Photos From 2face Idibia's Father's Burial

Yesterday was the wake-keep, today is the burial proper which was done very quietly in Benue state. See photos after the cut...

Nigerian Lawyer Arraigned For Killing Man's Fowl,Breaking 19 Eggs

According to a report by NAN, a 38year old lawyer, Hajiya Hamamatu Manu, was today Friday November 7th charged in a Gudu Upper Area Court in the FCT, Abuja, for allegedly killing a man’s fowl and breaking 19 of its eggs.

Manu, who resides at Apo resettlement, Abuja, is charged for mischief. The prosecutor, Insp Emmanuel Edet, told the court that Terhemen Kolum of Zone B, Apo resettlement, Abuja, reported the matter at the Apo Police Station on Nov. 4. Edet said that the accused killed the complainant’s fowl, destroyed 19 eggs and destroyed all the bricks that the complainant used in building his fowl’s house sometime in September.

According to him, the damage caused amounted to the sum of N25, 000. He further said that when the complainant challenged the accused, she told him that she acted based on the instructions of the owner of the house. The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 329 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Counsel, Mr Sanni Dawaki, made a bail application in favour of his client,and for bail to be granted based on self-recognition as the accused was also a lawyer. Dawaki assured the court that the accused would not jump bail.
The Judge, Umar Kagarko, admitted the accused to bail based in self-recognition and adjourned the case to Dec. 17 for hearing.

Source: NAN

Soldiers Kill 16 Worshippers In Yobe,Cleric Also Missing-Residents

A new report on PUNCH, claims that Nigerian soldiers have reportedly killed 16 men in the country’s northeast just hours after they were arrested leaving a mosque, according to nurses at a hospital that received the bodies.

The soldiers rounded up 17 people, including a Muslim religious leader, as they left morning prayers at a mosque on Wednesday from the Dogo Tebo area of Potiskum in Yobe state. Residents and hospital staff said the bodies of 16 men were found dead with bullet wounds.
“All the bodies have gunshot wounds on them,” a nurse who pleads anonymity said. Residents said the Muslim religious leader was not among the dead, and said they were “worried about what they could do to him”.

Community leaders believe the 16 men were picked up and killed because all of them were from the Kanuri ethnic group that forms the bulk of Boko Haram’s membership. “We demand a probe into this unjustifiable murder,” said one community leader, adding
“our fear is we don’t know what they will do next”. Concerns have also been expressed about atrocities perpetrated by vigilantes, who have assisted the military against Boko Haram.

On Friday vigilantes in the Borno town of Biu said they and troops had decapitated 41 Boko Haram fighters who were planning a raid in the village of Sabon Gari, in the south of the state. Two residents said the heads were put on spikes and paraded through the town.
“It was like hunters displaying their game after a hunting expedition,” Silas Buba, a resident, said. Human Rights Watch, the US-based rights monitor, said the alleged beheadings were consistent with the vigilantes’ recent conduct.

Two Nigerians Contract #Ebola In Sierra Leone

Two Nigerians – 27-year-old indigene of Abia State and 22-year-old indigene of Edo State – who reside in Freetown, Sierra Leone have tested positive to the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The minister of state for health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, who disclosed this at the just-concluded National Council on Health Meeting, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, said details of the two cases will be made available when full investigation of their status is concluded.
“According to information made available to the ministry from health officials in Sierra Leone, one of them has been successfully treated and is technically cured, and has returned to Nigeria while the other one, has been placed in an isolation centre in Freetown” Dr Alhassan said although the nation’s borders will continue to remain open for the free movement of people and goods within the region, government will continue to strengthen and sustain proactive vigilance and surveillance at all its borders – air, sea and land.

He appealed to the countries already infected to strengthen their surveillance and quarantine network to minimise escape from such networks by people already put under surveillance to other non-infected countries.

He noted that the recent declaration of Nigeria as an Ebola-free nation on Monday, the 20th of October, 2014 connotes that Nigeria’s strategies to fight the outbreak had worked and that Nigeria is now not to be listed among countries infected by the deadly virus any longer.

Suspect Who Defrauded Bureau De Change Operators Of 18,000 Dollars Arrested

Find the EFCC press statement below...
A suspected fraudster, who defrauded a group of Bureau de Change operators of $18,600,290 USD and disappeared after he was granted administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been re-arrested.
Alhaji Saidu Hashim was picked up by operatives of the Commission from his hide out in Lagos. Alhaji Hashim who is the owner of Amjigar Bureau de Change Limited alongside one Ahmed Bashir allegedly defrauded a group of 52 bureaux de change operating under the aegis of Association of Creditors of Amjigar Bureau de Change, of the sum of $18,600,290 (Eighteen Million, Six Hundred Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Dollars) between August and October 2008.

The suspect is alleged to have collected the money and diverted it for his personal use thereby failing to honour his financial obligation to the group.

The suspect who was first arrested by the EFCC was granted administrative bail prior to his arraignment in court but jumped bail, thereby stalling his prosecution. But his accomplice, Ahmed Bashir is currently standing trial at the Federal High Court, Kaduna.
The fraudulent activities of the suspect and his disappearance brought told hardship to his victims and their dependants. Alhaji Hashim will soon be arraigned in court.

Bomb Blast In Bauch,Many Feared Dead

A bomb blast has been reported at a First Bank in Azare, Bauchi State. The bomb went off as people, mainly civil servants, queued at the bank's ATM to withdraw money. Many are feared dead.

