PHOTOS: Annie Idibia Attends Pan African Film Festival In The US

Just 5 weeks after giving birth to her 2nd child, Annie Idibia has got her body back.

The pretty lady looks so good that one will hardly believe she just gave birth 5 weeks ago.

Footballer Maicon Dies In Tragic Car Accident

"FC Shakhtar regretfully informs that on 8 February 2014 the life of a footballer Maicon Pereira de Oliveira tragically ended.

"He died in a car crash in Donetsk."

The Brazilian joined the Ukrainian outfit in 2008 and made six appearances scoring one goal.

Recently he had been on loan with Zorya Luhansk and Illichivets Mariupol.

"He was a talented footballer, open and friendly guy," they added. "Maicon loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright.

"Tragic, untimely and absurd death took away a wonderful person from our ranks. Maicon was only 25 years old.

PHOTOS: Olu Maintain Signs Distribution Deal With Def Jam

Olu Maintain has signed a worldwide distribution deal with Dej Jam. Def Jam Recordings is an American record label, focused predominantly on hip hop and urban music and operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Music Group.

P-Square and D'Banj are few of the Nigerian artistes that have a worldwide distribution deal with Universal Music Group and Dej Jam respectively.

Also see photos from the video shoot of his new song 'Enough Efizzi' which part of it was shot in a Jacuzzi inside a private jet after the cut.

The video and the song will be released on Monday, 10th of February, 2014.

Sean Tizzle Shoots 4 New Videos In Anticipation For His Debut Album 'The Journey'

After winning the Next Rated Artiste 2013, Sean Tizzle has shown there's no stopping him.

The singer and his team went to South Africa to shoot the video for his latest hit single 'Kilogbe" and 3 other unreleased songs off his much awaited debut album titled "Ther Journey' which is set to drop in April all directed by cinematographer, Sesan.

‘Why I Think The Gay Community Should Come Out’ by Seun Kuti

I'm writing to condemn the recent anti-gay bill signed into law by our President Jonathan Goodluck.

This law - which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison for anyone in a same-sex marriage or civil union, 10 years for anyone who attends a same-sex wedding, 10 years for anyone involved with an LGBT organization, and even 10 years for anyone who shows affection for someone of the same sex - should be cast out.

Since the law was passed, police across Nigeria have begun arresting and torturing dozens of our fellow citizens suspected of being gay.

Don't forget that in some of our states, if you are found guilty of being gay, you could be stoned to death. First of all, this law was unnecessary. There is not space in the existing constitution for gay marriage.

HEALTH: Cholera Claims Lives In Benue State

The Benue Government on Friday said that the cholera outbreak recorded in the state a few days ago has claimed eight lives.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services in the state, Orduen Abunku, made the announcement while speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the state capital.

Mr. Abunku said that 240 people had been diagnosed with the disease and were currently being treated. A community in the state, Wadata, had witnessed an outbreak of the disease.

"A total of 240 cases have been reported while eight deaths have been recorded so far," the commissioner had stated.

BREAKING NEWS: Three ABU Professors Killed In Auto Crash

Reports reaching us indicate three professors of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, perished this afternoon in a fatal automobile accident.

According to one of the students, the accident occurred around Abuja-Kaduna Express Way. The three professors were on their way to Zaria from Abuja.

The three lecturers were identified as Professor Samuel Kafewo, Dr. Martins Ayegba, Nanaaisha Ali.

All were Development Communication experts and also teachers at ABU's Department of Theatre and Performing Arts.

"I Bought Cars For All Six Of My Children" - Actor Pete Edochie

The veteran actor said to motivate each of his six children, he bought them all cars upon graduation from the university.

"I wanted to motivate them and keep them away from peer pressure. Parents must be able to motivate their children and set target for them.

The minimum target for each of them was to graduate from higher institution; their reward upon graduation is a car. And where I come from, it is important to keep one's word; I bought the car for each of them.

