Over 50 Tankers Razed by Fire Outbreak in Delta (Photo)
A major inferno has hit the refinery in Warri as many tankers have been engulfed by a raging fire in Delta State.
Over fifty petroleum tankers have so far been destroyed in a fire outbreak at the Ekpan Tankers Park near the Warri Refinery in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The inferno which began at about 7pm on Friday was still raging at about 10am on Saturday.
Delta State fire service, men from the Nigerian Gas Company fire department, WRPC and Chevron are still battling to put off the fire.
As of the of time of filing this report, the fire was still raging creating heavy gridlock along the express as many residents are deserting their homes.
Several firemen from the Delta State fire service, the Nigerian Gas Company fire department, the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Chevron were reported to still be battling to put off the fire.
The incident created heavy gridlock along the expressway as many residents deserted their homes in fear.
Source: Punch
We've not reached promised land yet at 56 – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the stunted and impaired development of Nigeria, 56 years after attaining a state nationhood.
Obasanjo said Nigeria is not yet where it ought to be at 56 but expressed the hope that the sundry challenges bogging the country down would be surmounted.
He spoke on Saturday during a lecture organised by the Youth Fellowship of the Owu Baptist Church, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as part of the church's activities to mark Nigeria's Independence anniversary.
The elder stateman said leaders and followers, should "accept responsibility" for the fate of the country and "stop passing the bulk."
"Our development is impaired, it is not what it ought to be but we must get it right. We must all accept responsibility, we must stop passing the bulk."
Delivering his lecture on the topic: "Nigeria Development for Nigerians by Nigerians," he declared that the development of the country must not be left with Nigerians alone but should also include foreign investors and friends of Nigeria.
According to him, those interested in assisting the country in its developmental efforts must also be encouraged to help it.
Obasanjo identified unemployment of educated Nigerians as one of the major factors threatening the peace of the country.
He also identified peace and security, education, food, sanitation, shelter as well as transportation as some of the ingredients for measuring development.
The former Chairman, Board of Trustess of the PDP recalled that when he completed his secondary school education at the Baptist Boys High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, he was offered jobs by five different establishments, including the United Africa Company (UAC) and Moore Plantation, Ibadan but lamented that a different situation prevailed today in Nigeria.
He also recalled during an interractive session how the famous industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, few years ago, told him that six PHD holders were among applicants who applied to become truck drivers in his company due to the unemployment situation in the country.
"Unemployment is a major problem in the country today and if we don't take care, it will consume all of us, in fact, the rising unemployment is a time bomb."
"The high rate of unemployment is responsible for youth restiveness in the country. The situation should be tackled with all the seriousness it deserves before it get out of hand.
"There is no other way we can develop except, engaging in agriculture business, it is the only business that can generate the number of employment we need.
"That is why we have to take it (Agriculture business) as a key of our development else the many educated Nigerians who have no job are like time bomb, sooner than later, it will explode," Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo challenged the church to pay attention to both the spiritual as well as the physical well being of their congregations.
He noted that the church's attention appeared to be focused only on the spiritual aspect of the congregations, explaining that he had seen the recession buffetting the country two yeas ago following the recklessness of the immediate past administration regarding the country's resources.
He said his warnings and advice were largely ignored but concluded, Nigerians "cannot continue lamenting."
Buhari's silence on House budget scandal 'a blessing' — Jibrin
Suspended lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin, on Saturday said President Buhari's hands-off approach to the budget padding scandal was actually "a blessing in disguise".
Mr. Jibrin has accused the leadership of the House of Representatives of fraud.
His colleagues accused him of denting the image of the National Assembly, and suspended him on Wednesday for 180 legislative days following a brief inquiry.
A defiant Mr. Jibrin said his suspension could not have come at a better time as it would now afford him the opportunity to launch a full-scale legal assault against the House.
"At this point, I must say they freed me up to concentrate on the matter in court," Mr. Jibrin said hours after he was suspended. "I'm going into a massive alliance with civil society groups, NGOs and well-meaning Nigerian to continue to press ahead."
In his statement Saturday, which he tagged as his Independence Day compliments to Nigerians, Mr. Jibrin said his cause could have been defeated if Mr. Buhari had weighed in on the allegations of budget fraud in the House from the onset.
"If Mr. President had jumped into the matter at the early stage, trust Nigerians, they would have concluded that the presidency is using me to fight the House," Mr. Jibrin said. "Such perception and blackmail would have been difficult to deal with. The silence of Mr. President on this matter is a blessing in disguise"
He, however, highlighted areas in which the president could help bolster his "whistle-blowing" duties.
"Anybody who can reach Mr. President should inform him that in the face of several threats to my life and that of my family, one of the security agencies had suddenly withdrawn its officers protecting me," Mr. Jibrin said. "This has made me vulnerable in the face of such persistent threats."
Mr. Jibrin allegations were largely targeted at Speaker Yakubu Dogara and a few other lawmakers who he said connived to remove him as the Chairman of House Committee on Appropriation in July.
Mr. Jibrin said his independence of mind made him an unwelcome figure among the House leadership, which he castigated as being "stinkingly corrupt".
Mr. Dogara and other lawmakers have denied the allegations.
But Mr. Jibrin stood his ground, releasing details of how Mr. Dogara and other lawmakers, including himself, were pocketing illegal allowances.
Mr. Jibrin repeated the charges in his statement Saturday, saying he had informed members of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption about how he and his colleagues were stealing public funds while the majority of Nigerians grappled with poverty.
"That was why when Bolaji Owasanoye and his colleagues at PACAC asked me why are my colleagues silent, I answered (that) most of us are "beneficiaries," Mr. Jibrin said.
The House said it will investigate Mr. Jibrin's allegations if he presented them before the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Kano declares Tuesday public holiday
Kano state government has declared Tuesday, October 4th as Public Holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar 1438 A.H. The Islamic New Year is on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the lunar Islamic calendar.
The state government had on Friday, 30th September, 2016 organized a prayer session at the Government House Mosque in Kano, to usher in the new Islamic year, which coincided with activities marking the nation's 56th anniversary celebration.
In the same vein, the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accompanied by top government officials, visited some hospitals in the state capital to show sympathy with the sick and to prayer for their speedy recuperation, in line with Islamic etiquette.
Governor Ganduje urges Muslims to use the period of the holiday, especially the blessed days of the 9th and 10th of the month of Muharram to ease the socio – economic challenges facing the country and to strengthen our leaders to steer it to greater heights.
Nigeria cannot be intimidated by economic sabotage – Oshiomhole
Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Saturday said the recurring political disagreements among various interest groups in Nigeria were not justifiable reasons for the economic sabotage witnessed in some parts of the country.
Governor Oshiomhole, who spoke during the 56th Independence Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, also said despite the destruction of public infrastructure by sponsored groups, Nigeria would not be intimidated.
