Femi Fani-Kayode: Biafra at 50 and the sharing of cake

THE SHARING OF CAKE AND “BIAFRA AT 50”
I believe that it is not only the height of naivety but also deeply insulting to say that the way to stop the Biafran agitation is to offer the Igbo cake.
Quite apart from that I find it curious, incredulous and somewhat patronising that those behind the “Biafra at 50” event, which took place at the Yar’adua Centre in Abuja today, would think it appropiate to invite the leaders and representatives of a government that has blood on its hands and that is committing genocide against the Igbo and IPOB members on a daily basis to their programme.
They talk peace and reconciliation but can there really be peace and reconciliation without restitution and justice?
You can say anything and rationalise it in any manner that you deem fit but the reality is that 1 million innocent igbo children were purposely starved to death in the civil war and 2 million igbos were killed.

Worse still the problems and atrocities that the Igbo complained of in 1966 are still with us today. The very reasons that they were forced to fight that war are still with us today.
If you want peace and reconciliation, if you want to celebrate or remember Biafra at 50 and if you want to honor the memory of those that lost their lives during the struggle for Biafra the promise of a greater share in the national cake will not cut it.
Instead the first thing that you need to do is to get the Nigerian state and authorities to give an unconditional apology for the atrocities committed against the Igbo during before and after the civil war.

Secondly you must reach out to those that are agitating for Biafra today with love and genuine affection and endevour to make it worth their while to stay in Nigeria by treating them with love, compassion, respect and sensitivity.
You do NOT kill them in the streets, lock up their leaders and attempt to kill their dream of emancipation from subjugation and servitude and at the same time claim that you want and believe in reconciliation. It is either one or the other.
You either love and honor them or you fight them and reject their attempt to express themselves freely or to exercise their right of self-determination.
This charade of kill them and pretend to love them all at the same time sickens me. It dishonours the memory of ALL those who fought for and believed in the ideal of Biafra.
It is like dancing on their graves and spitting on their blood.
How can you talk about Biafra and celebrate Biafra at 50 when the leaders of the new Biafra like Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB and others are not there.
How can you talk about Biafra when a contractor and compromiser from Igboland who has lost every sense of self-worth and dignity is invited to the gathering.
The Federal Government is killing his kinsmen with their security forces and refusing to protect them from the relentless carnage and barharic slaughter of the Fulani militias and this despicable man who has fed fat on Nigeria will come to such a gathering and say that he will fight anyone that wants to leave Nigeria, including Oduduwa and Arewa. I really dont know whether to laugh or cry.
These are clearly the words of a desperate comedian who has lost all sense of self-respect and who is prepared to do anything in order to remain in perpetual servitude.
Such a man is shameful. He is dishonorable. He is cowardly. He is evil. Worse of all he is a grave danger to those that he claims to speak for and represent.
If anyone really wants peace in this country and true reconciliation the only way to achieve it is to set into motion a process of and a programme for restructuring and the devolution of power from the centre. They must also accord due respect to every ethnic nationality in this country including the Igbo.
Failing that it is only a matter of time before Nigeria breaks into two or more pieces and this will be done peacefully or not so peacefully depending on the attitude and disposition of those who believe that they own Nigeria and that the rest of us are slaves.
Encouraging was the fact that Chief John Nwodo, the respected and much-loved Chairman of Ohaeneze, was at the Abuja event.
Of all the Igbo leaders that attended he, together with Pat Utomi and a handful of others, are amongst those that I trust and admire.
What a leader this man is. Nwodo is a man of immense wisdom and courage and he is very well bred too.
He comes from a well-educated, noble and illustrious lineage of statesmen and political leaders of the rarest kind. That explains his courage.
He will never bow down to ANYONE that attempts to undermine the interests of the Igbo and he will never sacrifice or betray any of the millions of young men and women from the south-east who are yearning for Biafra.
With him at the helm of affairs of Ohaeneze I have no doubt that the Igbo are in safe hands and that they will not be fooled by the wolves in sheeps clothing that organised and engendered this shameful event.

Bernardo Silva arrives in Manchester ahead of Premier League move

Monaco midfielder, Bernardo Silva, has arrived in England ahead of a move to Manchester City.
Silva flew into Manchester on Thursday night and arrived at City’s Etihad Campus to complete a medical on Friday.
It is believed both clubs reached an agreement days after their respective league campaigns ended.

