Policeman kills first class graduate

Thirty-year-old first class graduate of Economics from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Moses Murtala Aminu was shot dead by a constable with the Nigeria Police. Moses had on Sunday, left his No. 67 Ahmadu Ahidjo Street, Narayi High Cost family residence for a party in Barnawa, Kaduna State.
According to his friend and eyewitness, the police constable who was identified as Alex Okpe was beating up Aminu’s girlfriend outside the party venue when he tried to intervene. At that point, the constable got angry, reached for his jeans trousers, brought out his gun and fired, killing Aminu on the spot. The constable also shot in the air as he escaped on his motorcycle.
The killer policeman has been tracked down and arrested by officers from the Barnawa Police Division.
The incident has also been confirmed by Femi Adenaike, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police and he said that it was true Alex Okpe was arrested and he confessed to the killing on interrogation. He said that Okpe claimed that he fired in ‘self-defence’ when Moses and his friends were trying to fight him over his girlfriend. According to the Police, Okpe was not even sent to Barnawa as at that time and he will be tried and dismissed if found guilty.
“The suspect is in the cell and we have commenced investigation. And if he is found guilty, we will give him an in-house trial and summary dismissal so that he can face the law for homicide,”the police boss said.

Ebola: Have schools jettisoned preventive measures?

ABOUT two months after schools re-opened behind schedule due to the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, it seems that the instituted regulations and hygiene policies have been abandoned by staff, students and management of some public and private schools.
Recall that the EVD was brought into Nigeria in August with the arrival of the late American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, and it killed over eight people. This resulted in the shift in the resumption of schools by the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who charged all state Ministries of Education to immediately organise and ensure that, at least, two staff in all public and private schools are trained on how to handle any suspected case of Ebola and also embark on immediate sensitization of all teaching and non-teaching staff in all schools on preventive measures.
Also, as a result of pressure from the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola further postponed the resumption date to October 13 to enable it adequately distribute EVD preventive kits to all public schools in the state.
But despite these, most schools have relaxed on enforcing or have completely jettisoned the preventive measures as directed by the Minister of Health so as to prevent further contact and spread of the virus, giving rise to the question: should hand washing be just to prevent further contracting and spread of EVD or should it be part of our daily hygiene?
ebola-checkA visit to some schools in Lagos revealed that while there were still different degrees of compliance by different schools, some have totally abandoned these preventive measures.
For Amarachi Francis, a student of Promiseland College, Weighbridge, Ikorodu Road, “we don’t wash our hands any more neither do we have our temperatures checked in my school because Nigeria is free of Ebola so there is no need for us to continue to practice such, especially as they are time-consuming.”
Likewise, a student of Jestoban College, Ketu, Adeola Dairo, students are at will to decide whether to comply or not as there are no strict enforcement of these preventive measures.
She said: “Initially, we used to have our temperatures checked, wash our hands and use the sanitizers before entering the school and even before we enter the school bus. But now, nobody enforces that anymore, so we decided to skip those checks and would not be penalised.”
Giving reasons why they have relaxed on enforceing the measures, the Head Nurse, Rybeka Model College, Olodi-Apapa, Joy Ogechi, said: “We have been checking their temperatures but it is really time-consuming, especially as they are having their continuous assessment tests, we hardly check them now. The bucket and soap are still there and the children use them.
“Though the country has been declared Ebola free for over a month, we have continued the hand-washing and temperature checking, at least, till the end of the year. This will give us more time to instil the hand- washing habit in the students so they will grow with it.”
Though a student from DeLight International School, Olodi Apapa, said her temperature has not been checked for a while though she still washes her hands, the Principal, Mrs. Rita Ofoegbu, however, said the reason why they didn’t check their temperatures was because it was on a Friday, which is a half day for schools.
“But we have been checking their temperatures because we have had reasons to send back children who are not feeling well as some parents are in the habit of dumping their sick children on us. The digital thermometer has made it easier and saves us a lot of trouble because even if it is not Ebola, we send any sick child back”, Ofoegbu said.
Pointing out that his students have already imbibed hand-washing habit, the Head Teacher, Umbrella Schools, Lagos, Mr. Ben Teah, said: “We still check their temperatures, and will continue doing so till the end of the session as directed by the proprietress. The children are already used to hand-washing so we can’t take that away. They wash their hands when they come in the morning or after using the convenience. If the water is finished they go to the person in charge to fill it up for them. It has become a habit, which is not a bad one to imbibe.”
Public schools are not left out as a visit around town showed that a good number of them are guilty of failing to comply with the preventive directives.
Defending their failure to completely comply despite insisting that teachers would not resume till the necessary EVD preventive kits have been supplied to all public schools in the state, the Chairperson, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Segun Raheem, said most schools don’t have access to water to for their students to wash their hands. According to Raheem, “it is true we insisted that these preventive measures be provided and at the right quantity, and have held several meetings since resumption to ensure full implementation by all because we insist that these hygienic steps be part of our lives and not just to prevent EVD.
“For schools that have abandoned these measures, especially hand-washing, it is as a result of lack of access to water due to no public power supply to power their generators (if they have any) or have run out of funds to buy water. But despite these, I’m assuring you that the implementation committee would look into this.”
Despite the various reasons given by these schools, a community health specialist, Dr. Ifeoluwa Sulaimon, insists that regular and proper hand-washing habit go a long way in preventing us from being sick and from spreading germs to others around us.
“For example, you sneeze or cough into your hands or even touch fecal matter after using the toilet/handling a pet and use same hands to scratch your eyes, pick your nose, bite your nails and touch others by shaking/hugging them or using same hands to handle food materials which become contaminated and consumed by you and other persons. The chain of events could be unending.
Introduction of bacteria
“Our hands are the most exposed parts of our bodies to germs and the aforementioned body parts are lined by very thin mucous membranes through which germs could easily gain entry into the body system thereby leading to the introduction of bacteria into the body and then the individual becomes sick!
“This concept is the reason why emphasis was placed on regular hand washing in order to ameliorate the scourge of the dreaded EVD as the chain of events resulting from germ transmission from person to person can only be interrupted by regular washing of hands.
“This would reduce the load of germs transmitted thereby reducing the chances of you and others falling sick. Therefore, take responsibility by washing your hands regularly after coming in contact with diverse surfaces.”

I Have Not Slept With Another Woman Since I Got Married In 2007 – Actor Kenneth Okonkwo

Actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, in an interview with City People mag this week said since he got married to his wife Ifeoma in 2007, he has been 100% faithful

“Since I got married, I have not had a carnal knowledge of any other lady but I have been very close to it, been tempted but Jesus has been helping me, it has not happened” He said. Continue..

He said as an actor who is always on location, whenever he has the urge for sex, he takes an excuse and leaves the location to go meet his wife…

“What does it take? If I am on location and I feel the need, I can fly in, see my babe and fly back to location. At times I would be on location and after a while, I will scream I just have to go home. I don’t know how my body is feeling. I am that straight forward. I will announce it in public. And if I don’t run that time, something will happen” he said

75 Years Old Man Impregnates 13 years Old Girl

75 year old Pa Muse Alabi is  currently at the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Oyo State Police Command, for defilement of a 13-year-old girl (name withheld) allegedly committed by the old man, and which has resulted in pregnancy.


