The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons
(NAPTIP) has warned Nigerians against illegal adoption of children. The
Director-General of NAPTIP, Ms Julie Okah-Donle, issued the caution in a
statement on Friday in Abuja while reacting to the recent conviction of
five men in Makurdi for adoption of a four-year-old boy.Okah-Donle
advised anyone intending to adopt a child to go through the legal
processes in order to avoid falling foul of the law or causing another
parent severe emotional and mental pain.The NAPTIP boss who condemned
the abduction of children expressed concern on the pains that parents
whose children were abducted could be going through.According to her,
under Sections 13 (2), 21, and 27 of the Trafficking in Persons
(Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration (TIPPEA) Act, 2015, it is a
crime to abduct, transport, receive or harbour a victim of human
trafficking.“The law also prohibits the purchase, sale, hiring or taking
possession of any person with intent, knowing it to be likely or having
reasons to know that such a person will be subjected to exploitation as
well as any conspiracy to commit any offence under the Act,” she
quoted the lawOn the convicted men in Makurdi, the statement listed the
accused persons as Adejo Ogiri, Afonne Nwokocha, Ndukwe Henry and Obuito
Onyema.According to the statement, they were sentenced by the Federal
High Court in Makurdi for abducting a four-year-old boy.They were
arrested by officers of the Department of State Services for the
abduction and attempted sale of the victim and handed over to the
NAPTIP.The statement noted that the first accused (Ogiri) abducted his
neighbour’s child from Otukpo and took him to Umuahia, Abia state, where
he handed him over to the second accused, Uzochukwu.It further noted
that Uzochukwu took the child to the third convict (Edward), who had a
client, Augustina, still at large, whom they intended to sell the child
to.“While waiting for the client to pick up the child, they kept him
with the fourth accused person, who is a relative of the client.“Edward
was arrested by the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) as he
went to the bank to withdraw the money earlier sent by the client.“The
DSS thereafter, rescued the child, arrested and handed the suspects over
to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution.“In the course of
trial which lasted between September 2016 and May 2018, the presiding
Judge found the acts committed by the accused persons despicable.“Based
on the evidences tendered by the prosecution, found them guilty and
subsequently sentenced them accordingly.“Convicted under Sections 13
(2)(a), 21 and 27 of TIPPEA ACT, 2015, Ogiri was sentenced to two years
and five years’ imprisonment, respectively, on each count.“The fourth
and fifth accused persons were sentenced to five years imprisonment,
each, while the second and third accused persons, who jumped bail in the
course of the trial, will be sentenced when caught,” the statement
noted.Okah-Donle lauded the collaborative efforts of the DSS in the
arrests and course of the trial.She identified partnership as one of the
five-pronged approaches employed by NAPTIP in combating human
trafficking, adding that fight against human trafficking will be more
impactful when law enforcement agencies work together.
Police men in Akenfa police station in Bayelsa state have been accused
of killing Tariela Nikade, a 300-level Petroleum Engineering student of
the Niger Delta University.According to reports, Tariela had gone to
watch a football match with his friends last night November 23rd, when
policemen from the station, stormed the viewing center at Tinacious
street in Yenagoa, the state capital. For fear of being arrested,
Tariela immediately took to his heels and as he was running, one of the
policemen opened fire killing him immediately. His brother, Nikade
Anderson, who shared graphic photos online, has called for investigation
into the matter and for the erring police officers to be brought to
book.Meanwhile there are reports that the mother of the deceased tried
committing suicide last night. A Facebook user said she took sniper last
night but was quickly rescued and is currently responding to treatment.
Police men in Akenfa police station in Bayelsa state have been accused
of killing Tariela Nikade, a 300-level Petroleum Engineering student of
the Niger Delta University.According to reports, Tariela had gone to
watch a football match with his friends last night November 23rd, when
policemen from the station, stormed the viewing center at Tinacious
street in Yenagoa, the state capital. For fear of being arrested,
Tariela immediately took to his heels and as he was running, one of the
policemen opened fire killing him immediately. His brother, Nikade
Anderson, who shared graphic photos online, has called for investigation
into the matter and for the erring police officers to be brought to
book.Meanwhile there are reports that the mother of the deceased tried
committing suicide last night. A Facebook user said she took sniper last
night but was quickly rescued and is currently responding to treatment.
