Afrobeats king, Femi Kuti was spotted in New York City yesterday Sunday, June 23 with hip-hop artist, Common.
Both stars performed at a summer concert in Central Park.
Monday, 24 June 2013
Afrobeat legend, Femi Kuti hangs out with US rapper, Common in New York
Afrobeats king, Femi Kuti was spotted in New York City yesterday Sunday, June 23 with hip-hop artist, Common.
Both stars performed at a summer concert in Central Park.
Terrorists Now Pose As Security Personnel —NSA
National Security Adviser, Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd)
Participants at the workshop were largely made up of religious, traditional and community leaders, who are expected to communicate the message to the people at the grass roots.
Dasuki, who was represented by Maj-Gen. Babatunde Samuel (retd.), said investigation had revealed that some of the security personnel patronised by several individuals, communities and organisations were in most cases unqualified people with questionable characters.
He said, “I also wish to warn you about the personnel you patronise in the course of improving security. You should be careful because those that have been vetted are found to have no fixed addresses or the requisite qualification or expenses that they claim to have.
“Some are even of questionable character; you must therefore check their antecedents before you patronise them. It is based on the imperative to make Nigerians security conscious that the Federal Government gave you (participants) the opportunity to become pioneers of the rejuvenated national security awareness programme.”
Dasuki said the Federal Government, through DSS, had undertaken vulnerability assessment of the ministries, departments and agencies to improve their security apparatus.
According to him, the Federal Government is doing its best to discharge its constitutional responsibilities by “putting adequate measures in place to detect and arrest the menace of terrorists, religious intelorance, armed robbery, kidnappings, pipeline vandalism, piracy, corruption and other related crimes that impact negatively on Nigeria image and economy.”
He added, “You should know that the Federal Government, through the DSS, has undertaken a robust vulnerability assessment of most MDAs in Abuja. This was subsequently followed up with improved access control by providing other vehicles inspection system, mobile detectors.
“Security inspection committees was also set up by various MDAs to ensure compliance with the security regulations as they affect the safety of government personnel, documents, facilities and structures.”
In his speech, the SGF, Senator Pius Anyim, explained that the workshop was borne out of the Federal Government’s desire to make most Nigerians security conscious and to establish the necessary condition for the actualisation of the transformation agenda.
Anyim, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (Special Service Office, SGF), Mrs. Esther Gonda, said if every segment of the society played its role or contributed its quota well, Nigeria would be a better place.
He said, “It is important that the Government and other relevant stakeholders like you to do their best to improve security in the country. We must use our various levels of authority in the society to discourage sensational comments, corruption, provocative preaching, religious or ethnic intolerance, unpatriotic speeches, especially by politicians.”
Meet the world’s most fashionable 5-year-old boy (PHOTOS)
Five year old Alonso Mateo is very likely the most stylish child the world has ever – and very possibly will ever – encounter. He is all drop crotch pants, dark glasses and Tom Ford pocket squares.
And he has 2,500 followers on Instagram, where he shares his catwalk-ready looks with his fans.
Alonso Mateo has become an internet style icon after posting photos of his high fashion looks on Instagram
In each photo he strikes a confident pose, hand in pocket, gazing off into the distance. The photographs are straight off the fashion pages of Esquire – micro fashion shoots set up on location with palm trees, swimming pool and obligatory dog – dotted with a fair few selfies taken with his iPhone in front of the mirror.
Looking at his mother, an equally stylish figure with a penchant for Givenchy and Chanel, it is easy to see where he gets his élan.
Luisa Fernanda Espinosa is a freelancer fashion stylist who posts her son’s pictures to her own Instagram, where she has 127,000 followers, before they appear on his.
Many of Alonso’s photos are selfies taken in the mirror with an iPhone
Alonso styles and produces the shoots himself, says his mother
Alonso’s styling is his own doing, though Ms Espinosa says she will sometimes steer him in the right direction if something he chooses doesn’t quite work, or is inappropriate for the weather.
And when they step outside, his fans often take his picture, although Ms Espinosa says her son will sometimes decline if he is too tired.
The pair’s shared a love of fashion has allowed Ms Espinosa to bond with her son, and she says she relishes the opportunity to shop together.
And Ms Espinosa’s work for magazines like Harpers Bazaar and Alonso’s father’s income as owner and CEO of a private equity firm allow the family, originally from Monterrey, Mexico but living in Laguna Beach, sufficient funds to support their shared hobby.
Speaking in an interview with Joy Loves Fashion she said her son’s favourite things to wear are ‘combat boots and sunglasses’ and that his recent obsession with bowties saw him going shopping to snap up all the prints that caught his eye.
Many
of the shoots take place in and around Laguna Beach, California, where
the family live after relocating from Monterrey, Mexico, two years ago
Alonso
loves shopping – a hobby he shares with his mother Luisa. His recent
obsession with bowties saw the two hit the mall hunting for prints he
liked
Some internet users have criticised the Espinosa family for encouraging their son, who has an iPod and an iPad which he uses to produce his own shoots, to be materialistic. They say that for a young boy, he cares too much about his image.
But Espinosa is defiant. ‘People usually judge right away,’ she tells The Cut.
‘When we go shopping, if he wants loafers just like his daddy and I can afford them, I get them. We’re fine raising our son. He’s always polite, he’s grounded, he’s a sweet boy.
”I don’t think he really notices he’s fashion forward. He’s too young.’
Alonso loves his Ray-Ban aviators, although the five-year-old sometimes mixes it up with shades by Dior or Tom Ford
Don’t impose your daughter as market women leader – PDP warns Tinubu
In a statement on Monday by its Lagos Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, the PDP urged Tinubu to let democracy to reign in the selection of a new leader.
“You should allow the simple tenets of democracy to prevail in the selection of a new leader for the market women, more so as there is no cogent evidence that the nominee is a full-time market woman,” the statement said.
