Does Nigeria Really Know Where the Chibok Girls Are?

Jen Psaki & Alex Badeh

Earlier this week, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, the Chief of Defence Staff, stated that the military knew the location of the over 200 abducted Chibok school girls.

However, yesterday, the United States revealed that there is no information to support the Nigerian military’s claims, Vanguard reports.

Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department said, “we don’t have independent information from the United States to support that statement. We, as a matter of policy and for the girls’ safety and well being, would not discuss publicly this sort of information regardless.”

Also, some U.S. and European security officials who reportedly spoke on condition of anonymity said “they had no credible information on the location of the girls and were skeptical that the Nigerian government knew where they were.”

Photo Credit: www.talkvietnam.com/Vanguard

51 Killed in Fresh Borno Attacks

Not less than 51 people were killed and 21 injured in Boko Haram attacks on Borno State yesterday.

The insurgents raided Gurmushi village in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, Vanguardreports. They set the whole village ablaze,  leaving many of the villagers displaced. Most of the villagers reportedly took  refuge in Cameroon.

Marte is a border community with Chad and Cameroon. 

Photo Credit: Vanguard

“Sanusi ‘Lied’ About Missing $49.8 Billion Proceeds of Crude Oil Sales” – Senate

The Senate is accusing suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi of lying about the $49.8 billion proceeds of crude oil sales he said was misappropriated by NNPC. It said that only $20 billion was missing. 

Ahmed Makarfi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, revealed this yesterday,Vanguard reports. 

“There was nothing like unremitted $49.8 billion. All the agencies-CBN, NNPC, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources had agreed after reconciliation meetings that $47 billion out of the $67 billion had been credited to the Federation Account. The amount to be accounted for, therefore was $20 billion,” the committee stated. 

This report has reportedly cleared the NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum of any allegations of shady deals.

Deeper Life Church Pastor Sentenced to 6 Years for Real Estate Fraud

Ifeanyichukwu Eric Abakporo, a former Brooklyn-based civil attorney, and Pastor of Deeper Life Bible Church, was sentenced yesterday in a New York federal court, to 6 years in a United States prison, for defrauding banks, mortgage lenders, property owners and property buyers.

Sahara Reporters states he was immediately remanded into custody by presiding U.S. District Court Judge, Shira A. Scheindlin. His wife and two children wept openly in the courtroom, as he was led away in handcuffs.

In addition to 6 years in prison, Abakporo will likely face deportation to Nigeria after serving his sentence, with the likelihood of a three-year supervisory probation release waved.

Latanya Pierce, a co-defendant said she felt like the “biggest fool in the world”, and was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Abakporo and Pierce were convicted in a wide-ranging series of illegal transactions in New York, as far back as 2003.

Toke Makinwa’s Vlog: How to be the Next Kim Kardashian West

Finding your Kanye West 101, by Toke Makinwa.
On an all new episode of her vlog, the Nigerian media personality speaks on the wedding everyone has been buzzing about – Kim and Kanye in Florence, Italy.
She gives advice to the ladies out there on how to be the next Kim West.

#BringBackOurGirls & #ReleaseOurGirlsNow Groups Fight in Abuja

Two groups of protesters campaigning for the release of the Chibok girls fought each other during a protest in Abuja at Unity Fountain on Monday.

The fight reportedly occurred as a result of rivalry between the  #BringBackOurGirls and #ReleaseOurGirlsNow groups, Vanguard, reports.

Princess Maryann Onuoha, Coordinator of Grand Alliance Against Terrorism, which is affiliated to #Bringbackourgirls stated what happened was “a minor disagreement between some women.” She also expressed that such incidents were bound to happen whenever there was a large crowd of women at a single place.

Police authorities reportedly had to intervene to prevent the fight from escalating.

“#ReleaseOurGirls Protesters are Sponsored Thugs”: #BringBackOurGirls Abuja Group

The #BringBackOurGirls Abuja group have released a statement about their altercation with #ReleaseOurGirls protesters, whom they are inferring are government-sponsored thugs.

The group released a statement to Sahara Reporters giving an account of the incident:

Last Monday May 26th , being the 27th day of our daily gathering at the Unity Fountain and the 42nd day since the abduction day of our girls, we observed a large contingent of a new group that arrived in over 30 Federal Government SURE P Buses with a message that aligned with what we had been told during our meeting with the Federal Government delegation.

Understanding fully the constitutional guarantee of every citizens’ right to their expression and to peaceful gathering, we continued with our own meeting in a new location, having lost our usual spot to the new group.  Regrettably, we then witnessed patterns of escalating aggression toward our group by this new group.