 

City will reportedly pay around €50million up front for the Portugal playmaker, with that figure likely to rise to around €70m after bonuses and other add-ons.
Silva will sign his contract after he has successfully completed his medical.

Pep Guardiola gave the green light for the release of four players on Thursday and they are also believed to be very close to signing Kyle Walker from Tottenham.

Valencia signs new Manchester United deal

Antonio Valencia has signed a new contract at Manchester United, which keeps him at the club until at least 2019.
The Ecuador international’s new deal, has the option of an additional year.
Valencia, 31, has won two Premier League titles and the Europa League since moving from Wigan eight years ago.
“Manchester United has been my life since 2009 and I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract,” Valencia told the club’s official website.
“Wednesday evening provided the one trophy this club had never won and it was a true honour for me to captain the team for the final. I would like to thank the Manager for the confidence he has given me this season and I am sure that we will be challenging on all fronts next season. I would also like to say a big thank you to my family, my team-mates and, of course, the fans, for their amazing support.”

Alexis Sanchez listed as Bayern Munich player in Chile’s Confederation Cup squad

Alexis Sanchez was listed as a Bayern Munich player, as Chile released their squad for this year’s Confederations Cup.
The Arsenal striker has been strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer and on Tuesday, there were reports that his agent was in Germany to speak with Bayern officials.

 

Alexis will spend the summer in Russia with his international team-mates, with Chile is set to play in the Confederations Cup.
And the gaffe came when the squad list was posted on their Football Association’s Twitter feed.
The 28-year-old’s name was listed next to the Bayern badge.

The competition runs between Saturday, 17 June and Sunday, 2 July.

Spain’s Supreme Court confirms Messi’s 21-month prison sentence for tax evasion

The Supreme Court of Spain, has confirmed Lionel Messi’s 21-month prison term for tax evasion, after he lost his appeal on Wednesday.
Messi and his father were charged with using tax havens in Uruguay and Belize and shell companies in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, to avoid paying taxes.
It is believed that the two men avoided paying €4.1 million(US$4.6 million) in taxes.
Besides serving seven months for each charge, the Barcelona superstar has also been fined more than €2million.
However, as the prison sentence is under two years, the Argentine will most likely be handed a suspended sentence.

I don’t know if FA Cup final would be my last Arsenal game – Wenger

Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, has thrown up more uncertainty about his future, by saying that the FA Cup final against Chelsea could be his last as manager of the Gunners.
Wenger’s current deal expires at the end of the season.

 

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Wembley clash against the Premier League champions, the Frenchman, however, insisted the result would have no bearing on his decision.
Asked if his Arsenal reign would extend from 21 years to 22 or 23, Wenger said: “I cannot answer that question at the moment.
“It will not be my last match anyway because no matter what happens I will stay in football.”

Asked specifically if this would be his last match in charge of Arsenal, he replied: “I don’t know.
“No [the result will not have an impact]. Why [should it]? I don’t care about me, I care about us winning the game on Saturday.
“When you go in the game, a cup final, you can accept the challenge and just want to win it. The last worry I have is myself.

“The team has given so much and they really want to win something this season.”

[Photos] Eniko Parrish Shows Off Her Growing Baby Bump

Kevin Hart and his wife, Eniko Parrish, are expecting their first child together, a baby boy.
This will be her first child and the third child for the comedian/actor, as he already has two children, Hendrix and Heaven from his previous marriage.
Take a look at her ‘bumping and catching some rays’:

Armed robbers murdered police in Osun

A yet to be identified police officer was murdered in cold blood in the early hours of Wednesday, by a gang of robbers along Iwo-Osogbo road in Osun State, DAILY POST reports.
The officer was shot dead during a robbery attack along the axis, after a commercial bus was attacked by the robbers and all the passengers in the bus were dispossessed of their belongings
An eyewitness told DAILY POST that the officer, who was coming in another vehicle ran into the robbers and was ordered out of his vehicle and subsequently killed in cold blood.
” After collecting money and materials from the passengers, a policeman coming in another vehicle was forced out of the vehicle and shot dead.
“The tragic incident has been reported to the PPRO who has deployed police officers to stop their further action,” he said.

