JTF impounds vessel, arrests 21 suspected oil thieves

A vessel christened ERISHNA DOLPHIN suspected for oil theft has been impounded by troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield in recent anti-illegal oil bunkering water patrols along Southern Ijaw Creeks of Bayelsa state.

According to a statement by Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt. Col Onyema Nwachukwu, the vessel was intercepted by troops of 343 Regiment of Sector 2 JTF along Obi Creek in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area has been secured by operatives of the JTF pending recovery to Brass terminal.

Eleven oil theft suspects operating two barges laden with 7,500 and 500,000 litres of adulterated Automated Gas Oil illegally distilled from stolen crude oil have been arrested respectively at Bakana creek and Abonema water front in Rivers State by troops of 146 Battalion of JTF, Sector 2 for engaging in oil theft activities.

Uduaghan Refutes Death Rumour

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has called on Deltans to shun destructive rumours just as he said he had health challenge recently but not dead as was rumoured by mischief-makers.

Uduaghan, who spoke yesterday at the inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark the 2013 Democracy Day and second anniversary of his administration held at the Flock of Christ Mission, Enerhen in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, said the rumour of his death was rife, when he only had a health challenge recently and rather than pray for his quick recovery, some persons were wishing him dead and were planning to buy a casket for his burial.

Angelina Jolie's Aunt Debbie Loses Battle with Breast Cancer

Angelina Jolie's aunt, Debbie, 61 has lost her battle with Stage Four breast cancer; the news of her death was relayed by Debbie’s husband, Ronald Martin.

This is coming on the heels of Jolie’s recent announcement that she had a preventative double mastectomy earlier in the year.

"Angelina has been in touch throughout the week and her brother Jamie has been with us, giving his support day by day," Ronald said. "They both loved Debbie very much and although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support which was very nice."

Debbie died at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, Calif. and is survived by her husband Ron and their two sons Chris and Cory Martin.

Rest in Peace.

Big Brother Africa: Beverly and Melvin selected to represent Nigeria

Beverly is a 21 year-old model from Lagos. She describes herself as “smart, sexy, humble, loyal and crazy”. One of her favourite qualities is her sense of humour. In other people, she values “consistency, cleanliness, truth and humility” and dislikes unkept promises, lies and pretense.

On the other hand, Melvin is a 27 year-old model and actor from Delta State with a BSc in Chemistry. Melvin enjoys listening to Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and R Kelly.

His favourite place in Nigeria is Lagos and he says the best things about the continent as a whole are the culture and people. Outside of Nigeria, he enjoys spending time in South Africa and the USA because “these are places where you can relax and relate to people conveniently”.
Their twitter handles are @melvinOduah and @beverly_Osu

Best of luck.

Bill Clinton Congratulates Eva Longoria for Graduating

Ever since Eva Longoria announced that she has obtained her Master's Degree in Chicano Studies from California State University, congratulatory messages have been pouring in from her fans and colleagues. This time it is coming from the 42^nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton; the former president sent her a congratulatory tweet yesterday.

"Thanks for inspiring others to never stop learning and for your support of @ClintonGlobal. Congrats on your degree."

To which the actress responded, "Thank u Mr. President."

NGF: Amaechi is a traitor-Asari-Dokubo

Former militant and leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, yesterday described Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as a traitor to the cause of the Niger Delta by seeking re-election as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).

Many supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan including Asari-Dokubo regard Amaechi's decision to contest the election which he won as a slight on the President.

Asari-Dokubo, speaking on a phone-in radio programme in Port Harcourt, accused the governor of confronting the President, a fellow Niger Delta citizen and working against his interest for s second term in office in 2015.

He declared that the re-elected chairman of the NGF (Amaechi) would be treated like a traitor, having been confronting President Jonathan, his kinsman from the Niger Delta, who wants to seek re-election in 2015.

Chris Brown and Karrueche Tran Living Together Again

Call her crazy ... but Karrueche Tran and Chris Brown are full-on LIVING TOGETHER ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... they hooked up days before his 24th birthday earlier this month and she's been staying at Chris' Hollywood Hills home ever since.

Though she's keeping her own apartment -- smart -- she's already moved most of her clothes and other personal belongings to his pad.

And it's not like they've been secretive ... they've been spotted everywhere lately, hitting up the Billboard Awards after party and even rear-ending a Mercedes together.

Idris Elba plays Nelson Mandela in a new movie "Long Walk to Freedom"

The Golden Globe-winning Luther actor, Idris Elba has been paired up with Bond girl Naomie Harris, in the movie a “Long Walk to Freedom.”

Idris Elba plays Mandela while Naomie Harris plays Winnie Mandela in the movie.

Directed by Justin Chadwick, the film follows the story of the former South African President from his childhood to his time in prison through to his election.

The movie spans Mandela’s life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

It explores Mandela unknown to most of the world as the lover of fast cars and women, the boxing enthusiast, the skilful lawyer and the gun-toting freedom fighter.

