Graphic: More photos of those killed & injured by soldiers in Onitsha while celebrating Nnamdi Kanu's release
Four members of the Indigenous People of Biafra were shot dead and 13 critically injured by the soldiers of the Onitsha Military Cantonment in the evening of yesterday, December 17, at the Ojukwu Gateway, Onitsha Niger Bridgehead while celebrating the release of Nnamdi Kanu. More photos after the cut...*viewer discretion advised*
Graphic: More photos of those killed & injured by soldiers in Onitsha while celebrating Nnamdi Kanu's release
Four members of the Indigenous People of Biafra were shot dead and 13 critically injured by the soldiers of the Onitsha Military Cantonment in the evening of yesterday, December 17, at the Ojukwu Gateway, Onitsha Niger Bridgehead while celebrating the release of Nnamdi Kanu. More photos after the cut...*viewer discretion advised*
You are still the best!" Mikel Obi on Jose Mourinho
Chelsea Football Club sacked Jose Mourinho after a meeting with the club's hierarchy on Thursday. On Friday night, Mikel Obi shared this photo of him and the 52 year old former manager, writing: 'So sad but you had to leave! Gonna miss you boss!! You are still the best!'
Saudi Arabia set to behead teenager because he attended a protest
Abdullah ah-Zaher became the youngest person given the death sentence, according to campaigners Reprieve.
Campaigners claim Abdullah ah-Zaher, who attended the protest when he was 15 years was put on death row as part of a crackdown on political dissent.
The now 19-year-old has been moved to solitary confinement and could be beheaded at any moment.
Despite possible repercussions, his family have gone public with his story, in a final bid to save his life.
His father Hassan al-Zaher said:
“Please help me save my son from the imminent threat of death. He doesn’t deserve to die just because he participated in a protest rally.”
According to the campaign group, Reprieve, Abdullah was arrested for being in the area of a protest in March 2012, beaten by police and tortured.
He was then allegedly forced to sign papers police fabricated. Saudi media reports suggest 52 prisoners will be executed at any time.
Abdullah was held alongside Ali al-Nimr, who has been sentenced to a death penalty for allegedly instigating a revolution using his Blackberry.
A Reprieve spokeswoman said:
“What we know from the families of the three is that they are in solitary confinement and being prepared for execution.
“They have been moved and undergone medical examinations, which seem to suggest their beheading is imminent.
Daily Express
5killed, 7 injured as IPOB, MASSOB clash with JTF in Onitsha
Five people were shot dead while seven others sustained various injuries at the Niger Bridge Head, when members of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, and Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, clashed with the Joint Task Force, JTF, which comprised of the Army and the Police, yesterday.
Four of the victims shot dead were members of both IPOB and MASSOB, while one person is said to be a soldier, who was grabbed by the mob, angry with the way soldiers opened fire on the jubilating crowd that included non pro-Biafra agitators, and fell four of them before they ran, leaving the victims behind.
All the markets around the Niger Bridge Head, including the Bridge Head Market, Onitsha Patent and Propitiatory Medicine Dealers Market (Ogbo Ogwu Market) and other markets located around the bridge, including Abada Market were quickly shut down, following sporadic shooting by the military to scare the jubilant crowd away.
An eye-witness at the Onitsha Head Bridge, who was coming from Asaba end of the bridge, said the Biafra agitators were said to be marching on the road near the River Niger Bridge, chanting solidarity songs in jubilation of the release of Nnamdi Kanu, when they were accosted by the soldiers, who ordered them to go back, an altercation occurred which made the soldiers allegedly open fire on them.
Another version of the story was that, the pro-Biafra agitators and those sympathetic to their cause, were jubilating, singing and dancing near the bridge, the soldiers who had been guiding the bridge since the last shooting, got incensed by the jubilation and opened fire on the protesters which caused the death of unarmed protesters.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ali Okechukwu confirmed the clash and accused the pro-Biafra agitators of mobilizing over I00 of their members to launch attack on the soldiers at the Niger Bridge Head and even tried to dispossess them of their guns.
Speaking on the incident, leader of MASSOB, Mr. Uchenna Madu said the news of the release of Mr. Kanu elicited singing, dancing and jubilation in Onitsha and other ‘Biafran’ lands and those in Onitsha took their dance to Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu plaque at the Niger Bridge Head and out of envy, and because of the singing and dancing, and banters they were throwing with one another, the soldiers, who mounted a road-block there, opened fire on the dancing protesters and killed four.
He said that no amount of intimidation, harassment and killing of their members will make them resort to violence, adding that “the military is doing all sorts of things to push us into violence, but we will never do that because that is what has been setting us free in all the harassment and intimidation we have been going through.”