He explained, "If things go wrong, as Karl Marx taught us, the masses will have nothing to lose. The political elite will have everything to lose. All of us must put the national interest over and above our personal interests.
"Our political frustrations cannot be an excuse to sponsor people to sabotage the economy, breaking pipelines and resorting to carrying arms to intimidate the state. The Nigerian state cannot be intimidated."
He said the 1814 amalgamation of the then Southern and Northern protectorates ‎was an act "ordained by God" and maintained that the nation's unity was not negotiable.
He also pledged the support of the state government to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Recession: National Assembly offers 20-point resolution to Buhari
To overcome the economic recession in the country, the National Assembly has sent twenty point resolutions to the Executive arm of government.
The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the 56th Independence anniversary at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Saturday.
According to him, the National Assembly has already started implementing four of the resolutions concerning the legislature.
"Already, as you have seen, we have sat down to address the important issue which is the economy. We have come out with about 20 point resolutions to the executive that we think they should do. We also have about four for ourselves. And we have started doing it already," Saraki said.
"At the last session, we started addressing some of these issues that we are sure will make us come out of this recession in a short while.
"We will start preparing for 2017 budget to ensure that there will be releases of funds that would be spent to do that."
Though he agreed that things are tough in the country, Saraki said that the problems are not insurmountable.
"I believe that we can do it. Like I said earlier, we have stayed united, we have stayed focused, determined and hard working. It is not something that we cannot achieve. The potentials are there. We will weather it," he said.
On the issue of the Niger-Delta, he said that the National Assembly will be favorably disposed in looking at the budget of amnesty Programme in the 2017 Budget.
"This is what we are looking at. We understand the challenges and we will play our own role to ensure we get out of it.
"We have been able to achieve a lot for the country. I am sure in present times, people will wonder what we are celebrating. As a country, we have stayed united. We have have taken up a lot of challenges and we have come out better.
"I believe we have the capacity and the expertise to do it this time around. People just have to believe in the country and we will get there," the Senate President
Samsung's Note 7 phones back on sale after recall
Samsung's flagship Galaxy Note 7 Smartphones went back on sale in South Korea on Saturday, a report said.
Almost a month after the electronics giant was forced to undertake a worldwide recall of the devices due to the risk of them catching fire.
"The new phones have been fitted with new batteries, they will go on sale again in Europe on Oct. 28,'' a spokesman said.
Samsung launched the recall early September after admitting that the so-called phablet, which was originally launched on August 19 and sold in several countries, could burst into flames while charging.
Meanwhile, several airlines also banned passengers from bringing them on board.
The company said 2.5 million phones were affected and offered all customers replacements, including 1.4 million customers in South Korea and the U.S. alone.
However, U.S. consumer authorities said they had received 92 reports of the phones overheating or even catching fire.
I warned Jonathan's government about the recession – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he foresaw and warned about Nigeria's current recession two years ago, but said he was ignored.
Mr. Obasanjo said he was concerned about recession when he saw how "recklessly" the Goodluck Jonathan administration spent the country's resources.
The former president spoke on Saturday in an Independence Day message at a lecture organised by the Youth Fellowship of Owu Baptist Church, Abeokuta.
"Whoever that has lived to witness the celebration of today should thank God," he said. "Things are not what they should be, but we should pray that next year will be better than this year."
"We thank God for those who are alive, we prayed for the souls of those who have laboured for these country and who have passed on to rest in perfect peace."
Mr. Obasanjo said one of the major issues threatening the peace of Nigeria now is the high level of unemployment.
"Unemployment is a major problem in the country today and if we don't take care, it will consume all of us. In fact, the rising unemployment is a time bomb," he said.
The former president recalled how he got five job offers immediately he completed his secondary school education at Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta.
He said he received offers from the United Africa Company (UAC) and Moore Plantation, Ibadan, among others. He said the situation is different today in the country.
Mr. Obasanjo said the businessman, Aliko Dangote, told him that six Ph.D. holders were among applicants seeking jobs with his company as truck drivers.
Mr. Obasanjo said the high rate of unemployment was responsible for youth restiveness in the country, warning that the situation should be tackled with all the "seriousness" it deserves before it get out of hand.
The former president said the country cannot develop if it pays no attention to agriculture.
"That is why we have to take it as a key of our development else the many educated Nigerians who have no job are like time bomb, sooner than later, it will explode," he said.
EXCLUSIVE: Turkish govt begins massive deportation of Nigerian students
The Turkish government has commenced a massive deportation of Nigerian students resident in the country, TheCable can report.
Rukkaya Usman, a Nigerian student deported from the country, said the Turkish government does not give a reason for the action.
Usman, a final year student of political science and international relations at the University of Melikseh, told TheCable on Saturday that she arrived in Turkey at 8am on September 26, but that she was detained at the airport for about 10 hours after which she was funnelled into an aircraft for a flight back to Nigeria.
"As I got to the airport, at the immigration; they (immigration) collected my passport and resident permit. They started to ask me questions like: 'what are you studying?' 'What's your father's name?' They took my passport. This was on September 26.
I asked what was happening. But they said they didn't know, that it was a new law, that they were sending me back to my country," she narrated.
"They said if I had any questions I should go to my embassy and ask. I was put in a room. There were about seven other people. We were locked up in the room; there were cameras. We were not allowed to talk to anyone. I was told that my next flight was at 6pm. I asked for my passport, but they said I would get it when I get to my country.
"They took me to the plane, and they watched me as I boarded the aircraft."
TheCable understands that the Turkish government is in a drive to deport all Nigerian students at universities linked to Fethullah Gulen's Hizmet movement.
Gulen is an Islamic cleric whom President Recep Erdogan of Turkey considers as his strongest rival.
After the botched July 15 coup, Erdogan launched a massive crackdown on the investments of Gulen's followers.
He blamed Gulen for the coup, but the cleric has denied the allegation.
A few weeks after the coup, the Turkish government asked the Nigerian government to shut down all the schools which had affinity with Gulen. But the Nigerian government did not oblige them.
The Turkish government has now resorted to deporting Nigerian students resident in the country.
FG revoked Tompolo's NIMASA contract – but Rivers APC chairman now has it
A contract, which the federal government terminated from Government Ekpemupolo, a militant leader known as Tompolo, has been awarded to Davies Akanya, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state.
Tompolo's Global West Vessel Specialists Nigeria Limited (GWVSNL) got the contract, which is about debt recovery and surveillance, under the former administration.
According to THISDAY, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under Dakuku Peterside, gave the contract to Snecou Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Akanya, without giving others the opportunity to bid for it.
Peterside was the APC candidate in the 2015 governorship election in Rivers.
The newspaper quoted industry sources as saying the debt owed NIMASA by shipping companies is in the region of $15 billion while NIMASA estimates it to be in the region of $5 billion and that the certificate for the contract award had been given to Akanya despite reports that his company does not have the competence to do the job.
