A Nigerian couple has found peace and remarried 10 years after been separated and divorced.
The husband, Sola Kuti, shared the heartwarming story on his Twitter handle.
”Impossible is Nothing! After more than 10 years of separation and even a divorce, against all odds we found ourselves together again. Happy and in love. This journey started over 30 years ago…never ever give up!”he wrote
By Francisca C.
Comedienne Ada Jesus has denied making any derogatory remark about popular native doctor, Pericoma.
Ada Jesus who spoke to BBC Igbo, revealed that all she did was beg Pericoma after Prophet Odumeje insulted him and his family.
Admitting that she said things against Anambra-based cleric, Prophet Chukwuemeka Odumeje, she stated that she has begged everyone for forgiveness.
She also disclosed that her kidney disease which she’s been suffering for over a year became worse after she failed to abstain from some things.
Ada Jesus said she’s been told to travel to India for a kidney transplant over the ailment that has left her incapacitated.
Watch the video below;
By Francisca C.
American model, Ashley Gerren Taylor, who appeared on the BET reality series Baldwin Hills and documentary America the Beautiful, has passed away. She was only 30 years old.
According to The Shaderoom, the mother of one passed away in her sleep due to natural causes on Sunday, April 11, at about 4:30am.
The report also said she battled with Lupus disease and was on dialysis at the time of her death. She also had various health issues.
Her fellow BET star Ray Cunningham has confirmed the sad news via his social media pages. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Just got the worst news. I hate it’s on the internet already. RIP to my @BET fam, my babes Gerren (Baldwin Hills).” He added in another tweet, “Unfortunate circumstances. We love you Gerren.”
Ashley Gerren Taylor started modeling when she was 12 after being spotted by a talent scout in Los Angeles Park. She was the youngest model ever signed by the runway division of L.A. Models. Taylor also signed with the Ford Modeling Agency and was booked by the designers Tracy Reese, Tommy Hilfiger and Betsey Johnson.
By Francisca C.
Real Madrid are now top of the La Liga table after doing the double over Barcelona for the first time since 2007-08 by winning 2-1 on Saturday night, April 10.
It was a very entertaining game as Madrid’s counter-attacking tactics worked well, particularly in the first half as Karim Benzema put Madrid 1-0 ahead.
33-year-old Benzema was first to meet Lucas Vazquez’s low cross towards the near post, squeezing a backheeled flick past Marc-Andre ter Stegen for his 25th goal in 35 appearances this season.
Barcelona fell further behind when Kroos’ free-kick took a deflection off Sergino Dest on its way past Ter Stegen.
Federico Valverde could have made it 3-0 before half-time, but his shot across goal came back off the inside of the far post.
In the second half Coach Ronaldo Koeman ditched Dest and brought in Griezmann.
But it was Oscarueza who pulled one back for Barca before Madrid’s Casemiro was shown a late red card.
Barca almost snatched a draw in second-half stoppage time when Moriba thumped a loose ball against Courtois’ crossbar, but Real held on to record three consecutive El Clasico wins for the first time since 1978.
The result takes Real Madrid level on points with Atletico Madrid but are ahead of their city rivals because of their superior head-to-head record.
Atletico, who led La Liga by 10 points as recently as 31 January, can reclaim top spot with victory at Real Betis on Sunday.
By Jide N.
Princes William and Harry will walk behind their grandfather’s coffin when they attend his funeral next week.
The brothers are expected to stand shoulder to shoulder to form part of the royal procession at the service for the Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor on Saturday, April 17.
It will be the first time the pair will be seen together since Meghan and Harry’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey – in which he claimed his older brother was ‘trapped’ inside the Monarchy.
A source told the Mail on Sunday that, while tensions have been ‘high’ following the fallout from the Oprah interview on March 7, the Royal Family are ‘united in grief’ following Prince Philip’s death.
However, the Duchess of Sussex, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child at home in California, will not be attending following medical advice.
Prince Harry, 36, is due to fly back to the UK this morning and will be reunited with his family for the first time since he moved to the US last year.
It is thought Harry and William haven’t seen each other in person since autumn 2019.
Royal sources said the Duke of Edinburgh was saddened by their rift and urged them to put their differences aside for the sake of the Queen.
Speaking of William’s reunion with his brother, a source told the Mail on Sunday: ‘All eyes will be on William and Harry at the funeral.
‘This is the first time we’re going to see them together since Harry and Meghan left for their new life in America.
‘There has been so much bad blood but everyone is hoping that, perhaps, this will mark the beginning of a reconciliation.’
The source added that, even though tensions have been ‘high’, the Royal Family are ‘united in grief’.
‘Harry was told the news about his grandfather at the same time as other members of the family.’
Prince Charles will walk alongside his sons as they follow the Land Rover on its journey to St George’s Chapel.
The source added: ‘They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Everyone will be watching the funeral closely to see the body language between the brothers.’
The Duke will be taken to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on a Land Rover he helped to design, and will be flanked by pallbearers from the Royal Marines, Regiments, Corps, and Air Stations.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex posted a tribute to Philip on the website of their foundation Archewell on Friday.
It reads simply: “In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021
“Thank you for your service… You will be greatly missed.”
The Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday morning, April 9, at Windsor Castle just weeks after being discharged from hospital following a month-long stay.
His funeral will take place next Saturday and will be attended by 30 members of the Royal Family.
By Jide N.
The white wedding of Comedian, Arole, and his wife, Yemi, took place in Lagos on Saturday, April 10. The wedding was attended by his family and friends.
See more photos below
bY Jide N.
Chelsea moved back up to fourth in the Premier League table after a blistering 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Friday, April 9.
Before kick-off of the London derby, both teams observed a two-minute silence for His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away on Saturday April 9.
Then in quick transition the Blues were 2-0 up inside 10 minutes and before Crystal palace could recognize what was going on, Chelsea were already 3-0 ahead on the 30th minute.
Kai Havertz scoring his first Premier League goal since October, guided the ball into the net from an angle.
Christian Pulisic soon scored after Havertz’s opener, before Kurt Zouma beat former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill in the air to add Chelsea’s third from a Mason Mount free-kick.
Palace striker, Christian Benteke scored one for his club just past the hour mark when he headed in from open play.
Pulisic in such a fine form, scored his second of the game and ended all hopes of a Crystal Palace comeback.
Chelsea headed into this match after losing terribly to West Brom, but with this victory, Chelsea have now won seven league games in row against Crystal Palace for the first time ever. This was their 48th league meeting.
The win also means Chelsea is undefeated in their last six Premier League away games, which are all the ones played under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea play the second-leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie against Porto next week.
By Jide N.
The last known video of DMX shows the rapper looking happy while enjoying Michael Jackson’s song in the car with his fiancee, Desiree Lindstrom before his death.
The video was shared by his fiancee on Tuesday, March 30, three days before DMX was hospitalized after he suffered a drug overdose that triggered a heart attack on April 2.
The New York rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons, died on Friday, April 9, his family confirmed in a statement. DMX was 50.
In the video shared by Lindstrom on Instagram, DMX is seen looking happy while singing along to “This Place Hotel (Heartbreak Hotel),” the single featured on The Jacksons’ 1980 album Triumph.
“He talking about record us rocking lol he too funny!!!” Lindstrom wrote in the caption.
By Jide n.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Bruno Iwuoha, has died after losing a protracted battle with diabetes and blindness. He was aged 68.
He died at the National Hospital Abuja in the early of today Saturday, April 10.
The Abia-state born actor had been in coma for about three weeks before giving up. His body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary.
Film maker, Derek Zai has taken to their social media handle to mourn him. He wrote;
“A good man, has gone home to be with his Father, daddy its so painful doing this, we love you but God loves you more”
Bruno Obinna Iwuoha acted in many films and also won several awards in his career. He won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 3rd Africa Movie Academy Awards for his performance in the movie “Sins of the Flesh”.
Some of the other films where he featured are: World Apart, Magic Cap, Keeping Close, Another Bondage, Faces Of Love, Days Of Hatred,Two Bad Boys.
By Jide N.
Francis Van-Lare, who went viral after he asked married women to apply to go on vacation to Venice with him, has given an advice to young people seeking success.
He told those who are still trying to succeed to desist from carrying the financial burden of every family member, otherwise, they will never make it.
He explained that they should be selfish on the way up, then when they finally get to the top of the ladder, they can then help family.
He wrote: “I gave some young people my own advise today . When you are climbing the ladder of success be very selfish and be focused on where you are heading to .
“Do not try to carry the burden of supporting parents or siblings with you on that ladder as you will all fall off that ladder and no one will succeed . Climb the ladder alone and when you get to the top and your foot is solidly on the ground then throw down a strong rope to pull them up to where you are standing .
“None of them will remember the days that you were selfish and you ignored them . They will all remember that you were not selfish in sharing your success since you pulled them up to join you without them taking the hard road to get there.”
By Terry W.
The Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip died on Friday morning, April 9, aged 99.
His death comes weeks after he was discharged following surgery on a heart condition last month .
He was respected for his deep wisdom, sense of humour and was the Queen’s companion as she toured the UK and the globe. The Duke of Edinburgh, who was married to Queen Elizabeth for 73 years, was said to be the monarch’s rock during her 69-year reign.
Below is a compilation of some pictures of the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Queen and Prince Philip with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003
He told Obasanjo when he was dressed in traditional Yoruba attire: “You look like you’re ready for bed.”
Noble peace price winner Malala Yousafzai laughs as she meets Prince Philip and he shakes her father’s hand in 2013.
Malala Yousafzai survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban after campaigning for the right of girls to go to school without fear.
The Queen and Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh on the Great Wall of China during a royal visit in October 1986
Princess Anne and Prince Philip at her wedding to Lieutenant Mark Philips at Westminster Abbey in 1973
Prince Philip walking with his daughter Princess Anne to a Christmas Day service at Sandringham in 2005
The Duke of Edinburgh pictured talking with Aboriginal men in Queensland, Australia in 2002.
When visiting an Aboriginal culture park in Australia, he asked an Aboriginal businessman: “Do you still throw spears at each other?”
Prince Philip with Queen Elizabeth and German President Johannes Rau
The Queen and Prince Philip watching a Concorde fly over Buckingham Palace
The Queen and Prince Philip marking their diamond wedding anniversary in 2007
The first colour photograph of Princess Anne in 1951, in the arms of her mother the Queen with Prince Philip and a young Prince Charles
Prince Philip poses at the RAF Club to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
May his soul rest in peace.
By Kingsley U.
President Muhammadu Buhari has outlined ways his wife and First Lady Aisha has tried to improve the lives of Nigerians.
In his forward for his wife’s biography which was launched on Thursday April 8, Buhari said he has watched his wife with keen interest as she addressed many of the social concerns that have given her sleepless nights.