Crime Reports learnt that Pa Alabi was doing carpentry work for a lady under whom the victim was an apprentice. The young girl seized the opportunity to tell Pa Alabi to build a safe for her. After giving her the safe, Pa Alabi wooed the girl and she agreed to his proposal. After the first sexual intercourse they had, it was learnt that the suspect gave the girl N200. When she also demanded for a handset, he gave her N1,500 to buy i-tel phone.

Four days after, they made love again. Both times were in September this year.In an interview with Crime Reports, Pa Alabi admitted having s*x with the girl and the paternity of the baby. He also agreed to marry her and take care of her and the baby when born. According to the man who lives at his family house at Oje area,

    “I am a carpenter and I still work till the present time. I even take roofing jobs. I am very strong.I have two daughters and a son. My first wife gave birth to the female children but had to be taken away by her people when she developed mental illness. My second wife is the mother of the boy who is an SSS3 student but she has left for another man. Currently, I have no wife.” 


 So how does he satisfy his sexual needs when it looks as if he is very active?

“I don’t go looking for any woman. I usually have sex with any of the married women who like me and come to me for s*x. This is not always though.”

 Speaking on how he came in contact with his victim, the elderly man said

: “I used to do carpentry work for her boss who sells tailoring materials. That was where I knew her. One day, she asked me to help her build a safe in which she could be keeping her money. When I finished it, I asked her to come to my shop for the safe late one evening and I gave it to her.

“She used to pass by my shop whenever she was going home and used to stop by to greet me. On a particular day, I expressed my interest in her and she promised to think about it.She later consented and on one of the days she stopped to say hello to me, we had sex when I had an urge. And it was mutual. About five days after the first time, we had sex again and she stopped coming.

“One day, she came to me and told me that her grandmother said she was pregnant. She stopped coming again and I didn’t see her again until policemen came to arrest me.”

When asked whether he knew that his action was in contravention of the law, Pa Muse replied that he didn’t know, describing the outcome of his relationship with the young girl as “an act of God”. He said:

 “Mistake has no master. I pray that God should forgive me.”

The suspect said he doesn’t use any sex performance enhancement drug before making love to a female

 “I don’t take any herbal drink for enhancement of sexual performance. They are alcoholic and I don’t take alcohol as a good Muslim. I observe my five-times-daily prayers faithfully.”

Pa Alabi said he was ready to take responsibility over the pregnant girl and the baby she is expecting.

 “I can take care of her adequately. I have a nephew who is a medical doctor and he has promised to help too,” he stated.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Okuwobi-Ilobanafor however said that the suspect would be charged to court.

Stephanie Okereke Linus Address Brother’s Rape Allegations

Popular Nollywood actress, Stephanie Okereke Linus has finally spoken about recent allegations of rape levelled against her brother. She did this through her press team. You can read her release below: LAGOS, Nigeria (November 24, 2014) - “Rape is Rape, Regardless of Who the Face of the Accused is” I am distraught and devastated to hear of the recent allegation of rape brought against a relative of mine, Daniel Okereke (my brother).
While it is a very difficult time for me, and my family; I feel the need to make clear my position, lest there be any doubt. Rape is rape, regardless of who the face of the accused is. Indeed, the irony is not lost on me. I have spent my lifelong career advocating and living my conviction that women around the world should be able to live free of violence, sexual harassment or any form of abuse against their persons. This conviction led me to be involved in numerous initiatives combating violence against women in several countries including the U.S, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The conviction also led me to place much of my energy on my work with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a passion that dates back to my time at the University of Calabar.
As a student, I heard a story about young girls who had been forced into early marriage and were suffering the negative and embarrassing effects of VVF. The story stayed in my consciousness and drove me, for years, to seek ways to raise awareness on the condition; leading to my work with a team of dedicated doctors to carry out repair surgeries for VVF victims across the country; and my self-produced, soon to be released movie, ‘DRY.’ So, again, it is indeed heart breaking for me to receive and deal with news alleging a family member of mine is an alleged perpetrator of sexual violence against a woman. I am devastated. This case is now in Nigeria’s criminal justice system as the accused awaits arraignment. I have also encouraged and assured the alleged victim of my stance against rape and applaud her for her bravery to upset the culture of silence, in Nigeria; even as I accord deference and patiently wait for the criminal justice system to determine the guilt or innocence of my brother. For Nigerian press and blogs; I call on you to please report this case in an ethical manner. I am a married woman living my life. The alleged transgression of my relative does not make it mine. The focus should be the impact of rape on the alleged victim, and resources for other alleged victims, not me. Some members of the press and blogs have turned me into the accuser; using my name for sensational headlines and putting my images, exclusively, in their stories. This is a form of victimization of me as a woman, its unethical and extremely hurtful. I am not the alleged accused. I therefore please ask all bloggers and the media who have placed my pictures and name to this story to refrain from further using me to sensationalise this story.

I thank my fans, and all well-wishers for your continued support and ask for your continued prayers.

God bless.

Nigeria Comedian Helen Paul Delivers A Baby Boy!

Nigerian comedian, singer, TV and radio host Helen Paul Bamisile who is popularly known as Tatafo. Helen and husband Femi Bamisile got married in 2010 already have a 3 year old son.
Helen took to her Twitter page  this morning November 2014 to announce that she safely delivered a baby boy.

This is the second child Helen and Femi Bamisile will have together. Big Congratulation to them 

Insurgents disguise as traders, kill scores in fresh Borno attack

Suspected Boko Haram gunmen in a convoy of Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles attacked Damasak town in Borno State, yesterday, with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol bombs, killing scores of residents.

mass burial at the destroyed central mosque in Konduga Council Area on Wednesday

mass burial at the destroyed central mosque in Konduga Council Area on Wednesday

The gunmen were said to have stormed the town around 7 am.

Damasak is a border town with Niger and 187 kilometres north of Maiduguri, the state capital.

The gunmen, according to Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) sources in Maiduguri, also torched and looted several houses and shops, before the soldiers rushed to the border town by 11.45pm, yesterday.

“I cannot give you the exact number of people killed today (yesterday) here in Damasak, but many people were killed while fleeing into the river and to Gashigar and Diffa towns for safety. The gunmen used IEDs and petrol bombs in attacking this town in the morning while most residents were still in their houses,” said the MJTF source, yesterday.

Gunmen disguise as traders

Another account of the attack had it that the gunmen disguised as traders and opened fire at a crowded market in the town.

A military officer, who had direct knowledge of the raid, told AFP that “the terrorists disguised as traders and opened fire on unsuspecting traders at a market in Damasak.”

Another witness, Mohammed Damasak, who works with the local government, said the weapons were concealed in containers the gunmen brought to the market.

“They pretended to be traders but sadly inflicted horror. Many traders escaped with bullet wounds while many are lying dead at the market,” he added.

Confirming yesterday’s attack, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan said one of the border towns in the Borno North Senatorial District was attacked, yesterday, by suspected Boko Haram Islamic militants with many residents killed, while others fled to Niger and into River Kumadugu for safety.

