Lagos cancels NURTW BRT agreement

Lagos cancels NURTW BRT agreement

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode

THE Lagos State Government has terminated the franchise it issued to the National Union of Road Transport Workers to operate a Bus Rapid Transit scheme between Mile 12 and CMS corridor of the state.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, on Thursday said the government decided to terminate the franchise agreement because of non-compliance with operational plans stipulated in the franchise by the First BRT Cooperative (FBC), owned by the NURTW.

He said, “The termination of the franchise agreement with the operator is sequel to breaches of the BRT Service Level Agreement (SLA) it signed with the state government. We have been talking with FBC for years to ensure the SLA was adhered to, all to no avail.

“Though the SLA requires a one-month notice prior to its termination, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, custodian of the agreement, gave a three-month notice, which the operator failed to honour.”

He added that the government’s decision had been communicated to the operator, saying the FBC lacked the ability to offer good public transport services to commuters on the BRT corridor.

“This has led to incessant complaints by members of the public over poor services provided by the operator and the deployment of vehicles not safe for use.

“The failure of the FBC to comply with the terms of the franchise agreement has led to passengers experiencing poor service quality typified by extensive waiting time and having to endure use of dilapidated and unsafe buses,” he added.

The commissioner said that the breaches, which the operator had indulged in and failed to remedy despite being notified of them, had made the state government to decide to order the operator out of the corridor in the interest of the public.

The NURTW, however, pleaded with Ambode to prevail on LAMATA to rescind its decision.

It stated in a letter addressed to the governor that the action could lead to the loss of jobs for 1,000 workers involved in the BRT operation.

The letter, which was signed by the NURTW state Chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Agbede, also noted that the union would find it difficult to fulfill a N1.6bn loan agreement it entered into with Ecobank in 2014 to facilitate the purchase of 100 buses for the scheme.

It read in part, “Sir, we are pleading for your understanding on this situation. We are ready to work with other operators on that corridor for the benefit of Lagos commuters.”

The Punch

office for the Nation Content (ONC) writes VP over foreign computer procurement

Office for the Nation Content (ONC) writes VP over foreign computer procurement

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo

The Office for the Nigerian Content in Information and Communication Technology has written to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the contravention of the nation’s local content policy by Ministries, Department and Agencies of government through their preference for and procurement of foreign computers and other ICT equipment.

In the letter dated December 9, 2015 and entitled: ‘Enforcement of the Nigerian ICT local content guidelines through the annual budgeting process’, the National Coordinator of the ONC, Mr. Inye Kemabonta, said a significant number of the MDAs had in their 2016 budget proposals indicated plans to purchase foreign brands of computers in contravention of the local content policy of the Federal Government.

In the letter, which was copied the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, Kemabonta described the contravention of the local content policy as an economic crime and sought the prosecution of all the MDAs that continued to indulge in the act.

Kemanbonta wrote, “The Office for Nigerian Content Development in ICT has observed with dismay that a significant number of the MDAs have in their 2016 budget proposals specified foreign brands of computers, IT equipment and infrastructure that local Original Equipment Manufacturers have capacity to produce locally.

“This action not only negates the job and wealth creation thrust of the government, but is in direct contravention of the guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT, a regulation that came into force on December 3, 2013.

“The contravention of the regulatory guidelines is a crime under sections 17 (4) and 18 of the NITDA Act of 2007. Apart from that, we are moved to urgently bring this worrisome development to your attention by the following facts:

“Statistics show that every imported foreign computer or purchase of foreign ICT equipment is an unfortunate export of potential jobs out of Nigeria; such imports, in spite of local capacity, puts pressure on the naira and makes our country a perennial consumer nation; local content in ICT, especially, is directly relevant to the drive to diversify the economy and make it knowledge-driven.

“The infringement of the regulatory guidelines is indeed an economic crime against our nation and should be so treated.”

He added, “In view of the foregoing, we earnestly and urgently request your excellency to direct that the Ministry of National Planning and Budget and the Bureau of Public Procurement to assist in the implementation of the Local Content Guidelines with regard to the purchase of indigenous ICT products through the annual national budgeting process; all MDAs to clear their ICT projects with the NITDA in line with extant service-wide circulars;

“The relevant law enforcement agencies begin the prosecution of cases of contravention of the local content guidelines as economic crimes.”

