 329th Bankers' Committee meeting held at the apex bank's office in Lagos on Wednesday.
She said, "In the CBN's move to manage the demand for forex, there was a rule that was put in place that people were not allowed to withdraw more than $50,000 annually on their naira debit cards.
"For a while, the policy has been abused by bank customers, and the CBN has not taken any step to that effect. We have decided to take the step now to enforce the rule. So, we want members of the public to remember that that rule is in place.
"All your accounts are linked to a particular Bank Verification Number. Now, that the BVN only allows you to withdraw only $50,000 per annum, if people continue to breach that rule, they will lose access to forex market."
Dollar scarcity has been ravaging the economy after the price of crude oil, Nigeria's main forex earner.
It crashed from $110 per barrel to around $44 per barrel from June 2014.
The nation's foreign exchange reserves have been depleting since then.
On Wednesday, the country's external reserves hit an 11-year low of $24.21bn, the latest data posted on the CBN website showed.
This means a limited amount of dollars will be available at the official interbank spot market, fuelling concerns over another round of depreciation of the naira.
The foreign exchange reserves fell by $600m in two weeks before shedding $1bn in four weeks, the CBN statistics showed.
An expert at Ernst and Young, Mr. Bisi Sanda, lamented on the dollar pressure on the economy.
He said the Federal Government needed political will to address the issues fuelling dollar scarcity on the economy.
He said, "The issue of dollar is very important to the economy. It is predicated on the fact that we are a dollar-denominated economy. It appears the government is still begging issues as far as the import-dependent state of our economy is concerned.
"We need to fix issues, we need to go back to the drawing board. The CBN said between 2010 and 2016, a total of $11bn was sold to the Bureaux De Change annually. We need to plug leakages in this area."
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspect, Tayo Adeyemi, who confessed to have been hired to kill a female hotel lodger in the Alakija, Satellite Town area of the state.
Adeyemi, who hails from Kwara State, told Punch that he was arrested by the police after he sneaked into the hotel, White House, and demanded that his target, simply known as Rosemary, had sex with him so he would spare her life.
Punch Metro gathered that Adeyemi, who dropped out of senior secondary school, was arrested by the Satellite Town Police Division last Thursday.
It was learnt that penultimate Wednesday, Adeyemi was brought by two gang members on a motorcycle to the hotel to kill Rosemary.
However, once Adeyemi laid his eyes on his supposed target, he reportedly fell in love with her and eventually attempted to rape her after she rebuffed his pleas to have sex with him.
Rosemary, however, raised the alarm.
The hotel management subsequently called the police, and Adeyemi was arrested.
A Punch correspondent learnt that one locally-made pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from Adeyemi, who had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja.
The police said the suspect belonged to a three-man gang, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing two gang members.
Speaking with Punch Metro, Adeyemi said he gave the woman N1,500 to have sex with her, adding that he fell in love with his target.
Adeyemi, who spoke in pidgin English, said, "I was working as a casual worker at a bottling company in the Apapa area before I met the gang members in the Ajegunle area. A friend, Wisdom, had invited me to stay in his house.
"His friends, who are Eiye Confraternity members, saw me and said they had a job for me. They said the job was to kill a woman. I said I could not do such a job, but they threatened to kill me and since they had guns, I was afraid.
"Finally, I was left with no option but to do their wish. One of them, Ahmed, gave me the gun and they brought me on a motorcycle to the hotel. But when I got to the hotel room and saw the woman, I fell in love with her and I had mercy on her.
"I told her that I was sent to kill her, but since I loved her, I would just have sex with her. When she declined, I offered her N1,500, and said I would take her necklaces and wristwatch away and lie to my gang members that she had been killed. But she raised the alarm.
"Everyone in the hotel called the police, the Oodua Peoples' Congress and other vigilance groups. The hotel management called the police at the Satellite Town division.
"When my parents heard about my arrest, they were disappointed. I told them that I was being threatened by the cult members. I did not mean to kill the lady. Otherwise, I would have shot her and run away."
The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the command would not give criminals a breathing space in the state.
Naira to continue gain on dollar supply to BDCs
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspect, Tayo Adeyemi, who confessed to have been hired to kill a female hotel lodger in the Alakija, Satellite Town area of the state.
Adeyemi, who hails from Kwara State, told Punch that he was arrested by the police after he sneaked into the hotel, White House, and demanded that his target, simply known as Rosemary, had sex with him so he would spare her life.
Punch Metro gathered that Adeyemi, who dropped out of senior secondary school, was arrested by the Satellite Town Police Division last Thursday.
It was learnt that penultimate Wednesday, Adeyemi was brought by two gang members on a motorcycle to the hotel to kill Rosemary.
However, once Adeyemi laid his eyes on his supposed target, he reportedly fell in love with her and eventually attempted to rape her after she rebuffed his pleas to have sex with him.
Rosemary, however, raised the alarm.
The hotel management subsequently called the police, and Adeyemi was arrested.
A Punch correspondent learnt that one locally-made pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from Adeyemi, who had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja.
The police said the suspect belonged to a three-man gang, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing two gang members.
Speaking with Punch Metro, Adeyemi said he gave the woman N1,500 to have sex with her, adding that he fell in love with his target.
