Mike Ozekhome's Abductors Demand N250 Million Ransom, Issues 3-Day Ultimatum

According to social meia reports, the suspected abductors of Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and the All Progressives Congress leader in Edo North, Athanasius Ogbome, may have contacted the relations of their victims, demanding N250m altogether as ransom for their release.

It is recalled that he victims, both from Edo North, were abducted between Ehor and Iruekpen, along the Benin-Auchi road, last Friday.

While some social media reports claim that Ozekhome’s kidnappers had contacted his family and were demanding a ransom of N150m, giving a three-day ultimatum for payment, Ozekhome’s elder brother, Pius, was reported to have insisted that none of the family members had been spoken to by any of the abductors.

Still, another report maintained that the abductors are demanding N100m for his release.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Eguavoen, is said to be keeping sealed lips on the situation aside from saying that the police was “seriously monitoring the situation and we are still on search.”

Funke Akindele Celebrates 36th Birthday! Tiwa Savage, Kate Henshaw, Others Join Her [PHOTOS]

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele was pleasantly surprised when she walked into The Place Club, Lekki on Saturday August 24th, 2013 as her friends and colleagues had thrown her a nice surprise birthday party.

Dozens of celebrities, including music stars, Nollywood stars, business associates, friends, relations and fans were all in attendance. The invite list included Hakeem Balogun (Olasco Films), Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz, Kate Henshaw, Sexy Steel, Eniola Badmus, Funke Kuti, Uche Jombo, Ty Mix, JJC, Sound Sultan,AY and his wife, Reminisce, African China, Bantu, Kaffy, Layole Oyatogun and many more.

Check out pictures.

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I am not a racist – Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has defended his comments about Malawi coach, Tom Sainfiet denying that he is a racist.

As the war of words started in the build-up to the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Malawi, Sainfiet is reportedly taking Keshi to FIFA, for saying that he is a “white dude that needs to go back to Belgium”

But Keshi has defended his choice of words, adding that he was only standing up for Nigeria, when Saintfiet alluded that it was unsafe to play in Calabar.

“I was just standing up for my country when someone tries to make insinuations that it is not a safe place,” Keshi was quoted as saying on supersport.com.

“I have nothing against Sainfiet, he was in Nigeria recently and we shook hands and had a few things we discussed. I just was very unhappy that a man who last year was prepared to work for Nigeria with a four year contract can all of a sudden start to describe the place as ‘unsafe’ so am not having that,” Keshi added.

Controversial Interview - Yes Magazine Reacts to Genevieve's Denial... "We Have Evidence"

Guess its season of denial and counter denial.

Publishers of Yes Magazine have responded swiftly to Genevieve Nnaji's denial of an interview published in its soft sell, insisting they have evidence.

Yes in a statement said "Like we professionally stated in our intro, it's an old interview she had with our Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Azuh Arinze years back at Oceanview Restaurants, Victoria Island, Lagos. He only stumbled on the tape again and reproduced it. Above all, we still have the tape of the interview as well as photographs taken on that day"

In the alleged exclusive interview, Genevieve Nnaji had been quoted as opening up on the kind of man she wants to spend the rest of her life with; an alleged relationship with Kunle Coker and plans to go back to school.

Hours after the story went viral; Genevieve had come on social medium twitter to refute the interview.

Two Kenyan Men Signed Agreement to 'marry' the same woman

Two Kenyan men have signed an agreement to "marry" the same woman, reports say.

The unnamed woman, a widow with two children, had been having affairs with both men for more than four years and had refused to choose between them leading to the pair fighting.

The agreement sets out a rota for Sylvester Mwendwa and Elijah Kimani to stay in her Mombasa house and commits them both to raise any children she bears.

“We have agreed that from today we will not threaten or have jealous feelings because of our wife, who says she's not ready to let go of any of us,” the agreement states, according to Kenya's NTV station.

“Each one will respect the day set aside for him. We agree to love each other and live peacefully. No-one has forced us to make this agreement.”

Mr Mwendwa said he had entered into the unusual arrangement to prevent violent between him and his rival for the woman’s affections.

Judy Thongori, a Kenyan family lawyer told Kenya’s Daily Nation that the law does not explicitly forbid polyandry.

Jonathan sacks Minister of Youth Development

President Goodluck Jonathan has terminated the appointment of the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir from his cabinet.

A statement by Special Assistant (Media), Sam Nwaobasi on behalf the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, did not give reasons for the termination of appointment.

The statement entitled ‘Termination Of The Appointment Of The Honourable Minister Of Youth Development’ reads: “His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR President and Commander –in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria has relieved Inuwa Abdul-kadir, Esq of his appointment as Honourable Minister of Youth Development with effect from the 26th of August, 2013.

“The former Minister is to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

“Mr. President expresses appreciation to the Former Minister for the time he put in the services of the nations and wishes him success in his future endeavours.” 