EFFCC Arraigns Fake Oil Dealer Over N13million Scam

According to AIT News, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today arraigned the duo of Muhammed Abubakar Alfa and Franklin Uche before Justice Dije Aboki of Kano High Court on a 39-count charge bordering on conspiracy, possession of fake document and obtaining by false pretence.
The accused persons allegedly defrauded one Ambassador Abdullah Musa, a Libyan, of the sum of N13, 000,000.00 (thirteen million Naira). The duo were said to have met their victim through one of his Nigerian business associates, a certain Muktar Ahmed, and sold to him, via telephone, a proposal to supply him crude oil from Nigeria.

The unsuspecting Ambassador received an invitation letter to come to Nigeria to close the deal. During the visit, the accused persons allegedly presented the victim with documents sourced from relevant agencies.
Impressed, Musa invited the 1st accused (Muhammed Alfa) to his base in Tunisia, where another round of meeting was held. Consequently, the deal was sealed.

Thereafter, the sum of N13, 000,000.00 was paid into Muhammed Abubakar Alfa’s account domiciled in one of the old generation banks in Nigeria. After waiting for months without receiving any crude oil from the accused persons, it became obvious that he had been duped. The accused persons pleade not guilty to the charges.

Attempt by counsel to the 2nd accused, John Nwoke to present an oral bail application for his client was refused by the trial judge, who remanded the accused persons in prison custody.

Credit: AIT

Homosexuals And Rapists To Get 14 Years Jail Term In Kano

Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has signed into law a bill prescribing a minimum of 14 years jail term for homosexuals and rapists in the state sunnewsonline.com reports.

The new law entitled: “Kano State Penal Code Amendment Law” was signed by the governor at the 174th session of the Kano State Executive Council meeting, which took place at the Government House yesterday.

Kano State Attorney General, Mr. Maliki Kuliya, who briefed the press on the amended Penal Code explained that, “the minimum punishment for this offence (rape) is 14 years imprisonment.” The Attorney General expressed hope that the amended law would reduce cases of rape and other related crimes in the state.

Source: sunnewsonline.com

U.S Army Approves Use Of "Negro" To Describe African American Personnel

WASHINGTON (CNN) — A newly published U.S. Army regulation says a service member can be referred to as a “Negro” when describing “black or African American” personnel.

The Army confirmed the language is contained in the October 22 “Army Command Policy,” known as regulation AR 600-20. The regulation is periodically updated but the Army could not say how recently the word was added to the document.

In a lengthy section of the document describing “race and ethnic code definitions,” the regulation states under the category “Black or African American” that would include, “A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. Terms such as “Haitian” or “Negro” can be used in addition to “Black” or “African American”.

The Army, along with the rest of the military, collects extensive demographic data on the makeup of the military force for issues such as equal opportunity and ensuring discrimination does not take place. One Army official familiar with the document said it’s possible the word was added so when forms are filled out, a black or African-American person could “self report” and choose to identify themselves as a Negro.

But a military officer specializing in personnel issues for the Defense Department called that “the dumbest thing I have ever heard,” noting the Pentagon does not use the word in any of its extensive collection of demographic data. Lt. Col. S. Justin Platt, an Army spokesman, said the use of the word comes from an outdated section.
“The racial definitions in AR600-20 para. 6-2 are outdated, currently under review, and will be updated shortly,” he said.
“The Army takes pride in sustaining a culture where all personnel are treated with dignity and respect and not discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender and national origin."

The Army Times reports an Army spokesman said the Army’s terms and racial definitions were outdated and expected to be updated soon.

CNN

Man Injects Self With Ebola Deliberately

A man has revealed he has been injected with the Ebola virus on purpose in a bid to fight the deadly disease.

And according to Mirror.co.uk, Peter Hubbard said he hopes the small risk he is taking could help create a vaccine to prevent further outbreaks of the disease, which has claimed thousands of lives in west Africa. Speaking from his apartment in Alexandria, Virginia, Mr Hubbard, a consultant who specialises in natural gas and peer markets, said:
"I get a lot of satisfaction out of the fact that this could potentially develop into a viable vaccine that prevents another outbreak.

It might not help out with the current outbreak but it could prevent a future one, so that's a real plus in my book." Mr Hubbard, 35, is one of 20 people taking part in clinical trials for a vaccine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States.

Unemployed Man Arrested For Allegedly Stealing N300m

A man believed to be unemployed has been arrested in Lagos for allegedly stealing the sum of $1,950,000 (about N300 million) meant for the payment for oil drilling services in N’Djamena, Chad Republic.

The man, Joshua Ekeocha, 31, pictured above was arrested by operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos. After his arrest and investigation, the police charged him before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, to wit, stealing.

The police prosecutor, Supol Chidi Okoye, told the court that Ekeocha and others still at large committed the offence on 22 and 27 May, 2014. He said the accused collected the sum of $1,950,000 from Gambo Salisu, a Bureau de Change agent in Lagos while pretending to remit it into the account of SAS Petroleum and Dasub Nigeria Limited for the payment for oil drilling services in N’Djamena, Chad Republic. Okoye said the accused, after collecting the money from Gambo Salisu, escaped and converted the money to his personal use. He said the accused was arrested at a hideout and charged to court when he could not give a satisfactory account of the money.

He added that the police also impounded the SUV the accused used in committing the crime. Okoye noted that the offences the accused committed are punishable under sections 409, 312 and 285 of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.
Ekeocha, however, pleaded not guilty to the crime in the open court but Okoye objected to the bail of the accused on the ground that he would jump bail and escape from Nigeria to join his in-law, who is also an accomplice in the matter, in London. After listening, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Y. R. Pinheiro, who stood in for Chief Magistrate Miss A. O. Awogboro, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody till 7 November, 2014 when his bail will be considered.

Source: Pm News

Obama Vows To 'Get The Job Done'With Republicans

One day after sweeping Republican election gains, President Barack Obama and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell pledged to try to turn divided government into a force for good rather than gridlock on Wednesday after the November 4 elections, yet warned of veto showdowns as well.

