Five persons were on Friday remanded in prison custody by an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for armed robbery.

The accused persons are standing a two count charge of conspiracy armed robbery before Magistrate, Mrs Titi Bello.

^Court

The accused are Wale Oguntoga, 30; Musa Muhammed, 24; Dipo Ogundare, 20; Ajoke Damilare, 25, and Rukayatu Olorunsogo, 24.

Related: Two 18-Yr-Old Boys In Court For Stabbing Another One To Death At Night Club

Inspector Peter Molokwu, the prosecutor had earlier told the court that the accused and others, now at large, committed the offences on May 21 at about 6 p.m. at Plaza Road in Joju, Ota, Ogun.

Molokwu said the accused and their accomplices attacked the complainant, Mr Ibrahim Aremu, and robbed him of his Nissan Quest bus with Registration No. KSF 748 T, valued at N3 million.

"The accused and others, now at large, used one double barrel gun to dispossess Ibrahim of the bus during the attack" he said.

Molokwu informed the court that the offences were contrary to Sections 1(2), (a) and 5(r) of the Robbery and Firearms Cap Rll Laws of the Federation, 2006.

Related: See What Policeman Allegedly Stole That Landed Him In Court

The magistrate, who did not take the pleas of the accused, ordered that they be kept in prison custody pending receipt of legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions, and adjourned the case to October 3 for hearing.

U.S. Olympian Alysia Montano put aside the fact that she was 8-months pregnant and ran the 800 metres at the US Track and Field Championships on Thursday, June 26.

Alysia Montano running the 800 metres race

Daily Mail reports that Montano, who has won the 800 national titles in the past four years, finished in 2 minutes, 32.13 seconds in the qualifying rounds, only seven weeks before she’s scheduled to give birth to her first child.

That the 28-year-old former University of California star finished last in her preliminary heat, didn’t matter one bit to the crowd gathered at the Stadium as she received a rousing ovation after finishing her first lap and the cheering grew louder when she finally crossed the finish line.

She took a nice relaxed pace from the start and maintained it throughout.

Alysia who is a first-time mom told reporters that she had been cleared by her doctor and midwife who gave the go-ahead to run.

"I’ve been running throughout my entire pregnancy and I’ve felt really, really good during the whole process.

"That took away any fear of what the outside world might think about a woman running during her pregnancy," Montano said.

See more photos below:

Alysia Montano racing

(Photo credit: Screenshot from CCTV News video)

Lagos, Nigeria’s port and commercial center, is notorious for its chronic traffic congestions and terrible accidents. Naij.com has asked its readers to suggest what the Lagos State Government could possibly do to ease the tension on the roads.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide on New Media, Reno Omokri, is constantly informing Nigerians of Jonathan-led government’s achievements. Rehabilitation of roads across Nigeria is major part of that. Many readers have, too, stressed in their comments that Lagos has visibly changed for the better under current governor Babatunde Fashola. But many things still require attention and improvement. The responses we got look very logical, but will the authorities heed the advice?

The root of the problem, as pointed out by some Naij readers, lies in the overpopulation of Lagos. Indeed, as of 2012, Africa’s fastest-growing mega-city boasted 21 million residents; in two years’ time, this number has likely been surpassed.

As some urged to undertake drastic measures, such as "deporting all non-indigenes back to their home states" or even dividing Lagos, the majority have agreed that a law needs to be introduced to reduce the growing number of private vehicles on the roads (such as banning one family to have more that two cars or taxing owners of luxury cars).

Almost all respondents have emphasized the significance of both repairing the existing roads and extending current road network by constructing new bypasses and flyovers, as well as keeping traffic lights in working condition.

Many have maintained that Lagos needs underground roads, a developed subway and railway system, with some prompting to restore the waterway transport – all of this at a reasonable cost to stimulate residents and guests to use these alternative means of transportation and increase the service life of the roads. Furthermore, some improvements to the school bus services could be introduced.

(Photo credit: Screenshot from CCTV News video)

Some readers have assumed that, by restricting movement of commercial vehicles (trucks) to a certain window of time (for instance, from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m.) could help reduce the daily traffic.

To prevent traffic congestions, a number of markets, factories and offices could be relocated – and not only within Lagos, but even other states as weel so as to prompt people to seek employment elsewhere. Roadside traders were mentioned as obstacles to the movement.

To achieve prominent results, road users should be properly educated. For instance, many say that the manner of BRT buses drivers to park denying all traffic rules, and their general rude attitude are very discouraging. They should be banned from stopping to drop and pick passengers on major roads and highways; instead, designated spots to do so should be allocated to these purposes.

Many have noted that the officers with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) often neglect their duties and collect bribes. Thus, as many trained and "reliable" traffic and police officers as possible should be tasked with watching and regulating situation on Lagos roads, making sure that all traffic participants obey the rules.

All in all, Lagos traffic "chaos" is a problem that needs to be urgently addressed. What is your view on the issue?

