Femi Otedola Begins 'Test Of Return To Reckoning Status' Burial Fo Dad & Ex Gov, Michael Otedola.

As you read this, the burial activities train has kicked off- or about to. And many look forward to just one thing, whether it will be a whimper show of A-listers attendance or that of collage of showing that will establish whether indeed,the more popular and torchlight of his clan- Femi Otedola has returned to former status of one of the 'Kings of Commerce'. The burial is that notable 'Lagosian' Michael Otedola, the late governor of Lagos state and father of regaining former status billionaire, Femi Otedola. The Burial kicks off with a special tribute today (Wednesday May 28 2014) at Onikan Stadium, Onikan. It is scheduled for 10.00 a.m. And is expected to attract adorable and impressionable names from wide and far. For those conversant with societal appearances at occasions, this is the first test of might, clout and influence- but the sterner test lies in ensuring adorable and impressionable showing of big level names all through a chain of events such as this. And that is only achievable through the standing and leveraging of the touch light of the host, in this case, Femi Otedola. The deceased, ex Lagos Governor Femi Otedola is man of a bit of a parts himself. In and out of politics, he has his followership - colleagues and proteges. And coupled with the involvement of the image conscious lagos state government to get involved certain appearances are guaranteed, for segments of the proceedings. But disposition and carriage at the affair will be determined by how well the face of the family has relaunched himself.

Mr Femi Otedola suffered troubled business episodes that earned him blacklisting by the Central Bank - alongside others- to all financial institution as a loan risk. His problems deepened with celebrated fight with best friend and internationally listed wealthy man, Aliko Dangote. His assets were subject of court case for possession in lieu of debts. A well known feature on the rich list before his business juggling spiralled out of control, Mr Otedola had gone off the scene and later explained the move was to take care of the development that made him contemplate suicide at a point. He shelved the business identification that was his claim to fame, Zenon Oil and adopted another - Forte Oil. And his handlers proclaimed he is back on his feet, cementing old ties and breaking even on business and social frontiers. The campaign was on and becoming believable and his father died. And with the burial comes a test of the campaign of his relaunch, (at least in the social sense), with the manner and style of burial. And lovers of the name Otedola, connoisseurs of all things about it and voyeurs of the identity can't wait to see how it turns out. Here is a run through of other engagements concerning the burial. After the tribute ceremony comes a town parade with his remains at his place of birth, Odoragusin, Epe, Lagos state- with music and dance- on Thursday May 29 2014. A Lying in State and Christian wake keep is scheduled for same day at his compound. The burial proper is on Friday May 30 2014 begining with a Funeral service at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ibowon. It is penned for 11.00a.m. He will be buried after the service at Catholic Church Odoragusin. A reception with King of World Beats, Sunny Ade and younger musician, Musiliu Haruna Ishola is earmarked for St Patrick's Grammar School, Ereda, Epe, Lagos. And a link to our news break on the ex governor's death

OLABODE J OBAYOMI AND MARSHALL DAVIDO UMO WANTED BY EFCC

The public is hereby notified that Olabode Jacob O Obayomi, the owner of Standard Chartered Securities Limited of 116-118, Lagos House, Central Area, Garki, Abuja; Blue-Chip Securities Limited on 35 Marina Street, Lagos and 29 Iwo road , Ibadan, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Diversion of Public Funds and Breach of trust involving the unauthorised sale of over N251 million worth of stock belonging to Ebonyi State Government. Dark complexioned Olabode is about 45 years old and speaks Yoruba and English fluently. His last known address is Oke-Ero, Aiyedun Area of Kwara State.

The public is hereby notified that Marshall David Umo, former Regional Manager, Mutual Alliance Investment & Securities, Akintola Williams House, Michael Okpara Street, Garki Abuja and 2048 Michael Okpara Way, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, and owner Dihoen Consult Limited, whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a case of criminal breach of trust and conversion. Umo is alleged to have received the sum of twenty million naira from Alhaji Abba Rimi for acquisition of stock, a contract he never executed. Marshall David Umo is 41 years old and married to Obiageri Umo. His last known address is 5, Ahmadu A. Alli Crescent, Utako, Abuja.

Police Recover Seven Guns From Oyo NURTW Chieftain

The Lagos State Police Command has paraded a factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, a.k.a. Auxiliary, for alleged stockpiling of arms and ammunition. One AK 47 rifle, one 9mm pistol, five Automatic Pump Action rifles and assorted ammunition were recovered from Lamidi. Lamidi said he bought them from Abdulazeez Amao to protect himself. He said: “I bought the AK 47 for N350,000 and the pistol, N350,000. I bought them to protect myself because there was a time assassins were after me. I do not rob with them. I know where this victimisation is coming from. “The All Progressives Congress (APC) wants to rope me because I am in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They asked me to join them and because I refused, they decided to put me in trouble. I am a strong member of the PDP and I do not regret it.” Police Commissioner Umar Manko said “Sequel to the arrest of a notorious illegal arms dealer, Abdulazeez Amao, who smuggled AK 47 rifles from Mali and Burkina Faso to Nigeria on March 10, and the recovery of 10 AK 47 rifles, Amao confessed that Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, the former chairman of the Oyo State NURTW, bought one AK47 rifle and one English pistol from him. “Consequently, I directed the officer in charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Abba Kyari, to go after Lamidi. Two SARS Lagos decoy teams were briefed and deployed to Oyo State with extensive GSM data obtained from Lamidi’s phone number. After three days of diligent follow up, Lamidi was arrested at Olodo in Ibadan on May 10 at about 2:30am while driving in his ash colour Nissan Quest space bus. “He confessed to have given his AK 47 rifle to one Tirimisiyu Olowoposi in Ibadan. Efforts to arrest Timirisiyu proved abortive as he is already aware of Lamidi’s arrest. Kyari and his men are working to arrest him soonest.”

