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Nigerian Police Declare Briton, Nigerian Wanted for Alleged Plot to Overthrow Government

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The Nigeria Police Force has declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, and a Nigerian citizen, Lucky Obiyan, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The announcement was made by Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

According to Adejobi, Wynne is accused of building a network of sleeper cells intended to topple the government. The police allege that the foreign national rented space at Labour House in Abuja and established a school as a front for his activities.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed a six-count charge of treason and other criminal offenses against Wynne and other organizers of the recent #EndBadGovernance protests at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges allege that the defendants conspired to commit felonies, including treason, between July 1 and August 4.

Adejobi further revealed that the police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of foreign nationals and subversive elements plotting to undermine Nigeria’s democratically elected government. He stated, “Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country.”

The police spokesman emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, suggesting that the plot involved orchestrating violence across the country to facilitate an unconstitutional regime change.

This development comes at a time of political tension in Nigeria, with the Tinubu administration facing various challenges since taking office. The allegations of a foreign-backed plot to overthrow the government are likely to intensify scrutiny of international involvement in Nigerian affairs.

As the investigation continues, the Nigeria Police Force has called on the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of Wynne and Obiyan. The case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about national security and the stability of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Notorious Libyan Human Trafficker Abdel-Rahman Milad Killed in Tripoli

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Abdel-Rahman Milad, one of Libya’s most notorious human traffickers and a figure sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council, was killed on Sunday in the capital city of Tripoli, according to Libyan officials. The assassination has heightened tensions in the western part of the North African country, which continues to grapple with political instability and lawlessness.

Milad, who commanded a coast guard unit in the western town of Zawiya, was shot dead by unknown assailants under circumstances that remain unclear. No group has claimed responsibility for the killing. Libyan media reported that Milad was shot while in his vehicle in the Sayyad area of western Tripoli. Images circulating online showed his white Toyota Land Cruiser riddled with bullet holes.

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, confirmed Milad’s death. The Tripoli-based government of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has not yet commented on the incident.

Moammar Dhawi, a militia leader in western Libya, publicly mourned Milad’s death on Facebook, calling for an investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Milad’s killing underscores the ongoing turmoil in Libya since the NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The country remains divided between two rival administrations, each supported by armed groups and foreign governments.

In June 2018, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on Milad and five other leaders of criminal networks involved in human trafficking from Libya. At the time, Milad was described as the head of a coast guard unit “consistently linked with violence against migrants and other human smugglers” from rival gangs.

UN experts monitoring the sanctions claimed Milad and other coast guard members were “directly involved in the sinking of migrant boats using firearms.” Milad had denied these allegations, claiming that traffickers wore uniforms similar to those of his men.

Despite his notoriety, Milad’s legal troubles were complex. He was jailed for about six months between October 2020 and April 2021 on human trafficking and fuel smuggling charges, but managed to return to a position of influence after his release.

The assassination of such a high-profile figure highlights the ongoing challenges Libya faces in combating human trafficking and establishing rule of law. As a major conduit for migrants from Africa and the Middle East seeking to reach Europe, Libya’s political instability has allowed criminal networks to thrive.

AP

Gunfire Erupts at Congo’s Main Prison in Kinshasa During Attempted Jailbreak

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Heavy gunfire erupted early Monday morning at Makala prison, Congo’s largest penitentiary in the capital Kinshasa, as inmates attempted a mass jailbreak from the severely overcrowded facility. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya confirmed the incident on social media platform X, describing it as “an attempted escape.”

The gunfire reportedly began around midnight, alarming local residents. By Monday morning, security forces had cordoned off the road leading to the prison. Muyaya urged the population of Kinshasa not to panic, stating, “Security services are on site to restore order and security.”

Makala prison, designed to hold 1,500 inmates, currently houses over 12,000 people, most of whom are awaiting trial, according to Amnesty International’s latest country report. This extreme overcrowding has been a longstanding issue, with authorities recently attempting to alleviate the situation by releasing dozens of inmates in recent months.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba characterized the attack as a “premeditated act of sabotage” against efforts to improve prison conditions. He announced that investigations were underway to identify and punish those responsible for instigating the incident, promising a “stern response.”