He added that his wife easily transitioned into philanthropy and humanitarianism when she became First Lady because she is kind-hearted.
Buhari wrote;
“Aisha as the world has come to know her is kind hearted; this made her transitioning into philanthropy and humanitarianism easy when she became First Lady. Her protective mien also translates to the special energy she exerts when women, children, and vulnerable people are abused. I have observed with keen interest as she addresses many of the social concerns that have given her sleepless nights.
“Her programme, Future Assured, has provided her with a special vehicle to actualize her dreams: reaching the poor, sick and underprivileged families to improve their wellbeing, sometimes in remote areas, especially IDPs.
“The stance she has taken in defence of women in our society across our rich ethnic diversity also ranks very high amongst her passing. This plays a significant role in her ability to organize and coordinate likeminded people around a singular agenda.
“All these have added impetus to the effort of the government in improving lives of Nigerians through a more robust economy and a nation worthy of our love and pride. She has therefore been a worthy partner and a beacon for some of the good things that Nigerians have come to identify with our government.”
By Hajia R.
A Nigerian Naval officer has regained his freedom weeks after he was abducted while on his way to Kebbi on leave.
According to former Army spokesperson,. S.K Usman, who shared the story online, the brave Naval officer, AK Bala, successfully disarmed one of his abductors and then used the weapon to kill the kidnappers.
”Good news, a brave Nigerian Navy personnel, Ak Bala, who was kidnapped sometimes on 24 Feb 21, on his way to Kebbi on leave, has succefully gained his freedom. He successfully disarmed one of the kidnappers, then used his weapon to kill two of them and escaped.
@NigerianNavy” Usman wrote
By Lucky B.
The Lagos state government has eased the restrictions on social and event centres.
In the new guidelines released today April 9 by Uzamat Akinbile Yusuff, the commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, the state government pegged the occupancy limit for event centres at 500 while social events can now have up to 200 people at a time.
According to the statement, safety marshals will be deployed to any social event with over 200 people and event centre exceeding the 500 limit.
The statement read:
“All event centres must hold a valid license of The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture prior to operating as an event centre in the State.
All event centres must be duly registered and verified on The Lagos State Safety Commission website www.lasgsafetyreg.com prior to holding any event.
An Event Safety Clearance must be obtained from the Lagos State Safety Commission through the website www.lasgsafetyreg.com for any proposed event or exhibition.Safety Marshals shall be deployed by an accredited event safety consultant from Lagos State Safety Commission for every social event with attendance exceeding over 200 people.
Occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 50% of the maximum design capacity of the hall, wherein Occupancy Limit stickers provided by the Lagos State Safety Commission must be boldly pasted at the entrance of the event hall.
Maximum allowable capacity for Event Centres irrespective of occupancy limit is 500 people. Deep cleaning must be carried out before and after every event.
Physical distancing shall be maintained between seated guests and a maximum number of seated guests should be 6 (six) people on a table of 10 persons.
Event duration should not exceed a maximum period of 6-hours. All guests and service providers at the facility must wear a nose mask and make use of hand sanitizers
All guests and service providers must endeavour to wash their hands before entering the venue or in the alternative use hand sanitizers. Temperature checks must be taken at all entry points into a facility.
Guests and service providers with temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team on ground. Hand sanitizers must be positioned at the entry points and different spots within the hall.
All event centres must endeavour to display standard COVID-19 safety signs. The signs must be bold and installed at conspicuous locations. Event centre owners/ planners/vendors would be responsible for any breach of protocols by their staff.”
By Jide N;
A monkey pulled off a five-year-old boy’s finger off in a shocking attack at a Portuguese zoo on Friday morning, April 9.
The youngster was with his family and playing by the monkey’s cage according to local reports.
The monkey then bit the boy’s finger and pulled it from the rest of his hand.
A police officer entered the cage to recover the missing finger before the boy was rushed to Sao Joao Hospital in Vila Nova de Gaia near Porto.
A spokesman for the GNR police force in Porto confirmed the incident had occurred around 11am.
It is not yet clear if specialists in child surgery and plastic surgery have been able to reattach the boy’s finger.
Santo Inacio Zoo said in a statement that the incident occurred as the youngster was feeding the monkey peanuts “in a clear breach of safety measures in place to protect the public”.
The statement adds: “The safety plans of zoological parks are created taking into account the risk category of the species, such as size, speed or bite, but also the type of installation where there are several warnings that alert visitors to the safety measures to be followed, namely not to feed or touch animals.”
“All plans implemented aim to ensure, at all times, the safety of keepers, animals and visitors.”
An investigation into the incident is expected to be launched.
bY Lucky b.
Djibouti veteran leader, Ismail Omar Guelleh has been re-elected as president for the fifth term after being declared the winner in Friday April 9 presidential election in Djibouti.
“Thank you for your trust, thank you Djibouti. Let’s continue together,” Guelleh said on Twitter shortly after results were announced.
Guelleh, 73, who has been in power since 1999 was re-elected with 98.58 % of the vote, defeating Zakaria Ismail Farah, an independent and a newcomer candidate.
“President Ismail Omar Guelleh obtained 167,535 votes, which is 98.58 percent,” Interior Minister Moumin Ahmed Cheick told public broadcaster RTD early Saturday, adding that confirmed results would be released soon by the Constitutional Council.
Farah, a 56-year-old cleaning products importer, ended up with under 5,000 votes, according to the provisional results.
He cast doubt on the transparency of the voting process, saying his delegates were not present at polling stations.
“My vote is of no use, nor are the votes of 80 percent of the Djiboutian people,” the opposition candidate told AFP in a text message.
Ahmed Tidiane Souare, the head of an African Union (AU) observer mission, said all candidates were free to send their officials to any polling station.
It was also reported that an estimated 215,000 voters cast ballots in the country with a population of more than 1 million residents.
Before the election, other candidates from main opposition parties reportedly boycotted the polls after expressing concern about the fairness of the vote.
Guelleh will now lead Djibouti for a fifth term staying in power for more than two decades, becoming one of the longest-serving heads of state on the African continent.
By Kingsley U.
Some police officers have been deployed to guard Ama Awusa, a settlement dominated by northerners in Owerri, Imo State capital.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Gender and Vulnerable Persons (men), Sulaiman Ibrahim Sulaiman told Daily Trust that adequate security had been provided to prevent further attacks in the state.
Sulaiman who said the people have been sensitised on the need to live in peace with their neighbours, added that northerners in the state are not contemplating to carry out reprisal, especially on the recent killing of seven traders as they have taken it as an act of God.
He said;
“We have taken everything as the will of Allah. To Him we come and to Him we shall return. Some of us have been here for decades. Even our grandparents were here over 150 years ago. So we see yourselves as indigenes of the state and so there is no need to fight or create recriminations between us.”
Sulaiman also advised those in the North threatening attack on Igbo interests in the North not to play into the hands of politicians who are not happy when there is peace in the country.
By Jide N.
Actress, Princess Shyngle took to Instagram to allege that her husband, Gibril Bala Gaye, physically abused her as she announces her marriage is over after a few weeks.
She came online to make the revelation after her husband went on Instagram live to tell the world that his wife locked him out of the house after a little disagreement about 8 weeks ago and he hasn’t seen her for 7 weeks. He added that she’s in New York doing “her thing”.
Princess Shyngle said she had no intention to bring her marital woes online but since her estranged husband was already giving the impression she’s a bad woman who left her husband for 7 weeks, she has to come out with her truth.
In an Instagram live video, she told the world that her marriage has been shaky for over 8 weeks. She said her husband was violent and “put hands” on her so she decided to divorce him.
“Youre a fu*king mistake. I’ve divorced your as* so leave me the f*ck alone,” she wrote.
Only weeks ago, Princess Shyngle announced she’s married to her best friend who she’s crushed on since 8th grade and has been best friends with for over 10 years. Now, she says she has no idea he was violent.
Audios she shared as ‘proof,’ show someone admitting to laying his hands on her.
9 weeks ago, on January 30 precisely, Shyngle announced she is married. Going by her revelation on her Instagram live that the domestic violence incident happened 8 weeks ago, leading to their separation and then divorce, it means their marriage lasted only one week or thereabout.
Shyngle also shared a photo of herself and wrote in the caption, “Having a good time with the true love of my life #myself &$$$$”
Swipe below to listen to the audio and read her posts about her marital woes below.
bY Kingsley U.
Following his impressive debut campaign in Scotland, Rangers have confirmed the extension of Leon Balogun’s contract which will keep him at Ibrox Stadium until the summer of 2022.
The 32-year-old Nigeria international joined Rangers on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic last July and he has been a key part of Steven Gerrard’s side as they marched to the premier league title with a 33-match unbeaten streak.
“Today is a very happy day and a very proud day announcing my contract has been extended for another year,” Balogun told the club website.
“I am proud to be a part of this amazing club and I felt that pretty early on I had fallen in love with the club and the working environment, the way the players and the management staff work and the way the club is a big family, I am happy and proud that I can call myself a Rangers player.
“I am happy to be a part of the team that won the league, but what we have been saying recently is we are just getting started and I am happy that I can be a part of this. I said a few weeks in to one of my family, I wish I had been at a club and an environment like this early-on in my career.
“I am very, very happy and proud that this can now be announced. One thing too, I was never going to leave before witnessing a full Ibrox Stadium, and if everyone was happy, I was going to stay.”
Rangers director Ross Wilson applauded the Super Eagles centre-back for adapting quickly to life in Glasgow.
“Before we even consider the quality of his football I am delighted that we will have Leon’s character, personality and professionalism here with us at Rangers again next season,” Wilson said.
“Leon joined us last summer on a free transfer and has played an outstanding part in our success as a team and towards a cohesive defensive unit. He loves being a Rangers player and has settled extremely well into life in Glasgow.”
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard continued: “I am delighted to secure the services of Leon for another year. Leon has been a consistent performer for me this season and has played a key role in strengthening our defence.
“His professionalism is obvious both on the field and in the dressing room as well. He is a role model for other players and has been a very positive influence within the squad.
“Although he is now 32, he can clearly continue to have a key influence in our squad for another year. I know that he is still ambitious to become a better version of himself and I know he is hungry for more success.”
bY Terry W.
Even while mourning the death of Prince Philip, Piers Morgan did not miss a chance to throw shade at Meghan Markle.
Though the British TV host did not call Meghan’s name in the tribute, it was clear he was mocking her by pointing out the difference between her and the late Prince Philip.
Everything Piers has ever accused Meghan Markle of – being whiny, wanting fame, granting interviews, playing the victim, complaining, and shunning the upper lip encouraged by the Royal family – he pointed out that Prince Philip was all that and more as he paid tribute to him.
