General Buhari’s Convoy Targeted By Second Kaduna Bomb Blast

 A source close to former military Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, has told SaharaReporters that a second bomb explosion that rocked the Kawo bus station in Kaduna today appeared to have targeted Mr. Buhari’s convoy. Three aides and security personnel traveling with Mr. Buhari to Daura, his hometown, have been confirmed injured in the afternoon blast. 

Our source said that the bombers had trailed Mr. Buhari’s convoy and detonated the bomb as the convoy neared a bridge in Kawo. 

Our source said the retired General was in good condition, even though he was shaken up by the trauma of the attack. 

“Three of General Buhari’s aides were injured this afternoon in the explosion at Kawo,” said the source. He disclosed that the injuries were not life- threatening. 

An earlier bomb explosion in Kaduna claimed more than 20 lives. 

Our source stated that scores of people were killed in the second bomb blast near a bridge in Kawo. He added that numerous people, including a security aide to Mr. Buhari and two others in the ex-general’s convoy, sustained varying degrees of injury. 

The source disclosed that the Kawo bus stop explosion happened as Mr. Buhari’s convoy was passing through the area. He said the ex-head of state, who is a top official of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as a staunch critic of President Goodluck Jonathan, was returning from a funeral in Zaria at the time of the explosion. 

On Monday, Mr. Buhari had issued a statement accusing President Jonathan of pushing Nigeria to the edge of a precipice. He blamed the president for a spate of impeachments of political office holders who oppose Mr. Jonathan. In his response, Mr. Jonathan told the former military ruler to focus on mending the internal rifts plaguing the opposition APC. 

At least 25 were confirmed dead after a bomb detonated earlier near Alkali Road in Kaduna, the capital of Kaduna State. A security source told SaharaReporters that the first bomb blast was targeted at a popular Islamic cleric, Dahiru Bauchi, who was delivering a Ramadan lecture at Murtala Square to Muslims observing Ramadan Tafsir. 

No group has claimed responsibility for the two high-profile attacks, but a security operative in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, said the explosions were likely the handiwork of the extremist Islamist group, Boko Haram.  
 

SAHARA REPORTERS, NEW YORK

Disturbing Video Shows How Gleeful Boko Haram Members Decapitated Nigerian Air Force Officer

IZsCUEHqvLsA Nigerian Airforce personnel had his head severed by Boko Haram members

A disturbing video has surfaced showing how some members of the Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, decapitated a Nigerian Air Force officer in Borno State and paraded with his head in a jubilant display.
 
The victim, who was extensively interrogated before his gruesome killing, identified himself as Umar Abubakar, disclosing that he was a member of Section 9 of the Nigerian armed forces engaged in counter-insurgency measures against Boko Haram.
 
In the video clip, the insurgents asked their victim to state his monthly pay to which he replied N40,000.
He also disclosed that his commanding officer was a 2nd lieutenant. The insurgents displayed their victim’s identity card, chanting that the world should know that Allah had given them an enemy.
 
“So you were sent to kill Boko Haram? And you are serving the state instead of Allah? We are members of Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad and Allah has given us an infidel today,” one of the Islamist sect’s leaders said in the video.
 
Thinking that reprieve would come his way, the captured military operative proclaimed himself a Muslim of Jama’atu Izalal extraction, but the insurgents, who spoke Hausa mixed with Kanuri, dismissed his plea. Their leader said: “No amount of prayers will save you, we will judge you according to the Quran.”
 
To the chants of Allahuakubar, the insurgents decapitated the hapless officer. After beheading their victim, the terrorists held up his severed head in jubilation as one of them used a mobile phone to film the gory scene. The victim’s headless body can be seen on the ground in a pool of blood, his hands tied with a rope.