Meanwhile, residents of the towns and villages along the axis have called on police authority to intensify surveillance on the road and protect the lives and property of the road users.
The Police Public Relations officer(PPRO) in the state, SP Folashade Odooro when contacted said she has not been properly briefed on the incident, except the eye witness that called to inform her

“James Bond” Actor Sir Roger Moore Dies at 89

Former ‘James Bond’,  Sir Roger Moore KBE has died in Switzerland after a “short but brave battle with cancer”.
The death was confirmed by his children on Twitter. He died at the age of 89.
“With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated,” the tweet read.

Along with his famous Bond role in Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), and A View to a Kill (1985), Moore was also known for 1960s TV series The Persuaders and The Saint.
He was appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador in 1991.

May his soul rest in peace.

Manchester Arena Explosion: Bomber Identified As ‘Salman Abedi’

The Manchester Arena bomber, who detonated the bomb that killed 22 people and injured about 119 other has been identified as Salman Abedi.
The 22-year-old is a British-born man of Libyan descent and had only just returned from war-torn Libya days before launching his horrific attack. His neighbours say that prior to the attack, he was seen as the “face of hate” in the neighbourhood.

It is believed that Abedi made regular trips to Libya in recent years and had spent time in a conflict zone – possibly Syria.
Two teenagers, an eight-year-old girl, two mothers, a Polish couple and a hero aunt who shielded her niece are among those killed by Abedi in the Manchester attack.

Yahaya Bello’s tax regime exploitative – Goodman Akwu

The former All Progressives Grand Alliance gubernatorial candidate in Kogi state, Chief Goodman Akwu has stated that Kogi has enough mineral resources that would generate its internal revenues, tagging the current tax regime in the State as exploitative.
He was speaking with newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital, after the party’s meeting on the ongoing voters registration exercise. He explained that the current tax regime by governor Yahaya Bello-led administration was exploitative, adding that economic activities in the state was too low.

 

“If mineral resources available are exploited, Kogi should not be waiting for federal allocations, besides, where citizens are forced to pay higher taxes despite low economic activities are uncalled for”, he said.
“At last count, 29 mineral deposits including oil and gold are found out of which only 3 are currently exploited, which is gibson, coal and stone,” he added.
He noted that Kogi is a civil service state, passing through harrowing experiences occasioned by lack of sincerity and broad daylight deceit of the current administration.

He called on the citizens above 18 years to avail themselves for voter registration exercise, saying it gives them the power to change government at the appropriate time.
“I want to call on those above 18 years not to undermine the potency of PVC, as it remains the only medium to remove bad government and install good governance in the state,” he said.

Boko Haram: Transparency International out to distract Nigerian military from war – CCSGG

The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance, CCSGG, has accused Transparency International, IT, of trying to distract the Nigerian Military from effectively executing the war on terrorism which has recorded success under the current military leadership.
CCSGG made the allegation while reacting to TI’s claim which prescribed a ban on the sales of weapons and military equipment to Nigeria, citing previous history of corruption.

 

In the report, TI also recommended other stiff sanctions that include travel ban and other punitive measures.
Reacting to the report, the group appealed to the Military to discard the “trash contained in the document” as it would amount to “waiving Nigeria’s sovereignty to an NGO.”
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Okpokwu Ogenyi, the group said, “Our observation is that while a few patronizing and poorly informed individuals and organizations are praising the report, “Weaponising Transparency: Defence Procurement Reform As a Counter-terrorism Strategy in Nigeria” the preponderance of reactions has been widespread condemnation of the document because of obvious shortcomings that rendered its recommendations inconsequential.

“The flaws identified include failure to consider the changes in the anti-corruption landscape of Nigeria and the report was the output of persons with existing bias for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Since the report is about what transpired in Nigeria and about the welfare of Nigerians, it is only logical that that the people who have stakes in what is under discourse have the final say. This would only be fair in line with the concept of the majority position in a democracy.

Rihanna Honored at The 69th Annual Parsons Benefit Event

Rihanna was such a show stopper at the 69th Annual Parsons Benefit on Monday night.
Not only was she in attendance, she was also honored for her work both as a designer and for promoting social good. She rocked an over-sized double-breasted khaki suit, designed by Matthew Adams Dolan, a bright young Parsons alum whose work was championed by Rihanna.
“I have A.D.D., even when it comes to fashion, so I always want to find something new, energetic, something that provokes something in me that’s exciting,” Rihanna said on the red carpet when she arrived. “There are the greats, and they’ll never not be great, but you always want to find the next—and tonight is all about that.”