Sharing newspaper photos announcing Prince Philip’s death, Piers Morgan wrote: “He hated celebrity culture, shunned fame, distrusted the media & barely gave any interviews – but as the extraordinary coverage of his death shows, Prince Philip was one of the biggest stars in the world for over 70 years & commanded a global respect few people have ever earned, through his ferocious loyalty, war heroism, devotion to the Queen & public duty, stiff upper lip, mischievous sense of humour, disinclination to ever complain or explain, preference for stoic strength not whiny weakness, and refusal to ever play the victim. He was everything the woke brigade despise, yet everything I admire in a public figure.”
Piers’ followers recognised the shade in his message was for Meghan and they mentioned it in the comment section.
See below.
By Jide n.
Harry Song has advised his followers to stay away from social media if they want to find a good partner.
The singer, who got married for the second time two weeks ago, said that “90% of men and women on social media are influenced wrongly”.
He added that there are still good husbands and wives out there.
Read his post below.
By Jide N;
A suspected drug trafficker intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, has excreted a total of 113 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.750 kilogramme with a street value of N423 million.
The Madrid, Spain bound drug trafficker, Okonkwo Chimezie Henry, was arrested on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, at about 8pm, while boarding a Turkish Airline flight number TK0626.
Spokesperson of the agency, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, April 9, said the suspect was apprehended at screening 2 point and taken into custody by the NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport. He was subsequently put under observation at the JBTF/NDLEA facility for further investigation.
“Twenty four hours after putting him under excretion observation, the suspect who has been living in Spain for 10 years excreted 39 wraps of cocaine and subsequently passed out a total of 113 wraps in five exretions. Further investigation reveals he ingested the illicit drug in a hotel in Igando area of Lagos.” the statement reads.
According to the Commander, MMIA Command of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Garba, the suspect excreted 39 wraps weighing 600 grammes at 9.58am on April 5; 13 wraps weighing 200 grammes at 6.30pm same day; 16 wraps weighing 250 grammes at 10.30pm same day; and 32 wraps weighing 500 grammes at 7.30am on April 6.
In the same vein, operatives at the airport have intercepted a 2.8kg of skunk meant for Dubai in UAE through Emirate Airline. The illicit drug was concealed in crayfish; bitter leaves and melons packaged in a sack but was recovered at the SAHCO export shed of the MMIA.
Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in his reaction commended officers and men of the MMIA Command of the Agency for not allowing criminal elements take advantage of the Easter holiday to further their illicit trade, and dent Nigerias image abroad.
“We all must stay committed to the ongoing offensive action at the airports, seaports, land borders, on the streets of Nigerian cities and across the various drug joints and even in the forests where some are hiding to cultivate and process cannabis sativa. We must disrupt their illicit trade and dismantle their cartels.” Marwa charged.
By Lucky B.
The Imo state government has accused a former governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, of being the mastermind of the recent attacks on some state-owned facilities in Owerri, the state capital.
According to Sahara Reporters, the state Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, in a statement released, alleged that the former governor employed the services of thugs whom he had granted amnesty to unleash violence on the state. He said the state government was also in possession of information on how a Special Adviser to the former governor procured the thugs that invaded Owerri on Monday April 5, attacking the state police headquarters as well as the Owerri Custodial center.
Emelumba said the aim of the former governor is to cause the state to be so troubled that the Federal government will be forced to declare a state of emergency.
He alleged that the former governor wants to get back at Governor Hope Uzodinma for insisting on the implementation of the White Paper that indicted him for looting the state and grabbing people’s lands when he, Okorocha, served as governor of the state.
“Recall that the man had gone to court to stop the commission from sitting. When that failed, he approached Governor Uzodinma to disband the panels.
“When that failed, he resorted to violence to repossess property government had sealed. That is the motive for the attacks,” the commissioner said
Displaying a purported copy of a press statement by the Northern youths where they castigated Uzodinma but praised Okorocha, Emelumba said it was not rocket science for people to know the person behind the attacks.
He added that it was not a coincidence that the former governor had not condemned the attacks.
“How come the former governor is not condemning the attacks if not because it is his brainchild”the statement added
By Jide N;
A video making rounds online has shown moment a man who went to propose to his girlfriend, caught her cheating.
In the video which has a Latino setting, the man who arrived at his girlfriend’s apartment with musicians caught her giving a blowj*b to an unidentified man.
She was seen at the end of the video looking out from the window and quickly withdrawing after spotting her boyfriend.
Watch the video below;
By Jide N.
The Russia-Ukraine crisis could “erupt into all-out war” within days as tens of thousands of Russian military forces have been deployed to the Russia-Ukraine border after the Kremlin threatened to “end” Kiev’ .
The terrifying news comes amid reports US nuclear bombers have been patrolling the skies in anticipation of any military action by Russia.
A fleet of Russian warships is already heading towards the Caspian Sea armed with artillery and other weapons to back up Russia’s “battle ready” land units according to several military reports acknowledged by the US and NATO.
The Kremlin said in a statement: “As part of the winter training check, more than 10 amphibious and artillery boats and vessels of the southern military district are conducting an inter-fleet move.”
The increased threat to the Ukraine comes after one of Putin’s most senior officials, Dmitry Kozak, threatened its neighbour Ukraine would not survive if Russia took military action.
“I support the assessment that … the start of military action – this would be the beginning of the end of Ukraine,” said the deputy head of Russia’s presidential administration.
Kozak insisted that Russia would not act unless Kiev attacked first, but added any military action by Moscow would be “not a shot in the leg, but in the face.”
Russia annexed Ukraine owned Crimea in 2014 much to the dismay of the US, Ukraine, UK and NATO and it’s been reported that the US doesn’t want such a situation to occur again.
Reports say senior British commanders are on now “high alert” and are said to be monitoring the escalating situation “with growing concern.”
One source told the Mirror: “Aggressive Russian troop movements towards the border have caused a great deal of concern within the Ministry of Defence.
“The situation is being monitored constantly. I would definitely describe this as a growing crisis.”
It was originally thought any attack from Russia would come next month, but now the full might of Vladimir Putin’s military machine is expected to close in on the Ukraine within days.
After Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered tanks, helicopters and military units to the border, he insisted the military build up is defensive and that upcoming drills are part of routine “combat readiness” inspections.
In response Ukraine has called up tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops to protect the border after chilling satellite images emerged showing powerful nuclear cannons being sent to the region by Russia.
At least six 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled mortars – capable of firing warheads 12 miles – were filmed on a flatbed train in southwest Russia earlier this week.
It’s reported American intelligence experts now grade the worrying situation as a “potential imminent crisis”.
Bruce Jones, a Russia expert told the Daily Mirror: “It is difficult to be too alarmist about this situation.
“Russia is giving a lot of evidence that it is pulling out all of the stops in order to be able to wage the widest possible range of hostilities against Ukraine.
“Any such conflict would present a serious challenge to the military capability and resolve of US, EU, NATO which inevitably includes the UK.”
Recall in 2014 Russia shot down a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 killing 298 people in rebel held Donetsk region
By Jide N.
Hip Hop Icon, DMX has died at the age of 50.
The American rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons died after going into cardiac arrest earlier this month and being admitted to White Plains Hospital in New York City.
The rapper’s family confirmed his passing in a statement to People: “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days.”
“Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him.
“Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever.
“We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.
“Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalised.
“White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.”
He is survived by his fifteen children, four of whom are shared with his former wife Tashera Simmons, who he was married to from 1999 to 2010.
DMX, also known as Dark Man X, was born with the name Earl Simmons in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 18, 1970, to Arnett Simmons and Joe Barker.
He released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, becoming a critical and commercial success. In 1999, DMX released his most successful album …And Then There Was X, which also boasted his hit single Party Up (Up in Here).
In addition to a memoir released in 2003, DMX also starred in his own reality series DMX: Soul Of A Man in 2006.
Since rising to fame, Simmons had faced multiple arrests including for drug possession, reckless driving, and legal issues surrounding child support.
In 2017, Simmons was convicted for tax fraud and from January 2018 to January 2019 had served a year in prison, with an order from a judge to pay $2.29million in restitution to the government.
Over the years, DMX had also spoken openly about suffering from addiction and substance abuse. Simmons had also revealed that he suffered from bipolar disorder.
Following his health crisis in April 2021, various prominent faces from the hip-hop industry spoke out in support of DMX.
By Kingsley U.
Super Eagles and Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho has another individual accolade for his impressive performances last month.
The Nigeria international, 24, was announced as the winner of the Leicester City Goal of the Month award for March.
Kelechi scored a beautiful volley against Burnley after a pass by his compatriot and teammate Wilfred Ndidi to help the Foxes share the points in the clash which ended in a draw.
The goal saw off competition from Ayoze Perez, Youri Tielemans, U23 star Kasey McAteer and Leicester City Women’s stars Shannon O’Brien, Esmee De Graaf and Sam Tierney to clinch the prize.
The striker, who was called on after injuries to Harvey Barnes and James Maddison scored five goals including a hattrick against Sheffield United last month.
He won the Premier League player of the month in March and was also named in the Premier League team of the month alongside his teammate Wilfred Ndidi.
That same month, he was also rewarded with a new three years contract at Leicester City till 2024.
By Jide N.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized RM3.5 million cash, luxury vehicles, yacht, helicopters from a suspect who headed a “project tender cartel”
The cartel said to be in operation since 2014, has been monopolising government tenders. It’s believed that the syndicate used more than 150 companies to submit tenders or quotations to ministries and agencies.
The 47-year-old businessman with a ‘Datuk’ title was said to have amassed an extraordinary amount of wealth and assets, including a luxury yacht and two helicopters.
MACC crippled the ‘project tender cartel’ with the arrest of seven individuals, including its mastermind, Daduk, in an operation conducted on Sunday night, April 4.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki said, so far, investigators have arrested eight suspects.
“Although we’ve arrested the mastermind of the syndicate, a 47-year-old businessman with the title ‘Datuk’, we believe there are a few accomplices still out there. This is an ongoing investigation and based on the developments, we believe there are others involved,” he told a press conference on Wednesday, April 7.
A source added that also seized was RM29 million worth of properties, such as bungalows, shophouses and offices.
“A total 644 accounts, belonging to individuals and companies, worth about RM100 million, were also frozen. The wealth amassed by the ‘Datuk’, who is the head of the syndicate, is extraordinary,” the source said.
The suspects were said to have monopolised a total 354 tenders from several ministries and government agencies nationwide, involving projects worth a total RM3.8 billion.
The head of the syndicate created 150 different companies by employing several individuals as directors of companies which in fact belonged to the former.
The syndicate targets facility maintenance and development projects.
