Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo targets Ballon D'or



Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to lift the FIFA Ballon d’Or next month as he seeks to continually improve as a player, Teamtalk reports.

The Portugal international has finished runner-up in the last two years to Argentina’s Lionel Messi and the pair are again on the short-list, along with Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery.

The 28-year-old has been in blistering form for both club and country this term, scoring 34 goals in just 25 appearances, and he hopes to lift the trophy in Zurich on 13 January.

In comments reported by A Bola, Ronaldo is quoted as saying, “I always like to win, but I know that does not depend on me.

“I do not know if I deserve it this year – I’ve been on the podium for six years, this is the seventh or eighth year in the FIFPro team.

“This is no accident, it demonstrates the consistency that I have shown in recent years.

“Do I deserve to win? I believe I deserve to win the Golden Ball each year. I would like to win, but sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, that is the way things are.”

He added, “I’m an ambitious person, a player who always wants the best. A player who loves to learn, who likes to maintain a high level.

“Obviously, each year I am more mature, I have more experience and that’s good for me and for my team or selection.

“I am a privileged person. Year after year, there is always a challenge and different motivations.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic urges Barcelona star Messi to Join PSG



Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes signing Lionel Messi would take Paris Saint-Germain to the next level and make them European title contenders.

According to Skysports, rumours in the French media have suggested the big-spending Paris side are preparing a record bid for Barcelona’s Argentina playmaker.

Ibrahimovic played alongside Messi during his two-year spell at Camp Nou but struggled to forge a successful partnership with the diminutive forward.

However, the Sweden international believes the addition of his former team-mate and four-time Ballon d’Or winner would make PSG a force to be reckoned with in Europe.

“If he’s up for sale then the whole world will be after him, not just PSG,” Ibrahimovic said at a winter training camp in Doha.

“I don’t know the situation but I think he’s very happy at Barcelona.

“The press creates this but only he knows the truth. PSG’s project is to dream bigger but if you buy Messi, you don’t dream bigger, you are bigger.”

Since the Ligue 1 side’s takeover, signings such as Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Lucas Moura and Edinson Cavani have many highlighting PSG as genuine contenders for the UEFA Champions League crown.

They reached the quarter-finals last year, where they lost on away goals to Messi’s Barcelona, while their best result in the competition remains their semi-final run in 1995.

Although PSG are champions of France and leading the way in Ligue 1 again this season, Ibrahimovic is determined to go one step further.

“I’m never satisfied, I want to win,” he added. “We’ve progressed well and quickly. The team has come on very quickly in the right direction.

“We play very good football, we have the ball, we create chances.

“There’s a high level of collective quality, our mentality is progressing. Everything’s going in the right direction and I’m delighted.”

The Paris side take on Real Madrid in a friendly in Doha on Thursday and Ibrahimovic insists it will not be a light-hearted affair.

“Unfortunately it’s a friendly match but we’ll treat it like a competitive match,” he said. “It would be good for confidence to win.”

Nigeria Army kills 63 boko haram terrorists in Borno

Defence headquarters disclosed, yesterday, that the Special Force of the Nigerian Army killed 56 Boko Haram terrorists that have been making life unbearable for citizens living in the North-East of Nigeria, while seven other terrorists were killed in the Lake Chad islands.

According to a statement by Major-General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information, the operations were carried out at Alafa in Borno State and the Lake Chad islands, respectively.
It said: “Nigerian security forces have launched ground and air operations on terrorists’ locations in the forest at Alafa, about 21 kilometers from Bama, Borno State.

“Over 56 terrorists died in the ensuing intensive fight over the weekend. Two soldiers were wounded in the operation, which is meant to track fleeing terrorists.
“Acting on intelligence reports, which indicated renewed efforts by the terrorists to establish a new camp in the forest locations, the land and air operations has inflicted heavy casualty on the insurgents as indicated by the high level of their loss of men and materials.

“Air and land bombardments are continuing in different locations, where terrorists have been reportedly sighted.
“The Multi-National Joint Task Force foiled an attempt by terrorists that were massing up on an island on Lake Chad with a view to carrying out an attack on some Nigerian communities.

“Seven of the terrorists died, while others fleeing in different direction towards Niger and Chad Republic are being trailed by troops.
“Intelligence reports have confirmed that some of the wounded terrorists were seen in a canoe, paddling towards Tumbun Telkandam in Chad Republic.”

Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners

Israel released 26 Palestinian prisoners Monday in a gesture of goodwill between the two sides, days before a visit to the region by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

The release was a step aimed at “resuming the diplomatic process,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Saturday announcing the move.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas greeted 18 of the freed prisoners in Ramallah, West Bank.

The prisoners “perpetrated offenses prior to the Oslo accords and have served sentences of 19-28 years,” Netanyahu’s office statement said.

Kerry travels to Jerusalem and Ramallah on Wednesday in his ongoing attempt to broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Monday’s release was part of a pledge made by Israel at the start of the talks last summer.

The two sides are four months into a nine-month deadline set by Kerry to reach a peace deal, with little visible progress.

Kerry will meet with both Abbas and Netanyahu during his trip — his ninth visit to the region.

What Your Urine Color Reveals About Your Health

Urine is made up of water and waste materials from your body. There are many reasons your urine can change color, such as food, drugs, poison and general health.

Pale yellow color is considered the normal color of urine, so anything different may be a health problem or an indication that you ate somehting not so great for you. Check out this information and see what your urine color tells you about your health. 

Clear urine is normal when you drink large amounts of water or other diuretics. It probably just means you are well hydrated!

Urine that is a rich yellow color may indicate that you haven't been drinking enough liquids. This deep yellow can also occur after excessive sweating. No need for alarm, just drink more fluids!

Dark yellow urine that is not vibrant is an indicator of a few things. Most commonly not drinking enough water. It may also indicate jaundice or liver problems. Pictured is a person with jaundice. The whites of the eyes turn yellow, too. 

Carrots and carrot juice (or certain medications) could be to blame for orange urine. However, this color may indicate that there is an excess of Vitamin C in your system. Simply lighten your intake of vitamin C heavy foods.

Brown urine can be caused by certain foods, like fava beans or even laxatives, but it can also be a sign of a serious condition. Liver disease, melanoma cancer and hepatitis can all cause urine to have a brown tinge. So if your diet has gone unchanged recently, you may want to talk to a doctor about the color of your urine and the cause. 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) or certain drugs can cause your urine to look a bit green. If your slightly green urine is also accompanied by discomfort or burning while you urinate, you should see a doctor who can diagnose you with a UTI or other condition.

Urine with a slight blue tint is an indicator of high calcium levels. You can talk to your doctor about your diet or any supplements you are taking to fix this problem. Blue-ish urine can also be caused by certain bacterial infections, however, so let your doctor know as soon as you notice the color change. 

Red urine can be caused by many things. Large amounts of red food dye or naturally red foods can change the color in the toilet. Red beats are notorious for this very thing.

However, red urine can also indicate the presence of blood. Bloody urine can be a sign of bladder infections or serious internal injuries. If you haven't eaten red foods lately and suspect that your urine contains blood, you should see your doctor immediately.

TuFace, Naeto C, Davido, Iyanya, and others thrill fans at Calabar Festival

Nigeria music icon, TuFace Idibia, alongside Iyanya, Davido, Sound Sultan, among others, on Saturday thrilled fans at the main bowl of the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar

Tagged ‘Calabar Rocks’, it was a show packaged by the Calabar Carnival Commission as a series of carnival events lined up to usher in the New Year, 2014.

As at 8pm, the 16,000 capacity U.J. Esuene Stadium was filled to capacity.

After what seemed like an endless wait by the revellers, having had their appetite already whetted by local acts, the stadium suddenly became electric with the appearance of Sound Sultan who set the stage aglow.

Sound Sultan literally uprooted everyone from his or her seat as the sea of heads could be seen tossing in Mexico-wave fashion.

If anyone thought the crowd was jaded by the toll exacted on them from the previous day’s fatigue, the gyration on display on this sweaty Saturday night, by the very old, the young, men and women, boys and girls offered no such hint as they joined the dancing train.

Refusing to allow any dull moment take over the crowd, rap sensation, Naeto C dished out some of his rap tunes much to the excitement of the music throngs who wound and wriggled while Naeto C did his thing.

The stadium erupted in ecstasy when the “Skelewu” and “Omo Baba Lowo” crooner, Davido mounted the stage and got the crowd crooning and yelling along to his rave tunes. It was a moment they sure would live to remember in a long while to come.

In what could be regarded as home coming, it was the turn of home boy, Iyanya who was given a hero’s welcome by the crowd as he made his ascent onto the stage. With his “Kukere” and “Your Waist”, he wowed the crowd into a wild moment.

The crowd, which was hardly held back, joined him in singing and dancing to his native “Etighi” dance steps.

Afterwards, entered the the ‘big masquerade’ himself, Tuface Idibia, Nigeria’s multi-award winning music maestro.

Tunes after tunes, he held the crowd rocking back and forth as the night wore on into the early hours of Sunday. The night was turned into somewhat of a dancing competition among the teeming crowd, the highs and the lows, including those at the state box, as everyone tried to showcase his or her dancing skills.