Credit: Photo by Aurora Rose/WWD/REX/Shutterstock

The singer announced a new partnership with designer Donna Karan to unite their humanitarian efforts. The duo plan to take a few Parsons students to Haiti in the near future to help develop local craftsmanship and continue their respective aid programs.
Parsons also placed a greater emphasis on textile development and the promotion of sustainability in its selection of honorees this year, which also included Karen Katz, the chief executive of the Neiman Marcus Group, and designer Eileen Fisher.
Rihanna was asked by InStyle‘s reporter what she would have studied if she had the opportunity to be a student at Parsons;

“I mean, only fashion, duh,” she said. “I’m not as brilliant as some of these students here, but I would definitely try to fit in with the fashion students.”

On if she could teach them one thing, what would it be? “Fabric is key,” Rihanna said. “Very important stuff.”

Moji Olaiya: Don’t castigate Fayose for not flying actress corpse to Nigeria – Yomi-Fash

Nollywood actor and film director, Yomi Fash-Lanso, has condemned his fellow movie stars criticizing Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State for not coming to the rescue of late actress, Moji Olaiya’s family in the bringing home of her corpse from Canada.
The actor made the condemnation via his Instagram page where he also cautioned the burial committee of the late actress some of whom have criticised Fayose, adding that the attitude of Nollywood members towards the demise of the actress should be condemned as well.

 

He wrote, “What is condemnable here is the entitlement attitude of the committee and perhaps of very many sympathisers which are not only regrettable but unfortunate.”
The actor further explained that actors and actresses in the country are not different from the ordinary Nigerian and therefore needed no special treatment.
He said former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu’s move to fund the repatriation of Moji’s body to the country should not be used to castigate Fayose.

“Moji’s memory does not deserve this. What should be the norm? What should be the attitude of Nollywood to the rot in our system that has ensured several members and as a matter of fact, several Nigerians die daily for ailments that are manageable and for deaths that are preventable?
“Anyone using the occasion of the largesse of the Jagaban to create an unnecessary divisive and patronising narrative needs his or her head examined for not only being mischievous but out rightly missing the point.”

 

Police recover 4 bodies of slain officers in Delta

The Police in Delta said they had recovered corpses of four of its officers allegedly killed by suspected militants on May 15.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the recovery to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.

“The militants will be fished out, as investigation is ongoing on the matter,” he said.

The deceased policemen were allegedly killed by the militants along the Benin river.

The victims were simply identified as Aghoro (Commander), Sagay, Andrew and Mejer and their bodies have been deposited at both Sapale General Hospital and Central Hospital, Warri.

Their vandalised boat has also been taken to Abiugborodo community under the care of some soldiers.

A reliable source said that the policemen were invited by the militants to come and collect money to pave way for them to carry out their illegal bunkering.

They were said to have ventured into the journey at about 2:30 a.m. on that fateful day without a back- up patrol boa

Moji Olaiya: Condolences pour for late actress

Nollywood actors and stakeholders have expressed shock over the sudden death of popular actress Moji Olaiya. The 42-year-old actor died on Thursday.

Olaiya who delivered a baby in Canada in March is reported to have died in that country.

In an Instagram post two days ago, she wrote: “Allhamdulilahi to you Allah I give all the glory for all you have done. I will forever praise and worship you. It’s not by power but the Grace of Allah. Thank you for the gift of life. Thanks also to all my friends and family my fans for your supports and prayers. Love you all.”

In another post, she made after, she announced to her fans that Okiki app is now available on Apple App Store. “watch movies from me and other great actors for free”, she wrote.

At the moment, her Instagram account @mojisolaabikeade, where she had 240,000 followers, has been inundated with messages of lamentations and condolences by her fans.

In his reaction, veteran actor Yinka Quadri, said that her death would rob the industry of a talented actress and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased.

Yomi Fash-Lanso, the Director of Public Relations and Media Affairs of the Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), confirmed the death of Moji Olaiya in a statement.

Fash-Lanso said:“It is with a heavy heart and sad disposition to hear about the sudden death of our colleague; friend and sister, Moji Olaiya, who’s death occurred few hours ago in Canada, few days after giving birth.

“According to reports that we gathered, we learnt she had heart seizure and couldn’t make it.’’

He enjoined all members of TAMPAN and friends to be calm as the association awaited further reports.