The ONC is a Special Purpose Vehicle established as a sustainable institutional framework to enforce compliance with the regulatory guidelines on Local Content in ICT under the NITDA Act of 2007.

It was established by the then Ministry of Communication Technology in collaboration with NITDA and the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The National Assembly may cut $38 oil benchmark

The National Assembly may cut $38 oil benchmark

Senate President, Bukola Saraki

Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

The National Assembly is likely to reduce the crude oil benchmark price of $38 per barrel proposed by the executive for the 2016 budget, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Saabi Abdullahi, has said.

The price of oil in the international market as of Thursday was slightly below $33 per barrel, leaving a deficit of $5 per barrel from the $38 in the budget estimates.

Abdullahi told journalists in his office that both chambers of the National Assembly were being realistic in coming up with the decision to cut the benchmark price going by the alarming rate at which oil price was falling daily in the international market.

He said, “We are going to be as realistic as possible by reviewing it in line with realities on the ground as regards the proposed parameters like the oil price benchmark, with a barrel of crude oil in the international market today far lower than the projected benchmark figure of $38 per barrel.

“So, what I want to assure you is that when we resume from recess, the budget will be a top priority and we are going to give it expeditious attention.

“The issues of oil benchmark and exchange rate are issues that are dynamic and I’m sure that by the time we come to deal with that, we will look at what the realities are, and in tandem with the executive, I am sure we will come up with what we believe is realistic.”

He added that in considering the budget, the National Assembly would pay attention to the critical issue of revenue diversification.

Abdullahi stated, “If you look at the budget, you will see that we are giving more emphasis to non-oil revenue and by the time we block the leakages and ensure value for money, we should be able to do those things that will add value to the economy.

“Remember, the IMF boss was advising the financial sector to look at borrowing to the real sectors, agriculture, SMEs and all the likes, these are the areas of growth and I want to assure Nigerians that if we get it right in these particular sectors, our economy will be able to stay afloat.”

He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for what he described as an effective management of the foreign exchange system.

The senator said, “If you look at the forex market, today it will gain, tomorrow it will drop; so, these are dynamics that we are not sure how it will play out, but with the management of the forex, I want to believe that the CBN is doing a very great job.

“We should encourage them and give them the necessary support so that at the end of day, we will continue to do those things that are in the interest of Nigerians.”

However, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, urged the CBN to relax its strict foreign exchange policy as it was doing more harm than good to the economy.

Saraki, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said small businesses, in particular, were being made to suffer unnecessarily as a result of the CBN’s strict forex policy.

He called on the central bank to introduce a more flexible foreign exchange regime and reduce the present restrictions on the autonomous market, which were not allowing business owners to bring in foreign exchange or utilise what they had in their accounts.

The Senate president noted that he had canvassed a similar view at a private meeting with CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

He was said to have implored the CBN chief to consider the effects of the present forex regime on small businesses, many of which he noted were dying.

A Nigerian tennis’ Beauty killed by police for burial

A Nigerian tennis’ Beauty killed by police for burial

Late Beauty

The remains of Beauty McLeod, mother of Nigerian tennis junior champion, Angel, will be laid to rest on Friday at Ogbunka Town, Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.

The 37-year-old, who was also an active tennis player, was killed last October in Lagos during an altercation with a mobile policeman attached to a Victoria Island, Lagos hotel in which she had lodged.

Beauty had relocated to Nigeria from Dubai in 2014 and was preparing for the Governor’s Cup among other domestic tournaments before the tragic incident. Her last major tournament was in May last year when she featured in the CBN Open in Lagos.

The Nigeria Tennis Federation in a tribute by its president, Sani Ndanusa, commended the deceased for the great role she played in the blossoming career of her daughter, who has been identified by experts as a global star prospect.

“It’s very clear to all that she (Beauty) wanted her daughter to succeed as a tennis player. She laid a very good foundation by making sure that she provided everything Angel needed both in material and human support.

“Beauty has been a reference point of how a parent-child synergy helps bring out talent in sports. She sponsored her daughter to tournaments within and outside the country. She also travelled with her everywhere just to give her the psychological support for her to excel,” he said.

Ndanusa pledged that the federation would strive to make sure she attained professional status in the coming years to fulfill her mum’s dream

Rest in Peace

Mechanic remanded in Kirikiri prison for defiling, impregnating 15-year-old girl

Mechanic remanded in Kirikiri prison for defiling, impregnating 15-year-old girl

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Thursday remanded a 30-year-old mechanic, Soliu Arolu, who allegedly defiled and impregnated a teenager.