But it was not just a night of music and musicians alone as one of Nigeria’s best things in comedy, Julius Agwu thrilled the crowd with his rib-cracking jokes.

A 27 year old teacher arraigned for defiling two pupils

A 27 year old teacher, Mohammed Ibrahim, yesterday, appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, charged with the defilement of two pupils, ages six and seven years old.

Ibrahim, who resides at 2, Olaosebikan St., Lawanson in Surulere, Lagos, is facing a charge of defiling two minors.
The prosecutor, Inspector  R. Odigie, said the crime was committed on December 18 at about 11.00 a.m. at Al-adab Nursery and Primary School, Abalti Barracks, Surulere, Lagos.

He said the accused took the two pupils to the school toilet and forcefully had carnal knowledge of them.

He said: “The victims screamed for help and were rescued by another teacher in the school. The eyewitness reported the accused to the headmaster.”
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.A. Demi-Ajayi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case to January 29, 2014.

The murdered Nigerian in India, Simeon Obodo, laid to rest in his hometown



The 35-year old Nigerian Simeon Obodo, who was murdered in Gao, India, on October 30, Simeon Obodo, has been buried in his hometown in Obogwe-Umunwaku community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government area of Imo State.

A representative of the family, Mr Ejike Esinkoye, disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Monday.

Esinkoye, who said the funeral service of Obodo took place, yesterday at St Paul’s Catholic Parish, Obogwe-Umunwaku, expressed dismay that the Federal Government did not send any official delegation to the burial.

He also said the family had yet to receive any compensation or assistance from the India government.

NAN recalls that the murder of the Nigerian during a violent clash in Goa village, India, sparked a diplomatic row between both countries.

Around 200 Nigerians in India protested Obodo’s murder by blocking a national highway and clashing with locals and police in the area.

Fifty-three of the protesting Nigerians were arrested and later released, after paying fees to secure their release.

Monday, December 30, 2013

20 children killed, 75 others injured in Christmas auto crashes



20 children lost their lives in various road traffic crashes that occurred in the country during the Christmas celebration.

The management of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, which announced the sad development in Abuja, said, 75 others were injured in the crashes involving 239 children with 144 of them rescued alive by its patrol operatives.
The FRSC’s Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Jonas Agwu, said the accidents happened between December 19 and 28, 2013.

Disturbed by the spate of road  fatalities involving children, the FRSC, according to Agwu, has reiterated the need for all motorists to ensure the safety of children in their vehicles even as the FRSC intensifies its awareness campaigns and patrol activities towards reversing this trend.

The commission has reiterated its warning to parents and other drivers who convey children in their vehicles to ensure that they are appropriately restrained when travelling in a motor vehicle.

He added that children who are under 12 years should be restrained in the rear seats, in line with the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, because air bags can injure or kill young children travelling in front seats, in the event of a crash.

Agwu said the commission had robust public advocacy, massive deployment of human and material resources and intensified patrol activities since December 19, 2013 which has resulted to a reduction in road crashes and fatalities in the initial five days, 19-23, of the 2013 yuletide special patrol, tagged “Operation Zero Tolerance.”

Consequently, the corps has mandated its commanding officers to intensify enforcement of traffic rules and regulations bothering on child safety during the 2013 yuletide patrols which is slated to end on January 12, 2014.

Additional steps will be taken by FRSC operatives to conduct routine checks on vehicles conveying children to ensure that such children are properly positioned

Another Bomb Blast hit Russia’s Volgograd Kills 14

A bus in Volgograd has been ripped apart by a bomb, killing 14 people in the second deadly attack blamed on suicide bombers in the southern Russian city in 24 hours.

The attacks are already raising fears of Islamist attacks on the Winter Olympics.

President Vladimir Putin, who has staked his prestige on February’s Sochi Games and dismissed threats from Chechen and other Islamist militants in the nearby North Caucasus, ordered tighter security nationwide after the morning rush-hour blast.

Investigators said they believed a male suicide bomber set off the blast in the Monday attack, a day after a similar attack killed at least 17 in the main rail station of a city that serves as a gateway to the southern wedge of Russian territory bounded by the Black and Caspian Seas and the Caucasus mountains.

Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the attack, saying it is part of a global “terrorist” campaign and welcomed a declaration of solidarity made on Sunday by the United Nations Security Council.

“For the second day, we are dying. It’s a nightmare,” a woman near the scene told Reuters, her voice trembling as she choked back tears. “What are we supposed to do, just walk now?”

“Identical” shrapnel to that in the rail station indicated that the two bombs were linked, investigators said.

“There was smoke and people were lying in the street,” said Olga, who works nearby. “The driver was thrown a long way. She was alive and moaning … Her hands and clothes were bloody.”

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

On Sunday, investigators initially described the station bomber as a woman from Dagestan, a hub of Islamist militancy on the Caspian, but they later said the attacker may have been a man. In October, a woman from the North Caucasus blew up and killed seven people on a bus in Volgograd.

It was unclear why the city, which will host soccer matches during the 2018 World Cup, has been hit. However, geography – being close to the restive regions – and its historical significance, may have contributed to its being targeted.

Volgograd has held a place in Russians’ sense of national identity since, when known as Stalingrad, its Soviet defenders held off German invaders to turn the course of World War Two.

Doctors struggle to save Schumacher



Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is in a life-threatening condition in an induced coma after ski accident.
Doctors treating Michael Schumacher have refused to predict an outcome for the Formula One great, who is fighting for his life after a skiing accident in the French Alps.

Jean-Francois Payen, the anaesthetician at the CHU hospital in the eastern French city of Grenoble, said on Monday that Schumacher was still in a medically induced coma with head injuries, sustained when he fell while skiing with his 14-year-old son at the Meribel resort on Sunday.

"We can say that his condition is life-threatening," Payen said.

"For the moment we cannot say what Michael Schumacher's future is.

"He is in a critical state in terms of cerebral resuscitation."

Payen said that the medical team was working around the clock and were trying to win time in the their fight to save the seven-time Grand Prix champion.

The 44-year-old German had slammed his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alpine resort where he has a vacation home.

Payen said Schumacher would have died without the helmet.

Philippe Quincy, the Albertville public prosecutor, told Reuters news agency that an inquiry had been launched on Sunday to identify the causes of the accident.

Initial findings indicated the blow was so hard that Schumacher's helmet had shattered.

"We know that the accident took place in an off-piste zone where rocks were partly or totally hidden by snow," Quincy said.

Schumacher was initially conscious as he was transported to a local hospital in Moutiers and then to Grenoble. However, his condition deteriorated sharply afterwards.

Neurosurgeon Stephan Chabardes said an emergency brain scan carried out on Schumacher had revealed internal bleeding and injuries including contusions and lesions. He said they had operated to treat the internal bleeding.

Doctors said Schumacher had been placed in an artificial coma but, contrary to an earlier French media report, said they had not carried out a second operation during the night and were not planning any further interventions at this stage.

The neurology team at Grenoble University Hospital, which is recognised as among the best in France, was cautious about Schumacher's prognosis.

They lowered his body temperature to between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius as part of the medically induced coma, which
essentially rests the brain, slowing its metabolism to help reduce inflammation after an injury.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined sports legends and millions of Germans on Monday in expressing shock at Schumacher's skiing accident, as his family thanked well-wishers for their support.

F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel wished Schumacher's family strength, as they kept a vigil by his hospital bedside.

"I am shocked and I hope that he will get better as quickly as possible," Vettel said.

Felipe Massa, former Ferrari team mate, wrote on Twitter: "I'm praying for God to protect you, brother!", while double F1 world champion Fernando Alonso tweeted: "Get well soon Michael! Hope to hear some positive news very soon! #strongman".

Tomato, an essential diet that reduces the risk of prostate and breast cancer



The tomato has an enviable pedigree, Widely regarded as the world’s most healthy food. One of the most important secrets in tomato is lycopene – a carotenoid pigment that has long been associated with the deep red colour of many tomatoes.

Tomatoes are widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, including, of course, their oftentimes-rich concentration of lycopene. Researchers have recently found an important connection between lycopene, its antioxidant properties, bone health and others.

People who have diets rich in tomatoes, which contain lycopene, appear to have a lower risk of various cancers notably of the   prostate and breast.  Lycopene helps prevent prostate, breast, lung, and stomach cancers by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.
According to the Food For Life Cancer Project entitled “How Lycopene Helps Protect Against Cancer:, Lycopene is  one of the free radical-fighting antioxidants.
Free radicals are damaging molecules that float around in the body disrupting cells and promoting disease. Antioxidants, such as lycopene, destroy free radicals so they can’t attach to cells and wreak havoc on the  immune system.

It has long been known that postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
But  new research suggests that adopting a diet rich in tomatoes may reduce this risk. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows how analysis of 70 postmenopausal women for 20 weeks demonstarted the potential of lycopene to reduce breast cancer risk.

In the stydy, for the first 10 weeks, the women were required to follow a tomato-rich diet. This involved consuming a minimum of 25 mg of lycopene each day. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.
For the remaining 10 weeks, the women followed a soy-rich diet. This required them to consume at least 40 g of soy protein daily.