THISDAY reported that as spelt out in the contract, Akanya's company would get between 10 and 15 per cent of money recovered for NIMASA.
Under the new contract, Akanya's company is to among other things, provide platforms for waterways monitoring and enforcement; engage in revenue services enhancement and debt reconciliation and recovery services for NIMASA.
The newspaper said its checks revealed that the new company is to be paid a total of N4.8 million monthly by NIMASA as engagement fees and other allowances for the period of the two years contract, commencing from October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2018.
In 2011, Patrick Akpobolokemi, ex-DG of NIMASA and an ally of Tompolo, had awarded a 10-year maritime security contract to GWVSNL.
As part of the contract, GWVESNL was expected to provide platforms to be used by the Nigerian navy and other security operatives to patrol the waterways, but in July 2015, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari terminated it.
THISDAY quoted sources as saying Tompolo and his group have vowed to frustrate Akanya, even if he sublets the contract to a more competent company.
"I can tell you that top officials of NIMASA are not happy with the way the contracts were awarded. How can you give such contract to a person of interest without giving opportunity to other companies to bid for the contract?" a source reportedly asked.
When contacted, Peterside admitted that the contract was actually awarded, but said it was a debt recovery contract, different from the one awarded to Tompolo.
"We are about to issue a statement on that. We awarded a debt recovery assignment which is totally different from Global Fleet and Tompolo was doing for NIMASA which took over revenue collection," Peterside said.
"There is nothing wrong with what we have done. That is how it is done globally. People just want to make some- thing out of nothing. The contract was not awarded to Akanya, it was awarded to Snecou Nigeria Limited and we advertised the contract in several newspapers. So I don't see what is wrong with awarding a contract to get our money from debtors."
On the value of the contract, he said: "I cannot tell you the actual value; nobody knows the actual value as it fluctuates. But I can tell you that it is in the region of $4 billion or $5 billion. But I am not sure how much it is."
Man Spends $26,000 on Surgery to Look Like David Beckham, Plans Even More
We will let you be the judge if this has been money well spent.
A 19-year-old UK man has spent $26,000 (about N8.1m) on surgery to look like football star David Beckham.
Jack Johnson spent the money on procedures for his cheeks, chin, eyebrows, lips, teeth and tanning injections to try to obtain the Beckham look.
The man is unemployed and in debt, but estimates that it will cost him another £30,000 in procedures to help him reach his goal. Doctors have shot down some of his requests.
He said: "Obviously I know I don't look like him, I'm not that stupid. But I have a long way to go to get to my goal of looking like him. Easily another 30 grand. It will cost money and operations to look like him.
"I've told them I really need it and it will change my life. I've had problems all my life with weight and I'm not doing it as a quick way to lose weight. I've tried every diet in the book, every exercise and I can't do it, so I need the gastric band to help me. And when I have that done I have to still exercise and eat healthily."
Making Johnson's task all the harder is the fact that he is currently unemployed and the surgery he has already undertaken has left him £19,000 in debt.
However, he seems determined to realise his dream.
"I know I don't look like David Beckham at the minute but I feel happy and amazing about myself. I've been in the best place ever this past year," he said.
He later added: "I do love myself, I just want to look like David Beckham. Who doesn't? No one can say he's ugly or unattractive. Even people who aren't a fan."
Now he just needs some tattoos.
'I Thought God Had Forgiven Me' – Says Suspect Arrested For Kidnap and Murder of poly student
Azuazu (left), Ikenna Osuji (right)
Ikenna Osuji, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State, who was working as a taxi driver along to finance his studies, lost his life on May 25, 2016, in Port-Harcout, Rivers State, in the hands of kidnappers when he drove into a land where Chinedu Azuazu, 30, was a security guard, Punchng reports.
Ikenna was fairly known to Azuazu because he used to drive prospective land buyers to the large expanse of land guarded by Azuazu in his cab. But May 25 was the last day the young man would ever be seen alive. He drove into the land again that day and was never seen again.
When Azuazu was nabbed on September 12, 2016 by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Response Team, details of the gruesome end Ikenna met in the hands of his captors emerged.
Azuazu, a father of one living at Omouku area Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said he was employed to guard the land in question, which belonged to the Alakahia community close to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
He said: "The man who employed us never paid us. He would rather take us to a bar and buy us drinks and then give us small money, like N3,000. It was too small for me. When my wife became pregnant and I needed money to prepare for our coming child, he refused to assist me.
"I saw my chance to make money when Ikenna came to our site on May 25. My colleague, Joshua, and I decided to kidnap him. We believed he was from a rich family and thought that was why he normally brought people to buy land at the site.
"When we sighted him, we threatened to shoot him with our double-barrelled gun. We then kidnapped and took him deep into the forest. While we kept him there, we called his relatives with his phone and demanded a N5m ransom.
"Ikenna's brother told us that he did not have up to that amount. We reduced the ransom to N2m and threatened to kill him if they did not pay. While we were waiting on the family to pay us the ransom, Ikenna spent 14 days in our custody.
"On the 15th day, I left him in Joshua's custody to go and buy some food. When I returned I found him lying motionless on the ground. I asked Joshua what happened and he told me that when I was away, Ikenna attempted to escape and he almost overpowered him before he found a stick and hit him in the head."
Azuazu said he checked Ikenna's pulse and realised that he was still breathing but faintly.
According to him, there was nothing he could do to help the young man and had to leave him on the ground till he breathed his last.
He said after few hours, he went to check Ikenna's pulse again and noticed that he had died.
The suspect said: "I called his brother, who had been communicating with us about the ransom and he said he could only afford N120,000. I asked him to take it to the Teaching Hospital Road and drop it at a certain spot.
"He did as I instructed and I went there to take the money. We took part of the money to the Rumuola Market and bought a bedsheet, which we took to the forest to wrap Ikenna's body. We stuffed it in the boot of his car and took it to a farm in Umunkwa Igbodo in Etche Local Government of Rivers State, where we dumped it.
"We later sold the car, a Nissan Primera, in Owerri, Imo State for N180,000. We shared the money and the ransom. I took N158,000 and gave Joshua N148,000. As soon as Joshua collected his share, he disappeared. I have not seen him since that day. I used part of my share to pay a loan I took for my wife's delivery."
A source said when police investigators visited Alakahia community, a chief, Hyacinth Akwukwauegbu, told them that a corpse was found on his farm and that it had been buried without reporting the discovery to the police.
Azuazu said after Joshua left, he also travelled to Lagos to search for a job but had to go back to Port Harcourt when no job was forthcoming.
The suspect said: "Few days before my arrest, I had a dream that my former boss, Ibe, was killed. I called to warn him but he asked if I had anything to do at the time. When I told him I had no job, he told me to come and see him. When I got to his house, the police arrested me and said I killed Ikenna. I did not know how they knew.
