Housewife: My husband aborted pregnancies with punches

3:31 PM News No Comments

A man turned his home into a boxing ring and himself a boxer using punches to abort pregnancies, a housewife has told a Lagos customary court sitting at Agbado Oke-Aro.

Mrs Olayinka Uzamat alleged that her husband aborted at least three pregnancies she carried for him with punches. This came after the marriage had produced three children.

The pregnancy – aborting – punches were the result of several disagreements.

Olayinka, the petitioner on the case of divorce, said the husband always accused her of being wayward, saying he once vowed to kill her when they had a quarrel.

She therefore urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her custody of the children.

In his defence, Azeez informed the court that he never raised his hands against his wife, because he loved her passionately.

The respondent pleaded that the court should not dissolve the marriage for the sake of the children, adding, however, that if his wife remained adamant, the court should grant him custody of the children.

The court president, Mr. M. O. Jolaosho, adjourned the case for further hearing.

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12 tertiary institutions receive N24b from TEtFund

3:00 PM Education, News No Comments

Determined to boost teaching, learning and research in the nation’s education sector, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Tetfund, gave 12 tertiary institutions across the country N24 billion through its special intervention programme.

The Minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, disclosed this at the 2012 Strategic Planning workshop organized by TEtFund for tertiary institutions.

The institutions which benefitted from the special intervention are: Moshood Abiola University, Lagos and The Polytechnic, Ibadan to represent the South West; Anambra State University, Uli and Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri to represent the South East, Federal Polytechnic, Nassarawa and Benue State University to represent the North Central.

Others include, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aleiro and Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda to represent the North West, University of Calabar and Federal College of Education, Agbo to represent the South South while Bauchi State College of Education and Modibbo Adamawa University, Yola will represent the North East.

Each of the universities, according to the minister is to have N3billion while the polytechnics and colleges of education are expected to have N1billion each.

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Mercy Aigbe: I did ‘Osas’ to connect with my root

1:25 PM Entertainment No Comments

Mercy Aigbe is not Yoruba. In fact she has no trace of Yoruba blood in her genes. But when it comes to Yoruba films and the top names making waves these days, you can hardly count up to ten names before her name comes up.

Global Leadership Awards for Excellence (GLADE) organised by a Lagos soft-sell magazine which held on July 22nd of this year recognised her as the Best Yoruba Actress of the year 2011.

Mercy Aigbe

She has starred in over 50 Yoruba films and has come off as one of the most sought-after names in the Yoruba genre. By not speaking English she has won the hearts of Yoruba movie lovers by going all the way, fitting in perfectly for both modern and traditional scenes.

In a recent chat with HVP the petite and pretty actress who is married to a hotelier, Lanre Gentry, as second wife and reportedly pregnant with second child, said she did her wave-making film “Osas” to reconnect with her Benin root and to give herself the opportunity to speak her own language.

“Osas” is a comedy film and Mercy has this to say on what inspired her to the movie “ I was on the set of Papa Ajasco when I saw everybody laughing behind the camera and I thought oh, this is funny and that actually started me off to want to do a comedy film” she narrated.

But then comedy doesn’t come in Mercy’s bag of tricks “Then I was faced with what kind of comedy I should do, I decided to bring in my own language. You know I am not Yoruba, I am Benin. So I decided to shoot a comedy that would take me back to my roots in Benin. I wanted a comedy where I could actually speak my language”.

And since the movie hit the market there hasn’t been a moment of regret for Mercy “ The movie did very well in the cinemas and it is doing very well with the DVD sales. People are actually asking me to do a part 2 of the movie.

“Very soon I am going on location to start shooting the part 2”, enthused the beautiful actress who has since released two other movies, ‘Hajia Jemila’ and ‘Gucci Girls’ in the market after ‘Osas’. Before now she had produced two films, ‘Abimbola’ and ‘Afe Aye’.

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Mikel, Ideye, Moses and the 10 Nigerian players to watch in the 2012/13 European season

12:49 PM Sports No Comments

As the 2012/13 season formally kicks off for most Nigerian football fans this week, Goal.com takes a look at the top Nigerian football stars to watch.

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As the new football season commences across Europe, Goal.com takes a look at the Nigerian players that will be expected to dazzle and fly the country's colours in the new season.

VICTOR MOSES

Victor Moses has been the subject of a summer-long transfer haggle between Wigan and Chelsea and it may drag till the last hours of the transfer window. Moses was born in Kano but was taken to England when he was 11.

Moses is not the ordinary winger or striker – he has the natural ability to ‘disappear’ in front of his marker. Though last season could be termed a breakout season for the 21-year old, this season will be one of consolidation or better still enhancement. Whether he moves to Chelsea or stays at Wigan, he must become a more consistent performer and a go-to guy when his side is in trouble.

Though he had an 81% pass completion rate last season, his decision making in the last third of the field must improve and also his goals per games ratio. At 21, he can only improve as he has done consistently over the last two seasons.

BROWN IDEYE

Ideye Brown has already hit the ground running this season and is well on the way to surpassing last season’s tally of 15 goals. The unused striker at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is shaping up to become the real deal. Just 23 years-old, the Dynamo Kyiv hit man has already scored eight goals in seven games, six in five league matches and two in Europe.

Last season, he partly justified his 8.5 million euros (N1.6 billion) move but this season, with Andriy Shevchenko retired, he will have to take up more goal scoring responsibilities which he already seems to be up to. With a good build, good with both feet and an aerial threat, the Nigerian striker could earn a more lucrative move to Western Europe if he continues to score at the present rate.

The national team will also benefit from this potency but he needs to come home and score for the Super Eagles. That will make it a complete revelation for the former Pepsi Academy starlet.

CHINEDU OBASI

Chinedu Obasi is undoubtedly very talented but also very fragile. One of the revelations of the 2005 U-20 Fifa World Cup alongside Mikel Obi and Taye Taiwo, this very skilful striker needs a break from injuries to truly show his potential at Schalke in the Bundesliga.