All women were asked to refrain from eating any soy or tomato products 2 weeks prior to each diet. Postmenopausal women showed a 9 percent increase in levels of adiponectin – a fat and blood sugar regulating hormone – after following a tomato-rich diet for 10 weeks, lowering their risk of breast cancer.

Results revealed that when the women followed the tomato-rich diet, they showed a 9 percent increase in their levels of adiponectin – a hormone that plays a part in the regulation of fat and blood sugar levels. However, when the women followed the soy-rich diet, this led to a reduction in adiponectin levels. Low adiponectin levels are linked to increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance.

Eating fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals such as lycopene, conveys significant benefits.
Based on this data, it is believed regular consumption of at least the daily recommended servings of tomatoeswould promote breast cancer prevention in an at-risk population.

Have you eaten tomato today? Let's start eating...

Wole soyinka's second daughter, Iyetade Soyinka dies



Iyetade Soyinka, Second daughter of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Iyetade Soyinka, has died at age 48.

She died at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital where she was being treated for an undisclosed ailment.

According to a statement signed by Jahman Anikulapo, an aide to Mr. Soyinka, the late Iyetade Soyinka was a student at the Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan before she studied Medicine at the University of Ibadan.

The deceased was described as “affable, intelligent and sometimes capricious,” adding that she “struggled with her health in recent years.” Despite her health woes, the late Iyetade Soyinka “greeted every day with a smile and doted on her two children.”

The statement, which was issued on behalf of the deceased’s family, revealed that Mrs. Soyinka “took ill quite suddenly and passed away while being treated at UCH, Ibadan.

“Iyetade leaves behind two children, both parents, numerous siblings, nieces and nephews.”

No funeral arrangements were announced in the statement.

Chelsea beats Liverpool



Chelsea demonstrated their Premier League championship credentials by coming from behind to beat title rivals Liverpool 2-1 in an engaging and keenly contested game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Martin Skrtel gave Liverpool a third-minute lead, but Chelsea hit back before half-time through Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o to give manager Jose Mourinho victory over his former protege Brendan Rodgers.
Having led the league on Christmas Day, Liverpool will finish the year in fifth place, six points below leaders Arsenal, with Chelsea two points off the pace in third place behind Manchester City.

Beaten 2-1 by City on Boxing Day, Liverpool have now lost successive league games for the first time since April 2012, while top scorer Luis Suarez has gone two games without scoring after amassing 10 in his previous four outings.

The game marked the first meeting between Suarez and Branislav Ivanovic since the Liverpool striker was banned for biting the Chelsea defender last season, and the Liverpool man came out on top in their first duel.

After Samuel Eto’o caught Jordan Henderson with a high challenge on the Liverpool left, Philippe Coutinho curled in a free-kick and Suarez got in front of Ivanovic to knock the ball down for Skrtel to prod home.

Chelsea, for whom John Terry was making his 600th appearance, were quick to respond, with Glen Johnson hacking off the line to prevent Skrtel scoring an own goal and Gary Cahill heading wide from a free-kick.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet then produced a stunning one-handed save to tip over a shot from Frank Lampard, but in the 17th minute the hosts drew level.
A sharp Chelsea counter-attack culminated in Mamadou Sakho inadvertently diverting a pass from Oscar into the path of Hazard, who swept a magisterial first-time shot inside the right-hand post from 20 yards.

Chelsea then lost Ivanovic to injury, with Ashley Cole coming on, but it did not disrupt their momentum.
They went in front in the 34th minute and Mignolet, culpable for City’s winning goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, was again partly at fault.

Oscar’s low cross from the right was toed towards goal by Eto’o and despite getting down quickly, Mignolet could only palm the ball inside his right-hand post.
It was an impressive reaction from Mourinho’s side, but gradually Liverpool reasserted themselves.

Petr Cech produced a smart save to prevent Joe Allen from equalising with a deflected shot shortly before half-time, before Sakho headed against the crossbar early in the second period.

Mignolet stood up well to stop Eto’o extending Chelsea’s lead at the other end, but Liverpool were soon back on the attack, with Suarez volleying straight at Cech.

The teams continued to exchange chances, Oscar drilling wide for Chelsea, Johnson working Cech in reply, but Liverpool’s early fire had burnt itself out.
And when Suarez went to ground theatrically in the Chelsea box after Eto’o ran across him, he received only a shake of the head from referee Howard Webb and a torrent of jeers from the home fans.

Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres threatened to seal victory at the death after coming on from the bench, but having taken Sakho out of the game, he saw his shot saved by Mignolet.

El-rufai, 99 others escape death as Aero airplane loses tyre

Tragedy was averted, Sunday,  when a Boeing 737 plane with over 100 passengers belonging to Aero Contractors had a bust tyre at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos.
The aircraft, which  departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, NAA, Abuja around 9am had a burst tyre on landing at the Lagos Airport.

One of the over 100 passengers onboard the plane was the former Minister, federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Mal. Nasir el-Rufai who tweeted  “Upon landing in Lagos, our Aero aircraft lost a tyre. The pilot did a great job of breaking to a halt. My phones flew under seats.”
Reacting to the incident, Mr Yakubu Dati, Coordinating Spokesman, Aviation Parastatals said “ A aircraft Boeing 737-500 with Registration No 5N-BLC, operated by Aero contractors  landed safely at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, following loss of pressure in one of the tyres, today  December 29, 2013”.
“ The aircraft which landed at 10.50am had a total of  104 passengers and crew members on board.

The aircraft has since been towed to the apron and Accident Investigation Prevention Bureau, AIPB has commenced investigation into the incident.”

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Lebanon slain ex-minister laid to rest

Security tightened in Beirut as crowds gather to mourn Mohamad Chatah, whose killing highlights sectarian tensions.
Lebanon has held the funeral of Mohamad Chatah, the former finance minister, amid rising tensions over who might have killed him.  

Security was tightened on Sunday around a mosque in the centre of Beirut where prominent figures attended the burial of Chatah, a close aide of ex-prime minister Saad Hariri.

Chatah, a Sunni Muslim who was a vocal critic of Syria and Hezbollah, was killed along with at least seven others in a blast on Friday that shook the capital Beirut.

Politicians aren't waiting for investigations to conclude. They already have their mind set.

Mourners gathered outside the mosque chanted against the powerful Hezbollah movement, an ally of the Syrian regime, which has been accused of killing Chatah and other critics in recent years.

Chatah was buried at the mausoleum of of Saad's father, late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005.

Chatah's assassination is part of an ongoing wave of violence destabilising the country for years. A civil war waging in neighbouring Syria since 2011 has spilled over into multi-faith Lebanon as different political factions side with opponent parties battling next-door.

It was reported that investigators are still collecting clues and evidence from the scene of Friday's attack.

"However, politicians aren't waiting for investigations to conclude. They already have their mind set," our correspondent said.

"Saad Hariri, his Future Movement and March 14 Coalition, who are staunchly anti-Syria, accuse Syria, Hezbollah and Iran [of the assassination of Chatah]."

Chatah's killing occurred three weeks before the long-delayed opening of a trial of five Hezbollah suspects indicted for the 2005 bombing which killed Rafik Hariri, and 21 other people.

After Friday's blast, Saad Hariri said: "as far as we are concerned the suspects ... are those who are fleeing international justice and refusing to represent themselves before the international tribunal," Hariri said.

The trial is due to open in The Hague in January.

Hezbollah, which denies any role in the Hariri assassination, has refused to cooperate with the court, which it says is politically motivated. Preliminary UN investigations implicated Syrian officials.

Mo cheddah relocates to South Africa



This multiple award-winning musician has been off the social scene for several months. Gone are the days when she used to frequent gigs in company with her boyfriend, Bukuniyi. While some are insinuating that she has quit music; that however, is far away from the truth.

Unknown to most people, the graduate of the University of Lagos has relocated albeit temporarily to South Africa, where she is currently studying for another degree.

Meet the the 88 year old German gymnast, Johanna Quaas

In preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Germany hosted the Gymnastics Challenge Cup in the city of Cottbus last month. And while gymnastics is often a sport that features 15-year-olds trying to look like 18-year-olds, one tumbler stood out — because she’s 86 years old, 88 now.

Johanna Quaas, isn't taking old age lying down like many of her age mates. Instead, she's taking it spinning, jumping and somersaulting.

Johanna Quaas set a world record while the younger competitors took a break between rounds of competition. Her floor exercise routine included cartwheels, handstands and somersaults. And in front of a cheering crowd, she executed a full “planche” on the parallel bars, raising her outstretched body parallel with the ground, supported by just her arms.

London’s Telegraph newspaper reported that Quaas picked up the sport at age 30. In an interview with Gymmedia, she recalled being a member of (then) East Germany’s championship handball team in 1954.

Quaas has won nearly a dozen medals in senior gymnastics competitions — but as she told a Mitteldeutscher Rundfunktelevision broadcaster, “performing against 70-year-olds all the time is no fun after a while.”

Two YouTube videos of Quaas’ acrobatics have already been played more than 1.6 million times each.