The Punch reports:
The former governor had allegedly announced the choice during the eighth day Firdau prayer for his mother and former leader of Association of Market Women and Men of Nigeria, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.
The statement said, “The former governor plans to confirm this choice to market leaders at a meeting he has summoned for Tuesday (today) at his residence.
“This new development portends great danger for our democracy and indeed Lagos’ integrity. We are thus calling on Governor Babatunde Fashola not to sit on the fence at this auspicious time.”
Police kill 7 of Kehinde Bamigbetan’s kidnappers, arrest others (PHOTO)
The suspects. Inset: Changrani.
| credits: Eniola Akinkuotu
| credits: Eniola Akinkuotu
A kidnapping gang were located at their hideout on Monday after kidnapping an Indian, Vivex Changrani, now the police believe they were the same gang suspected to have kidnapped the Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Kehinde Bamigbetan.
According to reports, the Commissioner of Police for the command, Umar Manko, said the suspects were not based in Lagos but only operated in the state on weekends after which they would flee to Ghana and apart from Bamigbetan, the suspects had been involved in a series of high-profile kidnapping including that of a Federal High Court judge in Lagos.
“Based on painstaking investigation and tracking of Nigerian kidnappers who kidnapped Ejigbo LCDA Chairman, Kehinde Bamigbetan, a sitting Federal High Court Judge and other notable individuals in Lagos, a team of detectives, led by the Officer in Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, traced the kidnappers to the Agbara area of Ogun State where the kidnappers have their camp,” he said.
“After 72 hours of laying ambush, the policemen stormed the house where the kidnappers were gathered. A gun duel ensued and seven kidnappers were killed. Two of the kdinappers, Ogbonna Emenike and Uchenna Nwanyu, were arrested alive with bullet wounds while four AK47 rifles, 28 AK47 magazines and over 1,000 rounds of AK47 live ammunition were recovered.”
“A Honda CRV and a Nissan Pathfinder as well as charms were recovered from them. An Indian national, Vivex Changrani, who was kidnapped at Ikoyi two hours before the operation, was also rescued by the police.”
The Punch reports:
Manko said the suspects were able to evade arrest for so long because they were in Ghana and due to international law, Nigeria policemen had to collaborate with INTERPOL to track the suspects.
The police boss said the suspects operated in army uniforms which deceived members of the public.
“We discovered that because the suspects operated in army uniform, they easily got away. Sometimes, they could even alight from their vehicles in broad daylight and direct traffic in order to escape,” he said.
According to police detectives, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, the suspects lived flamboyant lifestyles in Ghana.
A police source, said the leader of the gang, Jonah Benjamin Osinachi aka China, who was killed during a gun duel with the police, owned a big restaurant in Ghana and other investments which he funded with proceeds from his illegitimate business.
He said, “The suspects only struck during weekends after which they would go back to Ghana. For instance, after kidnapping Bamigbetan, they received $50,000 (N8m) as ransom. They went back to Ghana without any money.
“Rather, what they did was to give the money to a bureau de change operator who then helped them to transfer the money through an agent to Ghana.”
The suspects however said they were not members of the gang but only friends to the killed suspects.
Nwanyu said, “I am not a kidnapper, China employed me to manage his restaurant in Ghana and I have been doing that for two years now. I came with China, his wife and two kids on Sunday because they said they wanted to renew their passports at FESTAC.”
Another suspect, Emenike, said he was not part of the gang. He said he was only released from prison last Monday and was only at the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Indian victim, Changrani, however identified the suspects as his captors. He commended the police for rescuing him less than five hours after his abduction.
He said, “I have been living in Nigeria for seven years and I work for a plastic-manufacturing company. On Sunday night, around 12am, I was on Gerard Road, Ikoyi, when men in army uniform flagged down my vehicle. They jumped into my car and pushed me into the back seat.
“An hour later, they pushed me into their own vehicle, blindfolded me. After some hours, they took me into their house and locked me in a room and told me to sleep. Around 5am, I started hearing gunshots and when the police identified themselves, I screamed for help and they rescued me. The police did a fantastic job.”
FG drags Leadership Newspaper journalists to court… again
Leadership newspaper and two of its journalists, Tony Ameokodo and Chibuzor Ukaibe have found themselves facing the Federal Government again after new forgery charges were filed against the Leadership Group Limited recently.
The FG had previously withdrawn the forgery charges before but reports claim it recently changed its mind, dragging the newspaper and its reporters before Justice U. Musale of an Abuja High Court in Kubwa on 11 counts.
In April, the journalists were slammed with a six counts charge for allegedly forging a presidential directive and publishing same purporting the forged document as true.
The Punch reports:
They were accused of forging the bromide of a presidential directive.
The charge was filed on behalf of the Federal Government by Adegboyega Awomolo, (SAN).
The Abuja FHC, presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola, had on May 2, 2013, struck out the case, following the withdrawal of the initial six counts by Awomolo.
The development followed a notice of preliminary objection filed by the defence counsel, Femi Falana, (SAN), who argued that the the Abuja FHC lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the charge.
2 buildings collapse after heavy rainfall in Akwa Ibom
Photo: BBC
According to reports, youth leader in the area, Etifit Nkereuwem, also said that no one was injured either as the occupants were all away during the fall.
“Two houses collapsed. But the one at number 178b Oron Road, was completely submerged in water. Only a part of the other building collapsed for now,” he said.
“From what we have gathered so far, nobody was around at the time of the incident.
“Some of the occupants went to villages while others went to churches. They only returned to see the collapsed buildings.”
The Punch reports:
It was learnt that while one of the houses was completely submerged in the water before it collapsed, only part of the second building was affected.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Etim Dickson, said the police were making enquiry about the collapsed buildings.
“The Divisional Police Officer in the area is already on the situation. As soon as they get the report, I will get back to you,” he said.
