Soldiers Destroy Community In Akwa Ibom Over Death Of Their Colleague (Photos)

Soldiers have reportedly attacked community members in Akwa Ibom state setting houses ablaze over death of their colleague.

The community in flames (Photo credit: National Helm)

 

Soldiers have reportedly razed down houses in Akwa Ibom state following the death of one of their colleagues.

 

It was gathered that the incident took place after armed militants ambushed soldiers at a checkpoint at Iwukem in the volatile Etim Ekpo council, killing one soldier and five civilians, while two persons sustained injuries.

 

In retaliation, a battalion of soldiers from the military base in the state, yesterday, went on rampage, setting shops and houses ablaze in Iwukem.

 

 

According to National Helm report, the militants had stormed the community on Saturday night, and attacked the soldiers stationed in the community to maintain the peace. This did not go down well with the soldiers as they retaliated.

 

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Madcon Ogbechie, who confirmed the incident said: “Investigation is already ongoing and we will get to the bottom of it.”

 

Glitz As BamBam, Cobhams, Frank Donga, Other Celebrities Turn Up For Kenny Blaq's Show (Photos)

Some Nigerian celebrities have turned up for popular comedian, Kenny Blaq's show in the city of Lagos.

Bambam

 

Nigerian music-comedian, Kenny Blaq, hosted the second edition of his comedy show titled Oxymoron II: The Rush on Sunday in Lagos.

 

The event which was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, was packed with celebrities who came out to support the comedian.

 

Guest in attendance included Cohbams, Frank Donga, BamBam, EmmaOhMyGod, and Craze Clown, among others.

 

See more photos below:

EmmaOhMyGod

 

 

Frank Donga 

 

 

Akpororo

Cobhams Asuquo

 

Craze Clown

 

 Ushbebe

Janet Jackson Splits From Third Husband, Barely 3 Months After Welcoming Their First Child Together Alashock BLOG 12:13:00 PM News Barely 3 months after welcoming their first child together, singer Janet Jackson and husband Wissam Al Mana have reportedly split. Multiple sources report that Jackson and Qatari business man Al Mana have ended their 5-year marriage. They gave birth to a son, Eissa Al Mana in January. A source told The Mail, who was first to report the news, “They’re both busy people but determined to be good parents, even if they’re apart. It’s amicable and Eissa will stay with his mother, who is basing herself in London.” The couple were a very private couple ever since they met at an hotel opening in 2010. Wassim Al Mana was Jackson’s third husband, after previous marriages to James DeBarge and René Elizondo, Jr

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Janet Jackson Splits From Third Husband, Barely 3 Months After Welcoming Their First Child Together Alashock BLOG 12:13:00 PM News Barely 3 months after welcoming their first child together, singer Janet Jackson and husband Wissam Al Mana have reportedly split. Multiple sources report that Jackson and Qatari business man Al Mana have ended their 5-year marriage. They gave birth to a son, Eissa Al Mana in January. A source told The Mail, who was first to report the news, “They’re both busy people but determined to be good parents, even if they’re apart. It’s amicable and Eissa will stay with his mother, who is basing herself in London.” The couple were a very private couple ever since they met at an hotel opening in 2010.

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Shocking: Groom And 13 Members Of His Family Die In Car Crash On Their Way To His Wedding (Photos)

In what will come across as a really shocking development, a groom and his family members have died on his wedding day.

The scene of the accident

 

Officials have revealed that a van carrying a wedding party crashed in central Vietnam early Monday, killing 13 people, including the groom who died on the spot. 13 members of his family also died in the accident.

 

According to VNExpress, the van, carrying 17 people, collided head-on into a container truck at 2:30 a.m. in Quang Nam province. This was revealed by the provincial Mayor Dinh Van Thu.

 

Ten people died at the scene and three others when they were rushed to a hospital, Thu said.

 

According to local news website VNExpress, the four passengers who survived the crash were in critical condition, including two 6-year-old children.

 

 

The entourage, from the groom's family, was on a 280-mile drive to the bride's family in Binh Dinh city, where the wedding was scheduled to take place later Monday.

