Lagos set to impose death sentence on kidnappers

Lagos State Government may soon join the growing number of states such as Edo, Ogun and Anambra that have imposed death sentence on kidnappers.

According to a private member bill sponsored by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, any person, who kidnaps, abducts, detains, captures or takes another person by any means or tricks with intent to demand ransom or do anything against his/her will commit an offence, and liable on conviction to death sentence.

The bill went through a public hearing on yesterday at the Lateef jakande Auditorium within the Assembly premises with some stakeholders in attendance.

Attempt to kidnap is also criminalised under the bill and it was suggested that such a person would be committed to life imprisonment.

Also, the bill is against false representation to release a kidnapped or abducted person under Section 4, and this attracts seven years imprisonment.

Furthermore, the bill provides that any person, who knowingly or wilfully allows or permits his premises, building or a place belonging or occupied to which he has control of, to be used for the purposes of keeping a person kidnapped is guilty of an offence under the law and liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment of 14 years without an option of fine.

A legal practitioner, Mr Richard Komolafe from the United Action for Change (UAC), who spoke at the stakeholders meeting, commended the bill but said that death sentence was no longer fashionable all over the world.

Komolafe said:”Hanging itself is inhuman by conventions as against life imprisonment. I appreciate this bill, it is very timely, but we hope it will be passed in time.”

He, however, urged the lawmakers to find a way of not getting genuine rescuers from being roped in cases of pretentious kidnap.

Another stakeholder, who is the Director of Legal Drafting in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Yejide Kolawole, who also commended the bill, said that it was essential that element of conspiracy and attempt to kidnap be added in the bill.

“I suggest 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy to kidnap, depending on the level of involvement. However, seven years penalty for section 4 is too mild. I suggest 20 years to deter those who would want to engage in the crime.

“On Section 5, anyone who instigates kidnapping should be given a stiffer penalty of 25 years, though the person does not participate overtly in act.

“On Section 7, owners of a building used to aid kidnapping should have a higher punishment than mere forfeiture of property,” she said.

Also, a Chief Magistrate in Lagos State, Mrs Seri Sholebo said that it was fundamental to add conspiracy to kidnapping, stressing that the ministry had not been able to convict offenders on conspiracy since 2011.

Sholebo however, suggested 180 days window for trials of offenders rather than the stipulated 60 days due to anticipated delay in handling the cases.

A Director in the Lagos State Office of Public Defender (OPD), Mr. Borokini Fatai wanted to know what could happen if the trial could not be concluded within 60 days, as he said that a defence counsel could ask for the withdrawal of the matter after the stipulated number of days.

Edo declares holiday as Benin crown prince picks name

The crown prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Eheneden Erediauwa, on Tuesday visited Use community in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, where he picked a name he would bear as the new Oba.

The ceremony was part of the traditional rites ahead of Eheneden’s coronation on Thursday.

 When our correspondent visited Use at about 2.30pm, many residents were seen rushing towards the palace, while those that arrived earlier were seen around the perimeter fence of the building.

Various traditional groups, including Benin chiefs, were also present.

Eheneden arrived at about 4pm in company with his royal entourage and received a rousing welcome from a large crowd, who showered praises on him.

He proceeded to the palace with the Edigin N’Use, Ekpen Kelvin Edigin.

The heir apparent later played the traditional game of pebbles (Akhue) while a large crowd of residents watched with admiration.

Although, the name chosen by the prince was not announced after the game, it was learnt that it would be made public on Thursday.

Eheneden later proceeded to Ugbo shrine where he prayed for God’s guidance and protection.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has declared Thursday as a public holiday.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the public holiday was declared in honour of the crown prince.

Ihonvbere added that the holiday would give residents of the state the opportunity to witness the coronation and ensure a hitch-free exercise.

Also, in preparation for the coronation of the new Oba, an adjustment has been made in traffic flow within the state capital and alternative routes provided for motorists.

The coronation planning committee said the adjustment  would take effect from midnight of October 18.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Media and Publicity Sub-committee, Josef Omorotionmwan, the committee listed some of the affected roads as Airport Road, Sapele Road, Sakponba and Akpakpava.

…5,000 policemen to be deployed for coronation

The Edo State Police Command has said that no fewer than 5,000 policemen would be deployed on Thursday in Benin for Prince Eheneden Erediauwa’s coronation.

The Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, said the deployment became necessary due to the large number of personalities expected to attend the event and the need to provide adequate security.