Adeyemi, who spoke in pidgin English, said, "I was working as a casual worker at a bottling company in the Apapa area before I met the gang members in the Ajegunle area. A friend, Wisdom, had invited me to stay in his house.
"His friends, who are Eiye Confraternity members, saw me and said they had a job for me. They said the job was to kill a woman. I said I could not do such a job, but they threatened to kill me and since they had guns, I was afraid.
"Finally, I was left with no option but to do their wish. One of them, Ahmed, gave me the gun and they brought me on a motorcycle to the hotel. But when I got to the hotel room and saw the woman, I fell in love with her and I had mercy on her.
"I told her that I was sent to kill her, but since I loved her, I would just have sex with her. When she declined, I offered her N1,500, and said I would take her necklaces and wristwatch away and lie to my gang members that she had been killed. But she raised the alarm.
"Everyone in the hotel called the police, the Oodua Peoples' Congress and other vigilance groups. The hotel management called the police at the Satellite Town division.
"When my parents heard about my arrest, they were disappointed. I told them that I was being threatened by the cult members. I did not mean to kill the lady. Otherwise, I would have shot her and run away."
The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the command would not give criminals a breathing space in the state.
The naira is expected to appreciate further this week following the Central Bank of Nigeria's approval of dollar sale to Bureau De Change operators.
The CBN has given approvals to First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Travelex, a global foreign exchange company, to commence sale of dollars to the BDC operators.
Travelex had last week commenced dollar sale to the BDC operators in line with the central bank's approval and directive.
First Bank also said it had received the CBN approval to commence sale of dollars to the BDC operators.
The naira closed at 460 to the dollar on Friday, firmer than 473 the previous Friday. At the official window, the local currency was quoted at 314.50/dollar on the official interbank window at 11:21GMT.
The local currency has consistently closed around 305 to the dollar in the last four weeks.
"About 1,700 bureaux de change are currently accessing $15,000 each from Travelex every week and we expect the improved dollar liquidity in the market to have positive impact on the value of the naira," the President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, told Reuters.
The Ghana cedi is expected to maintain its stability against the dollar this week and news of higher than expected inflation will take time to filter through to the foreign exchange market.
The cedi closed at 3.9600 against the dollar on Friday. Ghana's central bank had set a mid-term target for inflation of eight per cent by mid-2017 but inflation rose to 17.2 percent in September, from 16.9
The Tanzanian shilling is expected to remain stable this week due to sapped demand for United States dollars.
The Tanzanian shilling is forecast to remain stable this week with a slowdown in demand for the United States dollars from importers.
Commercial banks quoted the shilling at 2,178/2,188 to the dollar on Friday, unchanged from it recorded the previous week.
The Kenyan shilling is expected to find support from foreign exchange inflows from institutional investors buying government securities.
At 0905 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 101.20/40 to the dollar, the same as last Friday.
"There are capital flows coming into the market and I see that supporting the shilling," said a trader from a commercial bank.
The Zambian kwacha may come under pressure this week due to reduced supply of dollars.
At 1214 GMT, commercial banks quoted the currency of Africa's second-largest copper producer at 9.9500 per dollar from 9.8900 a week ago.
"After the tax payment deadline, we could see a reduction in (dollar) supply and consequently take the rate higher," the local branch of South Africa's First National Bank said in a note.
The Ugandan shilling is forecast to weaken over the next one week, sapped by surging appetite from offshore investors cutting positions in government debt and banks taking advantage of excess local currency liquidity.
At 2201 GMT commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,435/3,445, weaker than last Friday's close of 3,400/3,410.
"There's quite a lot of liquidity in the interbank and I think players will be taking advantage of that to build positions," said a trader at one commercial bank, who added that offshore investors would also likely be offloading some debt after a fall in debt yields at recent auctions.
60-year-old driver rapes mental patient
The naira is expected to appreciate further this week following the Central Bank of Nigeria's approval of dollar sale to Bureau De Change operators.
The CBN has given approvals to First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Travelex, a global foreign exchange company, to commence sale of dollars to the BDC operators.
Travelex had last week commenced dollar sale to the BDC operators in line with the central bank's approval and directive.
First Bank also said it had received the CBN approval to commence sale of dollars to the BDC operators.
The naira closed at 460 to the dollar on Friday, firmer than 473 the previous Friday. At the official window, the local currency was quoted at 314.50/dollar on the official interbank window at 11:21GMT.
The local currency has consistently closed around 305 to the dollar in the last four weeks.
"About 1,700 bureaux de change are currently accessing $15,000 each from Travelex every week and we expect the improved dollar liquidity in the market to have positive impact on the value of the naira," the President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, told Reuters.
The Ghana cedi is expected to maintain its stability against the dollar this week and news of higher than expected inflation will take time to filter through to the foreign exchange market.
The cedi closed at 3.9600 against the dollar on Friday. Ghana's central bank had set a mid-term target for inflation of eight per cent by mid-2017 but inflation rose to 17.2 percent in September, from 16.9
The Tanzanian shilling is expected to remain stable this week due to sapped demand for United States dollars.
The Tanzanian shilling is forecast to remain stable this week with a slowdown in demand for the United States dollars from importers.
