Fire Consumes Family Of Six In Port Harcourt

A family of six perished in an early morning inferno yesterday in Port Harcourt. Nobody could say what caused the fire but neighbors of the deceased family members said that the fire started at about 2pm. According to the landlord of the house, located at number 17, New Estate Road, Railway Quarters, they heard was a loud explosion. What followed next, he stated, were balls of fire. The residents claimed they ran out of their apartments in the confusion, adding that the explosion came from the apartment of the deceased family members. They said three boys, a girl and their parents were those consumed in the fire. They put the ages of the children at twenty two, seventeen, nine and seven years. According to a source, two other daughters of the deceased parents were not at home when the incident occurred. We gathered that the two other children relocated from home to write the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE. Neighbors said the father was a taxi driver while the wife was a petty trader. At press time, there was wailing in the compound. The landlord, who did not want his name in print, could not hold back tears, saying he wished lives were not lost in the fire. “If the fire had only consumed the building leaving the lives, we would all have been consoled. But losing a family of six is a heavy loss”, he lamented. Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Angela Agabe, who confirmed the incident, said she was still awaiting details.

20 Robbers Strike In Ogun State, Kill Six

Hell was let lose on Saturday in Ifo community in Ifo local government area of Ogun State when armed robbers, numbering about 20, invaded the area and killed six people including five operatives of the Ogun State Vigilante Service. We learnt that the robbers were members of a gang that specialized in robbing banks and allied institutions. The robbers, who allegedly operated in an unmarked lorry, entered a filling station and shot the five men of the Vigilante Service guarding the place. One of the petrol station attendants was also said to be unlucky as the robbers bullets hit him and he died on the spot. The robbers were reportedly said to have engaged men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in a gun duel before they escaped. When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident but stressed that only two persons were killed.

I Represent Nigerians Not Only PDP – Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has hit
back at his critics within the Peoples Democratic Party who condemned
him for showering encomium on Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his
performance in Osun State.
Tambuwal, who spoke in Ilawe-Ekiti on Saturday after he was conferred
with the chieftaincy title of Bobagunwa by the Alawe of Ilawe, Oba
Ajibade Alabi, said he was not the speaker for the PDP alone but for
the whole country.

Tambuwal said, "I was criticised for commending Osun State governor's
performance but I will always speak the truth. If somebody is doing
well we have to commend such person, whether they are in the PDP,
Action Congress of Nigeria or in any party.

"I am not the speaker of a political party. I am the speaker for the
whole Nigeria. Governor Kayode Fayemi has also done well and he should
continue with the good work."

The speaker had in Osogbo during the launch of Opon Imo, an initiative
of Osun State governor lauded Aregbesola, who is a member of the
opposition ACN, for his achievements in the last three years.

The PDP Chairman in the state, Mr. Ganiyu Olaoluwa, had said
Tambuwal's comment was unbecoming of a national leader of the party.

Olaoluwa said the speaker's comment raised posers as to whether he "is
a member of the PDP or a supporter of Aregbesola."

But the speaker, who said he was undeterred by the criticisms, also
lauded Fayemi for his performance in Ekiti State since he assumed
office and urged the governor to do more.

Tambuwal has been rumoured to be associating with the opposition
raising speculation that he might be suspended by the PDP.

Fayemi, in his speech also described Tambuwal as a great leader who
should be emulated by others, adding that his leadership style had
stabilised the lower House.

The monarch also hailed Fayemi for his transformation of the state,
saying the state had not witnessed such transformation before.

He, however, appealed to the governor to fast-track his plan to build
a hospital in the town.

Alabi said, "We thank the state government for the plans to build a
modern hospital and a housing estate in Ilawe-Ekiti. It is our hope
that work will commence in earnest at the sites already given by the
community for the projects."

Africa’s Youngest Billionaire Ashish Thakkar To Invest In Cross River

Given the conducive business environment put in place by the Cross
River State Government, Africa's youngest billionaire, Ashish J.
Thakkar has made known his intention to invest in Calabar.

Thakkar, who is president, Mara Group stated this while delivering a
key note address at the 2013 edition of the Africa CEO Roundtable and
Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (AR-CSR) at
Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar.

According to the Ugandan, the decision to establish his presence in
Calabar was based on what he has seen and heard of Cross River, which
remains a veritable place to invest.