 

SAHARA REPORTERS, NEW YORK

Heavily-armed pro-Russian rebel finally handed over the two MH17 black boxes to Malaysian investigators - days too late

At last! The dramatic moment a scruffy, heavily-armed pro-Russian rebel finally handed over the two MH17 black boxes to Malaysian investigators - days too late

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (bottom right) said that the boxes were handed over to the Malaysian team in Donetsk at 9pm Ukraine time. Pro-Russian rebels were pictured handing over the 'black boxes' - contained within the orange box (pictured) - to Malaysian authorities at a press conference. The small handing over ceremony has finally solved the question as to what had happened to the two vital devices.

A rebel stole plane victim's ring

Is this the moment a rebel stole plane victim's ring? Outrage as picture emerges showing militiaman rifling through MH17 wreckage

A photograph widely circulating on social media last night purported to show a Russian separatist fighter stealing a ring from a victim of the MH17 crash. In the picture three rebels wearing military uniforms appear to be rifling through the wreckage. A blonde-haired fighter, wearing a black beret, is bent over what looks like wreckage and apparently holding what seems to be a gold ring. The suggestion is that it could have been found amid a victim’s belongings or even taken from a body - though officials on the site claim they were trying to identify the bodies. 

The France international has signed a two-year deal with the Serie A champions, putting an end to a trophy-laden nine-season spell at Old Trafford

Juventus have completed the signing of Patrice Evra from Manchester United in a £1.5 million deal.

The 33-year-old, who signed a new one-year contract with United in May, has committed to a two-year deal with the Serie A champions.

Evra's departure leaves £30 million signing Luke Shaw as the only specialist left-back in United's first-team squad, after Alexander Buttner moved to Dynamo Moscow.

On the announcement of the move, Evra told United's official website: "After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. 

"It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart."

Juventus have revealed they will pay an initial fee of £1.2m in two installments, followed by an additional £300,000 should they finish in the Champions League qualification places next season.

Evra is the fourth decorated United veteran to leave the squad this summer, after Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand signed for Inter and QPR respectively and Ryan Giggs announced his retirement from the game.

The Frenchman made 379 appearances in a trophy-laden nine-season spell at Old Trafford, scoring 10 

President Jonathan Tells General Buhari Not To Blame Him For APC’s Woes. By Sahara Reporters

The president accused the APC chieftain of avoiding the task of resolving his party’s schisms, adding that Mr. Jonathan was not behind the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State or the threats against other opposition governors. The presidential response asserted that Mr. Jonathan is not allowed by the constitution to intervene in impeachment procedures.

President Goodluck JonathanAs the war of words intensifies between President Goodluck Jonathan and officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Jonathan today asked retired General Muhammadu Buhari not to blame him for the opposition party’s woes.
 
Mr. Jonathan’s position was contained in a statement titled “Don’t Blame Me For Your Party’s Self-Inflicted Woes” and signed by presidential spokesman Reuben Abati.
 
The presidential statement was a response to Mr. Buhari’s criticism of Mr. Jonathan’s failure to pull Nigeria back from the brink of disaster.
 
The president’s response scolded Mr. Buhari, a key figure in the opposition APC, for making “wild and totally unsustainable allegations” against the president.
 
The president accused the APC chieftain of avoiding the task of resolving his party’s schisms, adding that Mr. Jonathan was not behind the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State or the threats against other opposition governors. The presidential response asserted that Mr. Jonathan is not allowed by the constitution to intervene in impeachment procedures.
 
The text of the president’s statement is reproduced below:
 
“Although he tries very hard to deny it in the statement titled ‘Pull Nigeria Back From the Brink’, there can be no doubt that General Buhari has sadly moved away from the patriotic and statesmanlike position he recently adopted on national security, which President Jonathan publicly commended, and has now reverted to unbridled political partisanship.
 
“There can be no other explanation or justification for the completely unwarranted and very uncharitable assault on the conduct and integrity of President Jonathan which the statement he issued today represents.
 
“General Buhari’s main grouse which clearly motivated his ill-considered statement appears to be what he called “the gale of impeachments or the utilization of desperate tactics to suffocate the opposition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state”.

Photo: IGP, Abubakar on traffic duty

Inspector General of Police – MD Abubakar – fully dressed in Traffic Police uniform and controlling traffic at the popular Ministry of Finance Junction at Central Abuja. 

