Hunter Mistakes Friend to Prey, Shoots Him to Death

A hunter, Sikiru Osideko has been arrested for allegedly shooting dead his friend, Segun Okusi, while hunting in Isara, in the Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun state.

It was learnt that Osideko, who was arrested on Thursday, July 30, told the police that he shot his friend in error, as he had mistaken him for a prey during the expedition.

Report has it that at about 4pm on Thursday, Osideko and Okusi, who were friends, as well as hunters, had gone on an expedition in a nearby bush.

It was learnt that about 30 minutes after they separated, Osideko reportedly noticed a movement in the bush and shot in the direction with his dane gun.

Okusi was said to have let out a sharp cry, which made the suspect to realise that he had shot at his friend.

Osideko reportedly rushed to the place and tried to resuscitate his friend, but to no avail.

Real Madrid Star, Cristiano Ronaldo Says He Doesn't Give A F**k About FIFA

Cristiano Ronaldo has made it a habit of walking out of interviews if he's asked the wrong question.

The Ballon d'Or holder did that again when he was asked about the current FIFA in an interview.

"I don't care about FIFA, Qatar, I don't give a f***," Ronaldo said before adding, "speak about FIFA, come on..." before walking out of the interview.

16-yr-old Victim of Gay Pride Parade Stabbing Dies

One of the victims stabbed at Jerusalem's gay pride parade last week has died, police and health officials in Jerusalem said Sunday. Shira Banki, who was 16 was one of six people stabbed Thursday by an attacker Yishai Shlissel, an Orthodox Jew who was released from prison just weeks ago after serving 10 years for stabbing marchers at a 2005 gay pride parade in Jerusalem.

Shlissel was arrested immediately after the attack, according to Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri, CNN reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent his condolences to Banki's family Sunday. "Shira was murdered because she bravely supported the principle that each one can live their life in honor and security," Netanyahu said in a statement. We will not allow this despicable killer to undermine the core values that Israeli society is based upon. We contemptuously denounce his actions of hate and violence. We will do everything in our power to bring this killer to face justice," the Prime Minister added

Dog Bites Woman to Death in Ondo

A 55-year-old woman, identified as Florence Aladenoye, has been report­edly attacked and bitten to death by a dog in Idanre, headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that after the dog’s attack, the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo where all attempts made by the medical personnel to save her life failed as she died in the hospital.

A source explained that the deceased died as a result of the injuries she sus­tained due to the dog-bites. According to the Police Public Rela­tions Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, Mr. Wole Ogodo, the wom­an was taken to five different hospitals in the town before she finally gave up the ghost last week.


Ogodo said the owner of the dog, one Mr. Olofingbasote Afolabi, had been ar­rested in connection with the incident and had been detained at the Criminal Investigation (CID) Department of the police command for further investiga­tion.

The PPRO stated: “When the inci­dent happened, the matter was reported to Afolabi, being the owner for the dog, but he did not take any action to treat the victim. So, the victim was taken to five different hospitals, including the FMC in Owo, and the owner of the dog still did not take any action until the victim died.”

Photos: Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill Confirm They’re Still a Couple after Drake Beef

Nicki Minaj and boo Meek Mill were all loved up on stage during her Pinkprint tour in Atlanta last night. This is coming after rumours went viral last week that Nicki dumped Meek after his heated drama with Drake.Though there were slight boos when Meek first took the stage, he reportedly won the Atlanta crowd over by the end of the set. See a video of the dup confirming the status of their relationship after the cut...

Former Niger Delta Minister And 2 Accountants Questioned Over Missing N1.5bn

A total of N1.5 billion has been withdrawn from the account of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, but the withdrawal hasn't been accounted for.

The first sum of N605 million was withdrawn by a minister from the account of the ministry while another withdrawal of over N800 million took place from the same account.

The office of the Head of Service of the Federation and security agencies are trying to figure out what the money was used for, how to recover it and prosecute those who stole the funds.

Two senior accountants in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs have already been queried in connection with the money, and have also been suspended from office pending the conclusion of investigation.

It was reported that pair responded to the query by saying that they were simply carrying out their duties as civil servants, adding that that the money was withdrawn based on the instruction of superior authorities.

It is believed that the suspended accountants had given the names of those behind the cash withdrawals and had tried to absolve themselves of any guilt in the shady withdrawal.

