Uncategorized

Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ sets new African record on Billboard Chart

‘Made In Lagos’ has become the first African album to have a run of 100 weeks on the Billboard world album chart. It achieved this feat in the chart week dated October 15th, 2022.

This incredible feat means that the album is only three weeks away from enjoying a run that will span two years on the chart.

‘Made in Lagos’ reached number one on the Billboard World Album Chart spending three weeks atop the chart thus becoming the first Nigerian album to spend multiple weeks at number one.

The album also became the longest-charting Nigerian project in the chart’s history. It tops Fela‘s ‘The Black President’ which spent 45 weeks on the chart.

Its latest accolade of reaching 100 weeks on the Billboard World Album Chart is another feat for the hugely successful ‘Made In Lagos’ which has set numerous records and received several recognitions.

…
Uncategorized

Andy Murray: “I want to play in the Slams again”

There is no peace for Andy Murray. The Scotsman may undergo additional hip surgery in the coming weeks. According to what reported by the ‘BBC’, the ex number 1 in the world will have to decide whether to intervene to eliminate a bone calcification on the titanium element inserted in the operation which took place last year after the Australian Open.

“I want to play in the Slams again,” Murray told the BBC. “That is the thing that I have missed over these last few years. Missing the Australian Open for me this year was rough. At the end of last season I was actually starting to play pretty well, I was feeling good and then this happened.”

“I have become quite pessimistic about time frames, issues and stuff because of what has gone on really and what has been said to me,” he added. “I don’t want to say I will definitely be in Miami playing but there is also the possibility that I might have to have something done.

We’ll just have to see.” At the end of November 2019, a television documentary, Andy Murray: Resurfacing, was released on the Amazon Prime platform, detailing Murray’s various attempts to overcome his hip injury over a two-year period from his defeat at Wimbledon in 2017 to his doubles victory at Queen’s Club in 2019.

In late December, Murray’s team confirmed that the pelvic injury which had curtailed his involvement in the Davis Cup would also prevent him from entering the upcoming 2020 Australian Open and the inaugural ATP Cup.…

Uncategorized

Unvaccinated Tennis Champ Novak Djokovic Won’t Play U.S. Open Due To Travel Restrictions

Tennis champ Novak Djokovic won’t play at the upcoming U.S. Open after refusing to comply with United States restrictions requiring Covid vaccinations for foreign travelers.

Djokovic, who has steadfastly refused to get vaccinated, announced the news on Twitter today. “Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” he wrote. “Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!”

The Open begins on Monday at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, NY. and runs through Sept. 11. This year’s draw for the tournament is happening today.

According to reports, Djokovic has had Covid at least twice, but maintains that vaccination should not be mandated.

In a statement to press, U.S. Open tournament director Stacey Allaster said, “Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government’s vaccination policy for non-U.S. citizens. We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open.…

Uncategorized

Burna Boy, Pheelz, Tems appear on Barack Obama’s 2022 Summer Playlist

Barack Obama Summer Playlists: Every year since 2015, former United States President Barack Obama has been releasing an annual summer playlist that features the songs he’s listening to. On Tuesday, 26th July 2022, Barack Obama released his summer playlist for the year and it features Pheelz‘s ‘Finesse‘, Burna Boy‘s ‘Last Last’, and Tems‘ ‘Vibe Out’.

Afrobeats and Barack Obama Summer Playlist: This is not the first time that Afrobeats act will be featuring on the famous summer playlist of the 44th US President. In 2019, Rema‘s ‘Iron Man’ made the playlist while in 2020, Wizkid‘s ‘Essence’ also made the list.

With the continuous ascension of Afrobeats, Nigerian artists can be expected to feature on the next year.

…
Uncategorized

Eedris Abdulkareem thanks fans for support, shares GoFundMe account for medical bills

Eedris Abdulkareem is battling kidney failure. In a post shared via his Instagram page on Thursday, July 21, 2022, the music star shared details of his GoFundMe account which was created to aid his medical bills.

This is your brother and comrade Eedris Abdulkareem of “Nigeria Jaga Jaga” fame. Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you all for the unalloyed love and care you have shown me since this sad news broke. I sincerely appreciate and love you all for this outpouring of genuine love and care,” he wrote.

“However, based on the requests I have been receiving on the need for gofundme activities, I want to assure everyone that the activity is now on. Just click on my Instagram website for the gofundme link.”

Abdulkareem revealed that he is only waiting for the doctors to summon him for the surgery.