Source: The Nation Newspaper

Grieving mother begs Russian leader to return her son and girlfriend as rebels MH17 bodies are discovered in train carriages 9 miles away

'Mr Putin, send them home, send them home, please': Grieving mother begs Russian leader to return her son and girlfriend as rebels MH17 bodies are discovered in train carriages 9 miles away

Silene Fredricksz and her husband Robertt (centre) begged Putin (left) to ensure the safe return of her son and his girlfriend, who were among the 298 victims when the Malaysia Airlines passenger jet was shot down over Ukraine, as outrage was continued to build over the situation at the crash site in the rebel-held east of the country. Rescue workers at the site reported that armed rebels had confiscated the corpses and taken them to an 'unknown location' - later revealed to be a refrigerated train carriage (right) in the town of Tozer, nine miles away. She said: 'She said: 'They were 23 and 20 years old. They are laying there somewhere on the floor. I don't know where they are. I want to arrange their funeral and I can't.' The Russian president was at the centre of international condemnation, as the UK's new Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he was behind the 'obstruction and obfuscation' and could use his influence over the rebels and ensure the investigation goes smoothly with a 'snap of his fingers'.

The Juventus CEO admits negotiations for the Real Madrid striker were difficult but believes the 21-year-old can bring great success to Turin after completing his move

Alvaro Morata is one of the best young talents in world football, according to Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta.

The Italian champions announced on Saturday that the 21-year-old had completed his €20 million move from Real Madrid after weeks of protracted negotiations, with Morata signing a five-year contract.

Although he acknowledged it was a battle to convince Madrid to part with the Spain youth international - as well as fend off interest from other clubs - Marotta believes the lengthy pursuit of the player will pay dividends for the club in the coming seasons.

"He is 21, comes from Real Madrid and is one of the best young talents in European football and the world," Marotta told reporters at Morata's unveiling.

"He won two titles with the Spain Under-19s and U21s, and won the Golden Boot for those tournaments [the 2011 U19 European Championship and 2013 U21 European Championship]. He took part in Real Madrid's recent Champions League victory.

"He's played six seasons with the Merengues, so he has tasted all the success of the team and found a winning mentality. All of this led us to choose him.

"Negotiations have been difficult, Real Madrid wanted to hold him back and there was competition from other clubs. If Alvaro is here today it is because he wanted to wear this glorious shirt.

"Real have the right to a repurchase, but the player is here and will have a great experience with us. We hope he can stay here, hence the five-year contract.

Jimi Agbaje Joins PDP Ahead Of 2015 Gubernatorial Election In Lagos

Jimi AgbajeJimi Agbaje, the governorship candidate of the Democratic People's Alliance (DPA) in the 2007 governorship contest in Lagos State, has pitched political tent with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Confirming the development to SaharaReporters, a close associate of Mr. Agbaje said the governorship aspirant took the decision after careful consideration by his top campaign team. “We took time to study all the political scenarios and the different political parties to determine which is the best instrument for pursuing his [Mr. Agbaje’s] goal of providing Lagos State with first class service,” said the source. He added that the gubernatorial aspirant was convinced that the PDP in Lagos State has the best level of internal democracy of all the major parties likely to be in contention in Lagos. “It’s regrettable that, fifteen years into our current democratic system, so many parties still practice the culture of anointment or imposition of candidates,” said the source. He argued that Mr. Agbaje’s political advisers discovered that the PDP was abandoning the idea of imposition of candidates, accusing Bolag Tinubu, a major force in the All Progressives Congress (APC) of continuing with his desire to dictate the direction of Nigeria’s major opposition party, including the undemocratic anointment of candidates for elective posts.

A pharmacist by training, Mr. Agbaje is an entrepreneur and has a longstanding history of political involvement.

SaharaReporters was unable to reach Mr. Agbaje by telephone, but two sources told us that he plans to officially announce his membership of the PDP and his intention to run on that party’s platform in the coming week.