Unity Bank’s Credibility In Question Over Debt Mess, Panic Grips Customers

Information reaching SG indicates that all is presently not well with one of Nigeria’s financial institutions, Unity Bank, which has been in the news recently for the wrong reasons. Few weeks ago, the Managing Director of the bank, Henry Ibim Semenitari, was accused of beating his wife silly over his alleged affair with the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Funsho. Unity Bank is presently trying hard to ensure that its reputation is not stained but with the latest happenings, two of its foreign partners are not happy with the bank and may have to think twice next before doing business with the bank. This is because Unity Bank’s former Managing Director, Falalu Bello, who is now the Executive Chairman of MBS Merchants Limited, was accused of unilaterally approving the sum of $21.067 million (N3.4 billion) for his company to import fertilizers into the country and has refused to pay back. This has made Unity Bank to petition the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which has waded into the matter. Bello retired as the Group Managing Director of Unity Bank on June 30, 2011. According to the petition signed by Ahmed Yusuf, Acting Executive Director, Enterprise Risk Management and Umar M. Adamu, Divisional Head, Legal and Compliance, with Ref. No UB/L&C/UMNHJSIMB5FB/02l14, and dated 3rd February, 2014, it was stated that Bello’s action amounted to the “Violation of Code of Corporate Governance.” It was narrated in the petition that, “sometime between June to September 2013, three Deferred Letters of Credit(LCs) totalling $21,067,500.00 were opened in favour of MBS Merchants Limited. “The LCs were for the importation and supply of fertilzer. It is worthy to note that there was no formal application and/or approval for the LCs. “The former Managing Director, Alhaji Falalu BelIo, used his influence to get the LCs opened without adherence to laid down rules and regulations of the bank. “For the records, Alhaji Falalu Bello is the Executive Chairman of the company and also its alter ego. Not only did he use his position to influence the opening of the LCs, he also flagrantly refused to ensure adequate and sufficient cash collateral at the maturity of the LCs. This was in spite of several demands from management. “Without doubt, this irregular action of the former managing director has undoubtedly caused the bank a lot of reputation risk with our Correspondent Banks-Deutsche Bank and FBN London. “As a result of the improper way the LCs were opened, i.e. not authorised, the Board only came to know about the matter much later. This was when the Correspondent Banks became agitated and increasingly kept demanding for their money. “Thus, to quickly salvage likely unpleasant consequences from the Correspondent Banks, the Board quickly directed that one of the Term Loans of Alhaji Falalu Bello be used to reduce our commitment with Deutsche Bank. This was quickly done. Being a long standing business partner, we are presently managing the situation to ensure that residual balance is paid as quickly as possible. . “On the bank’s commitment to FBN London, the Board approved that a Credit Line for the company be established in the sum of $1,530,000,000.00 and same be used to effectively settle the bank’s commitment to FBN London. This was immediately done and the account was fully cleaned up. “Further, in order to ensure full recoveries on the company’s account, management has directed that all the three warehouses be taken over so that sales of the goods could be directly channeled to the company’s account. “Unfortunately, instead of Alhaji Falalu Bello to assist the bank towards meaningful recoveries, he negatively scares away and blocked all prospective buyers. “In fact, what is more worrisome is the established fact that Alhaji Falalu Bello has gone about de-marketing the bank amongst its long time customers and friends. “Being a former managing director of the bank and by virtue of Section 20(5) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2004 as amended, all borrowings associated with him or his companies are regarded as insider related. “It is on this premise, therefore, we catalogue the following as infractions: using his former office and influence to process and approve the LCs without adherence to the laid down rules and regulations of the bank; his refusal to fund the company’s account at the point of maturity of the LCs. “This was in spite of several entreaties and demands by the bank; his attitude to scare away prospective buyers of the goods, thus frustrating our efforts towards quick and genuine recovery and frustrating the bank’s business by de-marketing it amongst its long time customers and friends. “It is in consequence to the above that we hereby invite the apex bank through your humble self to appreciate and note this unfortunate development. “Meanwhile, it could be gleaned from the •above, that the bank is doing everything reasonably possible to ensure that we settle our obligations with Deutsche Bank, while we continue to vigorously tackle the company and its executive chairman for the total liquidation of the indebtedness.” Following the above petition and subsequent events, a statement released MBS Merchants to clarify some issues revealed that “the MBS has answered all CBN enquiries on the matter. Also, Mallam Falalu Bello was invited by the IGP to discuss the same issues involved, being a recipient of the same petition. MBS further stated that, “based on his position as chairman of MBS, Bello equally answered the invitation of the IGP just as he did that of the CBN so that such high level discussions between the parties involved will bring closure to a matter, which is basically a financial transaction between two parties that have been business partnersfor over seven years.” Meanwhile, the recent happenings in Unity Bank has caused fear among customers of the bank. They are unsure if their hard-earned savings with the bank is still in safe hands because of the tussle between the bank and its former MD. Some of the customers who spoke with this magazine on the condition of anonymity informed us that they now sleep with one of their eyes open, but stated that if the matter drags for long, they would be left with no option than to quickly withdraw their monies from the bank. ‘I can’t let my money to go down the drain,’ one the Unity Bank’s customers told SG. Another said, ‘I am even not enjoying the best of banking services from them. I think it is time to close my account with Unity Bank.’ Efforts made by SG to speak with the bank’s representative proved futile as at press time.

EXCLUSIVE: Senator’s Brother, Who Failed Civil Service Exam, Now Top Finance Ministry Director

A former senior official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, who allegedly failed the compulsory confirmation/promotion examination for federal civil servants, is now a top director in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance. Gabriel Aduda worked as Head, Strategy and Reorientation Unit, of the anti-corruption agency in 2012 on Grade Level 15 when he took the compulsory examination, which all civil servants must pass before their appointments are confirmed. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr. Aduda, a brother to ruling party politician and Senator, Phillip Aduda, failed the examination and then resigned after a re-mark of his papers showed that he indeed performed poorly. But barely six months after his resignation, Mr. Aduda was named the Director in charge of the Economic Research and Policy Management Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, an appointment that shocked both his former employers and some top officials of the Federal Civil Service Commission. Mr. Aduda however told PREMIUM TIMES that he did his best in the examination but that he was deliberately marked down, saying he was a victim of “vendetta attack” at the EFCC. “The claim that I failed the examination is miles away from the truth,” he said. “The truth is that I took the examination as prescribed by law. But, I was shocked when I was told later when the result was out that I failed. Of course, I rejected the result and called for my papers, which were shown to me by the Director, General Services. “Then I wanted to establish two things. One, to know from the Director what the pass mark was for officers in my grade level, and two, whether the pass mark was fixed prior to the examination or after. When the answers were not forthcoming, it became clear that it was pure vendetta against my person.” He wouldn’t answer further questions, insisting that this reporter should visit the EFCC to assess his exams script himself. But the EFCC insisted Mr. Aduda indeed failed the examination and that he was not victimized in any way. “This matter you are talking about has to do with his employment history with the commission and the records are there,” EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said. “Besides, the EFCC does not have a history of victimizing present or past employees. The person involved in this matter has moved on and the commission would not like to comment any further on the matter.” Rewarded for failure Mr. Aduda, a brother to Philip Aduda, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, joined the EFCC on February 2009. Between September 2000 and October 2004, he also served on the Board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. The public service rules requires that all administrative, foreign affairs, executive and police officers, along with their counterparts in the para-military and other professionals in the service, must pass confirmation/promotion examination within two years of their appointments. Unless specially exempted, Public Service Rule 020302 stipulates that all affected officials must, within the mandatory probationary period, pass the examination prescribed in Chapter 6 of the law appropriate to his or her appointment. Public Service Rules 060203 and 060204 make it mandatory that any officer who fails to pass the examination after three attempts, or fails to take the confirmation examination after 3 years of his or her first appointment must resign from the service forthwith. Consequently, more than three years after he was hired by the EFCC, Mr. Aduda was one of the officials due for the compulsory confirmation examination at the end of their probation period in line with those provisions of the Public Service Rule. When the result of the examination was released Mr. Aduda failed in his first attempt in 2012. He then petitioned the organizers, whom he accused of deliberately marking him down. But when his papers were re-marked, Mr. Aduda still did not make a pass mark. But rather than take another shot at the examinations, Mr. Aduda resigned and left the Commission in anger in January 2013. However, six months later, he was rewarded with an even bigger job at the Ministry of Finance. In June 2013, Mr. Aduda was named Director in charge of the Economic Research and Policy Management Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance. When asked whether it was aware of the circumstances under which Mr. Aduda left the EFCC, the Federal Civil Service Commission, FCSC, which hired him for the new job told PREMIUM TIMES it didn’t bother “about what may have happened or did not happen during his time at the EFCC, as this was a fresh appointment.” At the Federal Ministry of Finance, Paul Nwabuikwu, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Finance, who said he would not comment on the allegations against Mr. Aduka, claimed the director is highly regarded and seen by many as one of the brightest, youngest senior officials in the Ministry since he assumed office. The hands of President Jonathan Mr. Aduda sneaked back into the federal service after he became one of the three beneficiaries of a controversial waiver for the appointment of directors in the Federal Civil Service approved by President Goodluck Jonathan on March 28, 2013 for three states identified by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, HCSF, as under-represented in the federal service. The HCSF had in a memo to the President claimed that Bayelsa and Ebonyi states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, where Mr. Aduda comes from, were without substantive directors in the Federal Civil Service. In response, Mr. Jonathan granted presidential approval for qualified indigenes of those states to be hired as directors. Mr. Aduda was one of the three that benefited from the Presidential gesture. The others include Famous Eseduwo for Bayelsa, and Idowu Afe for Ebonyi states. Mr. Aduda was later assigned to the Ministry of Finance, where he is currently in charge of the highly sensitive Economic Research and Policy Management Department, ERPMD, while Mr. Eseduwo was posted to the Public Complaints Commission, PCC. Mr. Afe now works with the Federal Civil Service Commission. The ERPM department is charged with undertaking systematic analyses of the national economy and developing models for forecasting possible future trends; making comparisons with other economies, and forecasting how developments in the global economy might affect the country’s economy. It is also to generate data and information required to evaluate and plan the activities of the Ministry of Finance on the national economy and socio-political developments, among others. Some officials at the finance ministry say Mr. Aduda qualified as a town planner and does not have the competence for the job he has been given. “This is a classic case of man-know-man (nepotism),” one source said. “And for as long as we allow this kind of sentiment to dominate our affairs, Nigeria will never make progress.”

