Ogun state governor reacts to kidnap of former Minister, Iyabo Anisulowo

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed shock at news of the kidnap of a Chieftain of the APC in the state and former Minister of State for Education, Iyabo Anisulowo. Anisulowo and one of her aides were kidnapped in Ilaro in Yewa South local government area of Ogun State yesterday evening April 27th.

Photo: LASTMA official allegedly assaulted by two Army officers

IG user @igbeaby shared this on her Instagram page this morning alleging that a LASTMA officer was assaulted by some soldiers. She wrote "Jungle Justice... Two army officers beat up this LASTMA officer for doing his job". 

Enugu State Police says herdsmen are not responsible for the killing of dozens of people in the state

The Enugu State Police Command has debunked the rumour making rounds on social media that herdsmen allegedly invaded Umuchigbo, Abakpa Nike, Enugu State and killed several. But they didn't say who killed the villagers. After the cut is the statement issued yesterday by the Command... 

Alleged Invasion/Attack on Umuchigbo Iji Nike,Enugu

The attention of Enugu State Police Command has been drawn to various publications in some sections of the media regarding the incident at Nimbo Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State and hereby present the facts as follows for the guidance of members of the public and to avoid being misinformed,” the statement read.

Nigerian army arrest Boko Haram logistics manager

Troops of the 22 Brigade embarked on a  patrol to Ajiri and Antul villages, South East of Dikwa along  Dikwa-Gulumbagana road, and arrested some suppliers of Boko Haram. 

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the army spokesman said the arrest was made following reports by some good citizens about Boko Haram terrorists activities and on hearing of very loud explosions near Dikwa the troops made some investigation.

'Marriage could be a distraction for me at this point in my career' - Flavour

In an interview with Hip TV, singer Flavour who has two babymamas, Sandra Okagbue and Anna Banner, says marriage could be a distraction for any successful artiste, especially him and that most successful artiste who are at the peak of their craft, crash once they get married

"Marriage is not a thing that you just go into. This music business is a serious business. My own opinion, I think if you are in the peak of your career, you don't need any distraction. So for now I think marriage could be a distraction for me because it is a whole big institution that when you go in, you have to be fully prepared to know what you are getting into.

Photo: Police bust a Nigerian drug dealer in Kempton Park, South Africa

Members of the EMPD Tracing Unit arrested a Nigerian man in Kempton Park, South Africa, found in possession of R300,000 worth of drug cat, on Thursday April 21.

The 46-year-old Nigerian man was found packaging the drugs in his room at Aston Place flats in Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni.  According to EMPD spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, they had acted on a tip- off.

Counsel to FG Becomes Counsel to CCT Chairman over motion on his Corruption - Report

As the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, continues at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), the lead counsel Rotimi Jacobs has assumed a new role as counsel to the CCT boss Danladi Umar. While  entertaining a motion filed by one of Saraki’s Counsel’s, Ajibola Oluyede requesting that he withdraws from presiding over the CCT because of pending  bribery charges against him.

Oluyede stated emphatically that  Dan Ladi Umar’s relationship with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as a suspect in a N10million bribery investigation, made him unfit to preside over a case being investigated by  the EFCC .

Photos: Zahra Buhari shares cute selfie with her adorable niece

Daughter of President Buhari, Zahra shared these selfies she took with her cute 3-year-old niece, daughter of her sister Halima. See more photos below...

Read Fashola's take on Buhari's foreign trips

Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Babatunde Fashola, has written an article on the advantages of Buhari's recent Foreign trips. Read below

In making this public intervention, I seek to highlight the benefit of global relationships and cooperation in a world that is changing daily as a result of globalization and transborder economics, social and even criminal activities where no one is safe, except all are safe, and to leave the dispassionate observer his opinion after deep reflection on the value, or lack of it, of the President’s foreign trips.

 This way I hope every Nigerian who cares about our country will have some information about what their President is doing about the things that concern them. First I will start with context. Barely 2 decades ago (between 1994 and 1998) we would not have quarreled with the description that we were a pariah nation. We were ostracized from global events because of bad governance. We had lost the respect accorded Nations like ours were they well-led and well-run. I recall that not a few Nigerians complained that the green passport was becoming, if it had not already become, a burden. That was at the height of the dictatorial government that broke the rules of international relations. It was from there that we started to heal. Investors entered our country. Many brands that we sought after abroad started coming to set up shop in our country. The tourist footfalls in our country increased slowly but surely, but again we began to slide.