 

Photos of the accident posted on VNExpress show the fronts of both vehicles smashed and the van windshield shattered.

 

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, Thu said.

Madrid Captain Sergio Ramos, Catches Massive Fish As He Goes On Fishing While On Holiday (Photos)

Sergio Ramos who helped Real Madrid to a third Champions League trophy in a row in May before representing Spain at the World Cup, is head over heels while he enjoys his summer break.

 

Ramos and his big catch

 

Spanish international defender, Sergio Ramos, who has been enjoying an extended break following his World Cup commitments, went for fishing during his holidaya, and caught a massive one.

 

The 32-year-old who has been keeping his Instagram followers up-to-date during his holidays as he spends time with his family in New York, showed-off latest kill - a barracuda fish.

 

 

Ramos endured a difficult World Cup, as La Roja were eliminated in the first knockout round of the tournament in Russia.

 

After his break, he will back focusing on Real Madrid, who are going in search of their fourth consecutive Champions League title. But Ramos will have to do it without his friend and team-mate of nine years, Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

 

Nigerian Singer, Runtown To Appear In Court

28-year old Douglas Jack Agu, better known by his stage name Runtown, who is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer is to appear in court.

 

Runtown

 

Runtown to appear before Abuja High Court on 8th August, 2018 for disobeying Court Injunction made on 10th May, 2018. 

 

It would be recalled that Runtown has been locked in a legal battle with his former record label boss, Eric Many for some time now.

 

According to a statement by Eric Many, the artiste earlier disobeyed a court order.

 

"Recall that we served a Contempt Warning from Court on Runtown on 4th July, 2018 after he defied Court Order and released a song. Rather than heed the Contempt Warning and retrace his steps, he issued a Press Release in which he argued that the Injunction had expired.

The Injunction was to stop things until the hearing of our Motion seeking to freeze activities until a decision on his status (whether he had discharged his obligations to us or not) is taken. It barred him from performing or releasing songs for the time being" a statement from the record label stated.

 

The statement went on to add that, ‘the legal advice we received was that Runtown was wrong in his interpretation of the Rules of Court he relied on since he was already served with our Motion and was represented in Court on 31st May, 2018 when the Court adjourned to 27th September, 2018 to hear the Motion and the one filed by Runtown himself!

To turn around after that day to proceed to do what the Order barred him from doing, and what the Motion served on him (adjourned in his presence) seeks to stop, is unjustifiable under the 7-Days Rule he relied upon. That could probably apply to a person against whom an interim injunction was obtained without more’.

 

‘Based on this, we have done two things: One, we have obtained a ‘FORM 49’ against him to explain why he should not be sent to prison, especially when he continued to publicize fixtures for shows in Canada, Namibia, Europe etc and threaten to release more songs, both actions in defiance of the Court Order.

 

The application (now fixed for 8th August) has been served on him in the Punch as ordered by the Court. Two, since we will not allow him to continue to mock the Court Order we have applied and obtained a new Injunction to stop his actions to protect the Contempt Case. The new injunction bars him from his threatened defiant actions in Canada, Namibia, Europe etc. We believe the new Injunction has not also ‘expired’ and hope he respects the Court this time. 

Please bear in mind that our main case in Court boils down to whether Runtown has discharged his monetary obligations to us and delivered one Album to us as spelt out in our Contract. He has responded, so it will be good to allow the Court to decide what each party filed. Let both sides apply restraint.

As we always say, Ericmany Limited will continue to follow the judicial process. We have confidence in the Rule of Law and will continue to patiently follow the due process until the wrong done to us by Runtown after our heavy investment on him is redressed’.

Keke Rider Cries For Help As Wife Gives Birth To Five Babies In Anambra

Prior to the birth of the quintuplets, she had had three girls delivered in single births and a set of triplets, all boys, though two of the boys later died, one year and three months after they were delivered.

File photo only used for illustrative purpose

 

An Nnewi-based commercial tricyclist (Keke NAPEP rider), Mr Abuchi Odoh and his wife, Ndidi, a trainee seamstress had an overdose of blessing as the woman gave birth to quintuplets on Thursday.