‘I got HIV while looking for a child’ - Mrs Okoro

A pathetic story of a certain woman, Mrs Okoro, married several years ago with no child of her own. She eventually contracted HIV in the process of child pursuit after being pressured by her husband's relatives.

Below is her interview...

When did you get married?

We got married in 2004

Did you do HIV tests before you got married?

Yes, we did.  It was a compulsory test before getting married. We were both HIV negative.

When did you realise you had the virus?

It was in 2007. I got pregnant and was asked to do some random tests. That was how I found out I was HIV positive.

Do you know how you contracted the virus?

Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell because there are so many ways through which one can get the virus but you can trace it if you vividly remember the activities you engaged in for some months and years.

Can you explain what you mean by activities one engages in?

In my case, my husband married me a virgin and like I told you earlier, I was HIV negative and so was he when we got married. Certain things happened to me that exposed me to unhealthy practices and I believe strongly that that was how I got HIV.

Unhealthy practices?

I could not conceive when I got married. My husband was not worried because it was a young marriage, but his family members were not happy with me. They said all sorts of nasty things to me and tried to get my husband to send me out of the house. It created tension in my home.

I went to different churches and herbalists within and outside Lagos. In the herbalist’s home, I was given incisions with a razor blade. I received the incisions on two different occasions.  Then in 2007, my mother-in-law arranged a new wife for my husband behind my back.

Did he tell you about the new wife?

No. In fact, I didn’t know until much later. It was one of my friends in the village that told me what my mother-in-law had been up to. My husband just told me that he was going to our village to see his mum. I did not suspect anything. It was on that trip they introduced the new wife to him. He rejected the wife and came back to Lagos but he did not tell me anything.

One day, one of my friends called me and asked me if I knew what my husband came to the village for. She narrated the scheme to me and I confronted my husband. He said he didn’t tell me because it would hurt me. He reasoned that since he didn’t take the wife, I would be happy not knowing what transpired in the village.

It was that same year my in-laws wanted to get another wife for my husband that I got pregnant. That is why I counsel women that patience is everything. I got pregnant when God was ready to give me a child. It wasn’t the herbalist or white garment churches that made it possible. They gave me some very horrible concoctions to drink in those churches after praying on them. They took me to rivers to have my bath. When I saw that all those things were not working, I stopped. Several months after, I just discovered I was pregnant. In fact, I remember vividly that at the herbalist’s place, I didn’t give them the blade that was used for the incisions. That was the least thing on my mind, I just wanted a baby.

How many people did you see at the herbalist each time you went?

Quite a few, mostly women and it was the quest for children that took them there. They also got incisions.

Was it with the same blade?

I’m not sure about that because we went in at separate times

How did your husband receive the news of your status?

Towards the end of 2007, I got pregnant. He felt very bad when he heard about my status. He was downcast.  I thought it was the end of our marriage. I thought it was the end of everything I struggled to keep.  He shocked me when he said he was not going to leave me and it wasn’t the end of the world but that he needed to do the test too. He did it and he was negative. I gave birth to our child and she’s negative.

Do you experience any sort of stigmatisation?

No, my status is known to only my husband and I, and he has never used it to taunt me in any way. That is how I know that he truly loves me. Of course, it took him some time to get over it, it was very gradual but he took it calmly. We were both very sad. We went for counselling together. I told him that it was my desperation to have a child that forced me to seek alternative measures. He didn’t know I went to all those places. He’s very understanding and I sometimes wonder if he’s for real.

What steps do you take to ensure he remains negative?

We have two children now and they are both negative. He uses a condom and whenever we are trying to procreate, we are both placed on drugs to ensure that he doesn’t contract it.

I have spoken to a few women who share similar experiences with you. What advice would you give to women, especially the married ones that are yet to have children?

I wish our society would just leave couples alone and stop interfering with whether they have children or not. That is the problem, everyone feels they should have a say in one’s marriage. The first step is that couples should not allow family members or friends tell them what is best for them. Also women should be patient. Just look at me, if I had been patient, all these would not have happened to me.  Couples should know that God’s time is the best.

I also want to say that HIV does not kill. What kills is depression and laziness. Some people will say because they are HIV positive, they will stop working and start being dependent on others. Being dependent on other people will affect one’s psyche, lead to depression and eventually death. In addition I will advise people, spread the news, but don’t spread the virus.

Women love my muscles - Tyrone Ogedegbe

Mr. Universe Musclemania (Pro division) 2013 champion, Tyrone Tseye Ogedegbe, is proud of his roots: Nigeria. In this interview with ’TANA AIYEJINA, the 29-year-old talks about growing up in the UK, winning the world title and more

You are a British citizen born to Nigerian parents. Can you tell us about your family, what part of Nigeria are you from and how was growing up in the UK like for a young black boy?

My father is based in the US, Nashville Tennessee precisely and my mum resides in London. They believe in travelling as a very effective form of education, so from my childhood I’ve lived in Nigeria, the US and now in the UK. I am from Warri, Delta State and I am proud of my roots even though I am a British citizen. Living in the UK as a black British boy has been educational for me; I learnt a lot about being political and diplomatic in various situations and also to strive hard to prove what your worth is and not to settle for stereotypical views of the public.

Your love for wrestling and cartoon figures made you go into bodybuilding. Were there initial challenges you faced?

Yes there were initial challenges I faced. For instance, I found it hard to coordinate my training patterns in order to get the best results, but as time went on and with the right guidance, it became second nature to have a structure that fits well with your goals in the gym.

After just two years as a bodybuilder, you emerged Mr. Universe. How did you manage the feat?

I was quite shocked at my rapid progress and can only say God blessed my hard work and gave recognition for the dedication I had for the sport; it’s something I’m most passionate about. The opportunities and awards were welcomed and spurred me on as motivation for bigger and better things.

When you got to the US for the competition, did you ever think you were going to win?

Yes, all I thought about was winning. Personally, I believe that in order to be a champion, you need to first believe and envision that you’re one before others can do the same. So I believed I had already won even before travelling to Miami.

Now, you are a global figure, how have you been able to handle your new personality?

It’s still something new and exciting to me. I find myself giving more advice about what to do to help others achieve their fitness goals and even motivate them through discipline because this is a key ingredient in bodybuilding. My followers grow on a daily basis and I am even more excited about what 2014 will bring.

How difficult is it combining banking duties and bodybuilding?

It is quite difficult if you’re not organised because managing your time becomes highly crucial: from the start of the day to your lunch break and to the end of the day. I sacrifice my lunch break for gym sessions, and work my butt off while at work. It’s a juggling work but I try not to drop the ball.

You come from a football family that produced legendary Nigeria  goalkeeper Best Ogedegbe and Nathaniel Ogedegbe. How did these great stars impact on your life?

My uncle in particular, Nathaniel Ogedegbe is a great inspiration to me; this is because I’ve had the opportunity of getting to know him better. He’s passionate about what he does and his success in his football career is credit to that. With this, I can apply the same views and mentality to my own sport of bodybuilding.

With muscles everywhere, what kind of reaction do you get from people on the streets and in public places when they see you for the first time?

The reaction varies; some people appreciate it and give great comments, while some are intimidated. So, I will tell anyone like that out there, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I might just be the friendliest person you ever met!

Don’t your muscles scare women away from you?

I’ve been fortunate enough for it to actually have the opposite effect. It tends to be okay with women I meet, maybe that’s why I work extra harder when back in the gym. So all in all, my relationship with the opposite sex has been quite positive; there’s no Mrs. Ogedegbe yet, but who knows what the future holds?

You will be visiting Nigeria next year for the Okoku foundation. What does this home coming mean to you and what are you going to do during the trip?

Yes I’ll be supporting the inauguration of this event and I am a great admirer of Paul Okoku for creating such an opportunity for less privileged kids. It is something I’m proud to be associated with and as a result, I will be giving an extraordinary performance. In other words, some flexing won’t be far from sight.

The Okoku foundation helps kids in the US and Nigeria. Are you planning to have such in Nigeria as well?

Yes, eventually this could happen, but for now I’ll be supporting the Okoku foundation and watch it rise to greater things. I’ve always supported the progress and motivation of the youths. I have held motivational talks in London at the Damilola Taylor Youth Center. The late Damilola is a kid that was victimised by gangs in London, so I’m keen and inspired on what Okoku is about doing in Nigeria. In addition, I’ll be organising a fitness program that will help Nigerian athletes and anyone interested in getting fit and looking good. Special appearances will also be made on TV stations and events to promote fitness in my motherland. At the Paul Okoku Greater Tomorrow event, I’ll be making a guest appearance, flexing muscles and performing to wow the crowd. My motivation is to promote a positive message for the kids; give them something they can aspire to and support a movement to inspire the youths.

In Nigeria, bodybuilders are oftentimes used as security personnel in night clubs and public places. Does this suit them?

I think simply because a bodybuilder has acquired a physique that demands authority, he is automatically seen fit for such jobs. I also think every individual is different and it’s their own prerogative to decide what they want to use their physique or achievements and awards to become. The world is your oyster.

Diet is important to bodybuilding. Do you think Nigeria can produce a home-grown Mr. Universe?