Lawan in telephone interview said: “The residents of Damasak, a border town with Niger, are in confusion with sporadic gunshots and looting of shops and houses. The reports I am receiving, as I speak, indicated that a lot of houses and shops there were set ablaze by insurgents that struck Monday morning. Most of the gunmen dressed in military uniform to disguise as Nigerian soldiers sent to protect Damasak, only to launch multiple attacks on this border town with a population of over 250,500.

“The firing powers of the gunmen overwhelmed our soldiers in the MJTF, so what they did was to flee the town for safety like the residents that fled into Niger and river this morning.”

The attack and killings in Damasak came barely 24 hours after the terrorists killed 48 fishermen and traders, weekend, at Doron Baga, 155 kilometres east of Damasak, the council headquarters of Mobbar in Borno 

Police arrest fake suicide bomber in Kano

A fake female suicide bomber was taken into custody by the police in Kano yesterday, following a bomb scare.
An eyewitness told media agents that the incident occurred around 12.30p.m. when the police guard on duty at Kwali Police Division suspected a strange middle-aged woman in Burqa (veil) heading to the station.
The account had it that “the strange woman refused to stop for scrutiny, when ordered by the police guard at the security post.”
The encounter at the security post drew the attention of armed personnel, who mobilized themselves and surrounded the strange woman for failing to comply with police order.
The account added that the strange woman said: “I am ready to die. But mark you, there are two others at large in the city.”
A security source, who corroborated the eyewitness account, said: “We acted fast and got her sleeping with a substance fired at her.
“To our surprise, the woman had covered herself with used pomade containers and sundry harmless objects.”
The security source told Vanguard that “preliminary investigation revealed that the strange women is mentally deranged, but would be confirmed by expert”
Contacted for confirmation, Kano State Police imagemaker, ASP Magaji Majia, sent an SMS saying, “I am sorry, I am out of the country.”

Police arrest herbalist over alleged murder of client in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command weekend, arrested a 55 year-old herbalist in connection with the alleged murder of a 62-year-old woman, who was declared missing last month, at Olodi Apapa area of Lagos.
Recovered from the suspect identified as Isiaka Akanbi, who also claimed to be a Muslim cleric, were the deceased’s personal effect which were exhumed in his shrine.
The deceased, Raliatu Kareem, reportedly visited the herbalist in his shrine located on Lawani Street, Olodi Apapa, on October 25, 2014 before her mysterious disappearance. The late Kareem, who resided at 15 Ope-Ewe street in Ijaiye Agbado area of Lagos was said to have gone on a visit a relative who had a baby at Salubi Street, Olodi Apapa.
However on her way back, she reportedly informed her relative that she was going to the herbalist’s place.
But apprehension set in two days later, after the undisclosed relative got a call from Agbado Ijaye, demanding for the whereabouts of Mrs Kareem.
Policemen from Tolu division were contacted, consequent upon which the herbalist was arrested. Police sources hinted that the herbalist eventually confessed weekend, disclosing that he dumped Mrs Kareem’s remains at Marine beach.
“But when we went to where he claimed to have dumped the corpse, we did not find it. During interrogation, he said he did not kill his client but that she slumped and died while in his shrine which he claimed doubles as a healing home.
”He collected the deceased’s personal effects which included handset, bangles and ring and buried them behind his compound so as not to leave any trace. But the lid was blown because the relative who the deceased went to visit was aware of the visit to the alfa’s home.   We are still searching for the corpse. Its recovery will form another phase in our investigation,” police sources hinted.
Contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu confirmed the arrest of Akanbi, saying investigation was still on.

Man, 40 arrested for impregnating 16-yr-old mad girl in Jigawa

Operatives of Jigawa State command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, NSCDC, has apprehended one Abdullhamid Abbas, 40 year, for impregnating a mentally retarded 16-year-old girl.
The NSCDC also disclosed that the mentally-retarded teenager had delivered female twins in her parents house.
Abdulhamid, who lives at Mijirgan village of Miga local government area of Jigawa State, is yet to admit committing the crime.
The Commandant of the agency in the state, Gidado Muhammad, told newsmen over the weekend that the man had been arrested for impregnating an insane woman in Jigawa.
He further disclosed that the case was currently under investigation, adding the accused person would, thereafter be arraigned for prosecution.

7-month pregnant woman dies after romp with lover

The police in Anambra State are interrogating a man to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a seven-month pregnant woman during a marathon sex bout with him in Onitsha.
The man (names withheld), according to a police source, had allegedly taken the deceased to an undisclosed hotel in Onitsha, only for the hotel staff to discover that the woman was dead in the morning.
The incident, the source said, occurred on Tuesday when the man allegedly checked into the hotel with the heavily pregnant woman, only to find out in the morning that his partner could not wake up on Wednesday morning.

A resident’s account
Though the police in Onitsha Area Command refused to give details on the incident, a resident of the area said the suspect and the deceased were just love birds.
He said the suspect had lodged into the hotel room and invited the deceased through a phone call.
The source further faulted rumours that the woman died as a result of charms made by her husband, adding that it was possible that the woman died of exhaustion from the marathon sex romp.
He urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
At press time, nobody from the suspect or deceased’s family had been identified, as the corpse was deposited in an undisclosed mortuary in Onitsha by the police.
At the Inland Town Police Division, Onitsha, the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Cosmas Eze, refused to comment on the incident but referred to the Area Commander, ACP Benjamin Wordu, for clarifications.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Uche Ezeh, said the command received the information concerning the incident, disclosing that the suspect had been arrested and case transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Awka, for further investigations.

Banks close shop in Akure over robbery scare

BANKS in Akure, the Ondo State capital, hurriedly closed shops yesterday, following rumours of impending robbery across the state.

Commercial activities were completely paralyzed for hours as the news spread like wild fire.

Customers were asked to vacate the banking halls immediately the news got to managers of the banks across the state capital.

media gathered that there were reports that some dare-devil gang of armed robbers had arrived the state capital around 10a.m., yesterday.
Many banks even asked their staff to vacate the bank premises and await text messages, if situation normalises.

Staff of one of the old generation banks, including managers, immediately they got the alert from other managers vacated the bank for fear of attack.
However, it was later discovered to be a hoax.

Speaking with media, the image maker of the state police command, Wole Ogodo, confirmed that there was a robbery scare across the state capital yesterday.

Ogodo, however, said detectives had been deployed to the nooks and crannies of the state capital.

He pointed out that the state police command was up to the task, saying their men were always on the alert to track down any suspected criminals.
He pleaded with members of the public to go about their normal business and commercial activities as men of the command were alive to their responsibilities.

Dismissed policeman accused drawing pay from 15 commands

The Nigerian Police authorities have told a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, that a dismissed police officer, Victor Afam Banor, had been earning salaries from 15 different police commands.
The dismissed officer was alleged to have stolen N20 million meant for salaries of officers of Enugu State Police Command.
Banor, said to have been dismissed while serving at Umunede Police Division in Delta State for allegedly stealing an exhibit vehicle in a criminal case under investigation, escaped from detention and resurfaced at Enugu Command with a falsified signature, claiming to still be a Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The police IG, in the counter-affidavit opposing an application by Banor to be freed from police detention by the court, urged the court not to release him since investigation into his alleged crime was still ongoing.
Justice Aneke adjourned to November 21 for ruling on Banor’s bail application.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD APAPA DISTRICT CONVENTION 2014 Tagged;GRACE UNLIMITED

District headquarters, 73 Road, 7th Avenue, FESTAC Town, Lagos.

www.agcapapadistrictconvention.org

Announcing the convention, the presiding minister of AG, FESTAC (2), Reverend Izuchukwu Chukwudebelu, explained that the gathering of the saints would be another refreshing time in the presence of God.