One of the former ministers in the ministry, Elder Godsday Orubebe, has already been questioned by the ICPC over the missing cash.

Orubebe claimed that he had already resigned from the ministry before the N1.5billion went missing and that he never asked anyone to withdraw such amount for him.

The next step by the Federal Government, in unraveling the mystery surrounding the money is the invitation of another former minister in the ministry to appear before anti-corruption agencies and shed light into how the money went grew wings.

Vanguard

United States Assistance to Nigeria Delayed by Absence of Ministers

Notwithstanding the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the United States of America last month, the US government was said to have informed him that it would not start to address the requests brought by the Nigerian government until Buhari sets up his cabinet.


Buhari had gone to the US with a number of requests including seeking assistance from America in Nigeria's war against Boko Haram, support in the reconstruction of the North-east, support in the war against corruption, assistance in tracking down Nigeria’s stolen funds by past corrupt government officials, and increased trade and investment between Nigeria and the US.


But he US government made it clear that while it was willing to help Nigeria address some of its challenges, its officials advised Buhari during his three-day visit to the country to set up his cabinet and put in place a crack team that could help address the multi-faceted problems of the country.


It was learnt that the issue was raised during some of the meetings the US government officials held with Buhari and his team, when the US, led by its president, Barak Obama, said it had expected Buhari to come to Washington with crucial members of his cabinet in order to hold fruitful and productive deliberations.


According to a source at the meetings, the US officials were somewhat disappointed with the president’s team during the visit, which comprised mainly civil servants, adding that the US reckoned that the civil servants would not be able to address any of the country’s requests or provide policy direction until Buhari sets up a team that would help him realise his plans for the country.

Thisday

Banks, PDP kick against CBN’s policy

Banks and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have kicked against the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to bar foreign currency deposits into domiciliary accounts.

The PDP described the decision as illegal, unlawful, void, archaic and communist in nature, stressing that the President should be reminded that as a country, Nigeria was in a democracy and not military administration as in 1984.

A senior bank treasurer and executive member of Financial Market Dealers Association of Nigeria, FMDA, also described the policy as a knee-jerk measure, which was not sustainable, adding that banks’ decision to stop dollar deposits into domiciliary accounts was in protest of the new policy.

In a statement signed, yesterday, by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said that President Buhari’s regulations of the foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria where the administration was making it impossible for honest Nigerians to engage in free trade and regulate their personal activities as guaranteed by the constitution, was clearly an agenda to illegally impose a communist economic regime on Nigerians.

The party noted that the absence of an economic team at the moment, especially in the third month of the administration, was leading the country into economic quagmire and doldrums.

Vanguard

Beyoncé Spends £200k On A Pair Of Diamond-Encrusted Stilettos For Her Next video

Beyoncé Knowles splashes out on a £200k pair of diamond-encrusted stilettos that she plans to wear in her next video. She will spot a pair of House of Borgezie Princess Constellation stilettos for her new video that's due for release this autumn

And the Princess Constellation stilettos, which sparkle with 1,290 precious stones, are very lavish.

She comtinued her shopping spree by adding a gem-studded, gold Basque belt to her basket, an accessory that cost her a further £55,000.

The Princess Constellation stilettos were inspired by the Paul Simon hit, Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes, but Beyoncé will be dancing to the sound of her own music when she wears the elaborate pair.

Desmond Elliot, Members of Lagos House of Assembly Meet with Actors on Piracy

Nollywood actor, director turned politician, Honourable Desmond Elliot is working for his first constituency - movie industry. He recently mobilised other Lagos State House of Assembly members to a meeting with top Nollywood actors, actresses and producers to have a duscussion on the issue of piracy. Those present include, Honourables Tejuosho, Olulade, Jude, Dipo, Moji, Giwa,Yishawu, Akande,Kasumu. Actors, Prince Jide Kosoko, Ramsey Nuoah, Chinedu Ikedieze, Osita Iheme, Kalu Ikeagwu, Joseph Benjamin, Uti nwachukwu, and many others. See more photos...