Artiste, J Martins dumps music for preaching in Owerri (PHOTOS)
J Martins brought tears to the eyes of fans in Owerri on Saturday June 22, as he interrupted his soulful performance, to bring Chukwudi Ejiofor a physically challenged fan up to the stage.
Ejiofor who says he dances for a living, joined other fans for J Martin’s dance competition, and he received wild cheers from the crowd.
As J Martins watched him mix acrobatics with dancing, he asked for silence as he spoke emphatically, “God will restore you. I am not a pastor. I have nothing to give you but God who gives us life will restore you and restore your healing.
Chukwudi Ejiofor dancing on stage
Overcome with emotion, J Martins left Ejiofor with a memento: his neck chain. He also took out time to take pictures with him backstage.
M.I Abaga introduces the new ‘Mrs. Abaga’ to fans in Imo (PHOTOS)
Jude Abaga – one of the most eligible bachelors in the Nigerian music industry may have finally found his missing rib. Where? Right on the stage of the famous Star Music Trek concert which held at Hero Square, Owerri, Imo state, over the weekend.
His gorgeous ‘partner’, Chinyere Okafor, whom he selected from the sell out crowd, added her beautiful voice on stage to his rendition of his hit single “One Naira.’’
To show appreciation for her performance, M.I removed his gold necklace and declared her the new ‘Mrs. Abaga’.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you, the new Mrs. Abaga…” he told Owerri fans as he hugged Okafor.
Desperado: Bank security guard breaks ATM, steals N12 million
Seyi Jaiyeola was arraigned on a five counts of fraud and stealing after the bank’s investigation of the missing cash led them to him.
According to reports, the bank’s branch Service Manager, Kayode Aiyewunmi, said the company had observed that one of the bank’s four ATMs was having a reconciliation problem and had employed the service of an expert to help unravel mysterious disappearances of money.
“We discovered that there was always a shortage of cash in the machine,” Aiyewunmi told the court.
“Despite our reconciliation efforts, the ATM was still having problems and we engaged the service of an expert who submitted his report and said the machine did not have any reconciliation issue.
“He said somebody was breaking into the machine in the middle of the night to steal the cash.
“I reported the matter to my boss, who said I should conduct an investigation into the matter. “When the last breakage happened, we went to play back the branch’s CCTV, and we now saw Jaiyeola in the middle of the night, opening the window at the back of my office. There’s a control panel which controls the security door, which he touched. So, the CCTV stopped.”
He said that was when the company concluded he was the brain behind the theft.
The Punch reports:
Aiyewunmi who gave evidence in court, said Jaiyeola was on a N20, 000 monthly pay and was a member of the Odua People’s Congress.
He said after the matter was reported at the Onipanu Police station, and the accused was arrested, he led them to his house, where he allegedly confessed to the crime.
Aiyewunmi said, “When we got to his house for a search, we recovered N243,945 cash. The police then asked him what else he did with the money. He said he bought a car, which was parked at the house there, a Toyota Corolla. Then we recovered a new generator. He also took the police to the building he was constructing which was near completion.” He said after recovering the item, First Bank transferred the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba.
The prosecution counsel, Mr. Ishola Samuel, asked for an adjournment to help source some legal citations. Jaiyeola was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate, Mrs. M.O Tanimola, adjourned the matter till July 15.
Tragedy: Groom, 3 relatives die in auto crash on their way to wedding
Photo: FeelFree
A new bride was left devastated on Monday after her husband-to-be and three of his relatives died in an auto crash along the Benin-Auchi highway.
On their way to the wedding introduction, the groom, his grandmother, uncle and the uncle’s wife who were riding in a Toyota Siena bus had a head-on collision with heavy duty truck belonging to Sentraco Construciton Company.
They were on their way to Uromi, in Esan North East Local Government Area when the accident occurred around Iruekpen, in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to reports, at the time of filing this report, two of the bodies were still trapped under the truck, while corpses of the two others had been taken away to the morgue.
The Punch reports:
Head of Operation, Iruekpen Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. John Omokandugba, said the accident was caused by dangerous overtaking by the Toyota bus.
He said, “Four persons including two men and two women, who were occupants of the Toyota Siena, with registration number USL 111 AE, died in the accident.”
Omokandugba said the truck loaded sand dust from Auchi, and was heading for Elele, in Rivers State, when the accident occurred.
He said, “The accident was as a result of speeding. The light rain showers equally contributed.”
Governor Amaechi Calls For NGF Meeting On Wednesday, Invites Jang, Akpabio, Others
Governor Amaechi
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has called a meeting of the NGF for Wednesday in Abuja.
Amaechi, who is the Rivers State Governor, has also invited Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, who contestthe NGF chairmanship with him on May 24.
The NGF chairman also invited the Chairman,Peoples Democratcic Party Governors’ Forum, Godswill Akpabio.
The meeting is the first to be called by Amaechi since the outcome of the election, which was rejected by 16 governors.
The meeting is scheduled for the Rivers State lodge, Abuja
The Director- General of the Forum, Mr. Asishana Okauru, confirmed the meeting.
“Yes, there will be a meeting,” he said.
Okauru was the Returning Officer during the chairmanship election, which Amaechi won with 19 votes against Jang’s 16 votes.
Jang supporters have, however, refused to accept Amaechi as their chairman.
Instead, they have opened a parallel office at Maitama District of Abuja.
They also appointed Mr. Osaro Onaiwu as the sole administrator of the office, where they have met twice.
Only 16 governors attended meetings called by Jang, which observers termed to be those who actually voted for him.
Though the Amaechi group have not met, the governor has led the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to inspect the secretariat of the Forum, where the duo assured members of staff of job safety.
The workers were said to have been apprehensive of the happenings in the Forum, and wondered whether their jobs were secured.