Investigations revealed all the companies had provided false information in terms of academic qualifications, professional certifications and financial statements to convince the tender board on their capabilities in implementing the projects.
By Jide N.
Phillip Adams, the former NFL player who gunned down five people in South Carolina, including a doctor and his family, reportedly had his medication taken away by the victim before his killing spree.
Adams, 32, forced his way into Lesslie’s Rock Hill home on Wednesday, April 7, and killed the 70-year-old doctor, his wife, Barbara Lesslie, their two grandkids, ages 5 and 9. The former defensive back also shot two air-conditioning contractors outside the doctor’s home, killing one, before turning the gun on himself.
A 45-caliber and 9mm weapon were used in the shooting, authorities said.
In an interview with WBTV News on Thursday, April 8, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said he was told by law enforcement officials that Dr. Robert Lesslie had treated Adams, and could be the potential motive behind the bloodshed.
“My understanding, he was treating him, and had, from my understanding, stopped giving him medicine, and that’s what triggered the killings,” Norman said, citing law enforcement.
Adams, 32, last played in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015. He was a seventh-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. He then played for the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, and New York Jets.
His career was plagued by injuries, including concussions and a broken ankle.
His agent, Scott Casterline, told The Associated Press that the former defensive back “was lost without football.”
“We encouraged him to explore all of his disability options and he wouldn’t do it. He would isolate, but that’s who he was, so it wasn’t a big concern,” Casterline said.
“I knew he was hurting and missing football, but he wouldn’t take health tips offered to him. He said he would but he wouldn’t. I felt he was lost without football, somewhat depressed, but he was really hard to follow because he would isolate.”
“This is so unlike him,” he added. “He had to not be in his right mind, obviously. All of us who knew Phillip are shaking our heads. He struggled away from the game. I tried to get him to come to Texas. I was going to find him a job, but he wouldn’t leave South Carolina because he had a son. He was a good father. Seeing Phillip shoot two kids, it’s not him. I can’t fathom it. It’s devastating for the victims and the families.”
By Kingsley U;
Gernot Rohr’s led Super Eagles of Nigeria football team, have climbed up four places in FIFA’s latest ranking of football teams all over the world.
The three-time African champions are now rated as the 32nd best football playing nation in the world.
In the new month of April’s rankings released by the Federation of International Football Association, Nigeria garnered 1487 points to become the third-best team on the continent after overtaking Algeria and Morocco.
This follows Nigeria’s impressive results during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho.
Despite dropping two places, Senegal are ranked first in Africa and 22nd in the world with 1542 points, while Tunisia remained 26th globally and second in Africa after accruing 1512 points.
Guinea Bissau are the biggest mover in April moving eleven places to the 108th position in the world, while Nambia are ranked 111th with a 10-place move.
The order of the top six has not changed, with Belgium leading the table while France, Brazil, England, Portugal and Spain follow in that order.
The next Fifa/Coca-Cola world ranking will be published on 27 May 2021.
By Usman O.
Commander Kelechi Ndukwe has assumed his new role as the Commander of a U.S. Navy ship, making him the first Nigerian-American in that position.
Ndukwe is from Okoko-Item in Bende LGA, Abia State.
In decision made by the military top brass of the United States, with the knowledge of the US President Joe Biden, Commander Kelechi Ndukwe was appointed and given charge to take command of the US Navy-guided missile destroyer USS HALSEY (DDG-97) on April 2 2021.
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has congratulated Kelechi Ndukwe on the feat, as the first Nigerian-American to command a US Navy Guided Missile Destroyer.
The embassy congratulated the naval officer in a tweet on Thursday, April 8.
Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu also took to Twitter to congratulate him.
Ndukwe holds a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategy Studies from the US Naval War College.
Before that, he graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Notre Dame.
According to the Foundation for Defense Democracies (FDD), between 2013 and 2015, Ndukwe commanded the USS Devastator (MCM 6), a minesweeper based in Bahrain, and had served on multiple warships in various parts of the world including the Mediterranean Sea, Horn of Africa, Arabian Gulf, and Western Pacific Ocean.
Ndukwe’s parents migrated to the US as students in 1977.
By Lucky B.
The launch of a book written in honour of First Lady Aisha Buhari was held today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The launch of the book written by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Women Affairs Dr Hajo Sani, was attended by many prominent Nigerians even though some key persons invited were conspicuously absent.
While Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and many governors were present, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Muhammadu Indimi, and Jim Ovia were among those who sent representatives.
Here is a list of those who bought copies of the book and what they donated.
Daily Trust reported that NGF Chairman Kayode Fayemi and Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege promised to send an undisclosed amount of money to purchase theirs on behalf of governors and senators respectively.
Sen. Daisy Danjuma and some others also followed the footsteps of the political office holders.
By Jide N.
An American man has gone a different route in his proposal to his girlfriend.
@ichillwillfixit proposed to his girlfriend, Miller with 5 different diamond rings. The man who got a “YES”, said he proposed with 5 different rings to give his girlfriend 5 different options to choose from.
He wrote;
She Said Yes! Asked my best friend to spend the rest of our days together! & gave her 5 different options to choose from! @mz_miller I thought I knew what love was till you came into my life. Can’t wait to see all the blessings that God has in store for us!
By Kingsley U.
This comes weeks after about 60 people – mostly foreign citizens went missing following a deadly ambush on their convoy the Islamist militants.
The nationalities of the 12 people found ‘tied up and beheaded’ in the northern town of Palma cannot yet be confirmed, a local police commander said.
Their bodies were found near to natural gas projects worth £43.6billion. They are all believed to be foreigners because they are white, Commander Pedro da Silva said.
The commander told state broadcaster TVM: ‘They were tied up and beheaded here.’
The latest attack comes less than a month after dozens of innocent people were killed when Islamist insurgents launched a raid in Palma on March 24, including 50-year-old Briton Philip Mawer.
A body matching Mr Mawer’s description was pulled from the wreckage of a car destroyed in the attack.
In a statement on behalf of his family, RA International said: ‘It appears that Philip died while trying to escape from the siege by ISIS-linked insurgents of the Amarula Hotel.’
The attack on Palma in Cabo Delgado province, is where many foreign contractors have been working for a multibillion-dollar liquified natural gas project run by the French energy company Total.
Regional leaders from countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana met in Mozambique’s capital Maputo on Thursday for a meering in response to the latest bout of violence.
Mozambique’s foreign minister Veronica Macamo Dlhovo said the leaders resolved to send a mission to Mozambique this month.
‘The mission will come to assess the dimensions of the threat and to see what means to employ, so that these means are proportionate,’ she said.
Horrifying images from the March 24 massacre showed bodies scattered across roads and people fleeing from the slaughter.
One picture, taken from the air, shows people hoping to be rescued stand by ‘Help’ and ‘SOS’ written in stones and white bed sheets on the ground.
The bodies of 12 beheaded expatriates have been found after a deadly attack by Islamist militants in northern Mozambique.
This comes weeks after about 60 people – mostly foreign citizens went missing following a deadly ambush on their convoy the Islamist militants.
The nationalities of the 12 people found ‘tied up and beheaded’ in the northern town of Palma cannot yet be confirmed, a local police commander said.
Their bodies were found near to natural gas projects worth £43.6billion. They are all believed to be foreigners because they are white, Commander Pedro da Silva said.
The commander told state broadcaster TVM: ‘They were tied up and beheaded here.’
The latest attack comes less than a month after dozens of innocent people were killed when Islamist insurgents launched a raid in Palma on March 24, including 50-year-old Briton Philip Mawer.
A body matching Mr Mawer’s description was pulled from the wreckage of a car destroyed in the attack.
In a statement on behalf of his family, RA International said: ‘It appears that Philip died while trying to escape from the siege by ISIS-linked insurgents of the Amarula Hotel.’
The attack on Palma in Cabo Delgado province, is where many foreign contractors have been working for a multibillion-dollar liquified natural gas project run by the French energy company Total.
Regional leaders from countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana met in Mozambique’s capital Maputo on Thursday for a meering in response to the latest bout of violence.
Mozambique’s foreign minister Veronica Macamo Dlhovo said the leaders resolved to send a mission to Mozambique this month.
‘The mission will come to assess the dimensions of the threat and to see what means to employ, so that these means are proportionate,’ she said.
Horrifying images from the March 24 massacre showed bodies scattered across roads and people fleeing from the slaughter.
One picture, taken from the air, shows people hoping to be rescued stand by ‘Help’ and ‘SOS’ written in stones and white bed sheets on the ground.
By Jide N.
A Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) soldier Daniel Omollo Onyango, has died after a fight with his wife at their home in Kahawa Wendani, Kiambu County.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations, DCI, on Thursday, April 8, said that Onyango,37, died as a result of low oxygen concentration in the blood after being bitten by his 27-year-old wife, Violet Asale Emu, an upcoming local secular artiste whose stage name is Zian Achama.
According to the police report, the fight broke out on Sunday morning, April 4, just minutes after midnight at their two-bedroom house in Kahawa Wendani.
Preliminary investigation established that the deceased was furious about the one-bedroom house that his wife had rented and was demanding to know who pays the rent and who the other tenants are.
“So angry was the officer that he refused to partake the night’s dinner. This led to an argument resulting into a physical fight at about 1am in which the deceased bit his wife on the shoulder. The wife also bit the deceased’s finger, right side of the chest and back of the shoulder,” an investigator told Nation.Africa.
Thereafter, police said, the KDF private who is based at Gilgil, developed convulsions and was taken to at the Kahawa Garrison Health Centre in Kiambu County where he was pronounced dead.
According to the couple’s neighbours, the two started arguing about 1am, moments before they heard Asela screaming from the bedroom.
“We did not understand what they were arguing about but they have lately been having issues,” neighbours told Nation.Africa.
Shortly after the screams died down, neighbors said, the officer’s sister and aunt came out calling for help.
“We asked them what had happened and they said the couple had fought and that they needed a car to take the officer to the hospital,” another neighbor told Nation.Africa.
At the time, the deceased’s wife had already contacted Kahawa Garrison’s health centre requesting for an ambulance to drive her husband to the clinic.
“They travelled to the hospital with this car (a Toyota Vitz), but before they could get to the hospital, they met the ambulance rushing to the house and had the nurse check on the officer. The nurse pronounced him dead and asked them to go back home with the body and call the police,” another witness narrated.
At around 7:40am, regular police officers accompanied by DCI detectives from Githurai Kimbo police station learnt of the officer’s death through a call made to the station by the deceased’s colleague.
Detectives said the deceased’s relatives forced their way into the couple’s bedroom when they heard the officer’s wife screaming and found him lying still on the floor.
“His wife asked them for help in resuscitating him but they could not do much. He was already convulsing,” the police said.
