News Desk Friday, November 16, 2007

London appeal court freezes Ibori’s assets

Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, on Thursday suffered another setback in the bid to free himself from prosecution over corruption. A London Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, in an unanimous decision, ruled that the Southwark Crown Court, which had discharged a restraint order on Ibori’s assets, erred by lifting the order. MORE>>>

Militants bomb Shell's oil pipeline in Delta

PORT-HARCOURTMILITANTS in the early hours of yesterday blew up with explosives a crude oil delivery pipeline, belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Delta State amidst fears that the execution of the multi billion dollars Escravos Gas -to –Liquid project of the American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, may be truncated following a fresh threat by the people of oil – rich Ugborodo community, Warri South West local government area. MORE>>>

Two police officers, two armed robbers killed in gun battle at Apapa

Police sources said a gang of about eight armed robbers were spotted somewhere around Trebbor junction, Apapa at about 11pm on Tuesday. It was gathered that men of anti-robbery squad who were scattered around Apapa and environs were put on the alert. However, sources said the gang quickly made a U-turn and headed towards Tin Can Island where another team led by the late Inspector were on a pin down point at a black spot. MORE>>>

Bakassi Killings: Nigerian Soldiers Not Involved, Azazi Insists

Chief of Defence Staff, General Andrew Azazi, insisted yesterday that Nigerian military did not attack Cameroonian soldiers in Bakassi. Also yesterday, leader of Nigerian delegation to the United Nations, Prince Bola Ajibola, reiterated that Nigerian government had no hand in the November 12, 2007 killings of the 20 Cameroonian soldiers. MORE>>>

Illegal Bunkering: Navy Arrests 260 Ships – Adekeye

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, yesterday said 260 ships involved in illegal bunkering have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy. Adekeye disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen during the maiden tour of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Fidelia Akuabata Njeze, to Naval headquarters, to enable her interact with principal staff officers. MORE>>>

Nigeria's Niger Delta Militants Issue New Threat

In Nigeria, the militant group Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it intends to spread its agitation from the oil-rich region to other parts of Nigeria. In an email sent to journalists late Thursday, the group said it will attack major bridges and other non-oil sector-related infrastructure throughout Nigeria. MORE>>>

Militant Group Says Nigeria Military Behind Attacks of Cameroon Soldiers

One of the most potent militant groups operating in Nigeria's oil-rich delta region, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, says the Nigerian military were behind a cross-border raid that left 21 Cameroonian soldiers dead on Monday. Nigerian authorities deny the accusation. The attack took place in the Bakassi Peninsula, an oil-rich strip of territory recently ceded to Cameroon after international courts overturned neighboring Nigeria's claim to the land. Sarah Simpson has more from Lagos. MORE>>>

IN GLOBAL NEWS

U.S. deserters lose bid for Canada refugee status (BOSTON GLOBE)

China spying 'biggest US threat' (BBC NEWS)

U.S. to urge compromise in Pakistan (LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Home Run King Bonds Charged With Perjury (WASHINGTON POST)

Report Raises New Doubts on Iran Nuclear Program (NEW YORK TIMES)