Amaechi, was suspended by the PDP on May 27 as a result of his insistence to contest the election.
The PDP had through its Chairman of Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, visited some governors and campaigned against Amaechi before the NGF poll.
But the party gave another reason as to why the governor was suspended from the party.
It said through its National Working Committee that his suspension was as a result of his “refusal to obey the lawful directive of the Rivers Executive Committee (of PDP) to rescind his decision dissolving the elected Executive Council of Obiokpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.”
But the governor, who has gone to court to contest his suspension, claimed that he was not responsible for the sacking, adding that it was the State House of Assembly that did it.
Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber In Church, Kill 3 Others
There was a mild drama, yesterday, when the Police in Ogun State arrested a suspected robber with bullet wounds in a church in Ota, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of the state.
The robber was said to be one of the members of the gang that killed four members of vigilance group during operation in Ifo community, last weekend.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this also said three suspected robbers were killed during a gun battle around Oko-Bale, Ilogbo also in the town.
We gathered that the robber had sought refuge in the church after he allegedly escaped from Police arrest with bullet wounds before he met his waterloo.
About 20 armed robbers had on Saturday killed five members of the vigilante service during a robbery operation in Ifo area before the police chased them away.
While explaining how the suspected robber was arrested, the PPRO said that his men acted on a tip-off that led to the arrest of the suspect while taking treatments of his injured right leg in a church in Ota area of the state.
Adejobi said; “ The suspect had with other members of the gang escaped with bullets wounds from superior fire power of the police during the said operation.
“It would be recalled that the command had placed a manhunt on the wounded fleeing robbers and particularly seeking information from members of the public on their whereabouts.
“The robber, who was arrested in a church in Ota, after a tip-off, sustained bullet injury on his right leg during the robbery operation in Ifo.
“His arrest has led to arrest of additional three members of the gang including an herbalist as well as an armourer, “ he said.
While commenting on the three robbers killed, the PPRO said that the robbers had earlier robbed and attacked officials of vigilante services in the area before the encounter with police.
According to him, items recovered from the robbers included a one made in Ghana triple.
£3,000 Visa Bond: FG Summons British High Commissioner
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru (L), British High
Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock
A diplomatic row seems to be brewing between Nigeria and the United Kingdom following a proposed policy by the British Government requiring Nigerian travellers to the UK to deposit £3,000 as bond in case they overstay their visa limits.
On Monday, the Federal Government summoned the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock, over the development while the House of Representatives which flayed the policy, argued that it could have negative impact on the relationship between the two countries.
Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Pakistan and India are listed by the UK as countries whose citizens are to deposit the £3,000 under the proposed policy that will take off in November.
A Home Office official said the six countries highlighted were those with “the most significant risk of abuse.”
About 2.2million people are granted visas to enter Britain every year.
Last year, 296,000 people from India were granted six-month visas, as were 101,000 from Nigeria; 53,000 from Pakistan; and 14,000 apiece from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
According to media reports, the Home Secretary Theresa May, said the administration of British Prime Minister, David Cameron, is serious about cutting immigration and abuses of the system.
The Sunday Times of London had reported that every visitor aged 18 and above granted a six-month visa would forfeit the £3,000 if they overstayed in Britain after the expiration of their visa .
Initially, the scheme will target hundreds of visitors, but the plan is to extend it to several thousands, according to the broadsheet’s front-page report.
It was gathered that Pocock would meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, on Tuesday (today) to explain the policy.
A source close to the ministry, who confirmed the meeting, said the government was seriously concerned about the implication of the policy on the economy and image of the country.
“Pocock is to explain to government if the plan is true and why Nigeria is a target. Government is worried about the highly discriminatory policy which tends to portray the country in a bad light,” he explained.
Another source told one of our correspondents that the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, was also billed to brief Ashiru on the development.
But Ashiru, at the 2013 Ministerial Platform on the mid-term activities and achievements of the ministry in Abuja on Monday, said he had not been contacted officially by the UK authorities on the development.
He said, “We have not received any official communication from the UK government. When we receive communication, we will study the proposal. I can assure all Nigerians that President Goodluck Jonathan’s government will defend the interest of Nigerians by whatever means it can. When we get the proposal, we will study it to see how it will affect ordinary Nigerians.”
In the House of Representatives, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms. Nnena Elendu-Ukeje, stated that the policy was a U-turn on a promise by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, to improve trade relations between the two countries next year.
She said, “This policy will not foster true relationship between Nigeria and the UK. It does not promote the spirit of the Commonwealth either.
“The same British Government that promised improved trade relations with Nigeria is introducing such a discriminatory policy.
“It is a somersault, to say the least.”
However, Elendu-Ukeje observed that the policy appeared to be “a political issue.”
She explained, “The Conservative Party wants to prove that they are serious about immigration matters. They are doing this to win voters ahead of the next elections.”
But, she called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to register its protest before the take-off date of the policy.
“We have to take proactive measures to oppose this policy and by way of reciprocity because next time they will increase this bond of a thing”, she said.
The lawmaker recalled that in 2008, the British Government introduced £1,000 “fine” on travellers.
“They tried it first in 2008; today, four years down the line, they are saying that it will be £3,000. What will be the next figure if we don’t take proactive measures now?” Elendu-Ukeje asked.
An expert in constitutional law, Prof. Itse Sagay, also described the policy as “ hostile and therefore contrary to international diplomacy.”
He said, “It is evidence of contempt and a clear case of saying ‘we don’t want people from their country and so let us make it impossible for them to come.
“How many people can pay N750,000 as deposit which the British Government will keep and probably trade with while the owner cannot touch it. I think we need to respond appropriately by also raising impossible barrier to British people coming into Nigeria so that at the end, we will see who will lose more.
“I think they are making the mistake of believing we need them more than they need us. In fact, it is they who are making more out of Nigeria.