Saraki's trial at CCT will henceforth be conducted daily- Judge rules

Justice Danladi Umar of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT has ruled that the ongoing trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki will henceforth be conducted daily. At the resumed hearing today April 18th, Justice Danladi Umar based the decision on provisions of sections 376 and 315 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015. 

“Let me state it here for both the prosecution and the defence that the trial of the defendant shall proceed on a day-to-day basis till the conclusion of this matter and it will begin from 10am to 6pm”he said

He said the court would on each day of the trial go on break at 1pm and 4pm.

Photo: Robbery suspects knocked down by trailer during police pursuit along Lagos/Ibadan expressway

According to Nigeria Police News @PoliceNGNews, on April 14, about 10pm, the robbery suspects pictured above, attacked a victim at Isheri Long Bridge, dispossessed him of his belongings and then made a get away on a motorcycle. However, they were knocked down by a moving trailer in front of Mountain of Fire Ministry along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway while being pursued by the police. 

The suspects were arrested Ibafo Divisional patrol team and recovered items snatched from the victim.

Photo: Actress Chika Ike loses mum

The actress shared this photo of her mum on her Instagram page and wrote 

"RIP Mum. Saying I am going to miss you is an understatement, I can't still believe you are gone , I sit here wondering if I'm in a dream and waiting for someone to pinch me . You thought me how to be strong, giving, loyal, compassionate and driven. You told me that there is nothing impossible to do. You made me the woman I am today. I am most grateful to you. I will miss you greatly . I know you are watching over me and you will always live on. Love you mum".

May her soul rest in peace Amen

Photos from a failed robbery incident in Port Haracourt this morning

There was a failed robbery incident in Rumuomoi in Obio/Akpor local Government area of Rivers State this morning. The armed robbers on sighting the police, fired some shots and also threw a dynamite at the police officers. Luckily none of the police officers were killed. One of the robbers was killed while another one was arrested. See more photos below...

Dr. Okonjo Iweala should keep quiet and take responsibility

The former Minister of Finance under President Jonathan has been in the news for sometimes now, making interventions in the body polity with respect to past administration with emphasis on Jonathan’s six years tenure. PDP ruled Nigeria for 16 years. Okonjo Iweala served President Obasanjo. She also served President Jonathan. 

As a finance person, she has a lot to tell Nigerians how PDP government frittered away hundreds of billions of dollars in sixteen years without much to show for it. Crude oil price rose up to 150 dollars a barrel during Jonathan tenure but the boom did not reflect in our foreign reserves neither did we see any meaningful development in areas of infrastructure. 

The President As Chief Diplomat By Reuben Abati

I read an interesting article recently in which the author, objecting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent travels abroad pointed out that Presidential spokespersons since 1999, including this writer, have always justified such trips using essentially the same arguments. The fellow quoted copiously and derisively from my State House press statements and an article by me titled “The Gains of Jonathan’s Diplomacy”. 

Those who object to Presidential travels abroad do so for a number of reasons: (a) the cost on the grounds of frequency and size of estacode-collecting delegation, with multiple officers performing the same function tagging along on every trip,  (b) the need to make better use of diplomats in foreign missions and Foreign Ministry officials who can act in delegated capacity; (c) the failure to see the immediate and long-term gains of Presidential junket, thus creating the impression of a jamboree or mindless tourism, and (d) the conviction that the President needs to stay at home to address urgent domestic challenges, rather than live out of a suitcase, in the air. While these reasons may seem understandable, arising as they are from anxieties about reducing wastage and increasing governmental efficiency for the people’s benefit, I still insist that Presidential trips are important, and that by travelling abroad, the President is performing a perfectly normal function.

Photos from actor Kenneth Okonkwo's visit to the White House

Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, was a guest at the White House early this month. He shared pictures from his visit on his Facebook page. See more photos below...