Nigeria can definitely produce a home grown Mr. Universe, as long as discipline is their number one priority.

What are your best and worst moments?

My best moment will have to be when I won the overall title as a world champion. As for worst moment, I can’t seem to think of one as I am a strong believer in counting your blessings, as these overshadow any negativity in your life

What is the most embarrassing moment you’ve had as a bodybuilder?

I went on stage without my number in pure excitement (laughs).

What is your normal training routine like?

A couple of hours per day and six days per week, I train each body part on separate days and I devised a plan that allows quick recovery. I also ensure that I do not over train a specific muscle group in the body.

What are the secrets to a successful bodybuilding career?

You need to stay focused, disciplined, do your research, don’t be scared to experiment new things that might work better with your body, stay clear of drugs, live a healthy life and walk the talk.

How do you relax?

I relax in the gym. I can’t think of a better way of taking out all the frustrations on a pair of weights. It works quite well for me and has proven to do the same for others. Alternative ways of relaxing for me would be chilling at home watching a movie, some red wine to cool me down, listening to good music; jazz would be an ideal choice.

There have always been issues of racism in the Western world. Have you been a victim? If yes, can you share your experience with us?

This is an issue that fortunately I haven’t witnessed much of. Might be that I keep a forward thinking attitude and do not look for it, because if you do, you will definitely find it and will continually use it as an excuse for not moving forward. In my books, there are no excuses, so if you want something badly and work hard for it, no man can dictate what you rightly deserve. In the end, you’ll be holding the longer end of the stick.

Who is Tyrone Tseye Ogedegbe?

I’m religious, I have a strong belief in God and I’m forever thankful for His blessings.

Deadly blast rocks in Russian train station

At least 15 dead and dozens injured after female suicide bomber sets off explosives in southern city of Volgograd.
A female suicide bomber has set off a blast in a train station in the southern Russian city of Volgograd killing at least 15 people and injuring at least 34, news reports and officials said.

Regional Interior Ministry spokeswoman Svetlana Smolyaninova told the ITAR-TASS news agency on Sunday that the blast occurred inside the city's main train station at around 12:45pm (08;45 GMT).

Vladimir Markin, the spokesman for the nation's top investigative agency, the Investigative Committee, said the suicide bomber detonated her explosives in front of a metal detector.

"When the suicide bomber saw a policeman near a metal detector, she became nervous and set off her explosive device," Markin said in a statement.

He added that the bomb contained about 10 kilograms of TNT explosives, and was rigged with shrapnel.

Markin said that security controls prevented a far greater number of casualties at the station, which was packed with people at a time when several trains were delayed.

Sergei Bozhenov, Volgograd's regional governor, said 15 died. Russia's Health Ministry said at least 34 people were injured.

A journalist, Peter Sharp, reporting from Moscow, said one of those injured was a nine-year old girl, who was shielded by her mother, who died in the explosion. 

The city of Volgograd, known as Stalingrad in the Soviet era, was attacked in October by a female suicide bomber with links to groups fighting federal forces in Russia's volatile North Caucasus.

The October 21 strike killed six people aboard a crowded bus and immediately raised security fears ahead of the February 4-23 Winter Games in Sochi.

The Black Sea city that will host the Olympics lies 690km southwest of Volgograd and in direct proximity of the violence ravaging North Caucasus regions such as Dagestan and Chechnya on a daily basis.

"It is almost certain that Vladimir Putin will be meeting people in the Kremlin to revise and go over the security operation that's already in place," Aljazeera's Sharp said.

More than 30,000 troops and security personnel have been drafted in the Sochi region ahead of the games, our correspondent said.

Fighters are said to be seeking to impose an Islamist state throughout Russia's North Caucasus.

Their leader Doku Umarov has ordered his foot soldiers to target civilians outside the region and disrupt the Olympic Games.

Female suicide bombers are often referred to in Russia as "black widows", women who seek to avenge the deaths of their family members in North Caucasus fighting by targeting Russian civilians.

Female suicide bombers set off blasts at two Moscow metro stations in March 2010 that killed more than 35 people.

They were also responsible for taking down two passenger jets that took off from a Moscow airport within minutes of each other in 2004, killing about 90 people.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Gov. Oshiomhole involves in Edo car accident

FGovernor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole survived a motor accident at Ewu Village along the ever busy Benin-Auchi road in Edo State at about 9.45am Saturday, 28th December, 2013 on his way back to Benin City from his Iyamho Village. The incident occurred at about 9.45am at Ewu, in Edo Central Senatorial District, when a Peugeot J5 Bus filled with tomatoes and plantains apparently lost control and rammed into the Governor’s Flag Car from the opposite direction before swerving into a road side ditch.

Three vehicles in the Governor’s convoy were in front of the Governor’s Flag Car and had passed the Peugeot J5 Bus before it [J5 Bus] had direct impact with the Governor’s Car which had the Governor, his Aide-De-Camp [ADC] and his Driver as occupants. The Governor’s Car was badly affected but no injuries were sustained by both occupants of the Peugeot J5 Bus and that of the Governor’s.

The Peugeot J5 Bus was following a truck that was descending the Ewu Slope when it suddenly veered off into the Governor’s lane from the opposite direction and directly impacted on the Governor’s vehicle, apparently because of brake failure. The good story is that nobody sustained injuries in both vehicles. The Comrade Governor is hale and hearty, his ADC and other occupants of the Peugeot J5 are also in good condition.

The incident has been reported to the Divisional Police Station at Ewu for further investigation. This is to assure all good people of Edo State that there is no cause for alarm. Their loving Comrade Governor is fine, hale and hearty as well as other occupants of the other affected vehicle. The Comrade Governor is wishing everyone a prosperous new year ahead.

Mother of three and Pastor lover brutally killed husband

Mrs Enebong, wife to Mr Victor Nsongbunyo, an indigene of Akwa Ibom state and Deputy Manager at the Nigeria Petroleum Development (NPDC) Company, Benin City was arraigned by the police for killing her husband.

The deceased allegedly murdered by his wife Mrs Enebong Victor and her Pastor boy friend, Prince Udoka Nkanchukwu who were paraded by the Edo state Police Commissioner, Funso Adebanjo last Tuesday.

It was reported that the deceased who was recently promoted to the position of Deputy Manager, was due to retire next year. It was learnt that the decease and his wife had been having issues with the paternity of their children after the deceased suspected the wife was having an extra marital affair with the Pastor.
The deceased was said to have visited home to complain to both his family and that of his wife after suspecting that the current pregnancy which is being carried by the wife was not from him.

Consequently, the families resolved that a DNA would be conducted after giving birth to the child. It was later learnt that it was this arrangement that infuriated the wife that led her into plotting to murder her husband with her lover Pastor.

Friday October 22, 2013, It was learnt that the Pastor whom Vanguard gathered has been a close family friend, called the deceased on telephone and told him he wanted to see him. The deceased was said to have drove to somewhere along Sapele road, to meet with the Pastor. On getting there, it was gathered that the Pastor entered the vehicle and stabbed the deceased twice. As if that was not enough, he drove the car to hidden destination along Sapele road and set both the car and the deceased ablaze.

On Monday 25, the wife was said to have gone to the office to report that the husband was missing. But apparently after visiting the husband’s office, she went straight to the bank and withdrew N4milion from the husband’s account.

The wife of the deceased also went to the police to report the incident. However, staff of the NPDC was informed that people observed a burnt car and somebody inside it somewhere along Sapele Road, they quickly rushed down and found it was that of Mr Nsongbunyo. The shocked NPDC staff went back to the deceased wife at their home to inform her of the situation but found her sitting comfortably at home watching African Magic. However, detectives intensified search for the deceased new car which was given to him by the company following his promotion. The car, a Volkswagen Passat car was tracked to a compound at Ekenwan road Benin City.

It was found out that a lady was accosted by detectives in the compound and she confessed that the car was packed by a Pastor that lives in the compound. When the Pastor came out, detectives observed burns in his left hand and his face. The Pastor disclosed that one of his daughters in the church sowed a seed with the car. He subsequently took them to the residence of the deceased where it was discovered that it was the deceased wife.
Both of them were arrested immediately and according to the state Police commissioner, have confessed to have committed the dastard act.  According to Adebanjo,  “what happened was that the Pastor called the deceased to come and meet him somewhere along Sapele Road, when the deceased got there the Pastor stabbed him twice and then burnt the car.

The woman gave the husband’s new car to the Pastor and we found the car with the Pastor. A 2013 model of Volkswagen car. It is a very sad and wicked act. After killing the man in his vehicle he set the car ablaze. The Pastor changed the plate number of the car and put a fake one after he murdered the man. It was when we saw the burnt in his hand that we knew that he was involved. Though he has confessed and after now we will take them to court.
They both confessed that they are lovers but I believe that it was wicked on their part to have plotted the killing of the man.