"There is no doubt that Republicans had a good night," the president said at the White House, referring to big gains that left the GOP in control of the Senate, with an expanded House majority and in possession of a handful of governorships formerly in Democratic hands. To voters who handed the GOP control of Congress, he said, "I hear you. ...
It's time for us to take care of business." He cited construction of roads, bridges and other facilities as one area ripe for cooperation, and trade as another.
At the same time, he noted, "Congress will pass some bills I cannot sign. I'm pretty sure I will take some actions that some in Congress will not like.

" Obama and McConnell, in line to be the Senate's majority leader, presented differing profiles at news conferences a little more than an hour apart.

The 53-year-old president now faces a Congress under two-house control by Republicans for the first time in his tenure — and a lame duck status that becomes more of a check on his political power with each passing day.

McConnell, 72 and famously taciturn, smiled and joked with reporters on the day after achieving a lifelong ambition. Still, the two said they had had a pleasant telephone conversation earlier in the day.

"I would enjoy having some Kentucky bourbon with Mitch McConnell," said Obama, who once joked at a black-tie dinner that the Kentucky senator wouldn't be much of a drinking buddy.
Said McConnell, "In our system the president is the most important player" who can veto legislation or persuade lawmakers of his own party to back compromise. Obama said that unless Congress takes action by the end of the year, he will order a reduction in deportations of working immigrants living in the country illegally.  
He made his pledge a short while after McConnell warned him against acting unilaterally. "It's like waving a red flag in front of a bull to say if you guys don't do what I want I'm going to do it on my own," McConnell said at a news conference in Kentucky. McConnell also cited trade and taxes among areas ripe for compromise.

"There will be no government shutdown or default on the national debt," he said, making clear he doesn't agree with some tea party-backed lawmakers who have supported one or the other in the past — or may want to in the future. McConnell is expected to take office in January as Senate majority leader, and he and House Speaker John Boehner will have the authority to set the congressional agenda.
Boehner ceded the Republican limelight to McConnell for the day. The Ohio Republican is in line for a third term as House leader — and his first with a Republican majority in the Senate. In an op-ed for Thursday's editions of The Wall Street Journal, the Republican leaders made their case for a GOP legislative agenda aimed at jobs and the economy.

Their list of priorities for the 114th Congress included addressing the tax code, terrorism, school choice, government regulations, the national debt and other longtime targets that Republicans have been unable to strike during the Obama administration.

At his news conference, McConnell said,
"When America chooses divided government, I don't think it means they don't want us to do anything. It means they want to do things for the country."

Beyond that, he made it clear Congress will vote on legislation to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada through the United States, and work to repeal portions of the health care law that stands as Obama's signature domestic accomplishment. He said a tax on medical devices and a mandate for individuals to purchase health insurance are also Republican targets.

Obama ruled out ending the requirement for purchasing of health care. But he pointedly did not reject repeal of the tax, which many Democrats as well as Republicans have already signaled they are ready to jettison. Republicans are also expected to mount a major attack on federal deficits. In the second midterm elections of Obama's presidency, Republicans were assured of a gain of seven Senate seats.
They bid for another in Alaska, where challenger Dan Sullivan led Sen. Mark Begich. Also uncalled was a race in Virginia, where Democratic Sen. Mark Warner faced challenger Ed Gillespie. In Louisiana, Rep. Bill Cassidy led Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu into a Dec. 6 runoff. Despite the reverses, Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada announced he intended to remain as the Democratic leader.
There was no sign of opposition. House Republicans were within hailing distance of their largest majority since World War II, 246 seats in 1946, when Harry Truman sat in the White House. Even so, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she would seek another term as Democratic leader.
Only one governor's race remained uncalled, in Alaska, where independent Bill Walker led Republican Gov. Sean Parnell.

Associated Press writers Philip Elliott, Nancy Benac and Donna Cassata in Washington and Adam Beam in Kentucky contributed to this report.    

Obama Welcomes Jackie Robinson West All-Stars To White House

Earlier this afternoon, the Jackie Robinson West All Stars -- the U.S. champions in this year's Little League World Series -- stopped by the White House for a visit with the President and the First Lady.

Hailing mainly from the South Side of Chicago, Jackie Robinson West captured the world's attention this summer on their extraordinary run through the Little League World Series. Along with being the first Chicago-area team to make it to the Little League World Series in 31 years, Jackie Robinson West also made history as the first all-black team to win the U.S. title.

Before the world championship game against South Korea, the President tweeted that "we're all so proud" of the team. Even though South Korea won the final game 8-4, Jackie Robinson West had already secured a special place in the hearts of Americans across the country.
The young players' victorious run held even more meaning, however, for the city that they came from. Chicago has grabbed headlines nationwide for its increased gun violence and high murder rate, and many of the Jackie Robinson West players come from neighborhoods suffering from this violence as well as disproportionate levels of poverty.
But the team's run this summer helped provide a respite from some of the city's troubles, with the players' hard work and upstanding example ultimately bringing hope, inspiration, and unity to their community.
A baseball glove given to the President by Jackie Robinson West Little League All Star team today.

Source: washingtoninformer.com

Dangote Becomes 23rd Richest Man In The World And First in Africa

Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has moved up 20 spots to become the 23rd richest man in the world.
This was announced today when Forbes Magazine released their annual Richest People In The World List. Dangote’s net worth is now $25 Billion…

Dangote becomes the first black man to be named one of the 25 richest in the world.He has also been named the 68th most powerful person in the world.

American billionaire, Bill Gates retains the title of Number 1 richest with an estimated new worth of $76 Billion.

