Whites slam Oprah Winfrey for saying white Americans ‘use whiteness as a weapon’

August 22, 2020

White people on social media have blasted billionaire TV host and media entrepreneur, Oprah Winfrey after she said white Americans use their “whiteness as a weapon”.

Oprah speaking during an episode of her Apple TV+ show titled “How to Be An Antiracist”, opined that whites use whiteness as a weapon as she narrated how Amy Cooper called the cops on a black person, Christian Cooper watching birds in New York’s Central Park in May this year.

Cooper, who is white, and coincidentally bares same surname as the man that was watching birds, complained to police that an “African American man is threatening my life” after he asked her to control her dog.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said in a statement last month that his office had charged Cooper with falsely reporting the confrontation, a misdemeanor. She was ordered to appear in court on Oct. 14.

Cooper later lost her job with an investment management company and apologized to Christian Cooper.

“That [incident] brought to life, I think, this idea of using whiteness as a weapon,” Oprah said to her five white guests on her show.

Oprah went on to call Cooper a “great teacher” as the incident has started a discussion about when ‘people might not have seen whiteness as a weapon before’.

A white female guest on the episode admitted to Oprah that she had “racist thoughts” about a black man when walking in the park and asked Oprah why she felt that way.

Oprah responded that everything in her world told her that when she sees a black man “danger, danger, danger.”

Oprah told the woman that her world is “television, news, society, the world.”

“A lot of White people still don’t get why they’re considered White privileged, because they’re — particularly middle class and working-class White people say, ‘Look, I don’t have any privilege, because I have to work as hard as anybody,’ you know, they don’t understand that the Whiteness itself gets you through life in ways that Blackness cannot,” Winfrey said.

Oprah acknowledged that “there are white people who are not as powerful as the system of white people — the caste system that’s been put in place.”

But, she said that white people, “no matter where they are on the rung or ladder of success, they still have their whiteness.”

White people on social media did not take Oprah Winfrey’s comment very nicely, with a lot of Twitter users calling her out for her billionaire status.

“Oprah says that I don’t understand that my whiteness itself gets me through life in ways that blackness cannot,” a Twitter user wrote

“If being black causes soooo many problems, how did she become a billionaire?? How did Obama become President? Liberal logic baffles me…”

Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas and Trump supporter, tweeted: “Billionaire Oprah lectures the rest of us.”

“’You still have your whiteness. That’s what the term ‘white privilege’ is. It means that whiteness still gives you an advantage, no matter.’

“What utter, racist BS.”

See some twitter reactions below.

Source: Lucky B.

CAN kicks against recently signed Company and Allied Matters CAMA law

August 22, 2020

The Christians Association of Nigeria CAN, has rejected the newly amended Company and Allied Matters Law, CAMA, which was signed into law on August 7th by President Buhari. The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, said the law is satanic, unacceptable, ungodly, and reprehensible.

The bill passed by the National Assembly, replaced the 1990 CAMA.

In a statement signed and released by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant, (Media &Communications) to the CAN President, the umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria, he explained that the CAMA law “would snuff life out of the church and rank the church as a secular institution under secular control”.

The Christian body described sections 839(1) and (2) as of the law which empowers the supervising Minister “to suspend trustees of an association (in this case, the church) and appoint the interim managers to manage the affairs of the association for some given reasons” as “satanic”. The group argued that the government has no business controlling the affairs of a church when it does not contribute financially to the church.

The statement in part reads

“The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) rejects out rightly the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 that was assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari recently.
“By implications, he has repealed the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 (1). The law, to say the least is unacceptable, ungodly, reprehensible and an ill-wind that blows no one any good. It is a time bomb waiting to explode.
We recall that during the First Term of the President, there was a Public Hearing conducted by the National Assembly on the Non- Governmental Organisations Bill tagged ‘Bill for an Act To Provide For The Establishment Of The Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Commission For The Supervision, Co-ordination And Monitoring Of Non Governmental Organizations’ which was attended by CAN and many NGOs.
At the Public Hearing, the Bill that sought to bring the religious organizations and NGOs under the control and influence of the government was totally rejected because it would snuff life out of the church and rank the church as a secular institution under secular control.
We thought it was all over until we heard of the CAMA that was assented to by the President, making the rejected bill a law. The satanic section of the controversial and ungodly law is Section 839 (1) &(2) which empowers the Commission to suspend trustees of an association (in this case, the church) and appoint the interim managers to manage the affairs of the association for some given reasons.”

The association stated that it was not against the fight against corruption but that it rejects the idea of bringing the church under the control of the government.

“While we are not against the government fighting corruption wherever it may be found, we completely reject the idea of bringing the Church, which is technically grouped among the NGOs, under control of the government. The Church cannot be controlled by the government because of its spiritual responsibilities and obligations.”

The Christian body called on the President to halt the implementation of the section of the law

“This is why we are calling on the Federal government to stop the implementation of the obnoxious and ungodly law until the religious institutions are exempted from it. We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently return the law to the National Assembly for immediate amendment.
Nigeria should not be compared with any other nation when it comes to the relationship between the religious institutions and the government. In Nigeria, people’s religions are tied to their humanity and of course, their life.
How can the government sack the trustee of a church which it contributed no dime to establish? How can a secular and political minister be the final authority on the affairs and management of another institution which is not political? For example, how can a non-Christian head of Government Ministry be the one to determine the running of the church? It is an invitation to trouble that the government does not have power to manage.
Let the government face the business of providing infrastructure for the people. Let them focus on better health provision, food, education, adequate security employment, etc. The government should not be a busy body in a matter that does not belong to it.
The government does not have the technical expertise to run the church of God because of its spiritual nature.
If the government is bent on imposing a law on us which the entire Church in Nigeria is against, then, they have declared war on Christianity and the agenda to destroy the Church which we have spoken against before now is coming to the open more clearly.
If you cannot give us good amenities of life, we would not allow you to take away our liberty to worship our Maker. What good thing again will you not take away from the people in the name of being in power? Are we not running a democracy which is a government of the people by the people and for the people? Is this not gradually becoming a dictatorship or what was the essence of the Public Hearing you called us to when you had made up your mind not to consider the position of Christians at all which we presented during the Public Hearing?
“We call on all well meaning Nigerians to ask the Federal Government to suspend the law because we do not need it in this nation”, the statement read in part.

Popular clergyman, Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church has also kicked against the law. Read here.

Source: Kingsley U.

See $200M Philipp Plein is building in Los Angeles

August 22, 2020

Famous fashion designer, Philipp Plein is building his dream mansion in Bel Air, Los Angeles.

The 42-year-old is building a $200 million Chateau Falcon View on the 3.6 acres of land he purchased in 2014. The land was originally owned by late American business magnate, Howard Hughes.

Sharing photos of the property, Philipp Plein wrote: ‘BUILDING THE 200 MILLION DOLLAR CHATEAU FALCON VIEW ON 3.6 acres IN BEL AIR, LOS ANGELES @chateaufalconview ! It all started with a dream when I was 16 ! 26 years later I can see the dream come true !!!! THIS LAND WAS PURCHASED BY ME 2014 ! Originally it was once owned by the legendary MULTIBILLIONAIRE Howard Hughes ! LEGENDARY ENTREPRENEUR, FILMMAKER, AVIATOR AND PLAYBOY ! IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF HOWARD WATCH THE HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER ABOUT HIS LIFE “THE AVIATOR”!.’

See more photos below.

See photos of $200 million mansion Philipp Plein is building in Bel Air, Los Angeles?

Source: Jide N.

Couple had sex in empty cinema, the security video goes viral (+18 )

August 22, 2020

A couple was caught on camera having sex in the front row of a newly-opened cinema.

Security footage from what is said to be a UK cinema was shared to Twitter, where it has since gone viral.

In the video, the woman, who is naked from her waist down appears to straddle her lover as he sat on a cinema seat. They then get down to business, seemingly oblivious to the CCTV system above.

The video was shared with the caption: “Who does this and you people don’t think you’ll get caught. We check the cameras darlin!!!”

Watch the video below.

You know how horny you gotta be to have sex in the FRONT ROW OF A CINEMA https://t.co/LziriuEiTK
— GO STREAM TOBEYWORLD2 (@tobeyworld) August 18, 2020

Source: Jide N.

M.Ballack undergoes secret operation to remove tumour on his back

August 22, 2020

Former Chelsea midfielder, Michael Ballack has undergone an operation to remove a tumour from his back.

According to Bild, the ex-Germany international had a growth discovered on his body during an MRI examination by doctors. He immediately underwent surgery in Hanover to remove the tumour from near his spinal cord during the lockdown.

Laboratory examinations recently cleared Ballack of any fears that the growth was cancerous, with results showing the tumour was benign.

The 43-year-old is said to be recovering on holiday in Portugal, where he is watching his former team Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Ballack who hung up his boots eight years ago, earned 98 caps for his country and inspired them to the final of the World Cup in 2002.

He spent four years at Bayern Munich before moving to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in 2006. The legendary midfielder won two FA Cups and a single Premier League title with Chelsea.

Source: Murtala D.

Police ask for public assistance to identify troublesome goats

August 22, 2020

Police officers are on the look out for anyone with information about a set of goats that ‘hijacked a police car in broad daylight’.

In the words of the Isle of White, UK police officers, they are in the hunt for some badly behaved ‘kids’ who damaged their vehicle and are appealing for witnesses.

According to police, the goats were pictured standing on top the police vehicle near Newport on Wednesday afternoon August 19, as Police had been called to the area after an unexploded bomb from World War II was discovered.

The police called the Royal Navy Explosives Team, travelled from Portsmouth to help destroy the unexploded bomb.

The officers, after detonating the bomb then returned to their car only to find their car damaged by the ‘hooligans’.

The police is now asking if anyone can recognize the goats from the picture.

A police statement published in the police department’s official Facebook page said: ‘In a field on the outskirts of Newport what turned out to be an unexploded mortar from the second world war was discovered that needed making safe.

‘Our colleagues from the Royal Navy Explosives Team came across and ‘made it safe’.

‘Unfortunately whilst there a couple of “kids” caused damage to one of our police vehicles. If you recognise the offenders from the photo please let us know…’

Source: Lucky B.

Scott Disick, 37, and Sofia Richie, 21, officially split for good

August 22, 2020

Scott Disick, 37 and Sofia Richie, 22 have officially split for good.

According to TMZ, the pair went their separate ways recently after trying for months to work out their differences. It was added they are no longer on speaking terms at the moment.

Sofia first split from Scott in May after a three-year relationship, but they reunited on the Fourth of July. It has now been reported that the pair have gone their separate ways for good.

As for reason for the split, insiders say the 15-year age difference between the pair and Scott’s commitments to his family got in the way.

The site also noted that Scott is ‘seeking a quieter lifestyle to focus on his business ventures … and it didn’t mesh well with Sofia’s life.’

There are reports that the reality star is trying to get back with his ex-partner, Kourtney Kardashian, who is the mother of his three children, Mason, 10, Penelope, 8, and Reign, 5.

Scott and Kourtney, 41, were recently on holiday together in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, along with some of their celebrity friends.

