Central Bank’s Plans To Print New N5000 Notes Were Not Approved, Senator Says

By SaharaReporters, New York In a telephone interview with SaharaReporters, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe revealed that the Nigerian Senate did not know or approve of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s plans to spend N40 billion to print and circulate N5000 bank notes. “You cannot take a decision that affects the economy of the country without including the Parliament,” Abaribe said. “You cannot take such a momentous decision which affects the economy in very fundamental ways without reaching [out] to the Parliament.” Abaribe underscored that no contact by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with the Parliament had been made before the decision was taken. Abaribe made the point that what the CBN did was not a breach of law but of convention. However, “The CBN was expected to consult with the Senate Committee on Banking that supervises the CBN, at least to let everybody know the details of what [they] were doing. You are not supposed to act with disregard of Parliament. The Parliament has oversight functions.” Abaribe said that under Section 66 of the Constitution, “Parliament has the right to inquire into any ministries into which it appropriates funds.” Further, “The Senate is saying that the major policy change that the CBN is doing has implications for the country, in terms of inflation… Every stakeholder in the Nigerian government must be carried along. Let us know what you are doing, why you are doing it, the reasons behind that, and everything, before you go ahead. This is international best practice. “ The Senate returns from vacation on Sept. 18.

Cherubim and Seraphim pastor arrested with human skull

Police in Ogun state have arrested a pastor who was found to be in possession of a human skull. They accused, 32-year-old Matthew Akiode, exhumed the skull from a grave site a few kilometers from the Ono Ara Mimo Cherubim and Seraphim church where he claimed to serve as a pastor. Akiode confessed to the crime in the presence of journalists, the Vanguard reported, and said he did it for money. He believed getting the human skull would aid him, most likely in a ritual aimed at getting rich quick. He claims he was advised to get the human remains by another Pastor Oyewole. However, the latter denied sending the former to get the human head from the grave site. “I am a man of God and pastor at Irewole Cherubim and Seraphim Church,” Oyewole said, speaking in his defence. “I heal people with God’s name and not with human skull,” the pastor said and accused Akiode of telling unfounded lies. Akiode expressed his surprise at Oyewole’s denial. Both men are in police custody at the Eleweran police command headquarters in Abeokuta. Police Commissioner Ikemefuna Okoye said tha the accused persons committed the offence at about 12 midnight. Police was notified by a witness who saw the exhumation. “He never knew that eagle eyes were watching him in the process of removing the corpse,” Okoye said. Akiode was caught in the act, severed human head in hand. Oyewole was arrested shortly after as well. Both are set to be chargedin court as soon as investigation into the matter is concluded.

Two Bomb Attacks In Maiduguri Leave Several JTF Members Injured

A bomb planted at the West End roundabout in Maiduguri has injured several members of the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri according to eyewitnesses. Saharareporters learnt that the large bomb embedded at the West End roundabout, which was remotely controlled, exploded around 10 AM Nigerian time. A second blast was reported at Sabon Layi area in Gwange Ward. Details of the second blast are sketchy. The JTF spokesperson, Lt. Col Musa Sagir, confirmed there were explosions in the city but said a full briefing will be made to the media as the JTF was still actively patrolling the city to determine those responsible for the latest attacks.

Gunman Opens Fire At NYC Empire State Building, 2 Dead, 9 Wounded

A lone gunman opened fire on crowds outside of New York City's Empire State Building Friday morning, killing at least one and wounding several others before being killed by the police . Nine people were wounded in the exchange of fire. Reports are surfacing that the gunman was agitated after a workplace dispute, and was targeting his co-workers. Authorities do not believe at this time that the shooting was related to terrorism

Police parade suspected killers of General’s daughter

The police in Lagos on Wednesday paraded two persons, Okumo Nwabufo, 33, and Ezeke Oliselokan, 22, who allegedly killed daughter of a retired Major General in a hotel around FESTAC Town, Lagos.