He explained that his investment in the state will be part of his
effort to encourage young entrepreneurs to improve their capacity.

The billionaire said he was prepared to bring his wealth of experience
to develop Nigeria, adding that "it is only when you give that you can
have more, especially when giving to a group or society"

Thakkar disclosed that he professes Nigeria anywhere he goes as the
best country and Cross River has further convinced him about that
because of its available human and natural resources couple with the
conducive economic environment put in place by government to attract
investments and investors.

We May Drop Out Of School Soon – Fatai Rolling Dollar’s Children

Though death has stopped the beat of highlife singer, Fatai Olagunju,
popularly known as Rolling Dollar, his family wants his fans to keep
the tempo going, writes GBENGA ADENIJI
The location was the Millennium Estate, Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos
residence of deceased highlife singer, Fatai Olagunju, otherwise
called Rolling Dollar. His two wives, Zainab and Serifat, some of his
children including Sikiru-who is the singer's 50-year-old first son,
wore a pensive mood as our correspondent walked into their home.

It was evident from their faces that they were yet to come to terms
with the reality of the death of the 86-year-old songbird, Rolling
Dollar, who breathed his last on June 12, coinciding with the 20th
anniversary of the acclaimed "fairest and freest" election in Nigeria.
The musician shot to stardom a few years back via a successful album,
Won Kere si Number Wa. But despite his fame, the family is worried
about the education of his younger children.

One of the children, Jamiu, told our correspondent that he was still
saddened by the death of his father, expressing uncertainty over his
future. He explained that he and his other siblings would miss their
father's pieces of advice.

The young Olagunju regretted that his late father was unable to fulfil
the promise he made to him concerning his education.

Jamiu stated, "Anytime he was around, he used to advise us on things
we should do and the ones we should avoid. He promised me that he
would make sure I studied up to university level. It is unfortunate
that when my father was making the promise, he did not know that he
would die this year."

He added that when the news of his father's death was broken to him,
the first thing he remembered was the promise he made to him,
regarding his university education.

"When I was told about his death, I remembered what he promised me. I
also thought about my education. It is my desire to be a singer like
my father but I want to go to school first. To honour my father, I
will take to music someday. He became popular as a highlife singer but
I want to be a hip-hop artiste," he added.

Rolling Dollar might have arrived on the big stage late in life but
his works were recognised by highlife lovers, music buffs and fellow
musicians. After his death, President Goodluck Jonathan was one of
many notable individuals who praised the good work of the late singer.
Zainab, who had just finished saying her prayers, told SUNDAY PUNCH
that she was yet to believe that her husband had left her forever. She
recalled that she married the musician after her first marriage
failed, adding that Rolling Dollar was yet to hit the stardom when he
married her.

She said, "I was staying with an aunt at Olorunsogo, Mushin area of
Lagos about 13 years ago when I met him. I used to see him pass by but
I did not know that he had interest in me. I was a bit sick when he
called me on a Sunday. He jokingly asked me if I would not mind
preparing Ramadan food for him because it was the fasting period. He
later noticed some patches at both corners of my mouth, indicating
that I had been sick. I told him I had used some drugs but he insisted
on buying some more for me."

Zainab said the musician did not even stop at that. According to her,
he also prepared rice and asked one of his children to take some to
her house.

She added, "I later learnt that the year he met me was exactly three
years after the death of his wife, who left three children behind. We
got married in 2001 and I promised to take care of the children for
him. His caring and honest nature drew me to him."

She further stated that the family was apprehensive of how to cater
for the children of the late artiste, who she said, did not leave
anything behind. Zainab appealed to his fans to stand by them at their
moment of grief.

Rolling Dollar's younger wife, Serifat, who said she bore a boy and a
girl for the deceased singer, also reiterated that their husband did
not leave any money to train their children.

When the highlife maestro was alive, Serifat said he cared so much for
the children and would do anything to make them happy. But his death
seemed to have caught her and the rest of the family unawares.

"Our husband did not leave any money. We hope his fans and government
will stand by us. The major challenge we are facing right now is how
to ensure that our children continue their education. I am a
businesswoman and I only survive on the little profit I make," she
stated.

Rolling Dollar's eldest child, Sikiru, who said he left the Nigerian
Educational and Development Council in 1996, told SUNDAY PUNCH that he
left his father at seven.

He stated that he was unhappy because of the inability to see his
father before he died, adding that he was also sick when he was
informed about his ill-health.