If he does get a season where he plays 30+ matches in good condition, then there will be no stopping him. The game against Argentina at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa showed how good this chap can be. For the first 30 minutes, Jonas Gutierrez, who played at right-back had to resort to foul tactics to stop the Nigerian, who operated from the left wing – another of his pluses.

He can play anywhere in the front line and can also play in the hole. If he hits his stride with Schalke, then expect the likes of Bayern Munich to come calling.

NOSA IGIEBOR

Nosa Igiebor is still a little known name in this shores but he is a very skilful player nonetheless. The former U-23 captain is a modern day midfielder, who can operate between the lines or as a foil for the main striker.

Currently playing in Israel with Hapoel Tel Aviv, he is currently in talks with some clubs in the La Liga over a proposed move. Aged just 22, the Delta-born midfielder is expected to hit the high notes this season – either in Israel or in Spain.

The former Lillestrom star is highly regarded in Israel but he is yet to fully show his capabilities with the national team.

JOEL OBI

Joel Obi is already well known in Nigeria on account of his fighting spirit whenever he has played for the national team.

Distinctly left-footed, the 21-year old plays a multitude of positions for Italian giants, Internazionale, but he wants to build his reputation as a box-to-box midfielder capable of doing everything.

Last season, he played 27 matches but came on as a substitute in 16 of that total and was used mostly on the left wing to protect the full-back thereby not helped in developing his offensive ability. The objective this season is to play more as the likes of Esteban Cambiasso get older though he will face tough opposition from Freddy Guarin, who also likes to play centrally in midfield.

VICTOR ANICHEBE

This is definitely the season that Victor Anichebe needs to cut it in the Everton team or he will be cut from the team. The striker, who mainly comes on for substitute appearances and is used from the flanks, has had an injury-ravaged spell with the Toffees.

He has had groin, pelvis and knee injuries aplenty but like Jack Rodwell, it has been described as growing up strains on the body of a professional athlete.

All can clearly remember when he broke into the limelight in 2008 and almost single-handedly led Everton to Europa League triumph. Since then he has made 104 appearances in the league and scored just 12 goals.

The Olympic silver medallist is built like a tank, when fit is very difficult to play against and he will be hoping to cause a stir this season with his size and more importantly with goals.

JOHN MIKEL OBI

John Obi Mikel has been on the scene so long that people forget that he is only 25 years old. A midfielder that divides opinions – whether with his club in England or with the Super Eagles; one thing is undeniable, the chap has talent.

Another Pepsi Academy graduate, Obi cemented his name in Chelsea folklore when he helped the Blues triumph in Europe and arguably played his best game ever in a Blue shirt in the Uefa Champions League final against Bayern Munich in May.

So this season, with Roberto Di Matteo fully at the helms, the Nigerian is expected to cement his place and shame all his doubters.

For the Super Eagles, he needs a change of attitude and the fans will quickly forgive him when they see him striving to help his country win laurels not just coasting through matches as he has been accused of doing in the past.

IKECHUKWU UCHE

Ikechukwu Uche is an undoubted star in the national team where he has become the major provider of goals in the last two years. But his club career has not hit the heights that he would have wished.

He has also been a victim of serious injuries in the past but his trickery and eye for goal are world class.
Right now, he is with Villarreal in Spain’s second tier though he played on loan with Granada last season.
He needs to find a club where he can call home and finally deliver on the huge promise.

He could still leave Spain for Turkey if transfer speculations are to be believed but anywhere he plays this coming season – the only thing that will stop Uche is the opposition's net.

PETER ODEMWINGIE

Peter Osaze Odemwingie has been the top scorer for modest West Bromwich Albion in the last two seasons but he has to deliver afresh for new manager, Steve Clarke. The Nigerian striker, at 30 years of age is at the peak of his powers and just needs to stay injury free and this could turn out to be his best season ever in Europe.

Having taken a wife in the summer, it is expected that a new level of maturity will have dawned on the player as he tries to emulate his first season in the Premiership when he won two Player of the Month awards.

AHMED MUSA

Ahmed Musa is the quintessential Nigerian flying winger who made the move from the Netherlands seamlessly into the squad of CSKA Moscow. He has much to deliver this second season in a high profile club to make the expected progress.

He possesses all the attributes to bring success – humility, concentration and application. He just needs to understand critical decision making as he approaches the opposition and then he will become every defender’s nightmare.

He has not started the new season as brightly as he did last term but with a long term injury to CSKA’s top striker, Serge Doumbia, the Nigerian will get more than enough opportunities to show his worth.

Source: goal.com

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Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team face training dispute with Brazilian opponents

12:45 PM Sports No Comments

The Falconets almost had their training disrupted on Friday by their opponents

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The Falconets may have been motivated by the fact that one of their Group B opponents, Brazil wanted to watch their training on Friday at the Saitama Stadium.

The Falconets, runners-up in the last edition in Germany were scheduled to train at the Saitama Stadium where the Brazilian team were also training. But the laid down rules stated that as the former World champions had trained at the venue on Thursday, they were supposed to move to another venue to train but they objected.

It took the intervention of volunteers attached to the stadium to explain the rules to the Brazilians and get them to comply as they were violating the rules.

According to the Team Liaison Officer attached to the Falconets, Yajima Anya, the Brazilian side were to train elsewhere but objected to it on hearing that their opponents were coming.

"Going by the Fifa training schedule, the four participating teams in Group B are expected to train in all the pitches assigned to them located in different stadiums,” Anya explained.

“In effect if you train in one you go to another which is not in the same stadium. Brazil trained here (Saitama) on Thursday and should have gone elsewhere today (Friday) but they refused when they heard that Nigeria was coming," said Anya who is Japanese.

"But the volunteers attached to the stadium asked them politely to stop and move to another pitch within the complex. It took a lot of persuasion before they accepted," she added.

Nigeria will tackle South Korea on Sunday while Brazil will take on Italy on the same day. Nigeria then confronts Brazil on August 22.

Source: goal.com

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Nigeria, US, Chad seal pact on counter-terrorism

10:00 AM News, Politics No Comments

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
| credits:

Nigeria has sealed a deal with the United States of America, Chad Republic and other neighbouring countries to check the increasing spate of terrorist attacks in the country, SUNDAY PUNCH has learnt.