Commercial banks quoted the shilling at 2,178/2,188 to the dollar on Friday, unchanged from it recorded the previous week.
The Kenyan shilling is expected to find support from foreign exchange inflows from institutional investors buying government securities.
At 0905 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 101.20/40 to the dollar, the same as last Friday.
"There are capital flows coming into the market and I see that supporting the shilling," said a trader from a commercial bank.
The Zambian kwacha may come under pressure this week due to reduced supply of dollars.
At 1214 GMT, commercial banks quoted the currency of Africa's second-largest copper producer at 9.9500 per dollar from 9.8900 a week ago.
"After the tax payment deadline, we could see a reduction in (dollar) supply and consequently take the rate higher," the local branch of South Africa's First National Bank said in a note.
The Ugandan shilling is forecast to weaken over the next one week, sapped by surging appetite from offshore investors cutting positions in government debt and banks taking advantage of excess local currency liquidity.
At 2201 GMT commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,435/3,445, weaker than last Friday's close of 3,400/3,410.
"There's quite a lot of liquidity in the interbank and I think players will be taking advantage of that to build positions," said a trader at one commercial bank, who added that offshore investors would also likely be offloading some debt after a fall in debt yields at recent auctions.
There was chaos at Iya Abiodun bus stop, Ifo, Ogun State, after a security guard, Abdullahi Muhammed, caught a 60-year-old trailer driver, Lawal Bankole, allegedly having sex with his wife, Tope, on their matrimonial bed.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the two men could have killed each other but for the intervention of residents who separated them.
The suspect was said to have fled the scene, but was later arrested after Abdullahi reported the case at the Ifo Police Division.
Abdullahi, 45, an indigene of Kano State, told our correspondent that Bankole took advantage of his wife's mental "condition to rape her."
He said his wife's mental problem started before he met her.
He said, "My wife has mental problem, which started during her first marriage. She had a surgery that time, but there was a complication which led to the problem. Her ex-husband rejected her, saying he could not live with a mentally-ill person.
"Her family had taken her to different prayer houses for solution to no avail before I came into the picture. I assisted them with money and they decided to hand her over to me in marriage.
"I made sure she stayed indoors always. All she does is to cook and wash my clothes. However, once in a month, she goes to visit her mother and returns. We have a child together, who is about two years old. Her condition is improving, but she is not totally sound yet."
He explained that on Tuesday, he had returned from a trip to Lagos Island to meet Bankole on top of his wife.
He said, "I had returned from my trip when I met him on top of my wife. I had a cutlass and a knife at home and I wanted to kill him. But I had a rethink and I decided to hold him.
"But he tore my clothes and bit me. He fought me and took hold of the cutlass; I held him. We were fighting when people separated us and he escaped.
"However, I held on to his trousers, which contained his driving licence, some cash, phones and ATM cards. I used the items as my evidence. I reported the matter at the police station after which he was arrested."
The wife, 24-year-old Tope, an indigene of Osun State, told our correspondent that the suspect gave her N200.
She said, "I have never met the man before. That day, he entered our compound and asked if I wanted to eat and I said yes. He gave me N200 and went away.
"He later returned and asked me to undress and I did. He put me on the bed and had sex with me. I knew he wasn't my husband, but I couldn't shout or do anything. Then my husband entered and caught him.
"The two men started fighting. I ran downstairs to call people. Our neighbours separated them."
A human rights lawyer, Isaac Durowoju, said the accused had been boasting that nothing would happen to him, adding that the Investigating Police Officer had not treated the case with the seriousness it deserved.
He said, "The woman's husband has refused mediation because he was not sure if the suspect has HIV or not. He also said in his culture, if any man makes love to another person's wife, that woman from that point ceases to be his wife. But he said he could not abandon his wife because of her mental condition. And finally, how is he sure that the suspect is not diabolical?"
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court.
He said, "The police have arrested the man and he has confessed to the crime. He took advantage of the woman's mental condition. He will be arraigned in court."
Wizkid's Son Boluwatife Shows Off His Long Hair & Swag In New Photos - PEEK!
There was chaos at Iya Abiodun bus stop, Ifo, Ogun State, after a security guard, Abdullahi Muhammed, caught a 60-year-old trailer driver, Lawal Bankole, allegedly having sex with his wife, Tope, on their matrimonial bed.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the two men could have killed each other but for the intervention of residents who separated them.
The suspect was said to have fled the scene, but was later arrested after Abdullahi reported the case at the Ifo Police Division.
Abdullahi, 45, an indigene of Kano State, told our correspondent that Bankole took advantage of his wife's mental "condition to rape her."
He said his wife's mental problem started before he met her.
He said, "My wife has mental problem, which started during her first marriage. She had a surgery that time, but there was a complication which led to the problem. Her ex-husband rejected her, saying he could not live with a mentally-ill person.
"Her family had taken her to different prayer houses for solution to no avail before I came into the picture. I assisted them with money and they decided to hand her over to me in marriage.
"I made sure she stayed indoors always. All she does is to cook and wash my clothes. However, once in a month, she goes to visit her mother and returns. We have a child together, who is about two years old. Her condition is improving, but she is not totally sound yet."
He explained that on Tuesday, he had returned from a trip to Lagos Island to meet Bankole on top of his wife.