Recently released Singer Chris Brown has turned down a plea bargain arranged for him and now could face jail time.

The prosecutor and Chris’s lawyer had been arranging this deal for some time now but the pop star has bailed on the deal.
Having tasted Jail time, the troubled star isn’t afraid anymore of going to jail.
TMZ is reporting that Chris has stated that he didn’t touch the fan in 2013 near a D.C Hotel.
The deal would have happened if Chris plead guilty, he won’t go to jail but would have to serve community service and have the charge on his records.
His Bodyguard has already been convicted and the trial date has been set for early September.
Chris Brown has been having legal issues since when he was convicted of domestic abuse on his then girlfriend, fellow pop star Rihanna.
It is alleged that he and his bodyguard beat up a man who tried to join in a photo of Chris and his fans.

2Shotz on location with other cast members

Rapper 2Shotz (real name Williams Oriorha) has made his Nollywood debut, playing Annie Idibia’s boyfriend.

The songwriter and rapper took to his Instagram to share some photos from his Nollywood debut.

In the movie called ‘Estate Runs’, 2Shotz plays Annie Macauley-Idibia’s sweetheart. Annie Idibia and 2Shotz are joined by Halima Abubakar, Bishop Ume and others.

The movie is produced by Road to Success Productions, owned by Arsenal Bruno.

2Shotz and Annie Idibia

Not less than 15 people reportedly lost their lives on Friday in an explosion that occurred at Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), the country’s largest state-owned natural gas processing and distribution company located at the East Godavari district.  

^{Gas pipeline explosion}

Vandana Chanana, a top official at the energy company said 14 other people were injured in the incident. He said Doctors revealed that five of the injured persons were in critical condition.

According to abcnews, the fire which destroyed several homes resulted to the evacuation of neighboring villages. It said the flames of the fire rose up to 80 feet into the air.

According to a witnesses, residents ran out of their homes and crowded the streets, adding that many houses and shops were razed during the misfortune.  

Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, the State Finance Minister confirmed that 15 people died in the incident. 

Speaking to newsmen, Chinna Rajappa said that the explosion happened around 5:30 a.m. in Nagaram village, which is the company’s connecting station. It said the raging fire lasted for more than three hours before it was put out.

"The extent of damage is being assessed," Rajappa said.   

The cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained as the company officials claimed it was too early to detect, but the Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, however, disclosed that the federal government has already set up a panel to investigate the cause.

A Sudanese nursing mother, whose death penalty for renouncing Islam was cancelled, has regained freedom after being detained at Khartoum airport during attempt to leave the country. 

The lawyer Meriam Ibrahim, Muhannad Mustafa, confirmed this development to BBC reporters, said the mother of two and her family found refuge at the US embassy.

The 27-year-old woman had been in detention since June 24, 2014, Tuesday. The police arrested Meriam and her one-month-old baby at the airport, when she attempted to leave Sudan along with her husband, Daniel Wani, and their second child.

Meriam was accused of presenting false ID documents during her attempt to depart to the USA to see her family and relatives. 

Related: FINALLY, Nursing Mother, Sentenced To Death For Abandoning Islam, Is Freed 

She was released from a jail in Khartoum on June 23, 2014, when an appeals court lifted her death sentence by hanging for renouncing Islam.

Meriam’s sentencing in May this year sparked an international and local outrage. The Sudanese authorities had to soften their stance because of the pressure from international sponsors (USA, UK).

According to Reuters, the woman was released on the condition that she remains in Sudan. Currently her future remains unclear.

Falsification

The ‘apostasy’ woman was charged with forgery, as she attempted to leave the country using South Sudanese travel document. Sudanese officials say she should have used a Sudanese passport. The police have also accused her of providing false information.

The embassy of South Sudan in Khartoum insisted that emergency travel documents have not been falsified and were really issued by them on June 24, 2014, Tuesday.

The state the Suna news agency informed that Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs blasted South Sudan for granting travel documents to Meriam, despite their knowledge that she is a Sudanese national. The ministry has condemned the USA for trying to help the woman vacate Sudan in an illegal way.

It would be noted that Meriam’s case would be much more difficult to resolve, as the National Security Agency and Intelligence Authority of Sudan are now involved in the case.

A 30-year-old American man, who told the police he is Jesus Christ, is accused of killing his uncle over a dispute.

According to Christian Today, Phillip Justin Markland brutally shot his relative twice on June 15 in Sebring, Florida.

First he was allegedly injured by his uncle, the older Markland, who quickly dialed 911 and told the dispatcher he had shot his nephew in self-defence. Soon another call was made, but already by Phillip, who said he had shot his uncle and was injured himself.

Upon officers’ arrival the young man said he is Jesus Christ and could not die. It was soon revealed that the suspect’s family members had been afraid of him, as he was repeatedly making strange statements regarding his divinity. 

Medical expertise showed that the defendant shot the victim 25 times, however he claimed he had acted in self-defense. 