A US embassy Information Officer, Deborah Maclean, in an e-mail to one of our correspondents, explained that the US was working with the Nigeria Police Force on forensic investigation and detection of explosives before their detonation.

She further said police spokespersons were included in the training on public outreach, provision of anti-terrorist training, information and expertise sharing, and other technical assistance they needed.

Maclean, however, said the US did not plan to deploy drones to assist Nigerian security agencies.

According to her, the US government will continue to provide assistance on request by the Nigerian government.

Similarly, the Federal Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chadian government to track terrorists and to thwart terror plots and attacks in Nigeria.

A senior official at the Chadian Embassy in Abuja, Dr. Mahatma Niam, confirmed the partnership and security collaboration to SUNDAY PUNCH.

He added that the MoU was signed two weeks ago.

He, however, declined to give details of the MoU between Chad and Nigeria.

The US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, who visited Nigeria recently, had called for a synergy between the security agencies in dealing with the current security challenge and the readiness of the US to offer assistance in this regard.

Clinton had said, “This kind of insurgency requires a response by the security forces, but it also requires a lot more. It is incumbent upon the government to react with a broad-based strategy by addressing security as well as the questions of development and poverty, which feed underlying grievances that can promote acts of violence.”

However, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service had, at different fora, decried the free movement of persons and goods across Nigerian borders. The agencies had attributed their failure to stop illegal influx of foriegners to the porous nature of the borders.

The NCS, specifically, identified the improper demarcation of Nigeria’s boundaries with the neighbouring countries as posing security challenge. It also decried the sophistication deployed by individuals and groups who imported arms into the country illegally.

The NCS spokesperson, Mr. Chris Osunkwo, in an interview with one of our correspondents, said the nation’s porous borders were aiding the criminals in the illegal business, adding that illegal arms dealers usually devised means of evading security checks at entry points, particularly at the borders, into the country.

He explained that despite the switch from Pre-Shipment Inspection of cargo to Destination Inspection, illegal arms and contraband goods dealers still took advantage of the nation’s porous border to move in unlawful goods.

He said, “The reintroduction of pre-shipment inspection system would not help in checking contraband goods. Those behind the illegal business often create means of breaking any law or mechanism put in place.

“We intercepted lots of contraband goods, including arms, while we operated pre-shipment system. Now that we have Destination Inspection system, we still struggle to move ahead of the criminals.

“The problem is not about the laws or measures put in place; it is about the people who are bent on carrying out their dastardly acts.”

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Osaze fires Liberia warning

9:28 AM Sports No Comments

With about three weeks to Nigeria’s Afcon 2013 qualifier against the Lone Stars of Liberia, Super Eagles’ striker, Osaze Odemwingie yesterday, sent a strong statement of his readiness for the match when he scored in West Brom’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League.

Though Coach Stephen Keshi is yet to name his squad, Osaze’s performance in the league opener at the Hawthorns seems to have put him in good stead for a call-up for the two-legged encounter against Liberia for a place in next year’s African Cup of Nations.

Just as Keshi is eager to qualify the Eagles for the Nations Cup, West Brom boss Clarke was desperate to get off to a flying start against his old club, who axed him along with Kenny Dalglish at the end of last season.

Liverpool were caught cold a minute before half-time when James Morrison’s corner was only half cleared by Daniel Agger. The ball dropped to Gera, who chested it down before smashing a volley beyond Reds keeper Pepe Reina.

Liverpool had Reina to thank for keeping them in the game when he saved Shane Long’s poor penalty after Daniel Agger was red-carded in the 58th minute.

But it proved to be nothing more than a temporary reprieve as Martin Skrtel gifted the Baggies another spot-kick just minutes later. This time Long had to stand and watch as Odemwingie stepped up to make it 2-0 with 64 minutes played. And Rodgers’ misery was compounded when Baggies substitute Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, netted to rub salt into the wounds 13 minutes from time.

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Hang on train, face suicide trial —NRC

7:40 AM News No Comments

Illegal passengers caught hanging or sitting on train coach risk trial for attempted suicide and imprisonment, the Nigeria Railway Corporation has said.

Currently, 23 of of such illegal passengers are standing trial.

The Assistant Director, Public Relations, NRC, Mr. David Ndakotsu, who spoke to our correspondent, said the corporation was collaborating with law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute defaulters.

Ndakotsu spoke against the background of last week’s event in Lagos, when an illegal passenger that sat on top of an Iddo-bound train battered a photo-journalist for taking shots of their action.

He said that their officials would be deployed in all rail stations especially along the Lagos-Ogun axis where the disorder was rampant, to ensure enforcement.

He said, “There are measures put in place. There is a five-year-old law that prohibits anybody from hanging and standing on train coaches; it allows their arrest and prosecution. About 23 of those arrested are being tried for attempted suicide because what they did was suicidal.

“Passengers must obtain their tickets to allow them sit in the cabins; that is only when insurance can cover them. However, it is unfortunate that these lawbreakers usually join a moving train just after it departs a station.

“On our part, we have continued to sensitise the public and to ensure passenger’s safety. However, we have collaborated with law enforcement agencies to ensure orderliness.”

Ndakotsu attributed the problem to congestion, saying the agency would deploy more coaches in the Lagos metropolis to accommodate the increasing number of rail passengers.

He said, “Part of the problem is congestion and we have called for more coaches from Maiduguri, Jos, Bauchi and Kaduna. They are undergoing refurbishment and will be in Lagos in two weeks. We planned to raise the number of coaches on a train to between 18 and 22 per hour.”

The Nigerian Union of Journalists has risen in defence of the assaulted photo-journalist, Mr. Idowu Ogunleye, of The News/PM News and Mr. Tunde Ogundeji, formerly of Nigerian Compass.

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Police, terrorists in three-hour gun battle in Kogi

2:42 AM News No Comments

An unidentified gun man was killed on Saturday when the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force engaged some gunmen in a three-hour battle at Idanre, in Okene area of the state.

One person died in the shootout.