He said, "I had returned from my trip when I met him on top of my wife. I had a cutlass and a knife at home and I wanted to kill him. But I had a rethink and I decided to hold him.
"But he tore my clothes and bit me. He fought me and took hold of the cutlass; I held him. We were fighting when people separated us and he escaped.
"However, I held on to his trousers, which contained his driving licence, some cash, phones and ATM cards. I used the items as my evidence. I reported the matter at the police station after which he was arrested."
The wife, 24-year-old Tope, an indigene of Osun State, told our correspondent that the suspect gave her N200.
She said, "I have never met the man before. That day, he entered our compound and asked if I wanted to eat and I said yes. He gave me N200 and went away.
"He later returned and asked me to undress and I did. He put me on the bed and had sex with me. I knew he wasn't my husband, but I couldn't shout or do anything. Then my husband entered and caught him.
"The two men started fighting. I ran downstairs to call people. Our neighbours separated them."
A human rights lawyer, Isaac Durowoju, said the accused had been boasting that nothing would happen to him, adding that the Investigating Police Officer had not treated the case with the seriousness it deserved.
He said, "The woman's husband has refused mediation because he was not sure if the suspect has HIV or not. He also said in his culture, if any man makes love to another person's wife, that woman from that point ceases to be his wife. But he said he could not abandon his wife because of her mental condition. And finally, how is he sure that the suspect is not diabolical?"
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court.
He said, "The police have arrested the man and he has confessed to the crime. He took advantage of the woman's mental condition. He will be arraigned in court."
These photos were shared about a month ago and somehow we missed sharing them with you and just thought to share them now.
Wizkid's son, Boluwatife is growing by the day and is also showing off his really nice look like his dad does. We would like to know what you think of the hairstyle? Checkout the photos below:
Buhari Set to Defy ECOWAS Court Order to Release Dasuki on Constitutional Grounds
These photos were shared about a month ago and somehow we missed sharing them with you and just thought to share them now.
Wizkid's son, Boluwatife is growing by the day and is also showing off his really nice look like his dad does. We would like to know what you think of the hairstyle? Checkout the photos below:
The Nigerian government is not obligated to obey a ruling of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Court that a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, be released from the custody of the State Security Service, a presidential aide has said.
The ECOWAS Court, on October 4, had declared the continued detention of Mr. Dasuki unlawful, arbitrary and a violation of his right to liberty.
The former NSA is accused of misspending billions of dollars meant for procurement of arms for fight against Boko Haram. The government also accuses him of illegal possession of firearms.
Mr. Dasuki was arrested in December 2015, and has been in detention since then.
"It is advisory opinion," President Muhammadu Buhari's adviser on prosecution, Okoi Obla, said of the ECOWAS' court ruling, in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES.
"The ECOWAS Court cannot enforce opinion. The government is not obligated to obey the ruling of the ECOWAS Court."
The ECOWAS Court was created pursuant to the Article 6 and Article 15 of the Revised Treaty of ECOWAS, the political-economic bloc of the West African countries.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Treaty which is "binding on the member states, the institutions of the community, individuals and corporate bodies," as its Article 15(4) provides.
But Section 12(1) of the Nigerian Constitution says "No treaty between the Federation (Nigeria) and any other country shall have the force of law except to the extent to which any such treaty has been enacted by the National Assembly".
The National Assembly has not domesticated the Revised Treaty and the Supplementary Protocol regarding the ECOWAS Court.
Regardless, analysts expect Nigeria to obey the ruling as an exemplary demonstration of its leadership position in the West African sub-region.
37-Year Old Man Jailed 6 Months For Touching Girl's Breast
The Nigerian government is not obligated to obey a ruling of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Court that a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, be released from the custody of the State Security Service, a presidential aide has said.
The ECOWAS Court, on October 4, had declared the continued detention of Mr. Dasuki unlawful, arbitrary and a violation of his right to liberty.
The former NSA is accused of misspending billions of dollars meant for procurement of arms for fight against Boko Haram. The government also accuses him of illegal possession of firearms.
Mr. Dasuki was arrested in December 2015, and has been in detention since then.
"It is advisory opinion," President Muhammadu Buhari's adviser on prosecution, Okoi Obla, said of the ECOWAS' court ruling, in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES.
"The ECOWAS Court cannot enforce opinion. The government is not obligated to obey the ruling of the ECOWAS Court."
The ECOWAS Court was created pursuant to the Article 6 and Article 15 of the Revised Treaty of ECOWAS, the political-economic bloc of the West African countries.
Nigeria is a signatory to the Treaty which is "binding on the member states, the institutions of the community, individuals and corporate bodies," as its Article 15(4) provides.
But Section 12(1) of the Nigerian Constitution says "No treaty between the Federation (Nigeria) and any other country shall have the force of law except to the extent to which any such treaty has been enacted by the National Assembly".
The National Assembly has not domesticated the Revised Treaty and the Supplementary Protocol regarding the ECOWAS Court.
Regardless, analysts expect Nigeria to obey the ruling as an exemplary demonstration of its leadership position in the West African sub-region.
An Ikeja magistrate's Court, weekend, sentenced a 37-year-old man, Ibrahim Abu, to six months imprisonment for touching the breast of a 17-year-old girl (names withheld) without her consent.