Mrs Aisha Buhari shares a beautiful photo of her family

Wife of the president, Mrs Aisha Buhari shared this photo of her family on her official page. The photo features the first lady, her daughters, Zahra, Halima, and grandchildren.

Photo: Man caught selling kerosene mixed with palm oil as fuel

Spanish Matador gored in the buttocks by enraged bull

These bulls are becoming quite a horn in the flesh. Barely days after 19-year-old Andres Roca Rey, 19 was impaled on a bull's horn, experienced bullfighter, Julian Lopez, 33, has suffered the same fate in the same bullring as Roca Rey. A bull pierced the matador, known as El Juli, with its right horn, forcing him to the ground in La Maestranza bullring. 

Photos: Vice President Osinbajo arrives Delta State for assessment of gas pipelines destroyed by vandals

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo arrived Delta State today and is headed to Escravos to carry out on the spot assessment of gas pipelines blown out by vandals which consequently led to shortage on the gas power turbines.  Osinbajo was received at Osubi Airport by the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Shell Managing Director, Mr Osagie Okunbor and other government functionaries.See more photos below

Photos: Kidnappers den demolished in Abia

A kidnappers den located at Nkporo community of Ohafia LGA of Abia State was today demolished on the instruction of the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu. The building is said to have been used by some kidnappers to keep their victims until ransom is paid. See more photos below...

Fayose hails US govt, UK Telegraph reports on Buhari's witch-hunt of opposition, calls for investigation

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has hailed the international community, especially the United States of America and the United Kingdom for joining lovers of democracy in Nigeria to speak out against the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Buhari's use of State security apparatus to oppress opposition. 

Kidnapping: Oyo state fights back with new, stringent law

Kidnapping is now a very serious offence in Oyo State, which attracts maximum punishment of death sentence in the event of the death of a kidnap victim while in captivity of the abductors.

However, a convicted offender will be liable to life imprisonment if the victim is released or rescued unhurt upon the payment of a ransom, while the kidnapper will be compelled to pay back the ransom.

Similar punishment awaits any person who procures, engages or gives information culminating in the kidnapping of a victim, an offence the law considered to carry the same weight of kidnapping.

Woman kidnapped her two children to get ransom from husband - Rivers State Police

On Tuesday April 12, Rivers State Police Command released photos of captured suspected criminals in the state. Among the suspects paraded was a woman identified as Mrs. Abigail Brown who kidnapped her two children to get ransom from her husband.

According to a statement issued by the Command on Wednesday, April 13, Mrs Brown and husband’s former driver, identified as ThankGod, connived to kidnap her two children, aged 2 and 10. The suspects then called the husband to pay a ransom in order to secure their release. Brown who had earlier denied the allegation against her, later but later confessed to the crime claiming she that "it was frustration that made her to commit the crime as she had no means of survival."

See what Okon thinks of President Buhari's China trip

Photos: RMD and wife host AY's wife to a birthday dinner

Actor RMD and his wife, Jumobi, hosted AY's wife, Mabel, to a birthday dinner yesterday April 12th. Ex wife of popular Lagos Pastor, Chris Okotie, Stephanie Henshaw, attended the dinner.

Photo: Lagos Landlady allegedly sets tenant’s apartment ablaze to eject him

One Mrs Nike Azeez who is a landlady in the Ijegun community of Lagos state, has been accused of setting the home of one of her tenants, Adeleke Shakiru on fire just to remove him from her compound. The incident happened on Tuesday April 12th.

Snoop Dogg blasts Arnold Schwarzenegger

Rapper Snoop Dogg took to his IG page to blast former California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, after the son of a California state Assembly speaker was released from prison after serving just six years of a 16-year prison sentence for manslaughter. His sentence was drastically reduced by Arnold on his last day in office as governor of California back in 2011.

Snoop Dogg lashed out at Schwarzenegger for showing favoritism to his political friends while ignoring notorious reformed gang banger Stanley 'Tookie' Williams.

Air Force strikes Boko Haram logistics base

The Nigerian Air Force has said its F-7NI fighter jets carried out strikes on a Boko Haram logistics base at Kangarawa, Borno State.