“We pray her soul finds eternal rest with her creator and pray to Almighty Allah to comfort the family she left behind the give them the fortitude to bear this great irreparable loss,’’ he said.

Also, Emeka Ibeh, President of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), prayed God to grant the family Moji Olaiya left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ibeh said that the actress would continue to live on in the memories of her fans because of her contributions to the development of Nollywood.

“In her little way, she contributed to the development of Nollywood and she will be greatly missed by her fans.

“I pray that God grants her family members the strength to bear this loss at a time like this,’’ he said.

Ibeh urged other thespians in the country to continue to impact positively on the entertainment industry saying that their good works would definitely live-on after them.

Buhari hates Igbos, Tinubu crying over treatment of Osinbajo, Yorubas – Fani-Kayode

Also, Tope Babayemi, the founder, Different Aesthetics, Arts and Culture Management based at the National Theatre , Lagos, condoled with the family of the deceased.

Babayemi said that the entertainment industry had lost another bright talent that had contributed greatly to the popularity of the local movies.

Actor Femi Branch said: “We were just mere colleagues until the day we had a certain discussion in Sagamu with Aunty `Fali Werepe` and you rose in my defence.

“I have recounted this tale to more people than I can recall and in every instance, the mention of your sincere intervention was the highlight of my tale.

“That day, I knew the good hearted Moji Olaiya and for as long as I have the gift of memory, Mojisola Olaiya will remain embedded in my heart.

“Sleep well `Mj’. May God erect a canopy of protection over your children and the family you left behind.

“Lord, please stay this hand of death moving over our industry and please open our eyes to know that life belongs to you and only you can give it in abundance, “ he said.

Also, Actress Funke Adesiyan said, “Days like today should not exist. I refuse to believe the news of your untimely demise.
“I still don’t get why good people don’t last. You were a true soul.

“Beautiful in and out with absolutely no space in your heart to hate or pretend to love.

“You were so genuine. May Allah rest your soul and give your family the fortitude to bear this loss. It’s a sad day,’’ she said.

Sunday Esan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Okiki Films said, “I’m currently in a state of grief and shock.

“Is it true that Moji Olaiya is gone? My good friend is no more; I will miss her personality, talent and humility.’’

NAN reports that the late Moji Olaiya was the daughter of highlife musician, Victor Olaiya.

She began her acting career with Wale Adenuga Production (WAP), starring in the popular family TV drama series, Super Story, where she played the role of Ireti in “No Pains, No Gains”.

She also starred in other movies such as: “Agunbaniro”, “Sade Blade” , “Nkan Adun’’ and “Omo iya meta leyi”.

Moji received awards for her diligence in Nigeria and abroad. She was nominated as the Best Supporting Actress of the Year 2003 for the Reel Award.

Moji also won the Best New Actress award and she said then that such awards were always motivating her to put in her best in any roles assigned her during movie productions.

Buhari’s health most searched on Google

Google says Nigerians searched mostly on the true status of President Muhammadu Buhari’s health, Mother’s Day celebrations and Bob Marley remembrance from May 11 to May 18.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Anglophone West Africa, said this in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.

He said that the week under review had searches ranging from the health status on Buhari, Eugene Anenih’s wife and son’s deaths and Bob Marley’s day of remembrance.

He said that others such as Chelsea FC, Mother’s Day celebrations and Runtown’s new hit song also trended on Google Nigeria search.

Kola-Ogunlade said that the Nigerian government, however, issued an official statement on the president’s health status, saying that any news of his demise was only rumour.

The Google Manager said that during the week, it was reported that Eugene Anenih, the Chief Executive Officer of Nova Finance and Securities Ltd. was dead.

Eugene Anenih, the son of former Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees Chairman, Anthony Anenih, died of a heart attack on Sunday, May 7.

He said that people searched Google using the following search terms: ‘eugene anenih wife’, ‘eugene anenih nigerian’, ‘eugene anenih dead’, ‘esosa anenih’, ‘tony anenih’, and ‘yomi anenih’.

According to him, May 11 is globally recognised as Bob Marley Day, a day which is observed by playing the songs of the reggae maestro and showcasing the Rastafarian culture.

Buhari hates Igbos, Tinubu crying over treatment of Osinbajo, Yorubas – Fani-Kayode

“This year’s Bob Marley Day was unique because it marked exactly 36 years since Marley died at the age of 36 in Miami, Florida on May 11, 1981, due to cancer.