Abu, who lives at 6, Mosque Close, Isheri-Olofin, Lagos State, was arraigned before Magistrate Osusanmi and sentenced last Friday for s3xually assaulting the girl Monday last week.
Vanguard gathered that the girl was asked by her parents to learn hairdressing, while awaiting the release of her Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, SSCE, result.
It was learned that at 7:30p.m. last week Monday, while she was returning home, Abu accosted the victim at Baale Bus Stop Akowonjo, and touched her breast without seeking her consent.
It was gathered that in retaliation, she slapped Abu and he hit her with a plank; she reportedly fell, became unconscious and was rushed to a hospital.
Abu was later arrested by policemen attached to Shasha Police Station and the case reported to Domestic, Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT.
Delivering her judgment, Osusanmi said the offence contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
Reacting over the judgement, Coordinator of DSVRT, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said: 'While we are pleased with this conviction, this case depicts the current height of impunity with which abusers act'.
Sex offenders in Indonesia to be castrated or executed
An Ikeja magistrate's Court, weekend, sentenced a 37-year-old man, Ibrahim Abu, to six months imprisonment for touching the breast of a 17-year-old girl (names withheld) without her consent.
Abu, who lives at 6, Mosque Close, Isheri-Olofin, Lagos State, was arraigned before Magistrate Osusanmi and sentenced last Friday for s3xually assaulting the girl Monday last week.
Vanguard gathered that the girl was asked by her parents to learn hairdressing, while awaiting the release of her Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, SSCE, result.
It was learned that at 7:30p.m. last week Monday, while she was returning home, Abu accosted the victim at Baale Bus Stop Akowonjo, and touched her breast without seeking her consent.
It was gathered that in retaliation, she slapped Abu and he hit her with a plank; she reportedly fell, became unconscious and was rushed to a hospital.
Abu was later arrested by policemen attached to Shasha Police Station and the case reported to Domestic, Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT.
Delivering her judgment, Osusanmi said the offence contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
Reacting over the judgement, Coordinator of DSVRT, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said: 'While we are pleased with this conviction, this case depicts the current height of impunity with which abusers act'.
Paedophiles can be chemically castrated or executed under tough new laws passed by the Indonesian parliament.
Repeat offenders and those who abuse family members face 10 to 20 years jail and courts can also order their chemical castration and tagging with a microchip.
Those who murder their victims or leave them with permanent physical or psychological trauma, or give them a sexually transmitted disease, can be executed.
The harsher penalties were prompted by the shocking rape and murder of 14-year-old girl Yuyun (pictured above) in Sumatra by a gang of 12 men and boys in May.
Her battered body was found three days later in woods, tied up and naked. Seven teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were jailed soon after for their part in the incident.
Indonesia is a hotspot for Western paedophiles, with more than 100 sex criminals caught travelling to the country since 2014 from Australia alone.
Tension in Kaduna, Two Killed as Youths with Weapons Attack Shiites Muslim Group
Paedophiles can be chemically castrated or executed under tough new laws passed by the Indonesian parliament.
Repeat offenders and those who abuse family members face 10 to 20 years jail and courts can also order their chemical castration and tagging with a microchip.
Those who murder their victims or leave them with permanent physical or psychological trauma, or give them a sexually transmitted disease, can be executed.
The harsher penalties were prompted by the shocking rape and murder of 14-year-old girl Yuyun (pictured above) in Sumatra by a gang of 12 men and boys in May.
Her battered body was found three days later in woods, tied up and naked. Seven teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were jailed soon after for their part in the incident.
Indonesia is a hotspot for Western paedophiles, with more than 100 sex criminals caught travelling to the country since 2014 from Australia alone.
Two members of the Shiite movement were reportedly killed on Saturday as the group tried to rebuild its school destroyed near Zango road, Tudun Wada in Kaduna, witnesses said.
Ten other members were injured in the attack.
This has caused panic as many residents of Tudun Wada, Ungwan Muazu, Kinkinau remained indoors. Those caught up along Nnamdi Azikwe way and other streets scampered for safety.
Bala Zango, a shop owner along Zango Road, said the issue was getting out of hand as hundreds of youth were advancing towards Ungwan Muazu to hunt for Shiite members.
Ungwan Muazu is among the areas in Kaduna, where many Shiites reside. "We heard that, two persons suspected to be members of the Shiite were dead," he said. "It's very scary because at the end of the day, it's the innocent people that will fall victim."
Some witnesses said Awwal Maikyau, the Special Adviser on Youth to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was attacked as he attempted to mediate.
"Awwal Yaro Maikyau, the Governors SA on youths whose house is close to the scene of the incident, was also attacked while trying to mediate between them and the irate youths," a family member confirmed.
The Shiites said they were attacked as they tried to rebuild the sect's school that was attacked on Tuesday.
"Some thugs came to attack us with weapons, insisting that we must be evicted completely from the place," one member said.
"Police arrived the scene and went with some of our members and some community members for settlement.
"As they left, 10 of our Shiite members were machete. It was rumoured that one person died, but we are still making inquiries to confirm.
"This is the danger behind playing politics with religion," the member said.
