Police nab two notorious robbery suspects in Enugu

The Enugu Police Command on Tuesday said it had arrested two notorious armed robbery and cult suspects in the state after a long tracking of the suspects.
The police operatives from Ogui Division, Enugu, said this in a news release issued by the command’s spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu.
He said the suspects were nabbed on Aug. 12 within Ogui axis of the state capital.
Amaraizu said the police had been on the trail of the suspects over their alleged nefarious activities ranging from armed robbery and cultism within the environment.
The PPRO said the suspects reside at No 57 Onyiuke Ogui, New layout, Enugu.
He said the suspects were nabbed in a Toyota Camry car with Reg. No PZ 805 ENU alleged to have been stolen.

Boko Haram, gunmen kill 44 at mosque.

The killings took place during dawn prayers on Sunday, although news only emerged on Monday, as communications are disrupted by a state of emergency. The attack occurred in the town of Konduga, 35km (22 miles) from the state capital, Maiduguri. The gunmen are suspected of being from the Islamist group Boko Haram, which has killed thousands since 2009. Twelve further civilians were killed at Ngom village, closer to Maiduguri, reports say. Vigilantes targeted? A member of a civilian vigilante group told the Associated Press that four of their number were killed when they responded to calls for help in Konduga. Several such groups have been set up since the emergency was declared in Borno and two neighbouring states in May. BBC Nigeria correspondent Will Ross says the gunmen may have attacked the mosque in the belief that some of the vigilantes were praying there. Map showing location of Maiduguri in Borno state, Nigeria "We believe the attack was not unconnected with the cooperation residents are giving to security operatives in identifying and arresting Boko Haram members in their midst," a senior government official told the AFP news agency. While the group has frequently attacked churches, it has also occasionally targeted mosques, sometimes those whose preachers disagree with their views. The attackers wore military uniforms, officials say, which they may have taken during recent attacks on a barracks. Nigeria's Daily Post reported that a further 26 people were being treated for injuries in hospital in Maiduguri. After a lull immediately after the emergency was declared, there has been a recent spate of attacks, blamed on Boko Haram. The military cut mobile phone networks when they imposed the state of emergency, saying they wanted to make it more difficult for the militants to organise attacks. However, some local officials have said this prevents civilians from getting help. Boko Haram wants to overthrow the Nigerian government and create an Islamic state in the north. News of the attacks came as a video emerged of the group's leader, Abubakar Shekau, claiming responsibility for recent attacks including some that targeted the police and the military.

UK fines GTBank for inadequate money laundering checks

The United Kingdom-based Financial Conduct Authority has fined the UK subsidiary of the Guaranty Trust Bank over £500,000 for failing to do thorough anti-money laundering checks on its potential clients from high-risk countries.
The FCA said on Friday that between May 2008 and July 2010, the bank had failed to assess potential money-laundering risks, screen customers against sanction lists, establish the purpose of the accounts being opened in their London branch or review the activity of “high risk” accounts, Reuters’ report said.
Guaranty Trust Bank opened a UK office in 2008 offering retail and wholesale banking to private and corporate clients, according to the regulator.
Specifically, the FCA said in a statement that it had levied a £525,000 fine on the UK subsidiary of the bank after it looked at the bank’s systems as part of a wider review into anti-money laundering controls among banks.
A similar report by the Financial Timesquoted the regulator as saying that the bank was not rigorous enough in pressing potential customers on their sources of wealth.
This, it added, included not pressing a client, who was a so-called politically exposed person “wanted by the UK authorities in connection with laundering millions of dollars of embezzled public funds”, on the ultimate source of a cheque for £500,000 that he deposited from an offshore account, according to the regulator’s final investigative report.
The regulator, however, declined to identify the individual, the report stated.
The Nigerian authorities in 2007 named GTB’s parent bank, the first African bank to list in London, as one of two banks used by the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, in their money laundering investigation of him, in which he was acquitted.
Ibori was found guilty of money-laundering and fraud worth £50m last year at Southwark Crown Court and sentenced to 13 years, following a separate investigation and prosecution by the UK authorities.
The UK regulator and its predecessor, the Financial Services Authority, have made anti-money laundering controls a priority over the past two years as tighter directives from Europe and new UK anti-bribery legislation have taken effect.
Reacting to the fine, Bloombergquoted the Managing Director of GTB’s UK unit, Mr. Ade Adebiyi, as saying, “We have fully co-operated with the FCA in its investigation and we have accepted the findings.”
Adebiyi, in an e-mailed statement, however said, “The FCA found no evidence that GTB UK did in fact handle any proceeds of crime.”
He said the lapses occurred early in its set up in Britain and had since been addressed.