In our bid at stemming any further aggravation, we wrote a Letter of Complaint dated 28th May to the Inspector General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police which was duly  received by their respective offices. In our letter, attached to this Statement, we reminded the Nigerian Police that we have been a group, which has conducted itself with utmost civility in the course of our campaign for the abducted Chibok girls.  We asked the Nigerian Police Force to be available to reprimand the aggressive group and remind them of the need to conduct themselves similarly and to desist from any form of confrontation to our group.

Unfortunately, what we feared would happen unfolded, and tragically with officers of the Nigerian Police Force looking on, thugs, hooligans, miscreants dressed in the red, yellow, and white t-shirts with the inscription: #ReleaseOurGirls Boko Haram” burst upon our group breaking chairs, and bottles on the heads of members of #BringBackOurGirls, Abuja, many of the women broke down. They snatched phones and handbags of ladies in our group and also attacked the local and international media correspondents, confiscating and breaking their cameras. The police, at a point, arrested two of the ringleaders, but before our very eyes, released them barely 10 minutes after.

By this Statement, we are calling the attention of the President, the Federal Government and the international community to the descent to anarchy against our group, which simply emerged as a women-led civil society group driven by a response to the plight of the abducted Chibok girls and their families.

We know that this is a violation of our fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, but we remain resolute in standing with the Chibok girls. We invite every Nigerian with goodwill towards the abducted girls to our daily events. Tomorrow, we shall stand in solidarity with them through a National Symposium, which will be holding at Thisday Dome, with live broadcast on Channels TV.  We shall return to the Unity Fountain on Friday, May 31, 2014 and will continue with our daily advocacy. We shall continue to demand that those with the responsibility to protect our lives and our welfare to BringBackOurGirls.

Two Indian Teenage Girls Raped and Hanged from Tree

Two teenage Indian girls who are cousins were gang-raped on Tuesday by five men and subsequently hanged from a tree.

Police in India have arrested one man and are searching for four other suspects, Reuters reports. The incident occurred in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

The girls, aged 14 and 15, went out to use the toilet but never returned. The next morning, villagers found the bodies of the girls hanging from a mango tree in an orchard close to the village. 

A post-mortem report revealed that the two minors were raped and died from the hanging.

The victims’ families are accusing local police of shielding the attackers as they reportedly refused to take action when the girls were first reported missing.

They said It was only after angry villagers found the corpses and took the bodies to a nearby highway,  blocking  it in protest, that police filed a case of rape and murder.

According to the Asian Centre for Human Rights, “48,338 child rape cases were recorded in India from 2001 to 2011, and the annual number of reported cases had risen more than fourfold – 336 percent – over that period. “

2Face Only Has Eyes for Annie Idibia – Photos

2Face and Annie Idibia are still drunk in love.
The power couple went out for a party yesterday and the music star couldn’t keep his eyes off his actress wife.
Annie who also notices it captions the photo, “Oh wat is my boo looking at? Hahaha lol!”

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Ibinabo Fiberesima, OC Ukeje, Dayo Amusa at Gov. Amaechi 49th B-Day Party

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State turned 49 on Tuesday 27th May 2014.

Just before the birthday party held at the State House, a book reading took place at the New Church State School in Degema, to mark the Children’s day.

Stars including OC Ukeje, Yomi Fash Lanso and Ibinabo Fiberesima read with the governor.

At the dinner party, Dayo Amusa, Julius Agwu and Tamara Eteimo were present

Is this the Way Forward? Jonathan Declares Amnesty for Boko Haram

Boni Haruna, the Minister of Youth Development, made an announcement today Thursday 29th May 2014 that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has declared amnesty for members of Islamist militant sect Boko Haram as part of his administration’s “youths-friendly programmes and policies”.

Punch reports that it was disclosed at an event tagged “A day with young leaders of Nigeria” in Abuja, and the minister asks us to embrace the government’s gesture.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.

Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.

Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key to amnesty programme.” he said.

Are we now negotiating with this terrorist group? BellaNaijarians, is this truly the way forward?

Lagos Man Flogs 16 Year Old Son to Death for Stealing N1,200

Lagos police authorities have arrested a man for allegedly beating his son to death with a belt for stealing N1,200.

The man, Benson, received reports from residents in the area that his son, Bright, had stolen the money from them. Benson was enraged when he found the stolen N1,200 in his son’s pocket and proceeded to beat his son brutally, Punch reports.

Bright had reportedly been ill before the beating, and so a combination of the illness and the severe beating led to his death.

“My father was very angry on discovering the money in Bright’s pocket. He returned the money to the owners, and after they left, tied Bright’s hands with a rope. He then began to beat him with the iron end of his belt,” said Benson’s second son, Samuel.

Bright’s body has been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja mortuary for autopsy.

The case is now being probed by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba.

#BringBackOurGirls: Nollywood Stars March for Release of Chibok Girls today

It has been 45 days since the school girls were abducted by Islamist militant sect Boko Haram, in the Chibok area of Borno, and the nation keeps asking and pressing for the government to help#BringBackOurGirls.

