Gov. Akpabio fires domestic aides as N40 million cash disappears from own bedroom

Governor Godswill Akpabio

Three stewards working at the Akwa Ibom state governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, were on Friday summarily dismissed by the governor, Godswill Akpabio, over missing bundles of mint-fresh dollars valued at over  $250,000 (N40 million) kept in the governor’s bedroom, news website Saharareporters, is reporting.
The governor, who reportedly ordered the sack of the aides (described as political appointees) personally detected on Wednesday, during his visit to Abuja, that bundles of the foreign currency he left in his bedroom had been stolen while he attended a dinner with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Aso Rock Villa.
According to the website, the missing dollars, kept in drawers  in the governor’s bedroom, were leftovers from a trough of hard currency stashed away in a private security safe in the apartment.
Governor Akpabio, the report says, expressed surprise that despite the near impregnable security in the lodge, coupled with the fact that the locks to that section of the lodge, including the governor’s bedroom,  were routinely changed each time such heavy cash is brought in, the money still disappeared in the manner it did.
While it was yet to be ascertained that the dismissed steward actually stole the funds, they are being punished for “apparent negligence in allowing the real culprits to gain access to the otherwise restricted area of the lodge”, the report says.
Saharareporters quoted a source close to the governor’s lodge as saying more heads might roll as investigations continue to find the identities of the other culprits involved in the theft of Mr. Akpabio’s cash.
The source reportedly claimed accusing fingers were being pointed at  another staff member at the lodge described as one of those in charge of the overall management of the apartment.
Pilfering of huge cash in the lodge has become a recurring event, the report adds.
“In one  instance, it was learnt that after bundles of cash disappeared under similar circumstances, the burglary proof and window protectors around the governor’s apartment were changed sometime last year after the perpetrators broke through the ceiling to gain access to the room where cash was stacked in ‘Ghana must go’ bags,” the website writes.
It recalls that a few years ago, the governor redeployed all the civil servants at the lodge and replaced them with political appointees and other private consultants he thought could be trusted.
The website says Governor Akpabio is scrambling to keep this latest incidence of theft in his bedroom under wraps.
The governor’s spokesperson could not be reached for comments Saturday night.
Well known for his profligacy, Mr. Akpabio is reputed for moving around with huge cash, in violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless economy policy.
In March this year, the governor openly donated N1million “lunch money” to party chairmen from the six states in the South-South geopolitical zone who had converged on Port Harcourt for a party reconciliation session.
In March 2012, three staff of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCo) attached to Arik Airlines were accused of stealing N1.5million from the luggage of the governor’s protocol attachee, Ebakabasi  Etuk, at Ibom International Airport.
The suspects were said to have stolen the money from the bundles of cash reportedly carried by the Akwa Ibom State government team on their way back from Lagos where Governor Akpabio was awarded the ‘Sun Newspapers Man of the Year’. Source: Premium Times

Wizkid, Banky W Impostor Nabbed

Press statement from EME's camp...

Nigerian pop star Wizkid has spoken out against his continuous impersonation by fraudsters. The hit maker, bugged by increasing complaints and reported incidents, says he's worried and beyond scandalised, that some bandits would go to any length to perpetrate evil acts and defraud innocent fans and customers.

The EME act spoke today in Lagos, while reacting to on-going investigations on recent discoveries and arrests. 

“It’s unfair that fraudsters will take advantage of unsuspecting victims. The culprit has been apprehended and all is being done to make sure such incidents don’t reoccur.” Wizkid said.

An EME impostor is currently in police custody. He was handed over to the police by his latest victim- Muyiwa.

Muyiwa also known as ‘Origin’ started transactions with the impostor, only to discover he was being duped and quickly handed him over to the police.

Meanwhile, EME Chairman Banky W who has himself been a victim of impersonation, says the label is putting all structures in place, while working with relevant authorities to make sure the trend is put to a stop.

Fake names, phone numbers and bank accounts have been set up to carry out such fraudulent activities. Some of the fake accounts these impostors use include "Bankole Wellington Banky W" on Facebook,Bankyw82@yahoo.com, emeonline82@yahoo.com,godwintom1@gmail.com,starboyentertainment@rocketmail.com. The only authorised contact for EME is bookings@empirematesentertainment.com

“Impersonating artists and record labels is apparently the new 419. This is not a unique problem to EME or it's acts, but a serious challenge to most major labels/artists as well as the fans and event organizers. We've done the best we can to streamline our processes so that anyone, anywhere can contact us at Bookings@empirematesentertainment.com or at +234 818 000 0000 and know that they have right information.” Banky says.

“It saddens us to know that crooks still try to take advantage of our fans and supporters but we are doing all we can to put the right info out and we hope that everyone takes note, so as not to fall into their traps.” He adds.