The suspects were said to have come in contact with the victim, Cyntia Osokogwu, on Facebook prior to the dastardly act. They allegedly molested the victim sexually, chained her, before she was finally killed. The two suspects were said to be cousins. Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Abubakar Umar Manko, told newsmen that one of the suspects, Oliselokan, was arrested in Anambra State, while his partner in crime, a 100 Level Accounting student of University of Lagos (UNILAG), was arrested in FESTAC Town. He stated that detectives from Area E Command, FESTAC got a lead into the case when they got the suspects’ photograph in footage from a Close Circuit Camera TV (CCTV) that was installed in the hotel. ”We discovered that two young men came to the hotel and went to the room and after sometime, came out with a package. “They were arrested and have confessed that they killed the lady, the police boss said. Manko explained that on July 22, the police in Festac Division found a lady dead in a hotel, tied and chained. According to him, the police discovered that somebody called demanding that “the body of bastard be removed”. He further stated that as at the time the body was found, the police had no details about the identity of the deceased. ”From the yellow card that was found, we got her passport number from the internet and the Nigerian Immigration Service. We were able to link her up and were able to establish her actual identity”, he said. Manko added that the suspects told the police that they started with the deceased on internet, during which they were able to establish that she was a business woman who used to come Lagos to buy wares and take to Abuja to sell same. “So we came to the conclusion that she must have money,” the suspects confessed. He said that one of the suspects gave her a flight ticket and an accommodation in the hotel. The suspects, according to the CP, drugged the Fruit Juice they gave to her. “The drug got the deceased knocked off and the suspects settled down for what they were there for.” She was said to have died in the process. ”She struggled before she collapsed and they got her killed”, he added. The suspects confessed to newsmen that they actually met the victim on Facebook and that their intention was to dispossess her of her belongings and not to kill her. Related posts:

Clifford Orji Dies In Prison After 13 Years

Clifford Orji, alleged ritualist and cannibal, has died in Kirikiri maximum prison where he has been an inmate for over thirteen years. Prison authorities disclosed that Orji died on Friday morning and the cause of his death is yet unknown, but an autopsy is to be performed to determine the cause of his death. Clifford Orji was arrested under the bridge at Toyota Bus-stop on Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, Lagos with human parts, which he reportedly claimed he sold to notable Nigerians. He was subsequently charged before the Ebute-Metta Magistrate Court, but was never tried. In April this year, (about five months ago), it was reported that Orji had gone mad at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Lagos, where he had been awaiting trial. The acting Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Prison command, Mr.Biyi Jeje, confirmed Orji’s death. He said, “As at Thursday, Orji was fine but on Friday morning, he died in his sleep. The cause of his death is still unknown but an autopsy is being performed”. Jeje confirmed that Orji had been rejected by many mental health facilities in the country and maintained that the prisons authorities did all it could to manage his illness. “We took Orji to many health facilities but he was rejected time and time again. I don’t know why they rejected him, but we did all we could to manage his illness”, he said.

SHOCKING NEWS! Man survived head pierced by a 6-foot metal bar.

A 24-year-old construction worker survived after a 6-foot metal bar fell from above and pierced his head. Luiz Alexandre Essinger, chief of staff at Rio de Janeiro's Miguel Couto Hospital, said doctors successfully withdrew the iron bar from Eduardo Leite's skull during a five-hour surgery.

Philippine minister on crashed plane

A LIGHT plane carrying Philippine Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has crashed into the sea while attempting an emergency landing. At least one person has been rescued after Saturday's crash, but Robredo and the two pilots are missing, officials say. The Cessna 172 plane took off from central Cebu city on Saturday afternoon, Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas told DZBB radio. It was heading to Robredo's hometown of Naga city in Camarines Sur province when the pilot informed the Masbate airport it would make an emergency landing. The plane was unable to reach the airport and crashed into the sea about 380km from Manila. Roxas said an aide of Robredo was able to jump out and was rescued. Robredo is one of the members of the cabinet closest to President Benigno Aquino and helped his election campaign in 2010. The interior secretary is in charge of the Philippine national police and local government units. Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno said he and Robredo had attended a gathering of civilian volunteers assisting in police work in Cebu. After the event, the secretary took the plane for Naga, he said. "Later, we got a call from the aide that their plane had developed engine trouble and they needed help," Puno said. The coast guard said the plane crashed about 1.8 kilometres from the shore close to Masbate airport. A search for Robredo and the two pilots was stopped because of poor light, Puno said.