Mrs Odoh, 30, was delivered of the quintuplets, four males and one female, through caesarean surgey at God’s Mercy Maternity Home, Obiuno Otolo, Nnewi, Anambra State. She said she was actually suspecting that it would not be a single birth because of how heavy she felt during the pregnancy.

Prior to the birth of the quintuplets, she had had three girls delivered in single births and a set of triplets, all boys, though two of the boys later died, one year and three months after they were delivered.

Commenting on the outcome of the latest pregnancy, the husband, Mr Odoh, said he never bargained for quintuplets as he was still battling to feed his family, given his meagre income.

When he was told that his wife had given birth to five babies, 40-year-old Odoh, a native of Okparigbovoko Nsukka in Enugu State said that he wanted to run away from the responsibility of taking care of the five babies not because he did not appreciate the blessing but because he did not know where to start from to raise money to handle the crisis.

On his feelings about the mixed blessings, he said: “I’m a Keke NAPEP rider. The keke is my own but it is very old. I never expected that my wife would deliver quintuplets. In fact, I was expecting one baby and that was my prayer. I don’t have means to take care of one in addition to the number we have already let alone additional five babies at a go. I’m shocked. This is over blessing. I wanted to run away yesterday but people held me back not because I am not happy for the gift of the babies but because
I have nothing to take care of them.”

Odoh appealed to Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Anambra State governor, Dr Willie Obiano, his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, organizations and all public-spirited individuals to come to his rescue, saying, “because I’m now totally confused.”

The nurse who delivered the woman of the babies at the maternity, Mrs Blessing Odoemena, said when the woman went for the first scanning during the pregnancy the result showed twins, then the second scan showed triplets “but I never believed the results because I knew she was harbouring more than that.” She said she had in the past delivered the woman of all her babies and was able to know her system to some extent.

Odoemena said when the woman had three girls initially, she was troubled for not having a male child and said she continued to advise her to be patient.

16 Boko Haram Members Killed As Army Recovers Weapons Cache In Borno

The troops supported by the Air Task Force swiftly responded to the attack killing 16 insurgents and capturing two trucks loaded with guns abandoned by the insurgents.

Nigerian Army say it neutralised 16 Boko Haram and recovered a weapons cache during its clearance operation in Mairari village in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno.

Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed this in a statement released in Maiduguri.

Nwachukwu said that the troops also recovered two gun trucks abandoned by the insurgents during the encounter.

“The insurgents in three vehicles, including Gun trucks had infiltrated and attacked the community, when troops at the formation were alerted by locals .

“The troops supported by the Air Task Force swiftly responded to the attack killing 16 insurgents and capturing two trucks loaded with guns abandoned by the insurgents, as they tried escaping , having been overwhelmed by the superior fire power from the troops.

“The gallant troops also recovered 163 Rounds of Anti Aircraft Gun Ammunition during the fierce encounter,” he said.

During the fire fight, he said, four civilians and a soldier unfortunately, sustained varying degrees of injury and have been promptly evacuated to a Military Hospital, where they currently receiving medical attention.

“The FOB has been further reinforced with additional troops, while  fighting patrols are on the trail of the insurgents who fled the attack.

He said that normalcy has been restored and the people of Mongonu Local Government Area are enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious person(s) or activities as they go about their normal business.

(NAN)

See Photos Of Young Girl Who Was Shot Dead By Robbers After Withdrawing N150k From Bank

Friends of a young lady have taken to Facebook to mourn her death after she was shot dead by armed robbers after she exited a bank in Lagos.

Njoku Uchechi

 

A young lady identified as Njoku Uchechi, was killed during a robbery operation near Diamond Bank at Suru-Alaba area in Lagos.

The deceased was shot in the head after being attacked by two armed robbers after stepping out of the bank before they stole the money she withdrew which was reported to be about N150,000.
 

Njoku Uchechi's corpse after the unfortunate attack

One of the armed robbers was caught by passersby as the other manged to escape. The apprehended suspect was beaten mercilessly before he was set ablaze.