“That means that Thursday, May 11, 2017, is the ”equilibrium day” of Bob Marley’s life circle, something that will only happen once.

“Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Miles, Saint Ann, Jamaica, to Norval Marley and Cedella Booker.

“Google Search terms used by Nigerian fans included: ‘bob marley’, ‘bob marley songs’, ‘bob marley day’ and ‘lucky dube’,” he said.

Kola-Ogunlade said that Chelsea won Premier League title, with departing Captain John Terry leading his Chelsea side to a rip-roaring 4-3 victory over Watford on Monday, May 15.

He said Terry scored the first goal on an evening of celebration and fireworks at Stamford Bridge.

According to him, Sports lovers searched Google using the terms: ‘chelsea vs watford’, ‘chelsea vs watford highlights’ and ‘chelsea vs watford youtube’.

He added that a mum who treated herself to a Triple Dip Lotto ticket for Mother’s Day won 1 million dollars.

Kola-Ogunlade said that the Hamilton winner, who wanted to remain anonymous, bought her winning ticket from Countdown Te Rapa last week, while she was doing her regular grocery shopping.

The Google manager said that people also searched for: ‘mother’s day celebrations’ and ‘happy mother’s day’.

Google Trends was launched in May, 2006 to show how popular some searches are; their demography has been overtime on Google.

Militants abduct four Itsekiri leaders, Elcrest officials in Delta, demand N36m

Militants on Tuesday reportedly abducted four leaders of Ureju Community Trust, as well as four unidentified officials of Elcrest, a Contracting firm to the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, along the Benin River, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

As of the time of filing this report, impeccable sources say the militants were demanding for a N36m ransom before the victims will be released.

The source added that part of the conditions for their release is the removal of an Army gun boat along the Benin River.

DAILY POST gathered that the community leaders, comprising Chairman of Ureju Community Trust, Henry Eniyan Tonwe and Kele Meme with the unidentified officials of Elcrest were reportedly abducted by the militants on their way back from Ureju where they had gone to show the company officials a terrain for a proposed free medical programme.

It was also gathered that the militants fired several shots into the air before whisking the community leaders and the company officials to an unknown destination.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Zanna Mohammed did not pick calls put across to his mobile phone or respond to text messages.

You’re free to leave, Ekiti PDP faction tells Fayose

Contacted, the Delta State Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Aniamaka said, “let me get back to you”.

How movie producer tried to poison me, killed my unborn baby – Woman tells court

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 28-year- old man, Olaolu Akorede, who claimed to be a film producer, for allegedly attempting to kill his lover, Halimat and aborting her pregnancy.
Akorede, who was arrested by operatives of the Area J Command, Ajah, Lagos was accused by his lover of procuring a herbal substance from a native doctor which he gave to her to drink.

Halimat, in a petition claimed that Akorede allegedly convinced her to drink the substance because it was for the treatment of diabetes which she did and it later, allegedly caused the death of her unborn baby and damaged her Fallopian tube.
Narrating her ordeal in the petition signed by her counsel in the Chamber of Bislaw Legal Practitioners, Halimat said: “I met the suspect in New York, United States of America in November, 2016 while both of us were on vacation and began a relationship.
“When I came back to Nigeria, I noticed that I was pregnant and I called the suspect, who was still in the USA, about the development and he was very happy on the phone. And he begged me to keep the pregnancy till he comes back to Nigeria for us to wed. He requested for a return ticket to come back to Nigeria and I spent N400,000 to purchase a return ticket for him.

“When he came back to Nigeria, he also demanded and collected the sum of N2.5million from me to prepare for our wedding. But instead, he went to Abeokuta, Ogun State, to meet a native doctor who prepared a herbal liquid for him which he claimed was for treatment of diabetics.

 

“He convinced me to drink from the liquid and because I did not suspect anything, I drank from it unknown to me that it was to abort my pregnancy or to kill me.
“And after drinking the liquid, I began stooling blood and ended up in the hospital. Doctors later performed surgery on me and discovered that the herbal liquid had affected my unborn baby in my womb and damaged my fallopian tube. I am now appealing to the police to assist me to get justice.”