“I am feeling better, strong and agile in body and soul, while awaiting the doctors’ summons for the surgery procedures scheduled for any time from now. Prayers, faith and staunch belief in God’s awesome works drive me. Lakreem Management,” he added.

“May the Blessings of God continue to abide with you all and your respective households…Amen Blessings.”

The veteran rapper announced a few weeks ago that he was battling kidney failure.

“The Lakreem Entertainment Inc. boss has recently been diagnosed with kidney failure and have been undergoing dialysis since the detection at a reputable hospital here in Lagos, Nigeria,” part of the statement released by his management read.

It also revealed that a family member agreed to donate a kidney to the music star.

Eedris Turayo Abdulkareem Ajenifuja, popularly known as Eedris Abdulkareem, is a Nigerian hip hop, R n B and Afrobeat artist, songwriter and singer.

He was the lead rapper of the defunct Nigerian hip-hop boy band The Remedies.

He is regarded as a pioneer of the modern-day Nigerian music industry.

…
Uncategorized

5 things to do on a Friday Night in Lagos without Drinking

We are all about the Lagos experience and always excited to curate lists to guide people on things to do. Last week Friday, we ran a quick poll on Instagram if people wanted us to reveal things to do on a Friday night in Lagos without going out to drink. To put things into context, if you are not out on a Friday night drinking/going clubbing. Here are other things to do on a Friday night in Lagos.

  1. Go Bowling – This might seem very out of place but Friday night in Lagos is a perfect time to unwind with colleagues and friends. Bowling is a very competitive activity and one to help everyone loosen up after a long week at work. There are two places in Lagos to go bowling depending on your location. The first is Rufus and Bees Lagos and the local bowling at the Kona Lagos in Lekki.

2. Play board games – For the love of board games, you can’t go wrong with gaming to unwind with friends and colleagues on a Friday night. We love and always recommend board games because it brings people together. It is also a fun way to start the weekend.

3. Go Dancing – Dancing has been found to be a good stress reliever even when you are not in a club. It is fun exciting and also a good way to mix/ meet new people. There are selected places that host dance classes on Fridays

 

4. Watch a movie – Movies are perfect every other day after work. It helps to relax and take your mind off the busy week you had. Look out for movie night experiences e.g Hard Rock Cafe, Silverbird Cinema Lagos, Movie at stranger Lagos or movie night at breathe.

5. Pick your treat dessert or pizza – The best treats are always once you can share while trying to catch up with other people.

Which options would be your ideal for your Friday night in Lagos if you were not going drinking?…

Uncategorized

Rumpus in PDP over calls for Ayu’s removal, Wike’s ‘shabby’ treatment

Eight months to the 2023 general elections, the center seems not to be firm in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as moves to oust its national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, leaked yesterday. Even as Ayu boasted that he remains the party’s national chairman, the intrigues surrounding the emergence of the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates and how the fallouts were managed have continued to put him in the eye of the storm. Some members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), yesterday, disclosed that the mood in the party called for a change of leadership, particularly, the office of the national chairman, to reposition it and strengthen the PDP ahead of the general elections. Part of the sins of Ayu include, alleged mismanagement of party affairs before and after the party’s presidential primary, most importantly, how he managed the emergence of Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as running mate to Atiku Abubakar.

He had explained that Atiku asked the party leadership to recommend a suitable person as a running mate and he set up a committee, which submitted three names, but Atiku picked one.

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, while answering questions in a television programme on Arise TV, yesterday, said: “I was among the 17-member committee set up by Atiku and 14 of us in the committee said the person should be Wike.

Unfortunately, Atiku picked Okowa in his wisdom. You cannot ignore the decision of a committee you set up yourself and expect people to be happy.”

When reminded that the camp of Atiku has been trying to reach out to Wike, but he has been ignoring their calls, Ortom said: “They should stop that. Atiku should go to him (Wike). Why won’t he ignore their calls? Is that not an insult? Wike is a pillar in the party.

“Currently, nobody in the party has contributed more for the party to move forward than Wike. If Atiku was not going to honour the decision of the committee, he should have called Wike earlier and informed him. He didn’t do …

Uncategorized

IK Ogbonna bags doctorate degree

The movie star shared the big news via his Instagram page on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. “Introducing Dr (Hon) IKECHUKWU MITCHEL OGBONNA. Thanks to the governing council of INSTITUT SUPERIEUR DE TECHNOLOGIES ET DE MANAGEMENT (ISTM UNIVERSITY) for conferring on me Doctorate (Honorary) Degree of Arts in leadership and Development,” he wrote.