Broke Fan Comment: Wizkid Replies J Martins, Says He is Disappointed

Reacting to Wizkid’s ‘broke people’ comment, J Martins in a recent interview on Hot Fm 98.3 Abuja said ‘I’m not taking any side, don’t mean no beef, no disrespect, and no hate but let the truth be told. I don’t believe because you feel you have a few change you didn’t have a few years ago and which you cannot guarantee having in a few years to come then you wake up and look at those people who have cheered you up, loved you, supported your music, bought your CD’s, prayed for you, just because you can lay your hands on some phone and you call them ‘poor’. Am not in and will never be in support of anyone who has such bad attitude.

Obviously, Wizkid wasn’t expecting such bashing from J Martins (in real sense Martins was on point).

Expectedly, Wizkid took to twitter few hours back lashing at his fellow singer that he is disappointed such comment is being echoed by Martins

“You have been in this industry long enough to know better than this nd i'm disappointed about your statement,” Wizkid said.

BBA Update: Namibia’s Dillish wins the Chase + How Africa Voted

Finally Namibia’s Dillish has entered history as one of the winners of the Big Brother Africa game; she has managed to beat all her fellow housemates that made it to the final with her.

The sexy Namibian lass actually won it with one vote more than the Zambian female rapper Cleo; Dillish got five votes from Africa while Cleo got four from Africa. Dillish’s victory is one that won’t be forgotten by all the Big Brother Africa fans as she did spent 91 days in the Big Brother house without being Head of House at any one moment.

As soon as she stepped on the live stage of Big Brother Africa, IK took the opportunity to invite her boyfriend Stephen who also attended the live show of Big Brother Africa.

New Music Video: Adokiye –– Back Up

Adokiye has released the video for her single titled Back Up – the video was shot at the Lekki resort in Lagos and directed by Ik Ogbonna. 

3 Nigerian Students Die in a Car Crash in Malaysia

Three Nigerian students of a private college in Malaysia were killed early morning today while two others suffered serious injuries when their car lost control and crashed into a tree.

The students were in a Perodua Myvi when it crashed at 2.30am – those that died include the driver, identified as Aliu Tajuden (30), Tope Samuel (30) and Busuyi Zacheus (29), while the other two were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment at Tuanku Jaafar Hospital (HTJS).

Police spokesperson said they were heading to their hostels at the time the accident occured. “Preliminary investigation suggested that the car was going fast at the one-way lane and lost control, before crashing into a tree,” he said. He said the Nigerian embassy was informed of the fatalities, to come claim the bodies.

Female Photojournalist Gang-Raped in Mumbai

A female photo journalist working on an assignment to capture photos of old buildings in Mumbai was raped by five men on Thursday evening in an abandoned textile mill.

According to reports, Police arrested five men from the area in connection with the gang-rape, but the Mumbai commissioner, Satya Pal Singh, refused to give any details about those arrested, saying it was "a sensitive case".

"The woman, who is around 22 years old, had gone inside the Shakti Mills compound at about 6pm along with a young man who was carrying the cameras," Singh said. "Five men who were inside the derelict textile mill first accused the woman's companion of being wanted for a murder, tied him up with a belt, then took the woman aside and took turns raping her."

This has provoked national outrage similar to the aftermath of last year's fatal gang-rape of a physiotherapist in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the victim was taken to the Jaslok hospital after the attack, where doctors said her medical condition was stable.

Cameroonian lady arrested for buying a baby for ₦1.2 million

A middle-aged woman believed to be from Cameroon, Evelyn Atemkeng, was arrested yesterday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, by men of the Nigeria Immigration Service for allegedly buying a three day old baby at the cost of ₦1.2 million.

Mrs Atemkeng accompanied by her aged mother, Anastasia Fambong, was said to have bought the baby boy from a matron of a clinic in Delta State.

Commander of the Cross River State Command, Mr Samuel Ichoi, said his men accosted the lady while she was boarding a ship to Cameroon.

He said: “The lady came from Cameron to Nigeria on Friday without any sign of pregnancy but she was found to be carrying a baby and when my men examined her there are no signs that she just gave birth. So, she and the baby were apprehended.”

Mrs Atemkeng told reporters she gave birth to the baby and that the money she paid into the account of the matron was for delivery and herbs she gave to her to aid delivery.

“She (matron) said my breast would start producing milk in three weeks but for now the baby is taking baby food,” Atemkeng said.

Watch Singer Burna Boy on the Juice with Toolz [VIDEO]

Fast-rising superstar and Afro-fusion crooner, Burna Boy graces the Juice couch this week with Toolz. Following the release of his debut album L.I.F.E, he discusses musical influences, working with 2face, and methodically gives a run down of his top 4 females in the industry. 

Chris Attoh and Leonora Okine in Promo Shots for MTV Shuga Drama Series [PHTOS]

Former Tinsel star, Chris Attoh and sexy Ghanaian actress Leonora Okine has released promotional photos for MTV Shuga Drama series. Shuga is part of a 360-degree mass media campaign designed to raise awareness about HIV prevention and teen pregnancy in Nigeria.

Check out the photos:

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Jude Okoye's Northside Records signs Cynthia Morgan

Jonathan appoints Nollywood actor, Kanayo O Kanayo, Bongos Ikwue, and others as Chairmen of Govt Agencies

Amid calls for reduction of cost of governance, President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointments of chairmen and members of the governing boards of 42 federal government agencies and parastatals.