In response to the jailbreak attempt, Mutamba announced a ban on the transfer of inmates from Makala prison and revealed plans to construct a new prison facility to address overcrowding issues.

This is not the first time Makala prison has experienced a jailbreak. In 2017, an attack by a religious sect resulted in the escape of dozens of inmates.

Local media reported that security forces killed some of those attempting to flee, though these reports remain unconfirmed. Videos purportedly from inside the prison showed several bodies on the ground, but their authenticity could not be immediately verified.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, currently on an official visit to China, has not yet commented publicly on the incident. The jailbreak attempt highlights ongoing challenges in Congo’s penal system, including severe overcrowding and security concerns.

AP

Kenyan Man Extradited to U.S. to Face Murder Charges in Massachusetts

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Kenyan authorities have extradited Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe to the United States to face murder charges in Massachusetts, nearly a year after he fled the country. Kenyan Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga confirmed on Monday that Kangethe left Nairobi on Sunday and is scheduled to appear at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston on Tuesday.

Kangethe is accused of killing his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, whose body was discovered in a car at Logan International Airport in Boston on October 31, 2023. Mbitu, a healthcare aide from Halifax, Massachusetts, was last seen leaving work on October 30 and was reported missing by her family.

The case has been marked by dramatic developments, including Kangethe’s escape from police custody in Kenya. In January, he managed to flee from a police cell following a visit from his Kenyan lawyer. This incident led to disciplinary action against four police officers on duty at the time. Kangethe was rearrested a week later, allowing the extradition process to continue.

During the extradition hearings in Kenya, prosecutors revealed that preliminary investigations showed Mbitu had traveled with Kangethe to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he resided, after leaving her workplace. Authorities also stated that Kangethe was found in possession of personal items belonging to the deceased.

Ingonga expressed his commitment to supporting the U.S. prosecution team as they proceed with the next phase of the case. He stated, “I wish to reiterate my commitment and support, whenever needed, to the United States of America, and in particular the prosecution team as they proceed with the next phase of the case.”

The extradition order was initially issued by a Kenyan court in July, but the process was delayed by Kangethe’s escape and subsequent legal proceedings. Notably, Kangethe has renounced his U.S. citizenship, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Robert Mugabe’s Son Arrested for Assaulting Police Officer in Zimbabwe

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Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in Beitbridge for allegedly assaulting a police officer and brandishing a knife. The incident occurred at a roadblock in Bubi, approximately 80 kilometers north of the border town.

According to reports from NewsDay, the altercation took place around 6:00 a.m. when Chatunga, accompanied by a Chinese driver, arrived at the police checkpoint. The confrontation escalated when officers requested vehicle documents, leading Chatunga to become agitated.

Sources claim Chatunga shouted at the police, saying, “You are delaying us, do you know who I am?” During the incident, he allegedly grabbed a Support Unit officer by the collar, tearing off his shirt buttons, and brandished an Okapi knife before being subdued and arrested.

Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, the officer commanding Beitbridge Police District, confirmed Chatunga’s arrest but stated he had limited details about the case.

This incident adds to Chatunga Mugabe’s history of legal troubles. In 2023, he and a friend were arrested for assault and malicious damage to property. His older brother, Robert Junior, also faced legal issues in February of the previous year for erratic behavior at a party.

The arrest of the former president’s son highlights ongoing tensions and scrutiny surrounding the Mugabe family in post-Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe. As investigations continue, the case is likely to draw significant attention both domestically and internationally.

Nigeria’s EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Seizes Luxury Cars and Electronics

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has arrested 48 individuals suspected of internet fraud in a major operation in Umudike, Abia State. The arrests, carried out by operatives from the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, took place on Friday, August 30, 2024.

According to a statement released by the commission, the suspects were apprehended at various locations throughout Umudike following actionable intelligence regarding their alleged involvement in internet fraud activities. The operation marks a significant step in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime in Nigeria.

In the course of the arrests, the EFCC seized a substantial amount of high-value items from the suspects. These include twelve exotic cars, fifteen different brands of laptops, and sixty-eight expensive smartphones.

The recovery of these items suggests a potentially lucrative operation by the suspects, highlighting the scale of internet fraud activities in the region.