“Realising he had developed convulsions and was sliding to his death, the wife rushed him to Kahawa Garrison Health Centre but it was too late to save his life. His body was cold and without a pulse,” DCI George Kinoti said on Twitter.
The officers then arrested the deceased’s wife, aunt and sister but released the latter two after questioning and recording their statements.
The officer’s wife was arraigned in court on Monday, as the murder investigations continues.
The deceased’s body was moved to Forces Memorial awaiting postmortem. The house has since been locked declared a crime scene.
By Jide N.
Police have revealed how a woman was violently murdered while meeting a man she wanted to buy a fridge from in a Facebook Marketplace deal.
According to Crime-Online, Geistown police in Pennsylvania say 26-year-old Joshua Gorgone is charged with murder in the Facebook Marketplace fridge stabbing of Denise Williams, 54.
Denise Williams was reported missing Monday April 5, after leaving her family home to check out a fridge she saw online.
Williams was found dead in Gorgone’s apartment and when confronted by investigators he reportedly confessed to the Facebook Marketplace fridge murder.
Police allege he confessed to stabbing the woman with a kitchen knife after arguing with her over the price of the refrigerator which she had hoped to buy as a gift for her boyfriend.
“She did put up one heck of a fight,” Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said.
“This was a violent death that she sustained.”
According to Fox 8, Gorgone was arrested Tuesday after police tracked down Williams whereabouts via cell phone tracking and information provided by her family.
Investigators say they were able to track the Williams’ phone to her car which was parked outside the apartment complex.
“We’re all going to do our jobs and start figuring this thing out and do everything that we can,” says District Attorney Greg Neugebauer.
“I’ve spoken with the family members of the deceased and obviously they’re very distraught and very upset as is understandable.”
Geistown Borough Police Chief Nicholas Zakucia called the stabbing “a tough scene” for responding officers.
“When you lose someone like this or have incidents of this nature, it’s a shock to us all,” he said.
Officials have now warned the public to exercise caution when purchasing items from strangers on the internet.
“This was unfortunate; it was a tough scene. It was a tough call for myself and my officers.
“Use caution when you’re dealing with anybody or anything involving purchasing something through then internet, meeting up with someone,” District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said.
“Don’t go alone. Don’t invite someone to your house alone to look at something. Always have someone with you or if possible, meet in a public or well-lit place.”
Gorgone is being held at the Cambria County Prison without bail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 14.
By Jide N.
A Hungarian adult star has sensationally claimed that she served as an escort for three Manchester United players in the past.
Shona River, 28, made the claims in her latest podcast “How To Be A Pornstar” while revealing what it was like to be an escort for a Premier League footballer.
She alleged that Premier League footballers don’t like paying for sex and “expect escorts to work for free.”
As reported by the Mirror, River said: “They expect you to be with them because they are famous, but they don’t want to actually date you.
“They want you as a side chick in the shadows.
“Just because they have a lot of money, it doesn’t mean they want to be generous.”
She also alleged that one of the Red Devils stars she hooked up with took back €200 from her to pay for pizza in an apparent power move.
River revealed, “I asked him about it, and he said, ‘Sorry, I ordered pizza for my friends, and I took it because I didn’t have any other money”.
The adult film star believes that it may have been a power move by the footballer, adding: “It was probably hurting his ego that he was paying me”.
When How To Be A Pornstar co-host Porno Dan joked: “He plays for Man united! “If it was a Man City player, even I might think about it!”
Fellow presenter Tommie McDonald added: “This could be a whole new area of sports science.”
The 28-year-old also claimed to have escorted two more Manchester United players, although all three of their identities were not disclosed on the show
By Jide N.
A Florida lap dancer is facing 1,036 years in prison after she allegedly assaulted five police officers with her vagina, infecting them with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.
Britney Simmons, 24, was performing at the Camel Toe strip club in Florida when an altercation began between Simmons and several clients at the club.
Miami police were called to intervene and attempted to apprehend Simmons who was highly intoxicated and acting erratically, according to the official police report.
Five Miami Police Department officers attempted to place Simmons under arrest but were momentarily indisposed when the lap dancer ejected vaginal fluids towards the officers, temporarily blinding three and injuring two, the police said.
“She just spread her legs wide open and started squirting in the cops’ faces, eyes and mouths from a distance of about twelve to fifteen feet,” one eyewitness told reporters, visibly amused by the whole affair.
Officer Miguel Aguera of the Miami Police Department told reporters that all five of the officers had since tested positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes after being exposed to the vaginal fluids.
“Knowing full well that she was exposing the police officers to a number of sexually transmitted diseases and potentially HIV as well, it is considered that she used her vagina with lethal force against the officers” explained Miguel Aguera, spokesman for the Miami Police Department.
Simmons’s attorney, Alan Smith, argued that his client acted in self-defense and used her vagina, not as a deadly weapon, but in the “appropriate boundaries of her working skills and abilities.”
According to current Florida laws and if convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against five police officers, Simmons could face up to 1,036 years in jail.
By Jide N.
Hours after U.S. President Joe Biden rolled out a series of executive orders aimed at curbing gun violence, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill allowing most residents over 21 in the state to carry a gun without a permit or a background check.
“I signed constitutional carry today because it shouldn’t be hard for law-abiding Tennesseans to exercise their (Second Amendment) rights,” Lee a Republican approaching his reelection campaign for 2022, wrote in a tweet.
The governor then thanked the National Rifle Association for their help with the bill.
Lee initially proposed the National Rifle Association-backed legislation last year before the COVID-19 pandemic caused lawmakers to focus on more important issues. He renewed that effort when lawmakers returned for this year’s legislative session.
The bill applies to handguns that are concealed and ones that are openly carried, but it does not apply to long guns.
Tennessee becomes the nineteenth US state to have permit-less gun carry laws.
The law will go into effect on July 1, 2021.
According to Washington Post, under the new law, adults 21 and older and military members between 18 and 20 will be allowed to open or concealed carry handguns without a permit.
The law also increases certain penalties. For example, theft of a firearm — now a misdemeanor that carries a 30-day sentence — will become a felony with a mandatory six month incarceration. It also makes exceptions for people with certain mental illnesses and criminal convictions.
Supporters of the bill argued that the proposal includes harsher penalties for those who commit certain gun-related crimes, with the governor setting aside $17.7 million in his budget plan for the bill largely due to an anticipated increase in incarceration.
However, law enforcement groups — including police chiefs, sheriffs and prosecutors — have largely opposed the move and consider the state’s existing permit system an important safeguard for knowing who should or shouldn’t be carrying a gun.
By Kingsley U.
Beijing now has more billionaires than any other city in the world after bouncing back quickly from Covid-19, according to the Forbes’ 2021 World’s Billionaires List.
The Chinese capital added 33 billionaires last year and now hosts 100, said the business magazine. This narrowly beats New York City, which hosts 99 and has previously held the top spot for seven years running.
The report said China’s quick response to and containment of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the rise of its technology firms and stock markets, helped it gain the number one spot.
The richest person in Beijing is Zhang Yiming, the founder of video-sharing app TikTok, and the CEO of its parent firm ByteDance. He saw his net worth double to $35.6 billion from 2020, as the app’s popularity exploded.
Although, even as Beijing now has more billionaires than the Big Apple, the combined net worth of New York City’s billionaires remained US$80bn (£58bn) greater than that of their counterparts in Beijing.
The ten cities that are home to a quarter of the world’s billionaires are: Beijing (100); New York City (99), Hong Kong (80); Moscow (79); Shenzen (68); Shanghai (64); London (63); Mumbai and San Francisco (48); Hangzhou (47).
The four Chinese cities on the list – Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and newcomer Hangzhou, which knocked Singapore off the list – added 96 billionaires in total.
Half of China’s new billionaires made their fortunes from technology, manufacturing ventures, and e-cigarettes.
In terms of billionaires by country, China – with its 698 billionaires – is closing in on the US in the top-spot with its 724 billionaires
A record-breaking 2,755 billionaires now make up Forbes’ annual list, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos top of the pile for the fourth consecutive year.
This year’s billionaires are worth a combined $13.1 trillion, up from $8 trillion last year, according to Forbes, meaning overall they saw their combined wealth soar by $5.1 trillion in the past 12 months.
1. Beijing: 100 billionaires
2. New York City: 99 billionaires
3. Hong Kong: 80 billionaires
4. Moscow: 79 billionaires
5. Shenzen: 68 billionaires
6. Shanghai: 64 billionaires
7. London: 63 billionaires
8. (tie) Mumbai: 48 billionaires
8. (tie) San Francisco: 48 billionaires
10. Hangzhou: 47 billionaires
By Jide N.
Candid home movie footage of Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip shows another side of the couple that the public never get to see, including shots of Prince Philip in swimming trunks.
One footage, taken on the Christmas of 1953, shows the young Queen and her husband off duty.
Queen Elizabeth sitting whild Prince Philip stands in his swimming trunks
It was shot by Patricia Norrie, the wife of the then Governor-General of New Zealand, Sir Willoughby Norrie, who was hosting the couple on the local leg of a seven-month Commonwealth tour.
The footage will feature in a fascinating documentary, The Queen Unseen, which will air tonight, April 8, on ITV1 at 9pm, marking the monarch’s 95th birthday later this month.
The video also sees the Duke of Edinburgh pulling the Norries’ daughter, ten-year-old Sarah Norris, along on the lilo.
Sarah, who now goes by Sarah Stephenson, narrates what happens in a trailer for the programme.
The trip had proved a gruelling one for the young monarch, who had been crowned earlier in the year, and she and Philip were said to have relished the chance for a little downtime.
According to Ms Stephenson, it was “terribly exciting” to have the royal party staying at their home with the rest of the family.
There’s also a clip of Prince Philip falling head-first into the water when he tries to get on the lilo.
In a 30-second preview clip released this morning, narrated by Mrs Stephenson, she said: “The Duke of Edinburgh is trying to get on this lilo, and he has to have several attempts.
“The royal couple knew that we were filming, and they didn’t seem to mind that we were. And the Queen also had an identical camera to my mother. She was also taking similar shots.
“That was the Queen’s smile, which my mum very cleverly caught. Great fun, we loved it.”
She said Father Christmas delivered presents from them to take home to their young children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
And Sir Willoughby and his wife even gave the Queen and Philip a stocking each – containing a dog’s lead for the Queen and a blue and white Wedgwood ashtray for Philip, which caused much amusement as it had his wife’s head on it.
According to Mrs Stephenson, Prince Philip tried several times to get on the lilo, but each time plunged into the pool roaring with laughter.
Always mindful of her public image, the Queen didn’t join in, but happily watched her husband from the patio, her own video camera in hand.