Officers explained that the "the victim was killed in an execution-style manner".

The injured suspect was admitted to hospital, where he insisted that "it was impossible for him to die because he is a Jesus Christ".

After having received the required treatment, the man was charged with murder. The report also says that he had been using drugs, but it was not clear if he was under the influence at the time of the crime.

Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola who recently said the just concluded Ekiti Governorship election which PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose was declared winner on June 21 was based on fraud and irregularities has reacted to Fayose’s outburst.

Governor Aregbesola

Governor Aregbesola described the outburst of the Ekiti State governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose, as an over-reaching euphoria of an accidental victory.

Fayose who said that the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) will bruise the All Progressive Party (APC) ego had on Wednesday said Aregbesola is “dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy” for allegedly calling on his All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters to dare security agents during elections.

RELATED: Fayose Describes Fayemi’s Concession Of Defeat As Propaganda Ploy

It was reported that Governor Aregbesola who had said what happened in Ekiti state election can’t happen in Osun state warned security agent ahead of the election saying: “We are ready to co-operate with the security agents before and during the election. Any security officer who, however, misbehaves during the election will know that we are children of Oduduwa.”

Aregbesola, however, in a statement by the director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, said Fayose is only whipping a dead horse by referring to a media report which had been refuted with the retraction published by the same newspaper that published it.

RELATED: Ekiti Election Was Fraudulent – Governor Aregbesola

Okanlawon disclosed that the misrepresentation of what the governor said had, the following day, been refuted in a well-explained response to the newspaper.

He said that Fayose, in an over-joyous celebration of a victory, which subtly came through a yet to be ascertained mystery, needed to demonstrate that his victory at the poll on June 21 is not a fluke.

The statement said: “We think that after his so-called victory, Fayose should be busy with and worry more on how his government hopes to contend with sustaining and surpassing the huge achievements recorded by the Kayode Fayemi administration before the people of Ekiti get impatient with him.

“But for the lopsided democracy entrenched in this part of the world, individuals like this, who have no business in front of a Government House, would not have today through a sleight of hand found themselves in a position of responsibility, which they once had and frittered away. Whatever transpired during that election may be hidden today. Nothing can be hidden permanently from the people.

“But it is germane to say that what happened in Ekiti has no bearing or effect on Osun. Here, we are different; the terrain is different; so are the people and politics.

“We are not in any way perturbed by the phyrric victory in Ekiti. Ekiti is Ekiti; Osun is Osun. The two are not the same, neither are they comparable.

“Therefore, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Ayodele Fayose and their ilk should continue to dwell in their illusory world of ‘as it is in Ekiti, so shall it be in Osun.”

Okanlawon reiterated that the governor only called on the police to do their job of protecting rather than intimidating the people, who want to exercise their civic duties.

He stated that while the people are exercising their civic responsibilities including voting, soldiers and policemen and men of other security agencies have the constitutional right to protect and not to bully or cower them into submitting to the whims and caprices of some selfish politicians.

The governor’s spokesperson noted that the people of Osun, for the past four years, have enjoyed peace under Aregbesola’s government, saying that in as mush as the people wouldn’t engage in any act that will tamper with or sap the atmosphere of peace, the security agencies also have a duty to complement the efforts of the peace-loving people by not taking side with any group or political party or being overzealous in carrying out their lawful duties.

RELATED: 2015 ELECTION: Aregbesola Advises Voters To Carry Charms To Polling Booths’

According to Okanlawon, it therefore amounts to a contradiction for anybody to think that daring the security agencies would be the ideal thing to do for the peace-loving people of Osun.

He continued: “Asking the people to dare soldiers or any security agency at that, will amount to promoting anarchy which a governor like Aregbesola will not do.

“The governor is a lover of peace and his government has never treated security issue in the state with a kid’s glove.”Osun did not become one of the most peaceful state in the country overnight but for the diligent efforts of Governor Aregbesola in promoting harmonious rapport between the citizenry and those who have the constitutional duties to protect them.

“To put the record straight, the governor only directed the people across the state to go out en mass to vote, protect their votes and not to be intimidated by security agents or members of the opposition political parties before and during the election

113 travellers from Jigava state came back home after they were arrested more than a week ago by the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Abia on suspicion of being linked to the Boko Haram sect.

Photo: Boko Haram suspects arrested in Abia State. Credits: The Cable

According to the information provided by the Coordinator of the National Information Centre Mike Omeri, 144 people had been freed by the military following the preliminary examination on June 25.

Next day 113 of them were greeted by Malam Aminu Ringim, the Chief of Staff to Governor Sule Lamido, some members of the State Executive Council, special advisers and the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Salisu Mamuda, at about midnight hours in Dutse.