Gwandu spoke on Tuesday while parading 44 suspects arrested for various offences including kidnappings, pipeline vandalism, cultism and communal land tussles.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Joshak Habila, had prior to the September 28 governorship election promised that the police would provide adequate security during the coronation.

 Gwandu said that the police had decided to remain proactive to make sure that the peace in the state was not disturbed by unwanted individuals.

He said, “We have  information that the occasion is attractive to the international community, ambassadors from the USA, ambassadors from the UK, our neighbouring countries, our paramount rulers, and of course, the crème de la crème of the society.

“So, we have to ensure that the society is safe (and) our people are protected. We will do everything humanly possible to protect the citizens, prevent the influx of misguided elements because of these important dignitaries that are coming.”

Official: Flood affects 99 local governments in 30 states, kills 29 so far

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, said on Thursday that 99 Local Government Areas in 30 states had been affected by flood, which also killed  29 persons so far.

The Director General of NIHSA, Moses Beckley, made the disclosure at a one-day sensitisation workshop on 2016 flood prediction/prevention and mitigation organised by the Agency at Halims Hotel, Lokoja.

Mr. Beckley said the present flood situation in the country was alarming hence the need for the awareness programme to sensitise the people in the flood prone areas.

“Presently, flood has been recorded in 99 LGAs in 30 out of 34 States earlier predicted with a record of 29 deaths.

“Two LGAs have been badly affected in Kaduna State; 9 in Niger; 4 in Nasarawa; 2 in Benue, and one in Edo, Jigawa, among other states.

“Rivers flooding is expected in Lokoja and its environs due to likely overflow of banks of Rivers Niger and Benue, that is why this we have embarked on sensitisation programme in Kogi.

“Though Kogi is yet to be badly affected by the flood, it is vital that we put the people and all stakeholders on red alert to prevent or mitigate it effects,” he said.

The director general said that the threat of major river flooding occasion by “Red Alert’’ from the Niger Basin Authority (NBS), Niamey, Niger Republic on August 4 has called for concern.

“More recently, on Sept 14 the water level of River Niger at Niamey was 6.20m, which has exceeded the penultimate flood warning level, hence the need to brace up.

“The water level of River Benue is also rising due to high rainfall within the catchment and regulated water releases from Lagdo dam.

“The water level at our monitoring station in Lokoja as at today, Thursday, Sept. 22 is 6.22m comparable to the value of 11.42m recorded at the same station in 2012.

“This shows that the flow is still normal within an acceptable limit but the situation calls for caution in view of high rainfall intensities and oncoming flood waters from upstream countries,” Mr. Beckley stated.

The director, therefore, advised government at all levels to take structural measures of construction of reservoirs, earth dam, detention basins, buffer zones, and clearing of drains.

Other measures include dredging and channelisation of river channels, setting up of flood diversion areas and relocation of people in likely affected areas.

“I urge all the relevant stakeholders to take this sensitisation programme seriously because flood anticipation before they occur allows for precautions and adequate preparation.

“Heeding to early warnings and early actions are imperative towards preventing and mitigating disasters and emergencies,” Beckley advised.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other stakeholders present at the workshop include Kogi Commissioners for Environment, Water Resources, NEPAD, KOSEMA, among others.

(NAN)

Oba of Benin’s Coronation Fixed for Oct 20

The Benin Traditional Council has announced October 20, 2016 as new date for the coronation of His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Ehenede Erediauwa, Edaiken N’Uselu as the new Oba of Benin.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, HRH, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, Enogie of Evbobanosa, who addressed journalists at the palace ground Benin City.

He said the earlier date for the coronation, Monday 26th September, 2016, was changed due to the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the date for the governorship election in Edo state which was originally scheduled for Saturday 10 September, 2016, was now moved to Wednesday 28th September, 2016.

Following the announcement of the new coronation date, HRH Akenzua said: “ The Edaiken N’Uselu will now depart finally from Uselu to Eko-Ohae on the 8th of October, 2016. His Royal Highness will normally perform some important ceremonies connected with the coronation everyday for 7-10 days prior to the day of his final departure from Uselu.

“We like to inform the general public that from the day the Edaiken N’Uselu leaves Uselu for Eko-Ohae, the use of coral beads by those who are normally entitled will be restored and the current use of “omo n’orhue” (white beads) will be discontinued. Furthermore, burial ceremonies are prohibited throughout the period of the coronation process”.

My successor’ll not come from Igbinedion’s family — Oshiomhole

Ahead of the Edo State governorship election, Governor Adams Oshiomhole has reiterated that his successor will not emerge from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party or the political family of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion.