Mrs Stephenson said: “Well, it was terribly exciting to have the whole royal party staying in your home.
“There was one time actually, when my sister and I were taking our dogs for a walk and the Queen saw us and she said she wish she could come with us.
“Father Christmas was approaching with lots of presents for Prince Charles and Princess Anne, who were very young, they were in England, so it must have been very difficult for the Queen and the Duke to leave their children behind for such a long trip.
“My parents gave the Queen and the Duke a Christmas stocking each, and in the Queen’s stocking there was a dog lead, and in the Duke’s stocking there was a blue and white ash tray.
“And my father said, the Duke will be pleased because it’s got his wife’s head on it. He thought that was terribly funny.
“This was a private pool we took the royal party to on Christmas Day. There’s my father with the Queen.”
ITV’s The Queen Unseen features a host of rare home movie footage, hoping to shed new light on the Queen’s life.
Watch the video below.
By Jide N.
The woman who holds a record for having the longest fingernails in the world has cut off her nails.
Ayanna Williams, who lives in Houston, Texas, broke the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest fingernails in 2017, when they measured nearly 19 feet long.
She finally cut her nails over the weekend, after nearly 30 years of not cutting them.
Before getting them cut, she measured it one final time and it was 24 ft, 0.7 in.
It took her three to four bottles of nail polish and over 20 hours to do her manicure prior to cutting her nails.
Williams had her nails cut at a dermatology office in Fort Worth, Texas, where an electric rotary tool was used for her first nail cut since the early 1990s.
“With or without my nails, I will still be the queen,” Williams said, according to Guinness. “My nails don’t make me, I make my nails!”
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will display Williams’ trimmed nails at its museum in Orlando, Florida.
Williams said she plans to only grow her nails about six inches.
Because of her long nails, Williams was unable to do some activities, such as washing the dishes and putting sheets on a bed.
She said her new goal is to encourage the next history-making nail enthusiast to go for a Guiness World Records title.
After cutting her nails fot the first time in nearly 30 years
The record for the longest fingernails ever on a female still belongs to Lee Redmond, who started to grow them in 1979. They reached a length of 28 feet, but Redmond lost them in an automobile accident in 2009, according to Guinness World Records.
By Jide N.
For ten straight days, the UK’s Typhoon FGR4 fighter bombers unleashed deadly bombs on ISIS cave hideouts in Iraq according to a new report declassified by the UK government.
The bombers which are air-launched, stealth, cruise missile costing £790,000, flies at a subsonic 800 mph and can travel 300 miles, earning its name of a “stand-off” weapon.
The bombers are aimed at penetrating through rock or concrete, attacking airbases, radar installations and big port facilities.
The RAF operation was launched against the terror group in the Makhmur mountain region of northern Iraq, south west of the Kurdish capital city of Erbil.
This highly classified operation in northern Iraq killed dozens of ISIS terrorists while eating, weapons caches and a bomb-making hub were also destroyed.
According to reports by UK Mirror, the operation signals a shift in the UK’s military’s determination to try to wipe out IS’s ability to resurge .
Until now the operation – which was launched in late March and concluded earlier this month – could not be revealed, the Mirror reported.
The assault came after weeks of ground offensives launched by Iraqi special forces, which drove the militant fighters into their heavily protected underground tunnels.
Once the UK military noticed through drones that the terrorists we’re hidden in the caves, RAF commanders, along with American and French military, decided to launch the offensive.
A UK defence source told the Daily Mirror: “There has been a significant increase in ISIS activity in the region in recent months and this latest operation has set them back a great deal.
“Many of the ISIS middle-ranking personnel seemed to be becoming bolder and had begun to move around both in Iraq and Syria, gaining confidence in attacks.
“The continued operation shows that we are able severely to limit their ability to manoeuvre and transport weapons and explosives around the region.”
By Jide N.
A woman in her 60s was gagged and tied up in her own home and left for two days by a burglar who attacked her home during Easter.
The criminal forced his way into the victim’s home after asking her for a drink of water claiming he was thirsty from cycling.
Friends of the old woman were unable to contact her between Easter Sunday and Tuesday and then called police who broke into the victim’s home in Frittenden, Kent, and found her bound and gagged and unable to move.
On Wednesday night, April 7, a spokesman for Kent Police appealed for help in catching the burglar.
The police say the burglar made away with money and valuables.
A spokesperson said: “A woman aged in her 60s was assaulted during an ordeal in Staplehurst Road, Frittenden, after a man showed up at her home asking for water.
“It is reported that the victim was in her garden at around 6pm on Sunday when the suspect initially appeared at a fence.
“He claimed he had been cycling and asked for a drink but after being given a bottle of water jumped over the fence and forced the woman inside the property.
“It is alleged the suspect stole money and valuables and that the woman was assaulted. The victim was then restrained, before the suspect left.
“At around 7.30pm on Tuesday April 6, concerns were raised to police by people known to the victim, after they had been unable to contact her.
“Officers attended the address, which is located between junctions for Mill Lane and Cradducks Lane and they found the victim inside, still restrained. She was taken to hospital, where she is now recovering.
“An investigation is being led by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. The suspect is white, aged in his 20s to 30s, around 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build.
The victim has endured a harrowing and traumatic ordeal and we are appealing to members of the public to help us find the person responsible.”
“He was described as having a local accent and wearing black trainers, a black hooded top and black gloves with white markings on them. If you have any information call Kent Police.”
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said: “The victim has endured a harrowing and traumatic ordeal and we are appealing to members of the public to help us find the person responsible.
“If you saw anyone acting suspiciously please don’t hesitate to contact us.
“It is possible this man may have passed by other properties in the area and therefore we are also urging residents to check any CCTV or doorbell cameras for anything suspicious.
“If you were driving through this area you may also have important footage on dashcams.
“Please do check if you have these devices in your vehicle, as they could contain evidence vital to the investigation.”
By Jide N.
A Nigerian man, Ahmed Saka, has killed his ex-wife and two children after threatening he would kill her for walking out of their marriage.
According to reports, Saka and Mutiat lived in their home in the Shogoye area in Oyo State. Recently, Mutiat told Saka she was no longer interested in their relationship and will be leaving him for good. This infuriated Saka who threatened to kill her. True to his threat, on Wednesday night April 7, Saka set their home ablaze, killing Mutiat, two children, and injured four others with severe burns.
Apart from Mutiat and Saka, two children who lost their lives were identified as Ramon Sarumi (10) and Abiodun Oladele (seven). Those with severe burns include Bisola Oladele, Lateef Sarumi, Aishat Sarumi, and Wosilat Sarumi.
The matter was reported at Mapo police station by one of the neighbours, Olaide Aliu at about 5:10am. This led the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Mapo and other detectives to visit the scene. After taking photographs, the police operatives also evacuated the corpses from the scene to the mortuary of State Hospital, Adeoyo, Ibadan, for autopsy.
The injured ones were however taken to Anglican Diocese Hospital, Molete, for prompt medical treatment.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, CSP Olugbenga Fadeyi, said an investigation has commenced into the matter.
By Lucky B.
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has described first lady, Aisha Buhari, as a voice of conscience calling politicians to be their better selves.
Tinubu stated this while speaking at the public presentation of the biography of Mrs. Aisha at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today April 8. The book, “Aisha Buhari: Being different,” was written by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Women Affairs, Dr Hajo Sani.
Speaking as the chairman of the occasion, Tinubu said
“Given the First Lady’s achievement, no one can reasonably question the role of a First Lady any longer. Remember that there were those who argued that the constitution does not assign any official role to the First Lady. With Mrs Dr Aisha Buhari, their concerns have been forever laid to rest.
First lady has played an uplifting, unifying role both in symbol and substance. She has been a voice of conscience calling us to be of our better self for the good of the nation and for the vulnerable among us.”
The event has Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and many other top government officials in attendance.
By Lucky B.
Japanese doctors have performed what doctors say is the world’s first lung transplant from living donors to a recovered coronavirus patient after operating on a Japanese woman whose lungs were severely damaged by Covid-19.
According to Kyoto University Hospital in Japan, the woman underwent an 11-hour operation by a 30-strong medical team on Wednesday, April 7, to transplant lung tissue from her husband and son.
Covid-19 which can cause severe lung damage in some patients, has made some patients who recovered from the disease receive lung transplants as part of their recovery from the disease.
But the Kyoto hospital said this case was the first in which lung tissue had been transplanted from living donors to a Covid-19 patient.
Dr. Hiroshi Date, who led the operation, said it gave hope to patients suffering from severe lung damage from Covid-19.
“We demonstrated that we now have an option of lung transplants (from living donors),” he said at a Thursday news conference.
The patient, identified only as a woman from Japan’s western region of Kansai, contracted Covid-19 late in 2020, and spent months on a life support machine that worked as an artificial lung, according to Kyoto University Hospital.
Covid-19 caused so much damage to her lungs they were no longer functional, meaning she required a lung transplant to live.
The woman’s husband and son then offered to donate parts of their lungs.
Transplants from brain-dead donors are rare in Japan, and live donors are considered a better option, according to the hospital’s statement.
The husband and son are in a stable condition and the woman remains in intensive care. She’s expected to be able to leave the hospital in about two months, according to the hospital.
By Jide N.
Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth, has died at the age of 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who was married to Queen Elizabeth for 73 years, was said to be the monarch’s rock during her 69-year reign.
He spent his final days at Windsor Castle with his wife after a 28-night stay in hospital having been admitted in mid-February for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition.
Her Majesty announced her husband’s death at midday today, April 9.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
By Jide N.
Bayern Munich veteran defender, Jerome Boateng will leave the club in the summer after a decade at the club, the German club have confirmed.
The Germany international’s deal at the Allianz Arena runs out at the end of the season and he won’t be given a new contract, meaning he can sign for another club on a free transfer.
“Jerome’s contract expires in the summer. It will not be extended,” the club sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky in Germany
“That was a joint decision of the club management and the coach was also involved. I explained that to Jerome and he was very understanding. He leaves through a big door – hopefully with titles.”
Austria’s David Alaba will also leave Bayern in the summer upon the expiry of his contract to join Real Madrid.
Boateng has played 31 games for Bayern this season, scoring two goals for the Bundesliga leaders.
He originally signed for Bayern in 2011 from Manchester City and has won eight Bundesliga titles while also claiming the DFB-Pokal on five occasions. In addition, Boateng won two Champions League titles with the club and two Club World Cup titles.
By Jide N.
An item suspected to be an explosive has been found at the Union Primary School, Afaraukwu in Umuahia North LGA in Abia state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, disclosed this in a statement released today April 8. According to Kalu, the state government is currently working with relevant security agencies in the state to unravel the source and nature of the suspected explosive devices found at the Union Primary School, Afaraukwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
The statement reads
“Abia State Government is currently working with relevant security agencies in the state to unravel the source and nature of the suspected explosive devices found at Union Primary School, Afaraukwu in Umuahia North LGA.