Related: Abia Arrest: 144 Out Of 486 "Boko Haram Suspects" Freed

Speaking on the situation, Rigim promised a thorough screening of the detainees with the involvement of all chairmen of the 27 local government councils of the state to determine their identities and true status. He also stated that the detainees were released after a meeting with officials of the state government, Chief of Army Staff, National Security Adviser and the Minister of Defence. 

However, he cautioned against politicising security issues in the country, adding that security was collective responsibility of all. Earlier defence spokesperson Chris Olukolade claimed that among the suspects they had identified a notorious Boko Haram kingpin. In several days journalists discovered that 86 more detainees were identified as suspected terrorists. 

Related: Boko Haram Kingpin Among 486 Abia Suspects Gives Valuable Information To Military

The arrest caused hot discussions among Nigerians with many doubting the operation validity and claiming that those detained were simply traders who had nothing to do with Boko Haram. Shortly after the incident Kano authorities also made a move to ensure release of their residents captured in Abia.

Following the discovery of a kidnappers den on Wednesday in Majidun area of Ikorodu, Lagos State after a six-year-old boy, Emmanuel Emeka was rescued from a kidnapper, the boy has recounted his experience.

The 7-year-old Emmanuel and the suspect, Mama Ifunaya

Emmanuel Emeka, who said the suspect, identified as Mama Ifunaya was a neighbour, lured him into her room, strangled him, covered his mouth with clothes before tying him up with rope to prevent him from screaming.

He said: “I wanted to draw water and take my bath before going to school when she told me to come. I went because I know her; she is Mama Ifunnaya. But when I got to her side, she threw me inside her room… she closed her net. She then tied me and put me inside a box.

“I wanted to shout, but I could not shout properly. I heard my mummy’s voice when she was looking for me, but I could not shout. She (pointing to the suspect) is a wicked person.”

It was reported on June 25, that the kidnapper, a mother of four narrowly escaped being lynched but for the intervention of the police. She was caught by residents of the area with the victim, tied with a rope in a bag which led her to confessing that she was sent by one pastor Ernest Nwankwo, the General Overseer of Holy Family Ministry a.k.a House of Mercy who turns out to be the owner of the kidnappers’ den.

RELATED: Ritualist Den Uncovered In Lagos

After her confession she was said to have led the mob to the church, the mob forced their way into a house near the church, but discovered that the prophet had fled. They were said to have found in the house photographs of previously missing people, mats, calabashes containing unknown substances and eight other victims including a 52 year old man who said he was a commercial bus driver and was kidnapped two years ago.

The captives upon interrogation said they were kidnapped from various places like Ogun, Anambra, Bayelsa and Oyo states. One of the captives, a 50 year old woman said she was kidnapped while returning from a night vigil.

Residents in the area said the building owned by the pastor had always been under suspicion as no one ever saw anyone coming out or going in during the day. They said most of the activities carried out in the building is usually done at night.

Meanwhile the victim’s mother, Mrs. Gloria Emeka speaking to Punch explained that she never suspected her neighbour because while she was searching for her child, the suspect was in her room with her children praying and shouting “holy ghost fire” which was a ploy to prevent her from hearing her son’s screams.

Narrating she said: “On Tuesday morning, I was preparing Emmanuel to go to school. He told me he wanted to fetch the water from the well.

“I left him and went inside the kitchen where I was cooking. But what I heard next was the muffled voice of my child and I ran out.

“I began shouting his name, but I didn’t see him. I, however, observed that my neighbour’s door was slightly opened and I entered. I met her children and asked them if they saw Emmanuel, but they said no.

“I looked everywhere without a trace of my son. People joined me and we searched the surroundings, but we couldn’t find him.

“My landlady’s son entered the well to see if he fell into the well, but he came out and said he couldn’t find anything.”

“Later, we saw her leaving the house with a box on her head. She said she was travelling. It was my landlady that challenged her why she could go out when everybody was busy searching for Emmanuel.

“The landlady asked her to stop, but she suddenly increased her pace and started running. That was how the landlady shouted, ‘kidnapper, kidnapper’, and people ran after her.”

The box was said to have fallen, and when it was opened, the missing boy was found in it.

According to a police source some witnesses said more than 15 receipts were recovered from the victim. The receipts were said to have shown payment for some past unidentified jobs.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide said that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

However, the accused pastor is reported to be currently on the run.

The Rivers State Police Command on Thursday, in preparation against the activities of the radical Islamist sect, Boko Haram set up a forum where both Muslims and Christians in the state to brainstorm on how they can continue to live together peacefully. 

 

^{Boko Haram Members}

The meeting which was held at the Police Officers Mess, Port Harcourt the state capital, was aimed at uniting all the religions together to fight the insurgency that is currently bedeviling the country.

Related: Governor Obiano Boasts Over Boko Haram

According to representatives of the two religions, the meeting became very imperative especially at a time like this when terrorism is threatening the corporate existence of all Nigerians.

Rev. Paulicarp Henetu of the Catholic Diocese remarked that the forum was a welcome development geared towards the coming together of all religions to fight terrorism in the country.