Source: Jide N.

Atleast: Blue-eyed Kwara woman makes peace with her husband

August 22, 2020

Blue-eyed Kwara woman, Risikat Azeez, appears to have made peace with her husband, Wasiu Omo-Dada, as they teamed up for a lovely photo shoot recently.

Riskiat went viral a few weeks ago after a Twitter user shared her story online. Risikat in an interview said her husband walked out on her and their daughters because of their blue-eyes.

The husband however granted another interview where he denied abandoning them because of the color of their eyes. The first lady of Kwara state, Olufolake Abdulrasaq, last week revealed that Risikat has asked to be reunited with her husband.

All appears to be well with them now as the couple teamed up and made some beautiful photos. See more of the photos below

Blue-eyed Kwara woman makes peace with her husband as they team up for a lovely photo shoot

Source: Francisca C.

40-ft container of Tramadol intercepted in Lagos

August 22, 2020

A 40-ft container loaded with Tramadol and other banned medicines has been intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Brawal Terminal in Lagos.

NDLEA Chairman, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (Retd) confirmed the interception and further revealed that the drug which is one of the banned medicines in the country was taken to a bonded terminal in Apapa.

A joint examination revealed 255 cartons of different types of Tramadol and other banned medicines.

A statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Jonah Achema, read;

“Police detectives in Apapa Area Command of Lagos State intercepted a 40-foot container laden with drugs suspected to be Tramadol and codeine on August 6.
“The container was intercepted on water and taken to a bonded terminal in Apapa.
“NDLEA’s investigation further revealed another 40-foot container. This joint examination revealed 255 cartons of different types of Tramadol and other banned medicines.
“The NDLEA investigation further revealed that the Tramadol is manufactured in Pakistan which is a new discovery to the agency because previous Tramadol was manufactured in India.
“This is of global interest. Drug trafficking is one of the vices fueling insecurity across the country.
“Abdallah observes that this investigation is a major breakthrough for the agency revealing the new route for movement of Tramadol into Nigeria which is from Pakistan via Europe (Hamburg) to Nigeria.”
Source: Kingsley U.

British DJ, Yuen spanked 24 times for drug offences in Singapore

August 22, 2020

A British DJ has been flogged naked in Singapore for drugs offences despite calls for leniency from Home Secretary Priti Patel and ex-foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Yuen Ye Ming, a London-born, Singapore-based drum and bass DJ was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and 24 strokes of the cane on two sets of charges of trafficking, possession, and consumption.

On Wednesday, August 19, he was strapped to a large wooden trestle before being caned 24 times in the city-state’s Changi Prison

Update: British DJ, Yuen Ye Ming caned 24 times for drug offences?in Singapore

The brutal punishment was carried out a week after Yuen lost his final appeal against the sentence.

Last night the Foreign Office condemned the decision to lash his bare buttocks with a 4ft rattan cane.

Yuen’s sister Elysia Yuen, 32, said: ‘I am amazed that Ming, who’d been so scared, had the physical and mental capacity to get through 24 strokes in one go. [We were] told Ming was very strong during the caning and afterwards too.

‘Ming knows what he did was wrong and deserved to be punished. We know it’s a different country with different laws and you should respect those laws, but isn’t a 20-year prison sentence punishment enough?’

In a statement, the British High Commission in Singapore said: ‘The UK strongly opposes corporal punishment in all circumstances and condemns its use in this case.’

Yuen was first arrested on Aug 5, 2016, at a River Valley condominium and found to be carrying drugs. Investigations later revealed that he was selling drugs to fund his lavish lifestyle and repay his gambling debts.

At the time of his arrest, he was originally facing the death penalty, but the capital charge was dropped because the net weight of cannabis he was carrying was below the death penalty limit of 500 grams (17.64 ounces) under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

On Jan 17, 2018, he pleaded guilty to trafficking, possession, and consumption charges, and the case was adjourned for sentencing.

While out on bail, Yuen was arrested on Feb 20, 2018, and charged with a second set of trafficking, possession, and consumption offences. He pleaded guilty to four of the 12 charges on July 18, 2018.

On Aug 1, 2018, he was sentenced to a total of 20 years’ imprisonment and the maximum 24 strokes of the cane by a district judge.

Source: Hajia R.

Man knocked unconscious during argument over face masks (video)

August 22, 2020

A man was knocked out during an argument about face masks at a London railway station.

William (not his real name) was punched by a fellow passenger at Clapham Junction and required hospital treatment for a severe laceration and stitches for a head wound.

William, who was with a friend, had been arguing with South Western Railway staff by the ticket barrier because one member was not wearing a mask.

Footage taken by the friend shows a white man in a grey hoodie pushing a pram past the heated exchange. He had a child with him and was also not wearing a mask.

William is heard saying, ‘you’re not wearing one either.’

In response, the man turns around and walks away from his pram shouting “don’t f***ing start on me” and punches William, knocking him to the floor unconscious.

The man quickly leaves the area with his pram and child, while William is seen bleeding on the ground.

A member of rail staff is heard saying: “I told you both to go didn’t I?”

William has recovered now.

South Western Railway said the member of staff who was not wearing a mask had a medical exemption.

Watch the video below.

Source: Kingsley U.

Dele Momodu pledges to provide palliatives to affected Nigerian traders

August 22, 2020

Journalist and chairman of Ovation Media group, Dele Momodu, has reacted to the recent closure of some shops owned by Nigerian businessmen and women in Ghana by some Ghanaian authorities.

In a statement released, Momodu said the closure of shops of Nigerians in an African country makes a mess of the Black Lives Matter campaign which has engulfed the world in recent times. He pledge to give palliatives for the displaced Nigerian businessmen and women in the spirit of brotherliness. He called on all well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the affected traders.

Read his statement below

“I note with sadness the viral videos of Nigerian investors being flogged and thrown out of their shops in Ghana. As an avowed pan-Africanist and a fanatical disciple of former Ghanaian President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, I have become traumatized about the future of Africa. The Osagyefo must be seething with anger and rage in his grave, if he could see how Africans are treating themselves at this time and age.
“Just imagine that this is coming at a momentous period when the world is campaigning that BLACK LIVES MATTER, but Nigerians are being kicked around like football by our closest Brothers and friends. And what is the excuse for this act? An incredibly brutal “Law” which stipulates that foreign small-scale traders must invest $1 million in the Ghanaian economy. How many companies in the world started business with such a stupendous amount? If the Europeans and Americans had promulgated such Laws against Nigerians and Ghanaians living abroad, many of us would have accused them of racism and discrimination. What is worse, some of these traders actually have their valid papers and registered long before the coming of this atrocious requirement by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, but the Law enforcers blatantly refused to listen to the cries of these hardworking but hapless traders.
“Another excuse is that they claimed Nigeria shut its borders against neighboring countries. While I agree that the decision to shut our borders is regrettable, this has nothing to do with Ghana. No Ghanaian has been asked not to do business in Nigeria. No Ghanaian has been asked to invest any compulsory amount of money before setting up shops in Nigeria. We make immigrants totally welcome here. I once intervened on behalf of a Ghanaian couple when their factory was going to be demolished amongst some illegal structures in Agbara Estate. I had to call the then Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who exempted the Ghanaians on the compassionate grounds that they were Ghanaian investors in Nigeria.
Nigerians and Ghanaians have been too interwoven and inter-marrying for ages, including the current President of Ghana, the great Nana Akufo-Addo who was once an in-law of Nigeria. His cousin, Adelaide Ofori-Atta, was married to Chief Sammy Oluseun Olagbaju, a prominent Nigerian Businessman who died in 2016. Myma Adwowa Belo-Osagie, Princess Abba Folawiyo, Mrs Edith Korantema Koranteng Fajemirokun, are amongst many Ghanaian women married to prominent Nigerian families.
My personal love for Ghana, and respect for Ghanaians, has never been in doubt. I have been the Chief Promoter of Ghana to the world in the past 25 years. I once worked closely with The Hon. Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, of blessed memory, Ghana’s Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations in the cabinet of President John Agyekum Kufuor. Ovation International magazine was instrumental in showcasing the pristine beauty of Ghana to a global audience at the time. Many Nigerian companies started expanding their operations to Ghana, based on the positive stories we sold to the world, especially Nigeria. Today, Nigerians control huge investments in Banking, Oil & Gas, Telecommunications, Real Estate, Retail, Entertainment, Education, Hospitality, Tourism, Medicals, Aviation, Shipping, Transportation, Textiles, Churches, etc.
I’m saddened that all our efforts of those days are about to be wasted by this latest imbroglio.
“I have reached out, and obtained the full names and phone contacts of the Nigerian traders mostly affected by this unfortunate and unnecessary incidents. Each of them will receive my humble widow’s mite, with no strings attached and no political motives whatsoever. My motivation is just the fact that we should be our Brother’s keepers at all times.
I implore men and women of good conscience to stand up and intervene speedily in this matter. God bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria and The Republic of Ghana.”
LIST OF NIGERIAN TRADERS AFFECTED BY THE FORCEFUL CLOSURE OF SHOPS IN ACCRA, GHANA
1. CHUKWUEMEKA IHEJIRIKA
2 PAUL OKECHUKWU
3 JUSTINE IKECHUKWU NWACHUKWU
4 BLESSING UGWUOKE
5 CHINEDU MBANUGO VALENTINE
6 LOVETH CHUKWUEMEKA
7 JOHNSON ARINZE
8 PAULINK GLOBAL DIGITAL
9 GODWIN OGBU FRANCIS
10 SAMSON ANAYOANIAWA
11 TITUS EZEMA UGWOKE
12 TONY IZUCHUKWU ANYAEGBU
13 UGOCHUKWU UCHENNA ONUOHA
14 CHIKWENDU IKE NDUBUISI
15 IBEH KINGSLEY
16 DAVID IKECHUKWU MUANYA
17 AUGUSTINE EKWOH
18 OLIVER OMEKE
19 OKAAH OBURUZO
20 JONAS UGWOKE UGWUOGO
21 OBINNA LUCKY
22 EZE VICTOR CHINEDU
23 STANLEY UMEALAEKWE
24 IGBONAJU DESMOND
25 OKEKE NELSON
26 UGWOE ERNEST
27 ANI EMEKA SOLOMON
28 CHUKWUEMEKA T. P ONYEKAONWU
29 GOODLUCK MADUABUCHI OKWARA
30 OKECHUKWU SAMUEL
31 CHRISTOPHER UBANATU
32 INNOCENT UDE
33 CHINEDU DESMOND NWABURUEBU
34 KINGSLEY EJIKE MBADIWE
35 OKECHUKWU IFEAKANWA
36 BENJAMIN ONAH
37 TOCHUKWU JULIUS EZEH
38 UGWU ALPHONSUS IFEANYI
39 AMAKA VICTORIA
40 OHAYI CHIGBOGU PAUL
41 TITUS CHINASA
42 OLISA ADINDU KINGSLEY
43 EZE PAUL TOCHUKWU
44 IGWE PAUL IKECHUKWU
45 STEVEN OKOYE
46 OSMOND OSINACHI OKOYE
47 UDOKA NZELU
48 UGWU ONYEKA JOE
49 UGWUMADU ONYEDIKA CALLISTUS
50 CHUKWU VICTOR PAUL
51 FAMOUS HANNAH
52 KELVIN MAMAH
53 EZE SUNDAY
54 MARTIN ANAKUDO ARINZE
55 VIINE OBI NWODO
56 PETER TOCHUKWU
57 UGWOKE PATRICK
58 EMMANUEL OHEAKESI
59 UGONNANYA CANDY EZE
60 BENNEDICT REUBEN (TIGO)
61 NWAZUOKE CHRISTOPHER CHUKWUDI
62 RAYMOND UGWU
63 NKOKU NDUBUISI JACOB
64 UDENYI LEONARD
65 RICHARD DOUGLAS
66 JAMES UZAR KINGSLEY
67 ONUORAH EBUKA DESTINY
68 CHUKS EZE
69 SUNDAY JOSEPH
70 FRESSY EZE
71 KINGSLEY UCHENNA NNAEGBUNA
72 UGOCHUKWU RAPHAEL
73 AGUDILE CHIZOBA MIRACLE
74 PAUL ONYEKACHI UGWUOKE
75 IZUNABOR NONSO COLLINS
76 ONYEKE UCHENNA WISDOM
77 FLORENCE EZI
79 TOCHUKWU UBAH
80 BRIGHT OHIARA
81 OZIOMA ONWUZUGHA
82 JOSEPH UGWU
83 JOSEPH EZUZOBI
84 EMMANUEL IFEANYI
85 EJIKE DOMNIC
86 CHUPEZ ARINZE
87 RICHARD OBIDINMA
88 NNADI KINGSLEY EJIOFOR
89 OBI AUGUSTINE
90 SUNDAY DONATUS
91 EMMANUEL ADIBE
92 NWOKOCHA GODWIN
93 EZE LUCKY
94 LAWRENCE AMANDIANEZE ANIEKWE
95 ONYEANULA CHINEDU GODWIN
96 EZE FRANCIS
97 UKWUNGWU LINUS
98 COLLINS CHIDIEBERE
99 IBEH TOCHUKWU
100 ABUGU CLEMENT
101 FAVOUR ANITA
102 CHINEDU ONYEMACHUKWU
103 ALEX EZIOKWU
104 AMBROSE OGWUEGBU
105 EMEKA POLITE
106 BLESSEDUC AVENUE
107 NEWLY INTERNATIONAL UCHE CHUKWU OKEZIE
108 JOHN NKE
109 IHEAGWAM B. IYKE
110 NNAJI IZUCHUKWU
111 GLORIOUS BLESSED SEA LAND (TONY IGBOMALU)
112 FEDELIS OBI
113 MIKE EZE
114 CHIMA ORIAKU
115 OBINNA EKWECHI
116 AUGUSTINE UKPABIA
117 MONEKE MICHAEL K
118 OGOCHUKWU NWANKWO
119 EMMANUEL AGBATA
120 EMMANUEL IGWE
121 NELSON OKECHUKWU
122 IKENNA NWAKAOZOR
123 NNAEMEKA GODWIN
124 CHINEDU MBIONWU
125 AKONAM EZEANOLUE
126 CHINEDU OKPALAEKE
127 CHINEDU UKABIA
128 EMEKA UGWUNNWA
129 EJIKE EZEDINIRU
130 CHUKWU NONSO OKEY
131 STANLEY CHIMEZIE UDEH
Source: Lucky B.