Sikiru said, "My father is one man that I like so much. I live at
Ikenne in Ogun State. I was so sad when I was told that he was ill
because I was also indisposed at the time. I thought that his sickness
was not something serious because he was a strong man until I was told
of the urgent need to see him. Apart from my sickness, I was also
broke but I pleaded that those around him, especially his wives,
should take good care of him. Immediately I was strong enough to move
around, I set out for Lagos to see him but it was unfortunate that he
died before I could reach him. I was on the road when I received the
call about his death."

Sikiru however eulogised his father's virtues, saying he was happy
that God gave the family a wonderful father who never maltreated his
children

"My father taught us never to misbehave, steal or look down on
anybody. These are some of the virtues I imbibed from him and I am
happy to say that the lessons are of great value to me. They have
assisted my journey in life."

Although 50-year-old Sikiru left his father a long time ago, he said
that he once followed him to a music show in Port Novo, Benin
Republic. He also said he visited him at regular intervals and that
during some of the visits, he watched his rehearsals.

"He was a great performer. He was lively on the stage despite his age
and his sense of humour during performances drew a large followership
to him," said Sikiru.

Folk singer, Segun Akinlolu, otherwise known as Beautiful Nubia,
described the late entertainer as a colourful and youthful character
who was always full of joy and life. Nubia said each time he met the
deceased artiste, he would give him a big hug and pray for him.

"He was full of appreciation for our music and called himself my
'Number One Fan.' He loved playing music and each time he climbed the
stage, he thrilled fans in a special way. Nobody wanted Rolling Dollar
to leave the stage. The last time I spoke with him was a couple of
months back. He appeared more subdued than usual but we discussed his
participation in this year's Eniobanke Music Festival. It's sad the he
will not be there but we shall celebrate him at the festival," Nubia
said.

The Oh! What A Feeling singer added that as Rolling Dollar was being
remembered by friends and fans, it was crucial for his legacy to be
protected and sustained. He stated that every artist is a blessing to
the society and their passing should always be met with positive
reflection and honest effort to continue their works and times in the
collective memory of all.

On Thursday, the eight-day Fidau prayer was held for Rolling Dollar
who was buried in his house located in Imaya, Ikorodu area of Lagos
State. As sympathisers continue to call on the family to commiserate
with them, how to secure the future of the children the artiste left
behind is now the major concern.

The late singer was said to have been wrongly diagnosed of malaria at
the first hospital where he was taken to. Another hospital in Surulere
initially reportedly diagnosed him with pneumonia. But after looking
into his medical history, especially the record from a US hospital
where he was first treated before returning home from his last trip a
few weeks ago, further diagnoses revealed he had cancer of the lungs.

Pa Dollar's many wives and final wish

The musician married five wives and had nine children. Two women who
were with him until his death gave birth to four of the children. The
eldest of the four children is aged 12 and he is in primary five. His
first son said the late singer pampered his children.

"My father would go to any length to ensure the comfort of his
children," he said, recalling how he showered him with gifts as the
only child of his mother.

He added that the late entertainer used to buy gifts from Domino
stores in Lagos whenever he was returning from a show a long time ago.
He also created time to take his children to his hometown in Ede, Osun
State, before his death. Sikiru said his father would fight any of his
wives that beat his children.

One of the wives, Zainab, said she could not fulfil the final wish of
the late singer. Narrating Rolling Dollar's frantic effort to see his
children before his death, Zainab said he begged her to bring the
children to him when he was at a hospital in Surulere, Lagos. She said
she was taking the children to him the next day when she was told that
he had passed on.

SUNDAY PUNCH also learnt that the late singer never allowed women to
cook his food till he died. One of his wives said he took that
decision to avoid being served a meal that didn't have the taste he
wanted.

His two wives said he was not a rich man in terms of monetary value,
but he was wealthy when one considers the name he left behind, his
prestige and character. They said he had no money in the bank but he
was always happy when he began to sing.

Two weeks before his death, our correspondent was at his Oko-Oba
residence to interview him. It was exactly three days after his return
from the music tour of the US and as he slept on a mat in his sitting
room, he told our correspondent that he was too sick to grant the
interview that was earlier scheduled for that day.