First-Class University Graduate Jailed For N1.92m Internet Fraud

A graduate of Lead City University, Ibadan, who passed out with 1st-class honors has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment after pleading guilty to a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.

Olakunle Akanni was sentenced yesterday Nov. 4th at the Ikeja High Court in Lagos for defrauding a 77 year-old American woman, Diana Huizenga, of over 12,000 dollars through an internet love scam. One of his accomplices, Adesina Akinsola, 30, was also given a similar sentence by the judge but adjourned the sentencing of their co-accused, 30-year-old Dele Oshuntogun, till Nov. 17.

There are reports that the convicts entered a plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Lawal-Akapo consequently sentenced them to one year imprisonment on each of the counts.
He said the sentences were to run concurrently beginning from the day the judgment was delivered. “The first defendant, Olakunle Akanni, is to pay the sum of N2 million which is the equivalent of $12, 820 to the victim (Huizenga), as restitution. Also, the third defendant, Akinsola, is to pay the sum of N500, 000 to the victim as restitution,” the judge ordered.
He also ordered them to write an undertaken to be submitted to the EFCC that they would be of good behaviour upon their release from prison custody.

Mrs Zainab Ettuh , the EFCC counsel, narrating the facts of the case, told the court that the convicts committed the offences between December 2010 and February 2012 in Lagos. She said Olakunle Akanni falsely presented himself  to Huizenga as one  Robert Lewis, a white American living in Nigeria, who was in love with her. According to her, "the convicts used the “love scam” to fleece the woman and even invited her to come to Nigeria with $90,000 before they were apprehended".
Mrs Zainab Ettuh said their offences contravened Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2003. 

Source: NAN

TRAGEDY: Gunmen Kill Another 300-Level UNIBEN Student

Not up to two weeks after a 300-Level Chemistry student of the University of Benin was gruesomely murdered at the Ugbowo Campus of the university by suspected cultists, another student of the university has been shot dead in a similar way.
The victim, identified as James (surname not disclosed), had gone to watch the UEFA Champion’s League matches at Ekosodin, a satellite community of the campus which is notorious for gang wars. It was learnt that a few minutes after leaving the viewing centre around 11pm, the victim, who was a student of Vocational and Technical Education was shot in the face at a very close range.

A source said the victim’s head was shattered while his white T-Shirt and lemon shorts were soaked in blood. The source said that the remains of the late James were taken to the Accident and Emergency Ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The source said James’ murder might be a reprisal for the murder of Ejiroghene Gbenedio, who was killed at the 1000-Lecture Theatre field of the Faculty of Physical Sciences. Although, it hasn't been confirmed if the deceased was a cult member or not.
He said, “It might be connected with cult activities on the campus. But he was aware of what happens at Ekosodin at night because that place is very dangerous. I cannot say exactly why James was killed because I don’t know if he was a cultist.” He maintained that no murder occurred “on the school campus”. “There is nobody that has died in UNIBEN; I’m even with the Chief Security Officer right now. Nobody was shot dead in the University of Benin,” he said.
When contacted, the Assistant Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, Mr. Ejiroro Awara, confirmed that a murder had been reported. He, however, said the identity of the victim could not be immediately ascertained and thus could not confirm if he was a student of UNIBEN. He said, “It was reported to the police. We don’t know if he was a student but a case like that was reported to the police; we are investigating it. “We have yet to ascertain whether he was a student or not. Somebody was shot dead and we are investigating.

Source: PUNCH

ECOWAS Sets 2020 As Deadline For The Commencement Of 'Single Currency Policy'

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that it has set 2020 as deadline for the commencement of its single currency policy in all ECOWAS region.

The announcement was made in Calabar on Monday by the Director of Strategic Planning, ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Essien Abel. He said, the committee is working assiduously towards ensuring that it succeeds in meeting the target set for the use of the currency in the sub region.
According to Essien, the committee would do its work on the modalities for the implementation of the expected monetary policy while the implementation would largely depend on the Heads of State of member country of ECOWAS.

“The 2020 vision seeks to create a borderless, peaceful, prosperous and cohesive region built on good governance. It will also give people the capacity to access and harness its enormous resources through the creation of opportunities for sustainable development and environmental preservation,” Essien said at a meeting on Strategic Planning Framework for 2016 – 2020 in Calabar, Nigeria.
“The 2016-2020 vision is specifically to ensure congruence of purpose and to ensure the effective mobilisation and utilisation of the region’s abundant resources and comparative advantage. It will also provide the general framework for advancing integration wok in the region and guiding national development planning process.’’ Essien said the meeting was organised to harvest ideas and inputs that would lead to the preparation of strategic documents that reflect the aspiration of ECOWAS vision 2020.

To accomplish the single currency goal, member countries are required to implement a number of measures including: Adoption of a market based exchange rate system, micro-economic convergence, removal of trade barriers, the factor of statistical harmonisation, putting in place a payment system infrastructure as well as other facilities that would promote the conduct of monetary policy within the zone.

Head of ECOWAS National Unit, Ghana, Mr. Bonaventure Adjavor, who chaired the meeting, said, the fact that ECOWAS countries use different official languages such as French, English and Portuguese, the Commission would ensure the use of single currency note from 2020.
He said “I do not see language as a barrier to single currency, the process to adopt the currency is ongoing and a new timetable has been set for 2020. “We need to work towards that and achieve the vision 2020.

The move for this currency was agreed by Heads of Government of ECOWAS countries in June 2001 but it was not realised.“We have put in place all frameworks to ensure that the single currency note is achieved in 2020,” Essien said.