The Magistrate, Mrs T.O. Shomade ordered the accused to be remanded in Kirikiri Prison and adjourned the case till Jan. 27 when the bail application would be entertained.

Rape

Arolu, a mechanic, who lives at 2, Adewusi Lane, off Ajegunle St., Ilupeju, Lagos is facing a two-count charge bordering on defilement.

The prosecutor, Insp. Benedict Eigbokhon, told the court that the offences were committed sometime in September 2015 at the residence of the accused.

According to the prosecutor, the accused stays in the same compound with the victim, a 15-year-old.

“It was when the victim’s mother discovered that she was pregnant that she told her that it was the accused that defiled her,” he said.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 137 and 263(1) (2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Faleke should accept Deputy Governorship’

Faleke should accept Deputy Governorship’

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State and former Senatorial candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, Mr. Adewale Abel has implored the Deputy Governor-Elect, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke to accept his new status in the interest of the Okun people.

Abel disclosed this in Lokoja in an exclusive chat with Vanguard, saying it will be unpardonable for Okun to lose out in the political scheming going on in the state.

It would be recalled that Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives and running mate to the late Prince Abubakar Audu had refused to be Deputy Governorship to the Governor-Elect, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, insisting that he was the right replacement to the late governorship candidate.

Reacting to the stance of Faleke, Adewale Abel said it is high time Faleke aligned with the aspirations of his people for power shift.

“I quite understand the position of my brother, Hon. James Faleke but he must stop fighting now and embrace the new power structure in the state.

As a party man, Faleke should show example to those behind him on party discipline.

“It is inappropriate to fight his party, the party that made him politically. He should think of the Okun interest before we lose out to the Igalas because I am aware a lot of politicking is going on”.

And now Cossy Orjiakor ready to settle down?

And now Cossy Orjiakor ready to settle down?

Queen of boobs,  Cossy Orjiakor is at it again. The controversial actress who is  known for flaunting her boobs indiscriminately has revealed that she will be getting married this year.

*Cossy repentant

Cossy took to her Instagram  handle Wednesday, to declare her intention to walk down the aisle this year. She shared a close-up picture of her face and captioned it “Hello 2016…I started this year with work… Helping out… Almost like charity…. That’s when I know It’s gonna be a good year…. This year I will finally become Mrs. Cossy Ojiakor…” Recall that last September, Cossy spoke about her ideal man in an interview.

According to her, “I love hot men, really hot…” The question  is,  whether Cossy is ready to settle down?

EFCC arrests Buhari’s associate, APC chieftain, Jafaru Isa.

EFCC arrests Buhari’s associate, APC chieftain, Jafaru Isa.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday night arrested a former military governor of Kaduna State under  military regime of General Sani Abacha ,and  APC chieftain, Lawal Jafaru Isa.
Premium Times reports ,Mr. Isa is the first chieftain of the APC arrested by the EFCC regarding the $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal.

Mr. Isa, a close friend of the embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and  a close political associate of President Muhammadu Buhari, was arrested at his Abuja residence located at Ajayi Crowther Street, Asokoro.

The retired brigadier general,alleged to have received over N100million from Mr. Dasuki,was invited last week to appear before the commission on Wednesday (yesterday) to clear the air,rather than honouring the invitation,Mr. Isa wrote a letter to the EFCC through his lawyer, seeking a postponement of his appearance date on the grounds of death of a relative.

Apparently dissatisfied with his excuse, the EFCC however arrested him to clarify the “questionable receipts”.

This is what you get when you alter Gods creation. See what happened to lady who tried to get Kylie Jenner lips

This is what you get when you alter Gods creation. See what happened to lady who tried to get Kylie Jenner lips

A young woman who had £50 fillers injected at a Thai clinic after finding a cheap deal was horrified when her lips turned blue and lumpy.
Amelia Greville, 24, who lives in Bangkok and works as a teacher, saw a deal for Juvéderm lip fillers online and purchased it, delighted as this is the brand Kylie Jenner uses.

The 24-year-old,was not concerned about the cheap price - in the UK Juvéderm fillers normally cost up to £400 - as she believed Groupon was a 'trusted site'.After having the injections in April last year she was initially happy with her new look, as her lips were much plumper.But within months she was devastated when hard, wart-like lumps formed on her mouth.