“They have a wrong idea of their importance to us. We are more important to them than they are to us.”
Meanwhile, Ashiru said at the Ministerial Platform that Nigeria’s foreign policy in the 70s could not be compared with the present.
He said, “The problem today is unemployment. We have to use diplomacy to support job creation in Nigeria so that we can develop our private sector to make it employ more people.
“Our youths from universities cannot get jobs. So foreign diplomacy must be used to create jobs and that is what we have been doing.”
Justifying the budgets for generators and fuel used by Nigerian High Commissions in countries with constant power supply, Ashiru said the criticism “is the ignorance of the highest order.”
“It is to power the boiler which in most countries in Europe either uses fuel or gas. It is to heat and power the foreign mission houses in winter and also to get hot water.”
According to him, the biggest challenge facing the ministry is the plight of Nigerians living abroad.
“All ambassadors now know that their priority is to attend to the needs of Nigerians in their countries of accreditation. No Ambassador today is allowed to close his doors on Nigerians,” the minister said.
Ashiru warned Nigerians living abroad against drug trafficking, adding that it was tantamount to committing suicide.
“I must warn those who willfully commit crime and thereby commit suicide. Drug trafficking in some countries attracts death penalty. All the airports today have sophisticated equipment; there is no where you hide the drug in your body that you will not be caught.”
Ashiru also ruled out closing any foreign mission house because, “when you close a mission, you lose a friend. Nigeria cannot afford to lose a friend at this time”.
He promised that no Nigeria would be treated unjustly in foreign lands.[Punch]
Four Convicts Hanged In Edo State
Four death row prisoners, Chima Ejiofor, Daniel Nsofor, Osarenmwinda Aigbonkhan and Richard Igagu in Edo State, were, yesterday, executed, despite their pending appeals at the Court of Appeal.
It will be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan had recently directed state governors to sign the execution warrant of death row inmates, advising them not to shy away from same, as it was part of their duties.
We gathered that the execution took place despite the pendency of the suit by the condemned inmates, challenging their being on death row for over 16 years. They had also asked that their conviction be commuted to life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Legal Defence and Assistance Project, LEDAP and Amnesty International, yesterday, condemned the execution.
We were informed that the execution was carried out at 6:45pm, yesterday, by hang men.
Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry Idahagbon, in his reaction, said the executed men were convicted 15 years ago, noting that the Edo State Government had nothing to do with the execution.
He said: “These people were convicted 15 years ago. I was only informed this (last) night by the prison authorities that they had been hanged. One of them was convicted in Kaduna, while their matters had gone up to the Supreme Court, and came back to the Federal High Court, Benin. It really has nothing to do with us as a government.
“The governor only signed the death sentence of two, while previous governors signed that of two others. The information I got was that they went to the Federal High Court, which Monday refused their plea for leniency and I believe what the prison authorities did was to execute them immediately after they left the court.
“Edo State government has no hand in it. I was only informed that it had been done,” he added.
In the suit before the Federal High Court, the death row prisoners had contended that to execute them after over 16 years of trauma, suspense and imminent death would amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
They had asked the court to order the Edo State Governor to commute their death sentences to terms of imprisonment.
LEDAP, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Chino Obiagwu, said: “The Attorney-General of Edo State and the prison authorities were duly served with the court processes, comprising the notice of appeal and motion for stay of execution.
“Under Nigerian laws, an appeal and application for stay of execution should restrain further action until the appeal is determined.
“By executing the prisoners, Nigeria government has demonstrated gross disregard to the rule of law and respect for the judicial process.”
Amnesty’s reactions
Amnesty, in its statement, said: “We have received credible reports that authorities in Edo State have hanged four men in Benin City Prison on Monday (yesterday), the first known executions in the country since 2006.
“A fifth man remains at imminent risk of execution.”
Amnesty’s Deputy Director for Africa, Lucy Freeman, said: “If confirmed, these executions mark a sudden, brutal return to the use of the death penalty in Nigeria, a truly dark day for human rights in the country.
“We again urge the Nigerian authorities to stop all executions immediately and return to the moratorium on executions in the country.
LEDAP noted that “it had, with HURSDEF, on October 19, 2012, filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Benin, on behalf of death row prisoners earmarked for execution by Edo State Government.
“In the suit, the death row prisoners in the suit contended that to execute them after over 16 years of trauma, suspense and imminent death would amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.”
“The prisoners had asked the court to order the Edo State governor to commute their death sentences to terms of imprisonment.
“However, judgment was delivered against the inmates by Justice Liman of the Federal High Court, holding among other grounds, that the prisoners did not place sufficient facts before the court to substantiate the relief sought in the suit.
The appeal
“LEDAP filed an appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court and also a motion for stay of execution pending the outcome of the appeal and served the notice of appeal with the motion for stay of execution on the Attorney General of Edo State and prison authorities in Edo State.
“Furthermore, all death row prisoners filed a case pending at the Court of Appeal Lagos, challenging the decision of state governors to sign their execution warrants in the case of Godwin Pius & Ors vs. Governor of Abia State & Ors.
“Both appeals are pending at the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governor and Comptroller General of Prisons are parties in both appeals. LEDAP is representing the prisoners in both appeal and also a party to the appeal in Edo State.
“We condemn the execution of the four inmates despite the pendency of the appeal and motion for stay of execution filed by the inmates.
“Execution of the inmates, while their appeal is pending, is unlawful and amounts to a total disregard for the rule of law and judicial process in any democratic system.”
Kano-Lagos train derails after hitting ‘abandoned’ truck on rail track
A Lagos bound train from Kano, on Monday, derailed after it collided with a stationary truck on the rail track, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.
Four passengers were injured in the accident which occurred at Bakin Kasuwa Village in Kaduna State.