The incident occurred barely two weeks after gun men attacked worshippers at Deeper Life Bible Church at Otite and also Muslim faithful at Central Mosque in Okene.

About 20 people were killed during the Deeper Life Church attack.

Also two soldiers and two of the gunmen were mowed down during the mosque attack.

Perpetrators of the Saturday gun battle with the police were not yet known.

It was gathered that panic-stricken residents of Idare fled in different directions to save their lives, while the gunfight lasted.

Our correspondent also learnt that economic activities at Okene were paralysed as shops, markets and even commercial motorcyclists hurriedly closed operations during the attack.

Weapons recovered by the police from the gunmen were rocket launchers, bombs and guns, it was learnt.

Also, four suspects were said to have been arrested over the incident.

An eyewitness told journalists that the gun battle ensued when the heavily armed policemen stormed the hideout of the gunmen at Idanre, in Okene.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Mr. Muhammed Katsina, confirmed the incident to journalists on Saturday.

But he claimed that the gunmen were armed robbers.

He stated that when his men stormed their hideout, the gunmen opened fire on the police.

Katsina added that his officers over-powered the gun men,while one of them was shot dead during the operation.

Also, the state police boss confirmed that the police recovered one Baretta Pistol among other deadly weapons and ammunition from the gunmen.

Meanwhile, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, has urged residents of the area to stay at home on Sunday and observe their prayer because of the prevailing precarious security situation in the area.

In a communique by the Ebira Area Traditional Council, after a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, Ibrahim enjoined Muslims to observe the Eid-el-Fitr congregational prayers in private places.

He appealed to them to pray for the restoration of peace and for improved security in the area.

Ibrahim disclosed that royal fathers in the area assisted in the arrest of seven people in connection with killings in Okengwen, in Okehi local government, adding that the suspects had been handed over to the police.

Meanwhile, despite the military operation to flush out armed gangs from the hills of Plateau, gunmen on Friday killed three Fulani herdsmen in Sho in Barakin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

Five herdsmen were ambushed by the attackers; who killed two of the deceased on the spot, while the third victim died in a hospital.

One of the victims of the attack is on admission at Sunnah Hospital in Barakin Ladi, while the fifth person escaped.

The National Secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle breeders Association, Mr. Sale Bayeri, told our correspondent that the victims were returning home when they were attacked.

“Those that died on the spot were Yero Goma and Wada Usma, while Mokaka Mogoggo died on Saturday. The only survivor, Ahmadu Usman, said the attackers were Berom”.

Confirming the incident, the media officer of the Task Force, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said five men were on their way to Sho village when they were ambushed and attacked.

He said that despite the incident, STF was determined to see to the end of the crisis in Jos and appealed to the residents to go about their normal duties without any fear.

Mustapha also confirmed that there was a bomb scare at Bukuru area of Jos.

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Clifford Orji dies in Kirikiri Prison

2:37 AM News No Comments

Alleged cannibal and 12 years inmate of Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Clifford Orji, has died of unknown causes.

Prison authorities said Orji died Friday morning and the cause of death is unknown; but an autopsy is being performed.

The PUNCH had reported on April 13, 2012, that Orji’s health was deteriorating due to the refusal of psychiatric hospitals to take him in.

The Deputy Comptroller of the prison, Mr. Noel Ailewon, had said Orji was in a bad state and had gone completely mad.

“Orji’s health is getting worse. He has gone completely mad, vomiting and even defecating without restraint and is naked most of the time” he said

The Director of Office of the Public Defender, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, had said during a visit to evaluate the number of Awaiting Trial Persons that following a court order, Orji was taken to two Psychiatric hospitals for treatment but had been rejected.

“Initially, we took Orji to Yaba Psychiatric Hospital but was rejected because they claimed they did not have long-term medical facilities. Subsequently, he was taken to another hospital in Ewekoro but was similarly rejected” she said.

It was learnt that due to this challenge, Orji, who was 46-years-old, could not stand trial in court.

The Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Ade Ipaye, had said Orji’s case was stalled due to the impediments, adding that unless Orji received proper medical attention, he would not stand trial.

“Orji is mentally disturbed and no hospital is accepting him. Unfortunately, one cannot be tried mentally stable, so, he’s stuck in the middle. All we can do now is find help for him” he said.

Orji was arrested in February 1999 by the police under the bridge along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. He was subsequently charged before an Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court on 19 February but was never tried.

The acting Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Prison command, Mr. Biyi Jeje, confirmed Orji’s death to our correspondent on the telephone.

“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,” he said.

Jeje confirmed that Orji was 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.

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15 persons missing, one dead as ocean surge sacks Lagos beach

1:43 AM News No Comments

An ocean surge in the early hours of Saturday left one person dead and 15 missing, as the ocean encroached on the popular Kuramo Beach and its environs in Lagos.

The Police had on July 4 announced a one-week closure of the beach to evacuate squatters and hoodlums in the area.

The Divisional Police Officer, Victoria Island Station, Mr. Adegoke Fayode, had reportedly said, “We are closing down the beach for one week; a team of security agents will continue to raid the beach to rid it of criminals.

“We are raiding all the cabins on the beach. Anyone who wants to work in the cabins must be known by the security agents. After the exercise, anyone coming to Kuramo beach must feel safe. We do not want criminals to use the beach as a hideout any longer.”

Earlier, a combined team of the police, the army, immigration and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency officials had raided the beach and arrested some people on July 1.

However, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Femi Oke-Osayintolu, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria, said the disaster occurred at about 2 a.m when residents were asleep.

He added that most of the victims were people occupying illegal shanties at the beachfront.

He said, “Yes, there was an ocean surge at Kuramo Beach very early on Saturday and we have some casualties. We have just recovered one body and we are still on a frantic search for about 15 people still missing.

“We have cordoned off the entire area and have asked residents to vacate the area immediately. It is a serious thing, but we are on top of the situation.’’

Osayintolu said ocean surge was rampant in communities around beach fronts, and this had wreaked havoc in the past.

He advised persons living or trading near other waterfronts in the state to vacate such places immediately.