First and second days of the convention are dedicated for Leadership and Business Summit to be held at Assemblies of God FESTAC 1, 22 Road, A1 Close, FESTAC, Lagos.”

The event will feature ministrations by highly anointed men of God. Some of them include Bishop H Erumaka,Revd Ubong Uyo,Pastor steve E Banning and Host of other annointed men of God;to mention a few.

“The convention is another opportunity to rejoice in the presence of the Holy Spirit,”

Boko Haram: Rise to your responsibilities, PENGASSAN tells FG, military

Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, yesterday, called on the Federal Government and the military to rise to their responsibilities and end insurgency and wanton destruction of lives and properties in the country.
In a statement, PENGASSAN decried the level of insecurity, especially the killings by the Boko Haram insurgents in the North Eastern part of the country and called on President Goodluck Jonathan to step up the political will to deal with the crisis.
Condemning the blast that killed 47 school children and injured 79 others in Potiskum, Yobe State on Tuesday, PENGASSAN President, Francis Johnson, said the government should use all the powers to deal with the situation and ensure that Nigeria was a safe place to live.
According to him, “attacks on the Northern part of the country and killings of innocent Nigerians have been on the increase and taken a new dimension since the government announced the controversial ceasefire pact with the Boko Haram.”
While calling on government to bring full force to bear in containing the activities of the sect, Johnson, who described the killings of the school children as barbaric, lamented that since the insurgency started in 2009, many Nigerians had been killed, while many more were rendered homeless and turned refugees in their own country.

Edo governor’s convoy accident survivors seek help

Two and half years after the accident involving the convoy of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, which claimed the lives of three journalists, five of the survivors have appealed to the governor to come to their aid as they now find it difficult to sustain themselves and their families due to injuries.

Comrade Adams Oshomole

Comrade Adams Oshomole

The affected victims, who are now retired from the services of Edo State government, are Mr. Eddy Amakhu, cameraman; Gabriel Asika, photographer; David Acha, photographer; Henry Odeh, sound man; and Samson Enobemhe, driver.

Counsel to the survivors, Ebosele Okhifoh, in an open letter to the governor, recalled that on April 28, 2012, they were among the press crew of the governor that were involved in a ghastly accident in Owan East Local Government Area, during his campaign, in which George Okosun and Olatunji Jacobs, both of ITV and Fidelis Okhai of AIT died.

They explained to the governor that the accident had taken a heavy toll on their lives, as Eddy Amakhu now has a broken waist and fractured legs and cannot walk.

He said Gabriel Asika has knee and ribs problems, while David Acha has issues with his brain due to head injuries.

Similarly, the counsel said Henry Odeh remains maimed and cannot walk, while Samson Enobemhe was maimed and presently languishing on his sick bed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Benin.

PDP chieftain submitted fake certificates to LASIEC, witness insists

A prosecution witness, who was formerly the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Government Area, Segun Shodia, in the ongoing trial of forgery against a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain, Otunba Ayinde Busari, yesterday, told an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court that Ayinde submitted forged GCE result and affidavits to Lagos State Electoral Commission, LASIEC in 2011.
Shodia, who was cross examined by the defence counsel, Fola Elegbinde, insisted that the documents submitted by the defendant were forged, adding that police investigations also confirmed that the defendant forged an affidavit before a Lagos High Court in Oyo State.
When asked by the defence counsel why the defendant was cleared by LAISEC to contest the 2011 local government elections if he actually forged the documents, Shodia said: “LASIEC requires candidates to submit all documents before an election, I do not know if he submitted it, but it is the job of LASIEC to verify a claim when raised by an opponent.”
The matter was adjourned to December 8.
The defendant, who was declared winner of Agbado Oke-Odo election in 2012 by Justice S. Owobiyi, was arraigned for alleged forgery and perjury.

I can do without Eagles job, says Keshi

Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi has shrugged off the issue surrounding his contract extension with the country’s football federation, NFF saying his “destiny” is not tied to the Super Eagles job.

The African champions face their Congolese counterparts, the Red Devils, at the Stade Municipal in Pointe-Noire in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match this Saturday which Nigeria must win by a two-goal margin to put life back into their hopes of defending their title.

Keshi

Keshi

The 52-year-old coach is yet to be offered a new contract since his first deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) elapsed after the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

But Keshi has now stated that contract talks is not an issue at the moment. He added that his future is not dependent on the Nigeria head coach job.

The former Mali and Togo manager believes there is life after managing the Super Eagles should he not be handed a contract at the end of the 2015 Afcon qualification.

“I don’t think it is proper to say my fate is tied to this (Nigeria) job. My concern right now is the game against Congo, and not whether I will still be in charge of this team after the match against Congo or South Africa.

“I think you all need to stop this because my destiny is not tied to Nigeria. I came from somewhere (to take up the Nigeria job). It is wrong to say my destiny is tied here because this country is bigger than any individual. If I am not the Super Eagles head coach today, my life will still go on. Also there are other places where I can go if I stopped being the coach of this country.

“But right now, I have a job to do and that is to ensure that the team qualifies the country for the Nations Cup. God forbid if we don’t qualify what will happen? It will not only affect Stephen Keshi, it will also affect you and every other Nigerian who love this sport. So I think this is not about Stephen Keshi but about Nigeria. All I want from my countrymen is to pray for the team and not me because I am just one man,” Keshi told journalists in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Keshi has been in charge of the African champions since November 2001 and has overseen more than 50 matches as the Nigeria head coach, including their 2013 Afcon triumph and appearance at the 2014 World Cup.

2015: Yoruba youths back Jonathan

THE Yoruba Youth Initiative holds its endorsement of Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as the consensus candidate for 2015 presidential election on Sunday, November 30, 2014.
A statement by the organisation said the endorsement would be held at the main auditorium, Administrative Staff College, Topo, Badagry, Lagos State.
The statement listed President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice president Namadi Sambo and Senate president David Mark as special guests of honour with First lady, Dame Patience Jonathan as mother of the day and PDP leader in the South West, Chief Buruji Kashamu, as chairman of the day.