The police spokesperson, Aliyu Usman, told Premium Times that the police are monitoring the situation. "Please be patient, we are monitoring the situation, we shall get back to you later," he said.
Actress Chika Ike Stuns In Yellow At Press Briefing For Her Reality Show (Photos)
Two members of the Shiite movement were reportedly killed on Saturday as the group tried to rebuild its school destroyed near Zango road, Tudun Wada in Kaduna, witnesses said.
Ten other members were injured in the attack.
This has caused panic as many residents of Tudun Wada, Ungwan Muazu, Kinkinau remained indoors. Those caught up along Nnamdi Azikwe way and other streets scampered for safety.
Bala Zango, a shop owner along Zango Road, said the issue was getting out of hand as hundreds of youth were advancing towards Ungwan Muazu to hunt for Shiite members.
Ungwan Muazu is among the areas in Kaduna, where many Shiites reside. "We heard that, two persons suspected to be members of the Shiite were dead," he said. "It's very scary because at the end of the day, it's the innocent people that will fall victim."
Some witnesses said Awwal Maikyau, the Special Adviser on Youth to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was attacked as he attempted to mediate.
"Awwal Yaro Maikyau, the Governors SA on youths whose house is close to the scene of the incident, was also attacked while trying to mediate between them and the irate youths," a family member confirmed.
The Shiites said they were attacked as they tried to rebuild the sect's school that was attacked on Tuesday.
"Some thugs came to attack us with weapons, insisting that we must be evicted completely from the place," one member said.
"Police arrived the scene and went with some of our members and some community members for settlement.
"As they left, 10 of our Shiite members were machete. It was rumoured that one person died, but we are still making inquiries to confirm.
"This is the danger behind playing politics with religion," the member said.
The police spokesperson, Aliyu Usman, told Premium Times that the police are monitoring the situation. "Please be patient, we are monitoring the situation, we shall get back to you later," he said.
The police spokesperson, Aliyu Usman, told Premium Times that the police are monitoring the situation. "Please be patient, we are monitoring the situation, we shall get back to you later," he said.
Nollywood actress, Chika Ike was at the premises of Africa Independent Television to finalise moves for the airing of her reality show African Diva on the station.
The delectable actress looked radiant and beautiful to the event in a lovely looking yellow outfit.
More photos below:
SINGLE MOM WHO LIKES TO GET MARRIED SOME DAY
Nollywood actress, Chika Ike was at the premises of Africa Independent Television to finalise moves for the airing of her reality show African Diva on the station.
The delectable actress looked radiant and beautiful to the event in a lovely looking yellow outfit.
More photos below:
Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade has said she has not ruled out marriage in her life despite having two boys (9 and 5); saying she is a sucker for love. She says many would have expected her to rule out that aspect from her life, considering the things she went through when she was married to the father of her children, but she can't because she believes in love. Hear her;
"I haven't ruled out marriage. I am a big sucker for love. With the things I have experienced in the past, you may think I would give up on love but I am a big sucker for love. At this moment, I am just taking my time. I am just focusing on myself and my kids and my career. But I can never say never to love and marriage."
With two lovely kids, nine and five, Adunni said the youngsters have adapted to their lives in Nigeria.
"I brought my kids back from the States. Who carried them? Was I not the one? I can't leave my kids in the States. I might be mixed but when it comes to my kids, I think the Naija part of me. Their dad has no problem with it. They have been here with me for almost three years and they love it."
I Have No Time For Dating, I'm Single - Davido
Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade has said she has not ruled out marriage in her life despite having two boys (9 and 5); saying she is a sucker for love. She says many would have expected her to rule out that aspect from her life, considering the things she went through when she was married to the father of her children, but she can't because she believes in love. Hear her;
"I haven't ruled out marriage. I am a big sucker for love. With the things I have experienced in the past, you may think I would give up on love but I am a big sucker for love. At this moment, I am just taking my time. I am just focusing on myself and my kids and my career. But I can never say never to love and marriage."
With two lovely kids, nine and five, Adunni said the youngsters have adapted to their lives in Nigeria.
"I brought my kids back from the States. Who carried them? Was I not the one? I can't leave my kids in the States. I might be mixed but when it comes to my kids, I think the Naija part of me. Their dad has no problem with it. They have been here with me for almost three years and they love it."
The singer during an interview with BeatFM on Friday, blamed his busy schedule for the reason he has no time for relationship. Davido said:
"I don't have a girlfriend.
"Right now, I'm all over the place, I don't think am ready for a relationship.
"I don't know where I will be in 10 years, but I know I'll be chilling," he quipped
Stop Child Marriage
The singer during an interview with BeatFM on Friday, blamed his busy schedule for the reason he has no time for relationship. Davido said:
"I don't have a girlfriend.
"Right now, I'm all over the place, I don't think am ready for a relationship.
"I don't know where I will be in 10 years, but I know I'll be chilling," he quipped
The Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido, his speaking out once again on child marriage saying it is wrong as the consequences are severe. The Emir made this known on his official instagram page sanusilamidosanusi this morning. Long live the king. His unedited words below...
(Marriage of women below 18 years)
Women are suffering from reproductive health challenges were products of such marriages. Time had come when the Muslim community should live by the reality of economic recession and consequences of early marriage. The era when people gave out their daughters in marriage at early ages and asked the husbands to wait till they were ripe was nothing but a deception. According to me, strategy no longer worked as it had led to cases of divorce and other ugly situations.
