GHANA: 70 people killed in Accra following an explosion at a petrol station

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More than 70 people have died in a fire at a petrol station in Ghana's capital, Accra, the fire service says.

The fire started as people in the city are trying to cope with two days of heavy rain, which has left many homeless and without power.

The flooding hampered the rescue efforts, the BBC's Sammy Darko reports from Accra.

There are fears that the death toll from the fire could rise as the search for bodies continues.

President John Mahama has visited the burnt-out petrol station and has appealed for calm as the authorities try to cope with the aftermath of the fire and the heavy rain.

There are chaotic scenes in the city with cars being carried away by the water and many roads blocked off, our correspondent says.

Many homes have been inundated and people have been wandering around in their nightclothes after being forced to leave their beds.

One man told a local radio station that he had put his children on top of a wardrobe to save them from the water coming into his house.

Weather forecasters are saying that more rain is on its way.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Police uncover fake currency factory in Ibadan

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The Oyo State Police Command has discovered a place in a remote village of Ibadan, where thousands of fake pounds, euros, dollars and other foreign currencies were being produced.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mohammed Katsina, said that the discovery was made by the command’s ambush squad in a village called Ojoku in Badeku, Ona-Ara Local Government Area of the state. The police described the area as fast transforming to an abode for criminals, having earlier served as a kidnappers’ den.

Our correspondent, who visited the scene of the crime on Monday, discovered that the police had cordoned off the compound shielded by tall trees and thick bushes.

Two Toyota Camry cars with number plate AA 125 DK and AA 207 DH and a Nissan Almera lift back model with number plate AGL 882 DF were found in the compound, which was fenced with corrugated iron sheets.

Several notes of fake foreign currencies littered the ground.

Apart from being a fake currency factory, the place also served as a shrine where several criminal activities were perpetrated.

There are two houses in the compound with at least six rooms adorned with various statues to give the impression that the place is being used as a shrine. The walls were decorated with the group’s description of gods to scare victims.

Ismail Adesina, 43, who was arrested at the scene, said he did not know anything about the currencies and that the owners had escaped.

He said he was a herbalist and that he had been involved in several financial crimes under the pretext of helping victims to cure ailments and barrenness.

Adesina added that the owners of the three vehicles were canvassers who combed the town to woo customers.

He said, “I am a herbalist and I inherited the skill from my father. I am also a conman. I cured diabetes, barrenness, blindness and other ailments. I have cured many people. My partner, who escaped yesterday, knows how the currencies were produced. Taju and Wasiu are my other partners. We have been here for about four years. We collected varying sums of money from our victims but we do not kidnap people. We bought the land in the bush and built the houses. I am a native of Beyerunka in Ibadan. The names of our victims are with my partners.”

Adesina said his wife had left him and taken his child away because he could not provide for them.

He added that he had bought a car from the proceeds of criminal activities but had to sell it. Asked if his father also taught him how to swindle people through fake healing, Adesina said that he was a genuine herbalist before he took to the crime.

The police said apart from taken money from their victims, the suspects also devised a way of gagging them by taking their nude pictures and threaten to release them if they failed to keep the secret.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Mandela’s grandson sentenced to 2 years in jail for assault

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Nelson Mandela's oldest grandson, Mandla Mandela, has been sentenced to two years in prison or pay a fine of $817 for assaulting a school teacher in 2013.

Mandla, who is a legislator for the ruling African National Congress (ANC), was found to have attacked a teacher, Mlamli Ngudle, in a 2013 road rage incident in Mthatha, Cape Province, South Africa.

The prosecutor said Ngudle had allegedly bumped a parked vehicle belonging to one of Mandla's friends.

Some witnesses said Mandla threatened Ngudle with a gun.

The prosecutor said even the court in Mthatha during the trial confirmed that the legislator was arrogant and evasive during his testimony.

He said the legislator had been found guilty of assault in March.

Mthatha made headlines in 2013 when a judge ordered him to return the remains of his father and two other children of Nelson Mandela to Qunu, their ancestral home.

He had moved them to a memorial centre in another location without consulting the family.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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India recalls instant noodles from shops for being unsafe

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India has with withdrawn Maggi noodles from shops and markets  after tests showed the product contained high levels of lead and flavour enhancer, monosodium glutamate.

