I don’t have a daughter out of wedlock – Benita Nzeribe

Benita Nzeribe started out as a teen star in Nollywood and later grew into adulthood long before the industry started experiencing the boom it now enjoys. Though quick to say she got into the industry by accident, the light-complexioned beau has carved a niche for herself. That is why her endorsement as Ambassador for two separate institutions is not a surprise. In this interview, she talks about her career, endorsements and refutes the rumour making the rounds that she has a love child.

It seems your love for acting has vanished?

How do you mean? I’m still and will remain an actress.

But you’ve been away from the big screen for some time now. What have you been up to?

I was really not away. One thing about entertainment is that no one ever leaves it. I have been around and I’m active. I do jobs that come my way but I am a very patient person and not swayed at all. I have not been away from the big screen. I just have a different project and responsibility on my shoulders and I’m moving on by the grace of God.

What are some of those projects you’re currently handling?

As you very well know, I am a UN Peace Ambassador and as such stand for world peace. Ambassadors work towards peace from the grassroots. Personally, I am more convinced than ever before that there should be peace in the inner mind of every human being created by God.

Three Policemen died while chasing Okada rider

Three mobile policemen were feared killed yesterday while attempting to arrest a commercial bike rider along the Cement bus stop, Abeokuta Expressway. The accident, which happened a few minutes before 10am, was said to have caused a traffic jam.

Eye witness explained that the commercial bike rider, who had two passengers, was heading to Oshodi, when a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) van started chasing them.

They were almost upon the bike rider, when suddenly, their veicle swerved to the other path.

The police van driver, who was said to have lost control of his van, suddenly applied the brake and slammed into a faragone bus.

JTF Arrests 4 Boko Haram Leaders, Recovers 200 SUVs from Insurgents

According to reports, the Joint Task Force in Borno State has said that it has recovered over 200 vehicles, consisting mainly of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), from the camps of the Boko Haram Islamic sect since the beginning of the onslaught against the insurgents from the end of last month when President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the state, and neighboring states of Yobe and Adamawa. The vehicles which are believed to have been stolen from their owners in various parts of the country are preferred by the insurgents as they facilitate their quick escape in the desert area. On Friday, four members of the sect, including one believed to be very close to the Boko Haram leader, Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, were arrested by the ‘civilian joint task force’ in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

JOKE OF THE DAY: What does this mean?

Kwara State University Expels 28 Students for various offences

At least twenty eight students have again been expelled from the Kwara State University for contravening various offences against the institution’s rules and regulations. The students according to the Deputy Registrar, Mr. Shuaib A. Mohammed, were expelled for miscellaneous offences including examination malpractice, theft, engagement in physical combat with fellow students, possession of dangerous weapons and membership of unregistered association(s).

The deputy registrar, who spoke with newsmen in his office at Malete, the permanent site of the university said “some of them were expelled for exam malpractice. Some were involved in the act of misconduct, while some belonged to an unregistered association. For example, there was a case of a boy who used knife to fight and injure his fellow students. There was another case of three boys who were caught around 1am holding a meeting in the bush. They were caught and throughout the panel session, they failed to disclose other members’ identities. So we had to expel them.

He said some students’ cases are still pending and that if the investigation team finds them guilty of offences for which they were alleged, they would eventually be expelled too.

MARIJUANA DISPLAY! Is Tonto Dike Promoting Marijuana Smoking in Nigeria?

The controversial actress turned singer recently posted a photo of herself looking all groggy, presumably an aftermath of marijuana smoking; the pic also shows a spliff on a table with the caption ‘Mi smoke gaja mi smoke weed while my hatez smoke ma gossip‘.

Later, she posted another photo of the drug laid out to spell 'HBD POKO'.

The last time I checked, Marijuana smoking is still illegal in Nigeria, why is Tonto recklessly throwing it on our faces?

Moreover, if you go through the International Business Times, UK website today, you would notice a story on Tonto Dike captioned “Rihanna Would be Proud: Nigerian Actress Tonto Dikeh Shocks Fans After Promoting Marijuana”

So the question is – Is Tonto Dike Promoting Marijuana Smoking in Nigeria?