Romania singer and wife killed by a train while live-streaming(Video)

August 22, 2020

A Romania singer was hit and killed by a train while live-streaming himself and his wife listening to loud music in his car on a railway crossing

In the terrifying footage below, Tavy Pustiu, 29, is seen smoking and listening to ‘manele’ music with his wife behind the wheel. As they approach a level crossing in the city of Ploiesti, his wife looked sideways but she clearly failed to spot the speeding train coming toward them.

Romania singer films himself listening to loud music with his wife in his car before being hit and killed by a train on a railway crossing (Video)

Moments later, the terrified singer screamed with fear as he noticed the train racing towards their car.

According to reports, the train ploughed into the side of the white Ford Fiesta, ripping the roof off the vehicle and destroying the side of the car that Mr. Pustiu was in.

Authorities in Prahova County confirmed Mr. Pustiu was killed in the accident while his wife, who was not named, remains in a critical condition. She is said to be fighting for her life at Prahova County Hospital.

In a statement, police said: ‘As a result of a collision between a train and a car on the level crossing a 29-year-old man who was the passenger in the front of the car was declared dead and a 24-year-old woman who was the driver was injured.

‘The accident happened because of non-compliance with the rules at the level crossing.’

The train had been travelling between Maneciu and Ploiesti Sud before the accident occurred.

See Video:

https://youtu.be/ol-pstlRDEE

Source: Francisca C.

Here are the faces of Mali coup leaders (photo)

August 22, 2020

Faces of leaders of the coup which forced President Boubacar Keita to resign have been unveiled.

The coup was reportedly led by Sadio Camara and Malick Diaw. Malian journalist, Seydou Oumar Traoré said Camara was the ex-director of the military Prytaneum of Kati and had just returned from training in Russia.

Malick Diaw is also said to be the Chief of Staff of the 3rd Military Region of Kati. Though it is not clear how many senior officers were involved in the coup, Lieutenant-Colonel Mama Seku Lelenta and Brigadier General Cheick Fanta Mady Dembélé were mentioned.

The coup plotters stormed Bamako from their Kati base to arrest many Malian officials. Some of the government officials arrested include President Boubacar Keita, Prime minister Boubou Cisse, Chief of Staff of the National Guard and his Administrative and Financial Director (DAF), Abdoulaye Daffé, Minister of the Economy and Finance, Tiebilé Dramé, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Moussa Timbine, President of the National Assembly.

Source: Jide N.

Outrage as 6-year-old girl is raped and killed in Pakistan (graphic photo)

August 22, 2020

The brutal death of a 6-year-old girl who was raped, tortured and bludgeoned with a stone before her body was dumped in a sack in Pakistan, has sparked outrage.

The child, named Seema left her home to go outside and play in the city of Nowshera, in the north of the country. But when she failed to return, mosques in the area reportedly played calls on their loudspeakers on behalf of the girl’s parents.

During a search for the girl, they discovered a sack in a field and called the police who then confirmed the child’s body in it.

Police said she had been tortured before her death, struck over the head, and other parts of her body with a stone repeatedly.

Horrific image of the child’s dead body posted on Twitter shows the girl’s face marked with bloody bruises after she was killed.

Human rights group Voice of Pakistan Minority, tweeted: ‘Once again an angel left the Earth in pain and tears. A 6 yr old girl, Seema from Bajaur was raped and brutally murdered in Nowshera. Is this the kind of atmosphere we are creating for our children?’

It’s unclear if the police have made any arrest over the brutal death of the six-year-old girl

Source: Murtala D.

Bill Clinton spent time on paedophile Island – J.Epstein’s accuser claims

August 22, 2020

Virginia Roberts, the woman who claims she was once the teenage sex slave of pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, has alleged former US president Bill Clinton, spent time on Epstein’s ‘Pedophile’ Island where be allegedly flirted with two women before vanishing with them both.

In newly unveiled documents totalling over 2000, of a lawsuit against Epstein and his high-profile friends, written hours before the paedo’s prison suicide last year, she claimed the former US president joined her, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein and two other women from New York for dinner.

She claims he teased the women with “playful pokes” and “brassy comments” before leaving with them at the end of the night.

Virginia wrote: “Strolling into the darkness with two beautiful girls around either arm, Bill seemed content to retire for the evening.”

Clinton has denied any close relationship with Epstein, denied knowledge of his crimes, instead linking their friendship to aid work in the developing world.

According to Clinton’s lawyers, he had taken a total of four trips on Epstein’s private plane: one to Europe, one to Asia, and two to Africa. But travel logs obtained by Fox News claimed to show Clinton took at least 26 trips aboard Epstein’s Boeing 727 from 2001 to 2003.

The aircraft was nicknamed the “Lolita Express”.

The FBI in 2019 ransacked billionaire Jeffrey Epstein’s private US Virgin Island following allegations underage girls were used as sex slaves and abused inside a bizarre temple he created in the island.

Epstein who was awaiting trial on child sex abuse charges died after hanging himself in his New York jail cell in August 2019.

He died hours after the legal documents were unsealed by a US court, which contained allegations against him and his former girlfriend and alleged “madam” Ghislaine Maxwell.

Source: Linda I.

Couple welcomes baby girl after 12 yrs of marriage [photos]

August 22, 2020

A couple has welcomed a baby girl after 12 years of marriage.

The new mom took to Facebook to share the news alongside photos of her husband and the newborn.

She wrote:

our joy is full
God is ever.faithful to.fail
12years of Gods delay
12years.of.answered prayers
our shiloh baby has finally arrived
12years of believing
God finally showed himself cos he is too good to fail
we welcome our princess who.came to give us everlasting joy

Couple welcomes baby girl after 12 yrs of marriage

Source: Francisca C.

Taylor Swift donates £23,000 to teenager who started GoFundMe

August 22, 2020

Taylor Swift has donated over £23,000 to a teenager who started a GoFundMe appeal so she can go to University.

Vitoria Mario, a Tottenham teenager, wants to become a mathematician. In her online appeal, she explained that despite being offered an unconditional place at the University of Warwick to study mathematics, she could not afford to take it up.

Taylor Swift donates ?23,000 to teenager who set up a GoFundMe so she could attend university

Taylor Swift found her GoFundMe appeal and decided to make a generous donation while leaving a touching message for the teenager.

Taylor wrote to the teen: “Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality. I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor.”

In response, Vitoria said: “My mind has been blown. I was wondering how to reach enough people to hit my goal and now this miracle has happened. I’m just over the moon. I got 1A and 2A*s in my exam results recently and this is just a huge cherry on the cake!

Source: Jide N.

A Student dies while attempting to rescue a man who was being electrocuted

August 22, 2020

A final year student in the Department of Biology Education, Nasarawa State University, lost his life while trying to rescue a trader who was being electrocuted at the GSM market in Keffi, the state capital on Monday, August 17.

According to reports, a mobile phone repairer, Junaudu Shaibu was about to pick up his tools when he was electrocuted by a nearby high tension wire. Zaidu had tried to rescue Shaibu when he got electrocuted as well.

Final year student of Nasarawa state University dies while attempting to rescue a man who was being electrocuted

He has since been buried according to Islamic injunctions.

His family and friends have taken to social media to mourn his passing. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

Source: Hajia R.

Megan confirms it was Tory Lanez who shot her (Videos)

August 22, 2020

Megan Thee Stallion has finally confirmed rumours that it was Tory Lanez who shot her in the foot twice.

On Thursday night, the ‘Savage’ rapper took to Instagram Live to accuse the Canadian rapper and his team of making up lies about the July 12 incident in Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old rapper said she was scared to tell police about the incident as she thought they would kill them if they learned there was a gun in the car.