I Didn’t Get Married But Stood In For My Brother- Dude Tetsola Says

Hiphop singer dude Tetsola is saying another thing entirely from what people were made to believe.

The hiphip artiste who got married traditionally last year on the 9th of November in Benin and had his white wedding on the 30th of November in Lagos has denied ever getting married.

Tetsola said, he didn't get married but stood in for his elder brother. Here is what he told Punch in a new interview. Shocking!

"I stood in for my elder brother. He couldn't get his visa. They saw the pictures and people started saying I got married. Please, it is not me.

Tiwa Savage Denies Pregnant Rumours

Yesterday Tiwa posted the pic below and wrote that she was on a date with her 'soontobebabydaddy' and folks assumed she was already pregnant.

The headline yesterday was 'Tiwa expecting first baby with Teebillz'. But the married songstress has shut down the pregnancy rumour. Her tweet below...

'Genevieve Nnaji & Omotola Jalade Are Currently Jobless' - Obi Emelonye

Forget the Genevieve - Etisalat deal and the new property Omotola just acquired on Bank Anthony road in Ikeja, the two actresses are definitely not smiling as very few acting opportunities have come their way.

According to Obi Emelonye, producer and director of Mirror Boy and Last Flight to Abuja this development is not due to the fault of the actresses rather, they have become victims of their own success.

In an exclusive chat with TheNollywoodReporter.com, Emelonye said:

Yung6ix – 6ix O’ Clock [Album Art & Tracklisting]

Kash Kamp Trick Billionaire Musiq (KKTBM) recording artiste Yung6ix is gearing up for the release of his long awaited debut studio album ’6ix O’ Clock’. The critically acclaimed rapper who is popularly known as the king of the south has a packaged 16 track album (14 standard tracks and 2 bonuses) boasting an international collaboration with South African top hip-hop duo DA L.E.S as well as guest appearances from top Nigeria acts like M.I, Ice Prince, Yemi Alade, Wizkid, Phyno, Olamide, Naeto C, YQ and label-mate Percy. The release date of the hotly anticipated LP has not been confirmed but it will be available in stores soon. Check out the official artwork and tracklist of ’6ix O’ Clock’.

6ix O’ Clock: Tracklist

1. Intro (Episode of Greatness ft. YQ + Wole Show Yinka)

2. International

EXCLUSIVE: Presidency Pressures Senate To Halt Probe Of Missing N8 Trillion Oil Funds

The Nigerian Senate has come under intense pressure from the presidency, the petroleum ministry and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation [NNPC] to abandon a planned investigation into the disappearance of a staggering $48.9 billion (about N8 trillion) crude oil money, senators have told Premium Times.

A Senate investigative hearing into the scandal, regarded as one of Nigeria's biggest fraud, billed to commence Thursday, was rescheduled for next Tuesday.

According to senators, the move was part of efforts by the upper chamber of parliament to deflect a growing pressure from multiple government offices, including the presidency, demanding that the probe be suspended.

REVEALED: 10 Wedding Day Practices That Are Actually Superstitious And The Reasons Behind Them

Getting married is considered one of the biggest steps in a lot of peoples lives; and for the bride especially, the wedding day is assumed to be the most special day of her life.

However, a lot of practices tend to take place at weddings, so much that we see them more as normal traditions instead of questioning their origins.

Below are the most common and surprising wedding superstitions and the reasons behind them;

The bride must wear a veil: This custom originated in Rome, when a bride would wear a veil down the aisle to disguise herself from evil spirits who were jealous of her happiness.

Breaking News: Four Killed, Many Injured By Ondo State Deputy Governor’s Convoy

The convoy of the Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, was in a ghastly road accident in the state earlier today on Aponmu-Owena along Ondo road.

The accident reportedly killed four persons including a teenager traveling with a traditional ruler. A white Toyota Camry conveying a traditional ruler, the Osomakinde of Ife Tuntun in Osun State, Oba Taofik Olaposi was traveling from Osun state to Akure when it was caught in the over speeding convoy of the deputy governor.