My relationship with PSquare’s Peter Okoye … The true story – Munachi

Check out ex-beauty queen, Munachi Abi recent interview with Vanguard

Do you still recall how you felt that fateful day you were crowned as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN 2007?

I was excited. I didn’t think I was going to win but I won.

Before you won the beauty pageant, you were with a group called, The Specimen?

No, I wasn’t with them. They only gave me an opportunity to feature on their album as at that time. That was my first time rapping on wax. I used to write a lot of lyrics until my friend saw my notepad and quickly notified “The Specimen” about me. They were glad to ask me to join them as they wanted to see what I could do with my talent. I would say I learnt the art on the spot.

Have you written songs for any Nigerian artist?

Yes, back in the days, I wrote a song for J Martins, Waje. I have a good chemistry, I co-wrote the song, “I Wish” with Waje in her current album.

Aside writing songs and rapping, you are also into modelling. Do you still have that contract with Unilever as Face of Lux?

My contract with Lux is under review. They are trying to renew it.

And your programme with Sound City. Is it also under review?

I still have an amazing relationship with SoundCity. I worked with them for over a year. We didn’t

AMAA organise training for film makers in Malawi

Malawians trooped out in their hundreds at the Crossroads Hotel in the capital city, Lilongwe, to register for training in various film disciplines.

The African Film Academy, which is organising the two-week long training termed the ‘Film in a Box Training Courses’, runs similar training programs in Banjul, Johannesburg and in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday in the capital Lilongwe, AMAA Chief Executive Officer Peace Osigwe said the training is free of charge, though participants are expected to pay a token for registration.

Meanwhile, Martha Chikuni who is the Special Assistant to President Joyce Banda said the Malawi leader is impressed with the project.

“Let me tell you that the President is in full support of this initiative which will only not benefit young Malawians but also boost economic growth of the country,” Chikuni said.

PHOTOS: Banky W, eLDee, Lynxxx, Damilola Adegbite, Efya and others on set for “Good Good Loving” video shoot

Banky W has decided to put together an all-star cast for the new video of his single, “Good Good Loving”.  

The video, which was directed by Clarence Peters will feature the likes of Lynxxx, eLDee the Don, P.R.E, Boj, Efya, Damilola Adegbite, Retta Rich, Noble Igwe and DJ Obi.

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James Bond Watch Sells for $160,000

A watch adapted for the fictional British spy 007 in the James Bond movies sold for nearly 104,000 pounds ($160,000) at a pop culture auction on Wednesday after being bought, strapless, at car boot sale for 25 pounds.

The Breitling Top Time, worn by actor Sean Connery during 007's mission to find stolen atomic bombs the 1965 movie "Thunderball", was estimated to sell for between 40,000 and 60,000 pounds.

Auction house Christie's said this was the first watch to be modified by the Q branch in the Bond movies and was equipped with a "Geiger counter" to help the suave secret agent detect the emission of nuclear radiation in the film, reports Reuters.

Made by Breitling in 1962, it was adapted by the James Bond art department and was the only example produced for the movie, a Christie's spokeswoman said.

FG recovers £22.5m stolen assets abroad – Adoke

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke, said on Thursday that his ministry had recovered more than twenty million pounds allegedly stolen from Nigeria’s coffers.

Adoke, who said this at the 2013 Ministerial Platform in Abuja, noted that the money was recovered from one Raj Arjandes Bhojwani, an Indian national and associate of late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

He said that the assets were recovered in 2011, adding that the ministry was able to recover and repatriate the money following its negotiations with the Island of Jersey.

“During the period under review, the ministry intensified its efforts to trace and repatriate Nigeria’s stolen assets abroad.

“In this connection, we have maintained effective liaison and communication with targeted jurisdictions to keep pace with assets recovery proceedings in those jurisdictions.

“In 2011, our close liaison and negotiation with the Island of Jersey led to the recovery and repatriation of the sum of £22.5 million confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey from Raj

Every celebrity has his/her own responsibilities - Juliet Ibrahim Speaks on OJB Kidney Transplant Fundraising

Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim has a word for those who feel celebrites are not doing enough to help in raising fund to cater for OJB Jezreel’s Kidney Transplant.