The Untold Story Of How Oil Billionaire, Jide Omokore Suffered Stroke

These are not the best of times for Bashorun Jide Omokore, the famous billionaire and oil merchant. According to very dependable sources, the influential Kogi born oil merchant who is believed to be an extremely close ally of Deziani Allison Madueke, the influential Petroleum Resources Minister, is down with stroke and he was recently flown abroad. Prior to the ailment, it was gathered that Omokore was battling some undisclosed health issues. The ELITES reliably gathered that the recent health complications occurred over the issue of some huge missing money, which he was alleged to have known quite a lot about. It was gathered that at some point, sometimes between the end of March and early April, he was invited by the Presidency and he was tongue- lashed over his roles in the missing money. Sources disclosed that, at a point, Omokore even broke down when the verbal dressing down got to him. Since then, his health crisis seemed to have increased to the point that he could no longer talk very well. After the heart attack that led to the stroke, it was gathered that Omokore was taken to two different hospitals before he was eventually flown abroad. It was reliably gathered that his recent health challenges have caused a lot of panic in circles close to the top in the oil sector, especially, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, given his closeness to those who run the sector and the dirty jobs he has been doing for them. Not a few of the top shots in the Ministry have been praying for Omokore’s speedy recovery and that the ailment will not affect his ability to reason well. Omokore is believed to be the hatchet- man for most of the deals involving the Petroleum Resources Minister, Allison Madueke as well as some senior top Directors in NNPC as well as the Petroleum Ministry. It will be recalled that the former Permanent Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry was sacked last year after he hosted his daughter’s wedding to Dubai. The groom’s father was none other than oil billionaire, Jide Omokore. Hundreds of guests from across party lines including the harshest critics of Jonathan’s government were all flown to the UAE at Omokore’s expense. Omokore is the Executive Chairman of Energy Resources Group. He is an astute business mogul with over two decades experience in all facets of business endeavors. Described as a man of uncommon zeal and passion for his calling in entrepreneurship, Omokore owes and oversees a vast business empire with substantial investment in many key sectors of the economy, including upstream and downstream oil and gas industry, estate and property development, and aviation, among others.

Zenith, Diamond Banks Lead In Defrauding Customers

Banking fraud may not be new in Nigeria as customers have continued to inundate their respective banks with complaints of illegitimate transactions perpetrated by their banks; Zenith Bank Plc occupies the driver’s seat while Diamond Bank Plc takes its seat in the owner’s corner.Findings by TLT show that while majority of the banks are doing everything to curtail bank frauds perpetrated within, the security measures put in these two of Nigeria’s most patronised banks have been so permeable and porous that unscrupulous elements in these banks always have a field day.E-banking is identified as the number one method through which customers of Zenith Bank and Access Bank get defrauded. Information obtained by TLT shows Zenith bank has the highest number of customer complaints and dissatisfaction with regards to anomaly in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions.Gbenga (other details withheld), a customer of Zenith Bank who operates a current account had circulated a blackberry broadcast message castigating Zenith Bank for deducting a specific sum of money from his account at its Ogunnusi Road, Ojodu-Berger branch after his attempted transaction through the use of his ATM card had failed. The broadcast message explained how he tried to make withdrawals but the transaction was declined. Few seconds after, he received alert debiting his account of the amount he had intended to withdraw. He went into the bank immediately to complain, was apologised to and promised that his account would be credited in not more than 24 hours, having filled a form given to her at the branch. He chose to broadcast his frustration on BB when, after two weeks, no refund had been made by the bank and there were no signs it was doing anything on it as he was not communicated to again about efforts of the bank to credit his account (if there was any). When he threatened a court action and media war against the bank, it quickly settled the matter on the spot right there in the banking hall.If his broadcast message failed to impress the management of Zenith, it succeeded in exhuming other frauds perpetrated by the banks and their modes of fleecing unsuspecting customers of their hard earned monies. Debola narrated her ordeals in the hand of the bank when her account was debited with a sum for which she did make transactions of any kind.Hassan had his account debited twice for an e-commerce transaction he made when bought a pair of sneakers online in one of Nigeria’s e-commerce websites. He is yet to be refunded as at the time of filing this report. TLT also gathered fraudulent transfers/withdrawals through insider facilitation, internet banking and suppression of customer deposits take their place after ATM transactions. The case of three employees of Zenith Bank arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the bank headquarters on Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, is yet to be dispensed with. A $2 million fraud was unearthed last November. According to PUNCH Metro who exclusively reported the story, a senior official of the bank, Ms. Olubukola Oritogun, and two others allegedly defrauded unsuspecting customers of the said sum. A fourth yet-to-be identifed person is said to be on the run. PUNCH Metro gathered that Oritogun and her accomplices were allegedly in the habit of informing wealthy customers who wanted to buy dollars that there was a dollar account in the bank that they could purchase them from. “Oritogun would inform some persons that if they wanted to buy dollars, it was available in the bank. She would make the account details available to the customer. Unknown to the victim, the dollar account is owned by another customer of the bank,” a source who pleaded anonymity had told Punch Metro “The victim would then ask his own contact in the bank to check the account. Once it has been confirmed that the account indeed has a certain amount of dollars, the victim would then transfer the naira equivalent of what he wanted to buy to Oritogun in exchange for the dollars.” She was said to have defrauded several persons in that manner until a complaint was lodged at SARS. It was also gathered that on the day of Oritogun’s arrest, she had already booked a flight to the United States and was preparing to flee the country. It was learnt that the police had recovered N166m of the stolen funds. In 2010, Tridac Nig. Ltd established a serious case of fraudulent charges against Zenith Bank in 2012 after it (Tridac) had employed the services of Forensic Consulting, which came up with mountains of financial underhand dealings that exposed Zenith operating at the zenith of banking fraud in Nigeria. Things only normalised when Jim Ovia, former MD of the bank was advised to explore out-of-court settlement with Tridac Nig. Ltd.

Many operators of current accounts in Diamond Bank have bitterly complained about illegal deduction of spurious bank charges while saving accounts’ holders have said it was in the corporate culture of the bank to reduce the interest payable to savings account arbitrarily. It is revealed by an insider that Diamond Bank has most fabricated semantics to describe these deductions. Diamond, like Zenith and other banks, also have cases of criminal-and-staff connivance to commit financial crimes against which punitive measures are always taken when such acts are discovered, the bank has express approval from the top echelon of the management to deduct some “crumbs” (as one official of the bank described) as long as a name can be put on the deduction. Diamond Bank earns stupendous illicit return on this type of charges. How Banks Rob Their Customers succinctly gives a scenario: “For example, just imagine a bank having one million current account holders and that each month, the bank surreptitiously and clandestinely debits N 1, 000 illegally which would translate into N 1 billion monthly and N 12 billion annually just like that. Only very few customers would feel the punch if N 1 000 is illegally deducted from its account monthly, whilst many bank customers would not even bother to notice it.” Diamond Bank knows how to do this efficiently and makes billions from it. Only last year, Delta State Government blacklisted Diamond Bank and Union Bank for allegedly defrauding it of N1.1 billion paid by the American energy giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, as tax in 2012. The government alleged that the money paid by the oil major through the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, DSBIR, in December last year was not credited to its account until the authorities in the agency raised the alarm in January. According to the Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, DSBIR, the fraud was discovered at the end of 2012 when the board was reconciling its accounts, adding that the board was shocked to discover that the total amount expected in the account of the board was short of N1.1bn. Cases abound of how the EFCC hounded top managers in the bank into different court rooms across the nation for one nefarious financial crime or the other.

