CRIME
Killing: Niger Gov-elect Mourns U.S. Embassy Staff, Policemen

The Niger state Governor-elect, Alhaji Mohammed Umar-Bago, has condoled with the bereaved families of two staff of the U.S. Consulate and two policemen killed in Anambra.
Report says they were attacked by gunmen along Atani-Osamala Road, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday while on a mission.
Umar-Bago said this in a statement signed by Prof.
Mohamed Yahaya-Kuta, member of the Niger State Gov. -elect’s Transition Council on Thursday in Minna.“I condemn in the strongest terms this heinous act of violence and call for swift justice to be served,“he said.
He expressed optimism that the new leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), would permanently address acts of terrorism across the country.
“I am confident that after the swearing in, the next government at all levels in Nigeria will take all necessary measures to hold those responsible accountable for this senseless act.
“At this time, the safety and security of diplomats serving in our country is paramount, and we will remain committed to supporting and protecting our foreign service staff,’’ he said.
He promised to continue do his best in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence of diplomats around the world.
“Let me also add that protection of lives and property of everybody in the country is sacrosanct.
“I will liaise with community leaders, emirs and relevant stakeholders to secure Niger permanently,’’ he said.
He urged the U.S. government to collaborate with his administration, to proffer a blueprint on how to manage terror hotspots across Niger.
Bago said that Niger, a contiguous state to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, must not become a terror haven.
He said an agricultural plan would be unfolded under his administration to create jobs and guarantee food security.
“Niger state will witness economic revolution, social prosperity and good governance under my administration,’’ he said. (NAN)
CRIME
Wife Seeks Divorce Over Domestic Violence

One Rihanat Kuranga of Egbejila Area, Ilorin, on Wednesday filled for divorce from her husband, Shuaib AbdulRahman at the Area Court, sitting at Centre-Igboro, Ilorin, over domestic violence.
Kuranga told the court that her husband started beating her after she gave birth to their second born, saying that it has become unbearable.
According to her, whenever my husband decides to beat me, he will beat me and the children until we start bleeding from our bodies.
”I had to pack out of his house when I gave birth to my fifth born and he didn’t stop beating me and the children mercilessly.”
The woman told the court that she was no longer interested in the marriage and wanted divorce, child custody and maintenance.
”I want their father to pay N50,000 monthly for feeding of our five children and be responsible for their education,” she said.
The Presiding Judge, Toyin Aluko ordered that a fresh hearing be served on the defendant, to enable him have knowledge of the court case.
The case was adjourned until June 30, for Defence or hearing. (NAN)
CRIME
Police Evacuates Remains of Bolt Driver Shot Dead in Yenagoa

Police operatives from the Bayelsa command have evacuated the remains of a bolt driver, who was shot dead on Friday morning at Samphino Road Junction , Yenagoa.
The lifeless body of the middle-aged yet-to-be-identified driver was discovered early Friday morning inside his vehicle at the Samphino Road Junction in the Kpansia suburb of Yenagoa.
Residents, who discovered the scene raised the alarm which prompted a swift response from police operatives, who quickly cordoned off the area.
The body of the commercial driver has been deposited at the mortuary for possible autopsy.
The residents, who got to the scene early suggested that the victim might have been shot at close range by suspected armed robbers.
Reacting to the incident, a senior police officer, who spoke on anonymity at the crime scene, said that a full-scale investigation was underway.
“We are working to gather all necessary intelligence.
“Forensic teams have been deployed to the scene and we are also liaising with the bolt company to retrieve trip data that may help in tracking down the culprits,” he said.
The Police Spokesman in Bayelsa, ASP Musa Mohammed confirmed the incident to NAN and said that investigation was already in progress. (NAN)
CRIME
Court Remands 18-year-Old Student for Alleged Murder

A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered the remand of an 18-year old student, Joseph Chive, at a Makurdi Correctional Centre for allegedly killing a 14-year-old girl.
Chive, who lives at Veterinary Layout, Northbank, Makurdi, was charged with illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Kevin Mbanongun, did not take the plea of the defendant for want of jurisdiction.
He remanded the defendant and adjourned the case until Aug. 28 for mention.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Godwin Ato, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 25, at Veterinary Layout, Northbank, Makurdi.
He said the case was reported at the ‘C’ Division Police Station, Northbank, Makurdi, by the deceased’s father, Mr Victor Ayom.
According to him, the defendant had an altercation with the victim, a 14-year-old girl, Mimidoo Victor.
“While the altercation was going on, the defendant rushed into his room, brought a loaded dane gun and shot the girl on the head.
“The defendant was arrested during police investigation and he confessed to the crime.
“The dane gun was recovered from him,” Ato said.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004 and Section 222 of the Penal Code, Laws of Benue, 2004. (NAN)