Megan also claims that she made an attempt to ‘spare’ Lanez, 28, by holding back the truth but got ‘tired’ of the rumors being spread by Lanez’ team.

‘Since you’re all so worried about it, yes, this n**** Tory shot me’, she began.

‘You shot me and you got got your publicist and your people going to these blogs lying and s**t. Stop lying. Why lie.’

“I tried to keep the situation off the internet but you draggin’ it,”

“Motherf—ers [claiming that] I hit him — I never hit you! Motherf—ers are like, ‘She mad because he’s trying to f— with Kylie [Jenner] — no, I wasn’t.

“There’s only four mother—ers in the car: me, you, my homegirl and your security — everybody in the car is arguing,” she continues. “I’m in the front seat, he’s in the back. I get out the car, I’m done arguing, I’m walking away.

“This n—a, from the backseat, starts shooting me! I didn’t get cut on no glass! Let me tell you why they saying that. There’s a witness – when the police came… this did not happen at Kylie’s house, this happened damn near back at the house I was staying at.

“The police come, I’m scared — the police [have been] killing Black people for no reason. The police is really aggressive,’ Megan claims.

‘You think I’m about to tell the police that we, us black people, that we’ve got a gun in the car. You want me to tell them we’ve got a gun in the car so they can shoot all of us up.

‘I’m scared. Why would I tell them there’s a gun in the car and I got shot so you can get shot, he can get shot, she can get shot. I didn’t immediately tell the police what happened right then because I didn’t want to die.

‘I didn’t want the police to shoot me because there’s a gun in the car.’

She said that the three others who were in the car with her – her friend, Lanez, and his security guard – were taken to jail but she went to the hospital.

‘You want me to be a bad person so bad, y’all want to believe the lie before you believe the truth,’ she added.

‘I didn’t have to spare that n****, I don’t have to spare nobody but I did and I’m done.’

She then accused Lanez of being scared to tell people that he shot her and so had his team spreading lies.

‘Truth is you shot me. You’re scared to tell people you shot me and you got your whole team on the internet lying trying to cover your a**.

‘And I’m tired of it. Stop doing that, stop dragging me.

‘Stop lying on me. Stop acting like black women is the m************ problem. Stop acting like black women is aggressive when all they be doing is telling the fact.’

This comes just two days after she shared graphic photos of the injuries she sustained from the shooting incident.

The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office is already reviewing a potential charge of felony assault with a firearm against Tory Lanez who is the suspect in the case.

Watch the videos below.

Source: Francisca C.

Nigeria reciprocates, bans EU flights from entering..

August 22, 2020

The Federal government says it would be also be banning flights from the European nations just as they have banned flights from Nigeria into their country.

As part of measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in its region, the European Union in June this year released a statement listing some countries that are banned from flying into any of the countries in the region, and Nigeria was included.

At the daily briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 on Thursday, August 20, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, announced that the Federal government will be reciprocating the EU’s decision. Airlines from the European Union would not be allowed to fly into Nigeria once the International flights resume operations in Nigeria on Saturday, August 29.

The minister, who was represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Musa Nuhu, argued that the decision was taken in the interest of Nigerians.

“On the list of countries (that are banned), we are working on the comprehensive list, but the main one that came up is when the EU opened their borders effective 1st July, Nigeria was among the list of 54 countries that were not allowed to enter the EU.
To my understanding, as the situation changes, they are going to look at the list and change it. But so far, we don’t have any contrary information to that first one that Nigeria is banned from going to the EU. So, as we open our airspace, we are going to apply the issue of reciprocity to those (EU) countries.” he said

The Minister announced that as International flights resume operations, inbound international passengers would be limited to 1,280.

Source: Murtala D.

Netflix apologizes for inappropriate ‘Cuties’ poster

August 22, 2020

Netflix has issued an apology for the “inappropriate” marketing poster it released to promote the forthcoming French movie, Cuties.

The poster released by Netflix shows the young girls of the film in suggestive dance poses. This led to a petition in Change.org to remove Cuties from the streaming platform, calling it, “disgusting as it sexualizes an eleven-year-old for the viewing pleasure of pedophiles and also negatively influences our children.”

The petition added that there is no “need for such content in that age group, particularly when sex trafficking and paedophilia are so rampant.”

Following the backlash received over the chosen artwork, Netflix apologized for the mistake and corrected it.

“We’re deeply sorry for the inappropriate artwork that we used for Mignonnes/Cuties. It was not OK, nor was it representative of this French film which won an award at Sundance,” Netflix shared on Twitter. “We’ve now updated the pictures and description.

‘Cuties,’ is a film about an 11-year-old rebel girl who joins a free-spirited dance group and starts exploring her feminity. The film which was directed by French filmmaker Maïmouna Doucouré will be released on September 9, 2020.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>We're deeply sorry for the inappropriate artwork that we used for Mignonnes/Cuties. It was not OK, nor was it representative of this French film which won an award at Sundance. We’ve now updated the pictures and description.

We're deeply sorry for the inappropriate artwork that we used for Mignonnes/Cuties. It was not OK, nor was it representative of this French film which won an award at Sundance. We’ve now updated the pictures and description.
— Netflix (@netflix) August 20, 2020

Source: Francisca C.

Nigeria approves N13.3bn for Community Policing

August 22, 2020

The federal government has approved N13.3 billion for the take-off of community policing nationwide.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who presided over the meeting in which the approval was made, said the decision was taken after a report by the adhoc committee on security and policing headed by Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, was submitted to the Council.

Osinbajo further directed the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and two of his colleagues to meet with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha; the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to coordinate the proper utilisation of the fund.

A statement released by Osinbajo’s spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande read;

“Accordingly, the committee would be meeting further as the need arises to update the council on the progress being made to address insecurity and criminality in the country.
“Council was informed that the president has approved a sum of N13.3 billion for the take-off of community policing in the country.
“The VP then asked that a small team comprising the NGF chair, two additional governors, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Finance Minister and the Inspector General of Police should meet to ensure that the federal government’s funding is well utilised.”

Among the recommendations made to the council was;

“States and FCT should engage the services of the respected community influencers such as the heads of ‘area boys,’ market women, and villagers in disseminating the same message to the grassroots using different modes/media that are common to such people and could easily attract their attention.”

Source: Hajia R.

Body exhumed nine days after being buried by the wrong family

August 22, 2020

The body of a retired headmaster had to be exhumed nine days after he was buried by the wrong family due to a ‘terrible’ mortuary mix-up.

According to the Sun, undertakers arrived at a hospital mortuary to collect Jimmy McDonald, 90, but they ended up taking John Hetford, 89, who had died two days earlier.

Mr. Hetford, an Oxford graduate who had taught across the UK before becoming a headmaster in Carlisle, was laid to rest at St Mary’s Church near Carlisle, Cumbria, by his family who had no idea that they had the wrong body.

Body of retired headmaster is exhumed nine days after being buried by the wrong family?

The mistake was reportedly discovered after Cumberland Infirmary called the undertakers to ask when they would come to collect Mr. Hetford for his cremation.

After he was exhumed, Mr. Hetford was cremated in Carlisle.

Mr. McDonald, who lived with his wife Mary before he died has since been buried at the church in his home village of Rockcliffe, Cumbria.

A spokesman for North Cumbria Integrated Care Foundation NHS Trust said an investigation is underway into what went wrong.

They said: ‘We are supporting the funeral directors to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families at what is already a difficult time.

‘We are undertaking an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and will share the findings with the families once this is complete.’

A spokesman for the funeral director said: ‘Our sympathy goes out to the families involved.

‘Our family have been funeral directors for more than 150 years and nothing like this has happened before.

‘Clearly, something has gone terribly wrong. We handed in paperwork for the man whose body we believed we were collecting.’

‘There are protocols to ensure we have who we think we have. We didn’t realise we had another person’s body. We feel for the families.

Source: Lucky B.

Harry Maguire ‘arrested on Greek Island for attacking police

August 22, 2020

Manchester United captain, Harry Maguire has been arrested on the Greek island of Mykonos for allegedly attacking police following a fight outside a bar.

The 27-year-old centre-half who is in Mykonos on holiday with his girlfriend Fern Hawkins was involved in an altercation with other British tourists last night. When the officers tried to intervene, three men including the England international allegedly fought back physically and verbally while resisting arrest.

As a result, the three were detained in the early hours of Friday August 21, and led away in handcuffs, according to Mail Online.

Manchester United said in a statement: ‘The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night.

‘Contact has been made with Harry, and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities.

‘At this time we will be making no further comment.

Source: Usman O.

The Truck that crushed victims in Lagos had no road worthiness – VIS official

August 22, 2020

The trial of the owner and driver of the truck carrying an unlatched container that fell and crushed two workers of the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria FAAN, Chidinma Ajoku, and her colleague, Chima Nnaekpe, and one other person, commenced at the Lagos State High Court on Thursday, August 20.

Chidinma and Chima boarded a commercial bus back home after the close of work on July 26. Sadly, the container on a truck fell on the commercial bus they boarded and crushed them to death. The bus driver also died in the accident.

At the first sitting which was on Thursday August 20, the state Attorney General of Lagos state, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), amended the charges against the two defendants to 7 counts as against the earlier 3 counts filed against them. In the amended charge, the truck owner and the driver are facing 6 counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of liability for the safety of vehicles which caused the deaths of Chidinma Ajoku, Nnaekpe Victor, and Daniel Okwuoge.

Truck that carried the container that crushed FAAN workers to death in Lagos had no road worthiness ? VIS official tells court

Onigbanjo called the first prosecution witness, a Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) officer, Hamed Baruwa, who told the court that investigations conducted by his team showed that the truck which caused the accident had no roadworthiness.

”Following directives from my boss, Akin George Fashola, I proceeded on August 6, to Ilasamaja Police station, where I met DSP Oluwasola Omololu and he took me to the place they parked the vehicle at Balex Bus stop.
When I got there with my team, I saw the Volkswagen commercial bus that had been compressed because of the container that fell on it.
I asked for the truck and the DSP took me to the place where it is parked. It was a 20 feet container. I noticed that the truck is not road worthy, the front and back fender were not there, the rear lights and backlights were not there, and the shaft of the vehicle had pulled out” Baruwa stated.

The witness said he then went back to the scene of the accident to take a look at the road. He found out that the road has no pothole inward Mile 2. After his investigations, he took photographs of his observations. When he got back to his office, the Vehicle Inspection Officer said he logged the registration number of the truck, SGM 715 XA, into their detective machine database and discovered that the vehicle license had expired since 2018.

One of the counts against the defendants reads

“Sodiq Okanlawon, on July 26, at about 4: 30pm, at Apapa-Oshodi Expressway Ilasamaja, did drive his articulated vehicle with reg no. SGM 715 XA, recklessly without latching the container thereon and caused the container to fall and caused the deaths of Nnaekpe Victor, Chidinma Ajoku and Daniel Okwuoge.”

Another count states that Wasiu Lekan, failed, neglected and refused to ensure that his articulated vehicle with reg no. SGM 715 XA, was roadworthy, which caused the death of the three persons.