Juliablaise

Boko Haram commander captured by the military, 178 people rescued from sect's camp (Photos)

The Nigeria military has captured Boko Haram Commander and rescued 178 captivities in Bama axis, Borno State.
The development was sequel to the ongoing operations to clear Boko Haram terrorists in its area of operations, the troops of 21 Brigade in conjunction with elements of 151 Task Force Battalion of 7 Division, Nigerian Army have conducted offensive operations along Aulari in Bama axis.

The troops successfully cleared terrorists’ camp in Fadan, Shuwarin, Wulari, Ngoro Dauye, Jidori, Alikashiri, Kalzamari-Shuwa and Kalzamari-Kanuri amongst others.

During the offensive operations, 178 people held captives by the terrorists were rescued. They include 101 children, 67 women and 10 men.

Also, three Boko Haram flags were recovered while five motor cycles were burnt by the troops. In addition, one Boko Haram commander was captured alive and is presently undergoing investigation.

Caitlyn Jenner Reveals She Wants Vocal Surgery to Get a "Feminine Voice"

On the latest episode of I Am Cait, Caitlyn Jenner opened up about the insecurities she faces as a woman.

The reality star, 65, confessed she was worried about her deep voice and was considering surgery to make it higher.

The reality star previously admitted she didn't feel her voice matched her appearance and she turns to one of her biggest supporters Kim Kardashian for support.

The former Olympian tells Kim she's considering vocal surgery. Caitlyn also reveals to Kim that she
used to call room service to practice her voice and hoped she would be called m'am rather than sir.

But when Kim - who is joined by her good friend Malika - asks her to give it a go and pretend to order room service, Caitlyn struggles. The mum-of-one isn't keen on the idea.

"What if they made a mistake and you came out with no voice?" a shocked Kim says.

Caitlyn also asks her transgender friends what they've done to change their vocal cords.

"I haven’t done one thing,” Chandi Moore replies. “If you’re going to accept me, you’re going to accept me.”

While Jen Richards admits she saw a vocal therapist because she "hated being outed by my voice".

After watching her ESPYs speech back Caitlyn wrote on her blog that she didn't feel her voice matched her “feminine appearance”.

"While I felt like I looked great and that the gown looked fabulous, I still have a voice issue. It’s not quite right compared to my feminine appearance," she said.

She adds:

"That bothers me a little bit. However, I hope that people don’t listen to the pitch of my voice, but listen to what I have to say. That’s important to me."

Photos: Akinwunmi Ambode receives US congress delegation in Lagos

Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode received some members of the US congress at his office in Alausa Ikeja Lagos state today August 2nd.  More photos below...

Boko haram Chief Recruiter Arrested

Bana Fanaye also known as Mahamat Moustapha, said to be the mastermind of Boko Haram operations in Chad and northern Cameroon, has been arrested by authorities in Chad.

Assorted weapons, as well as cell phone SIM cards for various countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger were recovered from his residence, CameroonJournal reports.

Bana Fanaye is said to be the brain behind most Boko Harma operations including arms purchases in
Chad and northern Cameroon. He was arrested on Friday afternoon.

Media reports quoted Chadian officials as saying that Fanaye is in charge of recruiting Boko Haram terrorists, arms purchases and planning of terrorism targets and operations in Chad and northern Cameroon.

Weapons of different kinds and assorted communication gadgets were found in his house, including more than 50 SIM cards from different countries in the sub region, tchadinfos.com reported.

It was his arrest that helped security forces locate other Boko Haram members housed in an area called Diguel Diguessou in the 8th district, the report said. Many of them were killed.

Photos: Majid Michel And Wife Renew Wedding Vow after 10yrs

Ghanaian/Nollywood actor, Majid Michel on Saturday August 1, 2015 renewed his marital vows to his wife after 10years of marriage. The actor who was to celebrate his 10 years wedding anniversary, decided to remarry his adorable wife. See more photos...

Boko Haram converts Abandoned School Laboratory Into Bomb Factory - Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army  disclosed on saturday that it has uncovered an abandoned college of education’s chemistry laboratory in Borno State which the terrorist group, Boko Haram, converted into an improvised explosive devices factory.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations and Spokesman for the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Col. Tukur Gusau, made the revelation in statement on Saturday in Maiduguri.

“Troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, conducting mop-up operations to clear Dikwa and environs of Boko Haram terrorists, recovered 4 Toyota Hilux vehicles today. They also have converted the abandoned Chemistry laboratories of Dikwa College of Education into an Improvised Explosives Devices making factory. Some of the equipment recovered from the laboratory include a welding machine and mine detector. The gallant troops are in a very high spirit and more determined to further pursue the fleeing terrorists to all known enclaves and sanctuaries,’’ he said

Boko Haram will be defeated by end of this year – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari may have set a deadline for the end of Boko Haram deadly activities as he expressed hopes that the blood-lust sect will be defeated by end of this year.

The President made this known in
Cotonou on Saturday during a gala lunch held in his honour by the President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi, where he equally expressed optimism that the dividends of the Multi-national Joint Task Force, MNJTF launched in Cameroon on Thursday would soon become obvious.

This is as Yayi who described his country as the 37th State of Nigeria assured president Buhari that 800 troops would be contributed to the Joint Task Force by his country in the all-out-assault on insurgents.
While commending the gesture by Yayi, Buhari said “I assure you that we will defeat Boko Haram by the end of this year”.

President Buhari who was on a one-day official visit to Cotonou as the special guest of honour at the 55th independence anniversary of Benin Republic was bestowed with the national honor of the Republic of Benin.

Nigeria’s president recalled that both countries have maintained peace over the years even when he was a military Head of State.

He said:

“I am impressed by your concern and critical approaches by increasing your contributions to the multinational task force of the Lake Chad Commission. This is a great sacrifice on the part of the Benin Republic….
“Even in my first coming into office under a different arrangement, we have learnt to live in peace with our neighbours. Within the week I was sworn in, I went to Niger, Chad. I was supposed to go to Cameroon but I was summoned by the G7 leaders to brief them about the security situation in Nigeria concerning Boko Haram which declared allegiance to ISIS which gives it international dimension”.



Vanguard

Photo: Bill Gate's Wife Spotted Carrying Water On Her Head And Washing Dishes With The Local Women In Malawi

Melinda Gates wife of the world’s richest man, Bill Gates has been spotted in Malawi helping the locals. She was seen carrying a bucket of water on her head and washing dishes also with the locals.

She shared this photo and captioned it:

Helping wash the dishes during my homestay in Malawi. Women spend much of the day cooking and then cleaning up. It’s a reminder that it’s a lot more time consuming to do dishes when you can’t just turn on a faucet

Female Teacher Shot Dead In Enugu

A female teacher identified as Princess Uzoamaka Onyishi, nee Ugwuokwor, 40 pictured above was last week murdered by unknown gunmen while on her way from the swearing in ceremony of new commissioners by Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Vanguard reports that Mrs Onyishi who hailed from Mbu -Akpoti in Isi- Uzo local government area of the state had accompanied a relation 

of hers , Mrs. Eze, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of her husband, Mr M.E Eze, who was appointed Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, when she was attacked and shot in the head by two unknown gunmen.

The victim had left the venue of the swearing in ceremony in company of her Kano-based sister, Mrs Ndidiamaka Nnaji, who she dropped off at their family compound along Ogurugu road in Nsukka, picked up her cousin, Miss Jacinta Okwor, who lives with her and headed for her residence at Uwani- Ugwu. She was driving on the lonely road leading to her home when she noticed two men who looked like their motorcycle was bad. In a bid to assist them, she flashed her light at them so they could see what they were doing when suddenly one of the men brought out a gun and immediately shot at her, shattering her skull. The lady who was with the deceased when the ugly incident happened, Jacinta Okwor, narrated their travail.

“I was in the vehicle with her when the people emerged and shot her. The two men demanded nothing from her, only pointed gun and shot her instantly. When she was shot, she fell on my laps. I did not know she was dead. When the two men left, I started calling her to wake up for us to go, unknown to me that she was dead. As my efforts to wake her failed, I took the bush part and ran to a house not too far from the scene and informed her husband that aunty has been shot dead just now. The killers did not demand anything from her. I sat with her in the front seat. It was a horrible experience. I have not recovered from the trauma. The cloth I wore that faithful day is still soaked with the blood of my aunty. God will never forgive her killers. I am an apprentice tailor under my sister’s care but now they have killed her. One of the two men was dragging motor cycle and she flashed light to help him only for another to emerge from the bush and shot her, point blank without uttering a word to her.”