She told MailOnline:

 'I looked in the mirror and looked horrific. I cried to my boyfriend at the time, but I didn't tell anyone back home.'Your lips are right there on your face, the first thing that people look at.'Mine looked grotesque. The word I always say is my lips look mangled.'Now I try to never smile with my mouth open because I’ve got these massive three lumps.'Whenever I meet someone new I’m self-conscious, I think "they must be looking at my lips".'

 Miss Greville added she felt so unconfident that her unsightly lips put a strain on her relationship, eventually contributing to the couple breaking up.

: 'I really didn't want to be kissed, and I still shy away from it.’

When Miss Grenville returned to the clinic two months later, staff injected her with another fluid they claimed would rectify the problem.

Instead, to her horror, her lips started to swell and turn blue. Later, more yellow, painful lumps formed on top of the initial lumps that already protruded from her mouth.
Now, she is desperately fundraising to have an operation to fix her appearance.

Miss Greville told MailOnline: 

Before the lipfillers

'I'm not the type that would have cosmetic surgery done. I'm not unhappy with my lips. But my friends had lip fillers and they looked good.

'I'd researched Juvéderm loads, it's what Kylie Jenner had, it's what everyone gets. Because it's non-permanent, I saw it like having your hair dyed.'

Federal high Court grants former PDP Chairman Haliru Bello & his son N600m bail

Federal high Court grants former PDP Chairman Haliru Bello & his son N600m bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a N600 million bail to the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Haliru Bello and his son, Abba. The two are facing a 4-count criminal charge‎ bordering on alleged N300 million fraud‎.

Delivering judgement on their bail application, the presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed ordered the duo to pay N300million each as well as produce two sureties each, in like sum.

One of the persons to stand surety for the former PDP chairman must be a Director under the employment of the federal government or any of its agencies while the the son was asked to produce someone not below grade level 12 to stand surety for him.

Justice Mohammed ordered that the second surety must be an owner of landed property in Abuja the value of which must not be below N300m, adding that the title deed of such property must be verified and surrendered to the court registrar throughout the duration of the trial.

The accused persons were also asked to surrender their international passports to the court. Pending the perfection of the bail terms, the court ordered that Abba should be remanded in prison custody, saying the ex-PDP boss should remain in hospital but placed under police watch.Hearing on the fraud charges begins on February 16.

A 27-year-old woman found mutilated and burnt in Soweto, boyfriend confesses to have murdered her

A 27-year-old woman found mutilated and burnt in Soweto, boyfriend confesses to have murdered her

Zestah September (pictured above) was found mutilated and burnt on New Year's Eve in an open veld near a military base in Soweto, South Africa, two days after she was declared missing.

A suspect identified as her boyfriend has been arrested in connection with the murder after he made a verbal confession. Details yet to be made public. The hastag #JusticeforZestah is currently trending on SA twitter.

In a tribute to Zestah on Instagram, one of her friends @ditjhaba has this to say about her:

"I will forever Remember & Miss this Happy, Beautiful, go getting, Energetic , Loving Soul. Zestah every moment I spent with you, you managed to always remind and teach Me that every moment should lived to the fullest. There was never a dull or less animated moment with You. We are heartbroken beyond measure. I will Always Remember and Miss You "Shebadem"

HELP ME! Mother and Daughter Want Me To Sleep With Them

HELP ME! Mother and Daughter Want Me To Sleep With Them

Believe it or not, I am a virgin at the age of 25. My problem now is that my boss and her daughter are both trying to get me into bed. After I finished at the law school, my mum arranged for me to work in her friend’s chambers to gain experience. Sadly, my mother recently lost her battle against breast cancer. She died, leaving me devastated and my boss said if I ever needed anyone to talk to, she would always be there for me.

Then, she invited for meals. She’s a single mother of two and lives with her daughter who is my age-mate. I was leaving her house one night, after a meal when she asked me to wait. She shut the door...

and started kissing me, but she stopped when her daughter arrived home. The next day at work, she started sending me saucy e-mails, saying, “I think you have a hot body.”

Now, she’s confessed she has feelings for me and she wants things to get sexual between us. I’ve never had s*x before, so I don’t think I’d be much good to her.