NSCDC arrests 34-year-old man for allegedly raping a minor in Jigawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa has arrested a man, 34, for allegedly raping a five-year-old girl in Hadejia local government area.
Mr Muhammad Gidado, the NSCDC Commandant in the state told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Monday that the suspect was arrested at Walawa quarters of Hadejia town on Friday.
Gidado said that the suspect allegedly lured the girl into an uncompleted building and committed the offence.
He said that the suspect was arrested following intelligence report.
The commandant told NAN that medical doctors at the General Hospital, Hadejia, confirmed that the girl was raped.
Gidado said that investigations into the case had been concluded adding that the suspect would soon be taken to court.

Africa’s finest in the Football League

10 of the best Africans playing in the Football League. Medo (Bolton, Sierra Leone) The Story So Far: Medo, 25, made his breakthrough at FC Kallon, the eponymous club of famous Sierra Leonean forward Mohamed. The 2003 Under-17 World Championship in Finland gave Medo an opportunity to escape his home nation, which was still reeling from a devastating decade of civil war. Having received asylum, the youngster began to build his football career with Finnish side KuPS, before moving to Helsinki giants HJK. Last Season: Left Serbian champions Partizan Belgrade during the January window and made a fine first impression at the Reebok Stadium. Great Expectations: Offers Champions League experience and adds dynamism and energy to Bolton’s extensive crop of midfielders. Could be a key performer this term. Plans Next Summer? The Leone Stars dropped out of the race for a 2014 World Cup spot after winning only one of their first five Group B fixtures. Jimmy Kebe (Reading, Mali) The Story So Far: A magician in the Championship, the enigmatic Kebe, 29, was a key player in Reading’s 2012 promotion to the Premier League. Learned his trade in the French league system before arriving at the Madejski Stadium in 2008, and has emerged as a genuine fans’ favourite over the subsequent seasons. Last Season: Scored some crucial goals, and showed glimpses of his class, as Reading battled manfully against Premier League relegation. Only started 16 matches because of injury, a frustrating return for such a talented individual. Great Expectations: Now free of injury, and having signed a contract extension with the Royals, Kebe will be as desperate as anyone in the Reading side to help the club return to the top flight and once more and demonstrate his excellence in the top tier. Plans Next Summer? Already eliminated from World Cup qualifying, Mali won’t be heading to Brazil. Even if they were, Kebe hasn’t featured for the Eagles since 2009. Bongani Khumalo (Doncaster, South Africa) The Story So Far: Arrived in England with Tottenham in 2011, but the 26-year-old has never had a look-in at Spurs, instead finding himself perennially on loan. Last Season: He struggled to impose himself at Preston and Reading in previous years, but excelled at PAOK FC last term, helping the Greek side qualify for the Champions League in the process. Great Expectations: The hope is that Khumalo can finally demonstrate his quality in England. At Doncaster, where he is again on loan, he will doubtless get the chance to show his defensive class, with Paul Dickov’s men expected to struggle in the Championship. Plans Next Summer? South Africa need to better Ethiopia’s result in the final Group A fixture to advance to the play-offs. Despite having captained the side in recent times, Khumalo has fallen out of favour with national team boss Gordon Igesund and was not named in the latest squad. Bakary Sako (Wolves, Mali) The Story So Far: His move to Wolves from Saint Etienne felt like a step in the right direction last summer, following several encouraging years in the Loire. Could surely never have imagined that, a year on, he would be competing in League One while his former club prepare for the Europa League. Last Season: Impressed sporadically during a disastrous campaign for Wolves, managing a respectable nine goals and 11 assists. Great Expectations: Fulham have been linked with the 25-year-old but with Moroccan Adel Taarabt making the switch to west London, it becomes difficult to envisage space for a second mercurial talent at Craven Cottage. Ostensibly, he is far too good for the third tier, but then again, they said the same about Wolves. Plans Next Summer? The former France Under-21 international has refused Mali’s advances in the past, but may decide to opt in as the Eagles attempt to rebuild following another qualification failure. Hope Akpan (Reading, Nigeria) The Story So Far: Released by Everton at 19, Akpan dropped down to Crawley Town and League Two. Following promotion and some impressive performances in the third tier, he was snapped up by Reading in January. Last Season: Despite enduring relegation heartache, the 21-year-old Nigerian demonstrated an aptitude for the top flight during a clutch of Premier League outings. His season was curtailed by an ankle injury. Great Expectations: This term will see Akpan playing in his fourth different league in 18 months. Stability is required, but the drop to the Championship may be the ideal way for the midfielder to establish himself at Reading. Plans Next Summer? Having declared his intention to represent the Super Eagles, Liverpool- born Akpan will be keen to make a good impression this term. Nigeria boss Stephen Keshi favours young, hungry talent, and a positive season for Reading could feasibly finish with Akpan making a trip to Brazil. Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough, Ghana) The Story So Far: Born in Lambeth, 25-year-old Adomah worked his way up through the divisions via Harrow Borough and Barnet before settling at Bristol City. He quickly earned the adulation of the Ashton Gate faithful and was named player of the season for the 2010-11 campaign. Last Season: Continued to impress while those around him floundered. His performances for the Robins led to interest from Wigan. Great Expectations: While his departure will prompt consternation at Bristol City, Middlesbrough can delight in a player who will begin to replace some of the attacking threat lost following Scott McDonald’s switch to Millwall. Plans Next Summer? Brazil on the horizon. After breaking into the squad, Adomah was an integral part of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations outing earlier in the year. However, as the prospect of a World Cup approaches, returning players such as Andre Ayew, Kevin-Prince Boateng and maybe even Michael Essien might affect his role. Adlene Guedioura (Nottingham Forest, Algeria) The Story So Far: Had an unremarkable career in France and Belgium before moving to Wolves in 2010. A broken tibia negated the 27-year-old’s impact in the Black Country and he soon departed for Forest, initially on loan. Last Season: Emerged as a key player – if not the key player – in Billy Davies’s rejuvenated Forest side. Great Expectations: A complete midfielder, Guedioura combines physical prowess with majestic technique. A valuable asset to the team’s midfield, the Algerian is adored by the fans at the City Ground and has the potential to be one of the division’s finest this season. Plans Next Summer? A crucial component of the Desert Foxes’ midfield, Guedioura is only a play-off away from a trip to Brazil. The only name on this list to have already featured at a World Cup, he appeared in all three of Algeria’s games during the 2010 competition. Nedum Onuoha (QPR, Nigeria) The Story So Far: A graduate of Manchester City’s academy, the 26-year-old made his name during the pre-Mansour years at Eastlands before being lost in the shuffle. Demonstrated his enduring Premier League class during a loan stint with Sunderland, before becoming one of many casualties during QPR’s recent malaise. Last Season: Only made 17 starts in all competitions, and failed to add any assurances to a backline that struggled badly in the top flight. Great Expectations: Has survived the clear-out at Loftus Road, was featured heavily in the publicity material accompanying the club’s new kit launch and scored in the opening day victory over Sheffield Wednesday. Not a bad start, but Onuoha needs to show his class consistently in the Championship. Plans Next Summer? Has previously resisted a call-up to Nigeria, however, with his England prospects all but diminished, and now is the time for Onuoha to build an international career with the Super Eagles. Razak Boukari (Wolves, Togo) The Story So Far: Built an admirable career in France, with Chateauroux, Lens and Rennes before making the switch to Wolves last summer. The 26-year-old was linked with West Ham, but ended up heading to Molineux to replace Matt Jarvis. Last Season: A veritable disaster. Only weeks in, Boukari was struck down by a calf injury and did not play again as his recovery was enveloped by numerous complications. Great Expectations: First and foremost, Wolves fans will be hoping their £3m acquisition actually plays and stays fit. Rumours have linked the winger with a move back to France, but he has the potential to emerge as a valuable asset in the side’s promotion push – should he stick around. Plans Next Summer? Boukari has not been a regular member of the Togo team in recent times and thus can take no blame for the Sparrow Hawks’ abysmal qualifying campaign. If he can get himself fit, there is certainly a role there for him. Jacques Maghoma (Sheffield Wednesday, DR Congo) The Story So Far: A prolific asset to the Tottenham youth and reserve sides, 25-year-old Maghoma’s early development was hindered by injury. Rebuilt his career at Burton Albion, and has emerged as one of the finest goal-scoring midfielders in the lower leagues. Last Season: Named in the League Two team of the year after helping the un-fancied Brewers into the play-offs. Great Expectations: The step up from the fourth to the second tier will be a major one to negotiate, but Maghoma is keen to make up for lost time. An ambitious midfielder who brings versatility and the ability to change a game, he is joining Wednesday at the ideal time in his career. Plans Next Summer? DR Congo are already out of the running for a World Cup spot but if Maghoma can establish himself in the second tier he can expect to add to his handful of caps in the future.