Pretty woman! See another photo below
Olajuwon, the son of former president Olusegun Obasanjo has emerged the
new national president of Buhari Youth Organization (BYO). Also elected
was Engineer Garba Umar who was returned as the organization’s national
secretary. Immediately emerging president, Olujonwo reportedly unveiled
the BYO Next Level T-shirt to mark the launching of 2019 presidential
campaign for President Buhari. Olajuwon had earlier expressed his
willingness to work for the re-election bid of President Buhari. In a
letter addressed to Festus Keyamo, Olujonwo called on Nigerian youths to
support President Buhari. He said the Buhari government is serious
about the country's development and called on all Nigerians to support
him.
Fuji musician, Pasuma who is celebrating his 51st birthday this week
visited his Alma Mata, Muslim Mission Primary School, Mushin, to
commission the ten block of classrooms recently renovated by Pasuma Fans
Club in the community. Speaking at the event, Pasuma urged the school
kids to set their hearts towards achieving their set goals while urging
them to pay keen attention to their studies.“I was once like you people
because I started from this school. My music career started here and I
will always remember having the school as part of my foundation years.
“I usually sing in the school with my friends during breaks and I can
never forget the impact the school had in my life,” he said.
Daddy Showkey furiously responded to a troll on his Instagram page after
he showed a Mercedez Benz G-Wagon in his garage. The troll asked how he
could afford it and Daddy Showkey responded saying, 'Na God go punish
you'. See their exchange below...
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has assured that the Governorship
candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State for the 2019
general elections, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu will not abandon ongoing
projects but rather complete and build on the enduring legacies already
put in place by his administration. Governor Ambode, who said this while
inaugurating an ultra modern lecture theatre donated to the Lagos State
University (LASU) by businessman and philanthropist, Mr Remi
Makanjuola, said while efforts were on to complete all the major
projects initiated by his administration, Sanwo-Olu would nonetheless
complete those ones he is unable to deliver before the expiration of his
tenure next year.“I am so excited about the fact that Mr Sanwo-Olu has
actually come out here and he has issued a promissory note and what that
mean is that we are going to have a government of continuity.For
whatever structures that we have in LASU right now, and I’m going to
also convince our chief negotiator, Dr Wale Babalakin, we are already
doing Senate building here, we are doing Students Arcade and we are also
doing the Library, I hope I will be able to complete and finish them
but if I am unable to complete them, I speak on behalf of Mr Sanwo-Olu
that he will finish and also do the Staff School.We are not campaigning
yet but truly that is the spirit of the kind of governance that we bring
to Lagos; that is the spirit that we really want to see and then we
should be able to show leadership in all spheres of life that we find
ourselves,” Governor Ambode said.Speaking on his administration’s
intervention in the educational sector, he said in the last three and
half years, at least N15billion has been invested in revamping
infrastructure in schools across the State to ensure students can learn
in a conducive environment, while 3,400 primary and secondary teachers
were employed to improve the teacher to student ratio as well as quality
of learning in schools.
The Nigerian Army has issued an official statement to address the viral
video making rounds on social media that shows
soldiers complaining bitterly about their obsolete weapons as Boko Haram
killed 100 of their colleagues. While the Army didn't specify the
number of soldiers that died in the attack, the statement said,
'publications have been brandishing false casualty figures as well as
circulating various footages of old and inaccurate BHT propaganda videos
and alluding same to be the attack on 157 Task Force Battalion'. See
the full statement below...1. The attention of the NA has been drawn to
several social media, print, electronic and online publications about
the recent attack on 157 Task Force Battalion at Metele. Whilst it is
true that there was an attack on the location on 18 November 2018, it
has however, become necessary to correct several misinformation being
circulated with regards to this unfortunate event.2. It is important for
the public to note that the NA has laid down procedures for reporting
incidents that involve its personnel who fall casualty in action. Out of
respect for the families of our gallant troops, the NOKs are first
notified before any form of public information so as to avoid
exacerbating the grief family members would bear, were they to discover
such from unofficial sources.3. Furthermore, it suffices to observe that
several social media, print and online publications have been
brandishing false casualty figures as well as circulating various
footages of old and inaccurate BHT propaganda videos and alluding same
to be the attack on 157 Task Force Battalion. Whilst it is
understandable how such misinformation can spread in this era of social
media frenzy, the spurious circulation of some of these videos only
contribute to further propagate the propaganda intent of the terrorists;
to misinform the populace and portray themselves as what they are not.