A resident of Iru community where the surge occurred, Mr. Akin Bayode, said the disaster was compounded by abandoned vessels, particularly ship wrecks at Alpha Beach and other beaches in the state.

He therefore called on the Federal Government to assist the state in removing the wrecks in order to effectively address the problem.

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3 killed as gunmen ambush, attack Plateau villagers

1:36 AM News No Comments

Jos – Three people were killed Friday night when unknown gunmen reportedly ambushed and attacked five persons near Sho village in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.

A statement by the military Special task Force (STF) said in Jos on Friday that the armed men simply opened fire on their victims, killing two of them immediately.

`Two others were injured, while the fifth person escaped unhurt.

“Unfortunately, one of the injured died from the gun shot wounds in a clinic in Barkin-Ladi this morning,’’ the statement signed by Capt. Salisu Mustapha, the STF spokesman, said.

The STF, however, assured Plateau residents of its commitment to a hitch-free Eid el Fitr celebration, and promised to fish out the attackers.

The statement warned residents, bent on disrupting the peace, against such evil as the security were alert and ready to deal with anyone caught.

On measures toward a peaceful Sallah celebration, Mustapha said that worshippers had been advised to worship near their residences, while no bags should be carried to worship places.

“People will only be allowed to carry their praying mats and Quran,’’ he said, adding that there would be strict restriction on vehicular movements to some areas of the state.

He advised people to use “more of their legs’’ as parking places had been strictly earmarked.

The STF spokesman reminded the residents of the ban on motorcycles, and called for full cooperation with security agencies to rid Plateau of any violence during and after the Sallah festivity. (NAN)

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Lawyer to court: I gave police N100,000 bail bribe

1:36 AM News No Comments

PORT HARCOURT – A lawyer, Mr Churchill Wechie, had admitted parting with N100,000 to secure his own bail at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Wechie’s claims, contained in an affidavit, were deposed by the lawyer before a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt in a suit No FHC/CS/06/2012 between him and the Inspector General of Police and nine others.

In addition, the lawyer stressed that he had been under “immense pressures”, since giving the initial bribe, to cough out additional N500,000 to the fingered police men who reportedly claimed the bribe money was in the orders of the Inspector General of Police.

In the affidavit in support of an application for the enforcement of his fundamental rights which he filed June 19th 2012, the plaintiff claimed that on January 19, 2012, Seyi Williams, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and Ben Ogbonna, an Inspector of Police, led a team of armed policemen to his house, arrested and detained him all day at the SCID.

He said he was granted bail at night only after he allegedly paid N100,000, deposing further that Inspector Ogbonna has since inundated him with intimidating calls demanding that he pays N500,000 more to, according him, enable the police skew investigation of the allegations for which he was arrested and detained.

The allegations, it was gathered, revolves around Wechie’s purported malicious damages to the house of his late father’s widow, Mrs Reginald Nyekpunwo Wechie Wechie on whose life he is also being accused to have raised threats over disputed properties left behind by his father.

It is yet to be determined what the court makes of his bribery allegation in the continuing case between the lawyer and the police.

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Eid-El-Fitri: Jonathan reaffirms commitment to Nigeria’s unity

1:35 AM News No Comments

President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirm his administration’s ‘absolute and immutable commitment to the unity and indivisibility of the Nigerian nation’.

In a sallah message Saturday , President Jonathan congratulated the Muslim Ummah for successful completion of the fasting period.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Communication, Reuben Abati reads:

“On behalf of himself and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates all followers of the Islamic faith in the country who have successfully concluded this year’s Ramadan fast.

“President Jonathan rejoices with all Muslims in the country as Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating Eid-El-Fitri which marks the end of the month-long annual fast.

“He prays that Almighty Allah will grant them all the rewards promised to the faithful for the pious observance of its injunctions of piety, abstinence, self-discipline, constant prayer and charity.

“Against the background of persisting challenges to unity, harmony and peaceful co-existence in the country, President Jonathan seizes the opportunity of the Eid-El-Fitri celebrations to reaffirm his administration’s absolute and immutable commitment to the unity and indivisibility of the Nigerian nation.

“The President assures all Nigerians once again that the imperatives of national unity, peace, harmony, collective development and progress will continue to inspire and motivate all policies and actions of his administration.

“President Jonathan who also observed the Ramadan fast in solidarity with Muslims in the country, applauds the exemplary leadership exhibited by Christian and Muslim leaders in the country who showed real commitment to peace and greater security for all by openly sharing the rigours and joys of the Ramadan with each other.

“The President commends the efforts of these religious leaders to further promote national unity and peaceful co-existence by visibly reaching out to those of other faith in the true spirit of all who believe in One God.

President Jonathan urges all Nigerians to follow the laudable example of such religious leaders by showing more of a similar commitment and willingness to live peacefully with each other in spite of differences of tribe or religion.

“He wishes the entire nation a joyous and peaceful Eid-El-Fitri celebrations”.

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‘Akwa Ibom open to negotiating with Cross River on 76 oil wells’

1:32 AM News No Comments

Governor Godswill Akpabio says Akwa Ibom State is not averse to entering into a dialogue with Cross River State on the issue of the 76 oil wells which ownership by Akwa Ibom State was affirmed by the Supreme Court in a recent judgment.

Akpabio, speaking during the monthly prayer meeting held at John’s Chaplaincy, Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, said, ‘’Akwa Ibom is extending a further hand of fellowship that, despite the Supreme Court judgment, it is still ready to enter into dialogue with Cross River State on the issue of the 76 oil wells’’.

He deplored reports misquoting him during the legal tussle on the disputed oil wells earlier controlled by Cross River State, and said he would gladly enter into such dialogue with Cross River State in the interest of brotherhood, peace and ancestral bonds.

The governor said he would not be distracted to break the box of democracy, promising to do his best with available resources and leave the rest for his successor to continue from where he will stop.

‘’I won’t be angry like the Biblical Moses who broke the tablet of God’s commandments on return from Mount Sinai to see the idolatrous worshipping of a golden calf by the Israelites. While in office with so much work done, I am still being criticized. I see the criticisms as good for my administration’’, Akpabio noted.