"This is very significant because it is the responsibility of the police to protect all of us. But the way things have turned out today, we all must be involved in the protection of our environment and ourselves" he said.

Related: Abia Arrest: 144 Out Of 486 "Boko Haram Suspects" Freed

Responding also, the state chapter of Director of Women Affairs of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Hajia Khadeejah Pepple, commended the police for organising the forum, adding that it was very timely because of the incessant bombings that have claimed several innocent lives.

"These days we cannot sleep with our eyes closed. Even in our worship centres, we worship with fear. We have to be at alert every moment of the day. Before now, we thought that terrorism was far away from us but today it is here with us" she said. 

The terrorist group which has its strong hold in the northeastern part of the country, Cameroon and Niger, has launched several deadly attacks and bombings which have claimed thousands of innocent lives in their quest to Islamise the country and put an end to what they termed "westernisation".

The sect abducted of over 234 school girls from GGSS, Chibok, Borno State. They recently killed scores of people in Adamawa State. Their activities have attracted international communities like France, China, Israel, Britain and the U.S, Government, who on Monday gave the Nigerian army a special weapon to destroy the sect.

After the results from the Ekiti Governorship Elections were announced and Mr Ayodele Fayose, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was declared the winner of the June 21 governorship elections in Ekiti State 2014, various opinions, both positive and negative, on the re-election of the former governor were expressed.

The undermentioned article was written Bunmi Makinwa, who works as a communication for leadership entrepreneur. He was formerly Africa Regional Director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). There she expresses her personal view on the gubernatorial elections in Ekiti state, its aftermath, relationships between gubernatorial candidates, voters and democracy in Nigeria. Statements made and opinions expressed in the article represent the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Naij.com.

It started like a rolling thunder. But it ended almost like a lullaby. Lyrics of democracy on the mend.

It could not have been predicted that the gubernatorial election in Ekiti state would end the way it did. No, it is not the loss by Governor Fayemi. Not even the victory by Governor-elect Fayose. It is the genteel, no-victor-no-vanquished, I-am-your- brother and you-are-a-saint embrace of both Fayemi and Fayose that has created this surreal atmosphere. Even Labour Party gubernatorial candidate Bamidele Opeyemi, despite his mega loss, had no anger.

Related: Kayode Fayemi’s Defeat Is Propaganda Trick, Way Of Eliciting Public Sympathy – Fayose 

Just a few days prior to the election, the campaign leaders of the political parties could not find words harsh enough to describe their opponents. Violence, unrelenting and ascending, continually seized Ekiti, and tension enveloped a people who were well known for their hard headedness. Incumbent Governor Fayemi cried out that even his life was threatened when police bullets were shot in his direction whilst in a convoy.

Applause has greeted the comportment of Fayemi for his acceptance of defeat with no rancor. He has even said that he would not contest the election. It is an unusual departure from after-act of political elections of which he profited in a court decision against his immediate predecessor, Governor Oni. Shortly after the recent election, Fayemi met with Fayose and they appear to be orchestrating a smooth, hugging-friendly transition of power. Analysts have gone to town to explain why Fayemi lost and Fayose won, or to assert that actually it was Ekiti people who won in their decision, and that democracy is the real victor.

Whilst democracy is desirable and people should freely express their wish and will, some of the events and happenings in Ekiti just before and during the election raised questions on how democracy is nurtured. Democracy may be universal in meaning but its application is not the same in each setting. Nor does it follow a preset plan in all cases. Where visible signs of un-democratic tenets appear, it behoves the people to point it out and correct it, lest it becomes a cankerworm that afflicts society and ruins it.

Related: Tension Inside Nigerian Senate Over Ekiti Election

The election in Ekiti should not be remembered only for the smooth transition that appears to be underway. There is more to it, and its lessons should not be buried in the ovation, much as it is welcomed. The fighting that accompanied the electoral campaigns was massive and it kept growing. Killings were reported. The state was heated up and scare stories were many. Some opinion formers wrote that certain of the major contestants in the gubernatorial election were arming seriously to disrupt the election and make it impossible.

A situation would be created where government could no longer function and constitutional measure would be taken to declare a state of emergency and impose alternative administration in Ekiti state. Others said that massive rigging apparatus had been embedded in the electoral process and the outcome of the election was already a foregone conclusion. Interestingly PDP and APC were cited respectively by various analysts as intended beneficiaries of the two dire scenarios.

{read_more}

None of the horrific expectations happened on election day. There was massive presence of military and police and other security services in Ekiti state prior to, and during the election. Reports spoke of some 12,000 security personnel in the state. They took unprecedented security measures. At least two governors were confirmed to have been prevented from attending a political rally by APC. Some journalists were refused coverage of the election and some political leaders were arrested.

