Exclusive-LAGOS EXPLOSION: Police Arrest Alleged Explosive Mastermind

LagosPRO, Ngozi Braide






By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the alleged mastermind who wired the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the FESTAC Town area of the state which killed the Chairman of the Miracle Sand Dredgers Association, FESTAC Town, Lagos, Mr. Oladele Pius and injured a police inspector simply identified as Sani.

Pandemonium had erupted at the FESTAC bridge linking the area to Amuwo-Odofin Local Government on Monday when the IED which was buried where the sand dredgers work, went off.

Nigerian Navy Ships Arrives Cameroun for International Sea Exercise

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

As part of this year's International Maritime Sea Exercise, Nigerian Navy Ships (NNS) THUNDER and BURUTU yesterday arrived Doula, Cameroun, for the exercise tagged Obangame Express.

According to the the Communication Officer Western Naval Command (WNC), Lieutenant Commander Jerry Omodara, the sea exercise will involve 15 nations including Nigeria, USA, Spain, Belgium and other nations bordering the Gulf of Guinea.

FEATURES: Living in Fear

Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the vandalised Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in Iju area of Lagos State recently has raised serious adverse health concern in communities with oil pipelines running through them

Mr. Christopher Orji, one of the residents of Iju, a densely populated Lagos suburb, woke up one morning to see his entire family in pains.  He closely examined them. On a closer examination, they were discovered to be suffering from the same ailments; stomach ache, dizziness, and headache amongst others.

At first, without medical examination he blamed the ailment on food poisoning.  Soon, he heard about others in the community and he decided to find out what the problem was.

Odi invasion: Court orders FG to pay N37.6bn compensation

A Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt Tuesday ordered the Federal Government to pay N37.6b compensation to the people of Odi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State over the invasion of their community by armed soldiers during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Justice Lambi Akanbi of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, who gave the order while delivering judgment in a N100 billion suit filed by the people of Odi community against the Federal Government also ordered that the compensation should be paid within three weeks.

They prayed the court to award them the amount as damages for the destruction of lives and property in Odi. The judge however awarded a total sum of N37.618 billion compensation in favour of the community for the wanton destruction of the place by Nigeria soldiers.

-culled from vanguard

Pistorius: “I Thought She Was An Intruder

Today in a South African Court, Paralympics and Olympics athlete, Oscar Pistorius gave an account of the events that led to the murder of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day.

Here is the reported text of his affidavit read in the Court as he sought bail after being accused of murdering his girlfriend as reported by CNN.

I am an adult male, SA (South African) citizen and applicant in this application and seek to be released on bail. I make this affidavit of my own free will and have not been influenced. Contents is true and correct.

I fail to understand how I could be charged with murder, let alone premeditated murder because I had no intention to kill my girlfriend. I have been informed I have been accused of murder – I deny the accusation. Nothing can be further from the truth that I planned the murder of my girlfriend. I have no intention to relocate as I love my country.

I earn R5.6 million ($636,000) a year. I’ve never been convicted of crimes. I deny that I committed murder in the strongest point. Even though I don’t have to, I want to deal with these allegations.

Ojay Milah; Who Says Wizkid Can’t Do Without Banky?

Banky and Wizkid

Call me what you want but I love the beefing and disengagements in the music industry lately, and to be honest, I pray it doesn’t end quick. Once it was D’Banj and Don Jazzy. A quarrel over relocating to the US led to the end of Mo’Hits. Later we heard about May D being dumped by Square records. Now Wizkid leaving Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) to float Star Boy Entertainment is causing uproar.

I hate things being static. I love it when life happenings take their natural, dynamic nature. It was needed that D’Banj left Don Jazzy. May D shouldn’t have waited to be dumped, he should have left the moment he felt the relationship with P Square wasn’t working again. What May D failed to do at the right time, Wizkid has done.

Police Arrest Hairdresser, Boyfriend for Kidnapping 7 Year Old

Lagos PRO, DSP Ngozi Braide

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Police Command yesterday paraded a 19-year-old head dresser, Bolanle Fasasi and her 24-year-old boyfriend, Raymond Quadri for allegedly kidnapping a 7-year-old boy simply identified as Daniel at Ikotun area of Lagos.

THISDAY gathered that Quadri had kidnapped at Ikotun area of the state and had attempted to collect N2million ransom from the victim's parents before he was arrested by the police.

