Headline

Imo Attorney-General Denies Involvement In Setting Up ‘Fake ESN’

Published

4 years ago

October 3, 2021

Editor

Our Reporter, Owerri

Imo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief C. Akaolisa, has denied involvement in the setting up of a “FAKE ESN” group responsible for the killings in the South-East, just as he described the allegation as “continued vilification of his office and person by politicians with unforgiving spirit bent on destroying him for his role in the change of government in Imo State.”

A statement by his Adviser on Media, I. Ositadimma, which was made available to newsmen in Owerri, said the Attorney-General has “never and will never, for any reason, soil his hands with human blood.”

While expressing surprise at the allegaion which the statement described as “wicked, malicious and evil” the statement further said Chief Akaolisa is a committed Catholic who has used his office to free citizens in the state who were unlawfully incarcerated in prison through his recommendations to the Governor for his exercise of prerogative of mercy.

The statement which stated that the purported involvement in the ‘FAKE ESN’ group was to malign the image of the Commissioner for Justice, stressed that his office has been standing against extrajudicial killing of suspects in the state.

The statement reads in part, “Again, not satisfied with the burning down of his country home and the malicious allegations that led to his five years suspension from practice by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), they have now thrown up this statement purportedly issued by the IPOB spokesperson – Emma Powerful, to soil the image of the hardworking, peace-loving, kindhearted and humble gentleman and leader of the Imo State Bar.

“To this end, the general public is advised to ignore that statement which the Attorney General is sure cannot come from the leadership of IPOB. It is surprising to note also that all the persons mentioned in the said list of “FAKE ESN” members come from Awo-Idemili, showing clearly that the list is a product of some parochial persons with clanish preconceived intentions.

“Chief (Sir) COC Akaolisa is a Knight of the Catholic Church, a communicant, Human Rights Activist and known defender of the voiceless in the society who has never been involved in any satanic plot. He has never and will never, for any reason, soil his hands with human blood. His office in Imo State has stood against the extrajudicial killing of suspects and since his emergence as the State Attorney General, many citizens unlawfully incarcerated in prison have regained their freedom through his recommendations to the Governor for his exercise of prerogative of mercy.

“Furthermore, the Attorney General is surprised at this level of wicked, malicious and evil allegation which he has surrendered to God Almighty as his only strength and defender (refer, Psalm 23). Chief Akaolisa, once more, seizes this avenue to appeal to Imo politicians to give peace a chance and stop the shedding of innocent blood in the name of politics which should be played without bitterness as it is only God Almighty who gives power.”

Headline

26-year-old Nigerian Fatally Stabbed In London

Published

13 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Two individuals have been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, in New Cross, southeast London.

The Metropolitan Police reports that detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Ayowale charged a man and woman with murder.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

Headline

Trump Threatens 250% Tariffs On Foreign Pharmaceuticals

Published

13 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250 percent, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.

“We’ll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it’s going to go to 150 percent,” Trump said in an interview on CNBC.

“And then it’s going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country,” he added.

In the same interview, Trump said he expects to raise the US tariff on Indian imports “very substantially over the next 24 hours” due to the country’s purchases of Russian oil.

While Trump has aimed at products from different countries with varying tariff rates after imposing a 10-percent levy on almost all trading partners in April, these have excluded certain products he planned to target separately.

These sector-specific tariffs have generally come after government investigations that look into the national security concerns surrounding certain imports.

After earlier embarking on probes on imported semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, the Trump administration has signaled plans to wrap up these studies, which could lead to new tariffs.

Already, Trump has slapped steep tariffs of 50 percent on imported steel and aluminum, and also rolled out a separate but lower duty on autos and parts.

AFP

Headline

UK Opens Application For Chevening Scholarships

Published

17 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced that applications for its Chevening Scholarships are officially open, with prospective scholars encouraged to apply between August 5 and October 7, 2025.

The Chevening programme offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their home countries and globally.

In a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja, the Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Emma Hennessey, described the programme as highly competitive, selecting only the most outstanding candidates from across the world.

“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become Chevening Scholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.

“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them — outstanding leadership, influence, and networking skills — I strongly encourage you to apply.

“If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you to take the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive,” Hennessey noted.

According to the statement, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, urged Nigerians with leadership potential to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Chevening is more than a scholarship — it is a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he said.

“Whether your aspirations lie in shaping public policy, launching a business, or addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, the Chevening Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom to advance your knowledge and skills.

“While there is no ‘typical’ scholar, we seek individuals with the passion, ideas, and influence to drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond.

“Our alumni network includes dynamic professionals across diverse sectors who are making significant contributions in their fields.

“If you have the potential to lead positive change in your community, Nigeria, or globally, I encourage you to submit your application before the 7 October 2025 deadline.

“Apply today and take the first step toward this life-changing experience,” he said.

Applications must be submitted online via chevening.org/apply.

Interested applicants are also encouraged to review available guidance at chevening.org/guidance to determine their readiness for the competitive application process.

Since its launch in 1983, the Chevening programme has supported over 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries and territories.

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.