   

SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK

Falconets Face Expulsion By FIFA Today

The deadline given by FIFA to Nigeria to either reinstate the Aminu Maigari-led board of the Nigeria Football Federation, or face expulsion from the Under 20 Female World Cup, scheduled for next month in Canada, expires today.

The World Football governing body has already asked the South African female Under 20 team to be ready to replace their Nigerian counterparts at the tournament if the country fails to comply with the order to revert to status quo regarding Maigari’s sacking.

Falconets Meet Jonathan in AbujaVanguard NigeriaFIFA officials maintain the NFF Extra-Ordinary Congress that unanimously endorsed the dissolution of the Aminu Maigari-led NFF Executive Committee, and immediate termination of the employment of all management staff for various offences on July 5, in Abuja, wasn’t done in line with its statutes. The FIFA also faulted the Congress’ decision to dissolve the boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women’s League, and the Nigeria Nationwide League saying the move was ‘highly interfered with by the Government.’

With the Nigerian authorities yet to bulge an eyelid over the directive, the Falconets, who have been at their base in Abuja expecting to depart for the North American country, find their quest to conquer the World in limbo. Also, with the male U-17 and U-20 set for international friendlies and qualifiers soon, the impact of the suspension promises have a serious and negative impact on Nigerian football.

 

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Nyanya Explosion: Interpol Hands Over Alleged Mastermind To Nigeria

Originally reported by Premium Times.

Aminu Ogwuche, the Nigerian accused of masterminding the April 14 bomb explosion in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja, has been handed to Nigerian security officials by the International Police, INTERPOL.

Nyanya Explosion Witnessesglobalvillageextra.comThis was disclosed by the Defence Headquarters on its twitter handle on Tuesday afternoon.

“Bombing Mastermind Ogwuche delivered to Nigerian Security by @INTERPOL_HQ. Received in Abuja Airport & taken to custody,” the Defence Headquarters said via @DefenceInfoNG.

Mr. Ogwuche reportedly fled Nigeria immediately after the bomb blast that killed about 75 people, and was arrested about a month later in Sudan.

The Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mike Omeri, had while addressing journalists on May 14 stated that Nigeria was making plans to have the accused terrorist extradited back to the country to face charges.

“We wish to authoritatively confirm the interception and consequent arrest of one of the two suspects on the wanted list, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche who fled to Sudan.

“Mr. Ogwuche had been declared wanted by authorities in Nigeria for his involvement in the bombings of Nyanya. The efforts of Interpol, Nigeria police and the Department of State Services (DSS) have led to this arrest,” Mr. Omeri said.

On Tuesday, Mr. Omeri also confirmed that Mr. Ogwuche had been handed over to Nigerian authorities.

Details later…

PREMIUM TIMES NIGERIA

After a deal to take the centre-forward to London from Atletico Madrid was announced earlier this month, the €44 million Spain international is now definitively a Blues player

Chelsea have confirmed they have completed the signing of Diego Costa, with the striker signing a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

A deal to take the Spain international from Atletico Madrid was officially agreed on July 1, but the centre-forward has now finalised the details to register as a Blues player.

Jose Mourinho's side have paid Atleti the Brazilian-born star's buyout clause, with the total outlay around €44 million [£35m], including agents' fees.

Costa exclusively revealed to Goal his reasons for joining the Blues in June, expressing his excitement at signing for "one of the greatest clubs in the world".

The 25-year-old's contract at Stamford Bridge will net him €190,000 [£150,000] per week.

Governor murtala Nyako Of Adamawa State impeached

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa StateAdamawa state governor, Murtala Nyako, has been impeached by the Adamawa State House of Assembly, while his deputy, James Ngilari voluntarily resigned before the house could impeach along with Nyako.

A close associate of the governor confirmed to SaharaReporters via telephone.

“Yes, it has happened and they did their worse and impeached Nyako, but the Ngilari resignation was accepted by the members. This is what I can say.”

SaharaReporters also gathered that Nyako is heading to court to challenge the impeachment, as he has gathered team of seasoned lawyers added to the ones recruited by his party, All Progressive Congress (APC) to pursue the case.