The two defendants were also accused of liability for the safety of vehicles, by failing to obtain valid vehicle license, hackney permit and insurance certificate of their vehicle, in conformity with the conditions and standard of commercial vehicles in Lagos State.

The driver and owner of the container pleaded not guilty to all 7 counts.

The presiding judge, Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, adjourned the case till August 26, for the continuation of trial.

Source: Murtala D.

Three Nigerian Soldiers killed in Borno – Defence

August 22, 2020

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the death of three soldiers in a clash with insurgents in Kukawa town of Borno State.

Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General John Enenche disclosed that 8 terrorists were killed in the clash which also left two other soldiers injured.

Eneche maintained that the attack by the terrorists was a deliberate attempt to reverse the milestone achievements recorded regarding IDPs in the areas of peace-building, reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement efforts by the Borno state government, and further affirmed that the situation in Kukawa was calm with troops in full control.

The statement read;

“During the incident, eight Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised and unconfirmed number escaped with gun shots wounds. “Unfortunately, three soldiers were fatally wounded and later gave up the ghost at the military medical reception station at kukawa military location.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that there is no going back in its struggle to see to the rebuilding and resettlement efforts for the displaced people.
“The futile attempt by the terrorists to thwart it only spurred the gallant troops for more decisive action”

The Defence Spokesperson asked residents of Kukawa to go about their normal lawful businesses without any hindrance and also enjoined them to always avail the troops and other security agencies of credible information about the terrorists and any suspicious persons accordingly.

Source: Murtala D.

Prince Harry and family volunteer at a back-to-school charity (photos)

August 22, 2020

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan volunteered at a Los Angeles back-to-school charity event

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who bought a property in the celebrity hotspot of Santa Barbara for a reported £11 million, were pictured both wearing face coverings and hand gloves as they distributed supplies, clothes and diapers at a drive-through run by local charity Baby2Baby, which provides basic necessities for families in need.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle volunteer at a back-to-school charity in Los Angeles (photos)

Pictures from the Baby2Baby event show the couple handing in supplies through the windows of vehicles at Dr Owen Lloyd Knox Elementary School in South LA on Wednesday, August 19.

They were dressed casually for the outing, with Meghan sporting loose khaki shorts with a white shirt and trainers, and Harry going for a similar look plus a baseball cap.

Source: Lucky B.

Nigerian embassy in Canada closed to the public after attacks

August 19, 2020

The Nigerian embassy in Canada has been shut down following an attack launched against its staff.

The comission in a statement shared on its official website, said it had devised a system in which citizens with emergency cases were attended to strictly by appointment that allowed a limited number of people into the chancery at a time, in compliance with the laid-down rules of physical distancing.

Recounting how a female staff member was allegedly held hostage and subjected to physical abuse, the commission accused citizens of showing up without an appointment, acting in an unruly manner and disturbing the peace at the chancery.

The statement read;

THE HIGH COMMISSION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA IN CANADA WISHES TO INFORM NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES IN CANADA AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE MISSION REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. THE SPECIAL INTERVENTION ARRANGEMENT WHEREBY EMERGENCY CASES WERE BEING HANDLED ON A DISCRETIONARY BASIS IS HEREBY SUSPENDED.
WE WOULD LIKE TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING PERTINENT FACTS:
1. DIRECTIVES FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA AND PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO INFORMED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, INDICATED A NEED TO CLOSE THE MISSION TO THE PUBLIC AND WORK FROM HOME WHICH IS HOW MANY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ARE PRESENTLY OPERATING.
2. THE MISSION REALIZED THAT A NUMBER OF OUR CITIZENS HAVE COMPELLING PASSPORT RENEWAL REQUESTS AND WE WANTED TO BE ABLE TO ASSIST SUCH INDIVIDUALS IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER.
3. WE DEVISED A SYSTEM IN WHICH CITIZENS WITH EMERGENCY CASES WERE BEING ATTENDED TO STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ON DESIGNATED DAYS OF THE WEEK. THIS ENABLED US TO ADMIT A LIMITED NUMBER OF PEOPLE INTO THE CHANCERY AT A TIME AND OBSERVE THE LAID DOWN RULES OF PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL DISTANCING.
4. OUR CITIZENS FOR SOME REASON CHOSE TO ABUSE THIS SYSTEM, THEY WOULD SHOW UP AT THE CHANCERY WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT AND INSIST ON BEING ATTENDED TO EVEN ON DAYS WHEN WE WERE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL.
5. ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS PEOPLE SEEKING PASSPORT RENEWAL CAME TO THE CHANCERY WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT AND ACTED IN A MOST UNRULY MANNER, DISTURBING THE PEACE AND ACTING IN AN ABUSIVE MANNER, BANGING WINDOWS ETC.
6. MATTERS CAME TO A HEAD ON FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2020 WHEN A GROUP SHOWED UP AT THE HIGH COMMISSION AND REFUSED TO ALLOW THE EMBASSY STAFF MEMBERS TO ATTEND TO THOSE WHO HAD APPOINTMENTS. THEY INSISTED THAT WE HAD TO ATTEND TO EVERYBODY WHO SHOWED UP. THEY WENT AS FAR AS HOLDING A FEMALE STAFF MEMBER WHO WENT TO ADDRESS THEM HOSTAGE FOR OVER TWENTY MINUTES AND SUBJECTED HER TO PHYSICAL ABUSE.
7. THIS KIND OF CONDUCT IS CONSIDERED UNNECESSARILY HOSTILE AND TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND NO EMBASSY WOULD TOLERATE CONDUCT THAT PUTS THE LIVES OF ITS STAFF MEMBERS AT RISK.
8. WE ARE CLOSING DOWN THE EMBASSY AND WE SHALL BE CONSIDERING WAYS TO MAKE OUR PREMISES MORE SECURE AND LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO UNRULY BEHAVIOUR AND VIOLENT MOB ACTION.
9. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT WITH THE CLOSURE OF THE AIR SPACE OUR ABILITY TO BRING MUCH NEEDED PASSPORT BOOKLETS INTO THE COUNTRY HAS BEEN IMPAIRED. THIS IS ANOTHER AREA WE INTEND TO FOCUS ON.
10. OUR ENGAGEMENT WITH IMMIGRATION REFUGEES AND CITIZENSHIP CANADA HAS REVEALED THE FOLLOWING CONCERNING INDIVIDUALS TRYING TO RENEW WORK AND STUDY PERMITS:
a. APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWALS SHOULD BE MADE ONLINE
b. AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME APPLICANTS WOULD BE ASKED TO SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION
c. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALID PASSPORT WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU MAY ASK FOR A 90 DAY GRACE PERIOD WHICH WOULD BE GRANTED
d. NIGERIAN CITIZENS WHOSE STUDY OR WORK PERMITS HAVE EXPIRED SINCE MARCH 2020 AND WHO DO NOT HAVE A VALID PASSPORT HAVE A GRACE PERIOD THAT LASTS UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST 2020. BY THIS TIME WE EXPECT TO HAVE RESOLVED SOME OF THE CHALLENGING ISSUES THAT COVID-19 HAS CREATED.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE IRCC WEBSITE (LINK BELOW) FOR PERIODIC UPDATES:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for international students
PLEASE NOTE THAT ANYONE WHO SHOWS UP IN PERSON TO THE HIGH COMMISSION WOULD NOT BE ATTENDED TO, AS WE ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AT THIS TIME.

Nigerian embassy in Canada closed to the public after its staff was attacked

Source: Murtala D.

Boko Haram attack a community in Borno state, Nigeria

August 19, 2020

Suspected Boko Haram members have attacked Magumeri community in Borno State, destroying the only functional telecommunications mast, a hospital recently equipped by the Borno State Government and other facilities.

According to reports, the insurgents invaded the community at about 4pm on Monday, August 17, shooting sporadically. The military airstrike engaged the sect members in a gun battle but it did not deter the sect members who destroyed anything in sight. A woman was reportedly killed in the crossfire while several other persons sustained injuries.

Magumer which has witnessed a series of Boko Haram attacks, is about 40km drive from Maiduguri, the state capital.

See more photos from the attack below

Boko Haram members attack community in Borno state; raze hospital and Telecoms mast

Source: Murtala D.

IMF: World Bank delays approval for Nigeria’s $1.5bn loan over Naira reform

August 19, 2020

The World Bank is delaying approval of Nigeria’s request for a $1.5 billion loan due to concerns over desired reforms, Reuters reports.

Unidentified sources told Reuters that the main concern being expressed by the World Bank was Naira reform.

Both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, IMF, have, in the past, advised Nigeria to float its currency and allow market forces to determine the value of the naira.

According to the report, the World Bank had aimed to bring the loan request to its board for approval this August but the approval will now be delayed till October.

“They are not convinced about the reforms,” Reuters quoted a source close to the government to have said.

Although the World Bank has not outlined any demands, fuel subsidies and electricity tariffs were also said to be a part of the discussions.

The CBN has devalued the naira twice in 2020 and the Federal Executive Council in July, approved the removal of petrol subsidy.

The finance ministry was reported to have directed queries to the World Bank and while the Bretton Wood institution said discussions had reached an advanced stage, it confirmed that the loan request had not been presented to its board.

“Of particular importance are the steps the government is taking to marshal the needed fiscal resources for a pro-poor response to the crisis and undertake the reforms that will help ensure a robust recovery,” Reuters quoted a statement by the World Bank to have read.

The World Bank has already projected that Nigeria is heading for its worst recession in 40 years, which the Finance Minister, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, reiterated last week.

To meet budgetary obligations, the Nigerian government requested for loans worth $6.9 billion from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and African Development Bank.

The IMF approved a $3.4 billion loan for Nigeria in April.

Source: Jide N.

Brazil: Religious protesters try to stop a pregnant 10-year-old girl from having an abortion

August 19, 2020

A pregnant 10-year-old girl had to be protected by military police when angry religious protesters tried to block her from having an abortion at a hospital in Brazil.

The child, from Sao Mateus, was allegedly raped by her uncle.

She told medics her uncle had been raping her since the age of six and she had never reported him because he allegedly threatened her, according to newspaper G1.

The girl was discovered to be pregnant after she visited a hospital, complaining of abdominal pains.

Her uncle, an unnamed 33-year-old man, had been arrested and indicted for rape but is on the run, according to Brazilian media reports.

The girl was forced to travel to a hospital more than 900 miles from her home after her own local facility refused to treat her, amid a highly-politicised legal battle that has caused widespread outrage in Brazil.

Some people are insisting the child keeps the pregnancy however, others are in support of an abortion.

The girl’s private information and whereabouts was reportedly leaked online after she sought an abortion in the eastern state of Espirito Santo.

Far-right religious protesters converged at the hospital as the girl was due for the abortion on Sunday, August 16.

Religious protesters try to stop a pregnant 10-year-old girl from having an abortion in Brazil after she was raped by her uncle

They were filmed hurling abuse at hospital staff and the the driver of the taxi the child was in as they tried to enter.

