Williams Sisters excited to be in Nigeria

 The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, who are currently on tour of Nigeria, say they are excited to be in Nigeria to be part of the women empowerment programme initiated by the Connect Marketing Services.

The sisters, who attended a media conference in company of their mother, Oracene Price at the Palace Hotel in Lagos Wednesday, said every Nigerian girl must rise and achieve her potential.

Venus said: “Its so amazing being here for the first time. I tried several times but I’m glad I made it this time around.“And, for the Nigerian women, they can do a lot to improve themselves and we salute the organisers of this initiative for thinking about women empowerment.”

Venus added that it will be a great opportunity for her to play an exhibition match against her younger sister, Serena.“It’s going to be great to play for the Nigeria fans, I don’t know who will win, but I will play my best game on Friday.

 Thanks For having us here in Lagos.”For Serena, the 15 times grand slam winner said: “We are excited to be in Nigeria. My first time was a brief stop over when I traveled to an African country a few years back.
“It was disappointing that I could not interact with Nigerians back then, that’s why I’m going to cherish every minute I have to spend here now.
“It also makes me crazy to know that we have many fans in Nigeria, infact, I receive thousands of messages everyday on Twitter from Nigerians who were asking if I would come here. Well here I am and It will be a honour to play against my sister for Nigerians and we will give you a good show.”
The conference was attended by the Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Mrs Dehab Ghebreab, the Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General in Lagos, Nigeria and international journalists from Africa and Europe.
The Williams sisters will train some invited kids during a tennis clinic slated for the Ikoyi Club Wednesday afternoon.
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Replace Dead Street Light, Railings On 3rd Mainland Bridge

Commuters and motorists plying 3rd Mainland Bridge can now heave a sigh of relief following the full opening of the bridge which has been under repairs for 16 weeks.Works Minister, Mike Onolememen opened the bridge Tuesday after eight expansion joints of the longest bridge linking Lagos Mainland with the Island were repaired. 

Though it cost the Federal Government N1 billion to repair the bridge which was constructed in the 70s by the General Olusegun Obasanjo military regime and commissioned by General Ibrahim Babangida, we believe that  the repair work should have encompassed replacing the dead street light and railings. 

Given the huge fund spent on the project, it is amazing that replacing the stolen railings and street light was not factored into the project. For that reason, the bridge will still be devoid of these facilities that are very crucial to the safety of commuters and motorists.

As important as these facilities are, we expected that the Federal Government or the Works Ministry would place a high premium on providing street light on that bridge through which millions of people commute daily to the nation’s economic nerve centre. 

It is the absence of street light that facilitates frequent robbery attacks on that bridge at night. Motorists whose vehicles break down on the bridge have always had harrowing experiences in the hands of bandits who rob and some times kill them under the cover of darkness.

The absence of street light has turned the bridge into a dangerous haven for night marauders, muggers and armed robbers who ambush their victims with ease. Sometimes motorists and commuters are attacked in traffic jams and the hoodlums melt into darkness.
It is inconceivable that a bridge of such strategic importance could be left in utter darkness at night. 

The minister of works should, as a matter of urgency, instruct the relevant agencies to replace the dead street light. It doesn’t require rocket science to do so. Or will another contract have to be awarded before the street light and railing are restored?
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Ladies, is this true?


A recent study claimed that half of all single women have s**x with their Exes while looking for love. Do you agree? Have you ever slept with an ex?
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Book On The History Of "Nigerian" 419 Scam Wins Lietrature Award


Will Ferguson  has won the 2012 Giller Prize, the $50,000 award considered one of Canada's most prestigious literary honours.
The Calgary writer was named winner for his book 419 on Tuesday night at a star-studded gala in Toronto.

A dark thriller, 419 is a provocative tale of an email scam and a woman who sets out on a wide-ranging search for those she believes responsible for her father's death. It's a departure from the humour and travel writing for which Ferguson  a three-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal is best known.

According to Will Ferguson’s latest novel titled 419 is one of the world’s oldest scams. Here's what Will Ferguson, author of 419, had to say.

It grew out of the research I did for my previous novel, Spanish Fly, a story about con men and call girls set in the dustbowl of the Great Depression. In researching the classic swindles of that era, I came upon a reference to the "Spanish Prisoner" con game, which dates back to the days of the Spanish Armada. A footnote added: "Today's Nigerian 419 con is a modern variation on this." That the root of these email spam-scams could be traced back 500 years fascinated me. And although 419 is very much set in today's internet-saturated world, the con itself taps into something much older in human nature. That's what hooked me.
A sense of longing. The characters in 419 are all searching for each other -- they just don't know it.

Asked: If your book was being made into a movie, which actors could you envision taking on the main characters?
He said; I wrote the character of Winston with the Nigerian-born British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor in mind. And Sarah Polley would be perfect for Laura. Other than that, the image I had of the characters was primarily in my own mind, and not based on any specific people, actors or otherwise.
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Controversy Over Governor Ajimobi's Wife 'Arrest' For Money Laundering



An evening newspaper on Tuesday in its online version, published a report entitled ‘Anxiety over Florence Ajimobi’s alleged arrest in UK.’ An online agency, Newsleak, also claimed that the wife of the governor of Oyo State had been arrested in London for money laundering.