Vanguard
MTN takes Nigerian Government to court over fine
Below is the communique sent to MTN staff and share holders.
Herewith a further update on the fine imposed on MTN Nigeria and renewal of cautionary announcement: Further to the SENS announcement issued by the Company on 4 December 2015, shareholders are advised that all factors having a bearing on the matter have been thoroughly and carefully considered including a review of the circumstances leading to the fine and the subsequent letters received from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
MTN Nigeria acting on legal advice has resolved that the manner of the imposition of the fine and the quantum thereof is not in accordance with the NCC’s powers under the Nigerian Communications Act and therefore there are valid grounds upon which to challenge the fine.
Accordingly MTN has followed due process and has instructed its lawyers to proceed with an action in the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking the appropriate reliefs. MTN is advised that in the current circumstances in line with the lis pendens rule (pending legal action) the parties are enjoined to restrain from taking further action until the matter is finally determined.This is consistent with previous judicial decisions in Nigeria.
Notwithstanding this action, the Company will continue to engage with the Nigerian Authorities to try and ensure an amicable resolution in the best interests of the Company, its stakeholders and the Nigerian Authorities Shareholders are therefore advised to continue to exercise caution when dealing in the Company’s securities until a further announcement is made. As advised previously, we will keep you updated as the matter unfolds. I encourage you to continue focusing on our customers and strive to keep our promise to provide the bold, new Digital World to them.
Regards, Phuthuma
Uche Nnaji shares details of his shoot with President Buhari as he wishes him a happy birthday
Uche Nnaji was the stylist behind President Buhari's epic campaign shoot. To celebrate the President's birthday, on his Instagram page, the Style Doctor reveals that the President hadn't worn a suit in 20 years!
"In 2014, when I styled this great man for his official campaign shoot, it was an incredibly humbling and enlightening experience. Our President is a precisely detailed and dignified gentleman. He was a little hesitant about wearing a suit; He told me, 'This is the first time I will be wearing a suit in 20 years, I hope you perform some magic.' He added this last part with a laugh.
One year later I'm honoured to wish you a very happy birthday Sir and very grateful for the opportunity to take part in the history you made. Cheers Mr President!"
Christina Milian shares shocking details of abusive relationship
In an interview filmed for her reality show 'Christina Milian Turned Up', the singer opened up about an abusive past relationship, saying;
"I remember being that girl in the middle of the gas station trying to call 9-11 or call my mom and he's got me by my head and by my hair and he's pulling me back and there's people just watching and they don't know what to do. And all you could hope for is that someone will save you. But at the same time, you don't know how to save yourself."
Another time,
"He literally put a bullet in the gun and pointed it at my face."
Bayelsa governorship rerun to hold on January 9th- INEC
INEC has announced that the Bayelsa governorship rerun election in Southern Ijaw LGA will take place on January 9th. The electoral body declared the December 5th state governorship election inconclusive after cancelling the votes in the local government following cases of violence and election irregularities. Results from this rerun will determine who becomes the next governor of the state. The main contenders in the election are the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson of PDP and former governor Timpre Sylva of APC.
Prince Eke reveals extent of his injuries, narrates ordeal at the hands of his kidnappers (photos)
Muma Gee's husband and actor Prince Eke, who was kidnapped last week Saturday was released early yesterday morning by his kidnappers after over one week in captivity! Today he released photos of injuries he sustained while in capture and narrated his harrowing ordeal in the hands of his kidnappers. Read what he said after the cut and see more photos...
Driving to Port Harcourt with my PA, around Ubima link into Port Harcourt road from Owerri-Port road. Three guys jumped out of the bush with heavy guns, shooting directly at us driving towards them. As I tried to reverse, two came from the back with guns too. At that point I surrendered shouting ” please don’t shoot, please don’t shoot” they grabbed me and my PA straight into the bush. At that point, they recognised I was an actor and they got so excited. We walked for a long distance inside the bush after they have already taken every thing on me remaining only my trousers. They blindfolded and took us to one uncompleted building and then removed the blindfold. They waited till night before they took us by okada for about 30 mins ride to another uncompleted house where someone lives, because I heard voices. There, they took away my Atm cards and requested for my pin, of which I told them.
There in the building, they were 9 of them. One of them went and withdrew all the money in my accounts and they shared among themselves. From there they transferred us to a thick forest at night and told us that this is where we were going to be sleeping till further notice. They chained us as we slept on the bare floor guided with four gunmen. The next day, they brought some dirty wrappers and said that we will sleep like kings today.