Related: What You Did Not Know About Incumbent Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi

It is difficult for a casual observer to determine the right or wrong of these actions. Media reports alone cannot come close to providing the insight that security services have and that led them to take actions as reported. Some protests have been heard from affected people. But no claim has been made to characterize the actions as having fundamentally affected the final count or announcement of results. More importantly, judging by the outcome of their actions, the security measures taken appear to have served the end – conduct of a peaceful election where people’s votes decided the outcome.

Most reports to date appear to sing from the same hymn book. In fact, reports from the media and observers were in agreement that the election was peaceful and the process was overwhelmingly transparent. The conclusion that must be drawn is that the results of the gubernatorial election in Ekiti state represented the wish of the people. According to a statement by Cleen Foundation on the conduct of the Ekiti election, “There was very heavy deployment of security personnel across the state for the election.

This occasioned significant restrictions of movement in some areas. However, no major incidents of security breach were recorded and their presence did not hinder the electoral process.” In the main the impression is created that the heavy security and measure thereof produced positive results. Given the calmness that prevailed, the overall success of the voting procedures, and the acceptance of the final results by all parties, the means that were used appear to justify the end. But herein lies the problem. Paradoxically, the same kind of security measures as were adopted in Ekiti can lead to different outcomes.

Related: This Is What Governor Fashola Has To Say On Fayose’s Victory In Ekiti State

Series of negative outcomes where peoples votes do not count and where the authorities that control the security apparatus can decide the result of elections as they desire. It is not a fantasy, it has happened many times in Nigeria. It raises a fundamental question about uses and abuses of security personnel for elections and how to minimize and eliminate such misuse. Security personnel are trained and oriented to obey orders. They maintain law and order, ostensibly in the best interest of the nation. But security personnel are hardly privy to the ultimate goal of the order which part they are enforcers. In a chain of command each person or section fulfills its own ‘mandate’, as it were, with the expectation that all will arrive at same end.

For example,what if the security personnel in Ekiti were merely an extension of a powerful political party or persons and their actions were aimed at undermining the wishes of the electorate? What if the security personnel were to enforce a decision to make the election a useless exercise?

Following Wednesday’s bomb blast, the spokesperson of the Department of State Security Services (SSS), Marilyn Ogar said on Thursday that the department had received intelligence report about two weeks ago that a bombing would occur in Abuja.

Marilyn Ogar

According to her, after they got the information, the police took action, going from market to market and one shopping mall to another trying to warn people to be more conscious and to ensure that anybody that does not have any business within any shopping mall should not be allowed to go inside, Daily Independent reports.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, she explained that on the day of the incident, the surveillance team had been at the plaza up to about 12.30 p.m. observing and when they noticed that the management and the security people were actually enforcing the instruction they passed to them, they had to retreat.

“And you all know that when the man tried to penetrate the main entrance, he was refused and normally as is typical of them they will want to beat traffic or beat security to come to the other entrance. When he tried to enter through here, of course the explosion exploded," she said.

Related: Abuja Bomb Blast: Victims Recount Ordeal

She disclosed that the suspects apprehended in connection with the bombing were currently being investigated and will soon be shown to the public.

Ogar said, "We don’t want to be in hurry to reveal them now. We don’t want what happened when we were investigating the Nyanya incident to happen. So we are a little bit circumspect in whatever we do,” DSS spokesperson, Marylyn Ogar, told newsmen at a press conference in Abuja."

She therefore called on Nigerians to continue to give security agents information that will assist them stop the terrorist.

The explosion, which occurred on Wednesday at the Emab plaza in the Wuse area of Abuja, is said to have claimed over 20 lives while leaving several persons injured. One of the suspects was reportedly killed, while another was caught and arrested by security agents.

A training school for kidnappers, located in one Ugorji compound at Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia state has been uncovered by policemen in the state.

37 suspected kidnappers were arrested in the compound during the raid by the police, Daily Independent reports.

Speaking to newsmen in Umuahia as the suspects were being paraded, Commissioner of Police, Admu Ibrahim said the raid was carried out following a tip that some hoodlums were using the compound located at Umuoke Village near Bible College Road, as a training ground for kidnappers.

Related: Lagos Police Uncover Kidnappers’ Den In Ogun State

Paraded alongside the 37 suspects was a suspected kidnapper who had kidnapped one Ikechukwu Chiedogo but he was caught after the wife of the victim informed the police of the incident. The anti-terror squad had chased the fleeing kidnapper and his gang and a gun battle had ensued, which left two of the abductors dead.

The police boss assured residents of their safety as security agencies in the state has since stepped up surveillance in the state to ensure safety of lives and property.

It would be recalled that two structures belonging to suspected kidnappers in Ogidi and Ojoto communities in Idemili North and South Local Government Areas of Anambra state were demolished on June 17 by security agents.

Two days ago, a ritualists den where kidnapped children and adults were allegedly kept as hostages, was uncovered in Majidun area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday afternoon visited Emab Plaza, Abuja where a deadly bomb ignited by the radical Islamist sect, Boko Haram killed at least 21 people on Wednesday.