N710, 000 Fraud: Christ Embassy’s Choir Director To Face Charges

An Ogudu Magistrates' Court in Lagos on Friday struck out an application for the withdrawal of a N710, 000 fraud charge against a Choir Director of the Christ Embassy Church, Lagos. The police had on May 15 arraigned the director, Sunday Eboh, who allegedly defrauded another member of the church, David Egaifa, under false pretences of helping him to purchase a Toyota bus. Chief Magistrate Omolade Awope struck out the application when Egaifa exhibited ignorance of implications of the withdrawal. The complainant, who had earlier agreed with the accused to withdraw the suit, told court on Friday that he was not properly enlightened on the implications of withdrawing the case. Mr. Egaife made this known after the prosecutor, Corporal Adekemi Adeniran, told him that he would not be able to bring back the case once withdrawn. "Madam, it is during this section that I learnt I can't come back for the same case after withdrawal, but I was told that l can re-arrest Eboh if he refuses to pay my money. "My Lord, l don't want withdrawal again. I withdraw my application," Mr. Egaifa said. The choir director, who lives at No. 11, Church St., Ketu, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of false pretence and stealing. He had pleaded not guilty on arraignment, and was granted bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The prosecutor said that he committed the offences in February, 2012 at 12:30 p.m., at the Christ Embassy Church, Ketu, Lagos. "The accused told the complainant that his relatives are living in United Kingdom and that they frequently sent cars home for sale. "The complainant was not totally convinced, so he asked the accused to deposit his B.Sc certificate and his NYSC discharge certificate, to be turned to him when he brings the bus. After collecting the money, the accused ran away until last week when he turned up to demand for the certificates," Ms. Adeniran said. She said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing while Section 312 provides for 15 years imprisonment for obtaining by false pretences.

Funsho Williams’ Murder: Retired DIG Says Disorganised Room Indicates Scuffle Before Death

A retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adebayo Adeoye, on Friday, said the police team that first arrived at the home of the late Funsho Williams met his room disorganised. Mr. Adeoye testified before Justice Adeniyi Adebajo of an Igbosere High Court in Lagos in the trial of six persons alleged to have murdered Mr. Williams, a gubernatorial candidate in Lagos. Mr. Williams was the People's Democratic Governorship candidate for the 2003 general elections. He was murdered on July 26, 2006 at his residence at Corporation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. The accused are, Bulama Kolo, Musa Maina, David Cassidy, Tunani Sonani, Mustapha Kayode and Okponwasa Imariabie, all male. The retired DIG said that the disorganised room indicated that a scuffle occurred before Williams was murdered. Mr. Adeoye was examined by the Prosecution Counsel, O.A. Akin-Adesomojo. He said that he visited the scene of the crime on July 27, 2006, following a directive by the then Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero. He told the court that his team met a large crowd outside the deceased's residence and was led to the room where it found his body lying face down, hands tied and blindfolded, with blood on the floor. "We didn't touch anything because we were expecting forensics, but we kept looking for the point of entry, and moved to the adjacent flat which was empty. "While searching the flat, we saw footprints on the wall and a green rope. But we didn't conclude that it was the point of entry because we were not sure yet,'' the former police chief said. Mr. Adeoye told the court that he was an Assistant Inspector-General of police at the time of the incident. "Later in the day, the four policemen who were on duty on the night of the incident were arrested and their statements were taken before we handed over to the Force Headquarters, Abuja," he said. During cross examination, Defence Counsel, Agbara Okezie, asked the witness if any of the four arrested policemen was among the six accused. Mr. Adeoye said that he could not recollect their faces. Mr. Okezie also asked if the witness saw any mattress with footprints at the scene of the crime. He also inquired whether the two security guards in the house on the night of the incident were arrested. The former police chief replied: "I did not see any mattress with footprints and I don't know if any other security guards were arrested." After the cross examination, the prosecution counsel applied for adjournment to enable her produce another witness; but Mr. Okezie objected to the application. The defence counsel said that the court could not continue to wait for prosecution witnesses. However, Mr. Adebajo granted the application for adjournment, saying: "the court has to be flexible because of the nature of the charge. I will not rush them beyond their pace." "The further trial of this charge is adjourned to Sept. 26." The defendants were first arraigned on March 1, 2013 before Justice Adebajo on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder. The defendants, according to the charge, on or about July 27, 2006, at 34A, Corporation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, conspired to murder Mr. Williams. The offence contravenes Sections 316 and 324 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.