TRAGEDY: Lovers Found Dead 2 Weeks Before Wedding in Delta State

The decomposing remains of two lovers, simply identified as Udogi Eguke and Ese, were found on Sunday, days after they died in mysterious circumstances in their Makolomi Street apartment of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to Vanguard, the house owner, Chief Alfred Onavwa, who shares the top floor of the one-storey building with one of the deceased, confirmed the incident. He said having been contacted on the absence of one of the deceased by neighbours, he called his line only to realize that his mobile phone was ringing upstairs.
He explained further: “On getting close to the door of the private stairway leading to their apartment, I noticed that it was locked from inside, with a stench oozing out. On realizing this, I personally invited the police who came and broke the door only to discover their decomposing bodies.
Their remains were later deposited in the mortuary and I was made to understand that investigation into the matter was ongoing. Even the Ughelli Divisional Police Officer was here to see things for himself.” Meanwhile, findings revealed that the couple, whose wedding was slated for November 22, had started preparation, with invitation cards already sent out to intending guests.

When contacted for comments, Ughelli Divisional Police Officer, Samuel Musa, neither debunked nor confirmed the incident. He directed all comments on the matter to the state Police Public Relation Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Celestina Kalu.
However, at press time, calls and messages to her phone were yet to be replied.
Credit: Vanguard

Man Arraigned For Neglecting His Wife

According to PUNCH, The Nigerian police have arraigned a 35-year-old man, Simeon Ekwuruke, before a Lagos State Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly neglecting his 17-year-old wife and denying her the necessities of life.

It was learnt that Ekwuruke and his wife were not legally married though she was living with him and they had been dating since she was in Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2). The teenager was said to have become pregnant when she was 13 years old, before she started living with Ekwuruke. Within the space of four years, the couple were said to have had three children while living in their apartment on Ladafe Dada Street, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos. The lady became pregnant with her fourth child, when Ekwuruke allegedly assaulted her, claiming he was not the father of the children.

The police said the victim alleged that Ekwuruke had also not fed her for the past two months. He was consequently arrested and arraigned at the Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at Ebute Meta, on one count of failure to provide for his household. The charge read,

“That you, Simeon Ekwuruke, between the month of September and October, 2014 at Ladafe Dada Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, being charged with the duty of providing for (daughter), aged one and half years, and (wife), aged 17 years, the necessities of life, did unlawfully fail to do so, whereby their lives and health are likely to be endangered and thereby committed an offence.

” The police prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji, said the offence was punishable under Section 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011. The section prescribes two years imprisonment for the offence. Ekwuruke pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Demi Ajayi, said the case should be brought into her chamber because it was a family matter. At the end of the private deliberation, the defendant was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.
The chief magistrate also ordered that Ekwuruke, his ‘wife’, and the three children should go for a DNA test, to ascertain the paternity of the children. The parties were told to maintain the status quo, while the case was adjourned till December 3, 2014.

Source: Punch

Incredible: Policeman Crushes Wife,Kills Their Baby in Lagos

Like a scene from a horror movie, a police corporal, Lucky Ikharia, allegedly used a bus to crush the legs of his wife, Dupe on the 30th of October in Lagos. Having left her for dead, Lucky then went home where he allegedly stabbed his baby, David, to death, ripping out the toddler’s intestines. Still in a rage, the policeman turned the knife on himself in an attempt to take his own life.

PUNCH reports that the incident occurred at the family’s rented apartment in Kale Close, Mafoluku, Oshodi last week. Lucky and his wife survived but both are currently in critical conditions. Four days prior to the incident, 34-year-old Lucky, who hails from Sabon Gida Ora, Edo State, had a quarrel with his wife, Dupe over N2,000, after which he reportedly sent her packing.
The policeman, who is attached to the Makinde Police Division, Oshodi, Lagos had also ‘seized’ their only child from Dupe as a means of ‘punishing’ her.

Around 8pm on the day of the attack, Dupe, a 30-year-old indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State, was heading for her mother’s house in Mushin unknown to her that Lucky was waiting in a bus to attack her. It was learnt that on getting to Olorunshogo junction, Lucky pursued his wife with the bus, crushing her legs in the process. Leaving her for dead, Lucky was said to have fled the scene while passersby initially thought the attack was random. However, after Dupe was rushed to a nearby hospital on same evening for treatment and had regained consciousness the following morning, she explained that the man who drove the bus which crushed her legs was her own husband. Unknown to Dupe, after her husband attacked her, he reportedly drove back to their apartment where he stabbed their child, David, in the belly, before fleeing the residence.

Lucky’s co-tenants and Dupe’s relatives who discovered the baby’s corpse on Friday morning, reported the incident at the Akinpelu Police Division. It was also gathered that the knife and the bus had both been recovered.

When PUNCH Metro visited the hospital where Dupe was receiving treatment on Monday, the woman, who could hardly speak. She said the cause of the fight was a sum of N2000 which Lucky claimed she stole. She said:

 “We got married and started living together around October 2013. We usually had quarrels and that was not the first time he would beat me up, and send me out of the house. But this incident started on Sunday, October 26.  Lucky had initially kept N15,000 with me. Then, on Sunday, he collected N5, 000 to repair the bus. Later I gave him the rest, only to realise it was N8, 000. So, he began to question where I kept the remaining N2000. But I knew that it was his nature to stir up trouble because he had a habit of keeping money with me and going again to take it.  So, we began to fight, and he asked me to leave the house. He did not allow me to take the child with me that day. I was sleeping in friends’ places until Thursday when I decided to go back home. I did not find my baby, and when I asked him, he threatened that if he met me in the house by evening, he would kill me, kill the baby and himself.” Dupe said she was then called by her mother to come to their family house in Mushin, adding that as she got on her way, and was at the Olorunshogo junction, a commercial bus swerved to her path and hit her several times. She said:  “The commercial bus was his bus. He was the only man inside. He hit me and I fell. Then he reversed and came over my legs again. I lost consciousness. That was the last thing I knew.”