(Reuters) - South African police opened fire on striking miners armed with machetes and sticks at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine on Thursday, killing at least a dozen men in scenes that evoked comparisons with apartheid-era brutality. In the incident, filmed by Reuters television, officers opened up with automatic weapons on a group of men who emerged from behind a vehicle and started loping towards police lines. The volley of bullets threw up clouds of dust, which cleared to reveal bodies lying on the ground. President Jacob Zuma said he was "shocked and dismayed" at what appeared to be one of the bloodiest police operations since the end of white-minority rule in 1994 in Africa's biggest economy. "I have instructed law enforcement agencies to do everything possible to bring the situation under control and to bring the perpetrators of violence to book," he said in a statement. Police have refused to confirm the death toll from the operation to disperse 3,000 protesting drill operators who had massed on a rocky outcrop near the mine, 100 km (60 miles) northwest of Johannesburg. "The police, in order to protect their own lives and in self-defence, were forced to engage the group with force," they said in a statement. "This resulted in several individuals being fatally wounded, and others injured." The police ministry said that the officers acted as they did only after first trying to peacefully disperse the crowd. "The minister is of the view that given the volatility of the situation, police did their best," the minister's spokesman Zweli Mnisi said in a text message. "What should police do in such situations when clearly what they are faced with are armed and hardcore criminals who murder police?" A Reuters photo showed a dozen corpses lying on a patch of sandy ground, while a spokeswoman from the opposition Democratic Alliance said the overall toll could be as high as 38. The SAPA news agency said one of its reporters had counted 18 bodies. World platinum prices leapt as much as $30 an ounce - more than 2 percent - to a six-day high as the extent of the violence became apparent in the country with 80 percent of known reserves. Leaders of the radical Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), which was representing most of the strikers, accused police of a massacre. "There was no need whatsoever for these people to be killed like that," General Secretary Jeffrey Mphahlele told Reuters. Some commentators likened the scenes to apartheid-era footage of ranks of police opening fire on crowds of protesters in black townships. "I cannot think of a confrontation between protesters and police since 1994 that has taken place along these lines," said Nic Borain, an independent political analyst. "PREPARED TO DIE" Before the start of the operation by hundreds of police, officials said several days of talks with AMCU leaders had broken down, leaving no option but to use force to break the crowd, which had triggered the closure of the mine. "Today is unfortunately D-day," police spokesman Dennis Adriao said. Prior to Thursday, 10 people - including two policemen - had died in nearly a week of fighting between rival worker factions at the mine, the latest platinum plant to be hit by an eight-month union turf war. The Marikana strikers have not made their demands explicit, although much of the bad blood stems from AMCU's challenge to the two-decade dominance of the National Union of Mineworkers, a close ally of Zuma's ruling African National Congress. Before the police advance, AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa, whose organisation has been on a big recruitment push in South Africa's platinum mines, said there would be bloodshed if police moved in. "We're going nowhere," he shouted through a loud-hailer, to cheers from the crowd. "If need be, we're prepared to die here." The unrest has forced Marikana's London-headquartered owner to halt production at all its South African operations, which account for 12 percent of global platinum output. Lonmin said it had lost the equivalent of 15,000 ounces of platinum from the six-day disruption, and was unlikely to meet its full-year production target of 750,000 ounces. Its shares fell to a four-year low, losing 6.7 percent in London and 7.3 percent in Johannesburg. In all, they have shed more than 13 percent since the unrest started at the weekend. At least three people were killed in a similar round of fighting in January that led to a six-week closure of the world's largest platinum mine, run nearby by Impala Platinum. That helped push the platinum price up 15 percent. Despite South Africa's dominance of the platinum sector, rising power and labour costs and a sharp drop in the price of the precious metal this year have left many mines struggling to keep their heads above water.

Kaduna Bomb Targeted Prominent Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Gumi- PREMIUM TIMES

suicide bomber killed by own bomb.

The bomb blast in Kaduna, Tuesday afternoon, may have been targeted at a renowned Islamic Scholar and medical doctor, Ahmed Gumi, sources in Kaduna say.

A witness who prefer not to be named said “though the explosion may have been accidental, the Sheikh is clearly the target because the incident occurred just when he was about to leave for the daily Tafsir he delivers at Sultan Bello Mosque.”

It is not clear who the bearers of the explosive were. However, the Islamic cleric has been very critical of the Boko Haram sect as well as the Federal Government in his Ramadan sermons this year.