In the past the rich and the poor married four wives and bore between 30 and 40 children because the economy was not only buoyant but also because people were not relying on government for sustenance.
Though the harsh economic realities now make it impossible for people to feed twice a day these days. "Unfortunately our people do not change and somebody with virtually nothing still give birth to 20 or 30 children and this must stop".
There was a need to peg the marriage age now because of the challenges early marriage was posing. The marriage age in Egypt at present was 18 while that of Malaysia and Morocco were 19 and 17 respectively, asking "Why not we here urgently call for pegging of marriage ages within Muslim Ummah in Nigeria?" Nigerian Muslims also practice the Malikiyas School of thought as these countries.
"We should follow suit and peg our own marriage ages for our own good". I urge the relevant authorities to create a law that would punish anybody that gave birth to children and allowed them to suffer. Most of those neglected children not only turned victims of social vices but also engage in terrorism. - Muhammadu Sanusi II.
How We Negotiated Chibok Girls' Freedom
The Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido, his speaking out once again on child marriage saying it is wrong as the consequences are severe. The Emir made this known on his official instagram page sanusilamidosanusi this morning. Long live the king. His unedited words below...
(Marriage of women below 18 years)
Women are suffering from reproductive health challenges were products of such marriages. Time had come when the Muslim community should live by the reality of economic recession and consequences of early marriage. The era when people gave out their daughters in marriage at early ages and asked the husbands to wait till they were ripe was nothing but a deception. According to me, strategy no longer worked as it had led to cases of divorce and other ugly situations.
In the past the rich and the poor married four wives and bore between 30 and 40 children because the economy was not only buoyant but also because people were not relying on government for sustenance.
Though the harsh economic realities now make it impossible for people to feed twice a day these days. "Unfortunately our people do not change and somebody with virtually nothing still give birth to 20 or 30 children and this must stop".
There was a need to peg the marriage age now because of the challenges early marriage was posing. The marriage age in Egypt at present was 18 while that of Malaysia and Morocco were 19 and 17 respectively, asking "Why not we here urgently call for pegging of marriage ages within Muslim Ummah in Nigeria?" Nigerian Muslims also practice the Malikiyas School of thought as these countries.
"We should follow suit and peg our own marriage ages for our own good". I urge the relevant authorities to create a law that would punish anybody that gave birth to children and allowed them to suffer. Most of those neglected children not only turned victims of social vices but also engage in terrorism. - Muhammadu Sanusi II.
A key player in the negotiation that led to Thursday's release of 21 of the Chibok schoolgirls spoke yesterday on the effort that went into the deal.
Vocal civil liberty activist, Senator Shehu Sani drafted the master plan for the negotiation and facilitated the involvement of Switzerland in the talks as well as the Internantional Red Cross in transporting the girls to safety.
He told The Nation yesterday that with the confidence built on both sides,it might not be long before the remaining girls joined their families.
His words: "I believe that this government has achieved what has never been achieved and there I have the confidence that the other girls will also be released through the same process that was taken for these ones to be released.
" The confidence has been built on both sides and the parties have agreed to do more. I can tell you that there was no prisoner swap. There was none."
Explaining his role in the release of the girls,Sani said : "Well I actually did not take part in the negotiation but I was the one who drafted the master plan for the negotiation, and I was also the one who invited the Swiss and the RCRC into it, and I was also the one who linked the Swiss with the person who negotiated .
"This master plan started from 2014 but it was followed through with the effort of the person who negotiated ,who happened to be Mustapha Zanna, a lawyer in Maiduguri. I was the one who brought Mustapha Zanna in with Switzerland and the RCRC.
"So this effort ,this success , could be said to be the joint effort of Mustapha Zanna,Switzerland RCRC and the Department of State Security (DSS).
"But I was the one who drafted the master plan for this. The reason for bringing Swiss into it was because we needed to have a different country that would offer guarantee to both the insurgents and the government because previous talks crashed because there was lack of trust between the government and the insurgents.
"But now, we needed a country that would offer guarantee to both sides. Switzerland offered to assist after I had encountered fellows from some of the countries which we had contacted. "Swiss offered to facilitate the negotiation and I linked them up to the negotiator and the master plan was for the government and the insurgents to negotiate.
Continuing,Sani said: "The agreement was reached through Mustapha Zanna and the Swiss offering the guarantee. RCRC was not part of the negotiation team. All they did was to ensure the implementation of the rescue of the girls.
"This is why you see some accusations and counter accusations between the government and the RCRC."
Asked how he was involved in the 2014 process when he wasn't sure that his party (All Progressives Congress) would form the government, Sani replied: " I was the one who took (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo to Maiduguri to go and work out the possibility of ending the insurgency.
"It is simply my patriotic zeal to contribute to ending the insurgency. The last government was not as committed as this government as you could see many of them turn the issue of the insurgency into a big business. But this is a new government that kept its own promise of addressing this very problem."
On how the girls should be handled now that they are out of captivity,the snator said: "These girls need a lot of psychological rehabilitation for the trauma which they have passed through for all this period of time.