“First of all, every celebrity has his/her own responsibilities and family to take care of”, she said.

Besides, the light skinned actress believes kidney transplant should not cost more than $50,000 and also suggested cheaper alternatives.

Check out her Instagram post:

US First Lady, Michelle Obama Joins Instagram

Michelle Obama has officially joined Instagram and for her first upload on the popular photo-sharing site, the First Lady posted a picture of her and daughter Malia with several other women they met recently on the First Family's trip to Africa.

"My first instagram!" Obama wrote in the caption. "So inspired and so impressed by these extraordinary young women. –mo #FLOTUSinAfrica."

Michelle also took advantage of the new video option that Facebook, which now owns the company, recently introduced by posting a 15-second clip of students performing a welcome dance at MLK Middle School in Dakar, Senegal.

PHOTO: Wizkid Hook up with Juju Maestro King Sunny Ade for a new song

Chinua Achebe once wrote “If a child washed his hands, he could eat with kings”; this is definitely true in the life of ‘Naija Akon’, Wizkid.

After his collaboration with Afrobeat legend, Femi Kuti, Wizkid is back to the studio with KSA for a historic new joint.

We can only wish him the best while we keep our fingers crossed.

I’m Most Comfortable When I’m Nude – Omotola Jalade

That’s Omosexy on the latest cover of City People Fashion and Lifestlye Magazine

MONEY SPEAKING: Wizkid replaces crashed Porsche with new one

Less than two weeks after crashing his Porsche Panamera in an accident in Lekki, Starboy Wizkid has replaced the heavily dented car.

The singer posted a photo of the new Porsche and tagged the post “Blessed.”

When the pepper is there, waiting for indemnity from an insurance company becomes a second choice. What do you think?

Francis Atuche, his wife and former CFO of defunct Bank PHB must answer ₦25bn theft charge – EFCC

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday insisted at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, that the former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB Plc, Mr. Francis Atuche, had a case to answer over the ₦25.7bn theft charges it instituted against him and others.

The anti-graft agency had charged Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth; and the former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Mr. Ugo Anyanwu, with 27 counts of stealing the bank’s ₦25.7bn while he (Atuche) was the MD of the bank.

Opposing the accused persons’ “no-case submission” on Wednesday, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), said with the witnesses the agency had called to testify in the case, sufficient evidence had been adduced to prove their guilt.

He said evidence before the court was “potent, cogent and very forensic linking the defendants to the alleged crime”

PHOTOS: Adaora Ukoh & Lolo Of Wazobia FM Cover June Edition Of Exquisite Magazine

The June edition of Exquisite magazine is tagged The Big and Fabulous Issue and it features Adaora Ukoh & Lolo of Wazobia FM with the question, does size matters?

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PHOTOS: Beverly Naya, Chris Attoh, Uti Nwachukwu show up at MTV Shuga launch

Sizzling actress, Beverly Naya, Chris Attoh, Uti Nwachukwu, Gbenro Ajibade, Belinda Effah and Alex Ekubo led several celebrities to the launch of the MTV sponsored drama series, Shuga.

Shuga was launched in Nigeria amid fanfare at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria on Tuesday, June 25, 2013.

Spotted at the launch were Alex Okosi of MTV, Georgia Arnold, the executive director of MTV staying alive foundation, Dr. Emmanuel AlHassan of NACA, Dr. Okey Nwanyanwu of PEPEFAR, Dr. Mairo Mandara of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundations, Kemi Adesoye  and Biyi Bandele.

Expected to write the script to suit the Nigerian audience and public is Kemi Adesoye while Biyi Bandele is expected to direct the production as he has been able to achieve with the first 2 episodes of Shuga in Kenya.

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Man accused of raping a UNILAG student and posting her nude pictures online

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Babajide Bashorun, for allegedly kidnapping a female undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, and raping her.

The police said Bashorun, a dog breeder, did not only rape his victim, he also took snapshot of her nudity, which he allegedly posted on the Internet.

A family source said, “Few days later, the pictures were all over the Internet. The picture had the name and surname of the girl, her university, age, department and course of study. People were stopping her on the campus to tell her they had seen her nude pictures on the Internet.