The body of the deceased lady has been deposited in the morgue.
 

 

A bereaved friend wrote on Facebook; "Uchechi so is you armed robbers killed in my own very eyes yesterday in front of diamond bank coker branch Lagos. ..God of mercy I can’t believe dis…Jesus Christ !!! Chai.. O my God..Njoku uchechi RIP.may God accept ur soul in his kingdom ..what ur mom n siblings going to bear this..God.."

Fake Currency Note Producer Arrested In Lagos

A suspected fake currency note producer has been arrested in Lagos following a manhunt initiated based on intelligence information gathered on his alleged criminal activities

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a suspected fake currency note producer.

The command’s spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement in Enugu on Sunday that the suspect, Collins Oputa, was nabbed on July 26.

Mr Amaraizu noted that the feat was achieved by police operatives of the Ogui Police Division of the Command.

“Oputa, who claimed that he is a native of Ohaji community in Imo State but residing at 4 Fatimo Close in Ijegun, Lagos State, was nabbed in Lagos.

“His arrest followed a manhunt initiated based on intelligence information gathered on his alleged criminal activities of producing and giving the fake currency naira notes to his agents for circulation,’’ he said.

Mr Amaraizu said that the suspect had been helping police operatives in their investigation in relation to his alleged criminal activities with his cohorts.

On his part, Mr Oputa blamed the situation of his alleged involvement into the illicit act on the devil. He pledged to quit the illicit business if he was forgiven.

(NAN)

Donald Trump Walk Of Fame Star Will Stay Put Despite Violence & Vandalism

Donald Trump's Walk of Fame star has been a lightning rod for violence, but it's going to weather the storm and stay put because cops and the group that manages the Walk of Fame don't want it 86'd.

Law enforcement sources say the LAPD has met with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and both orgs realize they're between a rock and a hard place. They know by keeping Trump's star front and center on the famed Blvd., it will be at the center of what has become a civil war between raging Trump and anti-Trump factions.

Here's the problem, the Chamber and LAPD both agree it would be even worse to remove the star because that would embolden people to deface the stars of celebs they dislike. For example, if Trump's star is removed, Trump supporters might go after Jane Fonda's star. And, if her star is removed, others might retaliate by going after Clint Eastwood's star.

So, the decision has been made to keep Trump's star in its place, knowing it will probably be destroyed again, and possibly again and again and again. Even worse, the Chamber and LAPD are keenly aware the warring factions will be using the star as a battleground.

Sule Lamido Declares Self Sole Presidential Candidate Of PDP For 2019 Election

Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, today declared himself a sole presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 election.

Lamido insisted that among all the presidential aspirants, he remained the only one without a “membership lacuna.”

He told PDP stakeholders in Bayelsa State to address him as “the aspirant” and not as “an aspirant,” boasting that he would emerge the party candidate and eventually win the 2019 election.

“We want a thoroughbred PDP person. I came to see my brothers and sisters. We share the same concerns and commitments. Before you here is the aspirant not an aspirant. Before you here is the President of Nigeria after our convention.

“Before you here is your brother and commander-in-chief in 2019. Our party needs the cohesion and the discipline.  So, we must rescue Nigeria and it must be somebody with the character of the PDP. In me is a very huge and large heart.

“We have to save Nigeria. I didn’t come to campaign. I am your candidate. Whether you like it or not l must be your candidate. When others come, there will be lacuna in their membership. You need a consistent person,” he said.

Thugs Break Head of Former APC Chairman For Defecting To Another Party (Photo)

The former APC caretaker chairman in Oriade Local Governments area of Osun State was beaten mericlessly by the yet-to-be identified attackers who fled after breaking his head

 

Hon. Taiwo Fatiregun who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to the Action Democratic Party, ADP, was allegedly attacked by political thugs said to be his subordinates who felt aggrieved by his defection.

The former APC caretaker chairman in Oriade Local Government area of Osun State – was beaten mericlessly by the yet-to-be identified attackers who fled after breaking his head.