But Governor Abiola Ajimobi's wife, Florence, has denied reports of her arrest by the Metropolitan Police in London, but confirmed that she's in the UK.

Speaking with journalists in a telephone interview on Tuesday, the governor’s wife described the news of her arrest as the handiwork of the opposition trying to discredit the Ajimobi-led administration in the state.

Asked if she was invited by the police since her arrival in London, she said, “No, not at all. I came back with my daughter on Sunday. Now, I am getting ready to come back home. I have not been invited by the police and I don’t know what all this is about.”

On the reason for her latest trip abroad, she said she took her 14-year-old daughter back to school after her holiday. “I have a 14-year-old daughter who has been here since 2007. She came to Nigeria for two weeks; we left Nigeria on Sunday morning. That is my mission here.

“I read the report here in England. I was shocked. I read it but there is no iota of truth in everything they wrote. I’m sure it is the work of the opposition and I am surprised that some people can descend so low to write falsehood.

“I am expected back in the country tomorrow (Wednesday) morning,” she said.

Asked to confirm the allegation that she had since the inception of the administration traveled for 52 times, she simply said, “It then means I am not living in Nigeria. Maybe, when I travel back, I will show you my passport to count how many times I have traveled.

“I want you to deal with facts. If you look at my passport since 2007 and compare the way I travelled then with the way I travel now, you will discover that I travel less now.

“My daughter is complaining that I am not regular here. I make her come to Nigeria more because I can’t afford to spend 10 days or more over here.”

Meanwhile, the governor has instituted a N1bn suit against the Independent Communications Network Limited, publishers of PM News for the report.
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I went through my husband's phone and now I'm devastated


Dear todaysgist reader
I went through my husband's phone yesterday because of my recent suspicions that he's cheating on me but what I saw on the phone was far worse than what I was expecting to find there. It has practically ruined my life.

My husband told his cousin via bb chat that he had fallen out of love with me a long time ago, that the only reason he's still in the marriage was because of our three kids. We've been married for eight years and I've done everything I know how to be a good wife and this is what I get? It would have been less painful if he was cheating. I don't know what to do.


I even called in sick to work this morning because I've not been able to stop crying. Should I confront him? Should I release him by giving him a divorce? I love this man to death and I can't believe he stopped loving me along the way.

What did I do? He always said I was a good wife, when did I stop being that? He has been so distant lately that I thought he was seeing another woman. My husband has ruined my life.
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$180m HALLIBURTON SCANDAL: Two ex-Heads of State battle Jonathan


Following the directive by President Goodluck Jonathan that the investigative report into the $180 million Halliburton bribery scandal be re-opened and the major culprits re-arrested, Vanguard gathered that this has resulted in a fall out between two former heads of state and President Jonathan.

The two former heads of state (names withheld) were said to have been found in the investigative report to have benefitted from the sharing of the Halliburton bribe money using fronts who have already confessed that they were only fronting for their principals.



Incidentally, when the investigation team took off from Abuja sometime in 2010 and landed in Ibadan on their way to the home of one of the indicted persons, Bodunde Adeyanju, to recover documents relating to how the Halliburton bribe money was collected and disbursed, the team was sent back  to Abuja from the Ibadan airport.


It was gathered that President Jonathan is determined to prosecute those found wanting in the bribery scandal to demonstrate not only to Nigerians who feel he is a toothless bulldog when it comes to fighting corruption, but also to show the international community that corrupt people, no matter their status in the society, can be brought to book in Nigeria.

And as part of this determination, it was gathered that an approval has been secured by the five-man inter-agency panel headed by the Inspector General of Police, including EFCC, SSS, and ICPC, to travel to France, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Spain to confirm the foreign leg of the investigations which mostly involves wiring of the funds, the amounts and the account holders.

It will be recalled that this aspect of the investigation was to be carried out in 2010, as the visas had been acquired and about N50million meant for the trip and investigation expenses made available but the trip was called off following pressure said to have been mounted on the office of the Attorney General of the federation by a former head of state.

Already, Vanguard gathered that the US government has sent a letter to the Federal Government warning that it may apply certain amount of sanctions in line with international anti-corruption protocols if the culprits are not prosecuted and if the $26.5 million paid by Julius Berger as Plea Bargain is not located and given to the Police.

Meanwhile, the Police authorities are said to be working round the clock to unravel the mystery surrounding whereabouts of the Julius Berger plea bargain money with the Inspector General of Police vowing that the money must be found.

It was gathered that as part of investigation on the matter, all the receipts of plea bargain money returned by other suspects during investigation, and whose amounts were lodged in such government accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ministry of Finance, Accountant General’s office and the office of the Accountant General of the federation have been recalled and the monies located except that returned by Julius Berger.