Some protesters even reportedly attempted to break into the hospital in Pernambuco to try to prevent the procedure from going ahead.

According to G1, the protesters were drawn to the hospital after the right-wing anti-abortion activist Sara Giromini posted the name of the girl and the location of the hospital in a social media video.

Pro-choice activists also flocked to the hospital on Sunday to defend the girl and ensure her safe passage amid the noisy protests.

Paula Viana, who escorted the child from Recife’s airport to the hospital, told the Guardian she stopped the taxi on the way from the airport, hid the little girl in its boot, and smuggled her into the hospital through a side entrance as protesters demonstrated outside.

“It’s just unbelievable this is happening in Brazil, that part of the population really believes abortion is worse than rape,” said Ms Viana, who works with women’s rights group Curumim.

But we weren’t surprised because we know we have a president who is supportive of these shows of hatred.”

The protesters reportedly tried to prevent the hospital director from entering the building and tried to break inside, until Military Police were called in to guard the unit.

According to hospital management, the girl is recuperating well after undergoing the procedure.

Source: Francisca C.

Chinese company polluting water supply in FCT were not regularised miners

August 19, 2020

Minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello has disclosed that the Chinese mining company operating in the nation’s capital has no lease to mine gold.

In a meeting with the minister of water resources Suleiman Adamu on Tuesday August 18, Bello who confirmed that Hongao Mining Company Limited acted against Nigeria’s mining policy also disclosed that they polluted the only water source for at least six communities in Karshi area of the FCT.

A physio-chemical analysis carried out on the stream by the FCT water board, revealed that the water had high levels of turbidity, nitrate and iron and may need further treatment.

In a statement released by spokesman of the ministry of water resources Kenechukwu Offie, Bello was quoted saying;

“The company undertaking the mining activities in Kutasa Community was not granted lease to mine gold in that Community”.

It was further gathered that Adamu has directed officials of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) to investigate the matter.

The statement added;

“The outcome of the investigation revealed that ‘Gold’ mining activities was taking place in that Community.
“Engr. Adamu said that the report from Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission indicated ‘a red flag’ to us that must not be allowed to fly further.
“Engr. Adamu, therefore, reiterated that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, will not allow the experience of Niger State where people died of lead poisoning to repeat itself in FCT.
“The FCT Minister corroborated the Hon. Minister of Water Resources’s position that their various reports would need to be harmonised into a working document before they take up the matter with the Minister of Mines and Steel Development.”
Source: Murtala D.

A housewife returns N14 M (€30K) erroneously paid into her account

August 19, 2020

A honest woman returned approximately N14m erroneously paid into her account in Enugu state.

On Monday, August 3, Mrs Josephine Nchetaka Chukwujama Eze, a mother-of-three, received an alert of N13,946,400 from Sankiya Global Investment Ltd, a company she didn’t know and had no transaction with.

She made up her mind to return the money to her bank. She also told her husband and he agreed that was the right thing to do.

The following day being Tuesday, Mrs Chukwujama, in company of her husband visited her bank at Zik Avenue, and informed the bank about the alert she received.

Her husband, Chukwujama Eze, a journalist and lawyer, revealed that a number of people have condemned them for being naive and not “smart” enough. However, he said he’s proud of his wife.

Source: Francisca C.

Former South African President, Jacob Zuma sued by third wife

August 19, 2020

Former South African President Jacob Zuma was on Tuesday August 18, represented in court by his advocate Nqabayethu Buthelezi after being sued by his third wife, Tobeka Madiba over maintenance money for her and her schoolgoing daughter.

Zuma was dragged to the Durban Magistrate’s Court by Tobeka, who is demanding a monthly maintenance fee of R14 000 for the upkeep of their 14-year-old daughter.

Arguing at the Durban Magistrate Court, head of Zuma’s legal team Eric Mabuza denied claim of him not paying for the upkeep of his 14-year-old daughter.

Mabuza who countered claim of the former President not supporting his daughter since his split from his wife earlier this year, also pointed out that Tobeka has not worked since the child was born.

The hearing however ended without a final settlement. After the hearing which was held in-camera, Zuma’s legal representatives – Advocate Nqaba Buthelezi and Advocate Rudolph Mbalula refused to comment.

Tobeka also did not comment after the hearing as she was whisked away by members of the presidential protection unit, using a back exit.

The maintenance prosecutor, Thulasizwe Mahlobo said he could only divulge that the process was a mere mediation which need hearing from both sides and not a court case. He said;

“It was just a mediation process of certain issues that were happening and then we were just trying to find amicable ground… I was only facilitating.
“I was only facilitating and I actually don’t have the right to give out all the information at the moment up until the attorneys are happy with both sides and whatever that we agreed upon.”

Former South African President, Jacob Zuma sued by third wife over maintenance money

Mahlobo added that both parties will come back to the court in the near future for further deliberations in his presence.

He said;

“They are still going to come back. Both sides are still going to try and consult with their parties (Zuma and Madiba), then they will come back to me. Then we will finalise everything that we did with them and what actually transpired at the meeting.
“Mind you, there was nothing that was discussed before but currently, both parties were supposed to put their sides of the story so that we find amicable ground. You see, this is what the meeting was all about.”

Source: Jide N.

This 5-generation family photo is going viral for obvious reasons

August 19, 2020

A family photo of 5-generations of women has gone viral after it was shared on Twitter.

The photo shows the great-great-grandmother, great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and daughter.

The women are aged 91, 71, 55, 35, and 15.

The family resemblance is easy to see and Twitter users have complimented the women’s genes that makes them look younger than their actual age.

Source: Hajia R.

Cuba Gooding Jr. accused of rape in his hotel room in 2013

August 19, 2020

Hollywood actor, Cuba Gooding Jr. is facing new sexual assault allegations in a new civil lawsuit.

The 52-year-old actor was accused of raping his alleged victim twice in 2013 inside of his New York City hotel room at the time, according to Variety.

The lawsuit, filed publicly on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, alleged that the Oscar-winning “Jerry Maguire” actor attacked the woman, identified in court papers as “Jane Doe” to protect her privacy, after she met him at a Greenwich Village VIP lounge.

The unidentified woman claims the actor invited her up to his hotel room where he began to undress in front of her, Variety reported from a civil lawsuit.

The woman alleges the actor blocked the door, pushed her onto the bed, and raped her twice.

She is suing Gooding Jr. for an alleged “crime of violence” committed on the basis of gender and is seeking a trial by jury, according to Variety. She is also seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Gooding Jr.’s attorney, Mark Heller, denied the claims made by the anonymous accuser in a statement to PEOPLE.

“The allegations against Cuba Gooding Jr. are false and perjurious,” said Heller. “There was absolutely no conduct committed in a criminal nature as alleged.”

“We expect the case to be dismissed,” Heller continued. “It was an alleged incident that took place over seven years ago with no criminal complaint at the time.”

This is the latest accusation of sexual assault against Gooding Jr., who is already facing six counts of sexual abuse and forcible touching.

He appeared last week in Manhattan state court, where he has pleaded not guilty to six misdemeanor charges of forcible touching and sexual abuse. If convicted, he faces up to a year behind bars

According to state prosecutors, more than two dozen women have made claims against Gooding since allegations first arose against him.

Source: Francisca C.

Actor, Clark Gregg files for divorce from wife, Jennifer Grey

August 19, 2020

American actor and director, Clark Gregg has filed for divorce from his wife, actress Jennifer Grey after 19 years of marriage.

The celebrity couple separated in January 2020 and announced their split in a joint statement on July 3.

In the joint statement they wrote on their accounts, they said;

‘after 19 years together, we separated in January, knowing we’d always be a family who loves, values and cares for each other.’ We recently made the difficult decision to divorce, but we remain close and are deeply grateful for the life we’ve shared and the wonderful daughter we’ve raised. – jennifer & clark p.s. totally crying as we post this.’

According to a report in The Blast, Clark, 58, finally made the divorce filing in Los Angeles County on Thursday, August 13, to end their union.

The filing comes days after it was announced that Jennifer would be returning to her iconic role of Baby in a sequel to her hit movie Dirty Dancing.

The former couple share a daughter, Stella Gregg, 18

Source: Linda I

Mali’s president resigns after being arrested by the military

August 19, 2020

Members of the military are cheered as they parade through Bamako following the mutiny.

Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta announced his resignation on Tuesday, hours after soldiers arrested him, along with the prime minister and other top officials, per state television.

Why it matters: The uprising from within the military follows months of protests in the West African country. It’s unclear who will take charge if Keïta is removed from power, adding deep uncertainty to Mali’s intertwined political and security crises.

The big picture: Protests have rumbled on since June in the capital, Bamako, over corruption and a deteriorating security situation.

Judd Devermont, director of the Africa program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says, “Insecurity is the backdrop to this, but it’s really about political disillusionment and a sense that this is a government that is focused on enrichment and self-interest and not democracy — not addressing the needs of the public during a pandemic and an economic recession.”
Keïta, two years into his second five-year presidential term, had resisted calls to resign but failed to appease the protesters.

Driving the news: Prime Minister Boubou Cissé called for dialogue after the mutiny began, before apparently being detained. State TV temporarily went off the air, and European embassies said they’d been warned that soldiers were heading toward Bamako.

Protesters gathered to celebrate the news, particularly after rumors of Keïta’s arrest began to circulate, Reuters reports. Soldiers were greeted with cheers as they drove through the capital.
“It was not immediately clear who was leading the mutineers, who would govern in Keita’s absence or what the mutineers’ motivations were. A military spokesman said he had no information,” Reuters notes.

What they’re saying: ECOWAS, a bloc of regional countries, urged the mutineers to “return to their positions without delay,” while the African Union said it “strongly rejects any attempt at the unconstitutional change of government in Mali.”

France, which has ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Mali, also condemned the uprising. President Emmanuel Macron has discussed it with regional leaders, per AFP.
The U.S. has also said it opposes “all extraconstitutional change” in Mali.

What to watch: “It’s incumbent on the region and its partners to stabilize the political situation as soon as possible because if this continues to spin out, it will create more opportunities for deterioration in the rest of the country,” Devermont says.

The military handed over power to civilian leaders after the 2012 coup, but the instability also allowed extremist groups in north and central Mali to strengthen their positions.

Source: Kingsley U.

There will be no new projects in Nigeria in 2021- Nigeria

August 18, 2020

Ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) have been directed not to make plans for new projects in 2021 by the federal government.

The directive which was conveyed in a 2021 Budget Call Circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, came ahead of the preparation of next year’s budget estimates.

Nigerian Tribune reported that the circular signed by the minister of finance Zainab Ahmed, read;

“The thrust of the FGN’s capital expenditure programme in 2021 will be the completion of as many ongoing projects as possible, rather than starting new projects. Thus, MDAs are hereby advised that new projects will not be admitted into the capital budget for 2021 unless adequate provision has been made for the completion of all.”

The circular which disclosed that there will be no personnel budget for MDAs that are yet to be on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), also warned against inclusion of recurrent expenditure, vehicle and furniture allowance. It is also expected that there will be restriction on personnel travelling and training in the coming year.