The story is described as a thrilling and ultimately joyous story of a good man triumphing against all odds.

PHOTOS: Unusual crowd at the Glo X Factor Lagos Audition

The Glo X Factor train landed in the centre of excellence today; expectedly, a lot of people showed up for the audition at the Dream Studios Ojodu, Lagos.

You can only wonder how many of the contestants would be able to impress the trio of MI, Reggie Rockstone and Onyeka Onwenu.

Well don’t forget that the sum of ₦24 million plus a recording contract with Sony Music International is at stake.

The audition continues tomorrow at same venue.

MORE PICS ON THE FLIP

Police shut down screening of Kanye West's 'New Slaves' video in Texas

A screening of Kanye West’s new video for single ‘New Slaves’ in Texas has been shut down by police who claimed fans were trespassing.

Last weekend saw buildings in cities around the world have the video projected onto them to unveil the video for the first single from his new album Yeezus, and this weekend is set to see the promo play in a selection of new locations.

But as the Houston Chronicle reports, the rapper’s plans to project the video onto the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas, have been scuppered by police who told fans that they’d be arrested for trespassing if they didn’t leave.

The Chronicle also reports that a further two screenings planned in the city didn’t take place, with one at the Central Library abandoned due to technical difficulties, and another at the Bush Memorial Hall a ‘no show’ according to fan Janet Quiora who said: “All we saw were the sprinklers come on and obnoxious people screaming Kanye threats.”

Nigerian star MI set to perform in Nairobi

Top Nigerian hip-hop star MI will be performing in Kenya at the official launch of Chocolate City music label. He will also participate in a series of concerts by Adrenaline Live Music Concept at Museum Hill in Nairobi on May 31.

MI - real name Jude Abaga - is signed to the label that also houses singer Victoria Kimani. The two have recorded a single together.

Chocolate City is looking to boost the music prowess of artistes in East Africa. The company's aim, according to the Kenyan rep, Angela Angwenyi, is to raise the standards of music in East Africa to a level where they have the crossover appeal similar to what D'Banj and P Square are enjoying.

The launch will also see the official unveiling of a partnership between Chocolate City and Adrenaline - the organisers of The Mingle - where there will be the birth of new music festivals, concerts, and art culture in East Africa. The inaugural event from the series of concerts will be in July dubbed Boobaataa Festival.

Impressive 3D Art: What do you see?

Do you see a small ladder placed on a book or you are wondering - if this is drawing, what about the shadow?

Jimmy Kimmel denies spending $1.9million on the nude portrait of Bea Arthur

Jimmy Kimmel has denied spending nearly $2million on a topless painting of the late Golden Girls actress Bea Arthur after his comedian friend, Jeffrey Ross posted a picture of himself holding the portrait and thanking Kimmel for the 'generous' gift.

'Biggest surprise of my life. Thank you @jimmykimmel - the most generous guy in the world! #BeaArthur,' comedian Jeffrey Ross wrote as the picture caption.

While he did not formally confirm that he was the one to pay the pricey sum for the picture, Kimmel's response comes as a certain declaration- one that he ultimately overturned.

'Bea is watching over all of us, but especially you,' Kimmel wrote.

Later Friday night, Kimmel came back clearing things up by saying that he had nothing to do it with.

'Contrary to "news" reports, I didn't buy the Bea Arthur painting - not even for @realjeffreyross - but I did buy the Mona Lisa Lampanelli,' he wrote to his nearly 2,600,000 followers.

Total System Collapse Disrupts Power Supply

Efforts by the Federal Government to improve electricity supply suffered a major setback yesterday, following a total system collapse that disrupted electricity supply across the country for several hours, Thisday has learnt.

Thisday gathered from a source at the National Control Centre (NCC) at Osogbo in Osun State that the system collapse, which occurred a few minutes to 5AM yesterday, led to total darkness throughout the country that lasted for several hours.

The spokesman of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Dave Fabiyi declined to comment on the development, when contacted, but a source within the NCC told THISDAY that supply was being restored gradually.

“Most places are still in darkness because it was a total collapse and it will be dangerous to put all the system on the grid at once. The system is being synchronised gradually and with time, supply will be restored fully,” he said.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately known but the power sector has suffered both total and partial collapse in recent months, resulting in serious disturbances in the transmission network.

Cynthia Osokogu's mouth was stuffed – Pathologist

The Lagos State Chief Pathologist  and Chief Examiner of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital LASUTH, Professor John Obafunwa, Friday told an Ikeja High Court that the late Cynthia Osokogu's mouth was stuffed with a black and yellow hair net, a white handkerchief and the attachment of the weave-on she fixed before her mouth was taped.

He said this while showing slides of the autopsy that was carried out on the late Cynthia from the beginning to the end of the procedure before Justice Olabisi Akinlade.