 

^{President Goodluck Jonathan}

According to Vanguard, the president, who returned from his African Union engagement also paid visit to the victims of the deadly attack in the hospital were they were being treated for various injuries. 

Jonathan, while lamenting the incident described the increasing insurgency as “one of the darkest phases in the history of Nigeria.

Related: (UPDATED): Explosion Rocks Abuja, Scores Killed, Many Injured

"Nigerians are struggling, thinking about how to contribute to (the) nation’s development and working very hard to take care of their families (while) others are busy to kill people" Jonathan said. "It is regrettable, But surely we will get over it".
The president, who left the conference on Thursday to return to Abuja because of the tragedy has planned to attend the second day of talks at the ongoing summit in Equatorial Guinea.
Related: Goodluck Jonathan Cuts Guinea Trip, Comes Home As Bomb Explosion Hits Abuja
Meanwhile, this recent attack by Boko Haram has made residents of Abuja and other well meaning Nigerians to be apprehensive over the growing strength of the sect, especially as this makes it the third major attack on the country’s capital since April 2014.
According to some analysts, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Boko Haram appears to be capable of launching an offensive wherever they want, especially in the remote villages located in the sect’s North-eastern stronghold, as well as popular commercial targets near the parliament.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, President Goodluck Jonathan said the activities of the radical Islamist sect, Boko Haram is worse than Nigeria’s civil war. The sect, whose onslaught has claimed many lives is believed to be funded from outside Africa, according to a revelation made by the Ethiopia Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn. 

However, the sect’s activities is expected to end soon because the United States Government has given the Nigerian Government a special weapon that would help put an end to their bloodbath. 

The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday, arraigned eight suspected members of the Supreme Eiye confraternity alongside two Odu’a Peoples Congress (OPC) members before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft and murder.

^{Police officers on patrol}

The accused persons which comprised Azeez Akintunde, 28; Akeem Adebayo, 31; Akeem Abudu, 31; Kamoru Adeniyi, 35; Rasheed Ambali, 32; Notik Awotugashe, 23; Jamiu Sule, 25; Gbenga Adebanjo, 26; Akinsoye Solanke, 27; and Yusuf Ayoola, 28 are standing trial for various count charge before Magistrate, Mrs O. Olanipekun.

Akintunde, in addition to a charge of murder, is also tried for conspiracy and running an unlawful society, while Adebayo, Abudu, Adeniyi, Ambali, Awotugashe, Sule, Adebanjo and Solanke are charged with conspiracy, managing an unlawful society and unlawful assembly.

Related: Where Cultists Dumped The Body Of 35-Year-Old Man They Killed

Ayoola on the other hand is facing charges of conspiracy, stealing and willful damage to property alongside Ambali.

ASP Charles Odii, the police prosecutor told the court that the suspected cultists with others still at large committed the offences on December 27, 2012 at Imota close to Ikorodu, Lagos.

According to him, Akintunde, shot and killed one Saka Abudu during an argument, adding that Adebayo, Abudu, Adeniyi, Ambali, Awotugashe, Sule, Adebanjo and Solanke belonged to another secret society known as the "Eiye" confraternity. 

The prosecutor told the court that the accused also took part in an unlawful assembly of the cult at Ikorodu which caused great fear and panic among residents. He said Ambali and Ayoola went on a looting spree and stole a laptop and a home theatre, both valued at N295,000, property of one John Aimofumen.

Odii said that Ambali and Ayoola also unlawfully and willfully damaged Aimofumen’s plasma TV, refrigerator and generator, valued at N475,000.

Related: ‘They Cut Him Into Pieces’ – How These Cultists Murdered Newly Married Man, 14 Others (Photo)

The prosecutor informed the court that the offences were contrary to Sections 41, 44(4), 221, 285 (5),(a), 348 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate ordered that Akintunde should be remanded for 30 days in prison custody pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and granted Adebayo, Abudu, Adeniyi, Awotugashe, Sule, Adebanjo and Solanke bail of N250,000 each with two sureties each in like sum. Ambali and Ayoola were also granted bail in the sum of N500, 000  each with two sureties each in like sum.

A renowned Nigerian performer, entertainer, publisher and producer Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, revealed why he had left the venue of his late father’s lying-in-state, without any warning.

* Late Justice Oputa and his son Charles

The ceremony in honour of Charly Boy’s late father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, took place in the capital city of Imo State, Owerri, on Wednesday.

This move has stunned many people present, including Governor Rochas Okorocha, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Odigie Oyegun, members of state executive council and many others.

All the people were seated inside Owerri International Conference Centre, when Charly Boy suddenly walked out the venue. This move made many attendees speechless and with many questions in their minds. 

Related: Justice Oputa’s Burial: Charly Boy Has A Message For Politicians 

Some people alleged that the Area Fada had walked out of the conference centre to attend a short-term personal issue, which required his presence outside the hall in person. But it was not considered as a true reason.