Uzoamaka Nnaemeka Ugwuokor, the Elder sister to the deceased said

"What prompted her killing still remains a mystery to the family that just buried their father, Igwe Gabriel Ugwuokwor. She was driving herself when the incident happened. She never joined politics for one day. Her only business in politics was to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed commissioner. The incident has been reported to Nsukka police division who promptly responded to the call put across to them when she was shot. Both the police and some clergy men assisted in taken her to Bishop Shanahan mortuary where her corpse was deposited. Presently, the matter has been transferred to Enugu state police headquarters. The gruesome killing of our sister has taken the family to a devastating point of agony, mourning, confusion and pity. She is the most endearing in the hearts of members of the family. She was humble, amiable and loving to the people that interacted with her. We are not suspecting any person for now,. Our only prayer is for God to bring out the killers of our sister. She was a mother of five, two boys and three girls. The first is a first year student at UNN, the second will be writing the post UME, the third is in SS 3, the fourth is in SS 1 while the last one is in primary five" she said

Police Discover Baby Factory In Delta

The Delta Police Command said on Saturday that it had discovery a “baby-production” factory in Asaba, arrested the operator, and rescued eight pregnant girls.

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Celestina Kalu, said in a statement in Asaba that the baby-making factory was discovered after detectives, acting on a tip-off, swooped on the premises.

“On July 30, 2015, Police detectives from GRA Division Asaba, while acting on a tip-off, raided a suspected baby factory opposite the Federal Radio Corporation, Asaba, and arrested its operator, Mr. John Ihezun.

“Detectives also arrested two boys, one Prince Chukwu and Obum Nwankwo, in the premises of the baby factory,” Kalu said.
The command said it found eight pregnant girls (names with-held).

The command said it had commenced investigations into the matter, saying that any person found to be involved, would be prosecuted.(NAN)

Photo: Check Out This Hilarious 'Drake VS Meek Mill' Nollywood Poster

Lol, Nigerians at it again. This is really funny

Bobbi Kristina is laid to rest, fight breaks out during the funeral

Bobbi Kristina Brown's funeral descended into chaotic scenes on Saturday as her aunt Leolah Brown was escorted out of the service by movie mogul Tyler Perry and then launched an astonishing attack on Pat Houston.

Booted out of St. James Methodist Church for interrupting Pat Houston, Leolah Brown began a tirade against her, saying, 'Whitney Houston will haunt Pat Houston from the grave'.

As the feud between the Brown and Houston families publicly erupted, Brown addressed reporters outside the church while the funeral for her niece was still going on.

'It's not over. We've got evidence of who Pat really is, this is going to be a long drawn out process,' said Leolah, who has been fighting with the Houston family over Bobbi's $20 million inheritence.

'Things are connected. Pat is a fraud and a phony. She is not a Houston, she's a Garland.'

Eyewitnesses said the funeral for 22-year-old Bobbi had been going well and was a celebration of her life.

Reverend Michael McQueen, the senior pastor at St James' hosted the the service which included prayers from the Bible, followed by tributes and then a eulogy.

It was when Pat Houston began speaking that Leolah began heckling and outside the church she paid tribute to her niece.

'She will be remembered in our hearts forever. It's so sad that this has happened to her.

'I'm angry at Nick, I am angry at what happened.'

'It was all fine until Pat started speaking.'

Earlier, mourners including Grammy award winning singer Monica and actor Michael Jai White gathered at an Alpharetta, Atlanta church today to say goodbye to Bobbi Kristina Brown, the only child of Whitney Houston and R&B singer Bobby Brown.

Scott Disick Seems to Regret Split from Kourtney Kardashian

Scott attended the wedding of J.J. Corsini in Santa Monica and Elizabeth Condon, a long time Kardashian family friend, and posted a pic of his seating card with the caption,
"When u realize the grass isn't always greener".

The place card had just his name instead of bearing the name of his former girlfriend of 9 years. It just read generically 'Scott Disick Guest'.

This was a bigger reminder of what he is missing out on since he and Kourtney split earlier this month, also on the table was a picture of the bride and groom looking infinity happy.

Scott Disick may be a party boy but he was not feeling like partying as he found himself alone at a wedding on Friday night.