It will be recalled that President Jonathan had directed the Police to resuscitate the investigative report of the $180million Halliburton scam following America ’s insistence that the culprits in the bribery scandal must be brought to book before the $130million in US coffers can be returned to Nigeria .

America also insisted that the $26.5million plea bargain money returned by Construction giant, Julius Berger, must be located and made available to Police following suspicion that the money has developed legs and ended up in some person’s pocket.

Since the directive there has been confusion over the whereabouts of the huge amount of money and this according to sources has angered President Jonathan who has subsequently charged the Attorney General of the federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke to fish out the money and make it available to the Police by end of this week.

The decision to task the Attorney General with the assignment according to sources followed conflicting statements by both Julius Berger, office of the Accountant General of the federation and the Police investigators about the true position of the funds. One account said the money was in the possession of the Accountant General of the federation. Another account said the money was being kept in the office of the AGF while the Police said they are at a loss of the money’s whereabouts.

Julius Berger one of the companies indicted in the Halliburton $180 million bribery scandal had opted for a plea bargain in order to be speared the prosecution process following the conclusion of the 5 man inter-agency investigation panel.
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Nigerian Female S**x Trafficker Sentenced to 20yrs In Prison



Osezua Osolase, a 42 year old Nigerian man ho carried out witchcraft on teenage girls he trafficked from Nigeria to Europe for prostitution has been jailed for 20 years. It was recommended by the jury that Mr Osolase be deported once he has served his sentence.

Mr Osolase from Gravesend, Kent is reported to preyed on poverty-stricken orphans with the promise of a better life, Canterbury Crown Court heard. Judge Adele Williams told him he was devoid of conscience and compassion.

Mr Osolase was found guilty of five counts of trafficking, one of rape and one of sexual activity with a child.

The jury was told in a six-week trial which ended on Friday that West African “juju rituals” were used to instil terror into Osolase’s three vulnerable victims, one aged just 14. ‘Exploitation and degradation’ The judge said the recycling worker, who has HIV, put his victims “in fear” to force their obedience and secure their silence.

“You were dealing in exploitation and manipulation and degradation,” she told Mr Osolase. “You are undoubtedly a very, very dishonest man. You are arrogant and manipulative; you are devoid of conscience, devoid of any compassion to your victims.”

The judge said Mr Osolase treated the girls as objects to be sold as sex slaves. The fact that he raped one girl knowing he had HIV was a “seriously aggravating” feature. Mr Osolase is alleged to take the girls to his home in Gravesend before sending them to work as prostitutes in mainland Europe.

The court had heard girls were trafficked into the UK and taken to Mr Osolase’s home in Gravesend before being sent to work as prostitutes in mainland Europe. One of the girls described the Juju ceremony performed on her in Nigeria. During the ritual, samples of blood were extracted from the girl and her head hair and pubic hair were also cut.

She was then told to swear an oath of silence. Osolase was stopped at Stansted airport in April 2011 attempting to board a plane.

Anthony Orchard QC, defending, said Mr Osolase disclosed that he had HIV voluntarily to police. “Mr Osolase acknowledges and regrets the consequences of his actions in relation to taking the girls out of the UK, and he has to bear the consequences of those actions,” Mr Orchard told the court.
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Why I invited Aki, Paw Paw to meet flood victims


DELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, said Monday, that he invited popular Nollywood actors, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, popularly known as Aki and Paw Paw, to visit flood victims in the state as motivational speakers to alleviate the pains of the internally displaced persons.

Aki and Paw Paw were first noticed by some persons at the inauguration of the 12-man committee on the management of Federal Government fund released to the state over the flood disaster and the Post-Flooding Rehabilitation of Victims, headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Francis Tabai, at Government House, Asaba, by Governor Uduaghan.

They were conspicuous in their attire and size and that attracted the crowd, which went hysterical.

Governor Uduaghan, who painted a sorrowful picture of the pains the internally displaced persons, IDPs, were going through, having been sacked from their homes by flood, said everybody who knew how to ease pains should help to ease the pains of the victims.



The governor said he decided to invite Aki and Paw Paw after he visited the Institute of Continuing Education, ICE, flood victims’ camp at about 11.00 pm on a certain day and discovered that the IDPs, who were watching a Nollywood movie, were so engrossed that they barely gave him attention when he walked in.

Uduaghan said: “As I walked in, half of the population were watching television; you know we provided a giant television for them.

“I tried to attract their attention. Some looked at me and greeted me, but they turned to continue watching the television. When I looked at the television, I saw it was Aki, Paw Paw and Ibu that they were watching.

“You see, because they were watching Aki, Paw Paw and Ibu, they forgot their pains. For them, these Nollywood actors were helping them to ease their pains. That was why I invited them to go to the different camps as motivational speakers because the victims require a lot of motivation, while they are preparing to go back home.”

The governor observed that some of the victims, indeed, required psychological support, adding that he was optimistic that Aki and Paw Paw would provide it for them.