A statement on Tuesday by Air Force’s spokesman Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa said the air strike has taken off another logistics base of Boko Haram at Kangarawa in Northern Borno State, thereby decimating their capabilities.

Nollywood actress Ibinabo Fiberesima granted bail as she fights on to overturn sentence

Nollywood actress Ibinabo Fiberesima has been granted bail for a sum of N2m (£7,000) by the Lagos State High Court as part of her ongoing legal battle to overturn a five year jail sentence imposed on her for manslaughter.   Ms Fiberesima has been found guilty of manslaughter by dangerous driving after she knocked over and killed medical doctor Suraj Giwa. She has tried to get the sentence overturned but has so far been unsuccessful, however, she got some respite yesterday when she was granted bail, at least enabling her to get out of prison.  

Fayose raises alarm over Buhari’s China trip to borrow $2bn, funding of 2016 budget with N1.84tr loan

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has raised the alarm over President Mohammadu Buhari’s scheduled trip to China to borrow $2 billion as part of the N1.84 trillion programmed to be borrowed to finance the 2016 Budget, describing the move as an attempt to mortgage the future of Nigeria and its people.

The governor, who said the 2016 budget was not a reflection of the present economic reality in the country, added that; “By the time they borrow N1.84 trillion to fund their N6.06 billion budget; I wonder how Nigeria will survive in 2017 when the Federal Government will be servicing debt with about 50 percent of its budget.” It has been widely reported that Nigeria wants to raise about $5 billion abroad to cover part of its 2016 budget deficit.

This was said to be projected to hit N3 trillion ($15 billion) due to heavy infrastructure spending at a time when the slump in global oil prices has slashed its export revenues.

Photos: Iara Oshiomole stuns in blue at Vanguard awardss

First Lady of Edo state, Iara Oshiomole looked stunning in a blue dress as she climbed the stage at the      Vanguard award with her husband, Adams Oshiomole, who received an award.  

Fake policemen arrested thanks to spelling mistake

Four gunmen riding in a fake police car were arrested in Mexico after the real authorities noticed a spelling mistake on their fake police vehicle.

Julius Agwu's birthday celebration in PH children's Home and Old people's home

Comedian Julius Agwu celebrated his birthday by visiting the old Peeople's home and Children's home in Port-harcourt. See more photos below...  

Daniella Okeke stuns in new photos

Actress Daniella Okeke shared this on her page.

Reality star Daisy Lewellyn dies from cancer at age 36

Reality star, Daisy Lewellyn, best known as star of Bravo’s “Blood, Sweat & Heels” and former editor at Essence magazine has died. She died yesterday morning April 8th after a long battle with liver cancer. She was only 36 years old....

EFCC arrests fake "EFCC operatives"

Two men, Abbas Attahiru and Mohammed Sufiyanu, who parade themselves as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, were today arrested for offences bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretence. Both men were arrested after an individual notified the commission of his encounter with both men.

The suspects had tried to extort some money from the complainant who they told had a petition against him at the commission. They promised to give the complaint a soft landing if he co-operated and gave them some money.

2 men arrested with 252 wraps of cocaine - see pictures

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos has apprehended a driver and a trader over unlawful importation of 252 wraps of cocaine weighing 4.325kgs. 

The suspects were found to have ingested and stuffed wraps of cocaine on their bodies and luggage during screening of passengers on an Emirates flight from Dubai. Both suspects ingested some wraps of drugs and concealed others on their bodies. The estimated value of the drug is N39 million. 

NDLEA commander at the airport, Ahmed Garba said that both suspects are under investigation. "Chinweuba Martins Echezona, 54 year-old packed 103 wraps of cocaine on his waist and ingested 69 wraps weighing 2.745kgs while Ekwueme Louis, 44 year-old concealed 75 wraps in his luggage and ingested 5 wraps. We are investigating the suspects over unlawful importation of cocaine from Dubai" Garba stated.

Preliminary investigation by the Agency revealed that the suspects were promised half a million naira each to smuggle the drugs from Dubai to Nigeria. Their trip was fully sponsored by an unidentified drug trafficking organisation. However, efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest their sponsors. Martins is married with five children while Louis is married with three children.          See more pictures below....