India’s Federal Food Safety Authority reportedly ordered all states to conduct tests on the Maggi brand noodles.

Food Minister Ram Paswan said,

"If the contents are found to be injurious to health, then we will definitely take action"

Reports say Maggi Noddles has been at the centre of a controversy after tests in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh last month found the noodles to have higher than permissible levels of lead and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

Sales of the product manufactured by the Indian subsidiary of Swiss-based Nestle SA has reportedly plummeted over the past few days.

Nestle has however denied that the noodles are unsafe or unhealthy even as a company spokesman said no MSG was added to noodles sold in India, but the product glutamate occurred naturally in other ingredients used.

In a related development, a court in the eastern state of Bihar also ordered that a complaint be filed against Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit for endorsing the brand.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Impeached Vice Speaker in 7th Assembly becomes House Speaker in 8th Assembly

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The member representing Mbamnga State Constituency in the Taraba 8th Assembly, Abel Diah, on Wednesday, June 3 emerged as Speaker.

Diah, who was a Deputy Speaker in the 7th Assembly, was impeached in 2013 by the house.

He was chosen along with Alhaji Mohammed Gwampo from Yorro State Constituency as Deputy Speaker.

Representing Lau State Constituency, Joseph Kunini, retained his former position of Majority Leader of the house.

Diah was nominated by the member representing Lau constituency, Kunini, and was seconded by the member representing Takum I, Hosea Ibi.

The nomination was unanimously endorsed by the entire house.

Diah, who was returning to the house for the fourth time, assured members that the house under his watch would run a transparent, accountable and a resulted-orientated administration.

"We shall operate an open door policy that will welcome constructive criticisms and ensure that decisions are reached with the full consent of members.

"Our leadership will ensure that the house operates as a family in spite of the different political parties which were just a platform for our recruitment into the house," he said in his acceptance speech.

The new speaker also pledged that the house will support the executive to ensure that peace returns to the state.

Pulse recalls that the leadership of the House under Haruna Gbana as Speaker and Diah as his deputy was impeached in 2013 over alleged financial misappropriation.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Psychiatrist says Nigerians are prone to mental illnesses given security challenges

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A Psychiatrist, Dr. Gbenga Okulate, says the present security challenges facing the nation has grave consequences on the mental health of some Nigerians.

Okulate, who is also a consultant, said this in Lagos on Wednesday, June 3, at an Ordinary General Meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Neuro-Psychiatry Hospital, Yaba chapter.

The theme of the meeting is: "Security Challenges and the Impact on Nigerian Families.’’

"Following kidnappings, armed robberies, violence, gang activities, violent attacks on people, we see all sorts of things.

"We see lots of people who thereafter begin to have difficulty sleeping, difficulty with coping with day to day activities, and they are said to have what we call stress reaction.

"If these go on for some time, then people begin to have depression, anxiety disorders, and ultimately, we do diagnose post-traumatic stress reactions in many of these persons.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people in an attempt to cope with the challenges they have gone through, security wise, then they begin to use a lot of alcohol and drugs.

"We are likely to find lots of young persons who are using serious illicit drugs, these which themselves have serious complications, and these are some of the issues we have to deal with after major security challenge.

"These are consequences of the effects of trauma of violence, war, combat, kidnappings on people’s mental health.

"However, in spite of that, what we are saying is that we must put in place some serious policies that will address these issues.’’

Also speaking, the President of the association, Dr. Jeje Oyetayo, said that the theme of the event was timely in view of the country’s security challenges.

Oyetayo said that psychiatric hospitals had been experiencing the influx of patients with mental disorder due to the security challenges.

"People who are predisposed to mental illness were most at risk of aggravated mental illnesses when they are faced with some of the security challenges,’’ he said.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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22 die after drinking ‘kai-kai’ and eating dog meat

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No fewer than 22 persons have been confirmed dead in Bonny Island, Bonny, and Woji in Obio Akpor local government areas of Rivers afte drinking local gin popularly called ‘Kai-Kai’ or Ogogoro and eating ‘Dog Meat’ believed to contain inedible ethanol which is poisonous.

