FG vows to prosecute airline agents for swindling stranded fans in Russia

The Federal Government has vowed to arrest and prosecute the airline travel agents who cancelled the return tickets of 230 Nigerian football fans stranded after the 2018 World Cup Tournament in Russia.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Prof. Steve Ugba said this in an online video statement made available by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Tope Elias-Fatile in Abuja on Sunday.

Ugba made government’s position known while addressing the stranded Nigerians in Moscow, Russia before their departure to Nigeria.

NAN reports that over 150 stranded Nigerian football fans besieged the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow on July 12, for assistance at the end of the 2018 World Cup tournament.

The fans had alleged that their return tickets were cancelled abruptly by airline agents, resulting to their being stranded in Russia without any hope of returning to Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on July 16, directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and his Aviation counterpart, Hadi Sirika, to evacuate the Nigerians to Abuja immediately.

Sequel to the directive, a chartered Ethiopian Airline had on July 20 conveyed the 155 stranded Nigerians back to Abuja.

The envoy in the 21 minutes video, expressed gratitude to the president for ensuring that the stranded fans returned safely to the country.

Ugba, who said that the Federal Government did not want the culprits to go free, urged the victims to produce any document they had to enable the government crackdown the agents.

“Give us any document that you have about the people who deceived you, or the people who scammed you, who did you 419 so that we can have them picked up and prosecuted in Nigeria.

“We do not want them to go free. So, give us any document you have that will tell us who these people are.

“We are waiting for them in Nigeria because the kind of behaviour that you exhibited here shows that you have character, shows that you have respect for yourselves, and shows that you have respect for Nigeria,” he said.

“It is not a crime for you to come and at the end of the show, you want to go back. It is not a crime.

“But it is a crime for the person who sold you tickets and then, the second leg of going back you do not have tickets anymore. So, it is not your fault.

“We want to hold those responsible for this terrible behaviour to account for their action so that next time, they will not do the same,” he said.

Ugba said that the nation was proud of the stranded fans to have made out time to cheer the Super Eagles in Russia.

He said that the behaviour of the fans and the Super Eagles had earned Nigeria lots of friends in Russia. (NAN)

M.I, Small Doctor Party in Surulere with Football Fans (Pictures)

The Nation can report that it was more than the thrills and frills of live football match on Friday at the Super Eagles Dome at Surulere in Lagos State.

The hundreds of the Nigeria national team fans dazzled to the live performances from the trio of M.I, Small Doctor and DJ BIG N at the 360 exquisite dome set by Nigerian Breweries brand, Star Lager for the match.

It was really after the three time African champion recorded their first victory at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The Eagles victory against Iceland got light up to a full blown rave party after Ahmed Musa-the matchwinner- scored his second goal minutes after the hitting the back of the net for the first goal…

It was more than the rhythmic titillating  echoes of issa Gooallll!!!! Issa Gooaal!!!, Issa Gooaalll!!!, Issa Goalll!!!

The fans stood up from their couch to celebrate the goals, the spontaneously raised their bottles of beers, embraced the one another exchanged infecting smiles, the all dome turned to an open air of jubilation for the World Cup Eagles.

Recall that the Leicester city striker – Musa, who emerged as the Man-of-the Match, scored in the 49th and 75th minutes of the game to set the victory song for Nigeria.

The party could not stop into the night at the dome, in Surulere after the Ahmed Musa’s brace.

The Super Eagles Dome boasts of cutting-edge features such as high-tech and multimedia technology that gives a 360-degree experience, a tunnel showcasing the glorious history of Super Eagles on LED, a VIP lounge, and a mini studio.

It was all a wave of entertainment into the night as the musical performances from the Nigerian artiste kept the evening out with an exciting after-party.

As high-point the Eagles fans also got to win branded items such as generators, freezers and television sets and so much more.

The Super Eagles Dome is also expected to be the scene of exciting football and anticipation from Nigeria fans when the team takes on  the Argentine national team in a make or mar final group game on Tuesday June 26th.

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KENNETH OMERUO: My second appearance in World Cup amazing

Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, is feeling on top of the world for making a back-to-back World Cup appearance. He spoke with TUNDE LIADI before jetting out to Russia.

THE late coach Stephen Keshi had elevated the young Kenneth Omeruo to a regular defender/libero in his team going into the 2013 Africa Nations Cup, where Nigeria won the tournament after 19 years.

His impressive performance at the AFCON elevated him to the 2014 World Cup, and he played in all four matches before France eliminated Nigeria in the second round.

Omeruo informed that appearing at the World Cup a second time is amazing. “It means a lot. It is amazing. I have been to the World Cup before and I knew how magnificent it was. I am really glad to have another chance to represent Nigeria in Russia.