“No lives were lost. The four people who were injured had been taken to the hospital by the FRSC,” David Ndakotsu, Assistant Director, Public Relations, Nigerian Railway Corporation, told PREMIUM TIMES on the phone.
“It was an abandoned truck on the track that caused the accident,” Mr. Ndakotsu added.
But a staff of the railway corporation who was aboard the train told PREMIUM TIMES that the truck was not stationary on the rail track.
“The truck suddenly drove onto the track and you know that when a train applies brake, it doesn’t stop immediately. So it hit and dragged the truck and then derailed,” said the staff who did not want to be named.
“Four coaches fell down, the track removed, and the locomotive moved out of the track,” he added.
Four directors – comprising of directors of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Operations, and Safety – have left Lagos Monday evening en route Kaduna, according to Mr. Ndakotsu.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that repairs on the train could last for over one week as some of the heavy equipment would have to be transported – by rail – to the scene of the accident.
The passengers have been advised to seek alternative means of getting to their destinations, according to the railway staff.
“Those that have small loads are free to go but those with heavy loads would have to ensure that their loads have been booked so that they can come to Iddo to collect them when the train returns,” he added.
Last month, passengers on the Kano-Lagos route were stranded in Minna, Niger State, after the derailment of a cargo train at Kutuwongi Village in Mokwa Local Government Area.
Video : FIFA U-20 World Cup Cuba 0-3 Nigeria
Nigeria got their FIFA U-20 World Cup back on track as they recovered from their opening defeat to Portugal to cruise past Cuba 3-0 in Kayseri, according to Fifa.com.
A first-half double from Animu Umar, followed by captain Abdul Ajagun getting his third of the tournament, allowing the west African side to reassert their knock-out stage aspirations, in what was the pairs first meeting at any level of international football.
Nigeria were unable to break down the Cuban’s early on, with Chidi Osuchukwu’s speculative free-kick the closest they came. Nigeria’s man of the moment Ajagun almost opened the scoring with a superb lob, from the right of the penalty area while running at full pace, but Sandy Sanchez was relieved to see it land on the roof of the net.Seconds later they were ahead.
Ajagun fed Olarenwaju Kayode down the left wing, who got clear of the defence, before squaring to Umar to score what is likely to be one of the simplest goals of his career.Umar had another four minutes later, which had a touch more flair to it. Osuchukwu’s deep corner eventually found Abdullahi Shehu, who drilled a cross that Umar flicked between his legs and into the bottom corner.
Olaitan Michael almost made it three with a superb right-footed effort that cannoned off the outside of the post.Nigeria were in full control, and that continued into the second period, Kayode breaking beyond the back line and firing wide across goal. He charged forward in similar style moments later, but in choosing to square to Ajagun, Abel Martinez was able to clear.
Ajagun did get his goal though, with 67 minutes on the clock. Kingsley Madu’s cross deceived Sanchez and Ajagun stooped to head home, seeing him become the top-scorer so far. Ajagun missed the chance to double his tally for the day late on, missing from the penalty spot after Martinez upended Kayode in the area.
Four Boko Haram Members Disguised As Women Arrested In Borno
Residents of Gwange area in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital have restricted their women from going out in the evening, following reports that Boko Haram members have now resorted to disguising as women, putting on female dresses while perpetrating evils and using the same method as a means of escaping arrest by soldiers and vigilante youth in the area.
We gathered that, four Boko Haram members were arrested on Saturday in Gwange ward, wearing women’s clothing and trying to escape arrest as a result of pressure mounted on them in the area by the vigilante youth who have been seriously hunting for the sect members particularly in Gwange area of the city.
According to a resident of Gwange, who pleaded not to be mentioned, the sect members are also wearing female clothing to hide their weapons in order to go and commit evil. “They have been doing that for a long time according to one of them who was arrested last month in Gwange and since that time, so many of them have been arrested and handed over to the security.”
He said.Speaking on whether the soldiers are killing them, he said, “They have been arresting them, but killing them, we do not know, because the soldiers always carry them to the JTF headquarters.”According to him, even those that were arrested with ‘hijab’ last week Saturday,were beaten up by youth and handed over to the military for further interrogation. [DailyPost]
Judge Sends Lagos Speaker, Ikuforiji, To Prison; Gives 48-hour Window For N1bn Bail Bond
Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has refused granting bail to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly,Adeyemi Ikuforiji, on self recognition, instead slamming a N1 billion bail on him.
The judge ordered Mr. Ikuforiji to meet the bail condition within 48 hours or be held in prison pending the determination of the corruption case against him.Mr. Ikuforiji was re-arraigned for alleged money laundering offence, alongside his aide, Oyebode Atoyebi, before Mr. Buba; after the former judge, Okechukwu Okeke, retired from the bench.
Mr. Okeke had granted the speaker bail on self recognition.
More details later…. [H/T Premium Times]
Recent picture of OJB Jeezreel in his living room
The picture was taken recently in an interview in his living room,
where the producer lay..
Thanks to the Celebrities that has donated to his treatment, thanks
Nigerians and other has also donated too. .Thanks to those that will
stll donate. .God bless you all!!
#SaveOJBJeezreel
BREAKING: Super Eagle Striker Brown Ideye’s Mansion In His Home Town Set On Fire
Sad news coming from ideye’s home town revealed that angry local Nigerian supporters took their anger on the super eagles strikers mansion.
The fans were said to have all left a popular viewing center after the second goal was scored with nothing on their mind but payback for all the chances the player missed.
We were able to question a village member who said “u na no see as dat boy with fowl head just dey miss chances …even torres no dey miss like that…he must pay for causing heart aches this nite…we are contacting our other members to take down Musa’s house too… so they know we don’t like rubbish football”
Donjazzy and dbanj to reunite in new loya milk jingle
Great news reaching us at LTK and this piece of information can be likened to an exclusive break as the parties ( D’Banj and Donjazzy), involved are not even aware of this news yet.