“That is why they are here as motivational speakers.  I believe that the few minutes they will spend will ease the pains of our IDPs. Those who have ability to ease those in pains, please help, it is not about food alone for the victims – that will not ease their pains.”
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IBB Has Abandoned Me; Jonathan Please Help Me Before I Die



"I have been used and dumped, especially by Babangida. Some politicians who don’t like me were also preventing the President from giving me assistance, after I sent a message about my health predicament to him."

“I am going back to hospital. President Goodluck Jonathan should help me. I cried to him through Chief Edwin Clark. There is vindictiveness in the land. I have paid my dues in this country and the country is unfair to me. What did I not do?”

Prof. Omo Omoruyi, was on Monday flown abroad following his deteriorating health. But in a parting shot, the man cried out to President Goodluck Jonathan to help him since Gen Ibrahim Babangida whom he served has turned his back on him.

It would be recall that Prof. Omoruyi was appointed Director General, Centre for Democratic Studies, by former military dictator, General Ibrahim Babangida.

Omoruyi was first diagnosed with cancer in 2007, but his condition improved after receiving treatment in the United States. Speaking in Benin City, Edo State, before travelling to the US, he appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and other Nigerians to come to his aid.

“My cancer is back and I don’t know how it will end. Governor Adams Oshiomhole has graciously come to my aid again. He is the one making it possible for me to commence my second journey...

“IBB abandoned me. I let him know about the first journey. He did not help me, not even one kobo so I cannot go to him for this second journey. In the first journey I did not hear from him. "
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Gunmen kill 4 at beer parlour in Plateau

 Gunmen Sunday night killed four persons and injured seven others at a beer parlour popularly known as Burukutu Joint at Gindin Akwati in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of plateau State. 

The assailants were said to have opened fire on those at the beer parlour. The injured are receiving treatment at the Plateau Hospital.

The spokesman of the state police command, ASP Abu Emmanuel, who confirmed the incident, asked the residents of the area to remain calm, saying though no arrest had been made, the matter was being investigated.

He said one Ali Iliya had reported the gunfire at the Barkin Ladi Police Station in the early hours of yesterday, saying the assailants had escaped before the police got to the scene.
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Man, 32, rap*s 9-year-old


An Osogbo Magistrate Court yesterday remanded a 32-year-old man, Akinboye Adewole, in prison for allegedly raping nine-year-old Abosede Aluko.

He was said to have committed the offence on the 14th of October, 2012 at the Olorisaoko area of Ikire, Osun State.The accused pleaded not guilty, while his counsel, Abimbola Ige, prayed the court to grant him bail. But Magistrate Olusola Aluko adjourned the case to November 28, 2012.
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EFCC Arraigns Briton Over Alleged $227,035 Fraud

 A British citizen named Anthony Boyson, whose alias is Armstrong Christopher, was yesterday arraigned before a Lagos State High Court in Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly defrauding Pilgrims Africa Limited of $227,035.

Charged alongside Boyson was Nwamadi Monica, also with an alias, Anozie C. Happiness, and Marisec Services Limited on a nine-count-charge of fraud, which they pleaded not guilty.
Monica and Boyson were accused of defrauding Pilgrims Africa Limited through Marisec Services Limited by falsely pretending to be the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Jacobus Marthinus Claasens.

The charge, marked No. ID/329C/2011, read in part: “Anthony Boyson, a.k.a. Armstrong Christopher, Nwamadi Monica CHA, a.k.a. Anozie C. Happiness, and Marisec Services Limited on or about February 16, 2011, in Lagos, within Ikeja Judicial Division with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of USD98,000 from Pilgrims Africa Limited through Marisec Services Limited, Zenith Bank account Number 4071000273 by falsely pretending to be Mr.
 Jacobus Marthinus Claasens of Pilgrims Africa Limited, that the money represented the cost of hiring one vessel, “Lady Mary T” at USD7,000 per day from February 16, 2011 to March 1, 2011 which pretence you knew to be false.”

EFCC lawyer, Mr. ABC Ozioko, told the court he had two witnesses in court for the trial, noting that the initial information in the charge be withdrawn and pave way for the amended information.He argued that it was right for the prosecution to amend information at any time before judgement, and urged the court to give him a week to enable him file a written submission on the motion over the seizure of the defendants’ passport and laptop.

Ozioko pointed out that items collected from the defendants by the commission were received in the course of investigation and had something to do with the amended information.
He then urged the court to take the plea of the defendants since the old information had been withdrawn.

Mr. A. Festus, Counsel to the defendants, in his objection, argued that the new information was served him yesterday morning, stressing that he had not gone through it, neither had the defendants seen it.

Festus argued that in line with the law, materials seized should be attached as exhibit, noting that there was nowhere it was written in the prosecutor’s information that passport was received.He told the court that there was already an application before it, adding that “it will be a travesty of justice if we go into the trial without considering that application.”

