ADEOLA AKINREMI: Inside the Land of the Living Dead

Adeola Akinremi, on a voyage of discovery, visited Uzuakoli Lepers’ Colony located a few miles away from Umuahia, the Abia State capital. He reports on the ruins of what was once a vibrant leprosy research centre in West Africa, the sorrow of the lepers and the pains of their caregivers

I was still in bed when I heard a knock on my door. It was the taxi driver. I pleaded with him to wait. It was 6.30 am.  A few minutes later I followed him downstairs. He showed where he had parked within the hotel premises. We had a quick conversation about the journey. The time it would take, the cost and the challenges of the road journey.  We agreed.  Adventure followed adventure.

FEATURES; Are Dating Sites Fuelling Adultery?

More marriages are crashing over what experts partly blame on technology through the proliferation of dating sites, writes Ebere Nwiro

Last year, the Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso organised a mass wedding in the state.  He said he wanted to checkmate the rising incidence of failed marriages in Kano that was giving his administration sleepless nights, saying he felt it was time to arrest the situation.

With a project tagged the Zawarawa Mass Marriage programme, Kwankwaso seeks to take widows, divorcees and even young girls off the streets of Kano with a law to check the rising incidence of divorce and separations.

Policewoman Shot Dead in Kano

IG, Mohammed Abubakar

A policewoman attached to the Zone 1 office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) was shot dead by gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday in Kano.

The policewoman, who was dressed in her uniform, was said to have  parked by the road side to fix her tyres  when the gunmen riding on a motorcycle shot her dead. She was said to have been on her way to the office when the incident happened.

The gunmen fled the scene of the attack immediately after the shooting, which occurred barely 24 hours after a multiple explosion at a popular motor park in Kano killed more than 30 people.

State Police Commissioner, Mr. Musa Daura confirmed the killing, stating that already detectives have swung into action with a view to apprehending the assailants.

More to follow...

A Soldier's Show of Shame

So, I was on my way to work today, minding my own business when this Soldier from nowhere who simply had the name tag Mohammed showed that despite the democratic dispensation, you can't cage the military for long....I digress...

Anyway, the commercial bus I was in had taken that Idiaraba route and had gotten to the College turn by Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). All of a sudden, a dark blue (or is it black?) Golf car with registration number BR385JJJ Lagos, wanted to take take the turn just as our bus was driving down.

Kano Blast Kills 25, leaves Scores Injured

At least 25 people were killed from five explosions that occurred in Kano, Reuters has reported.

The explosions occurred on Monday evening at New Road, Sabon Gari area of the city.

Witnesses said the explosions occurred at a popular and busy commercial luxury bus park where buses that convey passengers to other states of the country, particularly the southern states, take off from. Reuters said its reporter counted 25 corpses. The police have confirmed the blast but are yet to confirm the casualty. The area has now been cordoned off by soldiers and police officers.

Rueben Abati's Shocking Amnesia

What is it with money and power that makes mince meat out 

of integrity? It is saddening that people who blast the government at 

every turn end up singing the praises of the same government once 

they join the cabinet. Time will fail me to mention them all but I 

think the case of Reuben Abati is one choice example. I mean, 

this was someone I read about in school; someone our lecturers

 (in this case, of my alma mater, Mass Communication Department, 

Anambra State University) told us to emulate. 

FG Rules Out Ransom for Kidnappers of French Family

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru

The federal government at the weekend ruled out a ransom payment to the kidnappers holding seven members of a French family as France’s foreign minister held talks with President Goodluck Jonathan on the abductions.

Seven French nationals, including four children under the age of 12, were kidnapped last month in Cameroun near the northeastern border with Borno State.

State Pardon Won’t Weaken Anti-graft War, FG Replies US

President  Goodluck  Jonathan

The Federal Government Saturday assured the United States (US) that notwithstanding the pardon granted some former government officials, including former Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was jailed for corruption, the anti-graft war was still on course.

The US at the weekend had expressed disappointment with the state pardon granted some former Nigerian officials who were jailed for corruption and also expressed concern that it was a setback for the nation’s anti-corruption crusade.

It also hinted that the action could affect collaboration between both countries, just as it disclosed that it would continue to look at “what is appropriate” in terms of its reaction, a remark diplomatic sources said could imply cutting back aid or imposing sanctions on state officials linked to the issue.

Ekiti Varsity Expels Five for Rape

For failing to control their libido, five students of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) have been expelled after a disciplinary committee found them culpable in a case of rape on the campus.  

The institution in a statement Sunday in Ado Ekiti by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations of the University, Ajibade Olubunmi, announced the students’ expulsion.

But besides losing their studentship, the five expelled students will also be put on trial, as they have been dragged before the courts for the crime.

EXCLUSIVE: Police Arrest 17year Female House-help for Theft

Pix caption: Mary Francis and her accomplice; Igwe Ogana

In another development, the Lagos State Police command also arrested two other suspects; 17-year old Mary Francis, a house help who allegedly connived with one Igwe Ogana and one Anayo Alayefule who is currently at large, to rob her employer, one Jane Ashimi. 

According to Ngozi Braide, Lagos Police Spokesperson, Francis who had connived with Ogana at Shagamu motor park, to rob the victim of her gold accessories, and dollars, had knowingly left the gate of the compound open at the stipulated day.