INTERNATIONAL: Trump Pulls U.S Out Of Iran Nuclear Deal

While announcing the pullout of the U.S from the deal signed by his predecessor, Trump said he will sign an Executive order, imposing the most powerful sanctions possible against the Persian nation.

U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive order restricting immigration

U.S President, Donald Trump has pulled out his country from the nuclear deal it and its allies signed with Iran in July 2015

The deal stopped Iran from continuing its uranium enrichment and nuclear development programs.

While announcing the pullout of the U.S from the deal signed by his predecessor, Trump said he will sign an Executive order, imposing the most powerful sanctions possible against the Persian nation.

Trump says the deal is defective at its core and it cannot stop Iran from making a nuclear bomb.

The details of sanctions Trump intended to impose on Iran are not yet clear.

In response to Trump’s expected withdrawal of the U.S from the deal, oil prices rose on Monday. Brent crude, which is the benchmark for Nigerian oil, rose to $76.

Oil prices may further go up if the sanctions imposed on Iran by the U.S include a freeze on the country’s oil exports.

Iran exported close to a billion barrels of oil in 2017.

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NEWS: Wanted Nigerian Oil Mogul, Kola Oluko, To Foreclose $50.9m New York Penthouse

Banque Havilland, based in Luxembourg, issued a $35.3 million loan to Mr. Aluko to purchase the 79th-floor penthouse at 157 East 57th Street in New York, but the oil tycoon has missed several payments, leading the bank to force a sale of the property next month.

A Nigerian oil tycoon, Kolawole “Kola” Aluko, owes a European bank millions of dollars for a mortgage he took out to purchase a $50.9 million luxury condo in New York, according to the New York Post.

The New York Post reports that the residential foreclosure could be the biggest in New York history.

The bank has listed Mr. Aluko’s 213-foot yacht as collateral and will collect the mortgage payment it’s owed, which was due last fall, plus interest.

In addition to his mortgage payment, Mr. Aluko owes property taxes and maintenance fees. The New York Post reports that he has not been seen “for some time” and could be hiding in his yacht.

The yacht, which he rented to Jay-Z and Beyonce in 2015 for $900,000 a week, was last registered in the Bahamas on May 3, but since then has been "out of range."

Mr. Aluko is under investigation by the Nigerian government for money laundering in a scandal involving former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke. It was alleged that Mr. Aluko, along with Jide Omokore, stole over $1.7 billion in oil assets from the federal government.

Atlantic Energy, a company owned by Mr. Aluko and Mr. Omokore, was granted several lucrative oil contracts, allegedly on the instructions of Mrs. Alison-Madueke.

The Nigerian government subsequently attempted to freeze Mr. Aluko’s assets, including properties in California and Switzerland.

However, authorities have been unable to track down the billionaire, who is believed to be traveling in his yacht.

He has also been declared wanted by British authorities, who requested that Swiss authorities assist them in arresting Mr. Aluko.

Mr. Aluko has recently been selling off his expensive properties. The New York Post reports that he sold a 2.4-acre estate in Montecito, California to Gwyneth Paltrow. In 2012, Mr. Aluko purchased a mansion in Beverly Hills, California for $14.7 million dollars. He rented the property to singer Ariana Grande before selling it for $13 million in 2016.

The oil tycoon has recently tried selling another New York apartment at 1049 5th Avenue, which he purchased for $8.5 million in 2013. He owes $61,000 in taxes to the city.

Kemi Aluko

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BREAKING NEWS: President Buhari “Not As Bad Anymore”—Aides

• Two aides of President Muhammadu Buhari last night said the ailing Nigerian leader might head home within a week, subject to clearance by his doctors.

• In an interview on the condition of anonymity, one of the two sources also claimed that some of the president’s latest health symptoms revealed in our recent reports arose as adverse reactions to drugs prescribed for Mr. Buhari since he arrived in the UK. The symptoms include memory loss and speech impairment.

Pesident Muhammadu Buhari

“Mr. President [Buhari] is getting better and wanting to return to Nigeria very soon,” one of the two sources said. Despite our correspondent’s pressure, the source declined to disclose any specific date for Mr. Buhari’s return, saying the matter “totally depends on his doctors.”