Mrs Isonguyo who denied she was having extra marital affairs with the Pastor, narrated that “when I did not see my husband I ran to the Pastor because we have known for a very long time. I took my husband’s new car to him to sow a seed in the church so that my husband will be found. I told him to take it to the church but I don’t know that he went and changed the plate numbers. I had to ask him to pray harder because I love my husband and I don’t want anything to happen to him.
I did not kill my husband because I loved him. I brought the car and told him to take it to his church and sow a seed that I want God to answer my prayers so that my husband will come back. I told him to take it to the church because even if it is a house I would have taken it to sow a seed for my husband to come back. I gave it to him but what I did not know was that he went to change the plate number and other papers that have to do with the car.
I was lying down in the house at about 11pm that day when the police came and arrested me”. Asked if she is having extra marital affair with the Pastor, she asserted “ God forbid, I have not had any affair with the Pastor. The Pastor has been a close family friend and we always give him cloths to go and share in the orphanages. And even when I travelled with my husband we gave him our ATM card so that he can take care of our poultry and whatever that is needed to be done. He has been very honest to us so I don’t know what is happening”.

She further denied having quarrel with the late husband, asserting that “Until I came to this place nobody told me that my husband is dead. I pray that God should intervene because I have never committed any crime before in my life. I want God to intervene in this matter. I have three boys for my husband, 17, 16 and 15 years”.

In his confession, Pastor Ukachukwu whom has not been to their church, Land of Evidence Church along Airport Road Benin City, said he kicked against bringing the car to him by the deceased wife but decided to accept it when she insisted that she wanted to sow a seed.

According to him “I have been a family Pastor and sometimes I pick their children from school. She called me and said that she wanted to give me a car to sow a seed in my church. When she even brought the car I asked her why she should bring the car in the middle of this crisis but she said her husband is worth more than any material thing that she can make any sacrifice for her husband. I changed the plate number because any gift for Pastors you have to change it in order to be able to drive the car”. CP Adebanjo said the duo would be charged to court for murder.

Man bites off friend's lips in a beer parlor

For allegedly biting off his friend’s upper lip, A 31-year-old man, Chidi Osuagwu, was on Tuesday charged before an Itire magistrates court in Lagos for cruely biting off a friend's upper lip.

The accused, who resides at No. 13, Agboola Street, Ijesatedo, a Lagos suburb, is being tried for assault.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Olakunle Shobanire, told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 25, 2013 at No. 271, Ijesa in Itire area of Lagos by 9:00pm.

Shobanire alleged that Osuagwu was at a beer parlour when the complainant, Sunday Adebayo, asked him to buy him a bottle of beer, but he (Osuagwu) refused.

The police prosecutor said the complainant jokingly chided the accused for failing to buy him beer which angered Osuagwu and he immediately assaulted Adebayo by biting off his upper lip.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 244 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused entered a plea of not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N40, 000 with one surety in like sum.

The Magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Gbajumo, adjourned the case to January 13, 2014 for mention.

Police arrests Sales man for stealing N2.3 million

The police on Tuesday arrested a salesman, Azeez Williams, before an Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N2.3m.

Williams, 33, who resides at Ikorodu area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Cousin Adams, said that the accused committed the offences between December 2, 2012 and July 22, 2013 at No. 33 Kosoko Street, Oke-Arin, Idumota, Lagos.

“The accused failed to record daily sales in the account books; there was no record of goods sold.

“The complainant reported the case to the police and it was discovered that the accused had bought a plot of land with the money he stole from his boss,” Adams said.

He said the offences contravened sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011 but the accused pleaded not guilty of the charges. The Magistrate, Mr. K.O. Ogundare, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case to January 28, 2014 for further hearing.

I'll give Lionel Messi Balon D' Or - Ronaldo

The great Brazilian football player Ronaldo Delima has says he will  give the FIFA Ballon d’Or award to Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Evening Standard reports.

Revealing no bias to the man who shares his name, the 37-year-old Brazilian, who won the title twice himself in 1997 and 2003, said,  “I’d go for Messi due to technical considerations. I’d have to see what the criteria is for deciding who the winner should be, but I think that it has been a great year for him.”

Messi’s Barcelona comfortably beat Ronaldo’s Real Madrid to the 2012-2013 Spanish league title, winning by an impressive 15-point margin while Messi outscored Ronaldo 46 to 34 league goals.

However Ronaldo’s form in the second half of 2013 has led many to suggest he deserves the award.

Not only has he scored 27 goals in 21 appearances for his club, but almost single-handedly earned Portugal a place at next year’s World Cup.

With his side in trouble, the Portugal captain scored a stunning hat-trick in the second leg of the play-offs to propel the Portuguese past Zlatan Ibrahimovich’s Sweden.

And the Brazilian added, “I believe that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the two best players in the world.”

The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be revealed on January 13. Bayern Munich’s Frank Ribery joins Messi and Ronaldo in the final three.

Meanwhile, the  former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker has claimed that "Neymar will make a good history” as one of the best Brazilian players ever.

The 21-year-old has shown in 2013 – after signing for the Catalans from Santos in the early summer, he starred as the Selecao stormed to the Confederations Cup title and has subsequently starred for Gerardo Martino’s men this season.

“It is a fact that Neymar will be a great player,” Ronaldo told Brazilian television. “He will make a good history as one of the best Brazilian players in the world".

“He’s on the right track. He’s a charismatic player and is focused on what he has to do to succeed".

Police arrests native doctor in Enugu for being involved in kidnapping

A native doctor, Theophilus Attama, from Umuopu Umueze in Igboeze North Local Government Area was arrested by Enugu State Police for encouraging kidnapping and armed robbery.

Attama, also known as `Ejeje’, was nabbed on the Christmas day by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) following the confessions of one Paschal Onah alias Achisa, a member of a kidnap gang.

A statement from the command’s spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, on Friday said Attama was among the native doctors implicated because of their role in crime perpetration and connivance.

The statement said Onah was arrested for his role in the kidnap of Madam Adiza Ogbo, her subsequent death and her quick burial in his residence in a shallow grave after about one week of her abduction.

The suspect allegedly collected N300,000 from late Adiza Ogbo’s sons and relations to set her free from their net which was later discovered to be Onah’s house.

“Attama is one of the native doctors that prepared charm for the group for their operations for which they paid him N50,000 or more. The statement said the native doctor had revealed how a charm to compel kidnap victims’ relations to quickly agree to pay ransom demanded by the kidnappers was prepared.

It further revealed how he prepared charms against “accident and general protection” to avoid the kidnappers from being harmed and to escape from any form of danger.

The statement also said that Attama was currently helping the police with further information about his role in the kidnap of a foreigner.

Late Madam Adiza Ogbo was abducted and a ransom was demanded by her abductors before she allegedly died in their net, prompting them to bury her in a shallow grave inside the compound where she was kept.

Former BBA winner Karen Igho reveals she is diagnosed with cancer.

The busty On-Air- personality and ex-winner of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show, Karen Igho  recently took to Twitter to reveal that she has been diagnosed with cancer disease .

Karen has been a victim of Twitter critics. They always blast  her on the social network for enlarging her breasts. But she keeps explaining to whoever  cares to listen that she did it because a lump was found in her breast years back.

In her emotion-laden tweet, Karen said, “I have cancer. Are you guys happy? Will  be undergoing treatment soon. Lord I commit   my life into your hand. I told the whole world about my lump and I get bullied everyday for  being truthful.”

That's pathetic! My dear Karen, my wish for you is that whatever you are going through now, it definitely has an end. Your treatment will surely be successful and you will be fine. IJN. Amen!

Bloody Christmas: 47 people die in boat mishap; feud between Tiv and Fulani

About 47 persons were feared dead in two separate incidents in Benue in what appeared to be a bloody christmas in the state following a clash between Fulani herdsmen and native Tiv farmers at Agasha and a boat mishap on River Buruku, in Buruku local government area.

Reports revealed that seven persons lost their lives at Agasha, Guma local government area of the state in a fresh skirmish between the natives and Fulani herdsmen.

It was gathered that the crisis broke out few days to Christmas and spilled into yesterday, leaving seven persons dead while property and farmland worth millions of Naira were also destroyed.

An eye witness said ”The crisis started just few days to Christmas when the herdsmen invaded Nzorov and Gbajimba and from there they moved to Agasha, burning and destroying anything in sight.”

”About seven person may have so far been killed in the fighting,  we are yet to account for some missing persons, but in the next few days, we should be able to come out with an authentic figure of the dead.” the source added.

Meantime, its all wailing and crying in Buruku, after about 40 persons were feared dead in a Boxing Day boat tragedy at River Buruku when the wooden boat conveying them across the river capsized at the middle of the river.

It was gathered that the victims of the mishap were young fun seekers; “They met their untimely death while returning from a picnic on the other side of the river.
”When they arrived the boarding point at about 8pm yesterday,  most of them were drunk, they boarded the canoe and jam packed themselves in the wooden boat against the advise of everyone including the driver that conveyed them.
”Unfortunately, the canoe could not make it to the other side of the river, it capsized at the middle of the river; as I speak to you, bodies of most of the victims are yet to be recovered from the river.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Suprentendent, DSP, Daniel Ezeala confirmed the death of seven persons in the Guma crisis but pointed out that he was yet to get the full details of the Buruku boat mishap.

World Tennis Championship: Novak Djokovic Beats Tsonga

The Serbian defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 7-6, 6-3 in the second semi-final on Friday.