A source told Saharareporters that the accident occurred as a result of reckless driving on the part of the deputy governor's convoy.

HEALTH: "YOU MUST KNOW: 5 Health Reasons To Eat More Onions"

Onion is a member of the Allium family and is rich in sulfur containing compounds that are responsible for its pungent odor and for many of onion's health promoting effects.

1. Cardiovascular benefits

There is evidence that sulfur compounds found in onion work in an anti clotting capacity and help prevent the unwanted clumping together of blood platelet cells. There is also evidence showing that onion's sulfur compounds can lower blood levels of cholesterol and improve cell membrane function in red blood cells as well. The benefits of onion in the overall dietary context extend to prevention of heart attack.

2. Bone and connective tissue benefits

How To Break Up With Someone Before Valentine's Day

Valentines day will soon be around the corner and many Nigerian couples are busy thinking up new ways to show their loved one how they really feel.

But this article is not for them, this article is for those naughty ones who want to avoid the stress and commitment that comes with being in love.

1. Do an internal evaluation. Really spend some time to meditate and see if your feelings to resolve the relationship are due to something temporary, such as: a petty disagreement, a misunderstanding, a miscommunication, hearsay, jealous feelings, etc, or if it is a deal-breaker. Also, find out if you are at your best in this relationship, or if this relationship is your downfall. You should feel good being around your "boo.'" You should feel comfortable and safe. So, take some time to see if this is what you really want to do. If it is.

2. Keep it on the "DL." If you have to consult your bff or your mom, do so, but make sure they keep your plans private. It's bad enough that Valentine's Day is coming up, then to make matters worse, the gossip has circulated and he/she finds out before you have the time to talk. If everybody has been in your business in the past, do your best to keep this business to yourself until you have sealed the deal. Be mature and have the decency to

INSECURITY: Negotiate With Boko Haram Or Crush Them Now – Gov. Kwankwaso Tells FG

Concerned by the wave of violence, destruction of lives and property by insurgents in the North-Eastern qnk of Nigeria, the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has asked the Federal Government, President to either negotiate with the perpetrators of the violence or take concrete and urgent steps to defeat them.

In his interview, Gov. Kwankwaso pointed out that there was urgent need to put an end to the raging violence in the North-East and stabilise the region's economic base to prevent the crisis from spreading to other parts of Nigeria.

According to the governor, the Federal Government cannot report successful tackling of the insurgence in the region, while more and more people and property were being destroyed daily.

"I think that this is the right time for the President to come out and do the right think. The right thing is for the Commander-in-Chief to come out sincerely and either negotiate or fight what is happening in the North East and other parts of Northern Nigeria," Gov. Kwankwaso said.

Nollywood Actress, Who Transformed Herself To Completely White Wants To Do A Nose Job

Nollywood actress, Thelma O'khaz had a shocking transformation from what she used to be to something totally different. Well seems she's not stopping there as he also plans to do surgery on her nose.


Ses her tweet below

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/58026.html

PHOTOS: Check Out Top 10 Hot Nollywood Actresses To Look Out For In 2014

Nollywood, one of the fastest growing entertainment industry in the world is gradually attracting talents from different parts of the world.

Last year, many new faces journeyed into Nollywood and in 2014, they are set to take the industry by storm.

Check out the hottest and top new nollywood actresses that will rock the Nigerian movie industry this year.

Ijeoma Grace Agu

Though, she’s been in Nollywood since 2007, the actress known as Ijeoma Grace Agu finally got her breakthrough after she played the role of Kelechi in a musical entitled, Hoodrush, alongside Gabriel Afolayan winning rave reviews in the process.

Ijeoma, an award recipient from the Theatre Royal Stratford East in the UK has successfully staged her own one-woman show entitled, A Chronicle of Heroines funded by the Bank of Industry, where she plays eight different female characters. Her career started in 2007 when she featured in Fidelis Duker’s soap, Eldorado. Her film credits also include The Choice of Aina, Finding Diamond Jo, and Flower Girl.