Rihanna returns to Instagram

After six-months absence,
Rihanna has returned to
Instagram as she reunites with
her nearly 13 million followers last
Sunday morning. She posted a photo
of her head upside down with the
caption: “Hellurrr #badgalback.”
Recall that her account was
suspended in May after she published
a topless photo of herself from the
cover of French magazine, Lui. The
naked picture which violated the app’s
terms of use caused her account to go
dark. She also stirred controversy by
posing in front of a mosque in Abu
Dhabi and got a couple of Thai men in
trouble by posting a picture of herself
with an endangered animal.
But it appears that Rihanna and
Instagram have made up. She shared a
drawing of her’s holding hands with
IG, written: “#RIHunited #badgalback
@instagRam.” Instagram also
celebrated her return on Twitter.
During her absence, her fans had
petitioned for her return and BET’s
“106 & Park” started a campaign to get
RiRi back. K. Michelle drops ‘Anybody
Wanna Buy a Heart?’
Last week she revealed the title and
cover art, and now K. Michelle is
sharing the track- listing for her
sophomore album “Anybody Wanna
Buy a Heart?”.
The album which is set to be due
come December 9, is said to be the
follow-up to her 2013 debut, Rebellious
Soul, which features single “Love ‘Em
All,”
“My second album is absolutely
amazingly scary good, juicy, yummy,”
K. Michelle disclosed in a chat with
Rap-Up TV. “I wanted people to know
that I am a musician. This album is so
musical. I feel like it’s so ahead of its
time.”

Daddy Showkey, Oritsefemi thrill fans at Hood to Hood

Ghetto soldier,Daddy Showkey
who staged a comeback after
a long break from the music scene
lived up to his billing recently
when he thrilled fans with his gala
songs at the grand finale of the
second edition of Hood to Hood
Championship. The event,
sponsored by GOTV held at
Legacy Pitch, National Stadium
complex, Lagos.
The Glo ambassador threw the
stadium into wild ecstasy as he
took fun seekers back in time. The
singer, who recently released
“Asalamabeez”, where he featured
Harrysong proved to his fans that
he is back for good after a long
break from the industry. The
stadium came alive the
moment he mounted the stage.
Meanwhile, one of the
reigning music stars,
Oritsefemi who was the guest
artiste at the opening
ceremony, also excited fans as
he performed his popular
track, “Double Wahala,” which
was greeted with resounding
ovation. Speaking at the
event, General Manager,
GOTV, Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa
said, this year ’s edition of
Hood to Hood is bigger, better
and more colourful. “Last year,
Sean Tizzle performed at the
closing ceremony

Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, others thrill at GUS grand finale party

The atmosphere in the
Women Development
Centre Awka, Anambra
state, on November 1,
2014, was electrifying as the
audience was thrilled to a
blend of entertainment and
reward for the Gulder
Ultimate Search, Season
11 contenders. The grand
event which had a cultural
theme kicked off with a
traditional dance which
serving as an appetizer for
the audience to feed on.
Thereafter, the audience
was shocked to its bone
marrow when the anchor of
the event was unveiled in a
dramatic manner. By
the time Okey Bakassi
pulled off his clownish
outfit the audience realized
he was going to be the MC
for that night taking them on
a journey of ribcracking
jokes, spot on
delivery, and undiluted
entertainment.
Chinedu Ubachukwu, the
winner of the 2014 edition of
GUS smiled home with
N10m and a brand new Ford
Explorer Sport SUV valued
at N15.9 million. Amazingly
the youngster happens to
hail from Anambra
state and was formally
presented as the winner of
the 11th edition of the GUS
as a result of his
doggedness
and discovering the
general’s war helmet in the
Aguleri forest.
In his remarks, Governor
Willie Obiano, who
happened to be the first
Governor to have payed
GUS contenders a visit in
the jungle, emphasized the
need for Nigerians to
appreciate homegrown
talents and reiterated the
point by calling on investors
and individuals to come to
Anambra to invest and
contribute to the
development of the state.
He interjected humour in
his speech and while he
was about to leave the
podium, Okey Bakassi
beckoned him to wait for a
while as he was presented a
symbolic chair by the GUS
council of elders headed by
Nollywood actor Chidi
Mokeme for his support and
contributions to this year’s
edition.
Nne Cosy Joe and
Afolabi Emmanuel
Olusegun were presented
with cash prizes of N2.75m
each for their participation
applause and cheers from
the audience.
In his usual
humourous fashion, Okey
Bakassi threw a joke at
25year old Samantha Appi
who won the prize for being
the ‘Last Woman Standing’
saying she has been raised
in the creeks, as a result she
learnt how to climb trees
and perform manly duties
as a Niger Delta damsel.
Samantha who hails from
Bayelsa State went home
with a participation fee of
N1.45m and brand new Ford
Ecosport valued at N5.5m
for being the ‘Last Woman
Standing.’
Evi Addoh and Noela Iroh,
walked home with N1.4 and
N1.35m respectively as
participation fee. Twenty six After a decline in
their public
display of love and
affection, the talented
sexy singer Tiwa
Savage took to her
Instagram account to
announce the gift
Teebillz, her husband
gave her. Teebillz
surprised his
heartthrob and
superstar wife with a
beautiful puppy. The
question on the lips of
Tiwa’s fans is this:
“Have their marital
walls been mended?”.
Teebillz’s
gift to Tiwa
Savage
•Tiwa Savage with puppy
Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, others thrill
at GUS grand finale party
in the reality TV
show, while Otto
Canon
Chimenem, who
came 4th in the
competition,
also won the
Viewers Choice
award and was
given a cash
prize of N1.5m
and a brand
new Ford Focus
sleek car valued
at over
N4.3m.Canon
shared his
inspirational
story of
persistence,
saying he had
applied for the
GUS on several
occasions and
was turned
down. He
however
persisted
against all odds.
His tale was
welcomed
amidst rounds of
years old
Sharon
Robinson also
got N1.3m ,
followed by
Nwagboso from
Abia State who
got a
participation fee
of N1.2m.
Ikenna Emedike
was
compensated
with N1.25m for
being part of the
programme. The
first set of
evictees at the
2014 GUS,
Loretta
Erijakpor and
Eriata Blessing
were rewarded
with
participation fee
of N1.025m
while Sandra
Nwagbagiro and
Ikenna Iwuoha
got N1.125m
each as
participation
fees.
The event reached its
climax when the Mavins
crew represented by Don
jazzy and Dr Sid mounted
the stage. Dr Sid was clad in
a black T-Shirt and jeans
fêting the audience to his hit
track Pop Champagne.
Emotions overwhelmed the
audience when Don jazzy
emerged from the back stage
to perform Surulere, a song
rich in lyrics alluding to the
Chinedu
Ubachukwu,
the winner of
the 2014
edition of
GUS smiled
home with
N10m and a
brand new
Ford
Explorer
Sport SUV
valued at
N15.9m.
fact that patience has
rewards. There after the
‘Doroboss’ as he is often
called by his fans gave a
spectacular performance of
the Mavin crew’s hit song,
Dorobucci. It was a moving
melody, thrilling track, laced
with pleasurable
performance.
Gulder Ultimate Search
(GUS) is a Nigerian reality
television powered by
Nigerian Breweries Plc for
one of its products, Gulder

