The Punch Newspaper Archive for April 2008

Monday, April 28, 2008

‘Obasanjo-Bello knew that N10m health ministry fund was from a fraudulent source’

Delta Assembly crisis: Protesters take over Warri-Asaba Expressway

How I served as conduit pipe – Cashier

N300m scam: Again, Iyabo Obasanjo absent from court

14.5 million national identity cards invalid - Commission

NPC promises unhindered access to population data

NDLEA arrests 10 suspects for cocaine trafficking

NBA sues British Airways for maltreatment of Nigerian

Adamawa poll: Why we won’t challenge Nyako’s victory – AC

Former Edo speaker challenges tribunal’s verdict

FCT probe: el-Rufai has nothing to expose – Senate committee

Sunday, April 27, 2008

FG urges Nigerians to tighten belts ahead of food scarcity

Nyako wins Adamawa governorship re-run

Power probe: Panel may seek revocation of N50bn contracts

Abraham Adesanya, Yoruba leader, dies at 85

INEC, AC in war of letters

NBA warns lawyers against criticising court judgments

Northerners, not Obasanjo behind my plight – Bamaiyi

Pipeline vandalism: NNPC suspends production of diesel, kerosene at Warri refinery

‘Constitution amendment’ll meet Nigerians’ expectations’

Yar’Adua yet to benefit from 150% pay rise

$480m AFC fund: CNPP calls for judicial panel of inquiry

Saturday, April 26, 2008

N’Delta governors to meet Yar’Adua over seized N327bn NDDC funds

Mobil workers’ strike shuts down production

Iyabo ends hide-and-seek

Church goes tough on half-naked brides

...Presidency yet to consider replacements for Grange, Aduku

Abubakar vs Abiola: Controversy over compensation to lawyers

House committees: 70 per cent of chairmen face sack

Two killed, 26 arrested as violence rocks Adamawa election

Nwobodo committee set to woo back Ohakim, Orji to PDP

Police Equipment Fund: Files on N7.78b missing

Yar’Adua advises universities on admission policy

Nyako, Bapetel vow to win Adamawa re-run election

Money laundering: Court dismisses Nnamani’s application

$480m AFC fund: FG team to quiz Soludo

N35m NPC fund: ICPC places three Indians under watch

South Africa condemns attacks on Nigerians

Maduekwe awaits details of British Airways row

Niger Delta Summit: Nigeria asks UN for Gambari

Stop bombing pipelines – US cautions Niger Delta militants

MEND blows up another export pipeline in Rivers

Senate FCT panel summons Bayo Ojo, others

El-Rufai loses bid to stop arrest

Thursday, April 24, 2008

58 senators bought FG houses through probe panel – FCT chief

FCT probe: Senate may sanction El-Rufai

INEC faults Ogbulafor’s emergence as PDP chairman

AC urges EFCC to probe Oyinlola over payment of N130m to legislators

There won’t be fresh PDP congress in Oyo –Adedibu

NNPC probe: Bankole bars Reps from public comments

Ogun Election Tribunal: Appeal Court President plans new panel

Reps okay amendment to 1999 constitution

How Yar’Adua, N’Assembly resolved budget impasse –Kingibe

Poll participants split on cause of Enoma’s death

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

New oil benchmark raises monthly allocation to N440bn

Rise up against corruption, Utomi urges Nigerians

We won’t support Iyabo Obasanjo if found guilty –Senate

Nigeria, Sao Tome’s venture’ll not fail — Minister

Arbitration procedure must be fair, transparent – Akinjide

11 million Nigerian children out of school

‘El-Rufai demolished AIT offices over third term’