There were earlier speculations that President Buhari would return to Nigeria by today, but our two sources said they were not sure about the source of such speculations.

Asked why the President had not spoken to his vice or revealed the true nature of his sickness to Nigerians, despite his avowed transparency and honesty, one of the sources told SaharaReporters, “Sickness is not a matter you just start broadcasting to everybody. Remember that Mr. President, after his return to Nigeria in March, told Nigerians that he had never been so sick in his life. I think that statement has already disclosed enough about his health.”

The latest claims by the presidential sources that Mr. Buhari was on the cusp of returning to Nigeria seem triggered by our latest report that the chronically sick leader had suffered speech impairment and a worsening of memory loss in the course of his medical treatment in London.

One of the Presidency sources said he was in no position to discuss the specifics of Mr. Buhari’s treatment, but disclosed that part of the president’s treatment had led to “some side effects.” Asked if the side effects included speech problems memory loss, the source obliquely acknowledged those side effects. However, he claimed that “the issues [side effects] are temporary. They occurred after the medical team administered a particular medication on Mr. President.” 

The same source revealed that President Buhari had been receiving blood transfusions to help improve his health.

Mr. Buhari left Nigeria for the UK some 47 days ago to continue medical treatment for an undisclosed ailment believed to be cancer. Since arriving in London, Mr. Buhari has not been seen in public, but has been ensconced in the Nigerian Presidential Guest House in London known as “Abuja House”. The President has hardly spoken to his vice, now acting President Yemi Osinbajo, since he left. The lone exception was two weeks ago when the gravely sick president held a short-lived telephone conversation with Mr. Osinbajo. Mr. Buhari spoke with such incoherence that the conversation had to be ended abruptly.

This year alone, President Buhari has spent more than 100 days outside of Nigeria on account of his failing health. There remain major concerns that Mr. Buhari would remain frail as he suffers from age-related infirmities in addition to the chronic health condition that took him to London. Officially 74 years old, the president is believed by some to be much older.

Even if President Buhari returns to Abuja within a week as claimed by some of his aides, including the ones we interviewed, it is almost certain that he would soon need to return to the United Kingdom to continue treatment.

An opposition politician told SaharaReporters that members of a cabal close to the ailing President have renewed their plan to return him to Nigeria to assume office after his current prolonged absence.

Some members of that cabal were last week in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj. The opposition politician, who asked for anonymity, said the group “used the lesser hajj as a cover to hold clandestine meetings with Senate President Bukola Saraki as part of their design to control power.” He identified Issa Funtua, an in-law of the President, as the leader of the cabal in Saudi Arabia.

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BREAKING NEWS: US Govt. Did Not Grant Apostle Suleiman "Honorary Citizenship"

• A widely publicized claim that controversial Nigerian preacher, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, has been granted 'honorary citizenship" by the US government is absolutely false Sammynews4u can authoritatively reveal. Apostle Suleiman is the founder of the Auchi-based Omega Fire Worldwide Ministries.

• Mr. Phrank Shuaibu, the preacher's publicist, had claimed extravagantly that the US government granted Apostle Suleiman “honorary citizenship” as a non-resident of  South Carolina.

Apostle Johnson Suleman receiving a letter and plaque from South Carolina State House of Assembly member John Richard King

Contrary to the claim, Sammynews discovered that the alleged honorary citizenship is an insignificant gesture usually made by state legislators in the US.

According to our investigations, John Richard C. King, Chairman South Carolina Legislators Black Caucus representing a South Carolina county in the state house of assembly issued a letter to Apostle Suleiman conferring on him the honorary citizenship of the state of South Carolina.       

Made in the letter was a promise to confer the “honor” on Mr. Suleiman at the State Capitol building in Columbia. However, the lawmaker hurriedly took the award to Inglewood in California to present to Apostle Suleiman, where he was having a church program.

US state legislators routinely give letters and plaques that carry official proclamations with no real value. Sometimes, such gestures are used to raise campaign funding. SaharaReporters cannot confirm whether or not Apostle Suleiman paid for the letter and plaque. In its entire history, the United States has only granted  8 honorary citizenships, the last one was granted in 2014 posthumously to Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Viscount of Galveston and Count of Gálvez, a Spaniard American war hero.