Third-ranked Ferrer had earlier beaten world number one and Spanish compatriot, Rafael Nadal.

Tsonga used his power to good effect throughout Friday’s match, but world number two, Djokovic varied his shots and pace and never seemed to be working flat out.

The Serbian was watched by new head coach, Boris Becker, who seemed unsurprised by the result.


Serbia’s Novak Djokovic will face world No. 3 David Ferrer of Spain in Saturday’s (December 28) final of the World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Gbadamosi murdered over quarrel for chicken ownership

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended two men over the murder of one Gbadamosi Tabra, who was killed in the Epe area of the state.

According to Police authorities, Gbadamosi was killed following a disagreement over the ownership of two chickens.

Report follows that trouble started after Gbadamosi and three others, Musa Sumaila, Usman Garuba and one Yahaya; had a misunderstanding over the chickens. It was learnt that the argument led to a brawl. Gbadamosi got injured and was later rushed to the Epe General Hospital where he was declared dead.

It was learnt that due to the nature of the case, the doctor on duty informed the Divisional Police Officer, Epe Division, who then sent his men to the hospital.

Sumaila and Garuba were said to have been arrested immediately, while Yahaya fled

Following Gbadamosi’s death, some of his relatives protested and demanded that his body be released to them so he could be immediately buried according to Islamic rites.

A police source said, “Most times, when there is any death, especially one resulting from murder, it is the duty of the hospital to keep the corpse in the mortuary after which an autopsy will be conducted.

“However, Gbadamosi’s colleagues, who are all Northern Muslims, demanded that the corpse must be given to them or they would wreak havoc. That was why the hospital called us.”

Tarba died before doctors could even attend to him. Two of the men were arrested while the third, one Yahaya, escaped. The matter will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba for further investigation.”

Braide said normalcy had been restored in the area.

About 34 children died in Muzaffarnagar relief camps - India

34 children have died in relief camps set up for thousands of people who fled their homes during Hindu-Muslim clashes in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in September, an official report says.

The report also said about 4,783 people were still living in five relief camps in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts.

More than 60 people died in the clashes in September.

The riots were described as the worst in India in a decade.

Thousands of people fled their homes in the violence which was sparked by the killing of three men who had objected to the harassment of a young woman.

A report by a government appointed panel said at least 34 children, aged below 12, had died in the relief camps.

There were reports in the Indian media that many of these children had died of severe cold.

“The cause of the death of all these children is different with about four dying because of pneumonia while some others died because of dysentery and one due to premature birth,” a senior official of Uttar Pradesh state AK Gupta told reporters.

He said most of the children who died “had been taken outside the camps for treatment by their parents or were referred to government hospitals for treatment”.

A total of 65 people were killed and 85 others were injured in September’s rioting. The clashes also left more than 50,000 people, mostly Muslims, homeless.

Soldiers open fire on passengers in Katsina, one dies

On Thursday in Katsina, Soldiers at check point opened fire on a commercial vehicle with reg. number AY504KTN, killing one of the passengers.

Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, the JTF spokesman in the state, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria during an interview in Katsina.

Iweha said that the soldiers opened fire on the vehicle when the driver attempted to beat a military check point at Batagarawa area of the state.

He said that one of the passengers in the vehicle was hit and died instantly.

The JTF spokesman said that the affected driver had been arrested while the vehicle had been placed under the custody of the army.

Iweha said that investigation into the incident had also commenced.

Meanwhile, an eye witness, who pleaded anonymity, told newsmen that the driver allegedly attempted to overtake a truck at the check point.

The eye witness said that the deceased was later identified as Umar Ali, 22, and a National Diploma II student of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina.

According to the witness, the deceased was travelling along with his friends to Minna, Niger, for a wedding ceremony when the incident occurred.

CBN governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi may quit his job soon

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Lamido Sanusi may quit his job before his tenure expired in June next year, findings have revealed.

Sanusi was appointed governor on June 3, 2009  by late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Following his appointment,  not many had an inkling of the drama that would play out during his tenure.

Sources told our correspondent on Thursday night that the governor might proceed on terminal leave by early next year.

The source who preferred not to be named owing to the sensitive nature of the matter said the terminal leave had nothing to do with the recent scandal in the Nigerian National Petroluem Corporation.

According to the source, the need for the terminal leave became imperative as Sanusi had not been observing his vacation as and when due.

The source said, “The governor has said it so many times that he would not be staying longer than his tenure.

“You will recall that he granted an interview where he spoke extensively that he won’t want his tenure to be renewed.

“I think left to the governor, he would even prefer to go now but there are feelers that he would even go before his tenure expired in June since he has some outstanding leave that he hasn’t taken.

“So based on that, he might take his leave early next year and this might lead him into retirement as the CBN governor.”

Efforts to get the comment of the Director, Corporate Communication of the bank, Mr Ugochukwu Okoroafor proved abortive as he neither picked calls nor replied text message sent to him on the issue.

Besides his policies as the CBN governor, Sanusi’s views on national issues have attracted both criticisms and commendations.

The CBN governor had in recent times being under attacks, the recent being his letter to President Goodluck Jonathan that the sum of $49.8bn was not remitted to the federation account by the NNPC.

But following the controversy which the letter generated, a committee was set up to reconcile the account.

But the committee failed to produce a concrete explanation for the unremitted oil revenue.

For instance, while the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated that the sum of $10.8bn is the amount unaccounted for, Sanusi recanted and said the unremitted fund was $12bn.

Prior to this controversy, the governor had in 2011, incurred the wrath of the National Assembly when at the 7th convocation lecture of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, he said that 25 per cent of the country’s overheads were being spent on the federal legislators.

The National Assembly members were embarrassed by the scrutiny Sanusi’s lecture attracted to them.

The Senate invited the CBN governor to appear before its Committee on Appropriation to defend himself.

Few months later, the CBN governor stirred up another controversy. It was in June 2011 when he unfolded the bank’s agenda on Islamic banking.

Unlike the jumbo pay controversy, where he received the support of Nigerians, Sanusi’s insistence on Islamic banking divided the country along religious lines.

While the Christian Association of Nigeria opposed his plan, Muslims groups gave him their backing.

When the fuel subsidy removal debate began, Sanusi was not left out of it. Amid protests against the removal, he said on January 5, 2012, “The limited resources of government should be allocated to support production, especially if we are running a budget deficit.

“We cannot keep borrowing to support conspicuous consumption. We cannot even begin to do this if 30 per cent of government expenditure is on fuel subsidy, if out of the balance, 70 per cent is recurrent spending, 10 per cent is for debt service, 10 per cent goes to the Niger Delta and only 10 per cent is capital expenditure.”

While Nigerians were still battling with the fuel subsidy problem, the CBN governor ignited another ‘fire’ when on January 27, 2012, the Kano prince linked the activities of the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram, with the 13 per cent derivation fund being given to oil-producing states.

Another controversy is the CBN’s N100m donation to victims of the January 20 2012, bomb explosions in Kano, which killed at least 185 people.

Before the Kano incident, the sect had carried out similar operations in Borno, Yobe, Niger, and Adamawa states, all of which did not receive any donation from the bank, until Sanusi went to St. Theresa Catholic Church Madala, where he donated N25m on behalf of CBN.

Sanusi also stirred up another controversy when he revealed plans to introduce the N5,000 note, following its approval by President Goodluck Jonathan

The decision was widely condemned by Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who argued that it would stimulate inflation.

But Sanusi, while defending the policy, faulted the former President, adding that the criticism showed that Obasanjo was a bad economist.

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay sacked after fall out with Malaysian owner

Malky Mackay was “relieved of his duties” as manager of Cardiff City Friday just 11 days after being told by the English Premier League club’s Malaysian owner Vincent Tan he must resign or be sacked.

A statement on the club’s official website confirmed the fate of the 42-year-old Scotsman, adding that a new first team manager would be appointed in due course.

The departure of Mackay was widely expected after his very public falling out with billionaire businessman Tan, who has had a controlling share in the Welsh club since 2010.

Tan sent Mackay an email on December 16, with the resign or be sacked ultimatum

Friday, December 27, 2013

Justin Bilber's retirement tweet was a joke

Teenage pop star Justin Bieber sent out a series of mixed messages over his Twitter feed on Tuesday night, one of which said he was retiring, on the eve of the Christmas Day release of the latest film chronicling the life of the Canadian singer.

The movie, “Justin Bieber’s Believe,” which takes the name of Bieber’s third studio album, could help repair his image after the difficult year.

“I think people forget that it’s a 19-year-old kid, trying to figure it out,” Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, told ABC News, adding the film shows Bieber as “a human.”

At one point in the film, director Jon Chu suggests Bieber’s life could become a “train wreck.”

The “retirement” message went out on the night of Christmas Eve and by the following morning had nearly a quarter million retweets and over 185,000 favorites.

Twitter user @theycallmejerry tweeted: “A life without Justin Bieber. A life without my idol, hero, inspiration, my everything. Not the best thing to think about on Christmas Eve.”

On the other end of the spectrum, Twitter user CozImAGuy said, “Justin Bieber retiring is the greatest Christmas gift EVER.”