Wizkid does not take bookings or accept engagement payments into his account. He can only be booked through EME and/or his manager Godwin Tom.

The label says the Police will still apprehend more fraudsters.

Rihanna wears unbuttoned sheer shirt-dress to fashion show in Paris

Riri wore this oversized shirt dress with no bra to the launch of Chanel’s Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2013-14 collection in Paris. Would you wear this? The only thing I want here is the bag! Lovely!

Eucharia Anunobi explains why she's no longer on the social scene

"Eucharia, why have you not been seen much lately? On the pages of newspapers, magazines, events and so on?" The actress and evangelist asked herself on Facebook yesterday. Below is her answer...

I actually thought about the best way to handle the question, so as not to sound proud or immodest, and these were my honest answers.

Ma’am, thanks for looking out for me, but let me state categorically, that I Eucharia Anunobi, now Evangelist, have moved from the things don’t matter, to the thing that matters more, which is the work of my Father, who created me and made me an instant STAR, when I least expected it in my life.

I would never want to be remembered as someone who graced all the front pages of all the Newspapers and News Magazines in the world and did not contribute to the leading of people towards heaven.

Of a truth, you will agree with me that the job that will be rewarded by God Himself is that of SOUL-WINNING?

So, why waste my fame, money, life, face, time, speaking ability to do the things that will never be rewarded?

I would never wish to be remembered as one lady who covered or graced all the front-pages, or a fashionistar, or a fashion icon, or one with the best gown at the red carpet event, designed and clothed by the best hands in the world, with the best hair-style or make-up.

Surely, these things are good and beautiful, but they will never earn anyone a single mark before the presence of God.

The content of my character and my contributions to humanity through the preaching of God’s Word (for which I was originally created for) are what I wish to speak for me when my accounts and records are opened in heaven.

And I would love to hear that sweet word from the throne of grace saying, welcome my faithful servant, enter into the rest prepared for you.

Then, my joy will be full while others continue to relish the pleasures of this world.
EA

ASUU begins nationwide strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday Monday July 1st commenced indefinite nationwide strike. ASUU national president Dr Nasir Isa Fagge told newsmen yesterday that they are embarking on the indefinite strike because 'The Federal Government reneged in the Memorandum of Understanding MoU signed with ASUU in 2009 to pay lecturers their earn allowance.'

"The strike starts today (Monday) and it is going to last for as long as the Federal Government wants it. The Federal Government has refused to implement some of the issues contained in a 2009 agreement it had with us. What we are demanding as the earned allowance is not more than N12, 500 per person, yet government is saying it cannot afford such." Fagge said

According to Fagge, the Federal Government, in 2009, promised to pay lecturers N12,500 per month as earn allowance but never did. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, are also on strike

OJB responds to Juliet Ibrahim's query on raising $100k for kidney transplant

Last week, Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim posted a message on her instagram page saying kidney transplant does not cost more than $50k and wondered why people raising funds for OJB were requesting for $100, 000. Well, OJB has responded to that.

The ailing music producer and singer told Encomium mag...

"The mistake she's making is that it depends on the hospital you are going to in India. She says she runs a foundation, they might give her a rebate. The procedure itself is $55, 000. When you take out $55, 000, you are left with $45, 000. What about the running cost of the procedure? You don't go to India only to come back and start asking for help again. At least, I need some money to maintain myself for the next one year. So when you factor in all these costs, add air tickets and lodging, you will appreciate what we are talking about.

Ladipo Market ex-President accused of embezzling N46m, other funds

LAGOS — Justice Olabisi Akinlade, of an Ikeja High court, was, yesterday,  told how the embattled former president of Aguiyi Ironsi International Market, known as Ladipo Market, Jonathan Okoli, allegedly failed to remit the sum of N46million trade permit to Lagos State Motor Vehicle Association Agency, MVAA.

This was exclusive of other funds he allegedly collected on behalf of the market’s association, but allegedly converted to his personal use.

A prosecution witness, Anthony Mark, led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, counsel, Anselem Ozioko,  said the defendant only remitted fund he allegedly collected from 430 shops instead of about 1,500 to government’s coffers.

According to the witness,  “In 2007 the Agency confirmed through the letter written to the association that he (defendant) only paid N700,000 out of the N8.7 million made that year.”

He said the letter indicated that state government should only collect N5,000 instead of the excess of N5,500 being paid by the traders.

Mark said apart from N5,500 being paid to MVAA, the traders at each shop in the market also paid N12,000 to Mushin local government annually.

The witness claimed the money allegedly paid between 2008 and 2009, amounting to N18.7million was diverted to the defendant’s personal account.

He alleged that the defendant failed to remit the sum of N8.5million collected from the traders in 2011 and 2012 to the state government instead, he allegedly paid same  to his personal account number 126101014690.