The actor joins the list of celebrities who have been honored with doctorate degrees from foreign universities.

Some of the celebrities who have bagged doctorate degrees include Peter Okoye, dancer Kaffy and Alexx Ekubo.

Okoye and Kaffy bagged their degrees from Escae-Benin University, Benin Republic.

“Dear Team P! It’s a great honor to be decorated by a distinguished educational institution, Who have recognized my contribution to Dance and Music as well as my support for the youth in the entertainment industry,” Okoye wrote at the time he was honoured.

While Ekubo was honored at the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston University in Benin Republic

…
Uncategorized

Timaya spoils himself with Ferrari sports car worth over N100M

According to the Reggae Dance hall singer, he had to abandon all his girlfriends so he could spoil himself with the exotic car. In a series of photos and videos shared via his Instagram page on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, the singer showed off his latest addition to his fleet of cars.

I left my gal friends and got a new baby. FERRARI 458 Iconic. CHULO way,” he captioned the photos and video.

According to popular car website, Carbuzz, a Ferrari 458 goes around $276,500 – $300,000.

Timaya is known for owning some pretty expensive cars in his garage.

It would be recalled that in 2018, the music star spoiled himself with a Mercedes Benz G Wagon and a Maybach.

A few months ago, the music star was involved in a hit-and-run accident.

According to an Instagram user, Osinubi Omowumi, who claimed to be the sister of the victim, the music star rammed his car into her sister after she challenged him for damaging her car.

“These celebrities and how they behave @Timaya almost killed my sister this morning. She hit her car with his car and ran. At Ikate few hours ago, he hit my sister’s car and came down and came down to ask him to look what he did,” she wrote.

Timaya later released a statement where he debunked the accusations.

…
Uncategorized

‘There is so much anger and frustration in the land’ – Actor Alexx Ekubo

The movie star made this known via his Instagram page on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. According to the movie star, the trend of killings in the country via jungle justice needs to stop.

“I woke up this morning with so much pain in my heart, Nigeria how did we get here, there is so much anger & frustration in the land. Almost everyone is 2 secs away from turning into a werewolf. Pls I am begging, this #JungleJustice trend needs to stop,” he wrote.

“Today is Deborah & David, tomorrow it can be me, you or someone close to home, take a minute & think about it. Like how are you going about your business, & suddenly you stop to mob, lynch & set another human being ablaze, in the public glare of everyone, you need to be evaluated in a mental institution, arrested & locked away PERMANENTLY, you are a menace to society & not fit to coexist.”

The movie star wondered how Nigerians appointed themselves judge and jury in cases of perceived crime.

Who died & made you judge, jury & executor. Section 33(1) of the Nigerian constitution provides that “every person has right to life & no one should be deprived intentionally of his life,” he added.

“Also, Section 319 of the criminal code clearly stipulates that when a group of persons take laws into their hands by assaulting or summarily executing a suspected criminal, they are guilty of the offense of assault punishable by 1-year imprisonment, or murder which is punishable by death.”

“More often than not, innocent people are the victims of jungle justice. We are still trying to find #JusticeForDeborah now we also seeking #JusticeForDavid, we can’t keep losing Nigeria youth to senseless killings.”

“Lawmakers need to put in place & enforce stringent laws to abolish jungle justice, it’s barbaric, inhumane & uncivilized. May God comfort the families/friends of the deceased in ways that only he can. 💔 😔 #SayNoToJungleJustice.”

It would

…
Uncategorized

Court throws out Nnamdi Kanu’s bail application

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, refused to admit Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to bail.

Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling, held that since Kanu was earlier granted bail in 2017 and jumped the bail, the court must first determine the real reason he jumped the bail before he reapply for another one.

Justice Nyako then dismissed the application for bail.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the court had, on April 8, exonerated the Federal Government on the allegation that the leader of the IPOB was forcefully abducted abroad to stand his trial. Nyako, in a ruling, held that rendition for the purpose of criminal investigation is allowed.

Nyako said since Kanu was on bench warrant, the law allowed that anywhere he is sighted, he can be arrested and be brought to face his trial.

“Rendition for the purpose of criminal investigation is allowed.

“In the instant case, there is bench warrant on the defendant (Kanu). Suffice to say, he is a fugitive before the court,” she said.

The judge, who dismissed Kanu’s move to challenge the terrorism charge, upheld seven counts in the fresh charge filed by the federal government against the IPOB leader.