Alimosho Council Boss, Shola Adekunle In Ritual Scandal

Report trailing the Local Government Chairman of Alimosho, Olusola Isreal Adekunle, is not a palatable one. The boss of the biggest local government in Lagos State has been accused of involving himself in occultic activity in his quest to retain power. According to a report, Adekunle has landed in hot soup, and he has been doing everything possible to get himself out of the mess. Yemojanewsng.com gathered authoritatively that the two term local government boss was caught on camera recently where he had gone with an occult group to engage in some dastard and barbaric act of sacrifice at a shrine after which he bathed n*ked with some concoction. Our source revealed that Hon Sola Adekunle is desperately scheming to stay put in office and get a third term ticket after the expiration of his second term. Meanwhile, we learnt the local government boss sees his Vice Chairman, Mr Adetunji Olalekan as his stumbling block. Infact, we were told that few months ago, some strange marks suddenly appeared Hon Adekunle’s stomach which he told some friends as spiritual attack from his Vice Chairman who he (Adekunle) says is scheming to take over from him. Yemojanewsng.com learnt it was the discovery of the strange marks that prompted Hon Sola Adekunle to also go on a spiritual warfare. ”Hon Adekunle was introduced to a notorious cult group by an Ekiti State born woman. The woman is a popular witchdoctor. It was the woman that led him to the occult group in Ijebu Ode in Ogun State”, our source stated. It was further revealed that during the ritual and sacrifices, Hon Adekunle placed curses on his political enemies (names withheld), while he prayed for favour in the eyes of the national leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state and few others. But unknown to Hon Adekunle, the occult group had recorded the whole ritual and captured the Lagos politician while taking the spiritual bath n*ked. Yemojanewsng.com was informed lately that the video of the ritual has now landed into the hands of some of Hon. Adekunle’s political enemies and they are threatening to release it to the public. Hon Adekunle is now running from pillar to post to retrieve the video, but he is yet to succeed. We called the local government boss severally to speak on the issue, but he did not pick his calls. We also sent him a text message which he equally ignored.

DUBAN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL BOSS, DR. ADEBANJO ADEKANLE PLANS 50TH BIRTHDAY BASH IN GRAND STYLE

The amiable and unassuming owner of one of best hospitality havens in Nigeria, Dr. Adebanjo Adekanle has concluded plans to roll-out the drums in preparation of his 50th birthday that will be witnessed by captains of the industry, celebrities, entertainers, associates, friends and well-wishers in Nigeria and abroad. The much talked about event will take place at the prestigious event hall of Duban International Hotel located at 64/65, Isheri Road, Ogba Lagos. Those who should know squealed that Dr. Adekanle is a man of style and nothing less is expected from the birthday shindig that would be put together by selected reputable event planners in Lagos. According the celebrant, Dr. Adekanle said “he is using the opportunity to thank God for his faithfulness in his life and family and he hope to spend more of his life in good health and God’s abundant blessings”

Fake NANS President Bags 12 Years Jail Term for Fraud

Justice O. A. Adeniyi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Friday May 16, 2014 convicted and sentenced one Ebiloma Abdullahi to 12 years imprisonment for forgery and obtaining money by false pretence. The convict was arraigned in November 2009 on a 7-count charge of impersonation, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence. He paraded himself as a student of Federal University of Technology, Minna was said to have assumed the position of the National President of the National Association of Nigeria Student, NANS, and in such capacity paid courtesy visits to Alhaji Isa Yuguda, governor of Bauchi State; Alhaji Sani Lulu, former Chairman of the Nigerian Football Association, NFA; from whom he obtained the sum of N500,000 under the pretense that the money will be used to mobilize Nigeria students to support the Super Eagles. Justice Adeniyi found the accused guilty on count one and seven for forgery and obtaining money by false pretense and consequently sentenced him to 2 years on count one and 10 years imprisonment on count seven without an option of fine. The sentences are to run concurrently. The convict was, however, discharged and acquitted on counts two to six. Count 1 reads: “That you Ebiloma Abdullahi sometime in March 2008 at Abuja in the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of Federal Court Territory did make a false student identity card of Federal University of Technology, Minna, purportedly signed by Director of the University Security Services with matriculation number 1999/8683 BB with the intent to commit fraud and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 364 of Penal Code Caps 359, Laws of the Federation.” Count 7 reads: “That you Ebiloma Abdullahi sometime in March 2008 at Abuja in the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory did with the intent to defraud obtain the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) from the President of Nigerian Football Association and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Decree as amended by the Tribunals (Certain Consequential Amendments etc) Decree No 62 of 1990 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Decree”.

'War on Boko Haram': African, Western nations unify in hunt for Nigerian girls

Nigeria and four neighboring countries will share intelligence and border surveillance in the hunt for more than 200 Nigerian girls still held by Boko Haram, and Western nations will provide technical expertise and training to the new regional African effort against the extreme Islamists. The plan was announced Saturday at the conclusion of a security summit in Paris hosted by French President François Hollande. Hollande described Boko Haram as now a bigger terror threat than first portrayed -- beyond Nigeria and even Africa. "Boko Haram is an organization that is linked to terrorism in Africa and whose will is to destabilize the north of Nigeria, certainly, and all the neighboring countries of Nigeria and beyond that region," he said. Cameroon President Paul Biya was more forceful in describing how partnering countries will "take stronger measures to eradicate" the extremist Islamist group. "We're here to declare war on Boko Haram," Biya said. As the summit took place Saturday, reports emerged about the latest apparent Boko Haram attack, this one in Cameroon. Hollande said one Cameroonian soldier was killed in the Friday night attack against Chinese nationals in northern Cameroon, which is known as a stronghold for the Islamic extremists. Ten Chinese nationals are missing after the attack, a Chinese official said Saturday. One injured person was being treated by a Chinese medical team in the Chadian capital of N'Djamena, said Lu Quinjiang, first counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon's capital. Nigerian military France "will not intervene" militarily in Nigeria because Nigeria "has military forces that are available and efficient," Hollande said during an interview with France 24 that aired late Saturday. The Nigerian military suffered an embarrassing setback in April when it retracted a report that nearly all the kidnapped girls were released. In fact, the girls, taken from a boarding school in Chibok, were still missing. Nigeria now has 20,000 troops, plus aircraft and intelligence sources, in parts of its nation where Boko Haram is active, said President Goodluck Jonathan. "Boko Haram is no longer a local terror group," Jonathan said. "It is clearly operating as an al Qaeda operation" in central Africa, he said. "The major challenge that we have faced in our search and rescue operation so far has been the deluge of misinformation about the whereabouts of the girls and the circumstances of their disappearance," the President added. Boko Haram's guerrilla campaign has claimed 12,000 lives, with 8,000 people injured or maimed since 2009, Jonathan said. Nigeria will coordinate patrols, pool intelligence and exchange weapons and human trafficking information with Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, according to the agreement reached at the summit. France, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union "will coordinate their support for this regional cooperation" through technical expertise, training programs and support for border-area management programs, a summit statement said. The participants agreed that the United Kingdom will host a follow-up meeting next month to review the action plan. In the meantime, participants committed to accelerating international sanctions against Boko Haram and its leaders through the United Nations. Boko Haram translates as "Western education is a sin" in the Hausa language. The militant group says its aim is to impose a stricter enforcement of Sharia law across Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, which is split between a majority Muslim north and a mostly Christian south. Boko Haram's attacks have intensified in recent years. The summit The Nigerian President joined Saturday's summit of African presidents and U.S., UK and EU representatives on the growing threat from Boko Haram as American officials expressed concerns about his military's ability to rescue hundreds of schoolgirls abducted last month. The terror group abducted an estimated 276 girls on April 14 from a boarding school in Chibok in northeastern Nigeria. Dozens escaped, but more than 200 girls are still missing. Nigerians have accused their government of not acting swiftly or efficiently enough to protect the girls seized in the dead of night. And the criticism shows no signs of abating, even from allies who've pledged to help in the rescue mission. The United States, China and Britain are among a handful of nations providing advice. The United States is using drones and manned surveillance aircraft in the search, but has said Nigeria is reluctant to use the information provided. "The division in the north that mainly is engaging with Boko Haram, the 7th Division, has recently shown signs of real fear," said Alice Friend, African Affairs director for the Department of Defense. "They do not have the capabilities, the training or the equipment that Boko Haram does, and Boko Haram is exceptionally brutal and indiscriminate in their attacks." "I would say an even greater concern is the incapacity of the Nigerian military and the Nigerian government's failure to provide leadership to the military," Friend said Thursday at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. For now, the United States is not sharing raw intelligence from its surveillance aircraft with Nigeria's armed forces because the countries have not established the intelligence-sharing protocols and safeguards needed for such an agreement, Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren said Wednesday. There's also concern about how the information will be used by a military that's been accused of human rights violations itself. "We have sought assurances from them... that they will use any information that we pass to them from this (intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance) support in a manner consistent with international humanitarian and human rights law," Friend explained. Nigeria has been accused of not doing enough to protect the girls abducted from a militant hotbed that was already under a state of emergency. But a spokesman for the military defended the nation's response. "Borno State is under a state of emergency, over 90,000 square kilometers," said Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade. "Are you saying we should deploy ... soldiers in over 90,000 kilometers -- one soldier per kilometer? You can imagine that expense for one of the states under a state of emergency."