45 yr old Man Offers Parents #25,000 After Raping 8 yr old Girl

An eight-year-old girl has narrated how she was allegedly raped by their 48-year-old neighbour, Mr. Peter Christopher, one afternoon in the building her family shared with another tenant.

The girl, Blessing (not real name), explained to Saturday PUNCH that on Thursday, June 18, 2015, she was about to enter her parent’s apartment when, Christopher, a carpenter, whose lives just two doors away from their apartment, dragged her into his room, locked the door and defiled her.

Saturday PUNCH had been informed about the girl’s case by a human rights activist, who felt concerned about the pressure being put on the her family to drop the case. But when our correspondent tracked down the girl’s family, they were reluctant to share the story as they said they did not want to be seen as “being disobedient to pastors and elders who asked us to leave the matter to God.”

Blessing was a jovial girl, she smiled a lot. But when it was time to tell the story of what she went through. Her face creased into a frown as tears streamed down her face.

Her elder sister urged her on to tell everything that happened.

Blessing said, “His (Christopher’s) wife had gone for a wedding programme that day. He was alone in the house.

“I was playing outside before but as I came in and was about to open our door, he moved near me and dragged me by hand into their room.

“He locked the door and pulled down my panties. He then put his ‘thing’ inside me. That was the only time he did it.”

Blessing’s mother explained how she found out able the defilement of her daughter.

She said, “I did not know anything until the night when she told me that her private part was hurting her. I did not suspect anything and she did not tell me anything.

“I rubbed Vaseline on her to ease the pain but the following day when I wanted to bathe her, I realised that she was bleeding. I then suspected that somebody had been touching my daughter.

“As soon as I asked who had been touching her, she told me that it was our neighbour. He is even older than my husband!”

Christopher has a daughter of his own, who is in the same age group as Blessing.

He was arrested and detained at the Agbado Police Division, while the girl was taken for test and treatment.

While Christopher was in detention, he continued to deny that he ever touched the girl. But Blessing said he had no reason to lie while her parents said they believed their daughter.

However, after the pressure of numerous pleas from pastors and landlords in the area became too much, the girl’s parents were forced to write a letter to withdraw their case.

In order to douse the tension generated on the case, their landlady also signed an undertaken on Christopher’s behalf, and agreed to pay the sum of N25,000 in five instalments to Blessing’s parents.

“I just don’t know what that money is for because I have refused to take it. Is it for my daughter’s treatment or compensation? If it is for treatment, what I spent on her treatment, tests and drugs is even more than that,” the girl’s 41-year-old father said.

Our correspondent went in search of Christopher on Wednesday to get his side of the story. The fair complexioned man courteously offered our correspondent a chair but his attitude changed instantly when asked if he indeed raped the girl.

He demanded to know who notified our correspondent about the case. But when asked how that affected the allegations brought against, he refused to say anything further.

“If you cannot tell me the name of the person who made the allegations against me, I cannot say anything further,” he said.


Punch

New Music: VTEK & Dumebi – Wassup

Celebrity producer VTEK and his Awesome Express Music imprint first lady Dumebi set to take music fans to the club with this new dance tune titled “WassUp“.

Download & Listen

39-Yr-Old Man Says Witches Pushed Him To Rape 9-year-old Girl

A 39-year-old father of 3, Ekpeyong Essien, who raped a 9 year old girl blamed his 2 sons, whom he alleged are witches, for pushing him to commit the crime.

Essien, who hails from Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, had on July 12, raped 9 year old Bright Benjamin, at Hawkins Primary School in the Calabar South area of the state capital.

He said the girl had approached him for money to pay her fares home, but he simply instructed her to follow him to a nearby primary school where he defiled her with his fingers.

Essien said his life became useless after his two sons were bewitched by one of his neighbours.
Essien is currently in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Cross River State Police Command at Diamond Hill in Calabar and would soon be charged to court.