Nyako said that the federal government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), had been able to establish some allegations against Kanu in counts one, two, three, four, five, eight and 15.

“Counts one, two, three, four, five, eight and 15 show some allegations. The court shall proceed to try the defendant (Kanu) on those counts, ” she ruled.

After the review of the 15 counts, she held that about eight of the counts appeared to be similar and did not disclose action.

She, therefore, ordered that counts six, seven, nine, 10, 11, 12 13 and 14 should be struck out.

Nyako also ruled that the order proscribing IPOB as a terror group still subsisted until it was vacated since the issue was still on appeal.

She dismissed the argument of Chief …

Uncategorized

Oscars 2022: Will Smith, ‘Dune’ + full list of 94th Academy award winners

The Academy awards returned for its 94th edition on Sunday March 27 with its usual shock and thrills from awards to attendees.

For the first time in four years, the Oscars had three hosts- Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes plus a memorable event that stunned the world.

So who won the Oscars? The biggest winner of the shock-filled night was the Denis Villeneuve directed ‘Dune’ which won six awards in the cinematography, editing, score, visual effects, production design and sound categories.

‘King Richard’ star actor Will Smith finally bagged his first Oscar in the Best Actor category for his role in the biopic.

However, the actor’s major win barely made it to the most talked about events of the night as prior to winning, he took to the stage to smack comedian Chris Rock in the face for making a joke about his wife’s hair loss.

See the full list of winners:

Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter)

Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) – WINNER

Judi Dench (Belfast)

Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog)

Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard)

Ciarán Hinds (Belfast)

Troy Kotsur (Coda) – WINNER

Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog)

JK Simmons (Being the Ricardos)

Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog)

Cruella – WINNER

Cyrano

Dune

Nightmare Alley

West Side Story

Belfast

Dune – WINNER

No Time to Die

The Power of the Dog

West Side Story

Don’t Look Up

Dune – WINNER

Encanto

Parallel Mothers

The Power of the Dog

Coda (Sian Heder) – WINNER

Drive My Car (Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Takamasa Oe)

Dune (Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve)

The Lost Daughter (Maggie Gyllenhaal)

The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion)

Belfast (Kenneth Branagh) – WINNER

Don’t Look Up (Adam McKay, David Sirota)

Licorice Pizza (Paul Thomas Anderson)

King Richard (Zach Baylin)

The Worst Person in the World (Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier)

Affairs of the Art

Bestia

Boxballet

…
Uncategorized

NDLEA should parade Abba Kyari with 25kg cocaine, $61,400 —Lawyer

An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to parade narcotics suspect, Abba Kyari, with 25kg cocaine, $61,400 and other exhibits recovered from the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Olajengbesi stated this in a Facebook post on Thursday, noting that security agents should embarrass Kyari by parading him before the media as they do to other suspects.

“In this Abba Kyari’s case, the Nigerian security agencies are yet to demonstrate equal lawlessness they carry out in investigating and embarrassing citizens by interviewing them on cameras, taking their pictures holding boards with incriminating inscriptions and parading them with their criminal items in press conference like they do to common criminals.

“We need the NDLEA to bring Abba Kyari to answer questions on TV with display of the 25kg cocaine. Let us not be hopeless in this country!” the lawyer wrote. The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, on Monday, handed over Kyari to anti-narcotics agency for prosecution over alleged link in drug trafficking after the NDLEA release damning photo and video evidence to nail Kyari.

The NDLEA said Kyari, the suspended head of the Intelligence Response Team, belonged to a drug cartel that operates the Brazil-Ethiopia-Nigeria illicit drug pipeline.

The anti-narcotics agency also said Kyari contacted one of its officers in Abuja and struck a deal to secure the release of a total of 25kg seized cocaine and offered $61,400 bribe to NDLEA officers who played along until his arrest.

The NDLEA also said it had photo and video evidence against Kyari.

The IGP in a statement had corroborated the NDLEA’s findings, saying incontrovertible evidence indicted Kyari in the drug crimes.

The police had been investigating Kyari for over eight months after the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States indicted the “super cop” in 2021 for his alleged role in a $1m scam allegedly perpetrated by alleged international Internet fraudster Ramon Abbas, aka, Hushpuppi and five others.

The FBI had said Hushpuppi paid Kyari N8m or $20,600 for the arrest and detention of a …

News / Oil & Gas / politics / Uncategorized

Substandard fuel: Producers, MRS, Oando, others must be held accountable – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that producers and providers of consumable products be held accountable for substandard services and or products sold by them.