The actress has featured in TV soaps like David’s Fall, Catwalk and About to Wed and also in numerous stage productions by Wole Soyinka. She was recently nominated in the Best Rising Star Category at the Nollywood Movies Award 2013 and made her directorial debut in the short film, Bi-Umbilical. Her newest works include Misfit and Kpians.

JUST IN! El-Rufai Voluntary Turns Himself In To SSS (UPDATED+PHOTOS)

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai this morning voluntarily turns himself in at the headquarters of the State Security Services in Abuja.



His action followed the warrant of arrest purportedly obtained by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) to effect the arrest of the former minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

REVEALED: Truth About D'banj And Genevieve's Relationship

Inside sources have confirmed to them that there is no intimate relationship between Nigeria's top entertainer D'Banj and A-list Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji.


And even though they keep hinting at having a relationship in public events like the Nigerian Breweries Plc’s sponsored event tagged, Club Ultimate, these shouldn’t be used as evidence that the celebrities have rekindled their love because it’s all publicity stunt.

The duo get to appear in public seemingly displaying affection for each other, but the source said there was no intimacy.

“D’Banj and ‘Gene’, as Geneveive is fondly called, once dated. They were dating when D’Banj paid Genevieve N2 million to feature her in Fall in Love video, before they parted ways. Since then, they have been best friends,”

D’Banj (32) has been romantically linked with different ladies, notable among them were Jennifer Obayuwana, Ini Edo, Nadia Buari, Sarah Ofili, among others, but the entertainer said he is yet to find the right girl. While Genevieve Nnaji (33) was also said to have had a liaison with top celebrities, including Kunle Coker and others.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/57633.html

JILTED: Wife Who Gave Husband Her Kidney To Save His Life Wants It Back After He Dumped Her!

41-year-old wife Samantha who saved her husband's life by giving him one of her kidneys now wants it back after he dumped her.



Her husband Andy Lamb was dying of renal kidney failure and was only being kept alive by weekly sessions of dialysis until his wife Samantha persuaded him to take one of hers.

The 41-year-old mother-of-one told the Sunday People.

'He needed a new kidney or he would die. He was on dialysis three times a week. I told Andy he should go through with it. He had children from an earlier relationship and he wanted to be there for them.'

But Samantha says as soon as she went through with the operation she regretted it. She believed her husband was cheating on her - first that he was having an affair with her friend Clare. Samantha confronted her friend, Clare confirmed they were having an affair which Andy totally denied.
The couple tried to save their marriage and Samantha gave her husband one more chance but later discovered he was having sex chats online with women.

Annie Idibia Shares New Pictures Of Herself & Daughters, Isabella & Olivia

Annie Idibia shared photos of her beautiful daughters, Isabella and her new baby, Olivia on her instagram page with caption "she's soooo in love with Olivia n so in love with being a big sista".



Annie Idibia gave birth to a baby girl on the 3rd of January in an Atlanta hospital.

2014 GRAMMY AWARDS: Full List Of Winners + Photos

The 2014 Grammy Awards held on Sunday, January 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and the biggest names in pop, country, rap, R&B and rock were there to perform and be recognized for their works in the past year.

Some artists emerged big winners of the night at the 56th Grammy awards, walking home with more than one award.

See full list of winners:

Best New Artist: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis



Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Get Lucky,” Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams and Nyle Rodgers

PHOTOS: Femi Kuti Loses Grammy Award For 4th Time + See What He Had To Say About It

Femi Kuti lost the award for his Grammy category again for the 4th time.



The great Afrobeat musician was nominated in the ‘World Music‘ category for his 2013 ‘No Place For My Dream‘ album. But the award was won by French group Gipsy Kings and SA male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo in a tie.