"I thought God had forgiven me. In July 2016, I went to a pastor and confessed what I did. He prayed for me and warned me against going back to crime. I have heeded his warning. After my arrest, I have also met Ikenna's brother to ask for forgiveness."
Ikenna's elder brother, Peter, who was the one the kidnappers contacted, said he paid N1.2m as ransom as against the N120,000 Azuazu admitted to. According to him, Ikenna bought a car and used it as cab to support himself in school.
He said: "Anytime he was on break, he came to Port Harcourt to use his car as a taxi. I first noticed that sometime was wrong when I had not seen for some days and I got a call from one of my in-laws, who confirmed the same thing that he was missing.
"The day I got a call from his kidnappers, I was about to ask him where he had been because the call came from his line when they told me they had abducted him and I should pay or they would kill him. For the weeks they were in touch, they refused to allow me to speak with him.
"I had to sell one of my properties to raise N1m to add to the little cash I had. But they insisted that it had to be N5m and that if they killed Ikenna, his blood would be on my head. I was terrified and went everywhere in search of money.
"When I eventually got N1.2m, I called them and lied that I had N2m. They told me to take it to East-West Road and drop it there. They said if they saw any glimpse of a policeman, they would kill my brother.
When I got to Alakahia Junction, and dropped the money as instructed, I called Ikenna's line but it was switched off. I had to quickly report the mater to Chuba Police Division and the matter was later transferred to the Rivers State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Department."
Peter said after one month of seeing no trace of his brother, he started visiting prophets for help in desperation. The prophets told him his brother would be found alive.
He later reported the case to the Inspector-General of Police Response Team, who commenced investigation and eventually tracked down the suspects.
The police eventually arrested Ibe, who employed Ikenna's killers as guards.
The corpse of the deceased was later exhumed and deposited in the mortuary.
The police have said investigation was still ongoing in the case.
15 Nigerians on trial in Dubai for robbery worth millions in different currencies
Three Nigerians men and a woman, together with eleven other accomplices currently on the run, were charged in the Court of First Instance on Thursday, September 29th, with attacking two Pakistani men and robbing them of millions in different currencies, belonging to their employer.
The 11 others on the run, including another woman, are being accused in the same case of possessing the stolen money. The defendants, all Nigerians are currently in detention.
The main accused, a 31-year-old Nigerian worker, was not present in court to face the charges. The others, of ages ranging between 26 and 41 and among them are two businessmen and two managers, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Those, who are accused of possession of the stolen money, claimed before the panel of judges they were doing business with the other accused and were not aware the money was stolen.
According to Khaleej Times, a 34-year-old Afghani sales executive said that his sponsor gave him while in Afghanistan large amounts of money on May 9 to bring to Dubai.
"I traveled with 4.8 million Saudi Riyals, Dh312,000, QR45,600, KD49,779, and Rs1.5 million. My flight landed at around 10:00pm. Two men, who also work for my sponsor, were waiting for me at Terminal 2 of the Dubai International Airport. They took the cash which was kept in a suitcase and a bag," he said.
The two other men went to a money exchange office in Iyal Nasser, Naif. But few minutes later, the sales executive learnt they lost the money after they were attacked and robbed.
A Pakistani accountant, 26, said that his sponsor wanted the amounts of money to be converted into dirhams.
"We were outside the money exchange office in Freej -al- Murar at around 11 pm when two African men- one of them carrying a cleaver attacked us and snatched the bag and suitcase of money from us. Two other Africans were watching the place and seemed ready to step in to assist the other thieves. We reported the robbery to the police," the accountant told the prosecutor.
On May 17, they were summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department where he identified two of the thieves. The police tracked the thieves through the CCTV cameras of a shop where the robbery took place.
"They were caught on surveillance cameras fleeing the scene. We issued a circular on their descriptions and the stolen cash," a police lieutenant said.
Two of them were arrested in Ajman. The hearing has been adjourned to November 10.
Paris Government Approves Creation Of A City For Completely Na ked People
Paris is set to have an official nu dist park after officials voted in favour of the plans on Monday night.
The park could open as soon as next summer, AFP reports, and two main wooded areas on the outskirts of the city, the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes, are being considered as possible options.
Naturism is popular among some Parisians but public nu dity is forbidden unless taking place in specified areas, and can carry a penalty of €15,000 (£13,050) or up to a year in prison.
Paris currently has a swimming pool on the 12th arrondissement that allows nu dity three evenings a week, but many naturists have been asking for larger spaces in which to roam free of clothes.
"There were 150 of us there on Wednesday night," Denis Porquet, a member of the Nu dist Association of Paris (ANP) told 20 Minutes. The 372-people strong group is often forced to hire other venues such as bowling clubs and spas to be able to host private events for its membership.
The proposal for a nu dist park was put forward by the Green Party of Paris and Deputy Mayor Bruno Julliard said the new space would likely be "near a lake, in a regulated setting so that there is no threat to public order," AFP reported.
Saraki, Dogara, Ekweremadu, Kalu, govs, US, others speak on journey so far
Eminent Nigerians yesterday used the celebration of Nigeria's 56th Independence celebration to review the state of the nation.
Nigeria witnessing loss of foreign confidence –Atiku
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said Nigeria was witnessing loss of foreign confidence for her inability to resolve the economic downturn fast. According to him, there has been a slowdown of badly needed foreign investment.
He said: "This current crisis is not a time for grief, regret or recrimination. It is an opportunity for all of us to roll up our sleeves and support the government in the arduous task of revitalising the core elements of our national economy.
"We are witnessing an increasing loss of foreign confidence in the ability of Nigerians to resolve the economic downturn. There has been a slowdown of badly needed foreign investment, which has decelerated economic development that is so essential to the well-being of the ordinary Nigerian.
The average Nigerian is worried about the state of things and yearning for a vibrant economy within a peaceful and stable environment so that he/she can carry on with daily endeavours to make ends meet."
Saraki calls for joint efforts
The President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, has called on Nigerians to collaborate with the Federal Government in order to ensure the nation emerged from the current economic recession stronger, more united, developed and self reliant.
Saraki in his message signed in Abuja by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said: "We should all vow to work together as we have done in the past to save the nation. No single individual can solve our present economic predicament. I believe that with our collective efforts and sheer political will, we can push back the high tide of recession now confronting us as nation."
Dogara: We shall overcome
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has despite the challenges and difficulties confronting Nigerians, there is every reason for the country to celebrate its independence anniversary. In a statement issued yesterday, by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker noted that the current challenges were not insurmountable because with unity of purpose, commitment, sacrifice, hard work and patriotism, we shall overcome.
Ekweremadu calls for sober reflection
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, called for sober reflection and return to the path of true federalism as envisioned by the founding fathers in order to move the nation forward. The Senator, who stressed the need for justice, peace, and unity, once more, urged the Federal Government to mobilise all capable hands to salvage the nation's ailing economy, as there was hunger in the land.