The President has also given directives to the relevant government agencies to take every step in line with the laws of the country to ensure the respect and protection of consumers against market abuses and social injustices.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement on Thursday, said Buhari gave the directive while reacting to the issue of petroleum product shortages linked to the inadvertent supply of products of foreign origin into the Nigerian market.

According to the President, the protection of consumer interests is a priority of the present administration and is ready to take all necessary measures to protect consumers from hazardous products, loss or injuries from the consumption of substandard goods. Buhari, therefore, directed that in line with the law, service providers must make full disclosure of relevant information with respect to the consumption of their products and that dissatisfied consumers are entitled to a proper redress of their complaints.…

Uncategorized

Kylie Jenner welcomes 2nd child with Travis Scott

American reality TV star Kylie Jenner has welcomed a second child with partner Travis Scott.

The makeup mogul announced the big news via her Instagram page on Monday, February 7, 2022, posting a black-and-white photo of the newborn’s hand.

“💙 2/2/22,” Jenner captioned the pic.

She also shared several gifts she received for her child from family and friends via her Instagram Story.

Congratulations to the couple.

The news about the billionaire cosmetic mogul’s pregnancy first broke in August 2021.

Scott and Jenner have been in an off-and-on relationship for years now.

In October 2019, the couple ended their relationship with reports citing busy schedules as the reason behind their split.

A few months earlier the two ended their relationship after it was reported that Scott was cheating on the model.

He, however, denied the allegations.

…
Uncategorized

Adele talks about Amy Winehouse, almost not releasing her new album ’30,’ her divorce and more

On November 17, 2021, popular English singer-songwriter, Adele joined Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 to unpack her highly anticipated fourth studio album, 30. 

Adele Tells Apple Music About Initially Wanting To Release ’30’ Earlier…

I wanted it to come out last year, obviously. And, when I drunkedly announced it at my best friend’s wedding on the stage. Expect my album in September, to a room full of people I don’t f***ing know. But, I wouldn’t know I’d be announcing it to everyone that already pretty much knew anyway. Who the f**k did I think I was? It would’ve been done by then. I hadn’t done the orchestras yet.

And, I hadn’t finalized all of my BVs and stuff like that. But, it would have, had the world not shut down. And, it’s such an integral piece to my life story over the last few years, that I wanted it to come out. Because, when it does come out, it’s the final door closing on that chapter of my life. So, it feels like it’s dragged out for me a little bit.

Adele Tells Apple Music About Losing and Regaining Her Connection With Her Own Music…

I don’t think there’s any expectation of sincerity left in music from artists. And, I believe that artists are sincere. And, I think to be an artist, like an actual artist, it comes from deep within us.

And, it’s a necessity that we have to put it out. And, I don’t just mean being an artist as a singer or a writer. It could be a painter. It could be a photographer. It could be a chef, an architect. Someone that’s creating something. And, I just feel like it’s just a transaction now. And, that’s not why I got into music.

It’s just not my vibe. But, I’m not in it long enough at a time for it to really take me off of music at all. If I was doing this every year, I mean, I’d just be a zombie I think. But,

…
Uncategorized

FirstBank unveils fully automated branch

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has unveiled its first fully automated branch: First Bank Digital Experience Centre. for customers.

The Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Adeduntan said the digital experience center would afford customers the opportunity to carry out various banking activities on their own without interacting with anyone.

He said the branch was a reinvention of digital banking solutions in the country as customers were exposed to a seamless world-class banking experience. The self-service branch is built with a wide range of phased modern banking facilities, which include humanoid robots equipped with Video Banking and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” said Adeduntan.

According to him, the device takes on the role of friendly branch staff, Teller Cash Recyclers and Self-Service kiosks for non-financial transactions such as account update.

He said it also performs the role of Fast Track (Contactless) ATMs and Interactive Smart Screen to ensure effective and comprehensive consultation with bank sales staff via remote video connection.

Adeduntan added: “Other services include funds transfer, dispensing of new ATM cards; fixed deposit booking between N100,000.00 to N5,000,000.00, card services and management, cheque management, email and phone number update, amongst many others.

“With our Digital Experience Centre, we have reiterated our role in pioneering leading innovative technology-driven solutions.

“Our self-service branch exemplifies the future of banking in Nigeria and we remain committed to putting You, our customers First.”