Then I realised that these were young boys of about 21 / 22 years, as one of them told me his story of becoming a priest but fought and got suspended. On Monday night, the day I saw death face to face. I noticed that the chains on me wasn’t too tight. So I thought within me that this may be the best time to escape. I pretended to be very cold and asked for wrapper to cover myself, then I started loosening the chains, pushed the guy with the gun and ran into the bush. They chased after me shooting. The bush was too thick that I can’t even run fast. I kept falling, at the end they caught up with me and I thought this will be the end, one said waste him at once, I was crying and begging them to shoot my legs or do any thing they wish with me but just spare my life. Then one of them hit my head the with Pump action and blood rained on me like one under the shower, my body was soaked in blood. The order came again “I say waste him” and he replied “wait first”.
They beat me mercilessly, that I can’t even open my mouth well up till now or even eat. They were hitting me all over my body with guns and knives. When they saw I could bleed to death, they quickly called my wife and told her that if she didn’t come up with 15 million naira by Thursday that they would bury me alive, to serve as warning to the Federal Govt. and others who think they can joke with their business. At the end, their boss told them to tie me crocodile style for 3 days without food. They tied my hands, legs and head together for about 3 days. I went to hell and back. I don’t even know how to explain it. All I know is that God was in action, and knows why He gave me another chance.
One of them told me that I am so lucky to still be alive, that any body that tries to escape, is nothing but instant death. At the end, we paid the much we could gather and they freed us. Coming out from the forest took over 45 mins on bike at high speed. I still can’t believe I’m alive today, now I know that God has a mission for me here on Earth to carry out. And I'm full of gratitude to God for I know now that He has a purpose for my life thus He gave me a second chance. I say His name alone be praised. I also appreciate everyone for your prayers and support.
EFCC arrests Stallion Group MD over N1.25billion payment he made to Dasuki, Yuguda
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested the Managing Director of Stallion Group, Harprrie Singh, over a suspicious N1.25billion payment he made into the account of former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda for Former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.
Investigations by EFCC revealed that one of the companies being investigated in the arms deal scandal, Jabbama Company, a bureau de change operator, had received payment of N1.375 billion from Stallion group with a later deduction of N100 million, leaving a balance of N1.275billion. The money was changed into US Dollars ($114,750,000) and handed to Yuguda.
When interrogated about the money he received, Yuguda said the money was for a political purpose and he collected it on behalf of Dasuki. When brought in for questioning, Stallion group MD said that the N1.275 billion he gave Yuguda was at the request of both Dasuki and Yuguda to support their party's election campaign.
More investigation into the matter is ongoing.
America's most hated man, Martin Shkreli, who raised the price of AIDS drugs arrested
Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli who earned the title 'America's most hated man in September', when he jacked up the price of the anti-parasitic drug Daraprim, that benefits AIDS patients, pregnant women and cancer patients from $13.50 to $750 has been arrested.It is alleged he illegally used stock from the biotechnology firm he owned, Retrophin Inc. to pay off debts related to his struggling hedge fund and to pay back angry investors.
He is being charged with seven counts of fraud for running what United States Attorney Robert L. Capers of the Eastern District of New York is calling a Ponzi scheme.
Shkreli, 32, pleaded not guilty to these allegations and was released on a $5million bond after being arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn Thursday afternoo
He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.
The United States Attorney's office in a statement said:
"I would think that members of his legal team and the communication team would advise him not to do the things that he has done, particularly in light of an ongoing criminal investigation," said Judy Smith, a PR crisis management expert who represented President Bill Clinton's former mistress Monica Lewinsky.
"Most people that are aware they are under a criminal investigation would not behave in such a public way," said Smith, whose career inspired the hit ABC series "Scandal." "The risk of it is that it attracts and invites attention, review and investigation of ongoing business practices in a very public way, quite frankly."
Last week, it was revealed that Shkreli bought a single-copy album of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan for $2 million. He then said he didn't plan on listening to it anytime soon.
On Thursday, the Securities and Exchange Commission unsealed a civil case against Shkreli, accusing him of orchestrating "widespread fraudulent conduct" from 2009 through 2014.
Source: CNBC
Husband shoots wife 13 times because 'she wouldn't let me sleep'
A husband shot his wife and mother-of-two 13 times in the face while her sons were in the next room because she 'wouldn't let me sleep', according to police. Dorian Barker, 31, was arrested on Monday night in Indianapolis for allegedly killing wife Penny Jones-Barker, 28, after cops were called to a domestic disturbance at around 10.15pm.