After luring the boy to his house, Quadri was said to hve taken him to his girlfriend’s house at Number 23, Asolo, Agric area, Ikorodu, Lagos, where the boy was kept for three days before he was rescued by detectives from the  State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Confirming the arrests, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police said the police swung into action after the matter was reported at Ikotun Police Division.

Police Arrest Fraudster for Impersonating IG's Brother

By  Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Police Command yesterday said it has arrested one Sani Muhammed, for allegedly impersonating one of the siblings of the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar.

In his confessional statement, the suspect said he had been engaging in the act since the current IG was promoted to his position by the President Goodluck Jonathan.

Confirming the arrest, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Braide said the police clamped down on the fraudster after he had extorted money from lots of unsuspecting Huasa traders at Mile 12 Market area of the state.

FESTAC Blast: Police Arrest Suspects

Lagos PRO, DSP Ngozi Braide

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

  

Following Monday's explosion at Miracle Sand Beach under the bridge linking FESTAC Ton to Amuwo Odofin Local Government, THISDAY gathered that some persons have been arrested in connection with the act.

The explosion which emanated from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) buried under the ground had killed the chairman of the San dredger, Oladele Pius and injured a policeman, one Inspector Sani.

In line with the pledge from the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, to ensure a thorough investigation,  It was gathered that some of the persons that were arrested were  those who had called the deceased on the phone minutes before the device went off.

LIST of Some Recovered Cars in Lagos

LAGOS PRO, DSP NGOZI BRAIDE

NAMES OF VEHICLES       REG. NO        COLOUR         LOCATION

NISSAN MURANO JEEP       CC 629 KFJ     BLACK             ABATOIR

MAZDA BUS                          XE 277 AKR     LSCC               I/OJOKORO

V/W JETTA S/CAR                CE 803 EKY      RED                 I/OJOKORO

KIA SPORTAGE JEEP             ST 215 AAA    RED                   ISOKOKO

HONDA EOD S/CAR              BL 713 GWA   SILVER             OJODU

One Killed, Others Injured as Explosion Rocks Lagos

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

Pandemonium yesterday erupted at the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by a yet-to-be identified person exploded, killing the Chairman, Sand Dredgers Association, Mr. Oladele Pius and left several others including a police officer with varying degrees of injuries.

EXCLUSIVE:Police Arrest Prophet, Accomplice for Possession of Fresh Human Parts

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Lagos State Police Command, weekend, arrested two suspects, a prophet, Dare Akinrosoye with the Star Glory Church located at Egbe area of the state and his accomplice, Kunle Olaide, for possession  of fresh human parts.

Some of the fresh human parts concealed in the bag were five fingers, human heart, liver, kidney, intestines and two pairs of slippers as well as blood filled in two Ragolis bottle water plastics.

For Going AWOL Jonathan Orders Action against Maina

Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina

President Goodluck Jonathan, Friday ordered immediate arrest of the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina for abdicating his duty without official reason.

This followed his receipt from the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar of a status report on efforts by the Nigeria Police to execute the warrant issued by the Senate for the arrest of Maina.

Jonathan Friday directed the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to immediately commence disciplinary action against Alhaji Maina for absconding from duty.

NIGERIAN CARDINALS WHO COULD BE POPE

THE ENTIRE GLOBE WAS IN SHOCK AND DISMAY WHEN THE CURRENT POPE announced to THE WORLD OF HIS INTENTION TO RESIGN DUE TO ILL HEALTH RECENTLY. SMARTING FROM THE SHOCK, There came THE BUZZ OF WHO NOW BECOMES THE NEXT POPE. INTERNATIONAL MEDIA threw UP MANY NAMES INCLUDING THREE CARDINALS FROM NIGERIA. THEY are FRANCIS ARINZE, Anthony OKOGIE and JOHN ONAIYEKAN WHO ARE presumably QUALIFIED FOR THE CATHOLIC HIGHEST SPIRITUAL OFFICE. A NIGERIAN AS A POPE? WHY NOT.

ANTHONY OLUBUNMI OKOGIE

Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, former archbishop of Lagos, now emeritus archbishop of Lagos, is one of the 209 cardinals of the Catholic Church worldwide. Of this number, 118 are under 80 years. These are the cardinals eligible for election as pope. Okogie also falls under this category. He will vote and can be voted for. Simply put, cardinal Okogie could emerge the new pope when the college of cardinals meet in Rome late march to elect a replacement for pope benedict xvi who announced he’ll resign on February 28.

