Abdul's Blog: 02/04/18

Sunday 4 February 2018

BREAKING: Babangida authorised the statement I issued, says spokesman

Kassim Afegbua, spokesman of Ibrahim Babaginda, says the former military president authorised the statement he issued earlier on Sunday.

Afegbua said this when he appeared on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television.

Former military president, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, has denied reports said to be made by him urging Nigerians to vote President Muhammadu Buhari out of office next year.

Read the press statement below;

A teenage footballer Nacho Barbera tragically died on the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to reports in Spain. The UD Alzira player – who was starring in the 13-14 age group – was playing against CD Esport Base Ontinyent when the shocking scene occurred.

A woman was allegedly assaulted and left her with a badly scarred face by her husband’s mistress after she caught them kissing at the gate of their matrimonial home. The woman identified as Queen Moyo got the shock of her life when she returned home and found her husband Thamsanqa Maseko kissing and handling her neighbour Fanizani Phiri in Zimbabwe.

At least two people were killed and 70 more were injured Sunday when a train carrying 139 passengers collided with a freight train in the eastern US state of South Carolina, local police said.

The Amtrak train travelling between New York and Miami collided with the CSX freight train and derailed in Cayce, near Columbia, the state’s capital, at around 2:30 am on Sunday.

There seem to be no letting up on the scandals plaguing the National Intelligence Agency as another $202 million has been discovered to be missing from its coffers.

Recall that first there was the issue of $43million found in an Ikoyi, Lagos apartment said to belong to the NIA, Then there was the $44 million allegedly missing from the NIA’s coffers which the House of Representatives mandated its committee on Public Safety and National Security to investigate.

Pope Francis has invited Roman Catholics, all Christians and members of other religions to observe Feb. 23 as a day of prayer, fasting and initiatives for peace.

Francis while addressing tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly blessing, on Sunday urged everyone to ‘say no’ to violence and conflict. According to him, the appeal is because of the “tragic prolonging” of conflicts around the world. Feb. 23 is a Friday in the first full week of the Christian season of Lent, during which fasting from food and extra acts of charity are encouraged as a sign of penitence.

Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted for the first in eight months on Saturday night – and he wasn’t happy. The Real Madrid star was replaced with 10 minutes remaining of his side’s game against Levante. Isco had just put the visitors in front when Zinedine Zidane brought on Marco Asensio in Ronaldo ‘s place.

Former military president, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, has asked Nigerians to vote President Muhammadu Buhari out of office next year. IBB, however, enjoined Nigerians to co-operate with Buhari until his tenure ends.

This was contained in a press statement released on Sunday by his spokesman, Kassim Afegbua.

With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding fast approaching, his half-brother wants Megan to ban his own sons from the wedding.

Tom Markle, 51, accused his sons Thomas, 26, and Tyler, 25, of trying to cash in on the Markle name, adding that the boys haven’t seen her since they were tots.

Two Nigerian citizens Ekweghiariri Chidi Isaac (pictured) and Nzechukwu Alabuche were killed in South Africa by a fellow Nigerian in the early hours of Saturday, February 3.

The Secretary of the Nigerian Union in South Africa Mr Emeka Ezinteje, who confirmed the killings, said that the incident was due to a business dispute.

APC gubernatorial aspirant in Edo state, Mr Blessing Agbomhere, has reportedly led 8000 members of the party in decamping to the PDP. Agbomhere who spared no words in his criticism of APC pledged his commitment, loyalty and readiness to work for PDP ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Twin sisters and former Idols SA contestants, who had backed controversial Nigerian pastor, Evangelist Timothy Omotoso accused of committing a string of crimes, including rape and human trafficking, has turned their backs on him and apologised to the women of South Africa.

The prospect of Fatima Dangote’s wedding to Jamil Abubakar is delicious, like the luscious little apples that grow in the orchards of Winesburg. The forthcoming union of the daughter of Africa’s richest billionaire, Aliko Dangote and the pilot son of former Inspector General (IG) of Police, MD Abubakar, promises to be the mother of all weddings.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a 32-year old woman, Rukayat Abdulkareem who reportedly trailed her husband to his lover’s house where she allegedly stabbed a 17-year old son of her husband’s presumed lover, Awal Sani, to death.

The deceased was a 200 level student of University of Abuja.

The shootings happened just days after a Nigerian migrant was arrested in connection with the death of an 18-year-old Italian woman, whose dismembered body was discovered stuffed into two suitcases near Macerata.

The Nigerian Community in South Africa has confirmed that two members were killed by a fellow Nigerian early on Saturday.

Mr Emeka Ezinteje, Secretary of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, told the News Agency of Nigeria on the telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa, that the incident was due to a business dispute.

Oando CEO, Wale Tinubu, has delivered an emotional tribute to his late brother, Deji, who passed on January 25, 2018.