Today – Democracy Day, a few Nollywood stars including Patience Ozokwor, Chinedu “Aki” Ikedieze, Mercy Aigbe, Thelma O’khaz, Ejiro Okurame and Femi Ogedengbe, marched from Allen Avenue to Alausa Secretariat soliciting for the release of the girls.

They revealed that the march was their own way of celebrating the Democracy, because they are unhappy.

Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly addressed the actors.

He assured that the government is doing its best.

Ray J Arrested after Allegedly Touching a Lady & Spitting on Officer

Singer and reality TV star Ray J was arrested at a Beverly Hills hotel, yesterday evening for being aggressive with staff, kicking out a patrol car window, and spitting on an officer.
According to Associated Press, a statement from the Beverly Hills Police Department says officers were summoned to investigate a report that he had inappropriately touched a woman at the bar.
Officers said contact was incidental and the 33-year-old agreed to leave. They claim he changed his mind and refused to leave, became belligerent and used his feet to shatter a patrol car window after being taken into custody.

TMZ reports that he also spat at an officer. They released a photo of him and a lady who is believed to be the one inappropriately touched talking with officers.

Praiz: My Dream Was to Be a Footballer, Not a Musician

If it were left to Praiz, he would rather be recognized as a footballer, not a musician.

The R&B singer reveals details about his childhood dreams, his album which will be released in June 2014, the craziest thing a female fan has asked him to do – sign an autograph on her private part, and his MTN endorsement.

Read excerpts from the interview with Vanguard;
On his career ambition while growing up: “No. I loved Soccer, I was a huge fan of football and I play well too. I studied Computer Science in the university. I had this dream that I was going to be a big soccer star. I was dreaming to play for Barcelona FC because that has always been my club. I have played in several football clubs in the country back then in the North. For me, being an entertainer was something I never thought or dreamt of. But as nature has it, in everything we are doing, God has another plans for us. He knows where to place you and how to use you to inspire people.”

On how he got into music: “Well, I would say that I started liking music because of my environment. Before I went into the higher institution, I had this friend who used to be a music producer. So most times, I used to go to the studio with him and from there, I learnt how to do many things. I learnt how to make beat, and how to produce some sounds. For me, my love for music started developing from there. That is what I can say about my adventure into the music world.”

On his skills on the field: “I am a good footballer, I played for my department when I was in higher institution. I played for Kaduna Polytechnic, I also played for Highlander FC in Kaduna as well. That was the same club some big Nigerian players like, Celestine and Emmanuel Babayaro among others played for. It’s just that I grew up listening to music. What you have in mind that you want to do might be different from what God plans for you.

Teen Kills Parents With Knives for Taking iPod

A 16-year-old African-American 10th Grader Vincent Parker admitted in court that he killed his father and mother, for punishments such as taking away his iPod.
Parker killed his parents by hacking at them with knives and bashing them with a baseball bat a week before Christmas.
He told Police that he “just got mad and went off” and was fed up with what seemed like routine punishments for a teenager.
“I just remember getting mad. It’s all from my dad. All this stuff like my dad taking away my iPod and stuff”, Vincent said.
He attacked his mother first while getting out of the shower with a pepper spray, stabbed her in the eye, beat her in the face with a bat and crow bar. She later died in the bedroom.
When his father came home, he attacked him, but lived long to tell Police what happened.
Although he is still a teenager, he will be prosecuted as an adult.
Watch News Channel’s review of the incident.

Husband of Sudanese Woman Sentenced to Death Finally Meets Newborn Daughter

Earlier this week, BN reported that Mariam Yahya Ibrahim, the 27-year-old Sudanese woman sentenced to death for marrying a Christian, gave birth to a baby girl at a prison hospital. However, authorities had prevented Ibrahim’s husband, Daniel Wani, from seeing his wife and the baby.

Wani has finally been allowed to see his newborn daughter, Daily Mail reports. Here’s a picture of father and daughter:

Awww she is adorable. We really do hope that Ibrahim’s death sentence is revoked. The case is heartbreaking and it is unbearable to think that this little girl may have to grow up without the loving care of her mother.

“Jonathan did not promise Amnesty to Boko Haram” – Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, is refuting claims made by the Minister of Youth Development, Boni  Haruna that President Goodluck Jonathan hasgranted conditional amnesty to Boko Haram.

Commenting on the president’s Democracy Day speech, from which Haruna apparently deduced that Amnesty was granted, Abati said the word “amnesty” was never used.

“…I don’t think the President used the word Amnesty.”

The President spoke about those who are willing to denounce terrorism, those who are ready to embrace peace, opportunities have been created for them through the presidential fact finding committee on dialogue and peace resolution of conflicts in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. So I will refer you basically to the speech by the President.