Okolie was arraigned on April 22, this year by the anti graft agency on a three-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

Echoes of Otokoto: Justice cometh at last

Principal suspect, Mr. Ejike Okoro, at the scene where the victim was buried

Way back in 1996, indigenes and residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital, rose up in unison against what they described as “bizarre happenings perpetrated by some criminally minded individuals in the society”.

This class of nouveau riche took laws into their hands. They could stop even in the middle of the road just to greet their friends. Apart from having armed security men as escorts, these fellows and their henchmen usually pounced on innocent citizens that dared to query any of their nefarious acts.

The people continued to tolerate their excesses until the bubble burst. This happened when little Innocent Okoronkwo was brutally murdered in Otokoto Hotels, Amakohia, near Owerri, by suspected ritualists.

Little Innocent and members of his immediate family never sensed that danger was lurking around the corner. He was, on this ill-fated day, asked to go and sell groundnuts to augment the family earnings. He never came back alive.

Owerri residents’ anger boiled over when the headless body of hapless Innocent was exhumed within the premises of Otokoto Hotel. The people marched angrily to all the known properties of those with questionable character and destroyed some of them. Those who survived the onslaught quickly scampered to other states for safety.

Security agents swung into action. Some people were arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of Innocent, tried and convicted. Government went a little further to confiscate properties of some of these individuals.

About 11 years ago, another ugly incident occurred in Owalla Uratta, Owerri North Local Government Area of the state. Okechukwu Osuji was murdered May 11, 2001, by members of a secret cult in a thick forest along Toronto-Egbu road.

The hoodlums, who call themselves “Aburu puru ime ihe nile” (a group that can do all things), went to the bizarre extreme of carefully extracting their victim’s brain for ritual purposes and drank his blood!

Not too long after the ugly incident was reported to the police, a principal suspect, Mr. Ejike Okoro, was arrested. On serious interrogation, Okoro gave the names of the other members of the secret cult as Cajetan Okoro, Raphael Ike, Paul Njoku, Eric Igbo, Chidiebere Njoku and Anayochukwu Unamba.

The other three accused persons that were eventually discharged and acquitted by an Imo High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Chukwuemeke I. Ohakwe, for lack of credible evidence to warrant conviction included Uchenna Udeh, Ikechukwu Ukonu and Boniface Okoro.

The interesting thing about this murder case is that the accused persons and their victim hailed from the same village, Owalla Uratta, Owerri North local council area. As at the time the crime was committed, the accused persons were aged between 18 and 25. It was also gathered that the police picked up the accused persons in an uncompleted building in the process of perfecting their devilish act.


The investigation was handled with clinical finesse. At the end of the thorough investigation, the police gathered enough facts to prosecute the criminals, vide suit number HOW/37C/2002.

At the point of taking their plea in court, the suspects were told that their offence ran contrary to Section 39(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 30 Volume II Laws of Eastern Nigeria 1963, as applicable in Imo State.

Delivering his judgement on June 25, 2013, Justice Ohakwe said the prosecution had established the offence of murder of Okechukwu Osuji on May 11, 2001, against the first, second, third, fifth, eight, ninth and 10th accused persons and subsequently sentenced them to death by hanging.

The court equally relied on the evidence of the investigating police officer, Inspector Abiodun Abioye, who gave a graphic account of how the first accused, Ejike Okoro,was arrested and how he later took him to where they kept the body of their victim.

Continuing, Ohakwe said the prosecution had overwhelming evidence that members of the secret cult dragged their victim into a thick forest along Toronto-Egbu road on the fateful day, murdered him and collected his brain for ritual purposes.

On why he discharged and acquitted Uchenna Udeh, Ikechukwu Ukonu and Boniface Okoro, Hon. Justice Ohakwe said: “From the evidence adduced by the prosecution, there is no evidence except the confessional statement by the first accused person, Ejike Okoro, linking the third, sixth and seventh accused persons with the murder”.

It was also the considered opinion of the fiery High Court Judge that the confessional statement of the first accused person was not binding on them and therefore set them free.

What else would one call getting to hell’s gate and being immediately shown the way into freedom? Whether the discharged persons have learnt their lessons is any person’s guess.