After listening to the argument of both counsels, the trial judge, Justice D. O. Oluwayemi, adjourned the matter till Friday, November 2, 2012, for continuation of trial and hearing of motion.
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FCMB concludes merger with FinBank, records N12.1bn profit in Q3

 THE merger between First City Monument bank (FCMB) Plc and FinBank Plc, was yesterday finally consummated, as the parties concluded the legal and regulatory processes and requirements.Already, the merger plan between the institutions received a boost following the approval by the Federal High Court in Lagos, last week.

With the completion of the merger scheme, the two banks would fully integrate and begin to operate as a single entity, as well as serviced by a broadened and robust infrastructure.
Meanwhile, First City Monument Bank has announced its unaudited IFRS-compliant group financial results for the nine-months ended September 30, 2012.

According to a press statement from the bank, the unaudited group results for the nine-months showed steady improvement in year-on-year performance of the bank.Specifically, the bank’s profit before tax rose by 23 per cent to N12.1 billion, with annualized Return on Equity (ROE) also rising by 45 percent in September 2012 to 11.0 percent from 7.6 per cent for the corresponding period of 2011. This was enabled by the improved balance sheet leverage.

Commenting on the merger, the Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Ladi Balogun said: “With the culmination of the legal and regulatory processes, we are now able to integrate our operations fully and deliver the expected benefits to shareholders and customers. The enlarged single entity is well positioned to compete in the consolidating banking landscape.

“Our customers will experience continued improvements in the customer experience, improved convenience, greater and quicker access to financial support, with simple processes, products and communication. This is, indeed, a pivotal transaction for the Bank and one that will lead to significant and sustained increase in shareholder value.”

Further review of the bank’s performance showed that the group net revenues for the same period went up by 36 per cent (year-on-year) to close at N34.5 billion while net revenue grew by 11 percent (quarter-on-quarter).
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Wiped out by Boko Haram: They killed my son, daughter, husband


When about 45 years ago, Chief Basil Okonkwo, a business man, left his home-state, Anambra for Azare in Bauchi State in search of greener pastures, he had lofty dreams.
Like any good father, he planned to train his children, give out his daughters in marriage and one day, retire and reap the fruits of his labour.

Providence and mother luck seemed to be on his side as God blessed the work of his hands and he prospered. As his business grew, he got married to his heartthrob, Virginia, and they were also bountifully blessed with 10 children – three boys and seven girls.

Everything seemed to be on a roller coaster for Chief Okonkwo until April, 2011, after the presidential election. His first son, Nnaemeka Christian, married with a son, was killed in Bauchi in the post- election crisis that trailed the presidential poll in the North.

The brutal killing of Nnaemeka whose wife was also pregnant at the time, shocked Chief Okonkwo and from that moment, he began to think home and made quick arrangements to send his wife and children to Anambra state.

Due to the long years he had spent in Bauchi with its accompanying connections and commitments, it wasn’t easy pulling out the entire family back home at once. Consequently, his wife and some other children first relocated while Celestine, his surviving second son, the seventh daughter, Ifeoma and Sunday his apprentice stayed behind with him because of their education and business.
In his plans for complete relocation, Chief Okonkwo came home and began the construction of a modern building in his compound that will accommodate his family and befits his status as a progressive businessman who had spent many years in the North.
Black Sunday
But all the noble plans of Chief Okonkwo were shattered on the night of 0ctober14, 2012 when gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect killed him, his daughter, Ifeoma and his apprentice, Sunday Ezechukwu. His second surviving son, Celestine, an electrical electronics engineer, would have been dead too if not by divine arrangement.
According to him, he left his father’s shop on his private motorcycle and less than fifteen minutes later, the gunmen swooped on the trio, opened fire and killed them instantly as they closed their shop and were about driving home in the family’s Peugeot 505 wagon after the day’s business.
Chief Okonkwo and his daughter were buried on Monday, October 23, amidst tears and anger. Earlier, his late apprentice, Sunday Ezechukwu from Aguleri Otu, also in Anambra state, was buried in his country-home.
Oh my daughter, my husband!
On Wednesday, when Sunday Sun reporter visited the late Okonkwo’s compound at Mkpuke village, Umunnachi, there was pin-drop silence while forlorn faces betrayed emotions of sadness, anger and confusion.
Okonkwo’s widow, Virginia and Chinyere, Nnaemeka’s widow were crestfallen even as other members of the family were brooding over the cruel fate that befell them.
Okonkwo was buried beside his uncompleted building while the late Nnaemeka’s two kids even in their childhood innocence seemed aware that things were not okay as they refused to play around with fellow children.
Madam Virginia, after much persuasion and consolation by the reporter managed to say few words.
“Oh my daughter, oh my husband! If they were sick and hospitalized, it would have been better as I would have shared in their pains and even helped out in the hospital as a mother. But look at what has happened to me. I’m still mourning my first son, now they have done their worst by killing this two in cold blood. “We are not politicians and we are not struggling for anything with anybody. But since I voted for Goodluck Jonathan in the last presidential election, my family has been shattered. This is how we have ended up. Where do I begin from here? My beloved daughter had dreams as a student, my husband also had plans to relocate finally from the North but all the plans have been shattered.”
Revenge is for God
Okonkwo’s third son, Gozie was so bitter over the situation that he queried whether Nigeria’s unity in diversity is really true.
“If this had happened to a northerner in eastern Nigeria, the whole world would shake. But look at us, nobody is asking us how we intend to start life again. I came down here after the killing of my elder brother last year, and I’m yet to adjust in the east. My father was still planning to set up something tangible for me here before they killed him too.
“We cannot kill in revenge and I don’t think whether killing ten people can pay for my father’s life. I don’t think also that it will be out of place to say that this is a premeditated action against Ndigbo but our family is now the greatest victims.”
My life has been shattered
Perhaps the most pathetic scenario during the reporter’s visit was the encounter with Chinyere Okonkwo whose husband, Nnaemeka, was killed last year. Cuddling her baby girl delivered after her husband’s tragic death, she cut the image of a woman with high potentials if fate didn’t deal her a fatal blow. Amidst sobs, she poured out her pains.