PUNCH learnt from one of the nurses that Dupe might be admitted in the hospital for about two months and might spend over N600,000 for treatment owing to the severity of the attack. One of Dupe’s relatives, Mr. Segun Akiode, said the family had yet to inform Dupe of her son’s death. He added that the family also did not know Lucky’s whereabouts. He said:
 “I was called on the phone on Thursday evening that my sister was knocked down at Olorunshogo junction. When I got there, I met her in a pool of blood. So, we rushed her to a hospital. It was already around 9.30pm.  On Friday, when we went to their apartment, we found the baby boy, stabbed in the belly and already dead on the floor. We have not told Dupe about his death yet. So, we went to report at the Akinpelu Police Division, and we were asked to describe the bus which hit Dupe. When we did, they said the bus was with them in the station, but the whereabouts of Lucky were still unknown.

” When PUNCH got to the couple’s rented apartment in Kale Close, Mafoluku, it was learnt from neighbours that Lucky had not been seen at home since the day of incident. At the Makinde Division, a police source said the suspect was one of the patrol van drivers, but he had not come to work since the day of the incident. The source added that Lucky, who was believed to have also stabbed himself, was in an undisclosed hospital receiving treatment. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, when contacted promised to get back on the matter, but he had yet to do so as of press time. Meanwhile, PUNCH Metro learnt that the corpse of the baby had been deposited at a morgue in Yaba, Lagos.

5 PDP Members Die in Boat Accident ib Bayelsa State

Five members of the Peoples Democratic Party lost their lives on Saturday November 1st after a boat they were riding in capsized in the Ekeremor water ways in Bayelsa state.

The party members were on their way to Yenogoa from Ekeremor Local government area where they had gone for the state PDP ward congress. Above is a scene of the accident. Continue...

According to Sahara Reporters, an ex-deputy governor of the state, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, and 6 others who were all occupants of the boat were rescued by local divers, while 5 of the party members died. Three of their bodies have been recovered while the search for the remaining two is still ongoing.

Culled: Sahara Reporters

No Ceasefire Agreement Yet With Boko Haram Militants-FG

The Federal Government yesterday said it was yet to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Boko Haram sect.

national mirror reports that briefing State House correspondents after the Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio said that the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) presented a report to the Council on the current war against the insurgents as well as efforts to rescue the Chibok girls abducted in April. He said:

“The NSA was of the opinion that high level contact with the Republic of Chad was made and that some persons who acted on behalf of Boko Haram and who claimed to have authority also had discussions with them and there are some Nigerian officials with them and of course, no agreement has been reached yet, it is just that the press probably misunderstood what was reported, the discussions are on-going.

” Akpabio noted that what came out of the NSA briefings was that the President would do everything possible to ensure the release of the Chibok schoolgirls and the protection of lives and property. That Council was satisfied that the defence ministry and all the security agencies have taken the right steps to combat insurgency in the country. According to him, the Council urged Nigerians to be patient, stressing that the issue of insurgency could be easily resolved.

Source: National Mirror

Gunmen Attacks Kogi Prison,Frees Over 140 inmates

A new report on Daily Trust has said that unknown gunmen launched an attack on the Koton-Karfe Federal Prison late Sunday night freeing over 140 inmates and leaving one person dead and two injured.

A detachment of armed soldiers arrived the town, hours later, it was gathered that the attackers had concluded their mission and fled. A terrified resident of the town told Daily Trust on telephone that there was power outage and many people had put on their generator sets but when the gun fire started, the town went silent as residents scampered to safety in the nearby caves while others were holed up in their homes. Some residents who attempted to come out find out what was going on were said to have been shot by the unknown gunmen.

“The attackers appeared to be well coordinated because they were all over the town sending people back into their houses who attempted to come out,” a resident said. The peaceful town was thrown into panic by 10pm with heavy gun shots which continued for more than two hours before armed soliders came. The rampaging gunmen had left with unspecified numbers of the prison inmates after freeing others.

Boko Haram Brings Mubi Under Sharia,Warns Christians To Relocate Or Risk Being Killed

Members of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, have instituted the Shara law in Mubi, Adamawa State, captured by the insurgents last week.

And according to Punch, advised all Christians in the Mubi Local Government Area to relocate to other areas except they were prepared to be islamised or be killed. The insurgents also amputated the hands of 10 residents said to have been found guilty of sundry offences, including looting of property of fleeing residents.

Sources in Mubi town said they saw the terrorists parading 10 persons whose hands were said to have been amputated. The victims were said to have been amputated in the presence of residents the insurgents asked to converge to witness the enforcement of Sharia law. An eye witness account indicated that two imams were dragged out from a mosque and beheaded for allegedly preaching against Boko Haram. The source further said that the Emir’s palace in Mubi had been converted to the residence of the ‘Amir’ and that the insurgents hoisted their flags to signify that they were in control of the palace.

PUNCH adds that the most affected by the development in Mubi were students of the Adamawa State University and the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. The students were said to have gone through torture before some of them reportedly escaped through the border between Nigeria and Cameroun. Some of them were said to still be in the bush.

“I must give thanks and praises to God almighty for spearing my life; I saw as people were being slaughtered like goats. I am too happy to see myself alive,” a female student of the Federal Polytechnic, told Punch correspondent in Yola on Sunday. The insurgents said their mode of prayer was different from what Muslims in the town were used to and that they were “in Mubi to restore Islamic independence to the people and anybody who does not follow us must be killed.
“We are not to hurt anyone but to free the people from religious slavery,” a source quoted the insurgents to have said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, has said that the Federal Government needs to adopt more stringent measures against Boko Haram in the North-East. Mustapha told journalists on Monday at the Government House, Yola, that the state governments of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe had raised the alarm over the future of their states as a result of rising occupation of towns and villages by Boko Haram.