“I want to play every game and I will like to start from the beginning to the end. Nigeria is a country with lots of talents and I am only opportune to be here. Every time I go back home to play football on the streets with my former playmates I am always amazed at what I see. We have good players and it is not that I am the best but just because I am lucky to be selected. And no matter who plays it is the country that we are trying to put in focus, not just myself. Anyone that is selected is welcome by me.”

On his status at Chelsea, Omeruo who is on loan with Kasimpasa in Turkey, said he made the right move by opting to go out on loan.

“For me, I know the situation in Chelsea. We have lots of amazing talents at the club and they are all doing well in their respective positions. It is no longer about playing for Chelsea for some of us. Every player wants to play in a recognised league where they would be mentioned regularly. If I decide to stay at Chelsea not minding if I remain on the bench while waiting for a player to get injured, I don’t think I will have the opportunity I am having now to represent my fatherland at the World  Cup for the second consecutive time.

“I would have loved to stay and fight for a shirt like Victor Moses did, but as I said, I have gone on several loan moves, which has made it possible for me to play more games than I should have been with Chelsea. I will like to see what my involvement with the Super Eagles at the World Cup in Russia brings. It is obvious that I need a (more stable) home. They are aware of this as well and I hope I get a good World Cup and have more options in the summer transfer.”

Omeruo speaks more in the exclusive interview. Excerpts:

Leaving home to play abroad

One of the difficulties we African players face is going abroad to play. It is difficult but I thank God for where I am today.

Parents’ endorsement

Things have changed now than it was when I started playing. My parents are not saying anything to my siblings that have decided to play football because of the success that I have brought to the family in the course of representing Nigeria.

Mother’s belief

I think my mum had more belief than myself because she predicted that I would wear the national team jersey one day. For us, we felt she just wanted the best for us but it worked the way she predicted it. I played and my younger brother was also in the Under 20 camp some years ago. It was amazing because I never believed even when Chelsea called me that they were interested in me. I didn’t believe it. I didn’t take them seriously.

Football family  I don’t really think I had any role to play in their career as footballers because three of us started playing the game almost at the same time. I will say I was just lucky to be the first to really make it but football has been what we do since we were at school.

Nigerian league

I played a lot of games for Sunshine Stars but the one I won’t forget in a hurry was the one with Enyimba because I dislocated my shoulder during the game. It was bad because it affected me later in the future. I had an amazing time with Sunshine Stars and this toughened me up for the challenges ahead. Before playing the Under 17 World Cup which we hosted, I never played any league and it was good for me.

Kasimpasa experience

My form is fine and I can say that I had an amazing season for myself in Turkey. It was good partnering with Oboabona. We won a trophy and I think we can still win more trophies with the present Eagles. I will keep doing what I am doing, which is working hard and also be keeping myself fit and to be ready whenever called upon; whether I start or coming from the bench.

We had a good team. We had a coach who played a pattern that suited me very well. I adapted quickly to his pattern and it helped me to play every week.

2013 AFCON

When I received my invitation to the national team, I was playing at a right back for Den Haag in Holland and when I saw the invite I was actually thinking I was called up to fill the space and that before the team departed for South Africa I would be dropped. But for me when I had the chance to play, I was very focused and it made me do well. I went into the Nations Cup not knowing if I would play any game at all because I was just coming into the team, but when I started the second game, I did that as a centre back and it was different from the position I had been playing before then. It was my position and I was able to cope very well there.

Experience at Chelsea

It was good. Initially, when I signed for Chelsea and I stayed back in Holland there were so many questions I couldn’t answer because young players who were my teammates in ADO Den Haag wanted me to furnish them everything about the club, but I couldn’t provide the answer. They were eager to know about the facilities at the stadium, but I haven’t been there before at that time because I signed for them while in Holland and I remained there. There was a player that kept on teasing me that I called myself a player on a team but I was yet to go there.

I didn’t go to England until after the 2013 Nations Cup and the FIFA Confederation Cup. I was supposed to come into the main team of Chelsea but the injury I copped during the Confederation Cup in Brazil, which was a recurrence of the shoulder injury I had while playing for Sunshine Stars against Enyimba, slowed me down. I had already secured almost everything including getting a work permit but that injury changed a lot of things. After my injury, I went back to England with a view that I could still go with them to the pre-season but I felt the shoulder injury had not been properly treated because of the kind of pain I experienced few days before our departure.

I had to go through a surgery and they recalled Kurt Zouma to take my place. I was out for like four months and I had to go on loan to Middlesbrough because it was a World Cup year. I went there to seek more playing time so that I could be in the Eagles team to the World Cup.