Police said that when they arrived they found Barker standing on his front step, and when they asked him if everything was OK he responded 'yes', before adding: 'No, I just killed my wife.'
According to court documents seen by the Indianapolis Star, as Barker was led to a police car he told police: 'She's been trying to kill me all day. She wouldn't let me sleep.'
At the station, while being read his Miranda rights, Barker is reported to have interrupted the officer by reaching across the table and crumpling the paper he was reading from into a ball.
Inside the home officers said they found Jones, who had only been married to Barker since July, laying on the sofa with gunshot wounds to the face.
A Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol was found on the floor nearby, while 13 shell casing were recovered by crime lab technicians.
Jones's sons, aged 5 and 11, were asleep in an adjoining room at the time of the killing and are now in the custody of child protective services.
The murder was apparently witnessed by Jones's sister, who was sitting and smoking on the sofa with her when Barker came into the room. The sister said that Jones told Barker to put the gun away, and that he was scaring her, but he refused to do so.
Instead, the sister says, Barker walked around to the front of the sofa before unloading the weapon's entire magazine into her head.
The sister said she ran into a back bedroom before deciding to escape, then went back into the living room. There, she picked up the weapon and intended to take it, but thought better of it and dropped it before leaving the house.
Barker has been arrested twice before on domestic violence charges during previous relationships, but both times the charges were dismissed.
In 2007 he was charged with strangulation, battery and domestic battery, while in 2012 he was again charged with strangulation, intimidation, two counts of battery and two counts of domestic battery.
He is now being held in custody accused of murder.
According to the Indy Star, Jones drove buses and worked as a home health aide with the elderly in order to support her family.
Facebook posts in the days before she was killed show her at the mall meeting Santa with her son and a young nephew.
On December 13, just a day before she died, she posted an image of a Christmas tree in the family living room, saying: 'Christmas at the Barker's. Now who's going to help me wrap all these gifts?'
Devnee Kendrick, who identified herself as Jones's sister online, wrote: 'Oh Penny I can't stop crying sister, oh my God sister my heart aches for you.
'I just want my sister back. I have never felt anything like this. I just can't stomach this s***. I'm so sick Penny, I'm sick.
Pathetic Story Of A Nigerian Whose Kidney Was Stolen In Malaysia [MUST READ]
We saw this story and we thought it wise to share it. It’s touching and shocking and we hope we all learn from it.
I’m 26 years old and last year after graduating from one of the Polytechnics in Nigeria, I couldn’t get a job. I needed to travel out of the country to better my life and that of my family. I planned on going to Turkey but fell into the hands of dupes who gave me fake documents and I was thrown out of the Turkish embassy during my interview and almost got arrested.
Standing outside, I met an old acquaintance, a young guy I met through a mutual friend. I found myself telling him about my plight and how I had been duped into paying for fake documents.I told him how my dad sold his plot of land to ensure I traveled. How was I going to tell them their money went down the drain?
He then told me the best thing was to tell them I got the visa , so when my dad sends money for my flight ticket, I use it to go to Malaysia. He said he had an agent who would help me and also give me a job once I get there. He said several guys had gone to Malaysia too.
I told my excited parents that I got the Visa and would need money for my flight. I raised 600 thousand naira which was sent to the agent I had never met and was given a 1 month visa. I got to Malaysia expecting to see the agent but never did. It was 3 weeks, no job, and paying my hotel bill, I had exhausted all my money. The so-called agent I had been calling suddenly switched off his phone. It was one week to the expiration of my visa.
So I decided to step-out and find other Nigerians who could help me. I was unsuccessful as the two guys I knew way back in Nigeria were club bouncers and had no connections. Was shocked because they claimed to be big boys.
I was on my way back from one of my unsuccessful outings. I was wondering what to do when a short Indian man intercepted me. “Hello my friend you looking for a job? I have a job for you. How will you like to earn 3 thousand dollars a month? I was speechless” He told me “Lets go and have a drink and talk about it”
I was so happy. He took me to a spot not far from where we met. It was like a private house and I saw two other Black boys who the man introduced me to saying they were also beneficiaries of the job. I was just about to ask what the job was when a waiter brought me a drink and he told me to give him a minute to bring papers which would show me my job description.
I don’t know what happened next. I found myself in an uncompleted building. I was confused at first and felt I was dreaming. But the cold was unbearable to be a mere dream and the sharp pain on the side of my belly was too intense to be real. I saw my shoes on the floor. I was confused. How did I get here? What about the job? Did I loose my chance by getting too drunk? Then I recalled I didn’t drink alcohol. I decided to put on my shoes when I noticed my legs were so swollen my shoes didn’t size me anymore..