Apostle Suleiman is currently nursing a reputational injury arising from allegations of sexual liaison made by Canada-based singer, Stephanie Otobo.

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[International] 251 Nigerians Return From Libya

• The returnees, comprising 140 females, 102 males, 6 children, and 5 infants, touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at around 7:20 p.m.

Nigeria's Returnees from Libya

Two hundred and fifty-one Nigerians returned from Libya on Tuesday night through the efforts of the Nigerian embassy in Libya and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The returnees, comprising 140 females, 102 males, 6 children, and 5 infants, touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at around 7:20 p.m.

The returnees were received at the Hajj Camp terminal of the airport by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Protection of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Also on the ground to receive the returnees were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Among the returnees were eight Nigerians who were deported for committing drug-related offenses. They were promptly handed over to security agencies for prosecution.

Our correspondent reported that two Nigerians returned in order to receive medical treatment. One returnee, a woman, suffered from severe burns requiring surgery while another required psychiatric treatment.

The burn victim was allegedly trafficked into the North African country after paying a smuggler N300,000.

Addressing reporters, NEMA Director of Search and Rescue, Onimode Bandele, explained that the Nigerian government would rehabilitate the returnees so that they can be reintegrated into society. He encouraged Nigerians to look for opportunities within Nigeria rather than embarking on dangerous journeys to foreign countries.

“As a government, our advice is that young Nigerians should strive to work hard and tap into vast opportunities available in the country instead of seeking greener pastures elsewhere,” he said.

“Let's thank God that these ones have returned safely because Libya is not what it used to be. “

Mr. Bandele added that NEMA would continue to work with the IOM to bring back Nigerians who are willing to return.

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Nigerian To Be Executed In Singapore For Drug Trafficking

• Mr. Obioha was sentenced to death on December 30, 2008 after being arrested on April 9, 2007 for the possession of cannabis.

Nigerian national Chijioke Stephen Obioha is set to be executed in Singapore on November 18, Amnesty International reported on Thursday.

Mr. Obioha was sentenced to death on December 30, 2008 after being arrested on April 9, 2007 for the possession of cannabis. He was found with over 2.6 kilograms of cannabis, an offense which, under Singapore law, mandates the death penalty.

Mr. Obioha appealed his sentence in August 2010, maintaining his innocence, but the court refused to commute his death penalty down to a prison sentence. According to Amnesty International, in Singapore, the burden of proof lies on the defendant rather than the prosecutor. The human rights organization explained that this is a violation of the right to a fair trial.

He has since filed an appeal to clemency. Amnesty International is urging human rights activists to petition the Singapore government to grant Mr. Obioha clemency.

Read the full press release below:

URGENT ACTION

NIGERIAN TO BE EXECUTED for drug trafficking

The execution of Nigerian national Chijioke Stephen Obioha has been set for 18 November. He was convicted of drug trafficking in Singapore and was given the mandatory death sentence. A new clemency application is pending before the President.

The family of Chijioke Stephen Obioha, a Nigerian national convicted of and given the mandatory death sentence for possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking on 30 December 2008, have been informed that 18 November is Chijoke’s new execution date. On 9 April 2007 Chijoke was found in possession of more than 2.6 kilograms of cannabis, surpassing the statutory amount of 500 grams that under Singapore law triggers the automatic presumption of trafficking. Also in his possession were keys to a room containing additional prohibited substances, leading the authorities to presume him guilty of possession and knowledge of the drugs.

Chijioke Stephen Obioha’s appeal against his conviction and sentence was rejected in August 2010. Maintaining his innocence of the crime, Chijoke initially refused to make use of his right to resentencing which amendments to Singapore mandatory’s death penalty laws made in 2013 allowed for. In Singapore, when there is a presumption of drug possession and trafficking, the burden of proof shifts to the defendant. This is a violation of fair trial rights, specifically the presumption of innocence.