Governor Oshiomhole disclosed this while addressing journalists in Benin, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Oshiomhole, who criticised Igbinedion for claiming that the PDP would win the poll by a wide margin, said that he was aware that the former governor and other leaders of the opposition had been “in pains” since he (Oshiomhole) became governor in 2008.

He also said that his administration had defeated politicians who had claimed to be godfathers.

The governor said, “I want to make it clear to Lucky that the next governor can never be from the Igbinedion family. The next governor will be a people’s governor and that person, by the special grace of God, is Godwin Obaseki.

“I am aware that they are in pains since I became governor; I had to retrieve all they held hostage and gave (them) back to the people.

“Our people will never go back to the dark days and my fight against godfathers has been successful and that is why, today, any Edo man or woman can become a governor without going to any godfather. They (godfathers) are crying and I am happy. They will continue to cry.

Oshiomhole also urged Igbinedion not to bother about the outcome of the September 28 election, adding that both the PDP and its candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, would not win.

“So, let me tell Lucky, my good friend, to forget about the result of the election because his PDP and Ize-Iyamu will not win. He should ask himself what his PDP has done in Edo to deserve victory.

“So, they should stop their bad dream of victory. Edo people have rejected the godfathers and they will not return.”

The former governor could not be immediately reached for comments.

But Igbinedion had, in a text message sent to our correspondent on Sunday, said that his family did not claim ownership of the state but was interested in its development.

He added, “The house of Igbinedion has never laid claim to the ownership of Edo State. But we have an interest in the development of the state — both the private and public sectors.

“Let Edo decide under whose administration they have enjoyed more prosperity and not vile, rude propaganda.”

Oshiomhole, APC Plan To Replace NYSC Members With Loyalists – PDP

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has again alerted the international community, accredited election monitors and the general public about secret plot by Governor Adams Oshiomhole and its party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) to substitute members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) trained for Edo governorship election with their party members.

A press statement signed by the state’s publicity secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikare,  reiterated that the postponement of the Edo State governorship election earlier scheduled for Saturday, September 10, is in line with the governor’s and APC’s devious plan and had nothing to do with insecurity in the state.

According to the PDP,  “the postponement was well-planned to undermine the will of Edo people. We are now convinced that the phantom security advice by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Security (DSS) was orchestrated by Governor Adams Oshiomhole and some cabal within the APC, in the face of imminent defeat in the election.

‘’For instance, we all know that many members of the NYSC were trained by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as ad-hoc staff for the election. And going by NYSC Action Plan September, 2016, the trained NYSC members are to finish their clearance, as part of their final disengagement process that will end on September 30.

“’And we have just been told by insiders within the APC that Governor Oshiomhole and his party had compiled list of their party’s members that they will secretly use to replace the out-going trained NYSC members.’’

The party added that one of the reasons APC also asked INEC to fix the rescheduled election for Wednesday, September 28, an official working day, is to deny many electorates outside the state, who planned to come to Edo State for the election, from doing so.

It said hundreds of the electorates outside the state had arrived Edo State before the election was postponed, with many of them feeling disappointed about the action of the APC, in connivance with INEC/security agencies.

The PDP added, ‘’We want to once again, put the international community, accredited election monitors and the general public on notice over the devious plan by APC. It will surely undermine our democracy and instigate crisis that might be very difficult to manage if Oshiomhole and his gang are allowed to have their way.

Postponement of Edo election, a coup against Nigerians – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to postpone the Edo State governorship election, describing it as a coup against Nigerians.

INEC had on Thursday night postponed the election till September 28 a day after the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force advised it to shift the poll due to security threats.

However, the PDP, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye, condemned the move, adding that under the current INEC, all elections conducted had either been inconclusive or truncated.

It said, “The postponement of the election by INEC is illegal, unconstitutional and a breach of the peoples’ trust in the commission and the security agencies.

“It is a coup against the people of Edo State in particular and Nigerians in general. Since APC assumed power, virtually all elections conducted by INEC have either been inconclusive or truncated.

“Saturday’s election in Edo State must be an exemption. We will not accept anything less than free, fair and transparent election conducted and concluded the same day. INEC must rise to the occasion to restore the confidence of Nigerians in its operations.

“Edo is a test case. With the way INEC is performing, how are we sure that it would be able to handle the 2019 general elections. Our democracy is under a serious threat from the APC and its Gestapo security agencies.

“It is shameful and indeed a major constitutional breach for the security agencies to act in concert with the APC to truncate an election that had been planned for months.”