The cleric is one of the few prominent Islamic clerics, based in Northern Nigeria, who publicly condemn the activities of the sect.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, Abubakar Balteh, while confirming the incident, said only two bodies, believed to be those of the assailants, were found at the scene of the blast.

But some witnesses say three persons were on the motorcycle on which the attackers rode before the explosion.

Mr. Baltzh said, “two persons on a motorcycle were killed from an IED (improvised explosive device) that accidentally exploded on transit.”

Speaking further, Mr. Balteh said “the incident occurred around 3:45pm around Modibo Adama Junction leading to the residence of Sheikh Dr Ahmed Gumi near NNPC Mega station along Ali Akilu way.”

“However, no other casualty is reported and we have already commenced investigation into the explosion,” he said.

Kaduna, the political capital of old Northern Nigeria, has witnessed several attacks by the Boko Haram group.

In July, the group attacked the home of Namadi Sambo, the Vice president, in Zaria, killing one person.
Several bomb attacks in the state, especially on places of worship and private residences, have also caused the death of dozens of people.

Tuesday’s explosion came amidst reports that the Boko Haram sect had begun negotiation with the Federal Government .

A man, Abu Mohammed, who claimed to be the deputy leader of Boko Haram, called the Voice of America to inform them that the sect was having discussions with the FG.

Mr. Mohammed called a VOA reporter in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to talk about the negotiation which he said was facilitated prominent Northern leaders.

PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify Mr. Mohammed’s claim.

Explosion rocks again in Kaduna.

By SaharaReporters, New York

SaharaReporters has learned of a bomb blast that took place in Kaduna. Eyewitnesses said the blast occurred along Ali Akilu road by Lord Lugard roundabout in the metropolis.

The two bombers on a motorbike who were in possesion of the bomb died instantly. The location of the blast is also close to Sultan Bello Mosque where Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has recently attacked Boko Haram militants in weekly sermons.

Man surrenders to police after kidnapping, burying prophetess alive

Asaba—A 27-year-old man, who allegedly took part in the kidnap of a prophetess after which the woman was buried alive in his compound, has surrendered to the police eight months after the dastardly act. The suspect complained that the spirit of the prophetess was tormenting him.

Delta State Police Command’s spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, who confirmed the development, told our reporter in Asaba, yesterday: “It was a case of kidnap and murder of a woman fully dressed in a white garment church attire, which was committed on December 30, 2011 but the suspect surrendered self to police.”

Muka said that following the confession of the suspect, another suspect was arrested while efforts were on to exhume the body of the woman.

He said: “An unidentified woman said to be from Uzere and dressed in white garment church attire was kidnapped at Ughelli and taken to the house of one Emma, male, 27 years old, who is the first suspect, from Owahawa, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

“The suspect surrendered himself to the police because his soul was troubled and confessed burying the victim alive in his compound when she became weak. His confession led to the arrest of another suspect. Detectives have also identified the spot where she was buried alive and the corpse would be exhumed when relations of victim are identified. We hereby call on members of the public, whose missing person depicts the description, to report to police area command Warri, while we are making effort to arrest others involved in the crime.”
-VANGUARD

Celebrities banned by top hotels

What does a celebrity bring when checking into a hotel? Glamour, buzz, and sometimes, a whole lot of chaos.

Sure, hosting a famous guest can translate into great PR for a hotel, but “it can also be a mixed bag,” admits Mark Plonkey, the general manager of Denver’s Hotel Teatro. “The one thing I’ve learned throughout the years is that public persona is not always the reality behind closed doors.”

According to most hotel managers that Travel + Leisure spoke with, most conflicts with celebrities are pretty mundane, and often result from overzealous “handlers:” demands for discounts or precise requests like a bowl of single-colored M&Ms. But other hotels know that debauchery can be good for business. “We embrace the spirit of rock ’n’ roll,” says Brandon Powers, creative director of the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. “They can trash their room or even take a donkey up there, so long as we don’t have to clean up after it in the casino. It takes a lot for us to ask someone to leave.”

Nicola Adam's dog Dexter glued to screen as mistress takes gold

As Nicola Adams triumphed in the ExCeL arena, her dog, Dexter, was excitedly watching the action 200 miles away.
As Nicola Adams triumphed in the ExCeL arena, her dog, Dexter, was excitedly watching the action 200 miles away.