“They have finished me. When my husband was killed, I wanted to lose hope in life. It was my husband’s family that consoled me and told me they would stand by me at least for the sake of the children. My father-in-law had been shouldering the responsibility of all of us. Now, he has been murdered too in this agonizing manner. Where do we go from here?

My husband and children all died in vain
While Madam Virginia mourned the loss of her husband and two children, her greatest pain was that according to her, they all died in vain as relevant authorities have neither asked about the bereaved family’s condition nor addressed the situation that led to the deaths.

“When my first son was killed, Governor Isa Yuguda told Igbo people in Bauchi not to relocate because according to him, any state without strangers and non-natives cannot go far in development. The fury generated by their death drew the attention of the federal government. They came from Abuja and took our pictures and records but that was the last we heard anything from the state and federal governments. The most painful thing was that they asked me to takes pictures with my murdered son as he lay inside the casket. They said it was for evidence purposes that would ensure that we are compensated. But now, nothing came out of it and today, more people have been killed again in my family.

“My children ought to be natives of Bauchi State because they were all born there but look at how we ended up. Again, how can the activities of Boko Haram remain unabated while the government keeps assuring us that they are handling the situation?
A cry for help

Despite the tragic loss by the Okonkwo family, the surviving members of the family still knows that life must continue but the problem now is how to continue with no visible means of livelihood.

Urging for assistance from the federal as well as Anambra and Bauchi state governments, the first daughter of the family, Mrs Blessing Ezemanari summarized the situation thus,

“For us, it is already bye, bye to the North. My mother just came down to the village and she has not started anything meaningful. My murdered brother’s wife is also here with us with her two children. My siblings are still seeking for admission into higher schools. We appeal to Governor Peter Obi to assist us and use his position to influence other authorities to assist us.”
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Boko Haram Extorts Money From The Public Via SM


The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State, on Friday said members of the radical terrorist group have started sending threatening text messages to unsuspecting members of the public forcing them to deposit large sums of money in bank accounts.



According to a statement issued by the JTF spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa:

“Information available to the JTF Operation Restore Order indicated that the Boko Haram terrorists have desperately resorted to anonymous threat text messages and written notes to selected individuals, i.e. traders, contractors, politicians and government officials demanding for large amount of money to be used for certain purposes, including building of mosques.

“Therefore, the task force wishes to alert members of the public the unfortunate development and warn that whosoever succumbs to this ploy and channels money or resources to Boko Haram sect will be uncovered, arrested and treated as an accomplice and financier of the sect.

“The JTF wishes to once again request members of the public to forward such messages to the headquarters of the JTF through the under listed hotlines for drastic action: 08064174066, 07085464012, 08154429346,” the statement said.
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70 Year Old Man Beh**d*d In Akwa Ibom State



The headless body of a 70 year old man identified as Udo Jimmy (AKA Ete-Isang) has been discovered in a small village called Ikot Odion in Eket Local Government area of Akwa Akwa Ibom State. 



Ete-Isang, as he was fondly called left his house in the evening of Monday to scout for straws to feed his goat, but did not return back even after night-fall. Worried by this strange development,his children quickly reported the matter to the newly elected Village Head who immediately summoned an emergency town hall meeting of all the villagers to discuss the matter.

A search party was immediately dispatched to comb the bushes in the direction where he was said to have been seen earlier in the day. His lifeless body was found just less than half a mile from his backyard along the road leading to a nearby stream called Odu Iyak.

The Divisional Police office of Eket, Mr Idowu Owohunwa was intimated and immediately visited the scene alongside some of his men for proper investigation. No arrest was, however, made as no strong suspect was identified by the villagers during the course of police preliminary investigation.

But a young lady in her early thirties simply known as Edikan later came forward and said she saw a strange young man along the road of the bush stream while going to fetch water to cook food for her children.