NNPC, private investors to build $4bn refineries

Power probe: N1.1bn projects abandoned in Yar’Adua’s state

Delta Assembly sacks speaker, deputy

PDP may cancel congresses in Oyo, Bayelsa, Anambra, others

Gani has cancer – Daughter

Obasanjo-Bello: Senate tells EFCC to follow due process

ICPC arrests hospital’s director, accountant for inflating budget by N155m

Litigants to pay more for frivolous applications

Yar’Adua orders investigation of maltreatment of Nigerians by foreign airlines

Power probe: Reps uncover 800% contract inflation in Zamfara

FG houses: Senate queries N1.8bn deduction from proceeds

Monday, April 21, 2008

Bayelsa CJ promises to uphold justice, fairness

Bakassi indigenes slam N456bn suit against FG

MEND warns Bush, attacks Shell’s export pipelines

Iyabo Obasanjo asks FG to call EFCC to order

Yar’Adua approved sale of Atiku’s guest houses – FCT chief

National book policy out soon – Minister

Igbinedion faces fresh trial

Two lawyers barred from practice

13 die as container crushes two vehicles

Maduekwe locks out staff for lateness

FCT land probe: CD disowns Obasanjo’s ex-aide

PDP adopts Sylva for May 24 re-run in Bayelsa

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Tension mounts in Warri North over missing JTF rifles

Obasanjo, Iyabo are a disgrace to Nigeria, Egba –Balarabe Musa, Afenifere

Power probe: ‘Contractors offered panel N500m bribe’

‘PDP not against Obasanjo’s probe’

Police not aware of threat to Sodangi, Elumelu

AFC begins due diligence on $2.8bn power projects

NJC suspends Oyo CJ, others

FG has tampered with revenue sharing formula – RMAFC

FCT probe: El-Rufai seeks removal of panel members

Our share of N17bn allocation legitimate – Reps

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has no hiding place ––EFCC

Abacha loot: Why Swiss govt won’t release $4bn

ICPC investigates Obasanjo

Ogbulafor under fire over comments on Sylva

N‘Delta: FG tips Kofi Annan to chair summit

Fresh labour crisis looms in Oyo

Senate hearing on FCT: I still sleep like a baby –el-Rufai

Yar’Adua returns to Nigeria on Tuesday

Fela’s son regains freedom

Surrender to EFCC now, Reps urge Iyabo Obasanjo

Shun Lagos State’s driver’s licence – FRSC

Tribunal upholds Kaduna governor’s election

Car gifts won’t stop PEF probe –Okiro

Marine robberies: Lekki, VGC residents live in fear

NSCDC, pipeline vandals’ gun duel rocks community

Police congratulate Ribadu over World Bank award

Makinde challenges Adedibu’s son’s election at Appeal Court

Petroleum firm battles Reps over N289m debt

AC slams Ogbulafor for advocating one-party state

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Govt urged to adopt proactive approach to safety

Senate chides ADC over non-payment of compensation

FCT land: ‘Senate panel chairman got 20 plots’

House condemns killing of 84 Nigerians in S’ Africa

Why I returned to World Bank – Okonjo-Iweala

AC blasts Iwu’s confession over 2007 elections

Edo commissioner died of infection – Police

We want to rule for 60 years – PDP chairman

Senate seeks Iyabo Obasanjo’s whereabouts

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Soldiers deployed in Bayelsa Govt House

18 footballers, 121 others escape death

Omojola: Falana faults police report on Fayose

Power sector probe not PDP affair, say electricity workers

I’m not behind Anambra budget impasse — Uba

NNPC suspends fuel supply from Warri refinery

Agagu’s witness admits irregularities in signature

Group wants El-Rufai, others prosecuted

Protesters demand probe of Obasanjo, Iyabo

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

NACOMYO tackles Soyinka over purdah comment

Rival stabs man to death over girlfriend

Consumption of cocoa can increase lifespan — MD

Daniel lifts curfew on Ota

10 years after Jesse, another pipeline fire occurs in Delta

I accept judgment in good faith – Sylva

Appeal court removes Bayelsa governor

EFCC raids Iyabo Obasanjo’s home

House faults shoddy report on Yar’Adua’s advisers

Tension in Osun over arrest of AC leaders

‘FCTA spent N660m to demolish 73,956 houses’

I will jail corrupt officials – Oshiomhole

Rain storm affects 2,500 houses in Epe

Ibrahim cuts NICON liabilities by N16bn – Minister

FG to build refineries in Lagos, Eket

Monday, April 14, 2008

‘Obasanjos, el-Rufais acquired 32 FCT plots’