The EFCC stated that investigations are currently ongoing. Once completed, the suspects will be charged to court to face legal proceedings related to their alleged crimes.

This operation in Umudike is part of a broader crackdown on internet fraud in Nigeria, a crime that has garnered international attention and affected the country’s reputation globally. The EFCC’s actions demonstrate the Nigerian government’s commitment to combating cybercrime and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Suspected Houthi Attacks Target Ships in Red Sea, Threatening Global Trade and Ecology

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FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Explosions take place on the deck of the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion on the Red Sea, in this handout picture released August 29, 2024. Houthi Military Media/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo/File Photo

Suspected attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeted two ships in the Red Sea on Monday, escalating tensions in a vital maritime corridor and potentially threatening global trade and environmental safety. The incidents occurred near ongoing efforts to salvage the Sounion, an oil tanker still ablaze after a previous assault.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported that in the first attack, two projectiles struck a vessel, with a third explosion occurring nearby. The targeted ship, believed to be the Panama-flagged oil tanker Blue Lagoon I, was traveling south through the Red Sea after departing from Russia’s port of Ust-Luga. The vessel had been broadcasting its cargo as of Russian origin.

Later Monday morning, the UKMTO reported a second attack off the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida. Private security firm Ambrey stated that an aerial drone hit a merchant ship in close proximity to the earlier incident, though no damage or injuries were reported.

These attacks are part of a broader campaign by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have targeted over 80 vessels with missiles and drones since October 2023. The rebels claim to be targeting ships linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. However, many of the attacked vessels have little or no connection to the conflict.

The Houthi attacks have significantly disrupted the flow of goods through the Red Sea, a crucial waterway for global trade valued at $1 trillion annually. The assaults have also impeded aid shipments to conflict-affected regions in Sudan and Yemen.

Amid these tensions, efforts continue to salvage the Sounion, an oil tanker carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil. The vessel was attacked by Houthis on August 21 and subsequently abandoned by its crew. Salvage operations aim to prevent a potential ecological disaster, as the ship remains ablaze. Houthi official Jamel Amer had announced that tugboats were expected to arrive on Sunday to tow the Sounion away, but NASA fire satellites detected an ongoing blaze at the vessel’s location on Monday morning.

The Houthi rebels’ campaign has not only disrupted maritime trade but also resulted in casualties. Four sailors have been killed, while one vessel was seized and two were sunk. The United States-led coalition in the Red Sea has intercepted numerous missiles and drones, but the attacks continue to pose a significant threat to shipping in the region.

As tensions escalate, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the security challenges in the Red Sea. The attacks not only jeopardize global trade but also risk severe environmental consequences, particularly if fully laden oil tankers like the Sounion are compromised.

Russia Launches Massive Aerial Attack on Kyiv as Ukrainian Children Return to School

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Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Kyiv early Monday, coinciding with the start of the new school year across Ukraine. The attack, involving drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, damaged educational facilities and left some pupils unable to attend classes on their first day back.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russia fired 35 missiles of various types and 26 Shahed drones at the country overnight. The Ukrainian air force claimed to have intercepted nine ballistic missiles, 13 cruise missiles, and 20 drones. Despite these efforts, debris from intercepted projectiles fell across every district of Kyiv, injuring three people and damaging two kindergartens, according to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry.

The assault triggered several series of explosions in the Ukrainian capital, prompting residents to seek shelter. Oksana Argunova, an 18-year-old high school student in Kyiv, described the terrifying experience: “I woke up, my neighbor was shouting: ‘Let’s go down (to the shelter), there are big explosions.’ We all ran.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the significance of the day on his Telegram channel, stating, “Today is one of the most important days of the year for millions of our Ukrainian children, families and teachers.” He emphasized Ukraine’s efforts to provide opportunities for children despite the ongoing conflict.

The attack on Kyiv was part of a broader offensive that also targeted other Ukrainian cities. In Sumy, a northeastern city, 18 people were injured in a strike on a children’s rehabilitation center and orphanage. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, early morning strikes set residential buildings on fire.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed Ukraine’s recent offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, claiming it would not impede Russian advances in eastern Ukraine. Putin told school students during a trip to southern Siberia, “The main task that the enemy set for themselves — to stop our offensive in Donbas — they haven’t achieved it.”