Narrating how he defiled the little girl, he said:
“It was the handiwork of witches. Someone bewitched my children and my children in turn used what they have been given to affect my life negatively. The person who bewitched my children lives in our compound. What my children are doing with the witchcraft is to ensure that I become useless in life.
“When I saw the girl, I called her and she followed me. I touched her a little before she followed me to Hawkins Primary School area in Calabar South. The place is close to the Hawkins cemetery and when I saw her, she was actually behind some group of persons that were going to the cemetery to bury someone.
“She wanted me to give her transport fare back to her home. That was how I lured her with a promise to give her money. I have grown up children older than her. I do not know how she got attracted to me at that moment because I believe I was under the spell of my children’s devilish practice.
“When I took her to one side of the school, I started romancing her. I did not force her to follow me, she did willingly. It was raining at that time. I had not seen her before. I only saw her on that day. I only fiddled with her private part, we had not really started making love before one security man in the school raised the alarm and I was caught.”
He said he was a footballer with a local team before his children made him become useless.
He said:
“I used to play football in one of the local clubs but my children stopped me through their devilish practice. I am not the only one that is accusing my children of practising witchcraft; other tenants in the compound also know,”.
Essien, who regretted his action, is pleading with the parents of the girl to forgive him.
“I wish I could see the girl’s father to beg him. I am willing to pay any amount that they have spent on her in the hospital. I am really regretting my action because I have never had a criminal record before,” he said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Hogan Bassey, said the medical report after the incident showed that the girl had been defiled.
He said,
“Because the suspect tried to penetrate and could not succeed, he used his fingers to defile her and based on the medical report, the girl has been defiled. The report showed bruises all over her vagina.
“He actually heard the footsteps of someone coming and he ran away. The security man raised the alarm and he was caught. He is still under investigation and will soon be charged to court as soon as that is completed.”
Punch

Music star Reminisce loses dad

The rapper lost his dad Alhaji A.A Safaru (pictured right) recently. May his soul rest in peace…amen.

Etcetera writes open Letter To Biafrans

I have been receiving a lot of mails and phone calls in recent weeks requesting that I lend my voice in support of the ongoing campaign for the sovereign state of Biafra and to also speak up against the recent shut down of Radio Biafra by National Broadcasting Commission. I have decided to make my opinion known to those who have been bombarding me with requests to support the Biafran movement.
Yes, I believe that the Igbo have been marginalised in Nigeria right from 1970 till date. I also believe that as a people, the Igbo have every right to speak out and seek redress. I believe that no tribe or ethnic group in Nigeria deserves to be marginalised or shut out by certain quarters of government because of an incident of the past.
Just like every Igbo man, I believe that Biafra was a good dream born out of a necessity at that time. It was a good dream which went horribly wrong and became a nightmare for us, the Igbo people and the whole of Nigeria from 1967 to 1970, from which I believe we have woken up. It will be foolhardy to dream the same dream in the same way and manner without thoroughly accounting for why and how it turned into a nightmare, and factoring in the changes that have taken place in Nigeria since the 1960s.
The thought that the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra is in itself the solution to all the problems of Ndigbo is to display an understandable naivety about human nature and today’s politics. What we need as a people is a new vision that will encompass the lessons of the past, the changes that have taken place since the end of the civil war, the reality of present day Nigeria and demand for a system founded on justice, liberty and equality under the rule of law for Ndigbo and non Igbo as well. I believe this new vision is attainable.
They say charity begins at home and in this regard, I believe it is time for every honest and sincere Igbo man or woman, to channel his or her energy towards actualising good leadership and government in Igboland by joining the political process. It is time for every one of us to unite against corruption in our land. It is time for Ndigbo to come together to reverse this ubiquitous trend of bad leadership ravishing Igboland and put in place a system that would enable the best of us to emerge as leaders.
Great nations are ruled by their best minds and not by a band of common thieves without respect for individual liberty and democracy that do nothing but devise ingenious ways to looting the treasury and serve the vilest and most primitive of human instincts. Without this political and cultural change embedded in the concept of our future, Igboland will remain underdeveloped, and that in itself, will constitute a gargantuan problem for us in the future.
Making this necessary change in igboland will ensure that if and ever or when Nigeria collapses as a result of our collective idiocy, irresponsibility, ignorance and corruption, and the jumbo pay of politicians, Ndigbo will be better placed to build a new nation based on justice, equality, rule of law, tolerance, development and honesty. War has never been the solution to any problem.
I didn’t witness the civil war but from what I saw in my recent visit to Maiduguri, Adamawa and Plateau state, I have become a disciple of dialogue as a means to resolve issues. If Biafra will become a reality, it shouldn’t be through the barrel of a gun. It is wrong to seek divorce by putting a gun to your spouse’s head.
We should realise that a divorce from Nigeria is also possible if the Nigeria state comes to its natural end because of years of ethnic and religious prejudices, injustices, and vision-less irresponsible, corrupt leadership that failed to lay the foundation of a viable state and make the necessary social investment for its survival. This might be the natural course of events if Nigeria continues to sleep walk into disaster and neglect honest nation building.
We shouldn’t continue to pursue the Biafra dream in the way and manner some people and groups are doing at the moment without regard to the present reality. It can only undermine the whole essence of the struggle. As an Igbo man, there is nothing I want for Igbo that I do not want for other ethnic groups.
There is nothing I wish for my fellow Christians that I do not wish for Muslims. We are all humans after all. We are all brothers and sisters divided by language, skin colours and religion. I believe that enlightenment is recognition of this basic facts, and that underneath our skins, flows blood of the same colour and minds that can think alike and able to overcome the prejudices which our difference try to impose on our judgment. There is nothing that can justify the killing of a fellow man. I can only lend my voice to a vision that doesn’t entail the destruction of lives and property.
I am sorry to say that the continuous clamour for the recognition of Biafra by America may not yield much because of the selfish nature of America’s foreign policy. If there is nothing in it for America, America won’t get involved. We are a great and industrious people.
For a start, won’t it be better to seek economic independence and have Nigeria and the rest of the world depend on us for something? Today, Africa has gone from car assemblage to total manufacturing. I am proud that I am alive to witness this history, that a Nigerian made car can actually be better that the Toyotas and Hondas of this world, and it is all due to the ingenuity of an Igbo man. Ndigbo, this can be a place to start. Igbo kwenu!!

