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The Pastor of Glorious Vision International Ministries, Ori Oke Ogudu, Lagos, Nigeria, Pastor Paul Nna has been arraigned before the Ogudu Magistrate’s Court charged with raping a housewife (names withheld).

P.M.NEWS gathered that the woman’s husband, also a pastor in another church sent his wife to Pastor Nna’s church to collect a bag from him.

When the victim got there, Nna reportedly told her that he's

aw a vision that there was danger lurking ahead in a new appointment she was about taking up that morning.
Nna was said to have deceived the colleague’s wife that she needed deliverance to cast a demon out of her body.

In the process he flogged her severely with broom and after she became exhausted, she fell down.

According to the husband, Charles Kukuise, before his wife could recover, Nna raped her. But immediately the woman became conscious she phoned her husband to reveal the incident to him.

Charles then reported the matter at Ojota Police Division.

He also rushed his wife to an undisclosed hospital where she was admitted.

After investigation, the matter was charged to the Magistrate’s Court.

The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Eyo Owai docked the pastor on a one-count charge of raping the pastor’s wife.

When the charge was read to Nna, he pleaded not guilty.

The trial Magistrate, Mrs. Aje Afuwa granted Nna bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.

She adjourned the matter till 13 October, 2010 for trial.

—Tunmise Ige

Thousands of apparently single women fought, shoved and screamed at the gates of the KICC over the weekend as they scrambled for space to hear the
“apostle of marriage,” Nigerian Pastor Chris Ojigbani..

As the heavens opened up, the enthusiastic women paid little attention to damage done to their hair and makeup in their attempt to outrun police
who were trying to turn away the crowds from the already packed KICC
plenary hall. For several hours, business came to a standstill as police
and security guards from the KICC and the Covenant Singles and Married
Ministries struggled to keep the thousands of women at bay.

“Sweetheart, the hall is full,” a security man in a black suit speaking in Nigerian pidgin told the crowds of women that kept pushing forward. The
high-flying youthful founder and senior pastor of the five-year-old
ministry was in the country for the first time to conduct a seminar on
‘‘how to get married without delay’’.

Although results of the 2009 national census released on Tuesday put the ratio of Kenyan men and women at one to one, at KICC there were 500 women for every man --
and most of them were either members of the security detail, sound
engineers, technicians or journalists.

The man of the moment, Pastor Ojigbani, who preached for more than four hours on Friday, told his ecstatic audience: “Good men are not all taken. Photo2:Pastor Chris By the
end of today, you will get your suitor … The spirit has told me that one
of you by morning will have four suitors … Now, who will you choose?”

Even before the event was over, dozens of women went to the stage to testify that they had already received marriage proposals, most of them via
cellphone. On his knees, Martin Opiyo, a 25-year-old marketing executive
with OneStop East Africa, proposed to hotelier Elizabeth Mahanga after
he responded to her phone call, went to find her at the KICC, and said
he had been “touched” by the preaching..“Our parents were
against our union and they forced us to separate but, through the
pastor, we have vowed to get married,” the two told the Sunday Nation. In
the world of those with troubled marriages, the Nigerian’s name has
become synonymous with hope. And when he talks or writes about it, he
really sounds convincing. “Who do you think God created men for if not
for you?” he asked the crowd.

“I have organised events for the last 10 years, but I have never seen one like this,” said a KICC official, who cannot be named as he is not authorised to speak to the
press. The KICC plenary hall holds 10,000 standing people. At the
weekend event, there were both seated and standing people in the hall.
In addition to connecting lonely hearts, Pastor Chris is also a
successful businessman. To some, he is mysterious; to others, just a
business-minded charismatic preacher.

His handlers are not easy to get along with. And the preacher doesn’t help matters as he rarely grants interviews. “If you want to speak to him, call later,” his
handlers told us. For the past two days, that has been the answer from
Gertrude, the woman in charge of his itinerary.