But the ruling party, the APC, has yet to comment on INEC’s decision to postpone the Edo State governorship election till September 28.

Attempts to get an official reaction from the party’s National Secretariat, in Abuja, on Thursday were unsuccessful.

Repeated calls to the mobile of the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, were not returned.

A response to a text message sent to him was still being awaited as of the time of filing this report.

Similarly, the mobile phone of the party’s National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, indicated that it was switched off when the line was called.

Catholic priest kidnapped in Delta regains freedom in Edo

 

The abducted Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Paul Irikefe, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Monday in Delta State, has regained freedom from his captors.

Our correspondent gathered that the priest was freed on Wednesday around Benin where he was reportedly taken to by his abductors.

Father Irikefe, a lecturer with Saint’s Peter and Paul Catholic Major Seminary in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, was kidnapped on Monday evening within the Warri/Effurun metropolis.

Irikefe was in Warri to attend the burial of his friend and colleague, Rev. Fr. Amaefule Chike, who was buried on Tuesday at the Agbarho Pastoral Centre, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

A source within the Warri Diocese who confirmed the priest’s release said it was not clear if the church paid the N30m ransom the abductors had earlier demanded.

Our source who called our correspondent on Thursday morning to disclose the news added that the Catholic priest has been reunited with the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Bishop John Okeoghene Afareha.

He is said to have been traumatised as a result of the maltreatment he received from his captors.

Rev. Fr. Benedict Ukutegbe, Acting Administrator, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Catholic Diocese of Warri, confirmed his colleague’s release when contacted by our correspondent.

 Ukutegbe also confirmed that the priest was released in Benin, Edo State Capital.

INEC: Edo poll to hold as scheduled

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said the Edo State governorship election will hold as scheduled.
The National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced this during a press briefing at the state headquarters of the commission.

Edo guber: APC behind call to postpone Saturday’s election – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of allegedly sponsoring the call for the postponement of Saturday’s governorship election by some students ‎currently sitting the 2016 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state.

It described the call as a alleged ploy by the APC to delay the election because it was afraid of a defeat.

The state Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, who spoke on Tuesday in Benin, said, “I think this protest is being organised by the APC. I do not think they are prepared for the election. It is obvious that what is awaiting the APC come Saturday is defeat.

“So, they are now urging people to go to the streets to request the postponement of the election. What I must say hear is that if they hold the election on Saturday, APC will be defeated.

Orbih noted that the affected WASSCE candidates should have asked WAEC to postpone the examination rather than the election, which he said was long overdue.

He added “If through their organised protest, using thugs‎ to demonstrate that they are students that will be affected if we go ahead to do the election and, as a result, they decide to postpone the election, they will only delay the evil day.”

Efforts to reach the leadership of the APC in the state for comments were not successful.

However, the Commissioner ‎for Information, Kassim Afegbua, dismissed the allegation, adding that the APC had nothing to fear as the opposition party had long been decimated

According to Afegbua, the PDP had shown that it was less concerned about the education of the youths and did not understand its value.

The commissioner said, “How can? How possible is it that the ruling party will be afraid of rickety opposition party that has been decimated over the years?

“We pity them (PDP). They do not value education, so the issue of WASSCE does not bother them.”

PDP candidate converts Redeemed Church to campaign ground

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Edo Region 13 headquarters (Trinity Sanctuary) in Benin City, Edo State has allegedly been converted to the campaign office of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 10 governorship election in the state, reports NewsDay.

Banners of the PDP and its candidate adorn all the walls of the church.

Ize-Iyamu is a zonal pastor in the church in the state.

It was also learnt that the regional pastor of the church in Edo State, Pastor James Dagunduro has given instructions to parish pastors to canvass for Ize-Iyamu in their parishes.

According to Nigerian Nation, two campaign jingles of Ize-Iyamu were repeatedly played in the teenage Church of Trinity Sanctuary on Sunday, August 21 and no other message was preached to the teenagers.

It was gathered that a minister in the church who complained that the church was being turned into a political arena was reprimanded and transfered.

Aggrieved members of the church it was gathered have petitioned the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor EA Adeboye to wade into the matter.

Nigerian women and Europe’s sex trade

Sex-in-Europe

Trafficking for prostitution into Europe by Nigerians has reached a tipping point. In a newly-released report, the United Nations International Organisation for Migration warns that the trafficking of Nigerian women for prostitution is at a “crisis level.” The report, which covers the first six months of 2016, laments that gullible Nigerian girls – some with the help of their families – are being recruited at an increasing rate by criminal gangs for European sex markets. This is alarming; it is embarrassing for the nation.