Hon. Taiwo Fatiregun currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Adesua Etomi Gushes Over Flowers Her Hubby, Banky W Bought Her

Eight months after their star-studded celebrity wedding in Lagos, it seems Banky's romantic side hasn't diminished as he still buys his wife, Adesua, flowers.

 

Banky and Adesua

 

Pretty Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi, has taken to her Instagram Story to show off the flowers her R&B singer husband, Banky W got for her 'for no reason at all.'

 

The Wedding Party screen star who was absolutely elated on the romantic gift posted a video of the gift and wrote: "Roses and lillies. He still buys flowers for me for no reason at all."

 

Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme Announces His Retirement From Football

Nigeria and Wolves goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from football following a year-long battle with acute leukaemia.

Carl Ikeme for Super Eagles

 

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from the professional football, after he confirmed the news to his Wolves teammates before a training session at Compton on Tuesday morning.

 

According to the Premier League club, the 32-year-old came to the decision after consultation with medical experts following his 12-month battle with acute leukaemia.

  

 

Ikeme after making the announcement to his teammates

 

The 32-year-old's decision comes following a discussion with medical experts after 18 years at the club.

'I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my body,' he told the club's official website.

'He thinks it's what is best for me and I can't really risk trying to come back, my health is the priority.

'I want to be here for my children, family and friends. In the grand scheme of things with my life in danger, it's the minimum price I have to pay to spend the rest of my time with my family.

'It's not really set in since speaking to the doctor. In time I can have a good look back, it's been incredible for me personally to have been at Wolves from 14 to 31 – playing for just one club is something I'm proud of.

'It's nice to have been a one club man because it's rare these days. I'm proud that I can always come back to Wolverhampton and always have friends here, and be loved, it's incredible.'

After the announcement Ikeme tweeted, he said: 'Thank you for the support over the years . My last day as a footballer. But one I am happy and great full for !!! (sic) Thanks to everyone to do with @wolves and everyone in football I have met.'

 

Wolves executive chairman, Jeff Shi said: “Having been at the club since the age of 14, Carl is far more than just a player in our eyes - he is our brother and an important part of our family.

“When Carl came to tell us his news, yes there was sadness, but also great happiness to see him so healthy and hungry for the opportunities that lay ahead of him.

“Carl is strong, a fighter, something he has proven in his playing career and also during what has been a very challenging time for him, so I have no doubt he will be a success in whatever he does next.

“We wish Carl all the very best for the future, but remind him he will always remain a part of the Wolves family.”

 

Ikeme made 274 domestic career appearances in all competitions, with over 200 of them coming for Wolves, the club he joined in 2000 as a 14-year-old. 

 

The stopper went on to win two promotions, and ten international caps for Nigeria, who honoured him at this summer’s World Cup by naming him as their 24th squad member.

Controversy As Alleged Wedding Photos Of Teenage Couple In Ondo Emerge

Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the alleged wedding photos of two 19-year-old students in Ondo state.

 

One of the controversial wedding photos

 

A Facebook user identified as Olajumoke Oluwadamilola, has taken to the social networking platform to shared some photos of a teenage couple who were recently pictured getting married on their wedding day.

 

She captioned the photos: "Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world and congratulations on your marriage. Imagine 19 years student get married to eachother."

 

Meanwhile, the photos have been trailed with mixed reactions and criticisms as Nigerians have reacted to the alleged wedding of the two 19-year-old students in Ondo state.

 

Many have also condemned the act because the couple were just teenagers, while some added that their parents should not have allowed such a union to take place.

 

Some online users are of the opinion that the teenagers dressed up as a wedding couple for their school’s drama program.

 

A commenter, Chrysolite Seyanu Olukemi wrote: "Are you sure is not end of the year party playlet? You people come out to defend yasef before your name spoil finish.... Anyways you can make it real later in future."

 

One Dyoni Chux said: “My dear, whether school drama or not, I've seen this type of marriage happening several times. I could be that he's an only son to his father who's also an only son. And if he's been trained to be mature in spirit and mentality nko? See forget all these new set standards that are ruining Africans.