It was gathered that the state is in top preparation for the swearing-in of the Speaker as the next executive governor of the state.
Yola is said to be calm and a bit anxiety following the development.

 

SAHARA REPORTERS, NEW YORK

Apartheid-Era Novelist Nadine Gordimer Passes Away At 90

Nadine GordimerMartin Argles for the GuardianSouth African writer-activist Nadine Gordimer passed away on Sunday July 13th at her home in Johannesburg.  

A recipient of the 1991 Nobel Prize in Literature, Gordimer’s novels have graced the curriculum of African studies departments across the country, prompting readers to think deeper on racial issues and the influence of apartheid in South Africa. The vocal content of her novels, often political, resulted in three of her books being banned during the apartheid era.

The author was born in early 1920s Johannesburg to a Latvian father and an English mother; the pair helped shape Gordimer’s political imagination. For Gordimer, the purpose of writing was to, “explain the mystery of life and the mystery,” which included, “the personal, the political, the forces that make us what we are while there’s another force from inside battling to make us something else.”

In an interview for the Nobel Prize, Gordimer narrated one of the experiences that stimulated her awakenings about race, where her parents’ home was raided by policemen in order to search for beer in the black housemaid’s room. Her parents offered no resistance to the servant’s humiliation; this incident inspired one of her first stories.

Gordimer’s activism extended beyond her novels to include testifying at the 1986 Delmas trial on behalf of 22 ANC members who had been accused of treason. The activist's reputation so preceded her that Nelson Mandela requested to meet her, upon his release from prison in 1990.

She spread her influence by lecturing at universities, including Princeton and Harvard. 

Her family says she passed peacefully in her sleep.

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Council Official Killed By Policemen Attached To Former Borno Governor Ali Modu Sheriff

Ali Modu Sheriff returning to Maiduguri Borno earlierA treasurer of Kala-Balge Local Government Area in the central part of Borno State was reportedly killed by stray bullets when policemen attached to former governor, Ali Modu Sheriff shot into the air to disperse political thugs who lay siege at the residence of Ex-Governor  on Monday in Maiduguri. 

The former governor who returned to the state under heavy security on Monday about a Dornier 328 aircraft associated with Shell Petroleum  was in the state to prepare for a rally that would see him return to the ruling party, People Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. Sheriff, a close associate of Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan, had the Maiduguri airport reopened for him to return to the state.

The Ex-Governor whose associates reorganized members of a group of youth known as “ ECOMOG” became uncomfortable when youths started massing around his residence in protest against his presence in the state.

The former governor then sought the help of police to disperse them. The police fired severally warning shots in the air to scare away the thugs, one of the  bullets reportedly strayed and killed the council official who was near Sheriff's house located around  Giwa army barracks at the G.R.A in Maiduguri. 

Meanwhile, state officials said they were shocked that while the airport remain shut against Muslims billed to attend the hajj in Mecca since June 27th, 2014, the President approved the airport to be reopened specifically for the former governor.

The closure of the airport led to the death of a policeman attached to the state Governor’s brother,  Shettima Mohammed Shettima, as he traveled to Kano by road to join a flight to Mecca. The Governor’s brother also suffered several fractures; as a result, of the accident. The Governor, Kashim Shettima was not allowed to use the airport to travel to visit his brother at the hospital according to state officials.The SUV in which a policeman attached to Borno Governor Shettima died in an auto accident on his way to Kano to board a Hajj flight to Saudi Arabia

Former Governor Alli Modu Sheriff is known as one of the creators of deadly Islamist sect, Boko Haram during his tenure as governor of the state. the sect later turned against him killing his younger brother who he anointed to become governor of the state.