His Royal Punkness told his security, cameramen and aides inside the hall that he was done with the event, ordered them to follow him immediately. 

According to Nigerian Tribune, Charly Boy made the decision when the service had nearly turned into some sort of a political rally.

The entertainer was far from being happy with this development.

Pro-Okorocha people and many APC supporters besieged the venue hours before the arrival of the state governor. They were dancing and singing as they awaited him.

Governor Okorocha came into the venue amid cheers from the people. In his speech, he eulogised the late Oputa, described him as a man of high integrity, who, until his death, did not compromise on what he stood for.

It the same time, Charly Boy, was angered by the fact that the lying-in-state was heading into the wrong direction, and was not about commemorating for his father, but more about politics.

Related: Charly Boy Mourns His Father’s Death 

Area Fada was also annoyed by the late arrival of Imo State Governor and his team to the venue. This caused a significant delay in the start of the event.

38-year-old teacher, Onuoha Kenneth, was arrested by police and charged to FCT Chief Magistrates’ Court on suspicion of defiling a minor, on Thursday, 26 June.

It was gathered that the incident occurred in school where Kenneth was working as a teacher. The man lured a seven-year-old girl in the school toilet and ordered her take off her clothes including her underwear. He inserted his finger into the victim’s private parts, bruising and making her bleed in the process. 

Related: Man Sent To Kirikiri For Undressing Teenage Girl

When the girl came back home, she told her mother what had happened and the matter was immediately reported to the police and later to the school authorities. Whereupon the Kenneth, who is a resident of of Lugbe, Abuja, was arrested and interrogated.

He appeared in court before Chief Magistrate Hadiza Shagari on a one-count charge of gross indecency. The offence that contravened Section 285 of the Penal Code. 

Related: How I Was Raped By My Fine Arts Teacher – Victim Narrates

Chief Magistrate Shagari granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a federal civil servant who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned till Aug. 20 for continuation of hearing.

Super Eagles striker, Victor Moses, has explained why he missed the last Group F match between Nigeria and Argentina on Wednesday, 25 June, 2014 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The Nigerian team coach by Stephen Keshi were defeated 2-3 by the South Americans but both sides made it to the round of 16 of the Mundial.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and CSKA Moscow’s Ahmed Musa got two goals each from the match.

* Ahmed Musa of Nigeria, left, tries to tackle an Iranian player

Speaking few minutes ago on his Twitter handle about the match, Moses said, "the lads were brilliant again yesterday and did the country proud. Gutted to miss it again with a muscle strain".

The Liverpool’s player has only played for Nigeria in the 0-0 draw against Iran and many Nigerian fans were not impressed with his performance.

Coach Keshi did not dress the former player of Wigan in the 1-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

* Nigeria’s Victor Moses, right, in the match against Iran

And when he was conspicuously missing against Argentina, a lot of Nigerians were worried on what might happened to me while some reports stated that he was the scapegoat of the uninspiring performance of the Eagles against Iran in their first group match.

Now that Moses has come out to state that he has been injured, we can only hope he would recover in time before Nigeria take on France in the second round scheduled to take place on 30 June, 2014.

Below is Moses’ twitter post:

the lads were brilliant again yesterday and did the country proud. gutted to miss it again with a muscle strain
— Victor Moses (@VictorMoses) June 26, 2014

Khloe Kardashian recently clocked 30 and had her family and her lover there to celebrate with her in New York City.

Khloe had, in her 29th year ,divorced her husband Lamar Odom and she is currently dating Rap star French Montana.

Lamar reportedly ran into problems, having been caught cheating, using drugs and alcohol and was arrested for a DUI on Aug. 30.

Khloe ultimately filed for divorce on December 13 2013, as he failed to revitalize his basketball career.

Here, she is seen in happier mood with her family celebrating the end of the troublesome 29 and beginning of a new year.

Aye crooner Davido has been having a great year so far and has been balling it up big time so far.

The Nigerian superstar was recently spotted with US rap star Meek mill in the club having a nice time.

The picture was uploaded by blogger Linda Ikeji, and shows the two acts in a party mood and posing for the picture.

Great news! P-Square duo is working in collaboration with American rapper Clifford Joseph Harris to shoot their new music video.

(See all photos below)

New photos released show Peter and Paul Okoye in company of Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr, better known by his stage name T.I., and formerly T.I.P., an American rapper, record producer, actor and entrepreneur from Bankhead, Atlanta, Georgia.

Related: Peter Okoye Buys Toy Car For Son, And It Is Copy Of His Wrangler Jeep

According to the sources close to the twins, they have already recorded a track with the rapper and have shot a video to the track.

Related: P-Square’s Peter Okoye Gets A New Delivery Of Luxury Rides

The singers are currently in Atlanta waiting for the creative process to start. Earlier they recorded and shot videos with such popular artistes as Akon, Rick Ross and many others.