“BABES IN CHRIST”

TEXT SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 5:13-14><13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word
of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
A BABE IN CHRIST IS ONE THAT HAS RECENTLY BEEN CONVERTED, ONE WHO HAS
NOT BEEN TAUGHT OR DISCIPLED, AND HAS NOT BEEN ROOTED IN CHRIST AND
ESTABLISHED IN THE WORD, ONE WHO FEEDS ON MILK AND NOT MEAT.
JESUS SPOKE OF THE SOWER AND THE SEED, THOSE THAT FELL BY THE WAYSIDE,
STONEY PLACES, AND AMONG THORNS CAN BE CONSIDERED AS BABES, THEY WERE
NOT ROOTED, NOR SETTELED (carnal and immature, walking as men 1Cor. 3:3).
3 EXAMPLES OF A BABE:
1). BABES ARE UNSTABLE (EPH.4:14). That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and
fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
2). BABES ARE EASILY SWAYED (GAL. 3:1). O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that
ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified
among you?
3). BABES CANNOT DISCERN THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD (HEB.5:14/1 COR.3:1-2). But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses
exercised to discern both good and evil. 1Cor. 3:1-2 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you
as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet
now are ye able.

*NOTE* LENGTH OF CONVERSION DOES NOT NECESSARILY EQUATE TO SPIRITUAL
MATURITY (i.e. HEB. 5:12).
POINTS TO CONSIDER:
1). IF THERE IS CONSISTENT FIGHTING AND DISPITING AMONG YOU, YOU ARE YET
CARNAL (BABES) AND WALK AS MEN (1 COR. 3:1-3).
2). BABES IN CHRIST SHOULD KEEP IT SIMPLE (2 COR.11:3). REMEMBER THE
ADVERSARY AND ACCUSER IS OUT TO WIN YOU BACK, AND HE WILL USE CONFUSION
EVEN OF THE SCRIPTURES TO DO THAT, SO DON’T ENVOLVE YOURSELF IN DEEP
THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSIONS THAT YOU ARE NOT READY FOR.
3). PETER SAID TO DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW
THEREBY; (1 PETER 2:1-2). GET ROOTED IN THE BASICS OF THE GOSPEL (i.e.
REPENTANCE, FORGIVENESS, BAPTISM, LAYING ON OF HANDS etc…HEB.
6:1-2).

SUMMARY:
KEEP IT SIMPLE; DON’T PRE-OCCUPY YOURSELF WITH ISSUES THAT ARE
NONE IMPORTANT. STAY FOCUSED, STAY IN THE WORD AND PRAYER (the
channels are now opened, you are now able to speak to the Father for yourself!).
DON’T GET ENVOLVED IN IDLE TALK AND GOSSIP (1 TIM. 4:7/6:20/2 TIM.
2:16). THIS ALSO CONCERNS GIVING HEED TO FALSE DOCTRINES AND
TEACHINGS.
AND TO THOSE OF YOU, WHO SAY THAT YOU ARE MATURE, DON’T SPEAK
NEGATIVE THINGS, THINGS THAT ARE DAMAGING, AND THINGS THAT
WILL CAUSE THE FAITH OF THE WEAK TO FAIL OR EVEN TO SIN. THE
LORD WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTIBLE. CONSIDER PAUL’S ADVICE IN
1 COR. 8:9-13). 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a
stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall
not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are
offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin
against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world
standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

CLOSING: I BESEECH YOU BRETEREN, GROW IN THE GRACE AND
KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD CHRIST. EVERYDAY WILL NOT BE SUNSHINE,
AND THERE MAY EVEN BE TIMES WHEN YOU JUST DON'T FILL SAVED!
JUST KNOW THAT THE LORD JESUS IS WITH YOU. HE PROMISED TO NEVER
LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU, BUT TO BE WITH YOU ALWAY!
“NOW THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING,
THAT YOU MAY ABOUND IN HOPE THROUGH THE POWER OF THE
HOLYGHOST IN THE NAME OF Yęhōshua Mâshiakh, (JESUS THE MESSIAH)
AMEN.
I PRAY THAT THIS BRIEF STUDY HAS GIVEN YOU SOME INSIGHT AND THAT
IT HAS BLESSED YOU IN SOMEWAY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR
COMMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT ME;

B-BLESSED;
MICHAEL

Vice President Namadi Sambo has faulted the position of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the recent decision of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to throw open its ticket for next year’s presidential election, noting that the position was informed by selfish interest.