Reacting to his loss of the award, this is what he had to say on twitter;

PHOTOS: SEE Former Libyan Dictator, Muammar Gaddafi Gaddafi's Sex Chamber Where He Raped Girls & Boys

Two years after the death of Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, a chamber where he raped girls and boys as young as 14 years old has been discovered. 

Read the sad story below

The full horror of his brutality has been slow to emerge, with many Libyans still fearing retaliation by those who continue to be loyal to their late leader. But it can now be revealed that the most heartbreaking of Gaddafi’s victims include hundreds, possibly thousands of teenage girls who, throughout his 42-year reign, were beaten, raped and forced to become his sex slaves.

HEALTH: "Agbalumo (Udara) Decreases HIV/AIDS Viral Load"

African cherry fruits aka agbalumo (udara in Igbo) is one seasonal fruit which everyone is Nigeria if very familiar with.



The fruit is very much in season now, and Kemi Olunloyo took to instagram to share some vital information about the fruit.

According to her post, consuming 'agbalumo' can decrease HIV/AIDS viral load.
Read posts below;

PHOTOS: Yvonne Nelson Shows Super Hot Body, Nadia Buari Working Out

Two Ghanaian actresses who obviously had a great 2103 and have even dominated the Nigerian movie industry are Yvonne Nelson and Nadia Buari.



As a way of looking good and still having  their fabulous bodies they sure have to work towards it.

Nadia Buari has already started hitting the gym – the fair-skinned hottie says she needs to get her body back in shape for the year. ‘Getting rid of all the junk food from the holidays! ‘, she wrote on Instagram as she posted a photo of herself working out.

PHOTOS: Nollywood Actor, Osita Iheme 'Pawpaw' Looking Dapper

Nollywood star actor, Osita Iheme popularly known as 'Pawpaw' has released new photos of himself looking dapper.



The award winning actor is up with a good start this year as he has been nominated for Best actor in a comedy for 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Awards.

SEE The List Of Men Yvonne Nelson Has Dated

Yvonne Nelson started her movie career from way back and she actually became one of the hottest commodities in the Ghana movie industry until she was banned for her arrogance and her indecent behaviour on set.

She didn’t let that shake her, she moved to Nigeria to pursue her career she was accepted by Nigerians and Nigeria became her second home. Yvonne Nelson is noted for her obsession with social media and also her love for music and the men in music. Her relationships always tend to turn heads and eventually become the talk of the town.

Check out some of the famous men Yvonne Nelson has dated. Some are alleged and mere rumors but as they say, there is a little truth in every rumor. Sit back and relax.

Derek Boateng:

CRAZY! Why Lottery Winner Flushed Huge Sum Of Money Down The Toilet

Angela Maier from Germany did a very strange thing for the one, who has just won big money in the national lottery.

The 63-year-old woman emptied 5 bottles of champagne a few days after her £330,000 windfall.

After this she drunkenly tore the cash into pieces and flushed it down the toilet. 

Mrs Maier’s win on the German national lottery prompted the care home where her husband died to send her a bill towards his medical expenses, a court heard in her home city of Essen. 

The angered lady destroyed the cash, as she didn't want anyone to take the money from her.

Mrs Maier may have made up the story to avoid paying the bills but it would be difficult to prove, the court heard. 

She agreed to pay £3,300 in compensation to settle the case.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/57687.html

HEALTH: 6 Benefits Of Eating Potatoes

Potatoes (Solanum Tuberosum) are actually a very healthy food for you, if consumed in the right manner and kept away from deep fryer and extra fat. 

Many people eat potatoes in the form of oily french fries or potato chips and even baked potatoes which are usually mixed with fats such as cheese, butter, and sour cream that makes it a potential contributor to heart attack.

However, if consumed in the right way, the potatoes are a low-calorie and high-fiber product, which offers significant protection against several diseases and keeps the body healthy.

 

Benefits of Potatoes

Weight gain 

Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and less in protein, making it an ideal diet for those who want to increase their body weight. The vitamins contained in potatoes like vitamin C and B-complex are also essential for the proper absorption of this compound.