She said she met a young man who easily got angry with her and questioned why she was staring at him so intently, further threatening to beat her if she continued staring at him. She finished by indicating that she did not know him but could recognize him if she saw him again.

A community leader, Mr Akpe Isang, while reacting to the incident said he believed that it was the hash way which poverty has significantly ravaged the state that has compelled young men to resort to ritual k**lings by beheading people to make quick money.

But in contrast to this, a second school of thought blamed the killing of this septuagenarian on witchcraft. One of the community spokespersons who spoke on account of anonymity said Mr Jimmy returned from Calabar three years ago after the death of his eldest son and settled at home. Witchcraft was widely believed to be the cause of his son’s d**th.

Killings like this has been going on for some time now in different parts of Akwa Ibom State which may not have any connection with politics as they mostly involved people from the local community.

In Oron area, for instance, about seven people were beh**ded just last month alone in different villages. However, what may be the cause of this very death, still remains a mystery.

But it will be recalled that in 2001, more than eleven people including children believed to be witches and wizards were tortured and killed in this village alone and buried in an unknown mass grave.
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Rivers jail break: 4 inmates at large, 6 injured

 Four escaped inmates from the Port Harcourt Ahoda Prison are still at large, Minister of Interior, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro,  has said. 

Speaking yesterday through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. George Udoh, Moro said six other inmates, who were critically injured during the jail break, would be returned to the prison after their treatment.

The inmates on Saturday went on a rampage at about 5pm, vandalised the office of the chief warden, burnt vital documents and destroyed the Close-Circuit Camera used in monitoring them. The minister, however, said the situation has been brought under control and assured that the incident would be investigated immediately.
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HELP!!! I Am A Prostitute And Wants To Quit



Hello Readers Of  Todaysgist

My name is ............I Started Prostitution when I was 15 and worked a couple of months, then stopped until I was 17 when I started again. I'm now 19. I work on the streets. It's not too bad actually - not as bad as people think.But I want to put a stop to it,seems am addicted to the fun i get from it...Advise please.
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62-Year-Old Man Defiles His 10-Year-Old Daughter In Abeokuta

A 62-year-old man, identified as Alabi Ibraheem, has been accused of having s**x with his 10-year-old stepdaughter in Abeokuta. Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPR0), Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed incident, also described it as barbaric.

 The suspect was alleged to have committed the crime at the family residence located at Opara Estate, Aiyetoro Road, Abeokuta, and had since been evading arrest. Adejobi said that the man would soon be arrested and brought to justice. 

 “The police totally condemn the act. He will not be spared. Thorough investigation shall be done and the man will be charged to court”, Adejobi said. The victim, (names withheld), while narrating her ordeal to the police, said her stepfather had been having carnal knowledge of her for some time. 

 The primary six pupil told the police that the man always threatened to kill her if she informed anyone about the unholy act. “Daddy always sleeps with me whenever my mother is not around. He tells me not to inform anyone each time he sleeps with me”, she said. 

 The girl, it was gathered, informed her siblings about the incident and her mother, Mrs Adiat Ibraheem, subsequently got wind of it. She reported the matter to the police. When policemen stormed Ibraheem's residence, the suspect had fled their home. Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Child Protection Network, has decided to pursue the case and ensure justice.
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80-year-old granny slams Sir Alex Ferguson's diamond formation

He'd never actually admit to it, but Sir Alex Ferguson is more open to suggestions about Manchester United's tactics than you might think. So when an 80-year-old gran from Rochdale turned the 'hairdryer' on the manager during a TV phone-in, Fergie had no choice but to listen. 
 
Margaret, as the caller was known, blasted United's 'winger-less' midfield formation in the midweek Champions League match over Braga.

She called the diamond set-up favoured by Ferguson in the 3-2 win 'stupid' and said she could have a heart attack if United keep having to come from behind in games.
 
And Fergie was obviously listening, because the diamond was ditched for Sunday’s 3-2 win at Chelsea in favour of a conventional line of four. Margaret rang United's in-house television station, MUTV, where former players David May and Quinton Fortune were hosting a Thursday night chat show. 
 
And despite United coming from two goals down to win against Braga, Margaret was not amused.'Please don't play the diamond at Chelsea,' she said. 'If you want me to have a word with the manager, I will.
 
'I’ve seen every good player you’ve ever had. And they weren’t that stupid, giving goals away, at the beginning.'Have you not noticed all the goals you're giving away are when you're playing that stupid diamond position? We have to go back to playing normally and catch up.'
 
When May, who made gate-crashing Champions League celebrations cool long before John Terry, started bantering with her, she turned the barrels on him.

'It isn't entertaining when you're 80 years old to watch goals going in from the other side,' said Margaret.'I don't like it. It's going to give me a heart attack and I’m 80. You wouldn't like to give me a heart attack. 'I have an opinion and it's certainly not the diamond. They don't know what to do - they run around like lost sheep.'
 