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Presidency moves to avert attacks on Mosques, Churches during Sallah

1:31 AM News No Comments

Baring fears and uncertainties among thousands of Muslim faithful across the country on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr and intelligence reports indicating that Mosques and other prayer grounds as well as Churches may be attacked by terrorist groups, President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the nation’s security chiefs to work around the clock during the celebrations to counter and prevent any attack.

A mosque Maiduguri were five people were killed in bomb blast in 2011

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika has directed the General Officers Commanding the Divisions to put their men on the alert to thwart any sinister plot while the commanders of the joint task forces in the north have received same directives from the Defence Headquarters.

On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar yesterday summoned an emergency meeting involving the Commissioners of Police in charge of Counter Terrorist Unit at Force headquarters; the CP in charge MOPOL, CP Joseph Mbu; the CP Federal Operations; the CP Border Patrol and the CP in charge Federal Capital territory, Adenrele Shinaba whereby specific directives were given on ensuring watertight security across the country.

Disclosing that the Presidency and the security agencies were not taking the threats by the terrorist groups lightly, the source told Saturday Vanguard that both the General Officer Commanding the 1 division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Major General Gani Wahab and the GOC 3 division, Jos, Major General Jack Nwaoga, were particularly tasked to ensure that perpetrators of any such terrorist acts, were taken out before they strike.

To this end, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the Army has deployed ‘specially trained Quick Intervention’ troops along the Kaduna-Kano Corridor while the Joint Task Force complement in Kogi state which is under his command are on red alert as the state is now assuming a notorious status for the manufacture and distribution of IEDS.

General Ihejirika was said to have drummed it into the ears of the GOCs and Corp Commanders that terrorists should never be allowed the space and time to unleash any more mayhem on innocent citizens thereby trying to hold the nation to ransom. Hence, it was time for the well trained, better equipped and visionary Nigerian Army personnel to put the terrorists where they belong.

On his part, the IG yesterday sent out a signal directing all Zonal AIG’s and State Command Commissioners of Police to take adequate measures to ensure the provision of water-tight security across the country before, during and after the celebration.

“Officers and men are to be deployed to ensure that the highways are effectively covered with motorized patrol teams. CPs are particularly mandated to personally ensure that all places of worship, recreation centres, resorts and other public places are adequately and effectively protected, to enable worshippers and the general public enjoy maximum fulfillment”, the signal said.

In addition, all Zonal AIGs and CPs have also been advised to ensure the provision of 24hr security around all government installations, facilities and other related valuable targets. The IGP warned officers who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that they comport themselves within the confines of the law. They must be firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned roles, giving due regard and respect to the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians at all times.

The IG emphasized that his commitment and that of his Management Team towards reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force for greater effectiveness and efficiency is irrevocable, adding that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will eventually be won.

On the circulation of threat SMS messages warning worshippers and picnickers to stay off such places, the CP urged worshippers and picnickers to ignore such messages saying the aim was to create fear and panic among the populace. He noted however that the Police will investigate the source of such messages and get to the root of the matter.

Shinaba then released three dedicated phone numbers through which the command can be reached in case of emergency and when suspicious movements of persons were discovered. They are 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08032003913.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, has felicitated with Nigerians especially, Muslim faithful, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitr celebration coming on 20th and 21st of August, 2012. He specially congratulates all Muslim faithful for a most successful Ramadan period.

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1 dead, 15 missing as ocean surge sacks Kuramo community

1:25 AM News No Comments

Lagos – An early morning ocean surge on Saturday sacked communities around Kuramo Beach in Lagos, leaving one person dead and 15 others missing.

Mr Femi Oke-Osayintolu, General Manager of The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the incident

He said the incident occurred at about 2 a.m. when residents were asleep, adding that those affected were mainly people occupying illegal shanties at the beach front.

“Yes, there was an ocean surge at Kuramo Beach very early this morning and we have some casualties.

“We have just recovered one body and we are still on a frantic search for about 15 people still missing.

“We have cordoned off the entire area and have asked residents to vacate immediately. It is a serious thing, but we are on top of the situation’’, he said.

The general manager said ocean surge was a problem in communities around beach fronts and had wreaked havoc in the past.

He urged residents living or doing business around other beach fronts in the state to leave immediately.

Mr Akin Bayode, a resident of Iru community where the surge occurred, said the problem had been compounded by abandoned vessels.

He also blamed the problem on ship wrecks in Alpha Beach and other beaches in the state.

Bayode appealed to the Federal Government to assist the State Government to remove the wrecks in order to address the problem. (NAN)

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Fear grips Enugu community as Fulani herdsmen kill 2 teenagers

1:22 AM News No Comments

…Residents allege other criminal acts
Fulani herdsmen recently unleashed mayhem at Nimbo, a peace-loving community known for its abundant agricultural produce in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State after the barbaric killing of two teenage-students, who were helping their parents in a farm work.

Residents of the area alleged that the herdsmen who settled in the forest of the community for long, had been robbing, harassing and raping women at farmlands and on Nsukka–Adani Expressway after which they retire to the forest posing as cattle-rearers.

Before the killing of the teenagers who were identified as Thadeus Utazi, 17, JS111 and Okeh Michael, 19, SSII, the Fulani herdsmen had on different occasions, allegedly carried out broad day light robbery with sophisticated weapons on the road without fear of being intercepted by security agents stationed at Adani and Nsukka Police Area Commands. They were also reportedly armed with sharpened machetes and arrows during their operation.

Crime Guard gathered that the herdsmen had settled in the farmland of Nimbo in contravention of a court order barring them from occupying the forest. They had allegedly engaged in burning residential houses indiscriminately, harassing indigenes, robbing unsuspecting victims, raping women at farmlands almost on daily basis and vandalising yam barns estimated at several hundreds of thousands of naira.

Michael

When Crime Guard visited Nimbo community over the incident, the residents stated that the fleeing Fulani herdsmen carried out an unprovoked attack on them for asking them to stop their cattle from destroying their farmlands. They also alleged that the Fulani men shot and killed the two students while working in their parents’ farmlands.