After the rejection of his clemency appeal in April 2015, his execution was set for 15 May 2015. It was stayed a day earlier to allow him to apply for resentencing. His family were only informed on 25 October 2016 that he had resolved to withdraw his application for resentencing earlier in the year, following legal advice that he would not qualify as “courier” under the amended laws.

Consequently, the Court of Appeal lifted the stay of execution with effect from 24 October, resulting in the execution date to be set for 18 November. Chijioke Stephen Obioha appealed once again for clemency for the President, who has the power to commute his death sentence.

Please write immediately in English or your own language:

        Urging the President to immediately halt Chijioke Stephen Obioha’s execution and grant him clemency;
        Calling on the authorities to immediately re-impose an official moratorium on all executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty, and commute all existing death sentences;
        Reminding the authorities that drug-related offences do not meet the threshold of the “most serious crimes” to which the use of the death penalty must be restricted under international law, and that the imposition of the death penalty as a mandatory punishment is also prohibited.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 22 DECEMBER 2016 TO:

President of Singapore

His Excellency Tony Tan Keng Yam Office of the President of the Republic of Singapore Orchard Road, Singapore 238823

Fax: +65 6735 3135

Email: istana_feedback@istana.gov.sg Salutation: Your Excellency

Prime Minister of Singapore His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister's Office Istana Annexe, Orchard Road Singapore 238823

Fax: +65 6332 8983

Email: lee_hsien_loong@pmo.gov.sg Salutation: Your Excellency   

And copies to:

Officer-in-charge Registry   

Superintendent Cheong KumFoong

Changi Prison Complex

Singapore Prison Service

982 Upper Changi Road North

Singapore 507709   

Fax: +65420425

Email: cheong_kum_foong@pris.gov.sgAlso send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Please insert local diplomatic addresses below:

NameAddress 1Address 2Address 3 Fax Fax number Email Email address Salutation Salutation   

Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.

Additional Information

Chijioke Stephen Obioha graduated in Industrial Chemistry from Benin University in Nigeria. He moved to Singapore in 2005, seeking to join a football club. His family members, who currently live in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, have been unable to travel to visit and had limited ability to assist him. Throughout the duration of the proceedings, they have received sporadic and often delayed updates, including when a legal representative was removed from the case.

On 18 July 2014, Singapore carried out its first two executions since 2012, when two men were hanged after they had been convicted of and mandatorily sentenced to death for drug trafficking. Their executions ended a moratorium on the implementation of death sentences established in July 2012 to allow the Parliament to review the country’s mandatory death penalty laws. Since then, the authorities of Singapore have executed at least five other people, including three for drug trafficking. At least five new mandatory death sentences were imposed in 2015, four for drug trafficking and one for murder. At least 23 people remained on death row at the end of 2015.

The mandatory imposition of the death penalty is against international law. The UN Human Rights Committee has said that “the automatic imposition of the death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life, in violation of article 6, paragraph 1, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in circumstances where the death penalty is imposed without any possibility of taking into account the defendant’s personal circumstances or the circumstances of the particular offence”.

Following the adoption of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2012 and the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2012 on 14 November 2014, the courts of Singapore are now given the discretion not to impose the death penalty in certain circumstances. In drug-related cases, defendants may now be spared the death penalty if they are found to have been involved only in transporting, sending or delivering a prohibited substance, or only offered to commit these acts (as “couriers”) and if the Public Prosecutor can certify that they cooperated with the Central Narcotics Bureau to disrupt further drug-related activities. Equally, defendants found to be “couriers” can be spared the death penalty if they can prove that they are suffering from “such abnormality of mind … [which] substantially impaired his mental responsibility for his acts and omissions”. According to his current lawyer, Chijioke Stephen Obioha has not undertaken a mental health assessment and withdrew his application for resentencing under the amended laws.

International law requires that the use of the death penalty be restricted to the “most serious crimes”. The UN Human Rights Committee has on numerous occasions found that drug-related offences do not meet the criterion of “most serious crimes”, a finding reiterated by the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Amnesty International believes that the death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment, and a violation of the right to life as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Amnesty International supports calls, included in five resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly since 2007, for the establishment of a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty. As of today, 140 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice; in the Asia-Pacific region, 19 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes and a further eight are abolitionist in practice.

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