The 10-month-old Doberman had the gold medal winning fight beamed directly into his ''apartment'' at the Leeds pet boarding centre where he is staying while Adams is busy conquering the world in London.
Dexter was extremely excitable for the first three rounds but, as the fourth round developed he stopped and watched his mistress on his kennel TV, pawing at the glass separating him from the screen.
Clutching his Team GB boxing meerkat, he paced and looked agitated as he and the staff waited for the referee to raise Adams's arm.
James Cundy, from mypetstop pet boarding, said: ''We think it is quite unusual.

DIPLOMATIC TREAT FOR KETO COUTURE

WIVES OF AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSIONERS/AMBASSADORS TO THE UK HOST KETO COUTURE IN AN EXCLUSIVE FASHION SHOW IN LONDON

BY DORIS OLOTON- BR(AFWL)

It was all pomp and pageantry at the Abuja House home of the Nigerian High commissioner to the United Kingdom as Keto Couture was hosted in an exclusive fashion show. The show which was put together by the wives of the African High Commissioners/Ambassadors to the UK spearheaded by Her Excellency Mrs. Salmatu Tafida, wife of Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK.

It featured delegates from various African Countries including Mauritius, South Africa, Cameroun to mention only a few. Also in attendance were wives of deputy high commissioners and defence attachés and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Entertainment.
In a highly colourful and stately display of the most exquisite and elegant styles, world class models took to the runway showcasing matchless and trendy designs of the Keto Couture label. The evening was also spiced up by a cat-walk session by their Excellencies.
In her brief welcome address, Mrs.

Tafida noted that this was the first of its kind and that she intends to keep promoting only the best from Africa. She paid glowing tribute to the creativity and sheer excellence in Keto designs and encouraged other entrepreneurs of African origin to emulate Keto Couture’s creativity and excellence.

Then came the time for the runway show. As the models took to the runway, the house went up in uproar with shouts of ‘Waoh! Waoh!’ rending the otherwise calm and dignified atmosphere. They all took turns to praise the designs and the designer and also called for more of such evenings.
In her speech the prolific highly talented and elegant designer,

Mrs. Kenny Okorie thanked their Excellencies and in particular Mrs. Tafida for the honour done her. She said it was indeed an honour to be nominated amongst hundreds of designers from Africa for the show and promised to keep making Africa and Nigeria proud.

Nappies for chicken...IS THIS FUNNY?

A US woman has created nappies for chickens.

Ruth Haldeman hatched the idea to help those who keep chickens as pets because the animals are often doing their business anywhere and everywhere.

She said: “I had to make some diapers or else they would make a mess everywhere.

“Chickens have a lot of personality. They are responsive to people and they definitely have their likes and preferences."

The nappies feature a pouch with straps that run between a chicken's legs - and Ruth has even created a website to sell her product.

Joint Task Force Operatives Repel Attacks

By SaharaReporters, New York
Security operatives last night in Gombe, capital of Gombe State, repelled an attack by unknown gunmen in the Masalacin Idi area. No casualties were recorded.

Our sources said the duel lasted about 30 minutes, finally subsiding when the Joint Task Force comprising soldiers and policemen suppressed the insurgents.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Abdu, who confirmed the gun duel, said that the gunmen opened fire and lobbed grenades at the security operatives, who responded promptly. The attackers, unable to stand the heat, fled to an unknown location.

The security operatives, according to Mr. Audu, have commenced a thorough search for the gunmen.

10 Rocket Propelled Grenades Recovered In Nigeria-Chad Border Following Gun-Duel With Suspected Militants

About 10 Rocket Propelled Grenades and other sophisticated weapons were recovered at the Nigeria-Chad boundary in Borno State by a joint multi-national military squad on Monday.

The incident was confirmed to SaharaReporters by Lt.Col. Sagir Musa, who said the weapons were recovered following a gun battle which left some suspected Islamist extremists dead in Daban Masara border town.

According to him, “The vehicle was intercepted on Monday at about 9pm local time by a combined team of Secret Security Services, the multi-national Joint Task Force, JTF and other security forces.”

Other arms in the consignment included 10 rocket chargers, two AK 47 rifles, and 13 magazines with six rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, he said.

This incident confirms that Nigerian and Chadian troops are now working together at the border.