I’ve also been spending time with her daughter. She’s single and I’ve introduced her to my friends because she wants to meet a man. This had taken my mind off things and got me socializing again. My boss’ daughter is very pretty and I thought she’d find a man quickly, but it hasn’t happened, so, I asked her why. She said it was because the person she would really love to be with is me. 

Then, she asked me to come up to her bedroom. I was shocked and a bit lost for words. Why has this happened? I don’t know what to do. It’s stressing me out. I’m worried one of them will say the wrong thing to the other at home and it’ll all blow up in my face. What should I do?

- A young man Bayo sent this by e-mail to Aunty Bunmi. Read the reply he got...

Dear Bayo,
You seem like a sweet guy and I fear you’re letting these two women take over and dictate your life. You’re 25 and still a virgin and, judging by the female attention you’re getting, I’m guessing you’re an attractive man. So, it’s fairly safe to presume there is a reason other than lack of opportunity as to why you’ve hung onto your virginity.

If you were eager to put the proverbial notches on your bedpost, you’d have slept with the mother and the daughter, instead you resisted the mother and while you were attracted to the daughter, the attraction faded when she tried to lure you into bed. You are obviously not out for s*x, you are out for a real connection. But, it is okay to be. You have lost your dear mum and are feeling lost and vulnerable. The last thing you need is a weird mother/daughter s*x triangle. If you can find another legal firm to work with, do so. If not, let the mother realise that as much as you’ve appreciated her support, you’re not interested in having a relationship that is more than maternal.

As for the daughter, I think you should steer clear. it’s going to be very messy if you date her. Hell has no fury like a woman scorned, but mother losing out to daughter is something even more dastardly. You deserve to be with someone, who really cares about you, who’s willing to take it slow and lets you initiate s*x when you feel ready to have it. 

So, go back to socialising and simply enjoy yourself until you feel truly ready for a relationship.

-----------------------------------

See how Truckloads of Petrol are Smuggled Out of Nigeria into Cameroon (Photos)

See how Truckloads of Petrol are Smuggled Out of Nigeria into Cameroon (Photos)

A guy on Facebook, Yunusa Hanidu took these pics secretly of how petroleum products are being diverted into Cameroon through Mambilla border. Mambilla is between Taraba State and Cameroon. These are petrol that Nigerian government would have paid subsidy on. Read what he wrote:

"This is how petroleum is diverted into Cameroon from Mambilla border. Our customs and other security agents are just there to collect bribe from these dealers and things like this to be happening. This thing has to be stopped. This is what make the product to be sold here at #220 per litre. This is because they make much money to sell it in cameroon than in Nigeria. And the we people are paying the prices of all these rubbish."

OluFamous blog

I will not return the Millions I collected – Northern Leader Yakasai

I will not return the Millions I collected – Northern Leader Yakasai

Controversial politician and Northern leader, Tanko Yakasai has stated why he would not return the money he collected from the former PDP Board of Trustees chairman, Chief Tony Anenih.

Yakasai, an octogenarian, was reportedly implicated by Chief Anenih for receiving N63million out of the N250million he had received from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Yakasai, who said the question of asking him to return the money does not arise, however said he collected only N53m from Anenih and not N63m as the PDP strongman had claimed.

He told Premium Times on telephone that he had not committed any crime as the money given to him was not meant for his personal use.

“I think your questions of whether I will return the money is like jumping the gun, because at the first instance nobody gave me money on my personal capacity. As I told you, the money is for that group.

“And we had, as part of the assignment, visited Borno and Yobe and even met with two traditional leaders. So we have carried out our assignment diligently.

“I am ready at any given time to respond to invitation by EFCC. I am ready to clear my name," he said.

The EFCC is handling cases of the diversion of funds by the office of the NSA into PDP campaigns.

Davido Shouldnt Be Your ATM Because of Baby, Go Get A Job; Sophie Warned

Davido Shouldnt Be Your ATM Because of Baby, Go Get A Job; Sophie Warned

Respected movie maker and musician, Dr. Ola Balogun, has waded into Davido and his baby mama saga. The veteran film maker, via a letter, addressing the love-child drama, expressed disappointment and condemned in totality, the role played by Ovation magazine boss, Dele Momodu.

He said those involved should be ashamed in cases of love-child rather than celebrating it in the media. He has therefore charged Sophie to go and look for a job to do to support her lifestyle, and not turn the young man, Davido, into an ATM for free money just because of a baby.