Sambo, in a short interactive session with media executives at his Akinola Aguda residence in Abuja Sunday, said that rather than any claim to fighting for the interest of the North, the duo were only opposed to the arrangement because it has failed to hand the PDP ticket (and by implication, the 2011 presidency) on a platter. “They are opposing it because they are interested parties,” the VP said, pointing out that the two aspirants would have been taken more seriously if they were not going to be direct beneficiaries of a reverse in policy on the issue.

Responding to a question on the call for him to step down as VP in order to preserve the zoning arrangement that would ensure the presidency returned to the North in 2011, Sambo said: “If the people that are talking do not have personal interest, then it will be a different matter. But when you see people that have interest, and they are the same people talking, then it becomes a kind of a problem”.

The VP further restated: “This issue is a purely a matter of PDP and I can tell you to go and investigate and find out the true position of the North. For the majority of the North or the majority of Nigerians, their concern is who can save the present situation and let Nigerians live above poverty level. Their concern is about who can deliver so that our society will change to a society we can all be proud of and so that our socio- economic status will improve. I think that is the major concern of Nigerians.

We are today at 50, our concern is not whether North or South, our concern is who can deliver Nigeria for us?
On this count, he said Nigerians should rest assured that Jonathan is delivering and would deliver even more. “We are delivering Nigeria and I believe we are in the position to deliver the promise that Nigerians want” he said.

The VP was however, not categorical on if or when his principal, President Goodluck Jonathan, would declare his intention to run for the 2011 presidential election. He said it would be “very soon”, adding: “there is no specific date yet but it will be very soon”.
Pushed further, the VP said it would definitely be after the Ramadan. “You know the Ramadan period is a Holy month and you know it is not the best period to go into all those kinds of activities. You also know that Ima Niboro (Jonathan’s spokesman) has made a press statement on that. So, already there is a statement from the presidency.

Sambo also tackled a few other issues bordering on the contentious zoning issue and the performance of the Jonathan administration. Excepts:
You are a Northerner, your zone has taken a decision that the power must remain in the North come 2011, how comfortable are you with the decision?
Am I not part of the power? I think I am from the North and, as the Vice-President, I have confidence that whatever a President from the North will do, I am in the best position to do it for the North. And today we are 50 years old, the party has made it clear that the issue of its candidature will be in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and zoning is still an existing factor, it is part of the PDP constitution. We have gone up, we are just going to celebrate our 50th anniversary. And at the age of 50, we expect any state to have grown. This country (Nigeria ) has come a long way and therefore, the issues that have to do with our development, of effecting programmes of government that will rejuvenate the country and create a better standard of living for Nigerians are what we are looking for.

I remember in the 1960s, when we were still children, these issues that have to do with religion, zoning and what have you were part of the issues that do not really exist. So, I am from the North, I am part of the power and everything that is needed to do for the North is being done. Look at what has been happening of recent. The major programmes that are being implemented for this part of the country, that is the Northern part, these are evidence to show that we have a President that is patriotic, a President that does not have anything that is religious or sectional as part of his disposition or administration.

Is that why you prefer the back seat to the front seat?
That is why we have chauffeur- driven car. If you are chauffeur-driven, which will you prefer, will you sit in the front or at the back?
Your Excellency, how are you carrying the PDP Governors along, we learnt some of them are not backing the possibility of a Jonathan-Sambo ticket?
The Northern Governors, and in fact all the Governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are being carried along and we have good relationship, we are moving this country together. And the position of all the sections or the zones of this country has been made very clear. The governors of the South-South, the South-West, have made their statements, the governors from the Northern states have made their statement, members of the Nigerian Governors Forum have also made their statement. These statements are all in line with our position. So we are all together.

Sir, it was reported that there was a plan to stop you from contesting in the 2011 elections even though the government had come out to deny it, there were reports on Sunday that governors are still demanding Vice-Presidential slot, which is which?
The position of the Government is the right thing.