Coal Quits Don Jazzy’s Mavin Record Label.

Wande Coal quiting Mavin Records, where did all this rumors come from? It’s been revealed that Wande Coal after several years of staying loyal to his bosses, Don Jazzy and Dbanj, he has allegedly finally parted ways with Mavin Records owned by Don Jazzy to form his own Record Label known as Black Diamond Entertainment. During the Mohit era which saw Dbanj and Don Jazzy going ways to form their own record label, Wande Coal took his side with the super producer, Don Jazzy and released a number of hits under the Mavin Records blueprint Well today’s strongest indication is that Wande Coal released his latest single, Kilaju, under his own imprint Black Diamond Entertainment and no mention of Mavin records anywhere. Now this might not be such a big deal, but there were already rumors late last year saying that Wande Coal had left Mavin Records. It was so serious that there was an official press statement released on Mavin Records website stating that ‘Wande Coal is going nowhere‘ back in November 7th, 2012 So lately we have this new single and loads of rumors going around including some indicating that Wande Coal was actually never signed to Mavin Records, and therefore not legally tied to the label. It will not be the first time that has happened as the Eva and Trybe Records saga had a similar issue. As of now, there hasn’t been any statement from the Mavin Records camp or from Wande Coal’s camp clearly stating what the deal is, but if we can safely assume that something will be said officially pretty soon.

Bomb Expert Caught.

A suspected Boko Haram member who specializes in manufacturing and planting bombs for the notorious group as he was arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, by the Vigilance Youths Group (VYG) otherwise known as “Civilian JTF” yesterday. The suspect, Bula Modu,Boko Haram Bomb Expert, was handed over to the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the state, was said to have fled to Lagos few days after he planted the last bomb that went off in Maiduguri in May, this year. One of the vigilantes told newsmen, “He was just back from Lagos, carrying his travelling bag that contained some new clothes, shoes for Eid-el fitr Sallah celebration when we caught him”. Wary of his return as some form of normalcy is returning to the violence-torn state, the suspect Bula Modu, upon interrogation confessed that he only came back home to celebrate Sallah. “It is Allah that brought Bula Modu back to Maiduguri at this hot moment when things changed against the Boko Haram group,” a trader Babagana Umara recalled.