 

"Back in the days our great grandfathers married at age 17-21 to wives from 12–17. That's why they give birth at early stage, concentrate and raise their children early, and retire at the age of 40-55 years as elders and grandparents with large households. That is why the live up to 120years. But because of western education everybody wants to acquire certificate and end up as okokporo.

 

"Ladies will now get to menopause while they're waiting for rich man's proposal in the name of maturity at the end of the day, someone will still be paying university tuition for their children at the age of 70-80 when they should be relaxing and enjoying old age. Western invasion has dealt with Africa!”

 

While another commenter wrote: "Tijesunimi Adeyemo It's Either a school drama. Or the girl is already pregnant for the guy. Just thinking tho."

 

 

 

 

 

Nigerians Blast Linda Ikeji's Reality TV Show As Immoral, To Lead Youths Astray

Nigerians have come for blogger, Linda Ikeji who is promoting her TV show as they accuse her of promoting immorality.

Linda ikeji

 

Media mogul and ace blogger, Linda Ikeji has come under severe criticism from Nigerians after releasing clips from her recently premiered Reality TV show, Made In Gidi.

 

Nigerians are not happy with the blogger and her show with many accusing her of trying to lead young people astray. Nigerians who reacted on her page expressed anger as they called the show immoral.

 

    

In her sensitization for the show, Linda Ikeji has stated that seven women and five men would be in the house with no link to the outside world.

 

“No, eviction and no winner,” she added and this has raised brows.

 

 

Many of her fans asked what the show was all about if there was no competition, no eviction and no winner and have concluded that the show is clearly promoting immorality.

 

In some of the clips posted by Linda, some of the housemates had already started kissing and smooching barely one day after getting into the house! Despite the outrage, about 1200 subscribers have reportedly paid to watch the show on LITV!

 

Nigerian Man Caught In India With 155.5grams Of Cocaine (Photos)

Officials of the Indian Narcotics Control Bureau have arrested a Nigerian national with 155.5 grams of cocaine when he disembarked from a sleeper bus from Mumbai.

 

The arrested Nigerian man, Chukwudu

 

A 30-year-old Nigerian man identified as Ozy Chukwudu, has been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bengaluru India, on Wednesday, July 25, with 155.5 grams of cocaine which was being transported from Mumbai to the city.

 

According to reports, Chukwudu was intercepted by the NCB sleuths when he disembarked from a sleeper bus from Mumbai to Bengaluru. With specific information of cocaine smuggling, the NCB team was waiting for his arrival from Mumbai.

 

Chukwudu, who did not have a passport and other documents, was carrying a polythene bag with 11 capsules which contained cocaine.

 

The drug was brought to Mumbai by an unidentified man hiding it in his stomach and was later handed over to Chukwudu to be brought to Bengaluru.

 

 

A press release by the NCB, Bengaluru, said the value of the contraband is said to be around Rs 93 lakh in the international market.

"Based on examination, he was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act," said Sunil Kumar Sinha, zonal director, NCB, Bengaluru.

 

He was produced before the court yesterday, Thursday, July 26.

Chioma Speaks On Abandoning School For Davido

Chioma Avril Rowland has played down reports that she dropped out of school to focus on her moneyed romance with superstar singer, David Adedeji Adeleke aka Davido.

 

Chioma and Davido

 

Davido’s girlfriend, Chioma has reacted to reports that she abandoned her education to be with the OBO crooner.

 

Earlier on Wednesday, the social media was agog with reports that Chioma abandoned her education in Babcock University. The report claimed that her father is unhappy with her refusal to focus on education and become a graduate before getting married.

 

According to the viral report, Chioma is expected to have graduated since 2016 after she gained admission to study Economics in 2012. However, she is still in her third year.

 

Responding to the reports, the Chef shared a post on her Instagram page.

 

In her post, Chioma advised people to keep shut if they don’t know the truth.

 

“If you are unsure about any news, Shut up,” she wrote.

Salisu Yusuf's Exposure And The Big Problem Within Nigerian Football

The experienced tactician was caught on tape taking bribes in an episode which highlights the ills of the Nigerian game.