It added;

“It is expected that all MDAS have now complied with Presidential directive to enrol on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). MDAS not vet on IPPIS will not be provided for in the personnel budget for 2021.
“MDAs are enjoined to restrict their travels, training and capacity development programmes to locations within the country and as close to their office locations as possible. Foreign travels and training should be limited to exceptional cases, and with necessary approvals in accordance with extant government policy.
“Thus, all MDAs are required to work within their 2020 overhead ceilings for the purpose of preparing their 2021 Overhead budget submissions.
“Except where absolutely critical to the functioning of respective MDAs, proposals such as expenditure on vehicles, furnishing, construction/purchase of office or residential buildings and equipping of non-critical offices will not be accommodated in the 2021 budget.
“The Budget Office shall reallocate any such provisions to capital projects within/outside the MDA as it deems appropriate.”

Stimulation of the economy to prevent business collapse and ensuring liquidity, job creation, undertaking growth-enhancing and job-creating infrastructural investments in roads, bridges, solar power, and communications technologies; promoting manufacturing and local production at all levels and advocate the use of Made-in-Nigeria goods and services; and extending protection to the poor and other vulnerable groups, including women and persons living with disabilities, through pro-poor spending, were listed as some of the federal government’s priorities in 2021.

It was further gathered that prominence would be accorded to human capital development, specifically health, education and social inclusion in resource allocation.

The circular added;

“ MDAs should take into consideration the 2023 Medium Term policies/strategies contained in the 2021 Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) which is the FGN’s pre-budget statement.
“The budget shall be prepared using the Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) approach and in line with the government’s policy thrust, as articulated in the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP).”
Source: Kingsley U.

‘Free’ Rolls-Royce and Ferrari mansion that’s up for sale at £25million (photos)

August 18, 2020

A luxury Mega-Mansion in Dubai with Free’ Rolls-Royce and Ferrari is up for sale at £25million.

The 14,000-square-foot mega-mansion, called One100, which was completed just a week ago for a Swedish entrepreneur, is located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah island.

The owner, Michael Alibhai, 43, who has a Dubai-based company that designs and manufactures clothing for top European fashion labels likes Zara, Mango, Diesel, Reiss, and Zadig and Voltaire has decided to move back to his native Sweden to be with family.

See the Dubai Mega-Mansion with a ?Free? Rolls-Royce and Ferrari that

A £250,000-plus Rolls-Royce Wraith coupe parked in the driveway comes with the house. As does the matching black, ultra-rare £450,000-and-up Ferrari 599 GTO. Same goes for the fully custom, mustard-yellow Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide parked, as a piece of art, in the hallway.

“Just as I have completed this piece of art, I came to realise the importance of family,” he told Arabian Business magazine. “I have been missing out on valuable moments in life and having close friends passing away during Covid-19 forced me to reconsider my life.”

According to Robb Report, the Mega-Mansion is now on the market for £25 million. It’s being sold with free £250,000-plus Rolls-Royce Wraith coupe and ultra-rare £450,000-and-up Ferrari 599 GTO.

Inside the mansion, there are extravagant sculptures from Finnish artist Eero Arnio and French artist Richard Orlinsky. Plus, a Champagne vault stocked with Cristal and vintage Dom Pérignon.

It also boasts of eight extravagant bathrooms lined with book-matched Italian marble, five oversized bedroom suites, including a 1,300-square-foot master with a closet and dressing room worthy of a Rodeo Drive designer boutique, three industrial-grade kitchens, and three distinctively different bars.

According to the listing, every stick of furniture in the mansion is a bespoke, one-of-a-kind creation from the likes of Fendi and Bentley Home, with much of the interior soft furnishings by Louis Vuitton and Hermès.

See more photos below

Source: Francisca C.

Mompha files N5m lawsuit against EFCC over his re-arrest

August 18, 2020

Social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha aka Mompha has instituted a N5 million lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC over his recent arrest.

We had earlier reported that Mompha was re-arrested last Friday, August 14 when he went to the EFCC office in Ikoyi, Lagos to reclaim his five wristwatches, one Apple Air pod, one iPhone 8 mobile phone and one pair of sunglasses, seized by the EFCC operatives last October. Following an application by his lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), Justice Mohammed Liman had on July 24 ordered the EFCC to release the items to Mompha.

Mompha had gone to the EFCC to pick up his item last Friday. He had barely left the EFCC premises when operatives of the anti-graft agency waylaid him and took him into custody. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said Mompha’s re-arrest was connected to a fresh set of cyber fraud charges.

In a suit filed before the Federal High Court Lagos by his lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN) today August 18, Mompha prayed the court to mandate the EFCC to pay him N5m for what he termed his “unlawful re-arrest and detention.” He urged the court to declare that the continued seizure of the items violated his right to own property under Section 44 of the constitution.

The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of Mompha’s suit.

Source: Jide N.

Mompha: EFCC re-arrests him over fresh charge

August 18, 2020

Internet celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha aka Mompha, who is facing money laundering charges before the Federal High Court, has been re-arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.

Punch reports that Mompha was re-arrested last Friday, August 14 when he went to the EFCC office in Ikoyi, Lagos to reclaim his five wristwatches, one Apple Air pod, one iPhone 8 mobile phone and one pair of sunglasses, seized from him by the anti-graft agency last October.

However, following an application by his lawyer, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), Justice Mohammed Liman had on July 24 ordered the EFCC to release the items to Mompha.

The judge ruled that since the items were not listed as exhibits in the money laundering charges filed against Mompha, the EFCC had no justification to continue to hold onto them. Justice Liman dismissed the submission by the EFCC that Mompha was still under investigation for another offense, saying there was nothing before the court to back the submission.

“Failure to release the property is illegal. As of today, no charge has been file regarding the items. It is too long to withhold the applicant properties,” the judge had held.

Mompha had barely left the premises of the EFCC office in Ikoyi after collecting the items on Friday when operatives of the anti-graft agency waylaid him and took him into custody.

Confirming his re-arrest, his lawyer, Oyewole said

“I am filing processes tomorrow (Tuesday). They didn’t tell us why they are detaining him. They have not told us the basis for this re-arrest. As far as we are concerned, the EFCC is seeking to overreach the court because this is coming after we filed our no-case submission to the charges. When they had the opportunity to amend their charges they didn’t and they are claiming that there is a new charge.”

The spokesman for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, who also confirmed his re-arrest, said

“The fresh arrest is unconnected to the existing charges in court. It is related to Internet fraud.”
Source: Jide N.

Manchester City legend, Vincent Kompany retires at the age of 34

August 18, 2020

Former Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany has reportedly retired from professional football to become the full-time manager of Belgian side, Anderlecht.

The 34-year-old first joined the Belgian side in a player-manager role back in May 2019, but has now hung up his boots and will take on the full managerial role at the club

While on his player-manager role, he stepped down from the managerial side and focused on playing after Anderlecht suffered their worst start to a season since 1998-99.

Frank Vercauteren took over as head coach, but reportedly had a fallout with Kompany with the two not sharing the same vision for the club.

Vercauteren has now left Anderlecht, and Kompany has been made the full-time manager of the Belgian side.

Anderlecht will release a statement on August 17, at 5pm to address the new development.

Vincent Kompany who made over 350 appearances at Manchester City, won four Premier League titles, four League Cups and two FA Cups during his time at the Etihad.

Source: Usman O.

Ghanian policemen harass Nigerian businessman over $1m tax (video)

August 18, 2020

Some Ghanaian policemen have been spotted in a viral video harassing and forcefully shutting a shop belonging to a Nigerian businessman in Accra, capital of the West African country.

The Nigerian businessman who challenged the officials clearly stated that he has paid both his company tax and all other necessary fees even before registering his business. He went ahead to show off the documents which backed his claim and also asked the policemen to provide evidence of non-payment of tax by him.

The businessman who criticized the policemen for treating their fellow Africans so unfairly, said he is being harassed over the non-payment of $1 million as tax to the Ghanian government.

In the video obtained by PR Nigeria, he was heard saying;

“I have been doing business in Ghana since 2007, and I have not defaulted in paying my tax. I have the necessary papers to back up my claim. You guys are only closing our shops because of the $1 million you ask us to pay. Where do you want us to get the $1 million”.

This is coming after the president of Nigerian Traders Union in Ghana, Chukwuemeka Nnaji decried the closure of shops owned by Nigerians by Ghanaian authorities.

Asides revealing that Ghanaian authorities demanded cash payment of one million dollars for their shops to be reopened, it was further learnt that they were asked to employ a minimum of 25 skilled Ghanaian workers and must not trade in commodities that Ghanaian traders have applied to trade in.

Source: Kingsley Uzoka

Some Nigerian girls stranded in Lebanon return home (photos)

August 18, 2020

Some Nigerians girls who were stranded in Lebanon have returned home.

The girls caught the attention of the Federal government after recording a video of themselves packed up in a room in Lebanon. In the viral video, the girls narrated their plight and pleaded for the government’s intervention to return home.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) via its Twitter handle, announced that a total of 68 of the Nigerian girls stranded in Lebanon were brought back home aboard a Middle East Airline plane, which touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja around 3:30pm.

See more photos of the rescued girls below

Nigerian girls stranded in Lebanon return home (photos)

Source: Francisca C.

Entrepreneurship may make you rich but will cause you unhappiness- iroko Boss

August 18, 2020

Iroko TV boss, Jason Njoku has revealed why he won’t encourage his children to be entrepreneurs.

In a tweet he shared, the British-Nigerian start-up investor who noted that he wants his kids to be happy said he won’t encourage them to be entrepreneurs because it is “super hard”. Jason added that though entrepreneurship may make them rich, it will cause them unhappiness.

He tweeted;

I want my kids to be happy. So definitely not encouraging this entrepreneurship path. Its super hard. It may make you rich (very unlikely) but it will more likely than not cause unhappiness. The deep kind. The kind that just grinds everything to dust. I think I need a 15km run

Entrepreneurship may make you rich but will cause you unhappiness - Iroko TV boss, Jason Njoku reveals why he won

Source: Hajia R.

Kiki Mordi’s Sex For Grade documentary earns her an Emmy nomination

August 18, 2020

Nigerian journalist, Kiki Mordi just got her first Emmy nomination.

The 29-year-old exposed the rot in West African universities when she went undercover to a number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria and Ghana.

The BBC Africa Eye documentary captured lecturers demanding sex for grades. A particular lecturer in UNILAG propositioned Kiki, who he thought was a prospective student, for sex so as to help her gain admission into the institution.

The documentary started a conversation about the prevalent issue of sex for grades in Nigerian universities and prompted a former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar and a former Senate President of Nigeria, Bukola Saraki to call on the Nigerian Government to take immediate action against sexual harassment in Nigerian Universities.

Also, the Nigerian Senate re-introduced the anti-sexual harassment bill on October 9, 2019, in response to the documentary.

Kiki has received recognition for her work within and outside Nigeria and it just earned her an Emmy nomination in the News & Current Affairs category.

Kiki shared the news to Twitter and congratulations have been pouring in.

Source: Jide N.