For Better Or For Woofs: Dogs In Mass Wedding

Several canines dressed in gowns and tuxedos vow to live "woofily" ever after at a special ceremony in Peru.

Dog couples have tied the knot at a mass canine wedding ceremony in Peru's capital, Lima. Dressed for their special day in white wedding gowns and black tuxedos, about 40 pets, including several chihuahuas and a shih-tzu, were married as owners and bystanders looked on. Ingrid Chavarri, the organiser of the wedding event, said the public ceremony aimed to encourage people to be responsible pet owners. After witnessing the marriage of his dog, Miguel Gomez said: "Now, all that's left is for the two dogs to be together and that they will live happy forever." Wedding certificates issued to owners by the district of San Miguel, included paw prints of the bride and groom.

I Won’t Release Any Album Soon- Olamide

Rapper Olamide says he won’t be releasing any album soon, but instead, he will be focusing on the artistes signed under his record label. Speaking at Vibes FM in Benin over the weekend addressing his album issue, the rapper said; “For now, that’s really not on the agenda. I’m basically occupied with working on various projects with the artistes signed under my label. That’s going to be taking up a greater part of my time, and right now, it's what I’m focused on.” Speaking about fame and how comfortable he is, Olamide says fame is not in any way getting into his head and as a matter of fact he’s still hungry. “Fame is definitely not getting to my head, in fact it still feels like yesterday I just started and there is still so much for me to achieve.” “There’s a whole stage out there that I want to conquer and I’m still very hungry,”

Yeni Kuti Talks Marriage, Nigerian Men & Why Women Should Be Respected

Yeni Kuti in a new interview with Sunnewsonline has explained why she is still single and why she can never re-marry at over 50. She also talks about Nigerian married women being stars, because Nigerian men are hard to look after. Her words; I am still single because I have lost all interest in marriage and I don’t believe in the institution any more. Nigerian men are too controlling and overbearing for me and I am already set in my ways. Besides, I have been on my own for too long. My major concern is training my daughter. I praise married women; I think they are the real stars of this country. Women in their husbands house looking after their husbands and children are amazing especially the ones with nine to-five jobs who come back home tired and still go to the kitchen to cook for their husbands. These are the women that women magazines should be celebrating because they are the real super women. Men are not easy to look after; I can’t do that so I duff my hat for such women. When my only child clocked two, I was separated from my ex-husband. I am now in my 50’s and I am not thinking about having another child and I have no regrets. I don’t believe in having kids with every man that comes my way. Maybe I could have had more kids if I had re-married but since I never remarried there was no need for me to have more kids. My marriage didn’t work because we couldn’t get on together after two years. Right now my daughter is the most important person in my life. I am still single and I have found a suitable man but right now, marriage is the last thing on my mind.

Photo: Suspected Ritualist Dies While Trying To Exhume Corpse From Grave

A suspected ritualist has died mysteriously Wednesday morning in a compound known as Tonto Compound in Osun State, while trying to exhume the corpse of an old woman who was buried 5 years ago. According to reports, the suspected ritualist had planned to cut off her head, before half of his body was mysteriously trapped in the grave which eventually led to his death. Neighbours after seeing his face also revealed the man was present at the old woman’s burial party 5 years ago. His body has been removed by the police and deposited at a morgue.

APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Acquires Second Private Jet

If you think that APC Leader and former Governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not one of the richest Nigerians, then you are not in the know. Those in the know have revealed that the man is heeled to the hilt and as evidence, they point to the fact that he has a few weeks ago taken delivery of a spanking new private jet. The Jet, we gathered will be the second which he now personally owns and he reportedly got it so that he would not be refuelling when he goes on long haul journeys. It is said to be a Bombadier Global Express XRS, the same type owned by Aliko Dangote, Folorunsho Alakija and Mike Adenuga Jnr which comes at the plus $50m bracket ,according to an aviation expert

Details of the purchase is sketchy bout we have it on good authority that it was ordered from the US but facilitated in Europe. From Bombadier Challenger 605, Dassault Falcon 900, to Gulfstream G550, such private jets range from $20m-$60m and above depending on the options and specification

Girl Dies After Sex In Genesix Hotel Ogba

Early Saturday morning around 5am,a strange occurrence took place in Genesis hotel ogba as a girl in her early 20′s came out of the hotel and started vomiting blood and in a matter of minutes she gave up the ghost without mentioning the name of the person who brought her to the hotel. The residents of the street in Abo oba area of Ogba were shocked and Despite all efforts the person who took her to the hotel could not be tracked as it was alleged that some yahoo yahoo boys who lodged in the hotel took off faster than bolt before anyone could track them down,we shall keep you posted as events unfolds as the game of denial of where the girl emerged from continues.

Diamond Bank, Alex Otti Gets Twins From Baby Mama

To say that the Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Alex Otti, is enjoying the best of times at the moment would definitely means telling the obvious lie. The man at the helm of affairs of the financial institution in Nigeria, which is gradually losing its popularity among those who patronise banks in the country, is seriously fighting hard to reposition the Bank into an enviable status. Diamond Bank has not been having it too easy lately due to fraud allegations believed to be going in the Bank. These stories have dented the image of the Bank in no small way. Diamond Bank is again in the news, no thanks to its boss, Otti, whose mistress is said to have been delivered of twins in the United Kingdom. It was reported by Naijahottestgist that the Diamond Bank MD’s secret lover, Biola, gave birth to twins on Monday in the Queen’s territory. His wife was reportedly informed of the development by a rumour monger, who was said to have leaked the picture to her. From what we learnt, the man is running helter skelter to save the situation, which might affect his marriage as well as his rumoured gubernatorial ambition in Abia State come 2015.