Way back in 1996, indigenes and residents of Owerri, the Imo State capital, rose up in unison against what they described as “bizarre happenings perpetrated by some criminally minded individuals in the society”.
This class of nouveau riche took laws into their hands. They could stop even in the middle of the road just to greet their friends. Apart from having armed security men as escorts, these fellows and their henchmen usually pounced on innocent citizens that dared to query any of their nefarious acts.
The people continued to tolerate their excesses until the bubble burst. This happened when little Innocent Okoronkwo was brutally murdered in Otokoto Hotels, Amakohia, near Owerri, by suspected ritualists.
Little Innocent and members of his immediate family never sensed that danger was lurking around the corner. He was, on this ill-fated day, asked to go and sell groundnuts to augment the family earnings. He never came back alive.
Owerri residents’ anger boiled over when the headless body of hapless Innocent was exhumed within the premises of Otokoto Hotel. The people marched angrily to all the known properties of those with questionable character and destroyed some of them. Those who survived the onslaught quickly scampered to other states for safety.
Security agents swung into action. Some people were arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of Innocent, tried and convicted. Government went a little further to confiscate properties of some of these individuals.
About 11 years ago, another ugly incident occurred in Owalla Uratta, Owerri North Local Government Area of the state. Okechukwu Osuji was murdered May 11, 2001, by members of a secret cult in a thick forest along Toronto-Egbu road.
The hoodlums, who call themselves “Aburu puru ime ihe nile” (a group that can do all things), went to the bizarre extreme of carefully extracting their victim’s brain for ritual purposes and drank his blood!
Not too long after the ugly incident was reported to the police, a principal suspect, Mr. Ejike Okoro, was arrested. On serious interrogation, Okoro gave the names of the other members of the secret cult as Cajetan Okoro, Raphael Ike, Paul Njoku, Eric Igbo, Chidiebere Njoku and Anayochukwu Unamba.
The other three accused persons that were eventually discharged and acquitted by an Imo High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Chukwuemeke I. Ohakwe, for lack of credible evidence to warrant conviction included Uchenna Udeh, Ikechukwu Ukonu and Boniface Okoro.
The interesting thing about this murder case is that the accused persons and their victim hailed from the same village, Owalla Uratta, Owerri North local council area. As at the time the crime was committed, the accused persons were aged between 18 and 25. It was also gathered that the police picked up the accused persons in an uncompleted building in the process of perfecting their devilish act.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/echoes-of-otokoto-justice-cometh-at-last/#sthash.ps3A0CWk.dpuf

Dangerous Signs towards 2015 Elections

The Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi early this evening miraculously escaped unhurt as a suspicious vehicle rammed into his convoy along Igwuruta road on the Governor’s way to the Port Harcourt International Airport. According to eyewitness account, the accident was caused by the intrusion of a Toyota Avensis with registration number AAA 767 AQ that rammed into the Governor’s convoy from the opposite side of the dual carriageway, just after the C4I Security Post along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road. Fortunately no life was lost and the driver of the vehicle was apprehended and handed over to the police.

Rivers State since the last 3 months have been in the news as political bigwigs in the state outwit themselves in a bid to wrest political power and control the political landscape of the oil rich state. Events reached their climax recently when the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Joseph Mbu openly lambasted the Governor whom he described as a Dictator. The governor earlier in the day was reported to have demanded the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police whom many believe has pitched tent with Abuja-based politicians who are the governor’s political adversaries. The Police high command, in the meantime has however denied knowledge of any affray between Governor Amaechi and the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu.

Pictures : Tiwa Savage, Lagbaja, KCee, and more at Yes Magazine anniversary

The 2nd Annual YES International! Lecture/Cocktail Party was held at The Coliseum Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Guest Speaker of the event was Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Computers who spoke on ‘Running a successful business in Nigeria, My experience’. Bolaji Akinyemi, Taiwo Adeoluwa and Muiz Banire were the Guests of Honour.
Celebrities present at the event includes: Julius Agwu, KCEE, Jaywon, Tiwa savage, Essence and many others, more pictures below..

Iceprince wins “Best African Act” at BET Awards 2013

Beating 2face Idibia at the BET Awards going on in Los Angeles, US, Ice Prince won the ‘Best African Act.
For Ice Prince, this is his second time at being nominated for the award in the same category. Last year he lost out to Wizkid and Sarkodie.
Meanwhile, Yvonne Nelson has wished the rapper best of luck, rooting he clinches the award over other heavyweights like Tuface, Toya Delazy and Donald, both of South Africa, R2Bees of Ghana and Radio and Weasel of Uganda.
Yvonne wrote this along with a photo of her and Ice Prince on her Instagram page: ‘Good luck Panshak…#BET you are a WINNER….make me proud. Make Africa proud….my Hommie 4life…yeaaa he calls me Hommie. He’s cool like that‘.
Congrats to him!

SAD: 5 UNILAG Students Involved In Ghastly Car Accident, 3 Confirmed Dead

It is indeed sad to report that five people, identified as Unilag Students were involved in an accident on airport road Ikeja and three have been confirmed dead. Sources say they left their school earlier yesterday for reasons not known yet.
The girl On White in the pic above has been identified as one of the dead 3 -Adelowotan Oluwafunmilayo, A 200L Student Of Quantity Surveying. Second Dead body also identified as Eniola in mass comm 400 level..Dead.
Below are photos from the ghastly accident