Simon Wilcox, a Youth leader and Spokesman for Bonny kingdom confirmed the death of 17 persons after the consumption of the toxic local brew, kai-kai imported into the Bonny Island.

He said

“As I speak to you, 17 persons have been confirmed dead. We are going to the hospital to attend those who are lying critically ill. We need the help of World Health Organization, WHO, Federal and Government agencies to assist people of Bonny kingdom."

Also, at least another five persons have been reported dead in Woji in Obio Akpor local government area after eating dog meat delicacy, popularly called ‘404’ allegedly cooked by one Friday Dickson, popularly called “Etiaba” from Akwa-Ibom state.

As at presstime there has not any reaction from the Ministry of Health on the sudden deaths due food poisoning.

Nigerians are advised to desist from drinking locally made brew as they contain harmful substance and have no quality checks done by the makers to ensure purity.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Ex-Governor questioned by EFCC over misappropriated 300bn

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For the second time this week, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is inviting another ex-governor to answer questions bothering on misappropriation of funds during their tenure.

The ex-governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff was reportedly questioned on Wednesday, June 3 by the EFCC.

It was gathered that arrived at the Abuja headquarters of the EFCC at about 6pm and was there for hours.

Report said he was questioned for over N300bn received from the Federation Account by his administration between 2003 and 2011.

The anti-graft agency had on Monday, June 1 questioned the former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, who arrived the country on Saturday, May 30.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed to Punch that Modu-Sherif was at the commission’s office on Wednesday.

“I can confirm that he (Modu Sherif) is at the commission,” he said.

The EFCC, had in May, said that it would declare Modu-Sheriff wanted after he failed to honour the agency’s invitation for questioning.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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President says he’ll take action on Amnesty International report on torture

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President Muhammadu Buhari has acknowledged receipt of the Amnesty International report on Nigeria titled "Nigeria: Stories of horror in their own words."

The Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, to the President, Garba Shehu, said in a news release in Niamey, Niger Republic on Wednesday, June 3, that the President has received the report which he observes contained many disturbing allegations.

According to Shehu, Buhari assures that his administration will study the document and act appropriately.

"I assure you that your report will be looked into," Buhari said.

He said without meaning to prejudice the outcome of any investigation, Nigerians need to be reassured that "this administration will leave no stone unturned to promote the rule of law, and deal with all cases of human rights abuses.

"Respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law are the life and soul of the democratic system.

"We will not tolerate or condone impunity and reckless disregard for human rights," the President was quoted as saying.

 The report allege widespread torture and extrajudicial killings by Nigerian military in the fight against Boko Haram.

In a report published Wednesday, Amnesty International accused the military of being responsible for the deaths of 8,000 prisoners.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Man plays guitar while undergoing brain tumour surgery

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A 33-year old Brazilian man is making international headlines after playing The Beatles’s 'Yesterday' on the guitar while having brain surgery.

The man, Anthony Kulkamp Dias was kept conscious during his operation to remove a tumour and played the British classic for the surgery team.

He also played 'Emanuel', a song he wrote for his newborn son, as well as Brazilian country songs.

Speaking on the feat, Kulkamp said “the doctors asked me to repeat one of the country songs so I even had an encore"

Reports Kulkamp, who played guitar professionally for 20 years, discovered the tumour 15 days after his son was born a few months ago, adding that he could not even say the name of his car and was stammering as a result.

Telegraph reports that Kulkamp underwent surgery while conscious, and played a guitar balanced on his stomach.

Said Kulkamp,

“I played six songs at certain times,” he said. “My right hand was a bit weaker because that was the side that they were operating on. So I stopped and rested. I was interspersing songs and talking with them.”

The pioneering surgery allowed doctors to safely map the patient’s brain while awake to avoid injury that could compromise important brain functions.

Speaking on why Kulkamp was kept awake for the surgery, Dr Jean Abreu Machado, clinical director, said:

 “By keeping the patient awake during surgery, these areas can be monitored in real time. A kind of mapping of important areas can be done. It really is a great challenge for the whole surgery team, including the anaesthetist.”

He added that the brain tissue does not have pain sensors but the skin and other structures do.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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