Source: Punch

Photos: Tonto Dike Turns To Preacher in New Movie

Tonto Dikeh plays a preacher in her new movie. See more pics from the movie set after the cut... Visit website

Bomb Explosion Rocks Yobe

According to a new report on PREMIUM TIMES, A bomb attack has just occurred in Potiskum, Yobe state. Eye whtnesses say a suicide bomber targeting members of the Shiite group, Islamic Brotherhood of Nigeria, detonated his explosive vest, killing many instantly.

A resident of the town, Adamu Mohammed, told PREMIUM TIMES over the telephone that nearly 20 persons were killed and several others injured. “My sister lost three of her sons in the blast,” he said. The bombing took place at Faydia Islamic school, ran by the Shiite. It is located near the old market in Potiskum.
The bomber struck when members of the Shiite were gathering to go on a procession to mark the Ashura day Ashura day is the tenth day of the month of Muharram, the new month of the Islamic calendar.

Shiite Muslims commemorate the day to mourn the death of Hasain Bn Ali, the grand son of Prophet Mohammed who was reportedly killed on that day.hen the bomber got into their midst and detonated his bomb. Potiskum is the largest town outside Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. Although, the town had witnessed several bomb and gun attacks from members of the Boko Haram sect in the past, it has recently enjoyed relative peace. That has now been punctured by today’s bombing.

Efforts to speak with the spokespersons of both the Police and the Joint Task Force, JTf, in the state were unsuccessful.

8 Year Old Girl Killed By A Circus Tiger in China

An 8-year-old Chinese girl was recently killed by a circus tiger after she slipped into an enclosed animal training site, china state media has said.

The girl died in hospital, due to the severe injuries she obtained from the attack. Report claims that she was visiting the circus on Friday night with her relatives when she was attacked.
“A spokesman from the park said they have reached an initial agreement on settling the incident with the victim’s family and vowed to hasten up security measures,” he said.

Army Arrest 5 Military Commanders For Abandoning Mubi To Boko Haram

Five or six military commanders have been arrested and detained by the army after they abandoned, withdrew from Mubi, Mararaba, Michika, Madagali, and Vimtim communities when Boko Haram men attacked the areas last week, allowing the insurgents to take over some areas. Some soldiers were also detained.

According to Sahara Reporters, the military commanders are being detained at the military police guard room at the 23 Brigade HQ, in Yola, Adamawa state. (pic above, fleeing Nigerian soldiers spotted in Song, Adamawa state) The commander whose names and ranks were given as Colonel Ibrahim, Lt. Colonel Magaji and three others abandoned the 213 Brigade headquarters a few minutes after Boko Haram militants reached Mararaba and Hildi on the outskirts of Mubi. Defense officials in Abuja had told Saharareporters that investigations were ongoing as to the cause of abandonment of the battle front by the commanders.

Another set of commanders from the 234 Brigade are expected to be detained by the military authorities as soon as they leave the MRS Hospital in Yola in a day or two according our sources. The team includes Lt. Col O.A Agwu and his lieutenants. They equally fled the battle scene in Mubi and allowed Boko Haram militants to take the town with resistance.

However, Lt. Col Agwu’s pick up van somersaulted twice and crashed injuring him and his lieutenants  as they fled Mubi. Mubi had three army battalions comprising of the "234 Brigade, the 213 Brigade and the 21 Support Group" when it fell to militants last Thursday. The soldiers fled alongside civilians to neighboring villages in Nigeria and Cameroon.

A Punch newspaper report today claims that over 300 soldiers fled to Cameroon. SaharaReporters could confirm that the rest of the soldiers are in "MIA" mode in Song Adamawa state where they await further orders to act against Boko Haram.

Source: Sahara Reporters

Bukina Faso President Resigns Following Riot, Military Takes Over

The President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Campaore has resigned from office following yesterday's massive protest by people who were opposed to the elongation of his 27 years tenure.

In a statement released today, Campaore said his seat was vacant and urged his people to conduct an election in the next 90 days.  Mr Compaore had earlier said he would remain in power until a transitional government had completed its work in 2015, a position the opposition parties and the Nigerian army refused, forcing him to resign from power. His whereabouts is currently unknown.  

In the meantime, Bukina Faso's army chief Nabere Honore Traore has taken over power and has instituted a transitional body that would conduct elections for the seat of the president in the next 90 days.

VERY SAD: See Northerners Fleeing Their Villages After Boko Haram Attack

These Photos show many northerners fleeing their villages after members of Boko Haram attacked their homes recently. See more photos after the cut...  ? 

Assemblies Of God General Superintendent Ex-Communicated

The Assemblies of God Church has announced the excommunication of its past General Superintendent, Rev. Paul Emeka, from the church.

According to a new report on PUNCH, the decision was part of the resolutions reached by over 7,000 delegates of the church at its latest General Council meeting. The delegates had decided on the excommunication after concluding that the ex-spiritual leader “had dragged the name of the church in the mud by instituting legal suits and using law enforcement agencies to witch-hunt some of their leaders.”
While announcing the removal of its spiritual leader’s dismissal from the ministry with his pastoral certificate withdrawn, the church also announced the emergence of Rev. Chidi Okoroafor as the new General Superintendent of the church. He was elected alongside three other principal officials and fifteen zonal representatives to form the new Executive Council of the church for the next four years.