Jealous Wife Sets Husband Ablaze for Spending More Time with Rival

IGP Mohammed Abubakar

A former reporter with the Federal Radio  Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Kaduna National Station and legislative aide to Senator Mohammed Sale, representing Kaduna Central senatorial zone, Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim Matazu has been killed  by his second wife.

Matazu passed on Friday as a result of burns he suffered when his wife poured petrol on him and set him  ablaze, accusing the deceased of spending more time with the first wife who resides in Kaduna.

The incident was said to have occurred on February 7, 2013 at the deceased Gwarimpa residence where he lives with the second wife.

DELE MOMODU'S Last Conversation with Goldie

I returned to Nigeria on Valentine’s Day, February 14, and felt the love around me whilst walking through the arrival section of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. I spent a long time waiting for my luggage. The Delta flight from Atlanta must have arrived while I was still at the airport. On that flight were two of my great friends, Chief Kenny Ogungbe, the President of Kenny’s Music and one of his extremely popular artistes, Goldie, born to Ekiti parents as Susan Oluwabimpe Harvey. I had known Goldie for several years but we became close last year when I invited her to sing at the Ovation Carol & Awards where she gave a superlative performance on December 21, 2012.

According to impeccable sources, Goldie left the airport with Mr Ogungbe, otherwise known as the world famous Keke and spent time with his family before his driver took Goldie to her house. She had complained of severe headache which apparently became worse somewhere along the line. She ended up at the highbrow Reddington Hospital but there are conflicting, now insignificant, reports that she was dead on arrival.

Reddington Hospital: Goldie Brought in Clinically Dead

The management of Reddington Hospital, Lagos, Friday issued a statement saying that musician and Big Brother Africa star, Sussan Harvey, well known as Goldie, who died on Thursday, was brought into the hospital dead.

The statement reads: "Following high level of enquiries, the Reddington Hospital confirms that at about 7:30pm on Thursday, 14th February 2013, a high profile media personality was brought to the Reddington Hospital. She was clinically dead on arrival. Despite this, emergency response staff made every effort to resuscitate her.

"The case is now being handled by the coroner's officer to determine her cause of death. The hospital offers its sincere condolence to the family of the deceased on this unfortunate loss of their loved one."

DELE MOMODU: Where Do We Go From Here?

Fellow Nigerians, let me join others in celebrating our victory in South Africa last Sunday when the Super Eagles performed the miracle of Jericho by collapsing the wall of Burkina Faso. It would have been a monumental disaster if the result had been otherwise. The joy of over 160 million Nigerians and their well-wishers was at stake. The humongous investments of one man, of the past few years, were also on trial. I shall return to this shortly.

The crowd of travellers I saw at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on the night before the final was the first indication of what to expect in Johannesburg. The atmosphere was electrifying despite the usual smelly heat oozing out of that seemingly jinxed international airport. The long queue at Immigration and SSS counters were unbearably long, yet this did not dampen the expectant spirits of Nigerian pilgrims trooping out to the shrine of football in South Africa. They were joined in supplications to God to give us this particular victory, this time around, no matter what it takes. The aircrafts were crammed full like sardine cans. One very big Nigerian had to squeeze himself into the economy cabin of South Africa Airways. The mission was that serious.

SIMON KOLAWOLE: A Lesson or Two from Super Eagles

 

                                       

Simon Kolawole Live!: Email: simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com

 I was close to tears. I arrived Abuja, last Tuesday, shortly after the Super Eagles returned from South Africa where they had just played their way into the hearts of millions of football fans to become the champions of Africa. Why was I so touched? As Nigerians lined the streets to welcome the heroes, I saw unspeakable joy on their faces. Genuine joy. I saw soldiers at the airport brigade dancing and waving the green-white-green flag. I saw children jumping joyfully. I saw ecstatic women and men. This was no rented crowd. This was no choreographed jubilation. This was no political rally where hungry people go to show “solidarity” after pocketing a few wads of naira. No. This was real. The excitement was authentic. The ululation was heart-felt. The flag-waving was neither coerced nor induced.

As the Super Eagles flew their way to glory in South Africa, some thoughts about our politics welled up in my heart. We have said these things several times in the past, but they become more real to me day by day. Each time the players took to the field, they represented every nook and cranny of Nigeria. There were only 11 players on the pitch, but they were representing the 36 states and FCT, the 774 local government areas, the 250 ethnic groups and 160 million Nigerians. It did not matter that many states or ethnic groups did not have any players on the field. It did not matter that most of the players were from one part of the country. Each time we entered the pitch, we saw them first and foremost as Nigerians who were working their socks off to bring glory to the country. Each time they scored, we all celebrated irrespective of the player’s state of origin or religion.