The IOM investigation found that criminal gangs were exploiting the migration crisis in the Middle East to smuggle Nigerian girls into their sex slavery networks in Europe. It says that the pimps dangle tales of prosperity before the girls and their families, and convey them through migrant camps spread across West Africa. From there, they land in war-torn Libya, where they repeatedly suffer gross abuse. Eventually, they are taken to Europe. In reality, they are being sold for between £4,000 and £10,000, ending up there with debts of up to £40,000 that they have to repay by engaging in prostitution. This is a high-wire game of deception, which should be brought to an end.

Apart from being subjected to abuse, some die on the tortuous journey. Their major destinations are Britain, Spain and, especially, Italy. A flourishing sex trade has been in existence for decades between Nigeria and Italy, but now there is a sharp increase, with Delta and Edo states reportedly heavily involved. IOM officials say “Edo is the hub” of trafficking in Nigeria. It behoves the two state governments to act, and launch aggressive campaigns to dissuade prospective preys.

According to the IOM, 3,600 Nigerian women reached Italy between January and June, nearly four times the figure for 2014, and double the figure in the first half of 2015. At this rate, the final tally for 2016 might surpass the 5,633 recorded in 2015. “What we have seen this year is a crisis, it is absolutely unprecedented and is the most significant increase in the number of Nigerian women arriving in Italy for 10 years,” says Simona Moscarelli, anti-trafficking expert at the IOM. “Our indicators are the majority of these women are being deliberately brought in for sexual exploitation purposes.”

The situation is equally terrible in Britain. Kevin Hyland, head of the United Kingdom Anti-Slavery Commission, says Nigerians constitute the majority of the 13,000 modern slaves there. “The rise in the numbers is staggering. Nigerian women and girls are enslaved and sexually exploited here in the UK,” Hyland says. His lamentation resonates with Nigerians. Even at home, prostitution, described as the “world’s oldest profession,” presents a long-standing conundrum. In spite of the seemingly official unwillingness to admit the magnitude of the problem, prostitution is deep-rooted in our communities.

While some of the teenagers are being lured into this depraved life, there are many women who willingly subject themselves to such indignity on the grounds that they want to make ends meet. Their predicament is being blamed on the worsening economic condition. As a result, they dive headlong into prostitution. This is an infantile dream, a hoax being perpetrated by vicious manipulators.

In truth, most of the filthy lucre being made in the global sex trade is being shared by the vicious criminal operators. In Britain, the Office for National Statistics’ computation in 2009 – the first time prostitution income was factored into the GDP – arrived at a figure of £5.3 billion a year. The latest figure from a research by Urban Institute, an American think tank, puts the number of prostitutes worldwide at 42 million. Urban says the global sex trade generates $186 billion, with criminals living large off the proceeds of a trade that is still an offence in many parts of the world. According to TheRichest.com, prostitution is one of the largest and most profitable industries in the United States for criminal gangs.

So, what to do? First, strengthen the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the Nigerian Immigration Service and other border agencies. The government has to infiltrate the sex network groups smuggling girls out of Nigeria. The routes might be many, but the government agents should familiarise themselves with them and curb the activities of the human traffickers before they leave our shores. It is a huge task that will need modern technology, intelligence and information, but the government should not succumb to the gangs profiting from the illicit trade.

NAPTIP is making slow strides. It has to make examples of suspects by prosecuting them and deterring others. For instance, a new law in France imposes a fine of $4,000 on those soliciting sex from prostitutes. In some jurisdictions, prostitution is punishable by a fine, and it is said to be illegal in 109 countries. However, the law alone cannot tackle the scourge. The internet age has even made it more difficult for the law to achieve its aim. Instead of walking the streets in search of customers, sex workers now use online media to negotiate with clients. This way, they evade the long arm of the law.

To redress the dilemma, several countries are adopting the Nordic Model, which was pioneered by Sweden in 1999. The model makes it a crime for the buyer of sex only, not the seller. Iceland, Canada, Norway and Northern Ireland are in this category, while prostitution is highly-regulated in The Netherlands, Poland and Austria. In Switzerland, sex workers must register, undergo mandatory weekly health check-ups and obtain a certificate.

Our government has to do more to sensitise the populace about the dangers of prostitution. We need to put our girls in school and establish programmes that can wean them off the streets. The state governments concerned should establish their own anti-human trafficking agencies, while NGOs should join the crusade in earnest through incentives and well-defined programmes.

By the Punch Editorial Board