Digestion 

Since potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, so it is easy to digest and facilitate digestion. This makes them a good diet for patients, babies and those who difficult to digest but require energy.

Skin care

OMG: Rihanna Parties With Jay Z Braless (See PHOTOS)

The Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch went down in LA on Saturday, January 25, 2015 attracting some of Hollywood's favourites.

Jay Z's annual brunch was just one of several events held on the eve of the Grammys.

ROCKING PHOTOS: Funmi Iyanda Surprises Everyone At Afropolitan Vibes

Prolific broadcaster and journalist Funmi Iyanda was spotted at the Afropolitan Vibes, a monthly live music concert held in Lagos and organised by Nigerian-German artist Ade Bantu.




Funmi seemed to be having a great time at the event, which took place on Friday January 24th.

Afropolitan Vibes is an African inspired music live show where music lovers converge to watch contemporary musicians perform mostly original works that are firmly rooted in African musical origin.

See more photos from the occasion after the cut:

(HOT PHOTOS) Battle Of The Curvaceous: Dencia Or Nicki Minaj?

Dencia is sure catching the spot light with her curves.

The Cameroonian singer stepped on the Grammy red carpet last night and some people mistook her for US rapper Nicki Minaj.
















Entertainment Weekly had to do a public announcement letting people know she wasn't Nicki. See that after the cut. Dencia looks fab!

PHOTOS: Check Out Dayo 'D1' Adeneye And Kenny 'Keke' Ogungbe Looking Dashing At The Grammys

Top music executives, Dayo Adeneye and Kenny Ogungbe hit the Grammy awards looking like a million bucks.

Kenny 'Keke' Ogungbe wore a blazing black suit, while Dayo 'D1' Adeneye opted for a red number. The duo were also spotted hanging out with Kcee and Julius Agwu.

Check out photos below;

Deadlier Than AIDS: Scientists Discover New STD That Kills Within Days

A new sexually transmitted super-bug has emerged and according to experts, may be more deadly that AIDS and could cause an epidemic.

According to reports, an antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhea is more aggressive than the HIV virus, which means the potential to infect the public will be greater.

This strain of STD which is resistant to antibiotic, reportedly kills half of those exposed and infects one in 20 hospital patients thereby raising the threat of an outbreak to emergency levels.

Alan Christianson, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, thinks this new strain has the power to rack up more fatalities than AIDS.

Simple Rules On How To Keep Men Of These Days

Many women have lost some precious men in their lives because they couldn't play by the rules of how to keep a man.

Some women are now in their 40′s and still don't have any man in their lives and they blame it on the old lady in their village. Keeping a man does not demand a Master's degree or Phd. It is simply by following some rules that will touch the man inside.

Below are 10 rules on how to keep a man:

GIVE HIM SPACE: The fact that he's given you his key does not mean you should always be in the room, sometimes men love to be alone and always being around ruins it. If you're that kind of woman who wouldn't let him have that space and always wanting him available or forcing to accompany him everywhere, you can ruin your relationship. Respect his space, it is very important to him.

BE LOYAL: Everybody loves those who show constant support to them and men are not an exception. Any woman who shows constant support or by being loyal to his man has a greater chance of keeping him than those who don't. Every man loves a woman who believes in his ideologies and is willing to support him achieve them.

BE PATIENT: Every man will find it difficult to stay with a woman who is impatient and wants to argue all the time. If a man gets angry, it should take the patient of a woman to calm him down, so if you are the type who easily gets angry, how will you be able to calm a man down. The key point here is, be patient. Men hate women who retorts at everything they say.

Two Abuja Fake Prophets Face Court

Two fake prophets were arraigned before a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates' Court on January 24, 2014, Friday, in for cheating unsuspecting victims.

The duo was identified as Williams Ehuchie, 31, and Abubakar Mikairu, 28. They were charged with belonging to a gang of armed robbers.