Few hours ago, reporter got wind that these two big artists don’t even know that they will be working together soon. We must remind you that after their famous break up a lot has happened, we have seen dbanj struggle because he misses his cuddle time with Donjazzy and we have also seen Donjazzy that has been asking wande coal for some cuddle time he normally shares with Dbanj.
Regardless of their differences apparently it is time for them to reunite and make a 30 secs jingle for the new loya milk advert and also an video advert would be coming the following month.
Information reaching says that loya milk have disallowed dbanj from using some certain words like ‘file’..’eja nla’ …’banga’….’koko master and ‘Kokolet’, although this almost made D’banj not to sign the jingle deal, however the money was too good to keep the hustler away.
In light of this D’banj has been seen studying the dictionary for new words to replace the old one.
Unending Poly Strike: Students lock down Ikorodu road in protest
Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, ogun state took to the street in protest against the continuing strike by academic staff of the school.
They blame the Federal government for failing to yield to the Polytechnic union agreement.
This cause heavy traffic on the Ikorodu expressway, Lagos today due to the students mass action.
The students said although their school is located in Ogun State, they decided to protest on Ikorodu Road, Lagos because the road is owned by the Federal Government.
The students, who are over 200, are also calling on students in other higher institutions in Lagos to join their cause.
Confederations Cup: Eagles return after ouster
The team lost to Spain on Sunday.
The Super Eagles are expected back in Nigeria on Monday after Sunday night’s ouster from the FIFA Confederations Cup.
According to team officials, the team will depart Fortaleza for Sao Paolo en route Lagos on Monday morning. The players are expected to leave their Seara Praia Hotel in Fortaleza by 10:30 a.m. local time, which is 2:30 p.m. Nigerian time for Sao Paolo from where they will join a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa and another to Lagos.
Some of the foreign based players will not be part of the returning party as they jet out to either meet their clubs for pre-season tours or plan for new abodes in the coming season in Europe that begins in the August.
The Super Eagles lost to Uruguay and later to Spain to crash out of the Confederations Cup after their first 6-1 win over Tahiti.
Argentinean soccer star Lionel Messi has paid $13 million in back taxes
Argentinean soccer star Lionel Messi has paid $13 million in back taxes to the Spanish governmentand is looking to settle an alleged $5 million debt that led to tax fraud accusations,
Arguably the world’s best soccer star recently made a payment of 10 million euros, which covered his image rights for 2010 and 2011, Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia reported. The Spanish paper suggested the player is looking to reach an agreement on the 4.1 million euros he allegedly owes the government.
The payment could help Messi and his father, Jorge, avoid a court appearance Sept. 17 in Gava. Father and son, along with their financial advisers, have denied accusations that they illegally funneled money to offshore accounts to avert paying taxes.
Last week, Messi's lawyers insisted the tax fraud allegations are baseless but say he will settle any outstanding obligations, if needed. Law firm Juarez Veciana said in a statement that the Barcelona forward "scrupulously complies with Spanish legislation."
"We declare that our client will pay the amount determined," Messi's lawyers said. "But we believe that our client has alreadypaid what was legally obliged."
The state prosecutor alleges Messi and his father used shell companies in Belize and Uruguay to avoid paying taxes on revenues from image rights.
The complaint lists Messi's sponsors from the period, which are also under investigation. They include Barcelona, Adidas, Danone, Konami, Procter & Gamble, Pepsi-Cola and Telefonica,among several others.
Honey Earns More Than Crude Oil - Minister
The global foreign exchange earnings from honey production have grown over that of crude oil production, Minister of Agriculture Akinwunmi Adesina has said.
He said this at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) sponsored "Farmer-to-Farmer" (F2F) dialogue between honey producers and beekeepers which was held in Abuja recently. The minister was represented by Deputy Director, Youth and Gender of the ministry, Mrs. Karima Babangida
"It is pertinent to note that a barrel of honey attracts more foreign exchange than crude oil. A barrel of crude oil is currently sold at about $101 as compared to a barrel of honey which is sold at the international market at $1,539, royalty inclusive," Adesina said.
He explained that the ministry has initiated collaborative measures with honey producers to train youths and women on bee farming and honey processing, adding that the measure was in line with its ongoing Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA).
The conference themed, "Healthy bees, healthy environment, healthy humans" was initiated to checkmate indiscriminate bush burning, vandalism of beekeeping facilities and honey theft challenges against sustainable honey production in Nigeria.
It involved over 100 key actors in the honey production value-chain, including Nigeria's security formations.
While underscoring the need for government intervention in beekeeping and honey production, Adesina explained that the ministry had earlier in the year trained 40 women and youths in beekeeping and granted them startup funds and equipment to enable them establish beekeeping enterprises.
He said: "In countries like Ethiopia, which has achieved the position of being the world's 8th largest exporter of honey and the 4th largest exporter of beeswax, modern beekeeping currently provides employment for over two million people and other countries like Tanzania and Kenya are actively promoting apiculture as a poverty reduction tool."
Three NIGERIANS shot dead in Benoni, South Africa
Circa 2009, there were reported cases of Nigerians ‘allegedly’ killing themselves in Johanesbourg Town and Benoni, South Africa – it seems the ugly trend has resurfaced.
Gauteng police are investigating the murder of three Nigerian Nationals in Benoni in a shooting that happened on Saturday evening.
Gauteng police said on Sunday that three men have been killed in a cellular shop in Voortrekker Street, Benoni, on the East Rand.
According to Lt-Col Lungelo Dlamini, they were inside the shop when five armed men entered around 6pm on Saturday. The five men opened fire, killing two of the customers, both 38, inside the shop, and the third man, 40, at the shop door.
Afterwards, the gunmen fled in a green BMW.