The letter sent to The Nation, reads in part: [b]“I was heartbroken to read about what young Mr. Adeleke has been going through at the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Dele Momodu and their neice (or cousin?).

“If Davido’s account is true, the activities of the Momodus deserve to be roundly condemned by all right-thinking Nigerians.

“Shouldn’t the baby’s interests be paramount? As for the mother of the baby, she should be thoroughly ashamed of herself for having inflicted so much pain and suffering on her child as a result of her alleged drug habits.

“If I understand rightly, the young lady is able-bodied. Why doesn’t she go and seek gainful employment, instead of partying all over the place and expecting the father of her child to pick up extravagant bills?

“Why must she consider Davido a personal ATM that is there to cough up money on demand at each instant? It is really too bad!”

“In conclusion, one must congratulate Davido for the deep maturity, sense of responsibility, decency, forbearance and manliness he has displayed all through this terrible ordeal.

“Unknown to him, he has proved himself to be more than old enough and mature enough to be equal to the task of being a father. I hope and pray for Imade’s good health and future happiness and well-being.”

Nigerian Big Boy, Alexis, Caught With Drugs In Malaysia Airport, Sentenced to Death

Nigerian Big Boy, Alexis, Caught With Drugs In Malaysia Airport, Sentenced to Death

Owner of a car rental business in Nigeria, Alexis Zogbelemo was on Wednesday given the death penalty by the the Shah Alam High Court of malaysia for trafficking drugs into the conservative country.

Judge Datuk Akhtar Tahir sentenced Alexis Zogbelemow after finding him guilty of the offence involving 824.1 grammes of substances that tested positive for Methamphetamine.

The judge ruled that Alexis' defence statement was fabricated and merely a denial.

Alexis was nabbed at the main arrival hall of Kuala Lumpur Int'l Airport since February 28, 2012 but the case dragged on due to his denial until Januray 6, 2016, when he was finally sentenced.

What a pity...

Welcome to TDKs blog: FG to expand NYSC scheme – Minister

ftyy.nj

Nigeria court in Kano sentences cleric to death for blasphemy

Nigeria court in Kano sentences cleric to death for blasphemy

Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage captionThe Sharia courts have their own police force in Kano

An Islamic court has sentenced a Nigerian cleric to death by hanging for insulting the Prophet Muhammad in the northern city of Kano.

Abdulazeez Dauda, popularly known as Abdul Inyass, was convicted after a trial held in secret to avoid protests.

Five of his followers were also sentenced to death last year.

These are the first death sentences for blasphemy handed down by a Nigerian Sharia court; those delivered for other offences have not been carried out.

Mr Inyass is a preacher at a local faction of the Tijaniya sect, founded in Senegal by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, which has a large following across West Africa.

He was reported to have said that "Niasse was bigger than Prophet Muhammad" during a lecture at an event in May, leading to violent protests in the city.

The BBC's Yusuf Ibrahim Yakasai in Kano says he then fled to the capital, Abuja, and nine of his followers were arrested for their alleged part in organising the event.

When they were arraigned in court, there were further clashes and the courthouse was set on fire, he says.

Analysis: Muhammad Kabir Muhammad, BBC Hausa, Abuja

Anyone who is not satisfied with the judgement of a Sharia court can appeal to the Sharia Court of Appeal in the state within three months. From there the case can be taken to the federal Court of Appeal, which is secular and, finally, to the Supreme Court.

There are judges of the Court of Appeal who are learned in Islamic law and who would be convened by the court's president to hear the case.

The Sharia courts only try Muslims. If a case involves a Muslim and a non-Muslim, the non-Muslim will be given the option of choosing where he/she wants the case to be tried. The Sharia court can only hear the case if the non-Muslim gives written consent.

Amina Lawal, who was found guilty of adultery in 2002 and sentenced to death by stoning, was acquitted by a Sharia Court of Appeal.

Four of the followers were acquitted and the five sentenced to death are appealing against their conviction at the state's high court.

Kano has a predominately Muslim population and Islamic courts operate alongside secular courts.

Mr Inyass, whose five-month trial was held in secret for security reasons, will also be able to appeal against the verdict at the high court.

Several states in northern Nigeria introduced Sharia after the country returned to civilian rule in 1999.

Tijaniya at a glance

Image copyrightGetty Images

The Sufi sect of Tijaniya was founded in Algeria in 1784 by Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Tijani.