Adeduntan also noted that the First Bank Digital Experience Centre was piloted by the bank’s remodeled Adetokunbo Ademola branch, Victoria Island.…

Uncategorized

BBNaija’s Angel’s mum shades Maria over husband snatching allegations

Titi, mother of BBNaija’s Angel has dropped a shade post after Cubana Chief Priest accused Maria of snatching his sister’s husband.

The socialite had accused Maria of snatching his sister’s husband.

The reality TV star’s mum took to her Instagram Stories where she mimicked an unapologetic woman having a conversation with the wife of the man she’s having an affair with.

Titi’s post came hour after Cubana Chief Priest called out Maria for having an affair with his sister’s husband.

According to him, the reality TV star didn’t only have an affair with his in-law but also threatened his sister.

“She Stole My Sisters Husband As If That’s Not Enough She Is Sending Her Threats, That I Won’t Let It Slide, Kelvin I Dey Find Una Come That Dubai Nothing Must Happen To My Sister,” he wrote.

“@mariachikebenjamin How On Earth Will You Threaten A Married Woman Who Has A Male N Female Offspring To Leave Her Husband For You Or Die, You Dey Show Person Husband Watch N Car To Pepper Her, Kelvin Am So Ashamed Of You, All Of Us Dey Street.”

Maria is yet to react to the allegations levelled against her.

…
Uncategorized

Sowore: Kidnapped victim confirms abductors were herdsmen

One of the victims of last Saturday’s kidnapping incident in Okada axis of Benin City, Edo State, during which Olajide Sowore, the younger brother to the convener of Revolution Now, Omoyele Sowore, was killed, Rev. Sister Emmanuella Anyanwu, has confirmed that their abductors and killers were herdsmen.

The victim spoke in an interview on Monday, three days after the incident in which five others were kidnapped.

Anyanwu, who narrated how she escaped from the kidnappers, confirmed that those who abducted her and four others later brought their cows to the camp where they were kept in the bush.

Anyanwu said that she escaped from the kidnappers when they were engrossed in a conversation with a man, who brought an object of interest to her abductors.

The 34-year old Anyanwu from the All Blessed of the Holy Spirit Convent in Ghana, explained that she was on her way to Imo State from Ghana and had stopped over in Lagos State, where she boarded a vehicle to her final destination, but was abducted by the herdsmen, who attacked their broken down commercial bus, in which the passengers slept overnight.

She explained that her abductors demanded for a ransom of N10 million, but she offered only N500,000, which infuriated the kidnappers.

Below is the full text of her interview:
“My name is Emmanuella Anyanwu, I am from Imo State. On Friday, we were coming from Lagos to the South-East and our vehicle broke down around Okada on the outskirts of Benin. We passed the night in the vehicle. At about 6.30am to 7am, some men came out from the bush shooting at us and we surrendered.

“They took our belongings including our phones and marched us into the bush. It took us almost two hours to get to their camp. They blindfolded us. So they started calling us one after the other and I was the last person they called. They asked me where I was coming from and where I was going. I told them that I was coming from Lagos and …

Uncategorized

Masari to IG: You can’t police Katsina, I’ll employ vigilantes

The Katsina Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has said the Nigeria Police cannot adequately police the state with a population of about eight million with its level of manpower and equipment.

Masari said this when he received the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Usman Baba, at the Government House on Thursday.

He said: “Katsina State has a population of about eight million people.

“And how many policemen do we have in Katsina State?

“From my assessment of policemen in the local government areas, I don’t think we have up to 3,000 policemen in the entire state.

“Let us assume that they are up to 3,000, what it means is that we have a policeman to every 200,000 people.

“How effective can that policeman be?

“Then, we come to arms and ammunition.

“What do the police have?

“And when it comes to modern equipment for combating criminality, how much of it do the police have?

“And the same thing goes for all other security agencies.

“They are in South South battling militants.

“They are in the South East battling IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra).

“They are in North East battling Boko Haram and ISWAP and insurgents.

“And they are in the North West battling bandits.

“Here, the bandits have infiltrated the communities recruiting young men with as low as N5,000 along with drugs and other intoxicants.

“We must stop the culture of not reporting criminals because of tribal or family affiliations.”

Masari then went on to tell Baba he will recruit more vigilantes to strengthen security architecture in the state.

He said the recruitment will cover the 34 local government areas of the state.

The governor also said the vigilantes would be posted to strategic places to help the police and other security agencies with relevant information on security.

He added: “If they detect any crime or criminalities, they will alert the security in arresting the situation.

“These initiative will assist in protecting communities from bandits.”

Baba told Masari that he came in at a difficult time as the IG, adding that they …