According to the Legal Adviser of the church, Barrister Abuka, the dismissal of Emeka was necessary and had paved the way to institute litigation against the former general superintendent, who was alleged to be “making moves with some members to take over the church. The church also claimed he was working with other alleged collaborators believed to be working at cross-purposes with the church’s leadership.

Commenting on the crisis rocking the church, Okoroafor said the measures were necessary to remove those whom he described as “dissidents bent on frustrating progress” in the church. He confirmed that legal actions would be taken against Emeka and others seeking to take over the church through lawsuits. Justifying the reasons for this, the new general superintendent said:

 “We cannot spiritualise legal issues. You can’t just be praying when somebody is taking you to courts. We would no long keep quiet and allow our property taken over or our accounts fraudulently run by them.” He pointed out that the church had identified constitutional loopholes that Emeka and other capitalised on, stating that such sections would be properly addressed when an emergency council meeting holds next year.

However, the excommunicated general superintendent told SUNDAY PUNCH that he stood for reconciliation. According to him, the church has been embroiled in some crises in which a former Governor of Ebonyi State, Sam Egwu and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria intervened in the matter. Emeka said:
“By announcing my excommunication from the church, they are trying to instill fear into people so that they can distance themselves from me. I stand for reconciliation. I have committed no offence. But, some people in the church organised an illegal election to remove me by force from office. They would not allow me to complete my four-year tenure in office which started in 2010. They are even threatening my life. I have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police on that.”

Photo: Drinker Stabs Barman For Looking At Him And Girlfriend

A barman, who works in a hotel located on Obokun Avenue, in the Ojodu area of Lagos, is battling with wounds he sustained during an ‘unprovoked’ attack by a customer.

PUNCH Metro reports that the alleged attacker, Kelvin Friday, a resident of Ojodu-Abiodun, Ogun State, allegedly stabbed the barman, who he accused of staring at him and his girlfriend. It was gathered that Friday and his girlfriend, whose name had yet to be ascertained, had gone to drink in the hotel around 6pm on October 21, when the incident happened.

The victim, Simeon Tenebe, claimed he was brooding on an issue he had discussed with his sister earlier in the day when the 25-year-old man confronted him. He added that Friday interpreted his stare for rebuke and challenged him to a scuffle. Friday reportedly smashed the bottle of beer he was drinking on the barman, inflicting injuries on his face and head. His girlfriend, it was learnt, fled the scene when Tenebe started bleeding. Prior to the incident, it was said that Friday had accused the barman of being unpleasant while attending to him and his girlfriend. Tenebe reported the incident to the police, who arrested the suspect and charged him to an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for assault.

The prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, brought him before the Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Akinde, on one count of assault to which he pleaded not guilty. The charge reads,

“That you, Kelvin Friday, 25, on October 21, 2014 at about 6pm at Obokun Avenue, Ojodu in the Ikeja Magisterial District unlawfully used a bottle on the head and face of one Simeon Tenebe and inflicted injuries, to wit grievous harm and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 243 (1) Vol. 44, No. 2 Law of Lagos State, 2011.” Akinde admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. “The sureties must present evidence of tax payment, means of livelihood and deposit N20, 000 to the account of the chief registrar. Their addresses must also be verified by the prosecutor,” she added.

Source: Punch Metro

FG To Return Sanusi's impounded Passports,Siezed Salaries

The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is to have his seized travel passport and withheld salaries returned. Besides, the Kano Central Prison is to be relocated for better security at the Emir’s palace.

It is all as part of last Thursday’s reconciliation with President Goodluck Jonathan. The Presidency is believed to have decided to have what is known as “total reconciliation with the Emir”. Although the Presidency is aware of the closeness of the Emir to the leaders of the APC Political Party, the olive branch is meant to ensure his “neutrality” during next year’s elections.

A Government source while speaking, said “After the open meeting last Thursday, the President and the Emir met at the inner recess of the Presidential Villa for about five minutes. “Some political leaders from Kano, who witnessed the session, were all excited that there is a new understanding between the President and the Emir. “Prior to the meeting, there had been apprehensions on likely hostile crowd against the President in Kano during the 2015 campaign. “With the rapprochement, the Emir’s travel passport and his withheld salaries and allowances will be paid. These are some of the gains of the meeting”. Continue..
“If the traveling documents are released, the Emir will be able to travel abroad for check up and to meet his international friends who are desirous of investing in the Emirate,” the source said. The State Security Service (SSS) had in February seized Sanusi’s passports. The SSS on May 14 prevented the former CBN Governor from boarding a Turkish Airline flight to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj. Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos had on April asked the Federal Government, the police and the SSS to release Alhaji Sanusi’s passport unlawfully seized from him in February.

Source: The Nation

Kim And Kanye Expecting Baby Number 2?

According to Mediatakeout.com, Kim and Kanye are expecting baby 2. The couple stepped out at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in LA yesterday Saturday Nov. 1st and Kim seemed to have a tiny bump, or maybe not! MTO says it's because she's pregnant again. Their report below...

"We just got one of the biggest news story of the year. Kim Kardashian's pregnant again. This ain't rumor either, it's fact. 100% certified! MediaTakeOut.com spoke with a producer of Kim's Keeping Up With The Kardashian's show - and they're scripting an episode where Kim announces to her family, that she and Kanye are having a baby. Expect to see Kim and Kanye together a whole lot in coming weeks. Cause we're told that Kanye is the "happiest man in the world."  

 Photo credit: Getty/Wire Images

Boko Haram Kills Scores Of Christians in Adamawa

According to Sahara Reporters, Boko Haram men launched a fresh attack on Sabon Gari, a village in Adamawa state which is predominantly inhabited by Christians, in the early hours of today.

Residents of the village, which is on the border of Borno and Adamawa state, said several members of their community were slaughtered by the sect men as they were heading to church this morning.