Anger in Lagos, Ogun over hitches in distribution of voter cards

AGAINST high expec
tations that trailed the
massive public enlightenment
for residents of Lagos
and Ogun States to collect
their Permanent Voter
Cards, PVCs, the collection
turned into a near flop in
the two states at the commencement
of the three
day exercise.
A frustrated Governor Babatunde
Fashola was forced
to go on public television
yesterday to comfort Lagos
citizens who he said were
extremely disappointed by
what he described as a
mess.
The exercise which was
scheduled to take place in
11 of the 20 recognised local
government areas of the
state either did not take
place at all or took off hours
behind schedule after many
expectant registrants had
departed. The Lagos State
office of the Independent
National Electoral Commission,
INEC in a face saving
measure was forced to extend
the collection exercise
scheduled to end tomorrow
to Monday.
The same tale of disappointment
also shadowed
the exercise in Ogun State,
the other state where the
distribution of the PVCs
commenced in the country
yesterday. Though the situation
in Ogun looked relatively
better than that in Lagos,
there were also loud
complaints from voters especially
in communities
neighbouring Lagos including
Arepo where voters
claimed that they waited
endlessly for the officials of
the commission. In many
polling units where the officials
were present they,
however, lacked logistical
materials to carry out the
exercise.
The PVCs being distributed
are to replace the temporary
voter cards given to voters
at the point of registration
in 2011.
The distribution of the
PVCs in Lagos State was
scheduled in Agege, Ajeromi-
Ifelodun, Ifako-Ijaiye,
Ikeja, Mushin, Lagos Island,
Lagos Mainland,
Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe;
and Ojo Local Government.
Thousands of residents
who trooped to their various
polling units very early in the
morning waited for INEC officials
for over six hours without
any trace of officials to distribute
the PVCs. Many
went back to their respective
homes in disappointment.
The exercise, which was
supposed to start by 8.00 a.m.
did not start till about 3.30pm
as polling units visited witnessed
several frustrated
residents waiting for INEC
officials who were nowhere
to be found.
Among the polling units
visited in the Ikeja area were
Awolowo Way, Sunday Adigun
Street where former
Governor Bola Tinubu is registered,
Polling Unit 008,
Alausa among others. Everywhere,
voters were seen
in clusters either waiting for
the INEC officials or for the
materials or in some cases
for both.
Mr. Adewale Fasade, who
was sighted at a Polling Unit
in Ward C, Ikeja said he first
went to his polling unit at
Oregun and after waiting for
hours without any sign of
the INEC officials relocated
to Ward C, Alausa on being
told that some INEC officials
were there.
An All Progressives Congress
(APC) chieftain, Wale
Ogundimu, who was at
Ward ‘C’ said he mobilised
several members to come out
as early as 8:30am to collect
their PVCs, but lamented
that they had been waiting
for INEC for the past six
hours lamenting that the officials
were nowhere to be
seen by mid afternoon.
The same story prevailed
in most areas of Ojo Local
Government Area and even
at the polling unit by the
council secretariat on Olojo
Drive.
Mr. Afolabi Timothy, a resident,
lamented that the officials
made him wait endlessly,
saying “if they knew
they were not ready why
would they include our
council among those whose
PVCs were ready.”
“You can see, I am yet to
know my fate. I woke early
today and I got here by 7:00
am; waiting for the officials.
At the moment they are yet
to arrive. In fact, the names
are yet to be pasted. I don’t
know if my name was
among the 4.8 million residents
who will collect their
PVC.
“I am beginning to doubt
the credibility of next year’s
election.”
Another resident, Mrs.
Tina James said “If I knew
they would not come, I
would have travelled for my
business trip. But now, I
don’t know what to do.
“After waiting here for over
three hours, I went to the
Ojo local government secretariat
to see if they were
already distributing the materials
to the officials, I mean
the Youth Corpers but to my
surprise, I saw them also
waiting for the materials,”
she said.
Fashola broadcast
statement
Reacting to the development
yesterday, Governor
Fashola who had proclaimed
a public holiday for
state workers because of the
exercise faulted the excuse
of INEC in blaming contractors
for the floppiness as inexcusable
Fashola, in a broadcast on
the state’s television, LTV
urged all registered residents
of the eleven Local
Governments where INEC
commenced distribution of
PVCs yesterday, to go and
collect their cards to prevent
themselves from being disenfranchised.
He said by omission or
commission, INEC had decided
to make the exercise
a painful experience in Lagos
by announcing that it
would only issue PVCS in
11 Local Governments out
of the 20 old initially scheduled
by the commission.
Fashola expressed deep
disappointment at what he
described as the lack of planning
which he said spoke
volumes of the contempt and
disregard of INEC for the
rights of citizens, recalling
that it was INEC that first
announced that the exercise
was planned for August, and
later shifted it to September,
before finally announcing a
take off for yesterday.
The governor stated: “I can
only imagine the level of disappointment
that you must all
feel, having waited anxiously
for this exercise and in
spite of the fact that we had
declared a work free day.
“As far as this further messy
conduct is concerned, its
lame excuse is that nine contractors
disappointed it. Who
are the contractors? Are they
faceless? I think Nigerians
deserve to know who they
are. The information at my
disposal is that all the cards
are in Lagos and INEC must
explain why it had decided
not to distribute all of them”.
“If this is a foretaste of what
we should expect in the general
elections, for me it is a
bad start. It tastes awful but
do not be disappointed as not
to partake in the all important
interest of keeping the
country’s democracy.”
He reiterated that INEC has
not answered the question he
posed about the delisting of
over 1,400,000 voters from the
register it compiled in 2011
in spite of assurances it gave
Nigerians, and billions of
naira it expended for the purpose.
INEC’s REC reacts
The Lagos State Resident
Electoral Commissioner
(REC), Dr Adekunle Ogunmola,
in his reaction to the
development said the exercise
would be extended to
compensate for the initial hiccups.
Dr Ogunmola told Saturday
Vanguard that “Yes we
had some delays to the kick
off because some documents
we were expecting from
Abuja did not arrive early but
we have gotten it. Our staff
went to their respective locations
to work and because of
this delay, we have extended
the closure of work from
4pm to 5pm every day.”
“We will extend the closing
time to 5pm and extend it by
another day (till Monday,
November 10th.)”
Complaints trail PVC
distribution in Ogun
Complaints of absent officials,
shortage of logistics
materials and missing
names marred the exercise
in most parts of Ogun State
as the collection of the
PVCs commenced in the
state yesterday.
The state governor, Senator
Ibikunle Amosun and
his wife, Olufunso, were,
however, among the few
who had few complaints as
they collected their cards
easily at Ajura ward 4. The
former governor of the state,
Aremo Segun Osoba, however,
could not find his card
at the Ago Oba Central
Mosque in Ward 13,
Abeokuta South local government,
where he was supposed
to pick up his card
even though he found his
name on the roll.
He was, however, directed
to the INEC office as he was
told that he was among special
dignitaries who the commission
had made special arrangements
for to collect their
cards from the office. In Arepo,
a sub-urban community
near Lagos, residents waited
endlessly for the officials to
come. Oneresidentwhospoke
toSaturdayVanguardoverthe
telephone slammed the commission
for the poor conduct
of the exercise saying that it
was lamentation of woe all
around the community.

THE 8th ANNUAL DISTRICT CONVENTION OF AGC APAPA HOLDS FROM 3RD-9TH NOV 2014

STATEMENT OF FAITH
WORLD ASSEMBLIES OF GOD FELLOWSHIP
This Statement of Faith is intended simply as a basis for belief, fellowship, and cooperation among us. The phraseology employed in this statement is not inspired, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a truly Pentecostal ministry. No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need for these essential doctrines.