It spread all over the world, with large following in North and West Africa. It also has followers in South Africa, Indonesia and other parts of the world.

There are other Sufi sects in Islam but Tijaniya is the largest.

They have three main daily practices: Asking the forgiveness of God; sending prayers to the Prophet Muhammad and affirming the Oneness of Allah.

Senegalese-born Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse was credited with reviving the sect in the 20th Century. People travel from across the continent to visit his shrine.

They have several factions including the Haqiqa (Realist) group, whose members were convicted of blasphemy in Kano.

Davido vs Babymama: Popstar storms NAPTIP office, says it’s a family affair

Davido vs Babymama: Popstar storms NAPTIP office, says it’s a family affair

There are indications that the Hip-Hop star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his Babymama, Sophia Momodu,  are already working with the National Agency for the Prohibition in Trafficking of Persons, NAPTIP,  in order to resolve the feud over the custody of their baby, Imade.

Davido and Sophia

A source from the agency told Vanguard,yesterday, that the warring parties are cooperating with the agency to end the face-off as soon as possible.

This is coming on the heels of the 23-year-old pop singer’s visit to the Lagos State office of NAPTIP, yesterday. His father, Dr. Deji Adeleke was said to have stormed the NAPTIP office earlier in the week. So also were Dele Momodu and Sophia.

Though the details of Davido’s meeting with the officials of the agency are yet to be ascertained, it was, however, gathered that the pop star arrived the office of NAPTIP at 11:07a.m., yesterday.

When contacted on the telephone, Davido, who was recently hospitalised due to stress, declined to comment on the outcome of his visit to the NAPTIP office, insisting that it was a family affair and a personal problem.

However, speaking on a condition of anonymity, a source from the NAPTIP office, told Vanguard, yesterday, that the agency is still investigating the matter.

“I cannot tell you the outcome of the meeting because the agency is still investigating the matter and the parties involved are cooperating with us. We are talking about the future of a child here, and everything has to be done to protect the child,” the source said.

It will be recalled that Sophia, through her lawyers, yesterday, requested the original copy of the alleged medical report that Davido published during the week from Clina Lancet laboratory.

The singer had alleged that a pathology test was conducted, in which it was determined that his daughter, Imade, was fed with breast milk contaminated with cannabis.

Meanwhile, in a series of tweets, Monday, Sophia, who is also a relation of the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, challenged both Davido and his family to publish the alleged medical report, stating that she took cannabis which had infected her seven-month old baby.

Davido, last Sunday, rebuffed claims by his estranged lover, Sophia Momodu on the circumstances surrounding the removal of their daughter, Imade, from Sophia’s custody.

In a statement released, yesterday,  by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, the body urged the parties to sheathe their swords and use constructive and private means to find lasting resolution so as to respect and edify the constitutional dignity and fundamental human rights of the little baby.

“We have observed with considerable trepidation and disappointment the media brickbats and unnecessary spat between the highly successful celebrity musical performer known by his stage name of Davido and the high profile publisher and respected columnist/political activist, Chief Dele Momodu, over a child’s custody disagreement involving the musician; his erstwhile female companion, Ms Sophie, who is reportedly the cousin to Dele Momodu over a child, little baby of seven months, called Imade.”

Who says you cant loose that weight in no time ?

Unbelievable! See Lepacious Bose’s weight-loss wonder

Top female stand-up comedienne is known to be a very fat woman, but one who has used her huge weight to good effect by using her body as a vessel to sell her jokes across. Even her name ‘Lepacious Bose’ is a mockery of her figure.

Bose seemed so much at home with her huge weight and so thought many of her fans but she was secretly ashamed by it and working to shed them off!

For two years now she has been on a strict diet and it looks like it is paying off for her. She celebrated her success on Instagram with a couple of pictures and surely Lapacious Bose as we used to know her is fast disappearing!

“These days I just love taking pictures, it’s amazing how far av come from acting like I love the camera, and actually loving it. The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, make a choice, start today, a little walk, a little exercise, a conscious healthier eating habit….it all comes together slowly but surely, you too can loose that weight, let’s enjoy this journey together. Almost 2yrs on this journey and I can’t stop smiling. #lovinglife” she gleefully posted.
But the question on the lips of her fans and those who know her well is, will she continue to bear the name, Lepacious Bose? Lets wish her luck and see what comes out of it.