While initial examination of the devices show evidence of corrosion leading to suspicion of the materials being relics of the civil war era, we are awaiting a definite official report from the EOD squad of the Nigeria Police who are currently investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, necessary measures have been taken to protect the pupils and staff of the school with security sweeps ongoing while the school is temporarily closed.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security agencies to embark on proactive checks in other vulnerable locations out of abundance of caution.
While we are grateful to God that there is no harm to life or property, we urge citizens and residents to continue to maintain vigilance and report suspicious situations to security agents.”
By Jide N.
The gunman who killed five people including a prominent doctor in South Carolina, has been identified as former NFL player Phillip Adams.
32-year-old Adams played for the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets in a five year career that began in 2010. He was drafted in the seventh round in 2010 by the 49ers. He also suffered multiple injuries in the NFL, including concussions and a broken left ankle.
It was learnt that after after the shooting, Adams was found by police in a home near the shooting site. After police surrounded the home, Adams is believed to have killed himself, law enforcement sources said.
The York County coroner’s office said Dr. Robert Lesslie, 70, and his wife, Barbara Lesslie, 69, were pronounced dead at the scene along with grandchildren Adah Lesslie, 9, and Noah Lesslie, 5.
A man who had been working at the home, James Lewis, 38, from Gaston, was found shot to death outside, and a sixth person was hospitalized with “serious gunshot wounds,” York County Sheriff’s Office’s spokesperson Trent Faris said.
According to the reports, there was a prior connection between Adams and the victims. The football player’s parents live in the area and Phillip had reportedly been previously treated by Dr. Robert Lesslie.
Officials have however not said what the motive was for Adams to target Robert Lesslie and Lesslie’s wife, two grandchildren, and two maintenance workers who were at the house.
By Jide N.
Five people including two children are dead following a shooting inside a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
The victims of the Wednesday evening, April 8, shooting near Rock Hill included a doctor, his wife, and their two grandchildren,the York County Sheriff’s Office said in a tweet.
Police were called to the scene following reports of a shooting at 4:45 p.m.
The York County coroner’s office said Dr. Robert Lesslie, 70, and his wife, Barbara Lesslie, 69, were pronounced dead at the scene along with grandchildren Adah Lesslie, 9, and Noah Lesslie, 5, as a result of gunshot wounds.
A fifth victim, James Lewis, 38, from Gaston, was found dead outside.
In addition to the five people who were killed, another person was transported to the hospital with “serious gunshot wounds,” said Faris, who described the incident as a mass shooting.
“This is a very tragic, tragic situation and the family does ask that you respect their privacy during this time,” Faris said.
“Dr. Lesslie has been one of those people that everybody knows. He started Riverview Medical Center in Rock Hill and it has been a staple in Rock Hill for years,” Faris said.
Lesslie was the founder of Riverview House Calls & Riverview Hospice and Palliative Care, according to its website, and had been practicing in Rock Hill since 1981. In a personal bio page, Lesslie says he and his wife had been married for 40 years, raised four children, and had nine grandchildren.
“In my spare time, I enjoy ?writing, golf, hunting, growing fruit and hops, and bagpiping,” the bio page says.
As for the suspect, Faris said: “We have found the person we believe is responsible and we are with them at this time.”
“That’s all I can say about that suspect,” the spokesman added.
The sheriff’s office said authorities found the suspect “in a nearby house. Detectives are still in the area serving a search warrant & investigating this tragic event.”
The investigation is ongoing.
By Jide N.
Cardi B’s daughter was pictured rocking her new designer assessories after her rapper mom spent more than $26,600 during a “crazy” designer shopping spree for the child.
Cardi went shopping for Kulture, 2, on Tuesday. After the shopping spree, Kulture posed with her new Dior handbag, Chanel earrings, lavish Chanel bow on her head and UGG boots in a collection of sweet snaps shared to Instagram on Wednesday, April 7.
The Dior quilted handbag cost $4,212 and the Chanel earrings cost $439.
The rapper, 28, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, captioned the photos with: “Made in Belcalis. @kulturekiari my girly cheetah girl.”
Cardi showcased seven handbags and a bracelet, worth more than £26,600, that she bought her two-year-old toddler during a shopping spree at Chanel and Dior.
“Oooh I went crazy shopping, all for Kulture though, nothing mine. All KK. What? God gave me a doll for a reason. I shop more for her [than] I do for myself!”Cardi said on Instagram.
By Jide N.
Barcelona forward, Antoine Griezmann and his wife, Erika Choperena have welcomed their third child together, a baby boy named Alba.
The France international, 30, took to his Instagram official page on Thursday, April 8, to announce the birth of his new child with the caption; “Alba 08.04.21 ”
Uniquely, Griezmann’s three children all share the same birthday. The Barcelona star’s eldest daughter Mía Griezmann was born on April 8, 2016, and brother Amaro Griezmann arrived on the same day in 2019.
By Jide N;
Brazilian superstar, Neymar has been banned for Paris Saint-Germain’s next two Ligue 1 matches, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has announced.
The Brazil international was sent off following an altercation with Lille defender Tiago Djalo, who was also dismissed during Ligue 1 clash last weekend.
Neymar was given two yellow cards, the second for a late push on Tiago Djalo, who was also dismissed. Neymar also tried to confront Djalo again in the hallway leading to the dressing rooms.
The duo were each handed three-match bans, with one of those games suspended.
Neymar will miss Saturday’s game at Strasbourg and the match against struggling Saint-Etienne on April 18.
Djalo, who was also dismissed for a second bookable offence after clashing with the PSG man, was given a one-match suspension. Both players had a further one-game ban suspended.
The defending champions sit three points behind new Ligue 1 leaders Lille with seven matches remaining.
By Usman O.
Meet the 40 year old Entrepreneur, a rose that grew from concrete – Mr. Ogundele, who built his company – Sujimoto Group, in few years into a Luxury Construction behemoth in Africa, focused on building extraordinary luxury edifices in premium neighbourhoods across Africa.
His look may be modest, but his ambitions are taller than the Burj Khalifa. With a current project portfolio of over $450 million, Mr. Ogundele is not slowing down anytime soon as he has risen above his current environ to start planning projects in the Middle East. Despite the economic barriers and challenges, the 40 year old entrepreneur keeps filling his glass with new and more challenging projects not only in Africa but also in Dubai, Miami and Turkey. As a superlative Entrepreneurat 40, we had a rare chance to seat in a chat with the young man from Agege, as he shares his journey with us.
Meet Sijibomi Ogundele, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Group
My name is Sijibomi Ogundele. I am the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction. We are based in Lagos, Nigeria.
I was born into a corporately dynamic family where my Father worked 9-5 as a Manager and my Mother was a full-time Entrepreneur.
I grew up on the streets of Agege and attended state owned Schools – Oko-Oba primary School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Model College and finally Anglia Ruskin for my Law Degree. As the son of a woman who happens to be a trader, I was nurtured within the walls of Oke-Arin market, which was filled with enterprising Igbo traders—and that influenced my passion for business.
I consider myself a multi-tribal Nigerian and multi-linguistic. I speak Hausa, Yoruba, French, Spanish, a little bit of Arabic and Japanese. I am a Pan-African and a global citizen!
I grew up in Oko-Oba, a neighbourhood where only 2 households had a generator set in a street with over 19 houses, so I made a decision that I was never going to be poor. Poverty has remained a major driver for me, I have always consciously driven myself to excel and surpass my last big success.
It is a landmark age, not many people make it to 40 but here I am, strong and healthy. I remain grateful to God for bringing me this far and for enabling me win the ovarian lottery in the first place. I am profoundly grateful to my mother who took time to nurture me and impacted in me life-changing principles that have brought me thus far,though I wasn’t born with a silver spoon but the mother God gave me is a diamond in the coal.
For me 40 is significant, because it is the end of one era and the beginning of another. Our parents gave birth to us and planned most of our first 20 years, then life plans the remaining 20 years. So for me, one of my greatest responsibilities is to take full charge of the next 40 years if God gives me the privilege.
40 to me means more expansion and diversification. This year, more than ever, I see my life taking shape and my vision taking direction. This new age gives me the opportunity to see the world as a marketplace and export my vision to all corners of the world because, what seems incomplete has now become abundant, the sky is the starting point for us at Sujimoto.
Success is not served a la carte, it is a buffet! You have to go for it!Coming from an influential family or having the right connection with people at the top is not a bad recipe for success, but it is not a guarantee!
I was not born with a silver spoon! In fact, I had no spoon at all! But my mother always say to me that if I should go to school, work hard, and stay committed, I would be able to build a successful business.
Life has taught me that your location does not determine your allocation and the only remedy for success is hard work and an annoying spirit of never-giving-up!
Firstly, I will say winning an ovarian lottery and been born by a champion like Idayat Adebukola. My mum wakes up by 4am, sleeps by 10pm and on weekends you will see her working, calculating and counting her goods. Also, growing up in a business environment like Oke-Arin which was dominated by Igbo traders, helped shape my interest in entrepreneurship and my drive for success.
Growing up and supporting my mother in the busy market greatly influenced by passion and interest in business. There, I watched my mother move from being a small trader to become a major distributor for Nestle. Through the exposure to open market principles, I learnt some vital business lessons such as Integrity, Negotiation, Hard work and a Passion for what you do.
I also learnt the art of persuasion from my mother because to her, NO means nothing. She has a unique ability to persuade customers to patronize her and as a result, I learnt that anything I set my mind to do, I can achieve it. She also taught me that my growth or stagnation in life is dependent on my capacity to dream big or small.
Poverty and the desire to make an impact. Acquiring wealth is ultimate but for me when your neighbour is hungry, of course, your chicken is not safe. So, a rich man in the midst of the poor is also poor and has been enslaved with mental poverty.At the tender age of 5, my mother would wake us up very early in the morning while my mates are sleeping and she would say to me: “Ajaniogun wakeup, wake up! Ise l’ogun ise” meaning Ajaniogun, wake up, wake up! Hard work is the cure for poverty.During the holidays, while my friends were busy playing Nintendo and going on holidays, I would have to resume work at my mum’s shop in Oke-Arin, gradually learning the ropes and charting the path for my future! My mother’s words have been my driving force!
Value creation also drives. Nobody likes anyone who doesn’t give them value. If you are my brother and you are not adding value to me, I am not ready to do business with you. Though I grew up in Oke-Arin and in the slums of Agege, I have travelled to over 40 countries. I have had the privilege of staying in some of the best hotels, experienced exceptional customer service and have seen some of the best architectural structures. This exposure has consciously elevated my standards and expectations in life. This is why when I go anywhere and things are not done up to the highest standard, I can’t resist voicing my discontent, and in most cases, I refuse to pay the bill for mediocrity!