President in the democracy address explained that despite Federal Government’s disposition for possible reconciliation with any terrorist group, it would be on the condition that they are prepared to lay down arms.

For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace” Abati said.

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Ice Prince: I Will Get Married, When I Build a House in Banana Island

Ice Prince is all about the Naira, at least for now.

The rap star in an interview with The Nigerian Tribune opened up about marriage, the bleaching rumours, his son and his ex Eva Alordiah.

The “Whiskey” star who wants a honest girl as his future Mrs, says “I am just 27 years old. I don’t have any brother or mentor that got married at 27. So, I have about five years to go. I have to make more money and build a house in Banana Island before I take a woman home.” on marriage plans.

On bleaching reports: “I was not pissed off; I only replied them saying ‘bad man bleach, never that’. It did not mean I was upset. In fact, I laughed about it because I don’t see how on earth I’m going to bleach. I’m black to the bones. As you can see, I have really black knuckles, so when I put them on Instagram, it looks like I bleached. For the record, I am not body-conscious. I don’t powder my face; I don’t even use the mirror.”

On his split with Eva Alordiah: “I say when I first come Lagos nah! We were young and exploring ourselves. We argued a lot.”

On his friendship with Brymo, after the “Ara” singer exited the record label: “It has not affected our friendship. If I see Brymo right now, we will still sit down and talk. We are both busy now. I still talk about Brymo anywhere I go.”

On his son Jamal going into music: “Why not? I am never going to stop him from pursuing his dreams. If he says he wants to be a musician, a doctor or a lawyer, why not? The only thing I can do is guide him as a father.”

On his album Fire of Zamani: “I think it’s the number one album in Nigeria now. I made different tracks for different people and my fans are excited about it. I got good reactions and good responses.”

On his most embarrassing moment: “I was in Sierra Leone (while) performing at the stadium and my trousers got ripped off. It got ripped off all the way from the back to the front and I had to put on a towel on my boxers throughout the performance. It was really embarrassing, but my fans liked it and were even screaming. But to me, it was really embarrassing.”

Genevieve Nnaji speaks at the Lagos Business School’s Conference

Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji was a panel speaker today Friday 30th May 2014 at Lagos Business School‘s Africa Business Conference.

The event tagged “Africa Lions Arising, Driving Private Sector Growth through Enhanced Intra-African Trade”, was held at the Honeywell Auditorium, Lagos.

She spoke alongside Sam Onyemelukwe of Trace TV, and Audu Maikori of Chocolate City Records.

For the event, Genny was chic in a white-and-black print blouse, black skirt, and a pearl necklace.

Kefee Thanks Fans After Reportedly Collapsing Mid Air in Chicago

Kefee is grateful to her fans for sending her best wishes.

Yesterday, it was reported that the singer and songwriter collapsed mid air on a flight to Chicago. The pilot reportedly made an emergency landing so she could receive medical care in Los Angeles.

No word on what made the “Branama” chart topper collapse, but it caused major scare for fans.

She took to her official Twitter page today to thank everyone for their prayers.

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Uti, Osas Ighodaro, Denrele, Tina Mba, OC Ukeje at Ivie Okujaye’s “Make A Move” Premiere

It is a movie about the “emancipation of women generally”, says Ivie Okujaye.

You all loved the trailer of the Nollywood starlet/producer’s movie – Make A Move, and yesterday Thursday 29th May 2014, it premiered at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Starring in the production are Majid Michel, Beverly Naya, Tina Mba, 2Face Idibia, Omawumi, Denrele Edun, and Wale Adebayo.

Spotted at the premiere were Ibinabo Fiberesima, Uti Nwachukwu, Melvin Oduah, Tope Tedela, Wole Ojo, Adesuwa Etomi, Nobert Young, Bimbo Manuel, Obi Emelonye – beaming after his arrest,Emem Isong, Osas Ighodaro, Tomi Odunsi, Daniel K Daniel, Vina and Ayoola.

Melvin Oduah, Ivie Okujaye,

Uti Nwachukwu

OC Ukeje

Obi Emelonye

Daniel K Daniel

Ivie Okujaye, Ibinabo Fiberesia, Tina Mba

Anthony Monjaro, Ivie Okujaye & Emem Isong

Bimbo Manuel, Nobert Young, Ayoola

Ayoola, Denrele Edun

Vina, Ivie Okujaye, Adesuwa Etomi, Diana Yekini

Tope Tedela, Adesuwa Etomi, Wole Ojo, Ivie Okujaye

Adeyemi Okanlanwo, Wole Ojo, Ayoola, Daniel K Daniel, OC Ukeje, Tope Tedela

Tope Tedela, Daniel K Daniel, Bimbo Manuel, Wole Ojo, Ayoola