So far, the situation is that the location is under control as
reinforcing units have been able to repel the terrorists and stabilize
the situation.4. The NA sincerely, wishes to thank the various arms of
government, MDAs and sister security agencies that have stood with her
in these trying times; by commiserating with the families of the fallen
heroes who have paid the supreme price for the defence of our dearly
beloved country. The necessary support being given the NA by the Federal
Government and the goodwill of the Nigerian populace will undoubtedly
continue to spur the NA towards the ultimate defeat of the highly
degraded BHTs.5. This is for your information please.
Nigerians on social media continue to discuss the recent massacre of
Nigerian soldiers in Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists. The Nigerian
Army while addressing the incident a few hours ago said, 'it is
important for the public to note that the NA has laid down procedures
for reporting incidents that involve its personnel who fall casualty in
action. Out of respect for the families of our gallant troops, the NOKs
are first notified before any form of public information so as to avoid
exacerbating the grief family members would bear, were they to discover
such from unofficial sources'. Below is how Nigerians on social media
and the opposition party is reacting to it.How can so many soldiers die
in just one day and we go on as a nation as if nothing happens and
expect others soldiers watching how shabbily we have treated their
colleagues to fight for us?— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) November
23, 2018I’m deeply saddened by the loss of our soldiers in these
attacks and ask for the support and prayers of all Nigerians for our
military in this war against ISWAP & Boko Haram.
pic.twitter.com/0euJ9A3Ti3— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) November 23, 2018It
is unbelievable how so many soldiers can be massacred and everything
stays normal as if nothing happened... God must deliver our nation. May
the souls of our fallen heroes Rest in Peace...— Dele Momodu Ovation
(@DeleMomodu) November 23, 2018In 2015, @MBuhari said “I promise to
protect Nigeria”. 3 days ago Boko Haram killed over a hundred of our
soldiers and Mr. I promise to protect Nigeria is more concerned about
insulting @GEJonathan for saying the truth about corruption in his book
#MyTransitionHours #RenosDarts pic.twitter.com/iHWFVasJXG— Reno Omokri
(@renoomokri) November 23, 2018No national awards for the 100 soldiers
killed, no national day of mourning. Slaves are better than Nigerian
soldiers under cruel @MBuhari. This is a man who can run to London at
public expense over his own health but cant run to the barracks over his
soldiers deaths #RenosDarts— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) November 23,
2018My heart goes out to the families of every soldier that has died
fighting Boko Haram. I will never forget their sacrifice.— Dr. Joe Abah
(@DrJoeAbah) November 23, 2018
Yesterday, popular Lagos pastor, Paul Adefarasin and his wife, Ifeanyi,
attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Alvin.21 year old Alvin
graduated with a first class honors in Civil Engineering.An excited
pastor Paul took to his social media handle this morning to post a
lovely open letter to Alvin. Read below and see more photos from the
graduationCongratulations to our son at his graduation ceremony -
Adegboyega, you have been such a blessing to all who have known you from
the day that you were born, and friend, you have always made us so
proud, especially as you convocated yesterday with first class honours
Bsc Civil Engineering.Your Mother and myself salute this milestone
attainment with you, and we pray that as you journey into the next
season of your life, that HE will cause you to continue to remain
exceptional in everything that you do.Dear Son, no matter where you go
and where God takes you, remember who you are in Christ; remember whose
you are, and who’s in you.Alvin , remember that you are in the The
Almighty and the All-wise; Remember that God is your Rock, HE is your
source and your Anchor ; He has brought you this far and He is the One
who teaches you to soar to heights untold .....To say we are proud to be
your parents is modest. We are blessed to know you and to love you: To
God be the glory - HE has been immensely gracious to us as unique
individuals and also as a family too.We love you friend, and we are in
your corner. More so, be assured that God’s hand is upon you and He
smiles.Love,Dad.
American NBA star, Steph Curry, who plays for Golden State Warriors
walked away unscathed from back-to-back car accidents on Friday after
his Porsche was hit by two cars in approximately 15 minutes. According
to Mail Online, Curry was driving his black Panamera Turbo S Porsche,
worth $185,000, when a silver Lexus lost control and veered into him on
Highway 24 in Oakland, California. It collided with Curry's vehicle,
smashing its front right mirror, and caused him to pull over onto the
central median to wait for help.
While
waiting for help another car bashed him again ten minutes later.The
publication also reported that none of the three drivers were hurt and
no arrests have been made. 