Yar’Adua ill, flown to Germany

FCT probe: Ehindero denies link with Sambo’s eviction

Reps to purchase guest houses, deny renovation of speaker’s house

Appeal Court upholds election of Ohakim, Orji

N’Assembly summons energy minister over N14bn gas debt

Former NICON management indicted in N14bn misstatements

Ali pulls out of ambassadorial posting

Corruption war: Yar‘Adua needs to do more, says PUNCH poll

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Four killed, two flow stations blown up in Delta

Yar’Adua to sign N2.7tn budget today

EFCC arrests Kenny Martins over N50bn police funds

Election tribunals: Ezeife, Afenifere, others criticise delay

Expert faults proposed merging of human rights bodies

FG houses: Allottees owe N46.6bn

Shoddy contract: Osun summons six directors, eight contractors

Reps probe concessioning deal with Atiku’s firm

NIPP: Presidency to probe payment of commissions

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Nigeria, SA dominate capital flows to Africa -World Bank

Police Equipment Fund: How Dumuje was arrested

Controversy trails unspent funds in Ministry of Finance

JTF uncovers plot by armed groups to attack Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom

Ekiti picks up hospital bill of robbery victims

Election tribunal members’ lives in danger ––Reps

Terror gang attacks The Nation driver, van in Owerri

Family wants police to produce Enoma’s killers

Cleric faults police reform committee report

Friday, April 11, 2008

Coup: Court discharges Al-Mustapha, others

N300m scam: Obasanjo moves to save daughter

Security aides abandon removed Sokoto gov. at wedding, remove official vehicles

Appeal court removes Sokoto governor, retains Dakingari

N35m NPC fund: ICPC arrests Indian national

LP, PDP supporters clash at Ajasin’s wife’s burial

Grange, Aduku enjoy royal treatment in EFCC custody

N557m scam: No cover up for Ehindero – ICPC

IG orders Ekiti CP to probe shooting at assembly

Power probe: Reps can’t prosecute failed contractors –Spokesman

PEF scam: EFCC arrests Kenny Martins’ deputy

Thursday, April 10, 2008

NFA gives Amodu World Cup target

S’African policeman shoots another Nigerian

Death penalty: Court to hear Rev King’s appeal on April 30

Sharia court jails lesbian couple after cane punishment

Sambo’s death: Senate summons Ehindero, El-Rufai, others

Contractor abandons N2.2bn power project

N300m scam: How we shared N10m – Iyabo Obasanjo

Foreign observers to monitor Ekiti LG poll

INEC fixes Adamawa poll for April 26

World Bank grants N13bn loan to eight states

N70bn Lagos light rail ready in 2011

Fresh panel: Tribunal throws out Amosun‘s request

Yar’Adua reverses $10m Abuja airport concession

El-Rufai lawless in land revocation – FCT counsel

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Power probe: Elumelu alleges threat to life