With some of the Governors indicating interest in the Vice-presidency, is it not an indication that your position is threatened?
You see when you talk of about threats in terms of political issues, you know there are even different parties that want to take over the government, there are different parties, we have the ANPP, CPC, all these. You know politics is a question of continuous challenges, it is like life and anybody can sit down and create their stories too. That is politics.

How comfortable are you with the situation in Kaduna where they said you are losing grip?
I have not heard of that really. And in practice, I have not seen anything like that. In fact, just before you came in I received a group of political friends from Kaduna and they said the government is doing everything in line with the programmes we have put in place together in Kaduna and all these politicians are from Kaduna . We are even always getting stronger and strengthening all issues with politics in Kaduna State . It is just the same thing like I said. It is the same story; people say a lot of things that may not be right.

One thing in politics, is that people make a lot of speculations and say a lot of things that may not be right. It is like one time, I was attending a conference here and Andrew Young was delivering his speech and part of the statement he made was that you have to feed the press with information, if you don’t feed them, they will create their food. If you have not been giving them information, the likelihood is that somebody will just sit down and start creating his own information because you have to write news. So, really as far as I know, Kaduna is still a strong PDP State and we are moving on as one family.

How busy are you your Excellency? Are you fully engaged? Or just another spare tyre, considering that deputies are always neglected?
Oh! Fully. You can even see the proof (pointing to a stack of files he had to treat before dinner with the president that evening). I am here with so many documents to address and I am fully, fully engaged. As you know, you must have seen that we are handling a lot of important national matters like power, the issue of infrastructure, and others. The analysis that we have made is that we must address all the issues that have been pending and those that will enhance the development of the country.

The first major issue is power, if we can give Nigerians power, 50 percent of our socio-economic problems will be solved and this as you know, we are addressing with all seriousness. The issue of access to finance, you must have noticed that just recently, I signed the N500billion intervention funds for industries and power sector, and we are doing everything to ensure that we make funds accessible to people so that the private sector will grow, so that there won’t be any problem. When we complete the projects we have on power, the other sectors that will evacuate the power will be active. There are other funds that will come very soon. We have the textile funds. Arrangements have gone very far too also to support the automobile sector and all other sectors. The SMEs and there are other measures to ensure that the issue of housing is addressed so that every Nigerian will be able to access the facilities and own a house in this country.

What do you make of INEC as it is now?
We are confident that the members of the present INEC set up are up to the task. They have made certain proposals to meet their targets. Since their requests (the men, resources )have been met, they are now implementing their plans. Of course, the issues are always that they must be given leverage in achieving certain objectives. As far as we are concerned, we are confident that INEC will meet their targets.

In the event that they have any problem, I am confident that the chairman will come out and tell Nigerians the true position and Nigerians will come out and agree. That is the true position as far as I am concerned. He (Jega) is working as scheduled and he will deliver according to the programmes

How will you and the President cope since PDP has retained its zoning formula?
We have agreed that zoning is part and parcel of PDP, it has not removed zoning. But PDP has said that as far as its candidate is concerned, it respects the Federal Constitution. And in all previous elections of the PDP, despite the fact that there is zoning, all Nigerians that were interested participated in such elections (presidential). Just look at the last election, there were fifteen (15) candidates from the South, and about twelve (12) or so from the North. Despite the fact that there was zoning in PDP, still the Constitution is still the prime factor that is considered in the candidature for PDP. Any interested candidate from any part of the country, as a Nigerian, has the right to contest if he wishes just like it has been proved in other PDP’s presidential election (primaries).

By STEVE NWOSU

The suspects are:

1.Adeyanju Bodunde

2.George Mark

3.Hans George Christ

4. Heinrich J. Stockhausen

5.Julius Berger Nigeria Plc

6. Bilfinger Berger GMBH.

7.Ibrahim Aliyu

8. AVM Abdullahi Dominic Bello

9. Mohammed Gidado Bakare

10.Urban Shelter Limited

11.Intercellular Nigeria Limited

12.Sherwood Petroleum Limited

13. Tri-Star Investment Limited

14.Maizube Holdings Limited

15. TSKJ Nigeria Limited-(a) Technip S.A.; (b)Snamprogetti Netherlands B.V. (c) Kellogg Brown and Root Inc(d) Japan Gasoline Corporation of Japan.