Ferguson even mentioned Margaret’s scathing comments in his press conference before the Chelsea game, promising to drop the diamond.
'I'd better not upset her,' he said. 'Did you hear her on MUTV? She's 80, phoned up and said "I'm fed up watching this diamond".
'She said "Tell that manager to stop playing that diamond". So I better not play it.'
And Margaret might expect a direct line to the manager now, after United's win at Stamford Bridge.

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St Rita Catholic Church bomb blast: A message from Pres. Jonathan


The bomb blast at St Rita Catholic Church in Kaduna today killed at least 8 people and injured over 100. A suicide bomber drove a Honda CRV packed with explosives into the church building at about 8.45am while worshippers gathered for the Sunday service. Below is a message from our president through his media spokesman, Reban Abati


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Four Die In Ogun Road Accident

Four persons were yesterday confirmed dead while others sustained injuries in a fatal auto crash which occurred in front of the Governor’s office, along the Oke-Mosan-Kobape-Sagamu dual carriage way in Abeokuta, the state capital. 

Reports say the mutilated bodies of the victims were removed from the wreckage of the auto crash after rescuers had axed their way into the wrecked car.

 The accident which involved a Toyota Tundra Jeep with registration number Lagos: FC 787LND and a Nissan Primeria car with registration number FZ 914 LSR was said to have occurred when the jeep heading for Shagamu crossed the median while the driver was receiving a phone call and hit the car with six passengers. 

The Ogun State rescue team of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance Agency (TRACE) were on hand to help remove the dead bodies from the wreckage. 

The team leader of the state traffic enforcement and compliance, Mr. Oladele Badmos while confirming the incident said those who were injured in the crash were receiving treatment at the federal medical centre, idiaba while the remains of the dead would be deposited at the mortuary.
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Two Suspected Kidnappers Killed In Delta


Soldiers of the Nigerian Army, 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks, near Warri, Delta State, have shot dead two suspected hired assassins and kidnappers in broad daylight at Ekpan, in Uvwie Local Government Area.Speaking to newsmen, Lt. Col Ifeanyi Otu, Commander, 3 Battalion confirmed the killing. He said soldiers gunned the suspects down while they were escaping with a bag stuffed with papers, which they thought was the N10 million ransom they had demanded from a victim, Chief Jonathan Governor.
Niger Delta People Salvation Front/Niger Delta People Volunteer Force, NDPSF/NDPVF, led by activist, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, however at the weekend, alleged that the Joint Task Force murdered a top member of the group and renowned musician, Mr. Tony Omoro.
Lt Col Otu explained that the suspects, Fidelis Amani and Tony Omoro, called and sent threat messages with an Airtel number to Chief Governor, telling him that a woman paid them N1 million to kill him if he failed to pay a ransom of N10 million.
The victim, alarmed by the threat, contacted senior officers of the battalion, who contrived a plan for him to play along with them, unknown to the criminals.
“On October 23, at about 0910hours, a report of the activities of hired assassins was lodged at our office by Chief Jonathan Governor of Ekpan.
“He said that two persons called him and sent threat messages with an Airtel number that a woman paid them N1 million to kill Governor if he did not pay a ransom of N10 million,” Otu said. [VN]
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Kaduna Bombing: Christian Mobs Target Neighbourhood Muslims


Following the attack on a Catholic church in Kaduna, Christian mobs with machetes and sticks has taken to the streets of the city targeting people they suspected to be Muslims.
A French news agency reporter said he saw mobs targeting people who they believed to be Muslims in the neighbourhood of the church.
According to a spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency, a rescue vehicle was also attacked in the violence after the bombing.
A suicide bomber had earlier slammed a car bomb into St. Rita Catholic Church in Malali, Kaduna during services, killing at least three people, officials said.
A rescue official said “At least three people are confirmed dead.” He added that the death toll included the suspected attacker and that there were a number of injuries.
The neighbourhood shook as the bomb blast has brought up fears of a fresh outbreak of reprisal attacks and clashes between Christians and Muslims.
A spokesman for Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency said it had received reports of a bomb blast in the area of a Catholic church and rushed rescuers to the scene.
“They were talking about a bomb explosion,” said Yushau Shuaib of the reports, while adding that his agency was however seeking to confirm details.
“A number of casualties evacuated to hospitals. The incident was suspected to be triggered by a suicide bomber in a car …”
Residents fear clashes breaking out after the blast that shook the area, between Christians and Muslims, as some say there were reported clashes already.
“There was a loud explosion and I could see smoke on the horizon,” one resident said. Another resident also reported hearing the blast.
Attack by Boko Haram in northern and central Nigeria has led to more than 2,800 deaths since 2009. President Goodluck Jonathan has said the group is seeking to incite a religious crisis in Nigeria.
Nigerians are frustrated with increasing insecurity in the country as insurgency attacks have been happening too often. Worse still, security forces’ inability to stop Boko Haram attacks has increased fears that the violence may continue.
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