The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides pursuing ambitious ground offensives. Ukraine continues its push into Russia’s Kursk region, while Russian forces advance deeper into the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The UK Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces have likely moved within 10 kilometers of the key Donetsk stronghold of Povkrosk.

As the war approaches its 1,000th day, the intensity of long-range strikes from both sides suggests a continued commitment to weapon production and military operations. The conflict’s impact on civilian life, particularly evident on this first day of school, underscores the ongoing humanitarian toll of the war in Ukraine.

Source: AP

General Strike in Israel Reflects Political Divisions Over Hostage Crisis

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A rare general strike swept across Israel on Monday, protesting the government’s failure to secure the return of hostages held in Gaza. The strike, called by the country’s largest trade union, Histadrut, led to widespread closures and disruptions, including at Ben-Gurion International Airport, but was unevenly observed across the nation, underscoring deep political divisions.

The strike action followed mass demonstrations on Sunday night, where hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in grief and anger after six hostages were found dead in Gaza. Many blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, arguing that the hostages could have been returned alive through negotiations with Hamas.

Arnon Bar-David, head of Histadrut, called for the strike to shut down or disrupt major sectors of the economy, including banking and healthcare. However, a labor court ruled that the strike must end by 2:30 p.m. local time, accepting a government petition that it was politically motivated.

At Ben-Gurion Airport, outgoing flights were halted between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., causing slight delays. Passenger reactions were mixed, with some supporting the strike and others viewing it as counterproductive.

The strike’s impact varied across the country. In Tel Aviv and other central municipalities, it led to shortened school hours and closures of government offices. However, Jerusalem and some other areas did not participate, reflecting the nation’s political divide.

Sunday’s demonstrations, estimated to have drawn between 200,000 and 500,000 participants nationwide, demanded that Netanyahu reach a deal with Hamas to return the remaining hostages, even if it means leaving Hamas intact and withdrawing from Gaza. This stance contrasts sharply with Netanyahu’s pledge for “total victory” over Hamas.

The discovery of six dead hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, has intensified public pressure on the government. Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the deaths, while Hamas accused Israel and the U.S. of prolonging negotiations with new demands.

As the war approaches its 11th month, it has claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives in the initial Hamas attack and more than 40,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, according to local health officials. The conflict has also displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and plunged the territory into a humanitarian crisis.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery Prepares to Launch Petrol Sales in Nigeria

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Nigeria’s largest private oil refinery, is poised to commence the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, according to industry sources. This development follows recent test runs of the product at the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery.

Anonymous sources within the industry have confirmed that the Dangote Group and the Nigerian government are currently finalizing the modalities for the circulation of the product. A government insider revealed that the sale and distribution of PMS is being coordinated with the Federal Government, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) expected to be the sole authorized distributor of Dangote’s fuel initially.

The refinery’s entry into the market has been delayed since June due to crude oil shortages and a dispute with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority over allegations of substandard diesel production. However, recent government intervention ensuring crude oil supply to the refinery in local currency appears to be yielding positive results.

The Dangote Group has previously accused international oil companies of reluctance to sell crude to local refiners, alleging that foreign producers prioritize Asian countries in selling Nigerian-produced crude. The group also claimed that international oil companies insisted on selling crude through foreign agents at prices $2 to $4 per barrel above the official Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) price.

A recent disagreement between Dangote and the NUPRC over the alleged supply of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the refinery has added complexity to the situation. While the NUPRC stated it had facilitated this supply between January and June 2024, Dangote Group spokesperson Anthony Chiejina denied receiving this quantity, acknowledging only one crude cargo facilitated by NUPRC from a domestic producer.

The imminent launch of Dangote’s petrol sales has sparked hope among Nigerians for a potential reduction in fuel prices. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria has long struggled with fuel scarcity and price fluctuations, often relying on imports due to insufficient domestic refining capacity.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s entry into the market represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in fuel production and reduce dependency on imports. Industry watchers and consumers alike are keenly anticipating the impact this development will have on the country’s energy sector and economy at large.

Credit: Punchng.com

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