Marriage and career

I feel focused and more responsible. I have more responsibilities now more than before. I am really focused. You said you will like to have a home which means you are not really comfortable with present arrangement of sending you on several loans.

Most memorable game for Nigeria

It is certainly going to be the game against Burkina Faso in the final of the 2013 AFCON. It was my first trophy for the Super Eagles and also my first game for Nigeria’s senior national team. It was a good way to launch my career with the Eagles.

If not a footballer

I really don’t know. It may be probably going to school and becoming a banker.

Football idol

Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, was my idol while growing up.

Most troubled striker

I will have to choose between Edin Dzeko and Karim Benzema.

Eagles as youngest squad in Russia

It is a blessing. Only a few of us that have played in the World Cup before and the new ones are determined to prove their mettle in Russia. It will have a positive influence on us.

Difference between current squad and Brazil 2014 team

I will say we are younger now. We are the youngest team this time around unlike 2014 when we had a blend of experience and young players.

Favourite Nigerian dish

I will say okaze soup and eba.

Favourite all-time 11

Enyeama, Omeruo, David Luiz, Xavi, Marcelo, Ronadinho, Coutinho, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Victor Moses

Between C. Ronaldo and Messi

Ronaldo.

Favourite colour?

White.

FIFA or PES?

FIFA! It is more mature and real.

Most dressed Super Eagles player

I will pick Uche Agbo.

Team’s pastor

Daniel Akpeyi.

Most jovial player in the Eagles camp

Uche Agbo.

Which will you call the biggest stadium that you have ever played?

I was at Wembley Stadium but I didn’t play. I will say the stadia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil were amazing.

Will you allow your son to play football in the future?

Definitely, I will and he will also play for Nigeria by God’s grace.

Cholera kills three pupils in Gombe

Three pupils of Tsangaya Islamic School, Madaki, Gombe State, have died of cholera. Twenty-seven others are hospitalised.

Commissioner for Health Dr Kennedy Ishaya confirmed this yesterday during an inspection visit to Madaki Primary Healthcare facility where the victims are hospitalised.

He said within three days, 30 children from the school had contracted the disease of which three had died.

Ishaya added that 15 were treated and discharged while 12 were still receiving treatment at the facility.

According to him, the government has stocked all health facilities with sufficient drugs and advised people to report any suspected case to the nearest facility.

The commissioner also appealed to the health personnel to take necessary steps to avoid the risk of infection.

He said: “Make sure you observe Nightingale principles – no chewing of kola or gum during working hours.

“Come to the hospital with two pairs of clothing. When going home, drop the one you worked with and wear another one.”

He also appealed to Muslim faithful to use water from a pure source for ablution to avoid contamination.

Wife caught hubby in bed with their daughter, court told

An Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court yesterday heard how a wife caught her husband Folorunso Oluwaseun, 52, sleeping with their daughter on their matrimonial bed.

Oluwaseun, a technician, who lives at 30, Popoola Street, Ishawo, Ikorodu was arraigned on the February 8 on a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault.

He pleaded not guilty.

Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Mr Babajide Boye, a witness, Sergeant Olakunle Orebe attached to the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command said the victim told the police that her mother caught her father in the act four years after he started sleeping with her.

The witness said the woman was not aware of what was going on until 2016 when she caught the defendant with their daughter.

He said the woman relocated from Lagos to Ibadan with her other children, a boy and a girl because of the incident.

Orebe said when the victim relocated to Ibadan, she started teaching in a school.

When Boye sought to tender the statement of the defendant in evidence, the defence counsel, Mr Worer Obuagbaka, objected to its admissibility on the grounds that it was obtained under duress.

To untie the knot, Justice Sybil Nwaka ordered a trial-within-trial.

During the trial-within-trial, Orebe denied forcing Oluwaseun to write his confessional statement.

He said: “I cautioned him before he wrote the statement and I told him he was entitled to legal representation.  After he wrote his statement, I read the statement aloud to him and he affirmed the contents”.

Orebe said Oluwaseun was neither handcuffed nor chained when he was brought from Ikorodu to Ikeja.

“I did not torture, beat, slap or threaten him, he understood the statement when I read it aloud and he signed it. My superior officer, Abimbola Williams an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) read the statement again to him and he affirmed making the statement and the superior officer signed,” he said.

Oluwaseun gave a different version of how his confessional statement was obtained.

Led in evidence by Obuagbaka, he said was in his house when the police came to arrest him. He said on arrival at the station, he was told to respect himself or he would be handcuffed.

He said when they got to the Police Command, he was given a paper to write his statement about what happened between him and his daughter.

Justice Nwaka adjourned till June 28.