Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Forensics show that Stella Obasanjo's death was avoidable


The death of former first lady, Stella Obasanjo was avoidable with suitable treatment administered during the liposuction operation that lead to her death as declared by a Spanish forensic scientist during the criminal prosecution case being deliberated in Spain.


The physician noted that Stella Obasanjo had perforations in her liver and abdomen and the quantity of liquids given to her after an intervention was "insufficient", she also had symptoms of shock.


According to the expert, the evidence of shock could have been detected "hours earlier" and with a blood test and an ultrasound scan it would have been possible for the doctor to detect the symptoms of a shock. The accused doctor could have detected the complications approximately 10 hours before her death.


The accused is a plastic surgeon from a Molding Clinic in Marbella, Spain. He is charged with the 2005 death of Mrs. Obasanjo and faces two years in prison and a five year ban from practicing if found guilty.


AllAfrica


Related story: Criminal prosecution case against surgeon charged with Stella Obasanjo's death begins in Spain




Monday, July 20, 2009

Nigerian Philanthropist gives 5,000 students scholarships

Alhaji Lawan Umar Shakka gave scholarships to about 5,000 students in Kano State, Nigeria. The philanthropist explained that the scholarship will help the students cushion the cost of pursuing an education:


"It's part of my policy to ensure that students of Ungogo Local Government Area and it's environs benefited from the gesture."


Alhaji Shakka added that the President's 7-point agenda is in dire need of people to support the government's policy and that his scholarship program will help President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's administration by assisting people to find employment, which will improve the country economically.


This Day


Related stories: Nigerian bank spends 5 million Naira on scholarships for 100 students


New American TV Show The Philanthropist starts in Nigeria



Deportation case of Nigerian family in Britain currently being reviewed


The immigration authorities in Britain previously dismissed a campaign started by Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and Manchester Blackley MP Graham Stringer to keep the Nigerian family in Britain. But have now agreed to review the case after mounted pressure from the public and media.


A bail hearing will decide whether the family can go back to Rochdale while the case is being reviewed. Usually a cash guarantee must be offered, so a fundraiser has been started by friends and supporters for the Iloba family currently in detention at Yarl's Wood detention centre pictured above. Teachers and pupils from North Manchester High School have so far donated hundreds of pounds to prevent the deportation of Saskia Iloba and her family.


It's been reported that crucial documents to support the claim that Mr. Iloba was murdered, including a copy of his death certificate and a DVD of his funeral had been sent to immigration authorities in Britain but were never acknowledged.


Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said he was urgently seeking confirmation that the items were received.


Rochdale Online News  managed to meet with the family currently at the Yarl's Wood detention centre. Saskia Iloba shared her harrowing experience with Rochdale Online News:


In an exclusive interview with Rochdale Online News yesterday (Saturday 19 July), the family spoke of the moment 13 officers in bullet proof vests burst into their Falinge home and arrested them on 6 July, before trying to force them on a plane to Nigeria.


Saskia, 17, was naked in her bedroom when officers came in and told her she had 20 minutes to gather all her belongings.


She said: “I froze in shock, sort of waiting for them to say sorry and leave the room.


“But they didn’t, they stood there and watched me get dressed. I was horrified and really scared.


“I felt like I had done something really terrible, like I’d murdered someone or something.”


The former Head Girl at North Manchester High School looked away as she fought tears, before adding: “We have never hurt anyone, and we are being kept here like animals.


“This place is hell on Earth; we are sleeping on thin mattresses and eating the worst food I have ever tasted."


She continued: “It’s like they’re trying to break us; trying to make us give in and go to Nigeria, but we are trying to keep each other strong.


"I have started to lose my hair with the stress. That hasn't happened since my dad died."


For more on the interview with Rochdale Online News please click here


manchestereveningnews      Rochdale Online


Related story: Aspiring Nigerian family in Britain fear deportation



Sunday, July 19, 2009

Nigerian militants to get N65,000 ($437.54) on a monthly basis from amnesty deal


In addition to the 60-day ceasefire that has so far suspended militant attacks on oil production installations. About 10,000 militants could be getting N65,000 ($437.54) on a monthly basis.


According to the chief coordinator of the Amnesty Implementation Committee, Air Vice Marshal Lucky Ararile, the federal government has budgeted N200 million ($1.346 million) to feed 10,000 militants that will turn up to lay down their weapons at 50 to 60 camps dispersed across the Niger Delta.


The chief made these statements:


"We are working on about 10,000 militants. Each militant will receive an allowance of N20,000 ($134.63) per month in addition to N1,500 ($10.10) per day for food while at a reintegration centre, translating to N65,000 ($437.54) a month.


"Disarmament and demobilisation part of the programme will last 60 days. Thereafter, the reintegration programme is indeterminate."


Ararile said some militants have already surrendered their arms but declined to give a specific figure.


For more details please click here


Related stories:Nigerian government prepared to do anything for peace in the Niger Delta


Video of MEND leader Henry Okah released after militant attacks in Lagos, Nigeria


Nigerian militants declare ceasefire




Aspiring Nigerian family in Britain fear deportation


After four years of living in Britain. Saskia Iloba (in the picture above) and her family face deportation back to Nigeria because British authorities claim the family did not provide a strong enough case to remain in Britain.


The family fled Nigeria four years ago after their father was murdered. They say the death of their father (who was a policeman) was a politically motivated killing and potential danger awaits them if they return  to Nigeria.


17 year old Saskia Iloba, was a head girl at North Manchester High School and was studying for her A-levels. She's planning to become a doctor. Her 18 year old brother, Toby, had just completed his A-Levels at Loreto College in Manchester and was looking into studying economics at university, he's also into football and had a trial with Stockport County. The youngest sibling, 14 year old Emanuel, is a great footballer, he was scouted by several English Premier League clubs and began  training with Bolton Wanderers. He also signed a sponsorship deal with major German sportswear company Puma.


A request for a review into the Iloba family's right to stay in Britain was recently denied. The entire family,including their mother Betty, were taken from their home in Falinge, Rochdale, and are now awaiting deportation in Yarl's Wood detention centre in Bedfordshire.


Saskia Iloba made a farewell speech at school that brought tears to pupils and staff of North Manchester High according to head Marian Catterall:


"In all my years of teaching, I have never come across a better ambassador for young people."


"After leaving on the prom, she made a speech and told all the girls that they were some of the luckiest people and they had received a wonderful education and should go out and lead good lives."


"Everyone had tears in their eyes. She made the best speech I had ever heard."


It is astonishing that someone like this, who has so much to offer, is being forced out of the country."


Their mother, Mrs Iloba, says she now fears for her children's safety:


"The People who murdered my husband had threatened us before. I thought we could get safety here."


"I am so worried for my children. They are going to give me serious problems when I go back to Nigeria."


A family friend, Diane Newton added: "There are people with criminal convictions who get permission to stay but a nice family like this are being sent back."


"These are the sort of people we want in Britain. Whatever the Home Office say, I believe every word they told me. They wouldn't take any charity and are genuinely terrified about going back."


A spokesman for the Home Office released this statement: "It is our responsibility to enforce the decisions of the courts and send them home."


DailyMail


Related story: Iloba family deported


Video report of Nigerians rioting in China. First protest by foreign nationals in China