Insp. Jeremiah Elijah, the prosecutor, revealed that the accused persons were arrested on January 17, 2014, during a raid by a team of police officers from Lugbe, Abuja, led by Spt. Raphael Uwadia in a black spot in Galadimawa village, Abuja.

Yoruba Actor Aremu Afolayan Reveals Why He Prefers Older Women

Yoruba movie actor Aremu Afolayan, younger sibling to filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, discloses why why he preferred to date older women.

Mr. Afolayan, who has recently married, describes his experience of dating younger ladies as not very successful, while older women are easier to be with, as they are experienced, straightforward and sincere in relationships.

"I love ladies that are older than me," he says. "It is my business, because I don't find the real love and happiness in the young ladies.

"Can you imagine a situation where I sleep with my girl now and she will go and sleep with one Yahoo boy or my daddy's friend again because she needs money?" Aremu queried in an interview.

"I have to follow someone who is not a girl, as they say, but a lady that is at least older than me. This is what I like. It is my life and not theirs. I owe no one any explanation. I can only explain to God and until He comes, I will continue," the actor added.

18 DEAD, Entire Villages BURNT: Authorities Keep Mum On Recent BOKO HARAM Attacks In Borno State

18 people were killed, dozens of houses burnt in Borno State as suspected Boko Haram sect terrorists attacked a number of farming communities around Maiduguri.

The attacks only became public as fleeing residents arrived in Maiduguri on Thursday.

Mr. Wovi Pogu, a native of Njaba village, is one of the five wounded persons; ten residents were killed in Tuesday attack.

"It was after the late evening meals. Suddenly, we heard gunshots in all directions and cries for help from women and children," he narrates from his hospital bed in Maiduguri. Five others were wounded.

"As they entered my house, I was hit on leg and fell down, but I dragged myself to a nearby shack where I hid until the shooting subsided."

According to Mr. Wovi, soldiers arrived much later, when the attackers have already left, to give first aid treatment.

"It was when we were receiving first aid treatment that I was told that 10 people had been killed in the attack. On Wednesday, when Mude, Kwaljiri and Kaya villages were attacked, people from there told us that 8 people had been killed in Kaya while Mude and Kwaljiri villages were completely burnt; but all the villagers escaped," he said.

A resident of the same village Wadai Mutah was not hurt, but fice of his relatives sustained bullet wounds in the attack.

"Our village was attacked by Boko Haram members on Tuesday, and they killed 10 people and set the whole village on fire before leaving," he said.

"At the neighbouring Kaya Village, which was attacked on Wednesday, eight people were killed when the Boko Haram attacked, shooting our people and burning their houses.

"Mude and Kwaljiri villages were also attacked and totally destroyed on the same day but the villagers escaped unhurt and ran to Njaba as they did not know that we had been attacked the day before," he said.

The military and police are yet to issue statements on the recent attacks.

In the first month of 2014, gunmen have killed about 43 persons in Borno State.

It will be recalled that Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States are under emergency rule.

Armed SSS Operatives Storm El-Rufai’s Abuja Home

Armed operatives of the Department of State Security Service are currently at the residence of a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai, trying to force their way in to arrest him, Mr. El-Rufai said.

The operatives did not produce any arrest warrant, the former minister said. He is currently not at home but he said he would rush back home after picking his children from school.

The SSS had on Thursday invited Mr. El-Rufai, the Deputy National Secretary of the opposition All Progressives Congress, [APC] in connection with a statement credited him that there might be violence if the 2015 general elections were not free and fair.

The former minister made the comment while speaking at the Transformed to Transform, T2T Nigeria, Conference and Career Fair, a leadership and empowerment initiative for the National Youth Service Corps members in Abuja on Wednesday.

He was reported to have said the 2015 elections could be marred by riots and other forms of violence that might lead to loss of lives and properties unless the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the security agencies ensured they were free.

Essien Finally Seals Deal To AC. Milan

Chelsea's Ghanian international midfielder Michael Essien has joined AC Milan, the Italian Serie A side announced on Friday.