In his anniversary message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, he said: "This calls for sober reflection. No people can make progress, unless they retrace their steps back to where the rain started beating them."
Embrace 'Change Begins With Me' campaign, Kalu tells Nigerians
Eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has urged Nigerians to embrace the "Change Begins With Me" campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari led- Federal Government. He noted that for the country to progress, people at the helm must place national interest above selfish ambition.
While acknowledging the ideals of Nigeria's founding fathers like Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Ladoke Akintola, Alvan Ikoku and a few others which were anchored on patriotism, selflessness, discipline and togetherness, he urged people at all levels of government to toe the path of these past leaders in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
According to the exgovernor, there is a need for attitudinal change and reorientation as the current economic challenges facing the country call for financial discipline as individuals and as a people. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, in commemoration of Nigeria's 56th independence anniversary celebration, Kalu said: "As we mark yet another independence anniversary, we have every cause to celebrate while reflecting on past experiences toward building a brighter tomorrow.
"Nigeria as a nation is blessed with enormous potential including human and material resources and as such she should not lag behind among the comity of nations. "It is important for leaders both in the private and public sectors to adopt strategies that will not only create employment and wealth for today's generation but also guarantee the future of the unborn generation.
"The political class should desist from the blame game and focus their energy and resources on initiatives that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people. "Inasmuch as people have grievances, we cannot undermine the peace and harmony of the country for ethnic, tribal, religious and political interests.
"If the tenets of democracy are strictly adhered to by the government and the governed, there will be a meeting point by both parties and ultimately the country will be better off."
Be more patriotic, Ahmed tasks Nigerians
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has called on Nigerians to demonstrate more patriotism, commitment and dedication to collective goals so that the current challenges become things of the past. Ahmed said the economic situation of the country may make livelihood difficult at the present if Nigerians join hands together, the country will surely and steadily bounce back to prosperity.
Abubakar pardons 22 inmates in Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday pardoned 22 inmates serving various jail terms in the state. Abubakar announced this in Bauchi, in a broadcast to the people of the state as part of activities marking 56th independence anniversary of the country. Abubakar said the country had assumed a status of super power in spite of the skepticism that the country would derail after independence.
We're not there yet -Tinubu
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, said Nigeria was not where it should be even though it has witnessed appreciable progress. "Nigeria's political, social and economic foundations need to be reworked and strengthened.
Our institutions are not functional enough to deliver on the goals for which they were set up. This independence anniversary therefore offers us another opportunity at reflections. "The times are tough no doubt. The reasons are not far-fetched.
However, the journey to recovery has begun in earnest and I enjoin you all to support the President Muhammadu Buhariled administration in this journey," he said.
CAN: Time to give thanks
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, said at this time, Nigerians should give thanks to God. He said: "What my bible talks of is moderation in everything no matter how rich or how poor. Moderation is the discreet way to thank God.
The government should use the money that they would have used for elaborate celebration to provide employment for millions of unemployed youths in our nation. "This is not a period of extravagance in independence celebration but it is a time of reflection on what made us to fail so that we would not walk in the path of failure anymore."
Celebration aimed at squandering money – Okogie
His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, said Nigerians are not celebrating because Nigeria is 56 or because of her leaders. Rather, they are celebrating Nigeria because the good Lord that put this nation together as one entity is still keeping it till today, despite all the attempts to break the country into pieces.
Okogie said: "So, we have to keep thanking God for the unity not because of the government; the government is only trying to use the avenue to bring money out of the treasury in spite of what we are going true at the present. Their own is to camouflage that we are celebrating Independence to justify the squandering spree.
"Nigerians should rejoice because God in his infinite goodness and mercy is keeping us together and I know that one day we shall all smile again. When you look at the time of Herbert Macaulay and all those before him you see Nigeria is worth celebrating but since then the kind of people we have are just after money to the detriment of the populace.
They don't care whether the nation survives or not provided they survive, that's what they are looking for."
We've cause to celebrate –Yakassai
Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a former National Assembly Liaison Officer to former President Shehu Shagari, has said Nigeria have every cause to celebrate its 56 year anniversary, despite the negative military interventions which set the country back ward. Yakasai told our correspondent in Kano, that at the time of the nation's Independence in 1960, there were no major inter-states roads that were tarred but said Nigeria has virtually all roads linking every states of the federation today.
We should restructure –Gani Adams
Leader of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, said: "Independence is a symbol of our entity as a nation. But I will prefer it to be celebrated on a lighter mood because of the economic realities in the country at present.
When Nigeria was still in a good point in terms of economy you will see many people celebrating it on their streets and they will celebrate it in joyous moods. "That notwithstanding, Independence Day is an Independence Day. However, the government should use it an avenue to pep up talks about how this country will be restructured so that we can move forward."
US hails Nigeria
The United States of America (USA) has congratulated Nigeria on the occasion of the country's 56th Independence anniversary which comes up today. President Barack Obama in a statement yesterday expressed confidence that Nigerians were working hard to address current national challenges.
The US President through the Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, said: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 1."
Chad, Niger forces kill 123 Boko Haram in crackdown
A joint military operation between Chad and Niger has killed 123 Boko Haram militants since July and recovered a significant quantity of weapons, Niger's Defence Ministry said on Friday.
Allied Chadian-Nigerien forces launched an offensive against the Islamists after a surprise attack in Niger killed 30 of the country's troops in early June, its deadliest ever attack there.
Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Moustapha Ledru said 14 of the two nations' own troops had also died and 39 had been wounded in fighting with the Nigerian militant group over the same period.
"An important quantity of arms and weapons were recovered," he added.
Boko Haram is waging a guerrilla war to establish a breakaway Islamic caliphate around the Lake Chad region, where Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad meet, reports Reuters.
Ledru said a parallel offensive involving Nigerian forces had recaptured four towns from the Islamists, whose insurgency has killed thousands and displaced 2.4 million.
The U.N. humanitarian coordinator for the region said on Friday that tens of thousands of people are dying of hunger because insecurity has prevented farmers tilling the land and made access for aid agencies almost impossible.
THE PRESIDENCY: WHY BUHARI CAN'T CHANGE CABINET NOW
Ministers took charge four months ago
Economy to top Independence Day broadcast
PDP was reckless with corruption –President
Indications have emerged that President Muhammadu Buhari is not ready to make any changes in his cabinet. There have however been calls by concerned Nigerians for the President to appoint competent individuals that will assist him deliver.
A competent presidency source yesterday confirmed to our correspondent that President Buhari believes in the capacity of his ministers and the Economic Management Team (EMT) to deliver on their mandates of transforming the country.
The source who prefers anonymity told Saturday Telegraph that those calling for rejiging of the cabinet have no justification and are only being impatient with the government. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and the Senate Committee Chairman on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Dino Melaye are among many Nigerians that have challenged the President to reshuffle his cabinet.