ADA IGBOANUGO: Goldie Harvey: Lived, Loved And Lost

AS THE WORLDWIDE CELEBRATED LOVE, DENOTED WITH THE red COLOUR, IT WAS INDEED A BLACK DAY AS REPORTS OF THE DEATH OF POPULAR POP SINGER, GOLDIE HARVEY, HIT HOME HARD, LEAVING MOST of HER LOVED ones AND FANS SHATTERED, WRITE ADA IGBOANUGO

Full of life, Adebimpe Susan Filani, known by all as Goldie Harvey lit up the room anywhere she appeared. Growing up in a family where music was virtually the only bright spot in a tripartite existence that revolved round home, school and church, it did not come as much surprise that she chose to be a singer, songwriter and performer.

According to a source, if it was to give vent to a childhood social denial, available indices indicated that Goldie was making a resounding success of her career choice. If it was to prove to her hitherto unbending dad that her sometimes-rebellious streak as a teen was just a quest for her true essence, she has equally succeeded. And everybody must indeed be very proud of this young lady because less than five years into her musical odyssey, the crown of Nigeria’s pop diva now nestle snugly on her golden name.

Finally, Patience Jonathan Recounts Health Ordeal

 

For the first time since the controversy over health status and eventual hospitalisation twice, First Lady, Patience Jonathan Sunday admitted that it was due to divine intervention that she is still alive today. She said she died and woke up during the period of  her ailment which necessitated her absence from the country for almost three months.

Mrs. Jonathan disclosed this during a praise and thanksgiving ceremony she hosted at the State House Presidential Villa, Abuja. Narrating her battle with death the first lady said she 'died' but was miraculously resurrected after undergoing series of operations within a week.

Goldie's Shocking death

I'm in shock. Just got a call from her best friend and my

close friend, Denrele Edun. He told me Goldie died a few

 minutes ago in his arms at Reddington Hospital in Victoria

 Island. Goldie just came back from the US today he said,

 and was so full of life, then something went tragically wrong.

Will get all the details from him in a bit, he was crying so

much and had to switch off his phone. I'm shaking so bad.

 She and I had a conversation a few days ago while she

 was in the US. Oh dear Lord. Is this how people die?

 May her soul rest in peace..Amen.

-culled from LINDA IKEJI

Pope Benedict hints he will retire into seclusion

Continue reading the main story

The outgoing head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, has hinted he will withdraw into seclusion after stepping down at the end of this month."Even if I am withdrawing into prayer, I will always be close to all of you... even if I remain hidden to the world," he told a meeting of Roman priests.

The pontiff, 85, shocked the world's biggest Christian Church on Monday when he announced his resignation. He cited his advanced age as the reason for resigning. The Vatican said on Thursday that Pope Benedict had hit his head during his March 2012 trip to Mexico, but denied the accident had any role in his decision to resign.

Pistorius faces murder charge

South African Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius is facing a murder charge after his girlfriend was shot and killed at his Pretoria home. His arrest over the death of model Reeva Steenkamp has stunned the country where he is considered a national hero. 

Its so ironic because in her last Twitter messages, Miss Steenkamp had spoken about her excitement about Valentine's Day. "What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow?'' she tweeted. "It should be a day of love for everyone.''

The 26-year-old is due to appear in court on Friday. Mr Pistorius made history in London last year when he became the first double-amputee track athlete to compete in the Olympic Games.

Continue reading the main story

He is known as the "blade runner" because of the carbon fibre prosthetic blades he races in. He was born without a fibula in both legs and had his legs amputated below the knee before his first birthday.

Celebrating Valentine the WheatBaker Way

Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the WheatBaker, the premier luxury five-star hotel in the heart of Ikoyi, Lagos, is geared to excite its potential and existing customers this valentine season with mouth watering offers

While the name Wheatbaker connotes one that churns out pastries, the Wheatbaker Hotel, a five-star hotel in the serene Ikoyi area of Lagos State, is not far removed from this. While its main forte is certainly not wheat baking, it still boasts of a sumptuous and intercontinental cuisine with a bit of the local flavor of different races.

Destined to be Lagos' premier five star boutique hotel, the Wheatbaker, one of the South African Hotel chain, The Legacy Hotels and Resorts, located in the residential heart of Ikoyi metropolis, has since inception provided its clientele impeccable services that brings them back for more.