Pascal Dozie Positions Son As the Next MD of Diamond Bank

It is still a few years away but all is now in place for Pascal Dozie to enthrone his son at the helm of affairs of Diamond Bank. Just last week, The Board of Directors of Diamond Bank Plc made a very key announcement which insiders have revealed is a very carefully written and orchestrated script that will eventually propel Uzoma Dozie to the top. In the official announcement, Alex Otti, the thoroughbred banker from First Bank has been given a three year extension as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer “in recognition and appreciation of the impact his leadership has had on the bank since March 2011” That was not the main announcement. The key announcement was that for the first time since its inception 23 years ago, Diamond Bank has appointed two Deputy Managing Directors- Uzoma Dozie erstwhile Executive Director, Corporate Banking and Regional Business Lagos/West and Caroline Anyanwu, who was Executive Director, Risk Management/Control. We gathered that the extension for Otti ‘s tenure is to give Uzoma, himself a thoroughbred banker, the time to grow into the exalted position and in three years’ time, he would have had 15 years at the top cadre! “It’s a done deal, everybody knows that this had always been the plan since he joined the bank” our source stated. It must be said that Alex Otti had done a very fantastic job with steadying the ship and making good progress at Diamond but the owners of the Bank see a future that does not include him at least in the MD position. If the dream of his dad eventually happens; it should be noted that Uzoma can hold the reins very well. Though he studied Chemistry at the University Of Reading, Berkshire, England and graduated in 1991, he holds an Msc in Chemical Research from the University College London and an MBA from Imperial College Management School. He had spent all his working life in the banking environment. Often confused with his look a-like brother, Chikezie, the studious Uzoma began his career in Banking at the Commercial Banking Unit of Guaranty Trust Bank. He later moved to Citizens Bank where he worked in the Oil and Gas Division. In 1998, he joined Diamond Bank as Asst. Manager/ head of Oil & Gas Unit. He was at a time, Head Financial Control, then Retail Banking (Where he spear-headed lifestyle-changing products. He was involved in two distinctive Business Units before his appointment as Executive Director in 2005. The Dozie’s would not be the first Nigerian family to transition from father to son, it would be recalled that Otunba Subomi Balogun of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) worked out the same succession plan that has now seen his third son, Ladipupo take over as current GMD/CEO.

makeitupnews: Two UBA Staffers Defraud A Customer of N265Million...

makeitupnews: Two UBA Staffers Defraud A Customer of N265Million...: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Prince Okey Aroh, a former manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA) who ...

Two UBA Staffers Defraud A Customer of N265Million

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Prince Okey Aroh, a former manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA) who also served as the Anambra State Commissioner of Youths and Sports, before a Lagos High Court on six counts of fraud totaling 108 million naira. Arraigned along with Mr. Aroh is Abimbola Oluwaniyi, a senior official at UBA. Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye is presiding over the trial. The ex-banker and former commissioner as well as Mr. Abimbola were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, altering and fraudulent conversion of depositors’ funds in the bank. The case arose after one Mr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, a customer of the bank, alleged that his fixed deposit at UBA totaling N265 million had disappeared from the bank’s records. Prosecutors intend to prove that Mr. Aroh and Mr. Abimbola conspired to defraud Mr. Chukwuemeka of the fixed deposit. The EFCC picked up the former Commissioner and his alleged accomplice following Mr. Chukwuemeka’s petition to the effect that his fixed deposit of N265 million, which he made with the UBA in 2009, had disappeared into thin air by 2012 when it should have matured. Mr. Aroh was the branch manager of UBA, Idumota 2 Business Office at the time the transaction took place. Both defendants pleaded not guilty at today’s arraignment. Justice Ipaye granted them bail, but ordered them remanded in Kirikiri Prison until they meet their bail conditions. A charge sheet signed by the lead prosecution counsel, George Adebola, alleges that, between June 2008 and July 2009, Mr. Aroh and Mr. Abimbola fraudulently stole the sum of N108 million naira from the UBA. At the time of the alleged crime, the former commissioner worked as the UBA’s branch manager at the bank’s Idumota 2 branch. The EFCC alleges that, on or about July 12, 2012, the defendants forged a certificate of deposit number TD0424000010226 for the sum of N60 million naira in favor of Mr. Chukwuemeka. The anti-corruption agency also alleges that Mr. Aroh, who served as a commissioner under Governor Peter Obi of Anambra, also altered a United Bank for Africa certificate of deposit number TD0424000010226 for the sum of N60 million naira to Mr. Chukwuemeka in order to pass it off as genuine. The prosecution also asserts that Mr. Aroh and Mr. Abimbola breached financial regulations when they forged UBA’s certificate of deposit number TD0424000010226 for the sum of N85 million in favor of Chalton Nigeria Limited. In addition, the EFCC alleges that, on July 16, 2012, the two defendants altered a UBA certificate of deposit number TD0424000010226 to Emmanuel Chukwuemeka of Chalton Nigeria Limited in order to give the impression that it was genuine. The prosecution also alleges that the former commissioner fraudulently tampered with customers’ funds entrusted to him while serving as the branch manager of Idumota 2 branch of UBA. The prosecutors disclosed that Mr. Chukwuemeka maintained three accounts with the Idumota 2 branch held by his personal name and company name of Chalton Nigeria Limited and Chanko Investment Nigeria Limited respectively. “The customer later presented deposit certificate summing up to N265 million naira. His accounts were reviewed and it was discovered that he has two FTDs with the bank totaling N120 million naira and N60 million naira each booked on his account.” The mysterious disappearance of Mr. Chukwuemeka’s N265 million fixed deposit triggered a whistle blower report by the bank. After a thorough investigation and upon examination of four fixed deposit certificates presented by Mr. Chukwuemeka, the bank concluded that the two defendants had tampered with the customer’s deposits, draining most of it through Petroz Nigeria Limited, a company the prosecution says belongs to Mr. Aroh. Justice Ipaye adjourned the case to July 3, 8 and 11, 2014

Photo: Blessing Isanbor, Shot By Her Sister’s Policeman Boyfriend Finally Operated Upon

19-year old Blessing Isanbor who was shot in the face at close range by her younger sister’s policeman boyfriend, Corporal Emmanuel Okujo at their parents’ home in Bariga has been operated upon today, after two years that she was shot. According to reports Blessing was trying to protect her younger sister who was 17 then and they had a mom who was helpless because she was a widow. After the incident Blessing told Journalists, ‘he shot to kill me, even though my sister is pregnant for him and will have children for him, the law should run its full course’. A picture of blessing after the cut when she was first shot. But she still needs to have her jaw reconstructed amongst other things.

Christian in Sudan sentenced to death for faith; 'I'm just praying,' husband says