Murderer of custom officer arrested by Imo State police

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 25 year old man, Mr Mishack Osuala who is alleged to be the prime suspect behind the murder of his uncle, a Customs officer, Mr Mishack Ugwuoha.

Mr Ugwuoha, an Assistant Comptroller in the Customs was killed few months ago in his country home at Umuchoke Amaigbo, Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State.

Parading the suspect at the Police Command Headquarters in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the Imo State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Katsina, told newsmen that his arrest followed an intelligence report gathered from strategic partners who have been keeping an eye on the suspect since the murder of the customs officer.

Making an open confession, the suspect claimed that it was not their intention to kill the Customs officer but was forced to when his late uncle tried to break away.

The police boss also paraded over 30 suspected criminals for various crimes, ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, gun running amongst other crimes. He said that the arrests were as a result of the success of “Operation PUFADA” launched in the early weeks of September to reduce the high level of crimes especially during the ember months.

He added that the Police are hotly on the heels of one Okechukwu Uzoma, a 30 year old native of Umuchoke Amaigbo, Nwagele LGA, the last but fleeing member of the armed robbery gang who is wanted for murder. He appealed to the members of the public with any useful information that can lead to his arrest to contact the Police.

Beyonce Knowles retains the top spot on US Billboard album chart

The pop star’s fifth solo album, which was released on December 13, has sold a total of 991,000 copies through December 22, which was the final day for tallying this week’s chart.

Currently the year’s 12th-best selling album, “Beyonce” is expected to crack the top 10 in just a few weeks’ time, Billboard said.

The album, Beyonce’s first since 2011, was released exclusively through Apple’s iTunes digital music store and was not available in other retailers until December 21.

Country music star Garth Brooks held at No. 2 on the chart with his Walmart-exclusive box set, “Blame It All on My Roots,” selling 199,000 copies.

British-Irish boy band One Direction’s “Midnight Memories” moved to No. 3 from No. 5, swapping spots with country-pop singer Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas album, “Wrapped in Red.”

Sales of “Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas,” the Christmas album from the “Duck Dynasty” reality TV series’ Robertson family, jumped 22 percent in the week before Christmas landing at No. 4 on the chart.

That jump in the Christmas album’s sales comes amid the controversy over anti-gay comments made by Robertson family patriarch Phil Robertson and published last week.

Week-over-week album sales rose 22 percent for the week ending December 22, the final full week before Christmas. But sales last week were down 17 percent from the same period last year and album sales for the year are 9 percent lower than 2012.

“Say Something,” a song by duo A Great Big World featuring pop singer Christina Aguilera, held steady as the top digital track, with 238,000 downloads last week.

Olamide, Phyno, Davido, Waje, Others Win Big At Headies

The 2013 edition of the Headies was held last night at the Oriental Hotel Victoria Island, which attracted A- list artistes hoping to win in their different categories.

Hosted by the suave hip-hop artiste, Dr Sid and delectable songstress, Tiwa Savage, this year’s nomination had the tightest competition with a selection of some of the hottest names in the Nigerian music scene.

Olamide emerged the biggest winner of the night with three awards. Fast rising Afro pop artiste, Sean Tizzle clinched the Next Rated awards and a Hyundai Tucson SUV. Davido bagged the Hip Hop World Revelation of the year award and Best R&B/Pop Album.

The Hall of Fame award went to legendary Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal who later closed the show with a stunning performance.

Other winners were 2Face, Banky W, Iyanya, Phyno, Olamide, Waje, Nikki Laoye, Praiz, Mode 9, Dr Sid, Black Magic, KCee among other acts.

Award presenters for the night were Mai Atafo, Stephanie Coker, Yvonne Ekwere, Koch Okoye, Darey Art Alade, Kemi Adetiba, Chin Okeke, Seyi Law, Lynxxx, Osas Ighodalo, Mercy Omo London, Toolz, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Funmi Iyanda, IllBliss, Jumoke Awolade-James, Freeze, Tewa Onasanya, Chris Ihidero among others.

The awards also featured exciting performances by Iyanya, Waje, Olamide, Phyno, Praiz, Seyi Shay, Niyola, Zaina, Yemi Alade

Yasser Arafat died of natural cause

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died of natural causes, not radiation poisoning, Russian forensic scientists have said.

CNN reports that their investigation was one of three carried out on his remains in 2012. Arafat died in Paris in 2004, aged 75.

Last month, Swiss scientists said they had detected high levels of radioactive polonium but could not say if it had caused his death.

A French inquiry is also said to have found he was not a victim of poisoning.

Arafat fell ill after eating a meal in his compound in Ramallah and weeks later was admitted to hospital in France, where he died.

He was diagnosed with a serious blood disorder and died of a stroke on 8 November 2004. But no post mortem examination was carried out as his widow Suha did not ask for one.

When in 2012 an investigation by al-Jazeera TV in conjunction with Swiss analysts in Lausanne found abnormal levels of polonium-210 on his personal effects, Suha Arafat called for her late husband’s body to be exhumed.

France then launched a formal murder inquiry.

The Vaudois University Hospital Centre in Lausanne reported its findings last month, on the ninth anniversary of his death, saying its results “offer moderate backing for the theory of poisoning”.

But a leaked report of Russia’s initial tests on the same day said high radioactive penetration was “unsubstantiated”. Weeks later, a source said the French report had ruled out the poisoning theory, and pointed towards a natural death.

Announcing its conclusions on Thursday, the head of Russia’s Federal Medical-Biological Agency, Vladimir Uiba, said “Yasser Arafat died not from the effects of radiation but of natural causes”.

Man murdered after nightclub shooting in London

A man has died after a shooting inside a nightclub in London’s West End, Scotland Yard told Skynews.

Police have arrested one man on suspicion of murder and are currently holding him at a police station in south London.

The shooting occurred around 3am this morning at a private function inside the Avalon club in Shaftesbury Avenue.

The injured man, believed to be aged 31, was rushed to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds but later died from his injuries, according to police.

Police believe they know the identity of the deceased man but are awaiting formal identification.

The man’s next of kin have been notified.

The club describes itself as a “unique and stylish” venue in the “heart of West End’s party scene”.

Meanwhile, Shaftesbury Avenue and a section of Wardour Street have been closed while police investigate the shooting.

Anyone who was at the Avalon nightclub last night or in the early hours of this morning or who has information about this incident should call the incident room on 020 8785 8244 or call Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.

Extreme weather leaves 19 dead in US, Canada

Thousands of people in the northern United States and southeastern Canada have endured at least four days without power because of ice-related outages. And for some, the heat might not come back on until this weekend, utility companies said.

More than 232,000 customers were without power in below-freezing temperatures Thursday in parts of Michigan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and northern New England.

The winter weather has also turned deadly. At least 19 people have died in weather-related incidents since Saturday.

Fourteen of those deaths were in the United States; the majority died of carbon monoxide poisoning, emergency management officials said. Carbon monoxide poisoning often occurs when people run generators inside their homes.

Another five people died in Canada from carbon monoxide poisoning, including three people in Quebec and two in Toronto, officials said.

In areas near Toronto, where officials said the storm was one of the worst to hit the city, more than 54,000 were without power Thursday. While that’s down from 300,000 at the peak, utility officials there declined to estimate when the last outages would be fixed.

“It’s taking long because we haven’t seen a storm like this in our history,” Toronto Hydro spokeswoman Tanya Bruckmueller told CNN affiliate CBC News. “The amount of damage to both our equipment due to the trees coming down is slowing us down, as well as this morning we’ve got snow coming, which is much heavier on the branches and is now covering a lot of what we need to be repairing.”

Toronto resident Vic Baniuk told CBC on Thursday that his family hasn’t had power for five days, and they were using a fireplace and a cast-iron stove to stay warm.

“We’re sitting in the dark and cold, and I feel that everybody has ignored us,” he told CBC.

A tree branch pierced his roof, making a bad situation worse.

“This is not an inconvenience. This is an emergency, a disaster,” Baniuk said.

The temperature in Toronto isn’t expected to rise above freezing until Saturday, with a forecast high of 3 degrees Celsius (37 degrees Fahrenheit).

Another 16,000 people were without power Thursday elsewhere in southern Ontario; 20,500 had no electricity in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, and another 8,900 still had outages in Quebec province, utility companies said.

Pastor arrested for N20 million fraud

The Delta State Police Command said it has arraigned one Victor Osakwe, a pastor,  at the Asaba Magistrate Court for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of over N20 million.

Charles Muka, DSP, the command’s acting Public Relations Officer, PPRO, disclosed this, Wednesday, in Asaba, the state capital.

He said the pastor duped more than 20 people of both money and property.
The PPRO also alleged that Osakwe was a fake pastor at the Holly Hill Zion Prophetic and Solution Ministry, Akwu Ofu, Asaba.

According to him, “Osakwe has been arraigned on a 20-count charge for frequently defrauding over 20 persons of a total of N20 million.

“The Pastor’s mode of operation is to raise false alarm on death and imminent calamity on his unsuspecting victims to make them part with their cars and money.”

He had been remanded in the prison custody and listed items recovered from him to include two SUVs, two saloon cars, among other items.