I left the place with no money in my pocket, didn’t even know where I was. I tried to ask some Arabs to help but no one even listened to me. As I kept walking, I saw 2 security men and walked up to them. They were Nigerians and after telling them about my plight, they took pity on me and asked me to sleep in the factory where they worked for the night. They gave me some pain killers to relieve me.But advised me to go for a test the next day. The next day I told them I had no money to even go for a checkup and I was probably going to be deported as I had just one week for my visa to expire.
The elderly one told me there was a job opening as a life guard at some private beach. I couldn’t be more grateful.
I took up the job but the reoccurring belly ache which I kept suppressing with pain killers was getting more intense. Then after rescuing someone who almost drowned, the intense stress which accompanied that made me fall ill. And after several tests, they couldn’t ascertain what was wrong with me. I had used up all the little money I earned from my job as a life guard and I had no option but to give myself up to the authorities so I could be deported since I couldn’t pay for my flight ticket .
I returned to Nigeria seriously ill and my parents took me from one hospital to the other and they couldn’t detect what was wrong with me. We went to several prayer houses even very popular miracle pastors who claimed it was evil people from my village chasing me. Destiny killers they said. I was ordered to fast for 21 days and four days later I collapsed . Then my father ran into an old classmate who owned a hospital. He told him about my plight and he told my dad to bring me over.
He ordered a full scan to be run on me and while I was alone, he came to me and said” Young man, why did you have one of your kidney’s removed?” I was shocked ‘My Kidney? Sir I don’t get”. He smiled”At least if you want to have your kidney removed, do it well. You must have earned a few millions from it so what did you do with the money? Why didn’t you treat yourself properly?”””
I was confused and I insisted I knew nothing and he showed me the scan. Yes one kidney was missing. He also said the closure was perfectly done and skin was used to cover up the stitch. He said only Indians did such perfect cover-ups. After insisting there was a mistake somewhere, the doctor said the fact was one of my kidneys was removed and he told me the dangers of selling my kidney which many Nigerian youths do these days to make quick cash I was in tears and I told him I didn’t know what he was talking about then I recalled the Indian man I met who told me he had a job for me .
It hit me that that man had me drugged and took me to an unknown place and had my kidney removed and then dumped me in that building.
Now I’m a 26 year old man who put my parents through hell and I’m now living on one kidney and very ill. I keep hoping this one doesn’t develop a problem. I want youths to be careful of where they go to and who they interact with.I just found-out its a cartel and several African jobless youths have been trapped and have their kidneys removed without their knowledge ..
It’s a wicked world..
UPDATED: Diezani Alison-Madueke Is Alive And not Well – Family
Former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, is not dead, family sources have said.
This is coming after the rumour of her death went viral on social media onThursday.
According to the report, the former minister died of cancer in London and is being prepared to be flown back to Nigeria on Saturday from the United Kingdom, where she has been receiving treatment.
“The report is untrue. She’s alive and well,” a family source said.
Report reaching us says her family is holding a crucial meeting over her deteriorating health condition.
Family members of a former Nigerian Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, have dismissed reports that she is dead.
According to family friend of the Maduekes in Lagos, but the source denied reports of the former minister’s death. “I am going to a crucial meeting with [retired Rear Admiral] Alison Amaechina Madueke, and I can tell you the former minister is not dead.”
Also, her Lagos- based lawyer, Oscar Onwudiwe who had earlier told Saharareporters that a family meeting was going on about her later called to say she is alive.
Mrs. Alison-Madueke has been in the UK receiving treatment for cancer since former President Goodluck Jonathan left office in May 2015. In October she was arrested by agents of the National Crime Agency in the UK accused of money laundering.
Earlier reports revealed that Mrs. Alison-Madueke, a graduate of architecture at Washington, DC-based Howard University, was stricken with cancer. She had denied our report, only for her family lawyer, Oscar Onwudiwe, to admit two months ago that she was being treated for cancer.
Mrs. Alison-Madueke hailed from Bayelsa State and worked for Shell Petroleum prior to her appointment to the cabinet of former President Umaru Yar’Adua. At Mr. Yar’Adua’s death in 2010, President Jonathan appointed Mrs. Alison-Madueke to the Petroleum Ministry. She was widely regarded as the most powerful member of Mr. Jonathan’s cabinet.
Her tenure was marked by numerous questionable deals, including controversies over billions of dollars of oil revenues that were reportedly not deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
In recent interviews with a Nigerian publisher, Dele Momodu, the former Petroleum Minister denied ever stealing Nigeria’s funds.