Wale, who revealed that he received the news of his late brother, while he was about to catch a flight, broke down in tears as he spoke about Deji, who he described as an “incredible human being”

A man identified as Joshua Oluwadamilare Kolade, has reportedly died barely one month after he lost his father and older sister in quick succession. The 45-year-old native of Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State died on Monday January 29, 2018.

It was learnt that Kolade did not recover from the shock of losing his father and sister and subsequently took ill.

A football coach handed in his resignation after his own player threatened him with a gun. Cristian Neira of Escuela Presidente Roca club in Argentina had broke the news to midfielder Cesar Pagani that will be on the bench for Thursday’s match.

The incident happened in the lower divisions of Argentine football just north of Buenos Aires.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Arch-Diocese, Mathew Kukah, has warned political leaders to govern well in order to avert any temptation by military to take over governance via coups.

The Bishop was speaking at a press briefing organised by the Kukah center, as part of a public lecture with theme: “How to make democracy work for Africa,” in Abuja on Friday.

Football legend Diego Maradona refused entry to US

Argentine football legend, Diego Maradona was denied entry to the US after he insulted President Donald Trump on South American TV.

His lawyer, Matias Morla confirmed this to national news program 'Buenos Días América'
He said Maradona was denied Visa to the US after he granted an interview to Venezuelan TV station 'TeleSur', where he shared his thoughts about the US president.

Special Adviser to Akwa Ibom State governor on Agriculture, and actor, Moses Armstrong, has lost his wife, Rita, today in a fatal auto crash along the Benin-Ore road.

She was also a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell kiss and make up 20 years after sexual harrassment allegations

In 1997, Tisha Campbell, star of popular 90s show, 'Martin', filed a lawsuit accusing Martin Larence of “repeated sexual harassment and verbal abuse and related threats.” The case was settled out of court. Shortly after the lawsuit, the cast broke up and the show ended. But it looks like 20 years later, all has been forgiven and the cast are back to being friends and not only that, it looks like they are also planning to work together again.

Photos: South African legend, Yvonne Chaka Chaka makes Nollywood debut in

South African music legend and BET award winner, Yvonne Chaka Chaka has just made her debut in a Nollywood movie and she even went as far as cutting her hair for her role in the movie titled 'JJC' (Journey Just Come)

The hilarious comedy movie was shot in Lagos and South Africa and features other stars like Emmy Award Winning Thuso Mbedu, Joey Rasdien, Nancy Isime, Vuci Kunene, Thando Thabete and American Actor Quincy Giles.

Man gained freedom after spending 38 years in jail for false rape allegation Lailasnews 2

A Louisiana man Malcolm Alexander has been freed from prison after spending 38 years over a rape offense he didn’t commit.

The Innocence Project, a non-profit which secured the release of Alexander, shared his story, from his journey to prison in 1979, to his eventual release.

Emmanuel Emenike signs for Las Palmas club

Former Super Eagles striker and Las Palmas’ latest signing, Emmanuel Emenike was unveiled on Friday alongside Toni Cruz. Emenike who joined the club on loan for rest of the season from Greek side, Olympiacos said: “I came here because I have heard good things about Las Palmas, and I had seen the team play quite a bit”. Emenike admitted “I have been out for a while through injury, but I feel great now”.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appears to be running out of patience with former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, over an alleged N9.4billion curious contract involving her.

The agency believes she has been playing a ‘hide and seek’ game over repeated invitations to her for questioning in respect of the allegation.

Image result for $40m Fraud: EFCC Closes Case Against Azibaola, Jonathan's Cousin

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, January 23, 2017 closed its case against Azibaola Robert, a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, after presenting ten witnesses and tendered several documents to establish the culpability of the defendant in the alleged diversionof $40million (forty million US dollars) purportedly meant for supply of tactical communication kits for Special Forces.

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Nasarawa State Chapter, has called on the Buhari government to deploy military to border towns between Nasarawa and Benue, to curtail the incessant attacks on the area.

MACBAN state chairman, Mohammed Hussaini, who made the call in an interview with newsmen on Saturday, said the measure would bring the situation under control.

The deadly Lassa fever has reportedly killed no fewer than nine people in Ondo State, while 102 cases have been recorded in the state.

It was also gathered that the cases of the deadly disease were recorded in eight local government areas of the state.

At least 84 people have been rescued and heavy military weapons recovered from Boko Haram fighters by Nigerian army.

The Army said on Saturday that the breakthrough was recorded during an operation in Borno State.

A total of 84 persons held hostage by the insurgents at Camp Zairo were rescued by the troops and have been handed over to the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Barely weeks after the former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari telling him to go home and forget 2019 elections, residents of the President’s polling unit in Sarkin Yara A ward, Daura Local government area of Katsina State has on Saturday called on Buhari to recontest in the 2019 general election.