The two law makers recently demanded the sack or redeployment of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma and his Finance counterpart, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, describing them as incompetent and lacking in vision to come up with policies that could assist the country get out of the current economic recession.
According to the presidency source, President Buhari knows that his ministers became fully in charge of their respective ministries only four months ago and would not have performed magic as expected in some quarters within a very short time.
"The 2016 budget is not President Buhari's budget. He cannot really assess the ministers based on this particular budget. "They effectively took charge in the last four months, so it is not possible to assess them based on that," the source explained.
On whether today's broadcast to mark the country's 56th Independence anniversary by the President will feature a major shakeup in the cabinet, the source said "the President's speech on the Independence Day celebration will primarily focus on the economy.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has again raised concerns over the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that it was characterised by reckless corruption which plunged the nation into its current economic recession.
The President's statement is coming despite wide criticism that he has focused on accusing the past government rather than concentrating on evolving new policies that would grow the economy and improve the quality of lives of the citizens.
Speaking Thursday night at the a conversation with creative youths shortly after a photo exhibition and book launch in his honour at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President noted that the massive corruption and mismanagement laid the foundation for recession.
The book which featured pictorials chronicling events that led to the emergence of Buhari as President in 2015 was put together by his personal photographer, Mr. Bayo Omoboriowo. He said: "I am going to bore you with what we met, I know I'm being accused in the newspaper of passing the buck but passing the buck is sometimes absolutely necessary, to remind people who take things for granted.
"When we came in by some unfortunate coincidence, I screamed to high heavens because I had promised a lot, I said where is the savings? But there was no savings. There was no infrastructure, power, rails, roads, there was none. "My dear countrymen especially the youth, you have a fantastic country, God has endowed Nigeria with human and material resources.
"What did we spend the money on? I was told buying food and petrol, where were the billions going? We conducted a study and found out that the oil marketers were committing fraud on at least one third of what they were importing, which is about 25 per cent of our foreign exchange. "The youth must watch our elites, the condition we found ourselves, it is unpatriotic for anybody to pretend that economically we have no the tenure of problem.
"We have gone into the farms, I congratulate some of the governors and by the grace of God by the end of this government we will be exporting rice and grains.So all the money alleged to have been used to import will be available to sustain development.
"I have bored you with this long explanation because there are things that cannot be hidden from you by those that have mismanaged the country in the last 16 years," he said. President Buhari further assured Nigerians that his administration would address some of the sundry challenges with focus on the provision of security, industrialisation, manufacturing and food among others.
"I said it many years ago and I still mean it, we have no other country than Nigeria, we will stay here and salvage it together," President Buhari said.
Unbelievable!!! Python Dies After Sinking Its Fangs Into a Model's Breast (Photos)
The python biting the model's breast
A python has left people in shock after it sunk its fangs into a model's breast resulting in its death.
A surgically enhanced Israeli model Orit Fox got more than she bargained for when the massive boa constrictor took objection to her over familiarity and reacted by biting into her breast.
Shockingly, the snake died from silicone poisoning while Ms Fox survived after she was given a tetanus shot at the hospital.
According to Dailymail, the B-list model and actress initially looked comfortable during the shoot in Tel Aviv, wrapping the huge snake around her legs, waist and neck while doing her best to look sexy.
In a figure hugging red and white striped dress, which revealed maximum cleavage, she gamely tried to take their bonding to the next level by licking the snake's face.
However, as she tried to pose with the snake by changing position, after being licked the reptile reacted angrily and sunk its teeth deep in her left breast.
She let out a high-pitched scream, as did a voice off camera who appeared to be directing the shoot.
An assistant rushed in to help her pull the snake off and after a few seconds of struggle the creature released its grip.
The peroxide-blonde model was rushed to a nearby hospital and given a tetanus shot.
However, the snake wasn't so lucky and died from silicone poisoning.
Buhari presides over low-key 56th independence anniversary
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Abuja presided over the celebration of Nigeria's 56th Independence Anniversary with former Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and other personalities in attendance.
The low-key event, which took place at the Presidential Villa, was Buhari's second independence celebration since he took over the leadership of the nation on May 29, last year.
The Christian prayers were offered by the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Christian Association of Nigeria, Israel Akonji. The Deputy Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Taofeeq Abdulazeez, offered the Muslim prayers.
The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and colour, while weapons and uniforms were inspected to ensure conformity with military standards by the Commander, Brigade of Guards, Brig.-Gen. Musa Yusuf. Shortly after the ceremony, Buhari signed the anniversary register and released 56 pigeons from a cage.
Ekiti@20: Gov Fayose commends Abacha, Fayemi
As Ekiti State celebrated the 20th anniversary of its creation on Saturday, Governor Ayodele Fayose, has commended the heroic contributions of the late military ruler, Gen Sanni Abacha for his vision leading to the creation of the state.
Fayose, also commended the tremendous contributions of the past military and civilian administrations of Col. Mohammed Usman,‎ Commodore Atanda Yusuf, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni, in building the state to its enviable height through their leadership.
Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996 alongside Bayelsa, Gombe, Nasarawa , Ebonyi and Zamfara States.
Addressing stakeholders at the Oluyemi Kayode stadium after the Independence Walk, which kicked off from Mathew Street in Ado Ekiti, Fayose commended the military dictator and Ekiti founding fathers for actualizing the dream for the state's creation.
"Let me commend Gen. Abacha for creating the state and I also thank our founding fathers for their vision. Though, I didn't participate in the struggle, but I am a beneficiary and many children and governors yet unborn will also benefit.
"Politics aside, let me commend all the military and duly elected governors of the past for their contributions, because they have contributed their own quota within the available resources to lay a foundation, for without foundation there could be nothing to build upon.
"Ekiti has scored many firsts within the two years I came on board.
Ekiti recorded first in transparency in budget provision. It came first in 2016 NECO and these came at the most auspicious time when Ekiti is 20. Our desire now is to buckle up and work harder for more service delivery for the good of you and I.
"The present economic recession in our country is not pleasurable, it is not interesting at all. It is a sad news to hear that a dollar is now being exchanged for N500.
"Whatever our political, religious and interests are, we must put our eyes on the ball called Ekiti for our tomorrow to be better than this", he said.
Fayose promised that the flyover project, Ikere Ekiti dualisation project, the new Oja Oba market and other projects in all the 16 local governments areas, including the proposed High Court complex and new governor's office will be completed before his departure in 2018.
"I want to tell you that I won't abandon any project. All the projects I have started will be completed before my departure", Fayose assured.
Angelina Jolie gets temporary full custody of her kids with Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have reportedly struck a temporary custody agreement Friday that will grant full physical custody of the couple's six children to Angelina Jolie while Brad Pitt will be subjected to random voluntary drug testing and an initial supervised visit with his kids.