Asia’s richest man, Ambani looking to acquire several local online retailers

August 18, 2020

Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, is on a shopping spree as he targets online retailers for acquisition in a bid to compete against Amazon.

Ambani spent the early few months of the pandemic raising more than $20 billion by selling stakes in his technology venture. He is now looking to acquire several local online retailers to help expand product offerings as he races to build his e-commerce platform and compete against Jeff Bezos’ Amazon.com.

Reliance Industries Ltd., Ambani’s oil, retail and telecommunications conglomerate, is in various stages of negotiations to either buy out or purchase stakes in Urban Ladder, an online furniture seller, Zivame, a lingerie maker, and Netmeds, which delivers medicine, people familiar with the matter said, according to Bloomberg. The sources asked not to be identified as the talks are confidential. There’s no certainty the deliberations may result in a deal, they added.

The 63-year-old tycoon is seeking to widen his retail footprint in a market that’s become a hot spot for global giants such as Amazon as well as many local rivals.

The business mogul last month outlined plans to rope in investors for his Reliance Retail Ltd., days after selling a combined 33% stake in Jio Platforms Ltd. — a digital services holding company — to partners including Facebook Inc. and Google.

“At a time like this, the valuation of a lot of retail organizations is really attractive and Reliance is in an enviable position with a huge war chest,” said Pronam Chatterjee, co-founder and chief executive officer of BluePi Consulting. “In the next five years, we see one retail organization taking up the pole position. With these acquisitions Reliance is priming to be the clear leader.”

Reliance could pay as much as $160 million for Bangalore-based Zivame, the Economic Times reported earlier. The Urban Ladder deal could be pegged at about $30 million, while Netmeds at $120 million, local media have reported. Milkbasket, a milk delivery company, is also one of the targets, the Times of India reported Monday.

Ambani’s latest hunt for deals follows a wave of similar acquisitions that started around 2017. Since then, his group has purchased British toy store-chain Hamleys, a local music streaming app called Saavn, logistics operation Grab a Grub Services and the Haptik artificial intelligence chatbot. Reliance is also closing in on a deal for stakes in some units of Indian retailer Future Group, people familiar with the matter said in June.

Late last year, Ambani unveiled his shopping portal JioMart, which is now delivering in about 200 cities and towns. His chase for the assets comes at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted supply chains and dented sales at conventional retailers, while boosting online orders from people under lockdown.

Source: Jide N.

Tokyo installs new transparent public restrooms

August 18, 2020

New high-tech transparent public restrooms are being built in the Japanese capital city as part of the Tokyo Toilets project launched by the Nippon Foundation.

Two restrooms are already built in the city’s Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and the Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park. It features transparent glass walls that become opaque once the occupant has entered and locked the door.

Each facility also comprises three separate cubicles, a male, female and accessible toilet which are divided by mirrored walls.

Tokyo installs new transparent public restrooms?that magically block people?s view once the door is locked (Photos)

“There are two things we worry about when entering a public restroom, especially those located at a park,” Ban explained on the project’s website.

“The first is cleanliness, and the second is whether anyone is inside,” the architect continued. “Using the latest technology, the exterior glass turns opaque when locked.”

“This allows users to check the cleanliness and whether anyone is using the toilet from the outside. At night, the facility lights up the park like a beautiful lantern.”

According to reports, the main goal of the project is to rid Tokyo of the image of “dirty and foul-smelling”

Source: Francisca C.

Barcelona ‘confirm’ coach Quique Setien has been sacked

August 18, 2020

Barcelona have sacked club coach Quique Setien following the humiliating 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich last week, according to reports.

According to reports from Spain, club president Josep Bartomeu spoke with Spanish outlet Cadena COPE on Sunday night following a meeting with the Barca board, including Eric Abidal.

Bartomeu is believed to have said: “He is out,” when asked about Setien’s position.

Barcelona are yet to make an official announcement with reports saying an official announcement will be made today, Monday August 17 during a press conference.

Barcelona ?confirm? coach Quique Setien has been sacked after Bayern humiliation

Setien only replaced Ernesto Valverde in January but his failure to win LaLiga and the 8-2 Bayern Munich humiliation only quickened his sack following a public fall out with Lionel Messi this season.

The 8-2 demolition of Barca by Bayern in the Champions League quarter-final
was one of the most embarrassing in the proud Catalan club’s 121-year history.

Source: Usman O.

Liverpool: Sadio Mane to win Premier League PFA Fans’ Player of the Year award

August 18, 2020

Liverpool forward, Sadio Mane has won the Premier League PFA Fans’ Player of the Year award for 2019-20.

The Senegal international, 28, scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in the top flight last season to help the Reds clinch their Premier League title with a club-record 99 points.

In a poll of football fans across the country, Mane took 41 percent of the vote to see off competition from Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (27 percent) and teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold (17 percent).

Mané joined Liverpool for a transfer fee of £34 million on a five-year contract in June 2016. The transfer fee made him the most expensive African player in history at the time.

Source: Usman O.

Bolivia approves toxic bleach as Coronavirus treatment

August 18, 2020

A bill legalizing a toxic bleach as a cure for Coronavirus treatment has been approved by the lower house of Bolivia’s legislature.

According to local media reports, the country’s Legislative Assembly approved the bill, which had already passed the Bolivian Senate despite reports of people being hospitalised after taking it.

The bill allows for the “production, commercialization, and supply of chlorine dioxide solution to prevent COVID-19 and as a treatment for sick patients.”

Chlorine dioxide is an industrial bleach commonly used as a disinfectant, or to bleach paper products, which conspiracy theorists and alternative medicine advocates have hailed it as a miracle cure capable of curing any illness.

They call it “Miracle Mineral Solution,” or MMS.

According to Business Insider, there have been cases across Bolivia of people being hospitalised after taking chlorine dioxide.

The country’s ministry of health has warned people against taking the substance and will prosecute anyone producing and selling it.

In June medical regulators in the country released a statement warning that chlorine dioxide “puts the health of the population that consumes or intends to do so at serious risk.”

It added that the US Food and Drug Administration says it has recorded reports of “severe vomiting, severe diarrhoea, life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration and acute liver failure after drinking these products”.

Bolivia has recorded 101,223 cases of Coronavirus and 4,123 deaths so far.

Source: Lucky B.

Police arrest suspected fraudsters who specialize in cloning sim cards

August 18, 2020

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a syndicate that specialises in the cloning of Subscriber Identification Module cards better known as SIM cards of prominent deceased persons and emptying their bank accounts in connivance with some criminal bank officials.

The syndicate were arrested after their leader, Osita Nwafor alias Ossy, was nabbed by men of the Rapid Response Squad. Other members of the gang include Nwogu Chike, Anthony Odama, Ikechukwu Nkem, James Okonkwo, Adedio Paulinus and Olufemi Ogundepo.

A statement by the RRS says the suspects connived with some bank workers in Nigeria and outside the country to loot the funds of deceased persons.

It was gathered that Chika was working on the transfer of $220,000 from a foreign bank, while Ogundepo was working on the transfer of N25m from an old generation bank in the country before they were arrested.

When interrogated, Nwafor stated that they look out for the obituary of wealthy Nigerians and then work with their bank insiders to determine their account balance and then clone their SIM cards for online transfer of their money.

“Although I brought the team together, each member of the group has his area of specialisation. We look for potential victims and each member has his role on each of the cases.
Once I have done my part of the deal by looking for SIMs and accounts numbers, I push them to whoever among the member has to play the next role and that is how we treat our cases and apart from this, each member of the gang also has his splinter group. Whenever they have personal jobs, they also handle on their own.
Chike looks for foreign and local accounts for money lodgements. I don’t know anything about how he does that, I simply hand over to Chike. He has his connections and they work on percentage and once they agree on the percentage when the money comes, everybody gets their cuts.
We find obituaries of well to do members of the public, use bank insiders to determine the deceased’s account balance and clone their SIM cards for online transfers.” he said

One of the group’s bank informants was arrested in Lagos while another one who is based in Benin city, Edo state, has gone into hiding after he got wind of the syndicates’ arrest.

The seven suspected fraudsters have been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad for further investigation and prosecution.

Source: Jide N.

Nigerian man charged in Uganda after allegedly being in possession of cocaine

August 18, 2020

A Nigerian man who was arrested in Uganda after allegedly being in possession of 320grammes of cocaine valued at sh244.4m (N905m), has been charged and remanded in prison.

37-year-old Madu Chima was arrested alongside one Ibanda Abubakali, 31, a security guard attached to Pinnacle Security Limited.

Nigerian man charged in Uganda after allegedly being in possession of cocaine valued at

Appearing before Grade One Magistrate Abert Asiimwe, the duo pleaded not guilty to charges of acquiring prohibited goods, trafficking in a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance, and importing prohibited goods.

They also face charges of conspiracy to contravene a provision of the East African Community Customs Management Act and attempting to contravene a provision of the Narcotic Drugs Act.

According to the Act, any person who commits the offence is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine equal to fifty percent of the dutiable value of the goods involved, or both.

Court heard that on August 6, 2020, at Makindye in Kampala, Madu Chima received a cocaine package from Ibanda Abubakali that was shipped by DHL Airway bill HAWB 2154260544 from Columbia via the United States of America, which package he knew or ought to have reasonably known to be prohibited.’

The two were arrested after Ibanda received a call from DHL to pick the consignment.

According to court document, when Ibanda got to the DHL office, he didn’t have the tracking number and had to get it from his friend ‘John’ who in this case is Madu Chima. As Ibanda was handing over the consignment to Chima, the pair were arrested.

During police interrogation, the duo denied knowledge of the content they received, but Chima admitted that the package was for his Nigerian friend, one Ozo, who failed to come for it due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Chima, according to the charge sheet, is a businessperson and a resident of Salama road, Makindye Division in Kampala. He got to know Ibanda from the Post Office, where he works as a security guard.

State Prosecutor Stuart Aheebwa, attached to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) informed the court that investigations in the matter are incomplete and asked the court to adjourn the case.

“I pray for a long adjournment to allow police to complete investigations,” he requested.

According to him, he would use that time to acquire a report that will be used to pin the accused of the crime during the hearing of the case.

This prompted the magistrate to remand the accused and advised him to get sureties of Ugandan nationals in a bid to get bail.

The case was adjourned to August 25, 2020.

Source: Jide N.

Ronald Koeman set to become next Barcelona coach

August 17, 2020

Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman is set to become next Barcelona coach after Quique Setien was sacked following the club’s humiliating 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich last week.

Setien, 61, who was only appointed in January was relieved of his duties after Barcelona finished trophyless first time in 12 years.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ronald Koeman will become the next coach of Barcelona and the details of his contract are being finalised following negotiations with the Dutch Football Association.

Koeman is expected to first sign a two-year contract with a longer-term contract likely to be handed to him depending on the outcome of the club’s presidential elections next year.

Ronald Koeman is one of the most decorated stars in Barcelona’s glorious history.

He played for Barcelona from 1989–1995, scoring 106 goals for the club and also worked as Barcelona’s assistant coach between 1998 and 2000.

Source: Usman O.

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