"If you live with the insurgents, you need to b rehabilitated to lead a normal life again. They have been filled with different ideas, so we need to detoxify their minds for the very fact that they felt abandoned; some of them have been brainwashed and indoctrinated. This is why we need to de-worm them. It is very necessary.
"We should all help the parents of these girls to be able to cater for their daughters because at the end of the day, no matter what we do to these girls, they will still need to go back to their homes.
" It will not be unwise for every state of the federation to at least name one street in honour of these girls so that next generation will not forget the names of these girls who have fallen victim of insurgents."
Photos: Wizkid's Son, Boluwatife Graduates
A key player in the negotiation that led to Thursday's release of 21 of the Chibok schoolgirls spoke yesterday on the effort that went into the deal.
Vocal civil liberty activist, Senator Shehu Sani drafted the master plan for the negotiation and facilitated the involvement of Switzerland in the talks as well as the Internantional Red Cross in transporting the girls to safety.
He told The Nation yesterday that with the confidence built on both sides,it might not be long before the remaining girls joined their families.
His words: "I believe that this government has achieved what has never been achieved and there I have the confidence that the other girls will also be released through the same process that was taken for these ones to be released.
" The confidence has been built on both sides and the parties have agreed to do more. I can tell you that there was no prisoner swap. There was none."
Explaining his role in the release of the girls,Sani said : "Well I actually did not take part in the negotiation but I was the one who drafted the master plan for the negotiation, and I was also the one who invited the Swiss and the RCRC into it, and I was also the one who linked the Swiss with the person who negotiated .
"This master plan started from 2014 but it was followed through with the effort of the person who negotiated ,who happened to be Mustapha Zanna, a lawyer in Maiduguri. I was the one who brought Mustapha Zanna in with Switzerland and the RCRC.
"So this effort ,this success , could be said to be the joint effort of Mustapha Zanna,Switzerland RCRC and the Department of State Security (DSS).
"But I was the one who drafted the master plan for this. The reason for bringing Swiss into it was because we needed to have a different country that would offer guarantee to both the insurgents and the government because previous talks crashed because there was lack of trust between the government and the insurgents.
"But now, we needed a country that would offer guarantee to both sides. Switzerland offered to assist after I had encountered fellows from some of the countries which we had contacted. "Swiss offered to facilitate the negotiation and I linked them up to the negotiator and the master plan was for the government and the insurgents to negotiate.
Continuing,Sani said: "The agreement was reached through Mustapha Zanna and the Swiss offering the guarantee. RCRC was not part of the negotiation team. All they did was to ensure the implementation of the rescue of the girls.
"This is why you see some accusations and counter accusations between the government and the RCRC."
Asked how he was involved in the 2014 process when he wasn't sure that his party (All Progressives Congress) would form the government, Sani replied: " I was the one who took (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo to Maiduguri to go and work out the possibility of ending the insurgency.
"It is simply my patriotic zeal to contribute to ending the insurgency. The last government was not as committed as this government as you could see many of them turn the issue of the insurgency into a big business. But this is a new government that kept its own promise of addressing this very problem."
On how the girls should be handled now that they are out of captivity,the snator said: "These girls need a lot of psychological rehabilitation for the trauma which they have passed through for all this period of time.
"If you live with the insurgents, you need to b rehabilitated to lead a normal life again. They have been filled with different ideas, so we need to detoxify their minds for the very fact that they felt abandoned; some of them have been brainwashed and indoctrinated. This is why we need to de-worm them. It is very necessary.
"We should all help the parents of these girls to be able to cater for their daughters because at the end of the day, no matter what we do to these girls, they will still need to go back to their homes.
" It will not be unwise for every state of the federation to at least name one street in honour of these girls so that next generation will not forget the names of these girls who have fallen victim of insurgents."
2016 CAF Player Awards; Iheanacho, Mikel Obi, Three Others Shortlisted (See Full List)
Five Nigerians have been named to vie for the Glo-CAF African Player of the Year and the African Player of the Year (based in Africa) awards.
The England-based trio of Mikel John Obi, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho have been listed in the running for the continent's biggest individual prize in football - the African Player of the Year - alongside 27 other top stars including Riyad Mahrez, Samuel Eto'o, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Victor Wanyama and Eric Bailly.
In the award for the players based in Africa, Enyimba and Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) record scorer Mfon Udoh as well as Chisom Chikatara, now with Wydad Athletic Club (WAC), are up against 23 other players featuring for different clubs on the continent.
Iheanacho, no doubt, has been named in the line-up for CAF's biggest individual award following his impressive time at Manchester City since breaking into the first team of the English outfit. The 20-year-old has already scored four goals in four games for Nigeria this year.
Mikel, notably, led the Nigeria under-23 team to a bronze medal finish at the Summer Olympics in B.razil while Musa was the kingpin in CSKA Moscow's title win in Russia before he crossed to English champions Leicester City.
Enyimba star Udoh, on the other hand, currently leads the goal-scorers' chart in this year's CAF Champions League. He has scored nine goals and unless Zamalek's Bassem Morsy can score six more over two legs in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns, then the Nigerian forward will take that individual prize. CAF is expected to trim the number of nominees before the end of the year. The Glo-CAF Awards takes place in Abuja on January 5, 2017.
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