"Michael Essien will arrive in Milan this evening," AC Milan said in a statement, praising the "high level curriculum" of the player.

Essien, 31, arrives on a free transfer having signed an 18-month deal with the northern outfit placed 11th in Serie A, the Italian press reported.

Essien is the first recruit of new Milan coach Clarence Seedorf, and he could play in their Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid next month with two Milan midfielders suspended for the match - Riccardo Montolivo and Ghanian Sulley Muntari.

3-day Strike Successful, Says Health Workers

Dr Ayuba Wabba, Chairman, Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) has described the three-day nationwide warning strike embarked upon by members as successful.

Wabba told journalists in an interview in Abuja on Friday, "there was 100 per cent compliance by members across the country. " Though, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and some others were on strike before we sent the notice, they still complied,'' he said.

Wabba said that the warning strike was aimed at solving the crisis in the sector as it would ginger the government to do the needful concerning all agreements signed with the union.

"It was not the intention of the union to inconvenience the general public; that is why we restricted it to three day, he said.

AWFUL: Over 6,000 Nigerians Escape Abroad in Last 10 Days Due to Boko Haram Activities

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) revealed that nearly 6,000 people have fled the northern parts of Nigeria due to the activities of Boko Haram to neighbouring Cameroon and Niger in the past 10 days.

This report became available at the UN Headquarters in New York on January 24, 2014, Friday.

"Of the more than 4,000, who fled to Cameroon since mid-January, most are in the Logone-et-Chari area of Far North Region.

"With this new influx, there are now 12,428 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon, according to local Cameroonian authorities. Of that number 2,183 have so far been moved to a UNHCR camp at Minawao, 130 kilometres further inland.

Manchester United Agree Fee With Chelsea For Mata

Manchester United have agreed a club-record £37 million fee with Chelsea for Juan Mata.

The Premier League champions confirmed on Friday evening that the deal is now subject to the midfielder completing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

The Spaniard was expected to arrive at Carrington by helicopter on Thursday in order to complete his medical but Chelsea's negotiations with Basel over Mohamed Salah held up United's plans.

ANTI-GAY LAW: "The Practise Of Homosexuality Should Be Condemned"

Some prominent lawyers in Lagos on Thursday urged the Federal Government not to succumb to foreign pressure to decriminalise same-sex relationships in the country.

The lawyers, in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the bill into law.

NAN reports that the law prescribes penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex “amorous relationships” and membership of gay rights groups.

Mr Onyekachi Ubani, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, said that majority of Nigerians were very happy with the law.

Ubani said: “Nigerians have the right to determine what we want in our country because we are a sovereign nation.

“Our culture supports sexual purity and natural means of conception.
“If you carry out a plebiscite today, you will see that majority of Nigerians are very happy with the law.”

Toke Makinwa Does'nt Want To Return Her Engagement Ring

Toke Makinwa recently broke up with her Fiance, Maje Ayida and she was invited to Mo Abudu’s ‘Moment with Mo programme’ and was asked to talk about ‘Ladies and engagement rings…side effects of being engaged for too long.

Toke however took the stance that she would not return her engagement ring if it does not take her to the altar.
She said “I would rather give it to a jeweller to turn it into earrings than return it because I worked hard all those years for it. ”

OJB Jezreel Currently Writing An Autobiography Of His Life To Be Tittled ‘The Celebrated Beggar’

Recently healed music producer OJB Jezreel has said that he is currently writing an autobiography about his life and would be titled The Celebrated Beggar.

The book he said will reveal some of the travails he went through when seeking donations for his kidney transplant and also about his life as a music superstar and super producer.

He also says even though the surgery has been successful, he still needs a job to be able to cater for his family.

Even though doctors asked me to chill for six months, I cannot because I have a family to take care of, I have to get back to work.

I think the help anyone can render me at this time is to give me jobs to do. I don’t want to just sit down and be idle.

This production thing has always been my passion and so I need to get back to it. He told TheNETng.
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