(CNN) -- Hours after a Sudanese court sentenced his pregnant wife to death when she refused to recant her Christian faith, her husband told CNN he feels helpless. "I'm so frustrated. I don't know what to do," Daniel Wani told CNN on Thursday. "I'm just praying." This week a Khartoum court convicted his wife, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, 27, of apostasy, or the renunciation of faith. Ibrahim is Christian, her husband said. But the court considers her to be Muslim. The court also convicted her of adultery and sentenced her to 100 lashes because her marriage to a Christian man is considered void under Sharia law. The court gave her until Thursday to recant her Christian faith -- something she refused to do, according to her lawyer. During Thursday's sentencing hearing, a sheikh told the court "how dangerous a crime like this is to Islam and the Islamic community," said attorney Mohamed Jar Elnabi, who's representing Ibrahim. "I am a Christian," Ibrahim fired back, "and I will remain a Christian." Her legal team says it plans to appeal the verdict, which drew swift condemnation from human rights organizations around the world. In the meantime, Ibrahim, who is eight months' pregnant, remains in prison with her 20-month-old son. "She is very strong and very firm. She is very clear that she is a Christian and that she will get out one day," Elnabi told CNN from Sudan. Ibrahim was born to a Sudanese Muslim father and an Ethiopian Orthodox mother. Her father left when she was 6 years old, and Ibrahim was raised by her mother as a Christian. However, because her father was Muslim, the courts considered her to be the same, which would mean her marriage to a non-Muslim man is void. The case, her lawyer said, started after Ibrahim's brother filed a complaint against her, alleging that she had gone missing for several years and that her family was shocked to find she had married a Christian man. A family divided The court's ruling leaves a family divided, with Ibrahim behind bars and her husband struggling to survive, Elnabi said. Police blocked Wani from entering the courtroom on Thursday, Elnabi said. Lawyers appealed to the judge, but he refused, Elnabi said. Wani uses a wheelchair and "totally depends on her for all details of his life," Elnabi said. "He cannot live without her," said the lawyer. The couple's son is having a difficult time in prison. "He is very affected from being trapped inside a prison from such a young age," Elnabi said. "He is always getting sick due to lack of hygiene and bugs." Ibrahim is having a difficult pregnancy, the lawyer said. A request to send her to a private hospital was denied "due to security measures." There also is the question of the timing of a potential execution. In past cases involving pregnant or nursing women, the Sudanese government waited until the mother weaned her child before executing any sentence, said Christian Solidarity Worldwide spokeswoman Kiri Kankhwende. Rights groups, governments ask for compassion Amnesty International describes Ibrahim as a prisoner of conscience. "The fact that a woman could be sentenced to death for her religious choice, and to flogging for being married to a man of an allegedly different religion, is abhorrent and should never be even considered," Manar Idriss, Amnesty International's Sudan researcher, said in a statement. "'Adultery' and 'apostasy' are acts which should not be considered crimes at all, let alone meet the international standard of 'most serious crimes' in relation to the death penalty. It is a flagrant breach of international human rights law," the researcher said. Katherine Perks with the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies said the verdict goes against Sudan's "own Constitution and commitments made under regional and international law." "Meriam has been convicted solely on account of her religious convictions and personal status," she said. Foreign embassies in Khartoum are urging the government there to reverse course. "We call upon the Government of Sudan to respect the right to freedom of religion, including one's right to change one's faith or beliefs, a right which is enshrined in international human rights law as well as in Sudan's own 2005 Interim Constitution," the embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Netherlands said in a statement. "We further urge Sudanese legal authorities to approach Ms. Meriam's case with justice and compassion that is in keeping with the values of the Sudanese people," it read. 'Egregious violations of freedom of religion' Attempts to contact Sudan's justice minister and foreign affairs minister about the Ibrahim case were unsuccessful. Sudan is one of the most difficult countries in the world to be a Christian, according to international religious freedom monitors. Under President Omar al-Bashir, the African nation "continues to engage in systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief," the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said in its 2014 report. The country imposes Sharia law on Muslims and non-Muslims alike and punishes acts of "indecency" and "immorality" by floggings and amputations, the commission said. "Conversion from Islam is a crime punishable by death, suspected converts to Christianity face societal pressures, and government security personnel intimidate and sometimes torture those suspected of conversion," said the commission, whose members are appointed by Congress and the president. The 8 worst places in the world to be religious The Sudanese government has arrested Christians for spreading their faith, razed Christian churches and confiscated Christians' property, the commission said. Since 1999, the U.S. State Department has called Sudan one of the worst offenders of religious rights, counting it among eight "countries of particular concern." "The government at times enforced laws against blasphemy and defaming Islam," the State Department said in its most recent report on religious freedom, from 2012. The State Department's other countries of concern, all of which impose strict penalties on Christians or other faiths, are: Myanmar (also known as Burma), China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. Among all religious groups, Christians are the most likely to be persecuted worldwide, according to a 2014 report by the Pew Research Center. Between June 2006 and December 2012, Christians were harassed by governments in 151 countries, Pew reported. Islam was second, with 135 countries. Together, Christians and Muslims make up half of the world's population, Pew noted. Lawyer says he's gotten a death threat Elnabi says he got a death threat a day before the controversial court hearing, with an anonymous caller telling him to pull out of representing Ibrahim or risk attack. "I feel very scared," he said. "Since yesterday, I live in fear if I just hear a door open or a strange sound in the street." Still, the lawyer said he'll continue representing Ibrahim. "I could never leave the case. This is a matter of belief and principles," he said. "I must help someone who is in need, even if it will cost me my life

Made-in-Nigeria vehicles to roll out next month

The Federal Government on Thursday announced plans for the massive roll out of made-in Nigeria vehicles from next month. The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, stated this when a delegation from Automobile Peugeot, France led by its Vice President, Mr. Yves Moulin, visited him at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Ortom said following the commencement of the new auto policy, the Federal Government had received a lot of interest from vehicle manufacturers. This, according to him, is a demonstration of the confidence that investors have about the new auto policy. As a way of sustaining the policy, he said the Federal Government would be reviewing it periodically to make it more effective. The minister said, “The automotive policy is derived from the National Industrial Revolution Plan, and we are happy with the response we have been getting from the automotive industry worldwide; and with your coming, it shows that this policy is working. “When the policy was introduced, people criticised it and most of them do not understand the benefit of the policy. We have had several stakeholders from the automotive industry approaching us to set up assembly plants and spare parts plants in the country. “I want to assure up you on behalf of the government that we will do everything to make sure the policy succeeds.” Also speaking at the meeting, the Managing Director, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited, Mr Ibrahim Boyi, said the company would be unveiling its first set of locally assembled vehicles in June. He said the move was part of efforts aimed at supporting the new auto policy of the Federal Government. Boyi said the full implementation of the new auto policy would revolutionise the growth and development of the nation’s industrial sector. For instance, he said as a result of the policy, the management of the company had decided to resuscitate its assembly plants in order to meet the huge demand for locally manufactured vehicles. The PAN boss said, “The leadership of AP France is here and this is the commitment of the leadership to the Nigerian market. “With the development of the new auto plant, we have received tremendous support from AP France and they have shown a lot of commitment to support the policy and in that respect, we have already outlined technical activities to commence assembly operations in Nigeria as a result of the new policy. “We are hoping that our first assembly cars will come out from our plants by June this year.” Also speaking, Moulin commended the Federal Government for coming up with the policy as it would help to stimulate investment in the auto industry. “There is a huge potential in Nigeria; you have a very young population, talented and educated people. With this and with the good regulation to build the local industry, and with a clear vision, we will be able to add value, create employment and attract suppliers,” he said. - See more at: http://www.punchng.com/business/business-economy/made-in-nigeria-vehicles-to-roll-out-next-month-fg/#sthash.K5tI8LxL.dpuf

CEO EWAOJU MAKEOVER... BADRU OLORUNTOYIN ABIMBOLA SHOW CASE HER WORK

Ewaoju Makeovers is a place of beauty where women are transformed creatively and artistically into beautiful mavens. We are committed to delivering our skills with utmost care and artistry to make every woman presentable and elegant in the society. The company which was founded by Badru Oloruntoyin Abimbola, started as an inborn passion and has grown in leaps and bounds with more than 3 years experience of professional practice. Ewaoju’s major objective is to ensure every woman experiences the true essence of beauty through makeup while positioning itself as a key player in the makeup industry nationwide and internationally.

Marlon King Jailed For Dangerous Driving

The former Sheffield United striker receives 18 months in prison for causing a crash that left two men needing hospital treatment.