SLUG: Panic as AGF drags ex-Head of State’s firm, Obasanjo’s PA, ex-Permanent Secretary, 12 others to court over $180m Halliburton scandal

The anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria reached a feverish pitch on Friday when its Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke(SAN) filed charges against Maizube Holdings Limited, a company owned by a former Head of State, Gen. Abdulasalami Abubakar and 14 others.

The others include Adeyanju Bodunde, who was a former Personal Assistant to ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo; a former Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Aliyu; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc George Mark, Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; and Bilfinger Berger GMBH.

Others are AVM Abdullahi Dominic Bello; Mohammed Gidado Bakare; Urban Shelter Limited; Intercellular Nigeria Limited; Sherwood Petroleum Limited; Tri-Star Investment Limited; TSKJ Nigeria Limited-(a) Technip S.A.; (b)Snamprogetti Netherlands B.V. (c) Kellog Brown and Root Inc(d) Japan Gasoline Corporation of Japan.

The suspects will be tried at both the Federal High Court Abuja and in the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory .

Although the suspect central to the bribery scandal(Jeffrey Tesler) is at large, the Federal Government is determined to prosecute all those implicated.

The prosecutors of the suspects are Mr. J.B. Daudu(SAN), who recently emerged as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA); E. C. Ukala(SAN); and G.O. Obla FCI Arb

Allegations against some of the suspects are as follows:

• That you, George Mark, Jeffrey Tesler(now at large), Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH, sometimes between 2002 and 2003 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired among yourselves to make several cash payments in the sum of US$1million(five times) totaling in equivalent the sum of $5million to one Adeyanju Bodunde and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16 of the Money Laundering Act 1995(as saved by Section 23(2) of the Money Laundering Act 2004) and punishable under Section 15(2) and (3) of the Money Laundering Act 1995(as saved by Section 23(2) of the Money Laundering Act, 2004).
• That George Mark, Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH and Adeyanju Bodunde sometimes between 2002 and 2003 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired among yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit: failing to report several cash payments totaling in equivalent the sum of $5million by one Jeffrey Tesler(now at large) ; thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 16 and punishable under Section 15(2) and (3) of the Money Laundering Act 1995.
• That all the six suspects sometimes between 2002 and 2003 did make several payments totaling in equivalent $5million to one Adeyanju Bodunde and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 1 and 15(d) of the Money Laundering Act 1995(as saved by Section 23(2) of the Money Laundering Act 2004) and punishable under Section 15(2) and (3) of the Money Laundering Act 1995(as saved by Section 23(2) of the Money Laundering Act, 2004).
• That you Adeyanju Bodunde sometimes between 2002 and 2003 did accept several cash payments in the sum of $5milion($1m in five tranches) from George Mark, Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH and thereby committed an offence contrary to 1 and 15(d) of the Money Laundering Act 1995(as saved by Section 23(2) of the Money Laundering Act 2004) and punishable under Section 15(2) and (3) of the Money Laundering Act 1995(as saved by Section 23(2) of the Money Laundering Act, 2004).
• That you George Mark, Jefferey Tesler(now at large), Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH did transfer several sums of money received from one Jeffrey Tesler in the sum of $5million to one Adeyanju Bodunde in Nigeria, to wit did conceal and transfer to a nominee knowing that it constitutes proceeds of a criminal conduct and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 16 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(Establishment) Act 2002.
• That you George Mark, Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH conspired among yourselves to do an illegal act to wit: corruptly procuring and transferring cash payments amounting to $5million on behalf of one Jefferey Tesler (now at large), to one Adeyanju Bodunde, Personal Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, CAP C38 LFN, 2004.
• That you George Mark, Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH did for and on behalf of one Jefferey Tesler (now at large) did corruptly procure and transfer $5million to one Adeyanju Bodunde, Personal Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 98A of the criminal Code CAP C38 LFN, 2004.
• That you Adeyanju Bodunde sometimes between 2002 and 2003 while being a public official and in your capacity as the Personal Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria corruptly asked for and received several cash payments in the sum of $5million from one George Mark, Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH for and on behalf of one Jeffrey Tesler(now at large) thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 98B of the criminal Code CAP C38 LFN, 2004.
• That you Adeyanju Bodunde sometimes between 2002 and 2003 while being a public official and in your capacity as the Personal Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria accept several cash amounting to $5million from one George Mark, Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH for and on behalf of one Jeffrey Tesler(now at large) , being a reward beyond your proper pay and emoluments, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 98B of the criminal Code CAP C38 LFN, 2004.
• That you George Mark, Hans George Christ, Heinrich J. Stockhausen; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Bilfinger Berger GMBH did make for yourselves and on behalf of one Jefferey Tesler(now at large) several cash payments in the sum of $5million to one Adeyanju Bodunde, personal Assistant to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the purpose of financing the activities of a political party in Nigeria thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 38(2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP. C20 LFN 2004..