Paying for sex is now an offence in France but prostitution is not

French MPs have passed a law that makes it illegal to pay for sex and imposes fines of up to €3,750 (£3,027/$4,274) for those buying sexual acts.

Those convicted would also have to attend classes to learn about the conditions faced by prostitutes.
It has taken more than two years to pass the controversial legislation because of differences between the two houses of parliament over the issue...

National Assembly sends 2016 budget details to Pres. Buhari

The National Assembly on Wednesday sent the details of the 2016 Budget to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The details were sent by the Appropriation Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to the Clerk of the National Assembly for submission to Buhari.

President Buhari had last week said he would not assent to the Budget until he receives the breakdown.

A statement by the Chairmen of the Appropriation Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Danjuma Goje and Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, said: “Being the most important economic policy tool of government, the budget provides a comprehensive statement of our priorities as a nation.

BREAKING: Pres. Buhari finally receives details of passed 2016 budget

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally received breakdown of the 2016 budget as passed by the National AssemSpecial Advisers to the President on National Assembly matters, Ita Enang and Suliamon Kawu, made the presentation to the president at the Presidential Villa a few minutes ago.

Also former President Olusegun Obasanjo is currently having a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa.

More details later.

University of Lagos shut over protests

Academic activities at the University of Lagos has been suspended with immediate effect and all students ordered to leave the campus. 

The decision was taken late Thursday evening after hours of deliberation by the university Senate, which considered the protest by the students as inconsiderate and unfair to the management.

STRIKE: Pres. Buhari pleads with doctors to give government more time

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to shelve its threatened strike  and give the Federal Government more time to address its grievances.

The President spoke on Thursday at State House Abuja at a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association....

Eze Ndigbo title no more recognised in Ibadan - Olubadan

The Olubadan-in-Council today declared that it will no longer recognise the title of Eze Ndigbo in Ibadanland

 The council therefore ordered the leaders of Igbo community in Ibadanland to report to one of its warrior chiefs, Baale Ekotedo henceforth.

This decision was reached on Wednesday after a meeting by the council held at the Popoyemoja palace of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji Ogungunniso I....

Proper trial of the President of the Senate begins after a failed application

At last, the proper trial of Saraki began immediately CCT Trial Judge resumes from break at about 1.00pm on Tuesday having ruled that the trial cannot be stopped on the basis of motion filed by the defendants at the Court of Appeal against the judgment based on jurisdiction which was delivered on 24th March, 2016.

Citing relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and Criminal Justice Act 2015, Umar ruled that notwithstanding the motion of Appeal which was acknowledged by the CCT, it was injusticiable that the matter be adjourned as canvassed defendants while ordered for commencement of trial.

HORROR: Woman kills her child, drinks her blood in Imo

                                                                                          A woman in Onicha Uboma Autonomous Community in the Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area, Imo State, identified only as Ifeoma allegedly killed her one-year-old child, gouged out her eyes and drank her blood.

According to Daily Independent, the 39-year-old woman was alleged to have committed the heinous act inside her husband’s shop. Mr. Azubuike Emedom returned from a business trip to find his wife and child missing....

Gov. El-Rufai in a cycle of 'One week, One trouble

          Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has spent the last ten months adjusting into the demands of being an executive governor. He recently admitted that he never envisaged that the task of running a state as governor could be so daunting even with his experience as Minister in the federal cabinet.

Perhaps one of the things the governor is still to understand is how to stay away from conflicts with the organised labour and thereby save himself the distraction. 

Labour Unions in Kaduna state according to reports, is set for a showdown with the governor over alleged anti-workers policies and excesses.

Photos: NEMA welcomes a set of twins in Fufore IDP camp, Yola

                                                                National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Fufore IDP camp welcomed a set of twins yesterday, April 5. The twins were safely delivered at Federal Medical Centre, Yola, Adamawa State. Mother and babies are doing well. More photos below...

CCT Trial: Senators advise Saraki to resign

                                                                As his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal commenced yesterday April 5th, some senators have advised Senator Bukola Saraki to resign his appointment as the Senate President before he is disgraced out of office. This advise comes as the number of senators who escorted him to the CCT trial dropped to 23 yesterday April 5th. When the trial initially started, 81 senators followed him to the tribunal.