Regrets? None! I see every event in my life as an opportunity for learning and improvement. Every setback has been a strategic way of God setting me up for greater opportunities.
Sujimoto is built out of the abundance of vision to set a new paradigm in luxury real estate. We studied projects from France to Italy, Dubai to New York and we decided to beat the best. Our vision for the next 10 years is to remarkably rebuild and turn Nigeria into a world-class country when it comes to luxury edifices. We are holding this vision dearly and working on it firmly.
I always say that we shall lower our standard for no man and I mean it. This means that from foundation to chandelier, compromising quality is not an option. When we started Sujimoto, we founded it on 2 fundamental principles, Integrity and Quality. Combining these 2 philosophies, we know that the sky is the limit.
I learnt from watching inspirational videos that if you want to go far in life and business, avoid bureaucracy as much as possible! Pull down every stronghold of bureaucracy before it pulls your business down! At Sujimoto, we like to describe our decision making system as a speed boat rather than a ship. This is because while a speed boat is capable of making quick and swift turns, a ship on the other hand is incapable of such flexibility. Swift decision making in 21st century workplace can be the difference between whether a business succeeds or ceases to exist!The choice is yours!
There are two days that are memorable in my life; the first was the day I left Zaria to Lagos because I was missing my Mum. I was only 7 years old. That decision changed my life forever. All my siblings were in the North, but the love I have for my mother made me board the bus. After school, my mother had no other choice but to take me to the market with her. What looked like a punishment then was a business apprenticeship that shaped my destiny forever.
The second was the day I left Nigeria in search of greener pastures. I was only 16 years old. It is memorable because that experience opened me up to the world and shaped my view and perspective about life, my experience and introduction to luxury.
About 6 years ago, I declared my intention to redefine luxury living in Africa, starting from Lagos. We started with just 6 staff members and 1 project, but today, we have numerous projects all in Lagos, Abuja and Dubai.
We are taking Abuja by storm with a Luxury Residential Tower- QueenAminaBySujimoto – the tallest residential building in the North; Sujimoto Diamond City (SDC), a 38,000m² development in the middle of Victoria Island and the S-Hotel. We are also looking at developing a new estate of 520 exceptional luxury villas. We also have a world-class 6-in-1 Mall coming up in the heart of Ikoyi; and our Sujimoto Dubai Project! All set to launch officially in 2021!
We have built our team from 6 staff to over 200 professionals comprising a team of International and local experts, over 100 skilled individuals, putting in approximately 584,000 hours of hard work annually!
We have adopted a client-oriented customer addiction perspective to feed the ever evolving appetite of our clients, putting integrity, value creation over profit maximization. We’ve made Home Automation the minimum standard for luxury development and brought the immersive experience of an IMAX Cinema to the comfort of customers’ homes.
Above all, we have added value to customers, developed and changed the lives of our staffs, and as a brand, we have grown from an Iroko tree to becoming a forest.
I started Sujimoto Construction in Nigeria over 6 years ago and it has been the most difficult period of my life. Since I wasn’t born with a silver spoon, I had to prove myself 3 times over, work harder 3 times, and keep proving myself over and over again. Life will always challenge you but as a man, you must be courageous. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability transform your challenges into opportunities.
I remember when we had challenges with the Lorenzo Project as a result of the recession and the crumbling economy, people said nasty things about us because we were bold and audacious enough to challenge the norm with our BIG dreams! Sujimoto would have been a thing of the past if we didn’t persevere and see every disappointment as an opportunity! So, while it is good to have big dreams, ensure your passion is twice as big because life will test you. When the chips are down, the bills are not paid, and the salaries are due, the only thing that will keep you going is the genuine love and the passion you have for what you do.
Let me take you on a journey. Year 2016 and 2017 were probably the most difficult and challenging periods of my life. I had conceived and developed the biggest project of my life, over $90 million to build the tallest residential building in Sub-Saharan Africa – the LorenzoBySujimoto. I invested all my money, time and passion into this project.
Unfortunately for me, as a result of the economy downturn, my Saudi Investors pulled out. The economy was so bad and things became very tough. I had to refund over 450 million to off-takers, out of 11 off-takers, I will never forget 3 of our off-takers who said “go ahead, we are with you,” especially Dr. Greg. On the verge of almost giving up, I visited him crying and he told me his own story, and encouraged me to move on. Immediately after that meeting, I reassessed my plans, reviewed all my decisions, identified my pain-point and made the much-needed adjustment.
The media was on my back, critics kept saying (we told you he couldn’t do it), Riding on the wings of criticism and media backlash, I found courage again and conceived the GiulianoBySujimoto project in Banana Island. 20 Months after, the Giuliano has metamorphosed from a proof of concept into a proof of product! It is home to music entrepreneur, Davido, and wasfully sold-out 6 Months before completion.
Many said all sorts of negative things about us, but today, we are building 6 of the most audacious projects in the whole of Nigeria – the LucreziaBySujimoto in Banana Island; Leonardo in Banana Island; Giovanni in Ikoyi; The HQ in Ikoyi; The S-Hotel Ikoyi and QueenAminaBySujimoto Abuja! Not to talk about our Sujimoto tower in Dubai, a 44 story building.
These are incredibly challenging projects that will revamp all sense of mediocrity in the luxury real estate industry, and we plan to complete all this projects before the end of 2023, some of them will be completed next year!
It was forced on me by a friend who is from the royal family. Every time I saw reasons not too, he gave me several reasons to start thinking global. It was during the pandemic lockdown that I made numerous interviews on my vision and my dreams, Abdulaziz called me and told me about a 6500m² land in the corner of Downtown, and we ended up speaking for almost 2 hours on the phone. The Sujimoto tower is in the making and we are optimistic about launching it before October.
Unlike here in Lagos, anything below 40 floors cannot be constructed in Downtown, Dubai, so we are raising 44 floors of ultra-luxurious residences, hotels suites and top notch retail outlets. We are currently in talks with Four Seasons and Baccarat for the hotels, and other Luxury retail brands like Graff Private, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Vertu and many others. We hope to have tip top restaurants like Cipriani, Nusret and lots more. The Sujimoto tower will be the first African tower in the middle of Dubai, and the Middle East. It’s a project I’m extremely excited about because we have received a lot of support from our clients.
First and foremost, Integrity is a must have! It is the currency of my business – saying what you mean and meaning what you say. On many occasions, when I say something, I make sure I uphold that promise, even if it results in a loss, we will take it as a debt of integrity.
For us at Sujimoto,quality is our business, and our model is entrenched in diligence. We always think about how we could do things faster, better and cheaper. We think customers first, employees second and myself third.
The coming years will be a very busy year for us at Sujimoto; aside from residential real estate, and our intention to take the Sujimoto brand to the capital of Luxury– Dubai, Sujimoto is divesting from Residential Projects with 80% of our real estate interest into Commercial Projects and there are 3 major projects in the pipeline already!
First is a luxury hotel brand called the ‘S-Hotel’ – an African-inspired luxury hotel that borrows from the unique design and exceptional service offered by the Four Seasons franchise. Our intention with this is to bring Sujimoto’s Exceptional Hospitality to every major city in Africa and other parts of the world, reinforcing the notion of African hospitality with a mixture of 21st century luxury experiences, making exceptional customer addiction our foundation. At the S-Hotel, we are our client’s maid.
The same passion with which we have redefined luxury living in Nigeria, is the same passion we are bringing into the Nigerian Hospitality and Commercial space. We have toured some of the best hotels in the world such as the Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai, the Baccarat Hotel in New York City, and the Dorchester Hotel in London, what we intend to do with the S-Hotel will be phenomenal!
We are also building a world-class Plaza – first of its kind, in Ikoyi and Abuja, with a 2022 projection for completion. This 6-in-1 Plaza by Sujimoto is a contemporary one-stop-shop retail and hospitality center, featuring innovative state-of-the-art equipment, rooftop lounge, and bar, premium restaurants, world-class gym, retail shops and other premium features. Upon completion, each project would be valued at approximately N67 billion, with a combined rental income of about N11 billion annually.
By 2030, we hope to have completed 80 different malls, hotels and residences, which has an estimated portfolio worth over $10 billion.
I am exporting the Sujimoto brand abroad because we can’t become a giant by playing in the local league. It’s time to step up and move up! It’s also a wakeup call for me that the world is still ready for big dreamers and that there is still power in the audacity to dream big.
It may be right to say that the Nigerian economy is challenged, but not poor. We have the largest economy in Africa by GDP, we are the most populous country in Africa with 12% of the total 1.2 billion population of the continent, and we are the 7th most populous country in the world. A country with this amount of positive data cannot be described as being a poor country.
For me, I don’t see challenges but opportunities, its ok to blame government or the banking system and many other excuses but you see I’m a bricklayer; I don’t have the luxury to complain. Where people see land, I see bricks and mortar. At Sujimoto we are determined to keep sharing the positive stories of our success to encourage everyone and motivate every business to see the opportunity in our dear nation. PDP or APC, we have no preference, our only political affiliation is to Nigeria as a nation.
Nigeria is blessed with an incredible amount of youthful and talented individuals, but permit me to say that the biggest issue with this generation is the entitlement mentality. No one owes us anything but ourselves. If we don’t make a sacrifice for whatever we want in life, what we want will become the sacrifice.
The bar for opportunities can’t be set so low. This is a country that has produced the richest black man in the world, Aliko Dangote, I have always said to the youths and in my previous interviews that lack of vision is proof of mental bankruptcy.
I have travelled all over the world and trust me when I say that Nigeria is the biggest ground for uncommon opportunities. This same opportunity is what brings foreigners to our land and make them billionaires. Nigeria is the only land where the Lebanese man starts off as a Trader and becomes an Industrialist; or the Indian starts as a Storekeeper and becomes a Manufacturer.
In Nigeria’s super-fast, hyper-competitive environment, success isn’t necessarily determined by your background but your backbone. As a matter of fact, success is not served a la carte. It’s a buffet! The universe responds to innovation and inventions, not mere intentions and complains. I tell myself every day, that if the Coscharis, the Adenugas, the Dangotes and Alakijas can do it, I too can!
Readers are leaders! It’s been proven that reading two hours a day, which is 730 hours a year and 1,460 hours in two years; is almost an equivalent to earning a Ph.D. There’s no billionaire by mistake! If you see someone doing exceptionally well in any industry, invest your envy in studying him, not in trying to bring him down.
Don’t forget, the only person that can determine your tomorrow is the Almighty God, so don’t allow anyone use bread to lick your soup.
By Jide N.