 

Salisu Yusuf

 

Just when things appeared like they couldn't get any worst for Nigerian football and its leadership, then the nation's favourite sport was hit with the revelation that Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf had been caught on camera receiving a reported bribe of $1,000 from undercover agents.

 

The fee may have been relatively paltry, but Yusuf's act - ostensibly influencing the team-selection decisions for the 2017 Wafu Cup and 2018 African Nations Championship for his own game, are a glaring indictment of the state of Nigerian football today.

 

Predictably, social media has been abuzz, with many condemning the actions of a man who is highly respected in Nigerian football circles and hasn’t been alleged to engage in such practices before.

 

However, his actions shouldn't come as a surprise when such behaviour is rife in the nation. What Salisu Yusuf showed is nothing more than greed.

 

He has tried to defend himself by saying that he though the money was a gift and not a breach of the Fifa ethics code, but receiving $1,000 (equivalent to 365,000 Naira) for player selection is appalling, even before considering that Yusuf is reported to earn three million Naira a month as basic salary in order to put the nation's best interests first.

 

Sadly, these things happen on a regular basis in Nigeria. It is seen as the norm and is very difficult to challenge, because the country lacks a proper structure to weed out corruption. This starts from political governance, where responsibility, transparency and accountability are absent, and allows corruption to creep into the society.

 

The 2017 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International ranks Nigeria 148th out 180 countries in the world in terms of its transparency, and this gives a clearer picture of the bad state the country is in.

 

If things were done properly, money would be channelled into the right areas such as youth and grassroots development, education, welfare, healthcare and infrastructure development. However, the love for money and power continues to be of greater importance and attention than the much needed growth.

 

Calls have been made for Yusuf to step down following this debacle, but Nigerian administrators regularly show a strong resolve to stay in their jobs in the midst of controversy, so it remains to be seen whether he will depart.

 

Furthermore, the Coaches Association of Nigeria has reportedly leapt to the defense of Yusuf, saying that he is their member and can’t accept what the video footage shows. They've also vowed to carry out their own investigation.

 

It's probably an attempt to cover up his tracks, as unions in Nigeria have a very strong and powerful influence. That Yusuf has been exposed does not mean the malaise of numerous corrupt acts in Nigerian football won’t continue.

 

It’s good to fish the bad eggs out, but if they have strong backing and are not willing to step down for their wrong actions, nothing will change.

 

Until there is a shift in the orientation of leaders, both within Nigerian football and the larger political landscape, to ensure that responsibility, accountability and transparency are the order of the day, the acts of Yusuf would be seen as acceptable.

 

After all, it’s a gift.

 

Written for Goal.com by Solace Chukwu

Photo Of Notorious Robber Nabbed After Crashing Stolen Bus In Anambra

An alleged notorious robber has been nabbed after he reportedly crashed a vehicle he had stolen in Anambra.

 

The robber that was nabbed

 

A suspected armed robber has been apprehended by vigilante members.

 

The man was nabbed yesterday by the vigilante men in the Obosi area of Anambra state when he tried to commit a grievous crime.

 

Local reports show that the suspect who hails from Ebonyi state allegedly snatched a mini bus from his victim along Mike Ajegbo road, Obosi and was heading towards Akuora when he met his Waterloo at a inn where he accidentally hit a stationed truck.

 

Apparently a die-hard hijacker, the man, in a bid to escape, once again tried to hijack another vehicle at gunpoint but unfortunately for him, two gallant vigilante members were nearby and he was apprehended immediately.

 

He has since been handed over to DSS for investigation.

Drama As Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest, Demand Ransom

The Diocesan Chancellor, Lokoja Catholic Diocese, Peter Adinoyi, has confirmed that a reverend father has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Kogi state.

 

A Catholic Church used to illustrate the story

 

The parish priest of St. Michael Catholic Church, Obajana, Kogi State, Leo Michael, a reverend father, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

 

The Diocesan Chancellor, Lokoja Catholic Diocese, Peter Adinoyi, a reverend father, confirmed the kidnap to newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital on Thursday.