According to TMZ reports, the initial visit, will be supervised by a therapist who will then decide if Pitt's future visits need to be monitored or not.
The terms will last for three weeks before the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)can make new recommendations.
Pitt was under investigation by DCFS after the agency received an anonymous tip that Pitt had attacked his 15-year-old son Maddox while on a flight back from France.
The tipster reported Pitt as "physically" and "verbally abusive" towards the pair's eldest child.
The temporary divorce agreement also subjects Pitt to random drug and alcohol testing.
According to news reports, Pitt took a voluntary drug test after the airplane incident. A source told TMZ.
"I can confirm he did take the test." "The Department of Children and Family Services cannot force you to take a test, so by definition it was voluntary."
"He's been cooperating," the source added, confirming the investigation was still going on as of Wednesday.
Pitt and Jolie will reportedly be required to attend individual counseling as part of the agreement and they will also attend family counseling along with their children, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 8.
President Buhari outlines programmes to revive nation's economy
The Federal Government says it has outlined various developmental programmes that will revive the nation's economy, restore the value of the naira and "drive hunger from our land.''
President Muhammadu Buhari said this in a national broadcast to mark Nigeria's 56th Independence Anniversary in Abuja on Saturday .
Buhari said the programmes, included the constructions and rehabilitation of new roads, housing and power projects across the country, adding that already the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing had received N197.5 billion for the execution of some of the projects.
According to him, already contractors have recalled 9,000 workers laid off and several hundreds of thousands of workers will be reengaged in the next few months as our public works programme gains momentum.
He said the affected roads were the dualisations of Calabar- Itu Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom, Lokoja-Benin Road, Ehor=Benin city and reconstruction of outstanding sections of Benin-Shagamu Expressway Edo/Ogun.
Others were the expansion works on Lagos-Ibadan Dual carriageway (Ogun/Oyo); rehabilitation of Onitsha-Enugu Expressway (Anambra/Enugu); and rehabilitation and reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway.
He said the rehabilitation of Hadejia-Nguru Road, dualisation of Kano-Katsina Road in Kano State, dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri Road, dualisation of Azare-Potiskum Road, Azare-Sharuri Road, Bauchi State, would also be carried out.
Sam Allardyce faces ban from football
Former England coach Sam Allardyce is facing a football ban.
He could be charged with bringing the game into disrepute according to FA chief executive Martin Glenn.
Allardyce was axed on Tuesday after just 67 days and one game in charge after being filmed giving advice to undercover reporters on how to get around FA transfer rules.
Glenn confirmed last night that Allardyce could be charged over his controversial comments.
"It is realistic he could be charged," said Glenn. "The newspaper that made the revelations are releasing the full transcripts to the police, which is what has to happen.
"Once we get full access to them we'll pass them to our Integrity Unit. We've dealt with Sam as an employee. Sam's role as a participant in the game will be part of this next process, if there is one.
"The decision will be based on the merits of the evidence. Bringing the game into disrepute might be a possible charge.
"A potential sanction could range from a fine to a ban. That's what history shows. But that is for a tribunal to decide."
Fake army General arrsted by NSCDC in Niger State
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State on Saturday said it had apprehended a suspected fake army general in Minna.
Commander Philip Ayuba, Commandant of NSCDC, in the state made the disclosure while presenting the suspect before newsmen in Minna.
"The suspected fake army General you are seeing specialises in defrauding unemployed applicants by promising them job in either the military or paramilitary outfits in the country,'' Ayuba said.
He said the suspect, Mohammed Usman alias General Ishiaku is 41 years old and from Katcha Local Government Area of the state.
Ayuba explained that the suspect was arrested by an undercover team of NSCDC in Minna metropolis after he had concluded plan to collect a balance of N450,000 bargained for a job in NSCDC.
The NSCDC Commander said the suspected accomplice of the suspect, Abubakar Ibrahim, was at large.
He said the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigation was completed.
The suspect, while speaking with newsmen, pleaded for forgiveness and said, "I will not do it again, it was the handiwork of the devil."
Community in Shock as Man Turns Into a Cat After Failed Money Rituals
Mallam Kantanka performing some rituals to bring back Kwadwo Kumasi
A man who wanted to make money through ritual means has landed in trouble after he allegedly turned into a cat to the shock of people.
The desire among three friends from Asante Bekwai in the Ashanti Region to become rich overnight by way of rituals (Sakawa) turned bizarre when one of them allegedly turned into a cat after sleeping in a coffin for seven days.
The names of the three friends were given as Kwadwo Kumasi, 28; Yaw Mensah, 37, and Kwame Osei, 26.
They are said to have contacted a popular jujuman, identified as Mallam Kantanka, at Sefwi Asawinso in the Western Region, to perform rituals for them to become rich overnight.
As part of the rituals, the jujuman instructed them to sleep in a coffin in turns for seven days.
According to a resident of Asawinso, Nana Yaw Koranteng, who is a close friend of Mallam Kantanka's, Kumasi elected himself to be the first to sleep in the coffin, while the remaining two waited for their turns.
Nana Koranteng said when the first seven days elapsed, two of the friends went to check on Mallam Kantanka at his shrine but he was nowhere to be found.
He said apart from the disappearance of the jujuman, there was no trace of Kumasi who had slept in the coffin.
Worried about the turn of events, Nana Koranteng said, the two friends quickly reported the case to the police at Asawinso.
Police confirmation
When contacted, the Asawinso District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr Richard Boahen, confirmed the incident and said the two friends reported the incident last Monday and the police quickly invited Mallam Kantanka for interrogation.
During the interrogation, Mr Boahen said, Mallam Kantanka confirmed the report of the two complainants but said the jujuman gave the two seven more days to perform some rituals to bring Kumasi back to life.
He said the police were waiting to see Kumasi's return, as promised by Mallam Kantanka, while investigations were ongoing.
As of the time of filing this report, some policemen and residents of Asawinso had thronged the premises of the shrine to see how Mallam Kantanka could possibly bring Kumasi back to life.
According to reports yet to be confirmed, a cat and an amount of money were found in a coffin in which Kumasi had slept for the rituals.
It is suspected that Kumasi had turned into the cat.
Some of the people the Daily Graphic spoke to dismissed that claim as mere superstition, but others said in the era of 'sakawa', it was difficult to wish the reports away.
Residents of a community were left in totally shock after a man allegedly turned into a cat following a failed money ritual initiation. The incident happened in Ghana.
This is how Graphic.com.gh reported that matter:
Omg!!! Cossy Orjiakor Breaks Internet By Celebrating Nigeria's Independence Completely Topless (Photos)
Big-chested actress, Cossy Orjiakor is celebrating Nigeria's Independence as it turns 56 with eye-popping topless photos.
Cossy Orjiakor posing topless with Nigerian flags
Well endowed Nigerian actress, Cossy Orjiakor has set inter on fire after she posted topless photos of herself celebrating Nigeria's Independence. Nigeria turned 56 today after gaining independence from Britain in 1960. Cossy took advantage of the celebration to wow her fans. Fans are all going crazy for the actress.