Van Gaal To Fine Di Maria £360,000

All is well with Manchester United’s manager, Louis Van Gaal and his last seas sign, Angel Di Maria over the Argentine striker’s disappearance from their pre-season preparations. Van Gaal has reportedly fined the player £360,000.

Di Maria is believed to be very close to sealing a move away to Paris Saint-Germain, but Van Gaal is not ready to let the Argentine winger leave without facing disciplinary measures. According to the Mirror, the Dutchman wants Di Maria to pay for his “lack of respect”.
Although this might delay the transfer, the player is still expected to leave Old Trafford, with the two clubs having almost agreed a deal in the region of £44million – a loss of £16m in one year for a player United paid a British record fee for.

Photos From Bobbi Kristina's Wake Keeping as Relatives War over her $20million Inheritance

Bobbi Kristina will be buried today by 11am in an invite-only funeral that will take place at St James United Methodist Church in Alpharetta. Yesterday, her wake keeping held at the Murray Brothers Funeral Home and her family members came in their droves to to pay their last respects. Her father Bobby Brown was spotted looking so tense and emotional as he walked slowly out of the funeral home on Friday. So also was her grandmother Cissy Houston. Bobbi's aunt Pat Houston has allegedly planned a 'sweet sixteen' theme for the funeral. Also at the wake, soon after the Houstons left the funeral home, the Brown family arrived to view Bobbi's body, causing speculation that the families had planned to avoid each other.
Bobbi Kristina died on Sunday age 22 six months after she was found face down and unresponsive in the bath-tub of the Roswell, Georgia, home she shared with then boyfriend, Nick Gordon, 25.Gordon is now a person of interest to investigators attempting to piece together the events that led to Bobbi Kristina’s untimely death.

But according to TMZ, he has still written to Bobbi Kristina's father and Pat Houston begging for permission to attend the funeral service. The email states:

'I loved Krissi with all my heart and I am destroyed that she is gone and I need to say goodbye. Krissi loved me very much and she would want me there'. The chances of him being accepted by the family are, however, slim to none. The Houston family has slapped him with a $10million lawsuit alleging that he abused her and stole her money while she was in a medically induced coma.
The $20million fortune that Bobbi Kristina inherited on her mother’s death will now go to her grandmother Cissy leaving her father Bobby Brown out in the cold

Music: D’banj – The King Is Here Ft. Reminisce (Instrumental)

The king is here!! Yes King Bangerlee, D’banj is here with a free instrumental for upcoming artistes to jump on and stand a chance to get on the remix with D’banj himself.

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