Friday 6 February 2015

Exclusive Interview: Sami Al-Arian, Professor Who Defeated Controversial Terrorism Charges, is Deported From U.S

Prof Sami Al Arian
In 2003, Sami Al-Arian was a professor at the University of South Florida, a legal resident of the U.S. since 1975, and one of the most prominent Palestinian civil rights activists in the U.S. That year, the course of his life was altered irrevocably when he was indicted on highly controversial terrorism charges by then Attorney General John Ashcroft. These charges commenced a decade-long campaign of government persecution in which Al-Arian was systematically denied his freedom and saw his personal and professional life effectively destroyed.

Boko Haram, Hit By Multinational Offensive, Rampage In Cameroon

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Hundreds of Boko Haram fighters took revenge Thursday on villagers in Cameroon, shooting and burning scores to death and razing mosques and churches after warning Nigeria's neighbors not to join the battle against the Islamic insurgent group.

Thursday 5 February 2015

Nigeria Acquires T-72 Tanks, Other Weapons From Czech Republic

The Nigerian military is receiving 16 armoured vehicles, including T-72 tanks, from the Czech Republic in order to help it in the battle against Boko Haram militants.

Nigeria Hires South African Mercenaries To Rein In Boko Haram

In what an analyst described as a 'last minute bid to shore-up his chances of re-election in the face of imminent defeat at the Presidential election', President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly gave the nod to hire 'Private Military Contractors' from South Africa to help rein in Boko Haram.

FRAUD: Italian Businessman Arraigned For Defrauding Nigerian Bank Of N717m

Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered that a Nigerian-based Italian businessman, Piero Allan Franchillo, be remanded in prison custody for allegedly defrauding Zenith Bank Plc of the sum of N717 million.

Chadian Military Kill 200 Boko Haram Fighters, 9 Soldiers Dead

Clashes between Chadian troops and Boko Haram fighters during a raid on a northeastern Nigerian town have killed 200 fighters and nine soldiers, Chad's military says.

French Comedian To Go On Trial for Condoning Terrorism

Dieudonne Mbala
A French comedian charged with condoning terrorism is set to go on trial over a Facebook comment, in which he is accused of expressing support for Ahmedy Coulibaly, a gunman who killed four hostages and policewoman in January.

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Gunmen Kill Policeman, Kidnap 4 Agip Workers In Bayelsa, Nigeria

A patrol van belonging to the Bayelsa State Special Police Squad, code-named: Operation Doo Akpo, has been attacked by gunmen suspected to be militants, killing a policeman while two of the militants lost their lives in the ensuing exchange of fire during the attack.

Nigerian Army Denies Plotting An Interim Government

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said it was not aware of any plan for an interim government in the country.
This information is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman.

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Guess Why Drug Dealers, Criminals Are Snapping Up This 16-Year Old Nokia Phone?

Nokia 8210
Smartphones have their perks; without them, it would be impossible to take a photo of your junk and instantly share it with someone in Brazil. But they also have their downsides. Like constantly having your office in your pocket, or people ruining debates by googling the answer, or the fact that they're effectively just GPS ankle monitors that double up us pizza-ordering devices.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security And Privacy Best Practices

Internet of Things
In a report on the Internet of Things (IoT), the staff of the Federal Trade Commission recommend a series of concrete steps that businesses can take to enhance and protect consumers’ privacy and security, as Americans start to reap the benefits from a growing world of Internet-connected devices.

Nigerian Troops Bombard Sambisa Forest

As part of measures to contain and quell the Boko Haram insurgency, the military has stormed the insurgents in Sambisa Forest, their notorious hideout, according to reports from the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Monday 2 February 2015

Africa Losing Billions From Fraud And Tax Avoidance

Africa is losing more than $50bn (£33bn) every year in illicit financial outflows as governments and multinational companies engage in fraudulent schemes aimed at avoiding tax payments to some of the world’s poorest countries, impeding development projects and denying poor people access to crucial services.

Hundreds Of Boko Haram Militants Killed As Sect Launches Second Attack on Maiduguri

Hundreds of Boko Haram militants were killed by local vigilantes and Nigerian soldiers Sunday after the Islamist militant group launched its second failed assault on the northeastern city of Maiduguri in the space of a week.

Effective Ways To Tackle Radicalisation

The problem of some in society becoming radicalised should be tackled by building relationships with those at risk, including through business and faith communities, writes Brian Grim.
As Europeans join and return from fighting with ISIS in Iraq and Syria, people from across the world, including world leaders, agree that something must be done urgently.