A suspected kidnapper, Paul Etim Udoka was on Sunday arrested by soldiers in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Nigeria.

According to the soldiers from 13 Amphibious Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar, the internal security patrol unit of the brigade effected Paul’s arrest after a tip off.

The soldiers said the suspect confessed that he was one of the 30 kidnappers who abducted a councillor in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State on Sunday.

“Actually, I am their medicine man. I did not participate in the kidnapping,” Paul told the soldiers.

He said they were keeping the victims in the bush awaiting the delivery of the ransom when the soldiers stormed the bush and others fled the scene leaving him. But he could not run away and leave behind his skulls because they would pursue him.

“These things are mine and I cannot leave them for whatever reason because they will come after me,” the suspect said.

Lieutenant Osoba Olaniyi, the Army Public Relations Officer for the Brigade confirmed the arrest, adding that other items recovered from the kidnappers include a spear, a carved wooden human head and one handset.

Lt. Osoba said the suspect will soon be handed over to the police for further interrogation while the hunt for the fleeing kidnappers continues.

—Emma Una/Calabar

"We cannot allow Nigeria to take over everything in the country including the sex trade,”

Ghanaian girls who offer sex for money at Adum, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti region, have expressed anger over some Nigerians importing younger and prettier girls who are gradually taking over the sex business.

If not for the intervention of the assembly member for the area, Albert Osei-Banahene, the enraged sex workers would have hit the streets in their nakedness and marched from one office building to another, just to get the authorities to come to their aide...

“It is not that they are better than us in bed but as you know, most men prefer younger girls and these Nigerian girls are younger. Some are still in their teens and their agents protect them but we do not have agents who make things easier for us so the conditions of work are not fair. “We would start attacking any underage ashawo from Nigeria because they are spoiling the market,” one of them noted. Interestingly, though both groups are prostituting, the Ghanaian girls say they are commercial sex workers while the Nigerians are ‘ashawos.’

According to the Ghanaian sex workers, the arrival of sexier girls from Nigeria is making business very competitive and compelling them to lower their rates or lose customers. Not pleased about the development, the disillusioned sex workers have declared their preparedness to hit the streets, should authorities fail to respond to their call and put in place appropriate measures to arrest the worrying situation. In an interview with NEWS-ONE, the stationed sex workers revealed that some Nigerians living in Kumasi have made it their business of bringing in very pretty sex workers from the oil-rich country to practice their trade in the Ghana.

“Having realized the potential in the business, some Nigerians living in the city have decided to make it their business by bringing sex workers from their country to come and work here,” one of the disgruntled sex workers observed. “When they bring them, they initially put them in hotels, before hiring rooms for them to practice their trade but we do not have agents or promoters so we are losing the market even in our own country,” another dissatisfied sex worker noted.

According to them, they would do everything within their means to ensure that the practice was stopped, because they believe that as Ghanaians, they have exclusive right to the trade.