“The murdered men were Nigerians and their assailants were also believed to be Nigerians,” said Dlamini.
He said the police found spent cartridges at the scene, and a licensed firearm belonging to one of the men who died. Nothing was stolen.
“The motive for the killing is still unknown but a possibility that the victims were a rival group is being investigated,” said Dlamini. - Sapa
Photos From Dbanj’s DKM Concert
last night, the event kicked off a little later than scheduled – due
to the football match being played (Nigeria VS Spain).
The show kicked off with a beautiful opening from Toolz and real
housewives' Kenya Moore, followed by back to back performances from
Samklef, DRB Lasgidi, Sean Tizzle, Fally Ipupa, Mafikholozo from South
Africa, Olamide, Kaywsitch and American rapper 2chainz.
Man Hangs Self On Tree At MKO Abiola Stadium
Confusion has enveloped Kuto area of Abeokuta, following the discovery of the lifeless body of a middle-aged man found dangling on a tree within the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta, yesterday.
An eye witness told us that, the lifeless body of the man was found few minutes after he hanged himself on the tree. He said an attempt by policemen from Ibara Division to save his life was unsuccessful as he was confirmed dead at the state General Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta.
Contacted, the state Public Relations Officer of Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, stressing that nothing was found on the man to either unravel his identity or the rationale behind his action.
Ademuyiwa further explained that the Police were alerted by a man whose shop is close to the tree within the stadium on which the man hanged himself.
Adejobi however, declined to reveal the identity of the shop owner, stressing that investigations by the command was still on-going to identify the deceased as well as the rationale behind his action.
He stated that the corpse of the man has been deposited at the Ijaye General hospital for autopsy, saying that the press would be adequately briefed after the investigation must have been concluded.[Vanguard
3-0 Loss To Spain Was Not A Fair Result – Keshi
Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi believes the 0-3 loss to Spain was not a fair result after his side were booted out of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
A brace from Jordi Alba and one from Fernando Torres ended Nigeria’s chance of progressing to the semi-finals after Uruguay crushed Tahiti 8-0 in the other Group B game.
The ‘Big Boss’in a post-match chat noted that the Eagles missed the absence of some keys players.
“You see when you lose your best defender in a game like this, it is usually tough.
“To an extent the absence of some of my players affected our play but we will keep learning from this experience,’ he added, even as he blamed anxiety for the catalogue of misses the team suffered.
“In the first half we did very well, the passes and team play was there but after the second goal we lost it”, he noted.
Obasanjo Dumps Politics For Evangelism, Organizes Nationwide Crusades
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo may dump politics for evangelism soon, DailyPost has learnt.
The Ota farmer, we gathered has joined other clerics in organising nationwide crusades.
The reason, it was learnt may no be unconnected to the fact that President Jonathan could not allow him to dictate how he wanted Nigeria to be governed.
In protest, Obasanjo was said to have dumped politics for evangelism, having been trained at the National Open University.
He was said to have teamed up with a royal father from his home town, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Karounwi III, and the world-renowned evangelist, Kayode Williams whose ministry is Bishop Kayode Williams World Outreach, to hold crusades nationwide.
Sources disclosed that Obasanjo, Oba Tejuoso and Kayode Williams, an ex armed robber who repented while in the Sokoto prison, have begun a five-day crusade in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, yesterday.
Confirming the new status of Obasanjo, a cleric who is also an indigene of Ogbomoso, Pastor Kayode Alabi, said, "Yes, it is true that former President, Obasanjo, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso and Bishop Kayode Williams are coming to Ogbomoso for a five-day crusade beginning from today (yesterday).
The whole city is agog for the programme tagged ''Healing Ogbomoso Land Gospel Crusade'' holding at the Beulah Baptist Convention Ground, Ogbomoso. The programme is being hosted by Ogbomoso Christian Ministers' Fellowship."
According to him, Obasanjo may have resolved to spend the remaining years of his life serving God who brought him out of prison and made him president for eight years. He said: "Baba Obasanjo has many reasons for returning to God to serve him. You would recall how Gen. Abacha arrested him with others, sentenced him to death for alleged involvement in a phantom coup; he was set free after spending three years, three months and three days in prison. He was elected president and served for eight years and today he has many reasons to serve the same God. Don't forget that he graduated as an evangelist from the National Open University. God could use anyone who is ready and willing to serve him."
PHOTOS: BANKY W spotted again with Chris Attoh's ex-girlfriend, Andrea Manuela
Few
weeks ago, the internet was inundated with news that Yes/No Singer, Banky W
might be in hot romance with Chris Attoh's ex-girlfriend, Andrea Manuela
Giaccaglia.
Then
the singer kept mum about it – this time the EME Records sensation was spotted again
at Manuela's birthday party, apparently enjoying himself.
And
if you think that was all, check out Banky’s birthday message to Manuela and
her response.
“Yall
please help me retweet this very big happy birthday shoutout to andreamg_01...
an amazing person... someone I'm priviledged to know”
And
Manuela responded
“Thank u luv��“@BankyW
it's
a privilege as well... U equally amazing!! *cough* ����... Lol... Just kidding u kno u are!! ��”
Hmm!
there is nothing hidden under the sun and in Banky’s words - at the end of the
day, it can only be a ‘YES or NO’
Olamide performs with slippers at Dbanj's #dkmconcert (photos)
Female fan walks out on Dbanj during #DKMConcert
Apparently, the lady was not in the mood to dance but Dbanj did not leave her front!
Dbanj then tried pulling her up but she insisted that she wasn't dancing, she kept saying, no, no, no, no but Dbanj did not bulge.
Instead, he forced her up and began to drag her towards the stage. The lady's husband approached Dbanj to stop him.
Her husband led her away from the vvip section to the regular visitors section but after some minutes, they both stood up and left the hall.
 |
| The other lady that Dbanj got to dance up stage with him |
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