1. The Inspiration of the Scriptures
We believe that the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the original writings, insuring their entire trustworthiness (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21).
2. The Eternal Godhead
We believe in the unity of the one true and living God who is the eternal, self-existent One, and has revealed Himself as one being in three persons: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19).
a. God the Father
We believe in God the Father, the first person of the triune Godhead, who exists eternally as the Creator of heaven and earth, the Giver of the Law, to whom all things will be subjected, so that He may be all in all (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 15:28).
b. The Lord Jesus Christ
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the second person of the triune Godhead, who was and is the eternal Son of God; that He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary.
We believe in His sinless life, miraculous ministry, substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, triumphant ascension, and abiding intercession (Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 7:25-26; 1 Peter 2:22; Acts 1:9; 2:22; 10:38; 1 Corinthians 15:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
c. The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the triune Godhead, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is ever present and active in the work of convicting and regenerating the sinner, and sanctifying the believer into all truth (John 14:26; 16:8-11; 1 Peter 1:2; Romans 8:14-16).
3. The Fall of Man
We believe that humankind was created good and upright. However, voluntary transgression resulted in their alienation from God, thereby incurring not only physical death but spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:16-27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).
4. The Salvation of Man
We believe in salvation through faith in Christ, who died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead on the third day. By His atoning blood, salvation has been provided for all humanity through the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross. This experience is also known as the new birth, and is an instantaneous and complete operation of the Holy Spirit whereupon the believing sinner is regenerated, justified, and adopted into the family of God, becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus, and heir of eternal life (John 3:5-6; Romans 10:8-15; Titus 2:11, 3:4-7; 1 John 5:1).
5. Divine Healing
We believe that deliverance from sickness is provided in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16).
6. The Church and its Mission
We believe that the church is the body of Christ and the habitation of God through the Spirit, witnesses to the presence of the kingdom of God in the present world, and universally includes all who are born again (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:22; Romans 14:17-18; 1 Corinthians 4:20).
We believe that the mission of the church is to (1) proclaim the good news of salvation to all humankind, (2) build up and train believers for spiritual ministry, (3) praise the Lord through worship, and (4) demonstrate Christian compassion to all who suffer (Matthew 28:19-20; 10:42; Ephesians 4:11-13).
7. The Ordinances of the Church
We believe that baptism in water by immersion is expected of all who have repented and believed. In so doing they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4).
We believe that the Lord's Supper is a proclamation of the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be shared by all believers until the Lord returns (Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:20-34).
8. Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. In experience, it is both instantaneous and progressive. It is produced in the life of the believer by his appropriation of the power of Christ's blood and risen life through the person of the Holy Spirit. He draws the believer's attention to Christ, teaches him through the Word and produces the character of Christ within him (Romans 6:1-11; 8:1-2,13; 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 10:10, 14).
9. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is the bestowing of the believer with power for life and service for Christ. This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the new birth, is received by faith, and is accompanied by the manifestation of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance as the initial evidence (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 8:15-19; 11:14-17; 19:1-7).
10. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the present day operation of the nine supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) and the ministry gifts of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13) for the edification and expansion of the church.
11. The End of Time
We believe in the premillenial, imminent, and personal return of our Lord Jesus Christ to gather His people unto Himself. Having this blessed hope and earnest expectation, we purify ourselves, even as He is pure, so that we may be ready to meet Him when He comes (John 14:1-3; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 John 3:2-3; Revelation 20:1-6).
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all humanity, the everlasting conscious bliss of all who truly believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, and that everlasting conscious punishment is the portion of all whose names are not written in the Book of Life (John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:22-24; Revelation 20:10-15).

OBJ visits IBB, reconciles with Atiku

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday paid a surprise visit on former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who just returned from a medical treatment in Germany after two months.

Obasanjo was in Minna to visit the recuperating Babangida, while Atiku, who had visited the former military President was in the town to attend the Presidential declaration of Sam Nda-Isaiah of All Progressives Congress, APC.

 Gen. Ibrahim BabangidaObasanjo, however, met with his estranged Vice, Atiku Abubakar, at Minna International Airport, where the two leaders buried their differences and hugged each other.

Obasanjo, who arrived in a plane with registration number G DOUR, along with Senator Andy Uba, Chief Ayo Fasawe and an unidentified lady at about 4:30pm, was about to be conveyed to IBB’s house when his attention was drawn to the presence of Atiku at the airport.

The former Vice President, who was already seated awaiting clearance for his flight, had to stop the pilot, alighted and headed straight for the waiting car to ferry Obasanjo out of the airport, where the two leaders hugged each other.

A black BMW car with registration number ABJ 01 RJ, then took Obasanjo to the uphill residence of Babangida in company of Mohammed Babangida, son of the former Military President.

At IBB’s residence, journalists were barred from entering but a source within told our correspondent that Obasanjo only came on a solidarity visit to IBB.

The two leaders met only for about 30 minutes before Obasanjo left for the airport