It was further learnt that Chief Ugwu Utazi, father of slain Thadeus, fainted on hearing of his son’s death. He died four days later. The distraught father of the dead student, who was quoted to have said that he would never be alive to bury his first son, Thadeus, died before police could release the corpse for burial.

A visit to the compound of the Utazis showed the two graves of father and son lying side by side. The situation at Nimbo community is hopeless as fear, anger and anxiety enveloped the residents. Their native week market (Eke) was virtually deserted following their inability to go to their farms and harvest crops and yams for sale.

Also several sympathisers thronged the home of Okeh Michael,19, At the family compound the sympathisers lamented the fate that had befallen the community. Mr. Wilfred Okeja, a civil servant with Uzo-Uwani Local Government and step-father to the deceased, and his wife, Celina Okeja, were speechless and in tears.

Wilfred Okeja, who managed to speak to Crime Guard, said his son, Michael, was killed by Fulani herdsmen at their farmland “Ugbo Owerre”. Michael was said to be the only surviving child of his late parents. According to him, “my son was killed by the Fulani people who have been a problem to Isiamani village and the entire Nimbo community for some time now.

Michael was not armed and had been a quiet hardworking child. His offence was that he challenged the Fulani people for bringing their cattle into our farmland. That was the third time the Fulani people invaded our farmland and that third day, they shot my son to death. The Fulani people used sophisticated weapon like AK47 rifle. They raped our woman with reckless abandon.”

Investigations showed that some time before the killing of the two students, a driver with Uzo-Uwani Local Government, Mr. Onyia, was attacked, shot and macheted but survived. His mobile phone, wrist watch, shoe and cash in several thousands of naira were taken away by the Fulani men while he laid unconscious in a pool of blood. The victim told Crime Guard that the Fulani people were not masked to question their identity.

Thadeus’ mother

“It is a broad daylight robbery. As I speak with you, I am carrying pellets of bullet inside me. Nobody could doubt what the Fulani people do on Adani Expressway. They commit all manner of crime and run into their make-shift tents in the bush,” he stated.

It was gathered that cases of robbery attacks and other atrocious acts by the Fulani herdsmen had been reported by not only residents of the area but people and motorists who ply Nsukka-Adani Expressway. The police in the area seemed helpless as no clear attempt had been made to check the excesses of the herdsmen.

It was also learnt that following the killing of the two students, the herdsmen fled with their cattle. Some of them were said to have relocated to Adani, a suburb town in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.

Sources said before fleeing Nimbo community a night after killing the two students, the Fulani men had shot indiscriminately into the air to chase away members of the community. In fact, the shooting, according to Charles Ezea, was so massive that people thought it was an attack by the dreaded members of Boko Haram.

“Each year, our people record huge loses in farm produce due to the devastation caused by their cattle. We went to court to stop them and got an order in our favour. We demarcated our boundaries with them and mounted signposts, but the Fulani people removed them at night. What else can we do in our own land?’’He questioned.

Crime Guard also learnt that after the incident, the community through the town union, petitioned Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime; Chairman Uzo-Uwani Local Government, Mr. Onwubuya Cornel and copied the State Security Services,SSS, over the attack and killings but nothing concrete has come out of it.

Contacted for comment over the phone, Onwubuya condemned the attacks and killing of the students.

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Sallah shocker: IG approves mass transfer of 50, 000 police officers

1:20 AM News No Comments

As thousands of Muslin faithful braced up for the Sallah celebration expected to begin this weekend, about 50, 000 Police officers made up of the rank and file and a sizeable number of SPOs yesterday got a shocker when they were posted en-masse as a result of the insecurity crises facing the nation.

As a result of the postings which saw many officers including Northerners, Southerners and Easterners swapping their areas of responsibility, some officers who spoke to Saturday Vanguard complained bitterly about the transfer saying ‘they were contemplating whether to embark on the transfer or to put in their letters of resignation as their families are kicking against it.

In particular, some Police officers presently serving in the Southern parts of the country including Northern officers from crises states like Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi and Gombe, are said to be among those trying everything humanly possible including lobbying to ensure they did not go to the states to perform security duties.

Saturday Vanguard had reported last week that following the poor performance of some Police officers in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges facing the nation, the IG directed the Police Management team to carry out a re-organization of the force by ensuring that competent officers were deployed for security duties.

It was gathered that information regarding the mass postings started filtering to the state commands on Thursday and that as at Friday (yesterday) the names of between 5,000 to 6, 000 SPOs, Inspectors and other ranks were moved out from each state command and scattered to other commands.

Sources disclosed that officers from Edo and Delta states as well as those from Anambra state were posted to Kano, Plateau, Borno and Yobe while those transferred from the northern states were posted to states like Benue, Enugu and Abia states.

Consequently, and fearing for their lives as well as those of their families, some policemen who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on condition of anonymity have threatened to resign if the postings are not changed while others have resorted to spiritual help in order to be able to survive in those areas.

The number of senior officers affected in the transfer is said to be about 5,000 in total when compared to that of other ranks the source said adding that the action was taken in line with the IG’s determination to confront the security challenges in the country headlong, he has directed that nobody should be speared in the postings.

In giving the directive, the IG is said to have noted that the long stay of some policemen in a particular posting makes them connive and partake in activities that are threats to security of lives and property as they give assistance to criminals. Hence he warned that that no policeman should stay beyond two years in any command, as this helps to bread corruption.

The source added that more postings will be coming out in the next one or two weeks as the IGP as directed that the postings must be completed by the end of the second weeks of September.

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116 contestants for Miss World pageant in China desert city

1:18 AM News No Comments

ORDOS, China (AFP) – Global beauty queens dressed in shimmering ball gowns competed Saturday for the coveted tile of Miss World in the unlikely setting of a Chinese mining city on the edge of the Gobi desert.