Obafunwa, who is a prosecution witness testifying in the on-going trial of the suspected killers of Cynthia Osokogu said that the killers taped her from the mouth back to the neck area.

Cynthia, who was 24 years old was allegedly drugged and murdered in a hotel room last year July in Lagos by Okwumo Nwabufor and Olisaeloka Ezike, who are facing charges bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, murder and felony.

Virgin auction transform into reality TV series

Losing your virginity — a once-in-a-lifetime event — may soon become a weekly affair.

Australian filmmaker Justin Sisely became a controversial figure last year when he began filming Virgins Wanted, a documentary film project where a man and a woman auction off the rights to first access of their private parts.

It was originally supposed to be a feature-length documentary. Now, Sisely is promoting it as a reality TV series, which is set to debut at MIPCOM, an entertainment trade fair in October in Cannes, France.

“It is now a factual series,” Sisely said to The Huffington Post by email. “We have signed a distribution contract with a leading global multi-national distributor of television content.”

The worldwide publicity juggernaut surrounding the virgin auction has stroked Sisely’s entrepreneurial spirit and he is hoping to create a franchise.

NEW VIDEO: Samklef Ft. Olamide - Suwe Remix

Robbers shoot, kill prayer warrior during vigil

A midnight prayer session in the apartment of Mrs. Solomon Otuoche,  ended in tragedy last Saturday after armed robbers  invaded Iyewo Estate, Akesan, along the Igando-LASU Road in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos and shot the woman for raising  the alarm.

She died on the way to hospital.

Another woman, identified as Mrs. Emeka, who was shot in both legs in the same house in which Otuoche was attacked, however, survived.

A landlord on Ola Oluwa Street, Iyewo Estate, Mr. Austin Nwudu, told Saturday PUNCH that he first noticed the robbers as they entered the area from the top floor of a two-storey building in which his apartment was located.

He said, “I live upstairs and saw all that happened on that fateful day. I started hearing the barking of dogs in the neighbourhood about 2am and this probably woke me up.

“It was strange because the dogs did not stop barking. As I looked through my window, I saw armed men (with guns) in my neighbour’s compound, banging at the door of a tenant downstairs. They succeeded in entering the apartment.”

D’banj to Perform @ the HUSH Club, SA

This weekend the Koko Master, D'banj would be performing at three different clubs in South Africa, starting with the Hush Club tonight.

The star has said he would be “partying, deejaying, dancing, and performing.”

“Cme join me all as I will b takin fottages fr my next video,” he added.

Interestingly, D’banj is not a new face at the Hush, he was there to perform last August, and the club has also hosted Nigerian acts, Psquare and Flavour.

Tomorrow, D'banj is set to bring it down at MOLOKO, while Kong would be hosting him on Sunday.

Ride on bro

NEW VIDEO: Camp Mulla - ALL IN ft. M.anifest

Kenya’s music group, Camp Mulla released a new video for the song ‘All In’, featuring Ghanaian rapper M.anifest.

The video was shot after two founding members announced they would be leaving the group.

DO YOU KNOW: Today's Feature is ABRANTIE DANIEL AMAKYE DEDE

1. Abrantie Daniel Amakye Dede was born on January 5th, 1958 at Agogo in the Ashanti Region of Ghana; He is the youngest of nine siblings.

2. The young Daniel attended Agogo St. Augustine’s Middle School and completed in 1972.

3. Amakye Dede began his career in 1973 when he joined the Kumapim Royals as a composer and vocalist. Led by the legendary highlife singer, Akwasi Ampofo Agyei, they had hits like 'Abebi Bewua Eso', 'Wanware Me A', 'Odo Mani Agyina' and 'Ohohoo Batani'.

 Amakye Dede later moved to Nigeria where he had his hit 'Jealousy go shame'.

4. He is one of Ghana’s premier hi-life artistes and is affectionately called ‘Iron Boy’ or ‘Abrantie’ which means Gentleman, a name he got from the making of his first record with his mentor Akwasi Ampofo Agyei in 1975.

NEW VIDEO: Mode 9 & XYZ - Let It Go

Here’s the visual for the song ‘Let it Go’ featuring Mode 9 and XYZ; the audio was released some months back.

BIRTHDAY: YENI KUTI is 52 today!

Yeni Kuti, the first child and daughter of late Afro Beat Maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti is 52 today.

Happy birthday to you dear.

Washington State bridge collapses, plunging cars into river

Three people were pulled from their cars and saved from drowning after a bridge in Washington State collapsed late Thursday.

The bridge is located on Interstate 5.

Washington State Patrol officials said no one was killed in the incident, which could have been sparked by a truck collision, when a driver hit the side of the bridge, Reuters reported. But three were injured, with two hospitalized for hypothermia, Reuters said.

PHOTOS: Toolz and Niyola at BeatFM

Niyola, who was at BeatFM to promote her recently released singles, took these shots with OAP, Toolz.