SAHARA REPORTERS, NEW YORK

Police Arrest Another Ranking Member Of Ranking Member Of Boko Haram Suspect says he is the “Chief-Butcher” of Balmo Forest BY SAHARA REPORTERS

Mohammed ZakariPR NigeriaFollowing the massive onslaught by Security Forces on the activities of the insurgent group, Boko Haram, at the Balmo Forest Bauchi State, Police detectives attached to Bauchi State Police Command on Saturday, 12/7/2014 about 2pm have arrested one Mohammed Zakari, a male of 30 years old and senior member of the Boko Haram terrorists’ organization along Darazo-Basrika Road while fleeing from the intensive counter insurgency operations going on around the Balmo Forest. The suspect, who hails from Kaigamari Village, Daptchari in Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State is the self-styled “chief butcher” of the insurgent group at the Balmo Forest Camp and is linked with the recent slaughter of seven (7) people, including women and children. Findings as well as disclosures from the suspect will assist the Law enforcement agencies in tracking down some other members of the terror cell.
 
The suspect whom investigation reveals was tutored in the art of insurgency at Gombe Forest under the leadership of a fleeing insurgent, one Abba Taura and moved to Balmo Forest only three months ago, is discovered to have actively participated in the April attack against Customs officers at Kari Town, along Maiduguri Road, Bauchi State.
 
Meanwhile, the Police High Command has called on the citizens in the affected areas to be on guard for any suspicious or strange character fleeing from Balmo Forest.
 
It also calls for the understanding and support of the public for the efforts of the Police and other Security Forces in tackling insurgency, terrorism and other related crimes headlong, noting that although the war on terrorism is unrelenting, it is certainly not insurmountable and must be won with the cooperation of all.    
 
 
 
                                                 ACP FRANK MBA
                             FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
                                           FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
                                                        ABUJA.

 

FRANK MBA

Boko Haram Kill 27 In Fresh Borno Attack

Boko Haram militants have attacked Bille village, in Askira/Uba LGA Borno state today, as many are feared dead, and several homes have been burned down. The militants stormed the Bille district at about 7:05 am Nigerian time on Monday.

They reportedly opened fire on the villagers indiscriminately. Villagers who fought back killed five Boko Haram members. Several villages lost their homes to the notorious group, who also burned and razed churches, as well as shops and other houses in the area.

Aftermath of Recent Boko Haram BombingWashington PostA local vigilante, Yohana Musa, who spoke to our reporter by phone said, “the attackers were well armed with weapons of mass destruction, such as anti aircraft guns, and rocket propelled launchers, and other dangerous weapons.

The source noted that, "five of our (armed) members were killed, as well as over ten villagers. Several were injured. I am confused in fact. Right now, the village is on fire."

He added that two Nigeria Air Force fighter jets had arrived in Bille, and started an immediate bombardment of the militants. Fatalities and injuries stemming from that fire-fight are yet to surface with accurate numbers. But the situation is currently calm, as many villagers had fled for safety, the source said.

SaharaReporters has learned that some of the villagers fled to the bush and other nearby villages for their safety.

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Liverpool are very close to completing the signing of Benfica winger Lazar Markovic, who is having a medical ahead of a £20m transfer.

The Serbian has already sent a message to the Benfica fans, which said: “Thank you for everything and goodbye.”

And Sky Sports reporter Vinny O’Connor said on Monday afternoon: “Lazar Markovic is all set to become Liverpool’s fourth summer signing.

“He has just left Liverpool’s training ground in a club car but he is expected back later to complete the formalities of the medical.

“It is a deal which could drag into tomorrow but the club are hoping to announce today that he is a Liverpool player.”

The 20-year-old Markovic can play out wide or as an orthodox striker, and has already been capped 12 times by Serbia.

Having begun his career with Partizan Belgrade, he helped Benfica to the Portuguese league title last season.

However, he missed the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla through suspension, having been sent-off during injury-time in the second-leg of the semi-final against Juventus.

He had already been taken off in the 0-0 draw but was dismissed for scuffling with Juventus substitute Mirko Vucinic.

Markovic is now poised to follow Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Emre Can, who have all signed for Liverpool since the conclusion of the 2013/14 campaign.

But the Reds have parted company with last season’s top scorer Luis Suarez, who is to join Spanish side Barcelona.