She wrote: "The more you look the less you see.... Nigeria at 56 hahaha Happy (in)Dependence Day...in advance."
Shocking!!! Newborn Baby Found Alive in Suitcase Beside Skeleton of Another Infant
Residents of a town have been shocked by the discovery of an infant and are now investigating to figure out who the parents are.
According to Hannover prosecutors on Friday, a 22-year-old German woman is under investigation for manslaughter after German police found a suitcase in her apartment with a newborn baby girl inside along with the skeleton of another infant.
A 19-year-old man who was living with the woman in the northern city discovered the case on Thursday and reported it to police.
Authorities rushed the newborn baby to the hospital, and she fortunately survived and is in stable condition.
Hannover prosecutors' spokeswoman Kathrin Soefker said investigators are now trying to determine who the father of the babies is or are, and an autopsy is being done to determine the cause of death of the second infant found in the suitcase.
The woman, whose name wasn't released in line with German privacy laws, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter.
Revealed: House of Reps Members Pocket At Least 20 million Naira Monthly...See Shocking Details
Members of the House of Representatives have been exposed after fresh revelation by a member shows that they pocket N10 to N20 million each month.
Embattled former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin has made a shocking revelation that the members of Nigeria's House of Representatives each receive at N10m to N20 million monthly. In fact, he revealed further that some pocket as much as N200 to N400 million in a month.
Jibrin made the revelation in a statement he released today.
With the recent revelation by Jubrin who is an insider and currently a member of the house of representatives, Nigerians have been justified after many numerous cries that the house is corrupt which members of the house have repeatedly denied.
The statement reads:
"HON ABDULMUMIN JIBRIN'S 56th INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE:
MORE SHOCKING REVELATIONS ON RUNNING COST/ALLOWANCES OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; MEMBERS RECEIVED MONTHLY AVERAGE BETWEEN ABOUT 10 TO 20 MILLION NAIRA AT VARIOUS TIMES"
"I will celebrate the 56th independence of Nigeria by further exposing systemic corruption using running cost/allowances of the House of Representatives. The amount (about 10 million naira) received monthly at present by members is the least since the regime of this fraud called running cost started.
At various time in the past Hon Members have received between about 10 to 20 million naira averagely per month and often pocket the money. Iam found of telling my colleagues in the House that only international footballers like Mikel Obi are known to legally earn such colossal amount monthly.
A dirty means was devised to receive part of the four-year cumulative of such money up front. So a member can take up to 200 to 400 million naira at once. No body is saying money should not be allocated to run activities of members. The problem is that the money is diverted for personal use, period!
You can now understand my disappointment, frustration and anger when I listened to the shameless Chair Ethics, Hon Osai and Media, Hon Namdas and crooks like Hon Hembe, defending the fact that I was suspended because i falsely claim there exists systemic corruption in the House-Fraudsters!
They open their stinking mouths and talk about defending the institution of the House as if they are not the ones that have and are destroying the institution. The running cost allowances fraud is what Speaker Dogara used to blackmail members to get support and ignore all the grievous allegations I raised.
All Speaker Dogara did was to tacitly threaten members at the caucus meetings the night before our resumption by reminding them of the running cost they pocket. That was why when Prof Bolaji Owasanoye and his colleagues at PACC asked me why are my colleagues silent, I answered-most of them (us) are "beneficiaries".
If Mr President had jumped into the matter at the early stage, trust Nigerians, they would have concluded that the Presidency is using me to fight the House. Such perception and blackmail would have been difficult to deal with. The silence of Mr President on this matter is a blessing in disguise.
Any body who can reach Mr President should inform him that in the face of several threats to my life and that of my family, one of the security agency had sudden withdrawn their officers protecting me. This has made me vulnerable in the face of such persistent threats. I have however taken my destiny in my own hands. It is a struggle iam committed to and no amount of threats or intimidation will deter me.
I will use this period to convert my memoir into a book, teach at the university and enroll for a second PhD with research focus on Economic Diversification.
Fellow Nigerians, thank you very much for all the support, happy 56th independence and may God Almighty bless you and bless Nigeria, Amen!"
It would be recalled that following his allegations of corruption against Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the House on Wednesday suspended him and also sealed off his office, a move many believe is to shut him up and prevent him from having access to indicting information he would have used against the members.
How Policemen Rescued CBN Governor's Wife from Kidnappers
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele
New details how the wife of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Mrs. Margaret Emefiele was rescued from kidnappers have been revealed.
Mrs. Margaret Emefiele, the wife of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who was abducted Thursday on Benin-Agbor road, has been released by her abductors.
A family source said she and other persons taken were released in the wee hours of Saturday following a massive police operation in the area.
Mrs. Emefiele was on her way from Lagos to her hometown in Agbor, Delta State when her convoy was attacked by heavily armed men, who overpowered her security detail.
Her abductors later established contact with her husband and demanded a ransom of N100million.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, had deployed helicopters along the Benin-Agbor Road in a bid to track the abductors. The kidnappers had whisked Margaret, three other women and a male driver, to an unknown location.
But in a move to pile pressure on the kidnappers, the IGP also flooded the area with hundreds of police operatives and sniffer dogs. The IG Special Intelligence Monitoring Team, headed by Abba Kyari, had commenced investigation into the incident.
Kyari was the officer who arrested the suspects responsible for the abduction of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, the mother of ex-Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in 2012.
NDLEA Burst Man Attempting to Smuggle Drugs in Noodles Packs Through Enugu Int'l Airport (Photos)
Benson Esonwunne with the flavored dry noodles he used to conceal drugs (Photo: NDLEA)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a plot to use noodles packs to smuggle cannabis through the International Airport in Enugu State on a plane to China.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the spokesman for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has revealed that the agency uncovered a plot to use dry chicken flavoured noodles to smuggle cannabis through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu State on a plane to China.
The alleged culprit, Benson Onyechi Esonwunne, was attempting to board an Ethiopian Airways flight from Nigeria to China when he convinced an innocent passenger to carry the box of packaged chicken flavoured noodles for him on the plane.
Esonwunne said that he began trafficking drugs because Nigeria's economy was so poor, and its exchange rate so unfavourable, that he needed to turn to the illegal activity to get by.
Chicken flavored dry noodles used to smuggle cannabis (Photo: NDLEA)
Mr. Ofoyeju said, "The cannabis was carefully prepared inside packs of noodles to avoid detection.
"It is instructive that people be aware of this trick because what they consider as an assistance may just send them to prison or early graves. This is because drug trafficking is punishable by death in China."
The NDLEA statement also revealed that Esonwunne had been deported from China two times prior for immigration offenses in 2008 and on May of this year.
▼ 25 September - 2 October ( 266 )
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