Miss World contestant, Nicaragua’s Lauren Gabrielle Lawson Guerrero, waits backstage prior to a rehearsal for the final ceremony at the Ordos Stadium Arena in the inner Mongolian city of Ordos on August 17, 2012. More than 100 beauty queens from around the globe have descended on the northern Chinese mining city of Ordos on the edge of the Gobi desert ahead of the Miss World final on August 18. /AFP PHOTO

A total of 116 contestants — the highest number ever — took to the stage after a dance by a troupe dressed as Mongolian warriors at the start of the contest, watched annually by about a billion people around the globe.

This year it takes place on the arid and sparsely populated steppes of Inner Mongolia, where Ordos, around 700 kilometres (440 miles) from the nearest beach, makes an unusual venue for the world’s biggest beauty pageant.

Reigning Miss World Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela will hand over her crown in the futuristic Dongsheng stadium, which is surrounded by swathes of empty or unfinished apartment blocks.

Contestants made last minute preparations to their hair and make-up before the contest started. The smell of perfume permeated the red carpeted area, where an excited Miss Nicaragua was seen in a red ball gown, her high-heels making thudding sounds on the carpet.

Besides the traditional swimsuits and evening gowns, participants were also scheduled to don outlandish costumes, with some dressed as belly dancers and one, Miss Fiji, set to appear in an owl get-up.

The beauty queens have been in China rehearsing for nearly a month, soaking up traditional Mongolian culture by churning yoghurt in a nomad’s yurt and donning local attire to climb a sand dune.

The city, which has a vast town square dedicated to the mighty Mongolian warrior Genghis Khan, has grown rich over the last decade on the back of a coal mining boom that has transformed it from a sandstorm-afflicted backwater into one of the wealthiest places in China.

The boom triggered a frenzy of building in the city, but the local government has been unable to fill the vast tower blocks that have sprung up, earning it the title of China’s biggest ghost town.

Enthusiastic competitors seemed unfazed, expressing optimism that with the help of the pageant, the city could leave that reputation behind and take its place alongside other global centres of glitz and glamour.

“Ordos could be the next Dubai,” said Marielle Wilkie, representing the Caribbean nation of Barbados.

Albanian contestant Floriana Garo chimed in with her own bold prediction.

“In ten years, this city will be booming,” she said.

Architecture in Ordos — where the city museum is shaped like an undulating blob — is “world class”, added Markysa O’Loughlin, representing St. Kitts and Nevis, also in the Caribbean.

Contestants vying for this year’s title include a Kazakh doctor and a Peruvian medical student, but the bookmakers are tipping Miss Mexico, 20-year-old Mariana Reynoso, for the crown.

Other leading contenders are thought to be Miss China and Miss Nepal.

While the popularity of the contest, first held in 1951, has waned in the West, continued interest in Asian countries ensures that the final rakes in a huge global television audience.

Sweden’s Kiki Hakansson was the first Miss World, while Oscar-winning US actress Halle Berry was a finalist in 1986 and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai took the crown in 1994.

Venezuela has produced the most Miss Worlds, with six winners, while India and Britain claim five titles each.

China has already hosted the competition five times, most recently in 2010 on the tropical southern island of Hainan.

In 2002, the pageant was moved from Nigeria to Britain after more than 200 people died in clashes sparked when a newspaper suggested the Prophet Mohammed would have chosen a wife from among the contestants had he been alive.

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Arsenal agree £15m sale of Song to Barcelona

12:20 AM Sports No Comments

A transfer fee has been set between the Gunners and the Catalan giants after much speculation over the future of the Cameroon international, who will undergo a medical on Monday.

Getty Images

Arsenal and Barcelona have confirmed that a deal has been agreed for the transfer of Alex Song for €19 million [£15m].

The Cameroon international, who had been a long-term target for the Blaugrana, will now undergo a medical on Monday before penning a five-year deal – with a release clause set at €80m [£62.8m].

Song established himself as a key member of Arsenal's midfield last season and looks like being the second high-profile exit from north London this week, after the transfer of striker Robin van Persie to Manchester United was confirmed on Friday.

A statement on the Spanish giants' official website read: "FC Barcelona has agreed a deal with Arsenal FC for the transfer of Alex Song to Camp Nou. The fee is 19 million Euros.

"The Cameroon international midfielder will sign for the next five seasons with a release clause of 80 million Euros.

"On Monday he will have a medical and then join the rest of the squad for the official team presentation at the Gamper."

The 24-year-old spent seven seasons with the Gunners after being signed as a teenager from French club Bastia, making 204 appearances and scoring 10 goals, but last season alone the midfielder registered 14 assists.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger's side kicked off their Premier League campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland as they look to rebuild their squad for a title push.


Source: goal.com

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Van Persie: The little boy inside me screamed 'Manchester United!'

12:15 AM Sports No Comments

The 29 year-old Dutch striker completed his move to Old Trafford and spoke glowingly about the club's history and the opportunity to play for the side.

Getty

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie insisted that there were no hard feelings between him and former club Arsenal after completing his move between the two sides.

At his press conference unveiling, it was revealed that Van Persie would be taking the No.20 shirt for the coming campaign, after Fabio vacated it after he moved to QPR on a season-long loan deal this summer.

The Dutch international and current PFA Player of the Year was keen to explain his reasoning behind the controversial switch, insisting that there was no ill will between Arsenal and himself, but that he simply couldn't turn the chance down.

"From my side and Arsenal's side, there is no hard feeling. No one is angry with me and I'm not angry with them," Van Persie told reporters.

"Arsenal are part of my life. They've been great to me. We didn't agree on the future - that's life.

"When I have to make tough decisions in my life I listen to the little boy inside me. That little boy was screaming 'Manchester United'"

"Manchester United breathes football. This club is the perfect match for me."

After seeing the club pipped to the title last term by local rivals Manchester City, Van Persie indicated that he was keen to rise to the challenge of playing for the club alongside players that he's admired from afar for years.

"For me it's a big challenge to do it together with the players here. Every single one is very helpful. It's like a family club.

"This is the biggest challenge for me In my football life.

""Wayne Rooney is a world class player. Scholes & Giggs are world class and have proved it for 20 years. They had a big impact.

"This is a big challenge for me, which I'm looking forward to. I am proud to be here & look forward to achieving big things."

Source: Goal.com

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