A
spokesman for California Highway Patrol told DailyMail.com they were
not yet sure what caused the back-to-back accidents but that speed and
weather may have played a part. 'Luckily everyone was wearing their seat
belt and there were no injuries. We'd like to remind everyone to wear
their seat belts and slow down,' the spokesman said.
Three brothers Joy Ramond, 19, Peace Ramond, 24, and Ayomide Ramond, 16,
as well as their suspected accomplice, Akinseye Oluwayomi, 18, have
been arrested for kidnaping the 6-year-old daughter of their Church
member. The members of Jehovah Witness Church, Oba-Ile in Akure, Ondo
State, were arrested after one Afolabi Oladapo reported the matter on
Nov. 21. Oladapo reported that his daughter, Jamama, was kidnapped
during Church service by unknown people. She was however, released on
November 22, after the payment of N720,000. Shortly after the payment of
the ransome, a team of policemen stormed the venue where the ransom was
paid and rounded up the four suspects while exhuming the money that had
been buried in an uncompleted building. Speaking to newsmen, Joy, one
of the siblings, confirmed that the victim was a daughter of their
Church’s member, but claimed that they took her home “to warn and scare
her, and not to kidnap her”.“I have always seen the girl running out of
the Kingdom Hall whenever we are having our meeting; that day, I was
coming from my working place and saw her outside the hall around 7 p.m.I
asked her where she was going to, and warned her to be careful so as
not to be kidnapped. I later decided to take her home from where I
called the parents to inform them that the girl was with me.That
particular night I could not reach the parents on phone, but I got them
the next morning and the mother came to pick the girl. I decided to
scare her because I learned that she is the only girl in the family and
was being pampered by the parents.I kept her to scare her so as to
discourage her from straying around. It may be another person that
called them and fabricated the kidnap story so as to dupe them,” she
claimed. 
Last Friday, November 19th, OAP Tosyn Bucknor's french hubby, Boyer
Aurelien, found her dead in their apartment when he returned from work.
Her demise came as a rude shock to many who took to social media to
express their grief at her sudden demise. 37-year-old Tosyn died due to
complications from sickle cell.In a post shared on his IG page this
morning, Boyer who marrier Tosyn in 2015, expressed how much he misses
her already. He wrote''That night, I felt I had gone. With you.Next day,
I could not stand all of them there. For you.And then, I realized it
was all love. Like you.From then, they say I've been strong. It is
true.Every day, I stand together with all of us. To go through.Last
night, I realized how much. I miss you.Irawo mi, through the window, I
look at you.Days and nights cannot get dark.A star illuminates the sky
with its eternal spark.May God comfort him, Amen.
SPAR,
the first brick and mortar retail brand to introduce Black Friday in
the Nigeria market, has declared Black Friday Sale for 8 Days. Black
Friday sales will commence on the 22nd till 29th November 2018. This was
revealed in Lagos by the Marketing Head, SPAR Nigeria, John
Goldsmith.SPAR will be running the Black Friday promotion across all its
14 stores spreading across Lagos; Abuja; Port Harcourt; Enugu and
Calabar.According to Mr. Goldsmith, the brand is excited about the
upcoming Black Friday Sales which was introduced five years ago into the
Nigerian market. This year, there are offering a wider range of
products which include Food, Grocery, Meats, Wine & Spirits,
Electronics, Home Appliances, Laptops, Mobile Phones, Watches, Clothes,
Perfume and many other products essential for individual and family
use.In his words, “From our experience over the years, we are prepared
to accommodate all our teeming customers who are gearing up to visit any
of the outlets during this annual event. All our customers will have
the opportunity to make their preferred choice from over 5,000 products
across all categories in any of our outlets nationwide.”“Nigerians have
always expressed preference for shopping in a store because we give them
the opportunity to have a look and feel of the products before buying
and they can also take immediate possession of what they have
purchased,” he added.“With our current brand maxim “My Nigeria My SPAR”,
we have continually been involved in growing the retail economy by
expanding our outlets to delight customers with quality products, we
have employed thousands of Nigerians and we will continue to support
laudable initiatives to better the lot of the citizenry,” he
concluded.The hypermarket brand has always translated the shopping
experience of Nigerians and every shopper based on their Choice,
Quality, Impeccable Service and Valuation addition to her teeming
customers. SPAR recently opened two new outlets in Lagos with location
at Leisure Mall, Surulere and Adebola House, Opebi. 