 

He said the priest was returning to Obajana from Okene when he was kidnapped on a spot at Irepeni village, Okene-Lokoja road.

 

According to him, the matter has been promptly reported at the Irepeni Police State.

 

He added that the army and the Directorate of the State Security (DSS), were also aware of the development.

 

However, Mr Adinoyi said the kidnappers on July 25 called some members of the church to demand a N50 million ransom for the release of their priest.

 

He said the kidnappers later reduced the ransom to N20 million and further reduced it to eight million.

 

Mr Adinoyi said the kidnappers gave the church up till 1:p.m. of July 26 to pay the ransom and threatened to relocate the priest should the church fail to meet the deadline.

 

He said the church was unable to meet the deadline for the payment of the ransom demanded, calling on the security agents to assist in rescuing the cleric from his abductors.

 

Mr Adinoyi also decried the incessant kidnapping of the less privileged in the state, describing the situation as unfortunate.

 

The spokesperson of the state police command, William Aya, a deputy superintendent of police, said he was not aware of the incident and promised to find out and call back.

 

However, he failed to call back as at the time of this report.

 

(NAN)

31-Year-Old Bride Kills Her Fiance For Inviting Ex-Girlfriend To Their Wedding (Photos)

A woman has brutally murdered her man at their home after learning that he invited his ex-girlfriend to their wedding.

Jacqueline Souza

A bride-to-be stabbed her fiancé to death after he invited his ex-lover to their wedding, according to The Sun UK.

It was gathered that the woman identified as Jacqueline Souza, 31, was arrested after her fiancé, Brandon Watkins, 33, was stabbed with a steak knife at the couple's Colorado Springs home.

Souza told cops the groom wanted to invite a woman he once had an affair with, causing Souza to believe the relationship was ongoing.

When police arrived, they discovered Watkins unresponsive on the kitchen floor and a bloody steak knife on the table.

The pair had been at a bar to celebrate their upcoming wedding in Las Vegas, when they began fighting over the guest list.

Souza — who was reportedly in the process of divorcing another man while planning her wedding to Watkins — said they had been engaged since late June.

She originally told cops she found Watkins with a steak knife in his chest after visiting the bathroom. Police, however, didn’t find any signs of a possible break-in.

Souza killed the fiance over a disagreement

The would-be bride then speculated Watkins may have stabbed himself in the chest after their fight, court records stated.

In her third account, Souza accused her fiancé of cheating with several women.

She then claimed Watkins became violent and they continued trading insults in the kitchen where Watkins grabbed the steak knife and threatened her.

She then reportedly backtracked on her statement about Watkins threatening her, but said Watkins fell on top of the knife when she pushed him to get away.

Souza told investigators she called 911 and administered CPR until police arrived.

She was arrested and is expected to return to court on August 1.

Watkins’ sister, Erika Watkins, wrote in a GoFundMe page that Watkins was an Army veteran, “stone cold stunner and animal lover” who was a “victim of a senseless murder.”

Police Reacts To Alleged Kidnap Of Senator Dino Melaye

The Police at the federal capital territory, Abuja, has reacted to reports that Senator Dino Melaye was earlier today, allegedly abducted by unknown gunmen.

 

Senator Dino Melaye

 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, have said that it was not aware of the abduction of Senator Dino Melaye, who was reportedly kidnapped on Thursday morning, by unknown gunmen in Abuja, on his way to Kogi State.

 

Senator Ben Murray Bruce, who had disclosed the development on his Twitter handle had said, “I have just been informed by Moses Melaye, @dino_melaye’s brother, that Dino has been abducted by unknown persons in a Toyota Sienna that blocked their car and overpowered them on their way to Kogi to answer to Dino’s court case. Let’s be on the watch out. Will keep you updated.”

 

In reaction, the FCT police command said it was not aware of the abduction as nobody has informed the police.

 

Public Relations Officer of the Command, Anjuguri Mamza, made this known in a telephone interview with Daily Sun, in Abuja.

 

“We do have any report about the kidnap of Senator Dino Melaye”. Mamzah, said and refused to comment further.