Boko Haram renames occupied Mubi town

FEW hours after the Federal Government gave the military marching orders to flush out Boko Haram insurgents from Mubi, the commercial nerve centre and second largest town in Adamawa State, the terrorists, yesterday, defiantly renamed the town ‘Madinatul Islam’, which means the city of Islam.
Four local governments of Michika, Madagali, Mubi North and Mubi South of Adamawa State are now in the firm grip of the insurgents, throwing up thousands of internally displaced persons.
Trapped residents of the town who spoke on telephone confirmed that the insurgents firmly in control have renamed the town and have also set up check-points in strategic locations. The terrorists were also said to have urged all the residents who fled to return as they would be more secure in the areas controlled by Boko Haram than in Nigerian territories.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh
A trapped resident, Aliyu Bala, who spoke on telephone said: “They (insurgents) mounted check-points in strategic locations, brandishing rifles but asking us not to panic or run away. But despite assurances of safety and security, thousands of the trapped residents have been sneaking out as they said they would not risk staying in the town for fear of the unknown.”
A resident of Uba town, Mallam Salisu Baba, however, said normal activities have started picking up in the captured territories as Boko Haram enjoined residents to go about their normal activities while asking them to open their shops for business.
He said: “The insurgents have also warned politicians not to try to hold any election in the state as they vowed to frustrate any of such actions and restated their resolve to capture the whole state in no distant time.”
Baba said the insurgents have assured them of security and freedom. He added that unlike other parts of the state where curfew was imposed and people were prevented from riding motorcycles, the insurgents have assured residents of free movement any time of the day and asked them to ride their motorcycles and go about their normal activities.
According to him: “The insurgents have assured people of freedom and have been telling shop owners to open their shops, threatening that anyone who fails to open his shop will have the shop broken. Whenever the insurgents want any commodity, they pay for it. This encouraged meat sellers, tea sellers and others to open for business.
“They provided security during the market day of Uba town last Thursday while promising to continue to give market owners and residents who come to the area utmost security as long as they comply with Islamic rules. They have opened one of the filling stations belonging to A.A Garba in Uba town as motorists trooped to buy the commodity due to high demand,” Baba said.
Yola-based legal practitioner, Sunday Joshua Wugirawho, who went to Maiha town to pick up his aged parents who fled to the town when Mubi was captured, said despite the assurance by the insurgents, several trapped residents were still fleeing, including soldiers.
“I was in Maiha few hours ago. The pathetic plight of the people I saw was simply beyond imagination. We were in a commercial bus when some fleeing soldiers said we must adjust for them to get space in the bus, and we had no choice than to oblige. It’s unfortunate that even soldiers joined civilians to run away,” he said.
Boko Haram on rampage in Gombe, attacks police station
Meanwhile, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents, yesterday, launched an attack on the police station in Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State. The gunmen also took over the premises of a strategic cement manufacturing company in Gombe State, shortly after killing five people including a Sheikh in a neighbouring town.
According to workers at Ashaka Cement factory, the heavily armed militants came in convoys of pick-up vans and started shooting indiscriminately at workers after the security guards at the company fled into the bush.
Police officers attached to the Nafada station were said to have been overpowered as some of the officers reportedly fled on sighting the insurgents who had superior fire power.
 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE—From left: Former President Shehu Shagari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon; Senate President, David Mark; Justice Minister, Mohammed Bello and President Goodluck Jonathan during the opening of the National Council of State meeting at Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE—From left: Former President Shehu Shagari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon; Senate President, David Mark; Justice Minister, Mohammed Bello and President Goodluck Jonathan during the opening of the National Council of State meeting at Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.
Arms and ammunition were believed to have been looted from the station.
Spokesperson of the Command, Fwaje Atajiri, confirmed there were reports of attacks in Nafada, and that reinforcement had been sent there. He however said details of the incident were still sketchy.
30 killed, 89 injured in Yobe bomb attack — hospital
In a related development, Executive Secretary of Yobe Hospitals Management Board, Dr Mamman Mohammed, has confirmed that 30 persons died while 89 others were injured in last Monday bomb attack in Potiskum, Yobe State.
He told Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who paid a visit to the victims at the Potiskum General Hospital that some of the victims with severe injuries have been referred to tertiary health institutions in Azare and Nguru.
Gaidam directed that free treatment be given to the victims, saying “the government will bear all the medical bills of the victims, including those referred to other hospitals outside the state.”
He also condoled with the Shi’ite group on the death of their members. Members of the group were presumably attacked by a suicide bomber while on a procession.

Lovers found dead 2 weeks before wedding

THE decomposing remains of two lovers, simply identified as Udogi Eguke and Ese, were found on Sunday, days after they died in mysterious circumstances in their Makolomi Street apartment of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The house owner, Chief Alfred Onavwa, who shares the top floor of the one-storey building with one of the deceased, confirmed the incident.
He said having been contacted on the absence of one of the deceased by neighbours, he called his line only to realize that his mobile phone was ringing upstairs.
He explained further: “On getting close to the door of the private stairway leading to their apartment, I noticed that it was locked from inside, with a stench oozing out.
“On realizing this, I personally invited the police who came and broke the door only to discover their decomposing bodies.
“Their remains were later deposited in the mortuary and I was made to understand that investigation into the matter was ongoing.
“Even the Ughelli Divisional Police Officer was here to see things for himself.”
Meanwhile, findings revealed that the couple, whose wedding was slated for November 22, had started preparation, with invitation cards already sent out to intending guests.
When contacted for comments, Ughelli Divisional Police Officer, Samuel Musa, neither debunked nor confirmed the incident.
He directed all comments on the matter to the state Police Public Relation Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Celestina Kalu.
However, at press time, calls and messages to her phone were yet to be replied.

Christian couple killed for ‘desecrating Koran’ in Pakistan

An enraged Muslim mob beat a Christian couple to death in Pakistan and burnt their bodies in the brick kiln where they worked on Tuesday for allegedly desecrating a Koran, police said.
The incident took place in the town of Kot Radha Kishan, some 60 kilometres (40 miles) southwest of Lahore, and is the latest example of mob violence against minorities accused of blasphemy.
“A mob attacked a Christian couple after accusing them of desecration of the holy Koran and later burnt their bodies at a brick kiln where they worked,” local police station official Bin-Yameen told AFP.
“Yesterday an incident of desecration of the holy Koran took place in the area and today the mob first beat the couple and later set their bodies on fire at a brick kiln,” he added.
Another police official confirmed the incident. The victims were only identified by their first names, Shama and Shehzad, and were a married couple.
Pakistan’s brick kiln workers are often subject to harsh practices, with a study by the Bonded Labour Liberation Front Pakistan estimating that 4.5 million are indentured labourers.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif set up a three-member committee to fast track the investigation of the killings and ordered police to beef up security at Christian neighbourhoods in the province, an official from his media office told AFP.
– Hugely sensitive issue –
Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in the majority Muslim country, with even unproven allegations often prompting mob violence.
Anyone convicted, or even just accused, of insulting Islam, risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes.
A Christian woman has been on death row since November 2010 after she was found guilty of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammed during an argument with a Muslim woman.
An elderly British man with severe mental illness, sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan in January, was shot by a prison guard last month.
An internal investigation has found that the guard had been radicalised and goaded into the shooting by Mumtaz Qadri, a police bodyguard who murdered the Punjab governor in 2011 for suggesting reform of the blasphemy laws.
Qadri shot dead Punjab governor Salman Taseer at an Islamabad coffee shop. Despite the brutal slaying, Qadri was feted as a hero by a wide section of the public including lawyers for the murder, and was even showered with rose petals as he arrived at court for a trial hearing.
Global rights watchdog Amnesty International urged the Pakistani authorities to bring to justice those responsible for the latest killing.
“This vicious mob killing is just the latest manifestation of the threat of vigilante violence which anyone can face in Pakistan after a blasphemy accusation –- although religious minorities are disproportionately vulnerable,” said David Griffiths, Amnesty International’s deputy Asia Pacific director.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice and the Pakistani authorities have to ensure at-risk communities are proactively given the protection they need.”

Ukraine main rebel leader wins vote: separatist exit poll

The main rebel leader in Ukraine’s largest separatist region won a crushing victory in a controversial election Sunday, according to an exit poll conducted by the insurgents.
Alexander Zakharchenko, prime minister of the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic, was on course to claim 81.37 percent of the vote in the presidential poll, rebel election chief Roman Lyagin said. His party was also set to claim 65 percent of the parliamentary vote.

Police declare man wanted over acid bath on neighbour

The Enugu State Police Command on Sunday declared one Ikenna Ozioko of Umuezebi, Nsukka, wanted for allegedly pouring acid on his neighbour.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Ebere Amarizu, in Enugu.
According to the statement, the victim, Mr Victor Onah, and the suspect reside in the same compound and are neighbours.
“On Oct. 21 in Umuezebi, Nsukka, Ozioko allegedly poured a corrosive liquid substance believed to be acid on Onah over unresolved issues between both of them.
“After allegedly bathing the victim with the said substance, the suspect fled from the compound, leaving the victim unconscious.’’
“Onah was later rushed to St. Anthony Hospital, Obeachara, Nsukka, where he is still receiving treatment and is recuperating.’’
The police said full investigations had commenced with a view to establishing the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime and to ensure that the suspect was arrested and brought to book.