The residents of the polling unit, 003, Babban Gida, where the President cast his votes during elections, said it endorsed the President for a second term.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang marked his Arsenal debut with a goal as the club’s record signing netted in the first half of their Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday.

Aubameyang joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in a £56 million ($79 million, 63 million euros) switch on Wednesday.

Maverick showbiz maestro and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charlyboy, on Saturday gave out her first daughter, Adaeze Oputa, in marriage.

She was married to Mr Metu Anu, at a traditional wedding held at the Bride father’s home, CharlyBoy Boulevard in Gwarimpa Abuja.

A California jury has ordered a beverage company to pay a cat the sum of $710,000 in a federal lawsuit over the unlawful use of its identity.

According to documents obtained by The Washington Post, its owner, Tabatha Bundesen of Morristown, Arizona, United States of America, won the lawsuit first filed three years ago against the Grenade Beverage Company. She signed on for the cat to endorse a “Grumpy Cat Grumpuccino,” but the company subsequently used the animal’s image to help sell other products, which an eightperson jury on Monday found to be unauthorised.

Governor Samuel Ortom on Saturday accused the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, of being an accomplice to the recent attacks by suspected herdsmen on Benue residents, a day after the police chief reportedly demanded a suspension of anti-open grazing law.

“If truly the IGP said what was widely reported by the media, our conclusion is that his is a clear case of a man who is either on a mission to mislead the nation or is complicit in the attacks on Benue communities and the killing of many people by terror herdsmen,” Mr. Ortom said in a statement on Saturday evening.

A 13-year-old girl allegedly raped by eight men, including an Imam, is said to be five months pregnant with twins, in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Head of Arridah Foundation, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday that the case was brought to the organisation to get justice for the girl.

She said the foundation would mobilise support and follow up the case in court “until justice is done.’’

Mrs. Rabi Abu-Yasir, wife of the Boko Haram’s chief physician, on Saturday surrendered to the military on Operation Lafiya Dole.

The army is currently on clearance operation to route out remnants of the insurgents.

Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, made the disclosure while handing over 82 women and children rescued from the insurgents’ captivity, to the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in Maiduguri.

The Management of Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, FUNAI, has reacted to the renaming of the institution after the late former Vice President of Nigeria, Alex Ekwueme.

Vice President Yemi Osibanjo on Friday in Oko during the burial service of the ex-vice president announced the renaming of the university to honour Mr. Ekweme.

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has told party supporters that the recounting of ballot papers ordered by the tribunal showed that he defeated Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu who assured party supporters that the PDP would bounce back to power in 2019 urged the party leaders to get more youths and women involved in party politics.

How my friends and I killed my boss - 25 year old gateman Lailasnews 2

A 25-year old man, Felix Simon, who worked as a gateman to a retired military personnel has narrated how he led his friends to rob and kill his boss, Mrs. Vivian Rafatu Ajibua aged 61.

The incident happened at Ugiagbe Street, Off Ogbonmwan Street, Off Ugbor Road, Government Reservation Area.

Transparency International UK has listed two London houses suspected to be owned by Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki for investigation under Britain’s new law, Unexplained Wealth Orders, which became effective from 31 January.

According to TI, Land Registry documents show that the houses at 7 and 8 Whittaker Street, Belgravia, London are owned by Landfield International Developments Limited and Renocon Property Development Limited.

The middle-aged woman, Mrs. Shakirat Salau, has dragged her husband, Mr. Kehinde Salau, before an Ikorodu customary court citing threat to life, battery and other irreconcilable differences.

The petitioner, Shakirat seeks to end the 10 years union with her husband because she was no longer interested in the marriage which has produced two children.

Couple develop severe feet deformities after romantic walk on the beach Lailasnews 1

A young Canadian couple, Katie Stephens and Eddie Zytner, who recently returned from the Dominican Republic is warning those who are planning to travel “somewhere tropical” about the risks of walking barefoot on the beach sand after coming home with “incredibly itchy” feet — which turned out to be parasites.

Katie Stephens, 22, of Ontario, told CTV News that while staying at the IFA Villas Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana, she and her boyfriend, 25-year-old Eddie Zytner, “found that we were scratching our feet quite a bit.”

Ahmed Musa has got off to a flying start at former club CSKA Moscow after he scored in a friendly against FC Nordsjaelland of Demark.

Nigeria star Ahmed Musa has returned to the Russian army club CSKA on loan from Premier League side Leicester City, where he has failed to settle down after a big-money transfer two years ago.

In the aftermath of the burning of the farm of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, by suspected herdsmen, the leaders of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and Agbekoya Farmers Association have vowed to protect farmers in the South West zone henceforth.