“The girl’s relations later saw the pictures and urged her parents to report the mater at Adeniji Adele Police Division.”

Policemen from the station subsequently arrested Bashorun.

A senior officer from the station, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the police were still on the trail of two undergraduates of UNILAG.

TWEET OF THE DAY: Linda Ikeji and I are not friends – Singer Dencia

PHOTOS: Nollywood Actress, Eucharia Anunobi Arrives Dakar for Crusade, Lambast ‘Haters’

Veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi is currently in Dakar, Senegal for a 5 days prophetic Summit tagged, Pursue, Overtake and Recover All – a programme organised by the Beautiful Gate Family Church.

Prior to her departure, an interesting drama had played out between the actress and her fans – this happened after she announced her intended ministerial assignment in Dakar on her facebook page.

As soon as she made the post, her fans, rather her frenemies started commenting on Eucharia’s dress sense; this angered the woman of God, and she reacted accordingly (but thank God the spirit of Elijah was not in her).

Some of the comments;

“I can see d evidence of Pursue in ur attire, may God help you with spiritual understanding to help you correct yourself Eucharia”

“The earth is a preparatory ground for eternity! Wat wil it profit u if u pursue, overtake and recover earthly tins and looses ur soul? Pursue God's kingdom 1st and al other tins na jara!”

“Study ur bible wel, it's there in 1Peter, Genesis 35 and Exodus 33. Take ur time, pay the price and God wil reveal his secrets to u. Many youths r lookin up to u, lead by example biko! God wil help u.”

At this junction the Evangelist couldn’t take it any longer, so she fired back;

“Am grateful to God for He is not a man. If He was like anyone one of us, what would any of us, including u people condemning whom He has not condemned do?”

“Am wondering who amongst u people has the keys to heaven and hell? And maybe, the Lamb's book of life has been given to both Dim Priscy Chioma, Felix Mckins and Augustine Ayodeji Origbo? beware, if u think u're standing.”

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Undergraduate, bank employees arrested for Internet fraud

The Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police has arrested a final year student of Imo State University, Uche Akobundu; two employees of Skye Bank PLC, Nnamdi Dike, Olawale Ogunniran and a bureau de change operator, Sanni Ismaila, for alleged fraud.

Punch Metro learnt that Akobundu, who is the prime suspect, was in the habit of meeting American women on dating websites.

After cajoling the women to fall in love with him, he would promise to marry them and then start collecting money from them through Western Union Money Transfer.

According to the police, Akobundu went by various pseudonyms such as Devon Miles and Martin Williams, which he used to impersonate American men.

The suspect, who claimed to be studying Microbiology, said he posed as an American living in Nigeria.

I worked as a casual worker at Eagle Flour -- Yinka Ayefele

Tungba gospel/juju artiste, Yinka Ayefele, had an opportunity to recall his turbulent past recently. He and other professionals had a mentoring session with a group of secondary school students in Ibadan, Oyo State. The event was organised by the Nigeria Bottling Company Plc.

The youths, who converged on Jogor Centre, Ibadan, had a fun-packed moment listening to several professionals from different disciplines. The programme brought together pupils and young professionals for career counselling, motivation and brainstorming session in a relaxed atmosphere.

On his part, Ayefele told the pupils that he initially planned to be a lawyer but ended up as a broadcaster. Though he is now seen as a successful artiste, he explained that the road to fame was tortuous.

UK cancels controversial £3,000 (about N.75 million) “caution fee” for migrant Nigerians

The United Kingdom has aborted its plan to place a £3,000 (about N.75 million) bond on Nigerians seeking entry to the country, it was reported this morning.

The money, a sort of “caution fee”, has evoked strong reactions by Nigerians since it was announced and was promptly rejected by the country’s lower parliament, the House of Representatives. A spokesman for Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry was this morning quoted by the Abuja newspaper Daily Trust as revealing that the new charge has been withdrawn.

The Sunday Times of London had quoted UK Home Secretary Theresa May as saying that a pilot scheme that would target visitors from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Ghana would take off in November under which travellers from those countries would pay cash deposit of £3,000 to deter immigration abuse. They will forfeit the money if they overstay their visas.