After admitting to procuring a herbal liquid for Halimat to treat diabetes, Akorede was arraigned before an Igbosere magistrate court on a “four count charge of obtaining N2.5million under false pretense, procuring unknown herbal liquid for Halimat to terminate pregnancy, maliciously administering poison on Halimat which caused the death of the unborn baby in her womb.”
Police prosecutor, Inspector Okete Ejima, told the court in charge No. S/25/2017 that Akorede intentionally procured the harmful liquid for Halimat to kill her and the unborn child.
According to Ejima, the offences are punishable under sections 314, 147, 243 and 216 of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2015.
During proceedings, the defendant denied the police allegations and the Magistrate, Mrs. O. O. Otitoju granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Consequently, Otitoju adjourned the case till 22 May, 2017 for mention.

EU bars Nigerian airline from operating in its airspace

The European Union, EU, has barred Nigerian airline, Med-View Airlines, from operating within its airspace over safety reasons.
Med-View was one of those under the EU Air Safety List Annex A, which includes all airlines banned from operating in Europe.

A total of 181 airlines were barred from flying into Europe, with 174 airlines barred due to safety oversight by aviation authorities in their home countries.

 

The EU Air Safety List is a list of non-European airlines that do not meet international safety standards, and are therefore subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union.
In an updated version, all air carriers from countries such as Benin Republic and Mozambique were removed from the list, while four individual airlines, one each from Nigeria, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe, were barred.
However, the Nigerian airline is yet to make an official statement on the development.

Football fans wrestle gun from soldier who attempted to kill people after his team lost a game [PHOTOS]

Buhari will sign budget not Osinbajo – Ita Enang overrules Osinbajo’s aide [VIDEO

Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on National Assembly matters, Ita Enang​, has declared that President Muhamma​​du Buhari will assent the 2017 budget despite being on medical vacation.
​His position overrules that of Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo’s ​Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, who ha​d ​​​stated that his principal will sign the budget.

 

“Just so we are clear: when the time comes, everything is set, & he is satisfied, Ag. President Yemi Osinbajo will assent to the 2017 Budget,” he tweeted on Wednesday night.
​But ​in an interview with Channels TV​ also on Wednesday, Enang stated that the budget would be transmitted to President Buhari who will sign it and then transfer it to acting President, Yemi Osinbajo.
He ​also ​confirmed that the Presidency received the budget on Wednesday afternoon.

 

“The 2017 budget will be transmitted to Mr president and the President will assent to the budget.
​”​The acting President is in office and when the budget is transmitted, it will go through the processes and all those other questions will answer itself,” he said.
Recall that Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said there is no decision yet on who will assent to the 2017 budget.

See Adesua Etomi’s Epic Response To A Lady Who Said She’s Engaged To A “Money Bag”

Banky W and Adesua Etomi are still trending, for all the right reasons.
We love their love and how cute they look together, but trolls, oversabi and bad belle people still exist and won’t stop with their analysis.
So an instagram user commented on a photo of  Banky W kissing his wife-to-be, Adesua Etomi on her forehead during their Introduction recently, and congratulated the actress for securing a ‘money bag’ for a husband.

Etomi replied, informing the person that she makes her own money and found a ‘Good’ man instead. Touché!
See the comments after the cut…

Premier League: Everton set to replace Lukaku with Iheanacho

Everton have indicated interest to table £20million for Manchester City’s Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho as a possible replacement for Belgian forward, Romelu Lukaku.
The 20-year-old striker has been a bit-part player under Pep Guardiola this season, making 19 league appearances and scoring four goals.
Iheanacho fell behind Sergio Aguero and new signing Gabriel Jesus in Guardiola’s forward line.
However, Everton manager Ronald Koeman reportedly sees the Nigerian forward as a possible replacement for Lukaku should the Belgian join Manchester United or Chelsea this summer.

 

An Etihad source said that, “Everton have shown an interest in Kelechi, who has been frustrated with a lack of game-time this season.
“He is highly-rated here, but has not started a match since January 2nd where as I’m sure he would get lots of first-team action elsewhere.
“Pep is looking to bolster his ranks and spend a fair chunk of cash this coming transfer window and the club could be persuaded to sell should the right offer come in.”

 

Iheanacho has scored 21 goals in 63 appearances since breaking into City’s first team in 2015-16 season, mostly under former manager, Manuel Pelegrini.

Pastor arraigned in Lagos over alleged N3m fraud

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos State on Thursday admitted a self-acclaimed pastor, Jeremiah Adanlawo, to N700, 000 bail.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused was charged with N3 million fraud.