Former Premier League footballer Marlon King has been jailed for 18 months and banned from driving for three years for driving dangerously. The ex-Sheffield United striker was involved in a crash in April 2013 that left two motorists needing hospital treatment. He had pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving at Nottingham Crown Court in March. The court heard that King committed the offence at around 3pm on April 26 - his 33rd birthday - while driving a white 2011 Porsche Panamera. At the time, he was eating an ice cream he had bought from a McDonalds just moments before. King weaved in and out of traffic before going past Martin Beck on the inside. The court was told he believed Mr Beck was travelling too slowly in the outside lane. The former footballer slammed on his brakes in frustration, forcing Mr Beck to perform an emergency stop in his black VW Polo. As Mr Beck came to a halt, another driver in a silver Vauxhall Astra who had pulled out behind him, collided with the stationary Polo. The Astra forced the Polo into the back of King's Porsche. Mr Beck had to be cut out of his car and airlifted to hospital after the collision on the A46 at Winthorpe near Newark, Nottinghamshire. He spent three weeks in hospital and needed surgery for a fractured and dislocated forearm. Mark Bush, who was travelling in the Astra, was also taken to hospital for cuts and bruises. The court heard that King drove away from the scene but was flagged down by another motorist who feared Mr Beck had been killed by the collision. King later blamed Mr Beck for the collision. Recorder Paul Mann QC, who sentenced King said: "I do not regard your case as merely impulsive or silly behaviour. "It was aggressive. It was arrogant. "You were so pumped up with road rage, you had to start accusing him of being to blame for these collisions." King was previously a Premier League player with Watford, Wigan Athletic, Hull City and Middlesbrough.

Prophetess sets 9yr old daughter ablaze for allegedly being a witch

37year old prophetess Bose Oluwole (pictured above) of the Celestial Church of Christ in Epe, Lagos has been arrested by the police for allegedly setting her 9 year old daughter, Damilola, on fire. The woman said her child was possessed with witchcraft and was trying to deliver her according to God's instruction to her. She allegedly poured kerosene on the little girl's body and set it ablaze. Damilola is currently at the Epe General Hospital where she is being treated for first degree burns in the emergency ward. PM News reports that residents of her Ijebu-Ode Road, Odomola, Epe home where the incident happened immediately informed the police of her hideous crime. Continue... During interrogation, she confessed to the crime but said she was only obeying the command of God "I saw in my vision while praying that my daughter is from the witchcraft world. When I prayed to God over it, I received the instruction through Holy Spirit to burn my daughter’s body in order to deliver her from the evil society.” She was immediately charged before an Igbosere magistrate court by the police for attempted murder but the presiding magistrate, Mrs. C. J. Momodu directed the case be transferred to a family court due to the age of the young girl. The case comes up for hearing at the Family Court on June 2nd

Hoodlums club man to death in Lagos

Area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the incident happened during a tussle for the leadership position of a motorcycle riders association in the area. Our correspondent learnt that there had been tension in the Aratunmi Motor Park, where the Some suspected cult members have killed a 20-year-old man, Wasiu Jimoh, at Iba New Site, Ojo incident happened, over who would become the chairman of the okada riders. Jimoh, who was a member of the O-YES group, and loyal to a faction, was reportedly attacked around 8.30pm on the fateful day by some hoodlums loyal to a rival group. It was learnt that the gang members, who wielded various weapons, descended on him, cutting him with machete and hitting him with sticks. He was said to have been left in a pool of blood. Policemen from the Ojo Police Division were said to have been alerted by an eyewitness, leading to the arrest of some of the suspects. The matter was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba for investigation. Three of the suspects, Bashiru Monsuru (20), Ibrahim Gufaru (30), Orji Francis (20), were arraigned before the Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Courts for misdemeanor. Twenty-year-old Oluwatobi Bamidele an indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State, who was identified as one of those who hit the deceased with stick, was arraigned for murder.They were all charged with the offences on Wednesday. The police prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji, said the offence was punishable under Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011. He then applied for the remand of Bamidele in prison pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution. Osuji said, “We apply for the remand of Bamidele in prison custody sequel to Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2011. “On April 14, 2014, at about 8pm, the defendant and his colleagues went to Aratumi Motorcycle Park at Iba New Site, Ojo, where they wanted to hijack the chairmanship of the okada riders from the deceased and his friends. “As a result, they started fighting Jimoh. The defendant used a stick on the deceased, while his conspirators used cutlasses and mutilated him. Bamidele has already made a confessional statement to the police.” Beauty Otigih, who represented the defence counsel, Spurgeon Ataene, did not object to the remand application of the prosecutor. She however appealed that the murder case file be duplicated on time for legal advice. The Magistrate, Y.B. Badejo-Okusanya, said, “In view of the nature of the offence and the fact that somebody died, it is ordered that the defendant (Bamidele) be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the DPP’s office. Meanwhile the three other defendants, Monsuru, Gufaru and Francis, who were arraigned in a separate court, were granted bail by Magistrate E.O. Ogunkanmi, in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The matter was adjourned to June 25, 2014.

Police arrest assassins sent to kill Lagos socialite

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Lagos State has apprehended three men for attempting to assassinate a Lagos socialite and businessman, Mr. Victor Adelakun, aka Ade Lexus. MAKEITUPNEWS learnt that the suspects were allegedly hired by an Ibadan-based hotelier, Mr. Adebayo Orekoya, aka Bobby Ibadan, who had been declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command. According to police authorities, Bobby Ibadan hired four men in Ibadan to do the job and gave them an advance of N140, 000. Our correspondent learnt that when the suspects arrived in Lagos on Saturday, they held a meeting at a night club in Allen Avenue Ikeja, where they were said to have made plans for the operation. A SARS informant was said to have eavesdropped on their conversation and immediately alerted the officer in charge of SARS, SP Abba Kyari. It was learnt that Kyari subsequently sent a team of SARS operatives which stormed the night club around 1am and arrested three of the suspects while one of them escaped. MAKEITUPNEWS gathered that when the police searched the suspects, guns were found on them including a picture of their target. A police bulletin made available to our correspondent read in part, “Around 1am on May 10, 2014, information was received that four assassins were sent from Ibadan by one Adebayo Orekoya, aka Bobby Ibadan, who lives in Ibadan GRA, Oyo State. “The instruction given to the assassins was to kill one Ade Victor Adelakun of Ogudu GRA, Lagos. “Consequently, two SARS teams proceeded to the night club where the suspects were planning their attack. Three men, Ibrahim Lawal, 27; Yomi Olanrewaju, 25; and Emmanuel Adewale, 25; were arrested, while their driver, identified only as Samuel, escaped in a Sienna Spacebus. “Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed that Bobby Ibadan sent them to kill Ade Lexus, his former business partner. N100,000 out of the N140,000 given to the suspects as mobilisation fee have been recovered as well as a picture of the victim.” Our correspondent learnt that SARS detectives were able to establish contact with Bobby Ibadan using the telephone of one of the suspects. Bobby Ibadan, who did not know that SARS had arrested his boys, was alleged to have said, “I want that job done today by all means. Go to the night club where Ade Lexus hangs out and go and kill him there. If you don’t see him at the night club, go to his house and get the job done.” It was learnt that SARS detectives rushed down to Ibadan to arrest Bobby Ibadan, but he was said to have escaped. Ade Lexus told reporters at his showroom on Lateef Jakande Street, Ikeja, that he still did not understand why Bobby Ibadan would want to terminate his life. He thanked SARS men for the “incredible work”, insisting he was still alive because of their efforts. He said, “Bobby is not my business associate, He is not my friend either. A friend of mine in the United Kingdom was the one that introduced him to me. I have met with Bobby only on a few occasions. “If he had succeeded with the assassination, no one would have suspected him because he does not stay in Lagos and we do not chat often. He told me to lend him money a while ago for a business project, but I turned him down. Maybe that is what made him angry. “Also, the arrested suspects said Bobby alleged that I snatched his wife. That is not true; I am a happily married man with beautiful children.“Anyway, I must thank SARS men for this breakthrough. I was surprised to receive a call from the SARS commander that I was the target of an assassination. I did not know the Nigeria Police worked in such a manner, I am impressed.” Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the telephone, but promised to give details later.