Obasanjo’s govt allocated 74% of FCT plots – Minister

Another oil dealer shot dead in Ibadan

Sectarian killings: CAN threatens tough action

N10m donation: Ajasin family tackles Ondo govt

Yar’Adua to sign 2008 budget on Monday – Presidency

Ethanol fuel harmful to certain vehicles – Investigations

I’m not on the run — Iyabo Obasanjo

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

S’Africa police apologises over shooting of Nigerian

Six feared dead as Egba, Awori clash in Ota

N300m scam: Iyabo Obasanjo at large, says EFCC

Children strangulate octogenarian father over land proceeds

MEND alleges plot to poison Henry Okah

Senate defers motion on delay in 2008 budget

Rivers community protests high-handedness by ELF

Tribunal chairman denies bribery allegation

N2.5bn scam: ICPC invites Akwa Ibom’s SSG, speaker, others

Monday, April 07, 2008

Gunmen kill policeman, driver in Port Harcourt

Power probe: Obasanjo, others may appear before panel

N’Assembly, Presidency set for showdown over budget

980 retired teachers reported dead in seven years

Kogi, FCT elections: How INEC officials were bribed

Nigeria’s democracy in great danger — AC

Seven poly students killed in road accident

No stable power till 2050 –Energy Policy

Tribunal nullifies West-Idahosa’s election

Fracas in Ekiti: Two persons shot, hospitalised

Tribunal chairman alleges attempt to bribe him

Ajaokuta revocation: Tension in banks over N23bn loan, Indians on the run

Sunday, April 06, 2008

290,000 children died of AIDS in 2007 – UNAIDS

Again, Yar’Adua withholds assent to N2.7trn budget

Measles, CSM hit 10 states

Election tribunals in N2.3bn bribery scandal

Five killed in Owerri road crash

PDP confident as Agagu opens defence

Gunmen kidnap wife of Rep in Port Harcourt

Unnamed retired soldier dupes military pensioners in Benue

Security, anti-graft agencies to supervise sale of FG houses

Ajimobi fortifies legal team with three SANs

FG imposes age limit on imported buses, trucks

Fuel queues may linger

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Controversy over minister’s secret visit to INEC

$16bn power probe: Panel trails Nigerian chairman of Japanese firm

More planes will go missing in Obudu –Obakpolor

Fresh crisis brews in Ekiti House

Low turn-out mars FCT N’Assembly re-run polls

Eight years of Obasanjo’s rule a waste –Oba of Lagos

Adegbite, Majekodunmi commend Daniel

Abacha years, lowest point in Nigeria‘s foreign policy ––Anyaoku

N’Delta speakers condemn violence

Friday, April 04, 2008

Osunbor apologises to Oshiomhole, disowns aide

American man is six months pregnant

$16bn power probe: Reps on suicide mission – Uduaghan

Importers of bad fuel will be punished –Yar’Adua

Police: UK working on Yar’Adua’s request–Dewar

Cause of ex-Edo commissioner’s death out next week

Report me to police, Iwu urges INEC staff

Japanese police arrest Nigerian-born US sailor

Money laundering: Court fixes April 25 for Nnamani’s application

Yar’Adua warns ministers to steer clear of graft

... DPR turns back 13 vessels

Reps summon DPR, SON over contaminated fuel, scarcity

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Obasanjo should account for $16bn power scam – NBA

Court sets Bamaiyi free after nine years in detention

‘Nigeria heading for revolution’

Ajaokuta Steel: Global Infrastructure to drag FG to court

PUNCH takes search for Okigbo panel report to CBN

FG may quiz Navy over case of missing barges

Five abducted oil workers set free

Why we can’t trace missing plane – NEMA

MEND leaders face 47-count charge

Nigerian Navy builds first indigenous warship

World’s biggest library set to honour Achebe

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

ICPC recovers N13bn unspent funds

Power probe: M.Schneider in fresh N4.1bn scandal

Ehindero quizzed over N557m arms deal

Ekwueme cautions on naming public monuments

FG seeks foreign aid over missing plane

EFCC urges passage of FOI bill

Oshiomhole intimidated tribunal – Edo deputy governor

Corruption, biggest threat to Vision 2020 – Adegbite

Yar’Adua may sign 2008 Appropriation Bill today

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Federal Character Commission probes 25 more organisations

N300m scam: How we spent N10m – Senate committee

Okah asks court to set aside his secret trial

Power plant contractor got N224m overpayment – Reps

NGO rates autism third most chronic childhood ailment

EU backs FG’s war against corruption

Nyako, Bapetel take campaign to Nigeria-Cameroun borders

NMA flays slow new pay negotiation ...regrets Grange’s exit

CBN raises benchmark interest rate to 10 per cent

Edo commissioner’s death: AIG says there will be no cover-up

2008 Budget: Presidency denies receiving harmonised copy

Monday, March 31, 2008

Mimiko closes case as Agagu opens defence on April 7

Power probe: Contractor collects N4.5bn, disappears

Missing Edo commissioner found dead in hotel room

Nigerian prisoners abroad reject serving jail terms at home – Maduekwe

Experts differ on appropriate policy on tobacco

N300m scam: Don’t spare culprits, says AC

Kogi election: Ogbulafor dares Audu to go to tribunal

Senate expresses worry over budget delay

Robbers besiege two Lagos banks, kill two persons

Missing Information Commissioner of Edo State found dead in hotel room