 

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Y.O. Aje-Afunwa, granted Adanlawo bail with two sureties in like sum.
Aje-Afunwa directed that the sureties must show evidence of payment of three years tax to the Lagos State Government and adjourned the case till July 12.
The accused, who resides at Pasede Village, Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and fraud.

 

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Peter Nwangwu, had told the court that Adanlawo committed the offences in 2008 at Ayeteju Town, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

 

Nwangwu said that Adanlawo fraudulently obtained N3 Million from one Jacob Oluwole on the pretext of selling four plots of land to him at Ibeju Lekki in Lagos State.
The prosecutor said that the complainant later discovered that the accused had duped him of his hard earned money.
“The accused converted the money to his personal use and absconded to an unknown place and all efforts to recover the said money proved abortive,’’ Nwangwu said.
He also said that the accused threatened Oluwole on the few occasions he was able to reach him on phone, forcing the matter to be reported to the police.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and his lawyer applied for bail in liberal terms.

Trump’s campaign reportedly exchanged 18 calls, e-mails with Russian officials

Michael Flynn and other advisers to Donald Trump’s campaign were in contact with Russian officials and others with Kremlin ties via calls and emails.
Current and former U.S. officials familiar with the exchanges told Reuters that 18 calls and emails took place in the last seven months of the 2016 presidential race.

They said six of the previously undisclosed contacts were phone calls between Kislyak and Trump advisers, including Flynn, Trump’s first national security adviser, three current and former.
Conversations between Flynn and Kislyak accelerated after the November 8 vote.
The two discussed establishing a back channel for communication between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that could bypass the U.S. national security bureaucracy, which both sides considered hostile to improved relations.

In January, the White House initially denied any contacts with Russian officials during the 2016 campaign, but later confirmed four meetings between Kislyak and Trump advisers during that time.
In addition to the six phone calls involving Kislyak, the communications described to Reuters involved another 12 calls, emails or text messages between Russian officials or people considered to be close to Putin and Trump campaign advisers.
According to sources, one of those contacts was by Viktor Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian oligarch and politician.

It was not clear with whom Medvedchuk was in contact within the Trump campaign but the themes included U.S.-Russia cooperation.
“I am not acquainted with any of Donald Trump’s close associates, therefore no such conversation could have taken place,” he said in an email to Reuters.
The sources said in the conversations during the campaign, Russian officials emphasised a pragmatic, business-style approach and stressed to Trump associates that they could make deals by focusing on common economic and other interests and leaving contentious issues aside.
Meanwhile, members of the Senate and House intelligence committees have gone to the CIA and the National Security Agency to review transcripts and other documents related to contacts between Trump campaign advisers, associates, Russian officials and others with links to Putin.
The U.S. Justice Department announced on Wednesday it had appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential campaign and possible collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia.

Read Chris Attoh’s Flat Birthday Message To His Wife, That Has Got Us Wondering

Yesterday, Damiloa might have put the divorce rumours to rest with her birthday shoutout to her husband Chris Attoh, but we can’t help but notice a few hiccups and slacking here and there.
First of all they stopped posting pictures of themselves on their respective Instagram pages, the actress stopped wearing her wedding band for a while, during their son’s birthday photoshoot last year, daddy Chris was MIA (although he reposted a couple of them on his page).

Now we can’t help but notice the flat birthday messages they posted on social media yesterday and today. We say flat as compared to last year’s.
Damilola’s 2016 birthday message to her husband:
My tall glass of chocolate milk. You will live till you are old and grey in good health and happiness. All that concerns you will be fruitful and will multiply from this day forth and forever more. Happy birthday Prince Charming @chrisattoh

And her 2017 message to him read:
Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
Happy birthday Nii @chrisattoh ….I love you.
Carried away after seeing I love you yes?
Well read Chris’ birthday message to his wife last year:
Happy Birthday my Angel @adedamee @chrisattoh
And today, which is her birthday, read the laid back message he posted:

Happy Birthday Mama!!! @adedamee Today is your special day. May you be showered with health, wealth and prosperity throughout your life and may your special day and every day be full of love and joyful moments! Have a blast today with many more years ahead @adedamee
Maybe, just maybe they decided to take their marriage away from the eyes of the public. We love them together and we hope they are alright.