The appointments were announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

Anyim said the membership of each of the governing board would include all the statutory ex-officio members in accordance with the enabling laws of the parastatals and agencies.

“The dates for the formal inauguration of the governing boards will be announced in due course by the supervising authorities and ministers,” he added.

Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and music legend, Chief Bongos Ikwue were among the appointees.

Meanwhile, The Nigerian Film Corporation, Jos, has Chief Bongos Ikwue as chairman, while The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Studies has Kanayo O. Kanayo as chairman.

UI, OAU to Award Degrees in Trado Medicine Practice

Pmnews: The Federal Government has certified some federal universities to award degree certificates in traditional medicine practice.

The National President, National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners, NANTMP, His Royal Highness, Omon Oleabhiele, made this disclosure in Benin City, capital of Edo State, at a retreat organized by NANTMP, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC and other national and global health organizations.

According to him, the University of Ibadan, UI, and Obafemi Awolowo, OAU, Ile Ife, have already been approved by the Federal Government to award such degrees, adding that “the body that is to draw the curriculum for the syllabus has already been inaugurated in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Health.”

8 Members of PDP Abia Chapter, Die In Auto Crash

Eight members of Peoples Democratic Party, Abia state chapter have been confirmed dead and six critically injured as a result of ghastly auto crash along Anambra-Enugu highway.

The men were returning from the Anambra state ward congress, where they worked as auxiliary staff in preparation for the governorship election holding on 18th November this year.

The surviving six members who were reported to be critically injured were rushed to the federal medical centre, Umuahia, thanks to the state government who sent in ambulances since the industrial action embarked upon by health workers affected the operations of UNTH Enugu.

On learning about the news the state secretariat of the party suddenly transformed, looking like a desert while the flags were lowered to fly at half-mast.

The state governor Theodore Orji has however paid the survivors a visit at the federal medical centre

Globacom Signs English Premier League Sponsorship Deal

Nigeria’s telecom giant, Globacom has made another milestone achievement by securing the sponsorship of the broadcast of 2013/2014 English Premier League live matches on frontline pay TV and DSTV.

The sponsorship, which started at the weekend, is for three football seasons, (2013-2016) and the package includes EPL live matches, EPL match reviews, EPL preview, Premier League World and studio branding. The matches will run from August to May every season.

Speaking on the new development, the GCOO of Globacom, Mohamed Jameel restated the company’s commitment towards the development of football, not only in Nigeria, but also across Africa. 

He reassured football lovers that “the sponsorship is designed to sustain the value the network gives to millions of its subscribers. We want football lovers to enjoy the best of English league as the premier league kicks-off formally this weekend.”

Don Jazzy and D'Prince Join Tiwa Savage as MTN Ambassadors

New Music Video: Sarkodie – Illuminati

The visuals for Ghanaian Rapper, Sarkodie’s controversial song, ‘Illuminati’ is out. The video was shot on location in Dubai by Phamous Philms and directed by Gyi Gyimah.

Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose’s Wedding Photos Surfaced [PHOTOS]

Weeks after announcing they were married, photos from former video vixen Amber Rose and boyfriend Wiz Khalifa's official weekend wedding have sprouted online.

According to reports, the couple officially tied the knot in Khalifa’s Pittsburgh home town on Sunday, Aug 18^th.

The couple got wedded in front of family and friends that included Wiz's manager Will, Chevy Woods, Juicy J, recent Taylor Gang signee Ty Dollar $ign, producer Sledgren and others.

Check out the photos:

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You did not comfort me after Angelo was evicted” –– Beverly blast Elikem

The Big Brother African reality show is getting more interesting by the day – thanks to the ever controversial Beverly.

This time, she disses Ghana’s representative, Elikem for not comforting her after Angelo was evicted. “I really didn’t take kindly to the fact that you didn’t even have the decency to come to me to try and comfort me after Angelo was evicted,” she said.

Last week, Elikem was Head of House and saved himself from the eviction gallows and put Angelo up in his place instead. Could Beverly still be harbouring anger or resentment towards Elikem after the Swap? Beverly says no.

The Joint Task Force, Operation Restore Order, in Maiduguri, Borno State said intelligence report available to it “revealed that Abubakur Shekau, the most dreaded and wanted Boko Haram Terrorists leader may have died”.

The JTF in a statement by its spokesperson, Sagir Musa, on Monday said Mr. Shekau “died of gunshot wound received in an encounter with the JTF troops in one of their camps at Sambisa Forest on 30 June 2013.”

According to the statement, “Shekau was mortally wounded in the encounter and was sneaked into Amitchide – a border community in Cameroun for treatment which he never recovered.”

“It is greatly believed that Shekau might have died between 25 July to 3 August, 2013. He was reported to have masterminded the kidnap of the seven French citizens and that of the elder statesman Alhaji (Dr) Shettima Ali Monguno in addition to many murders of Islamic clerics in Northern Nigeria.

Gov Suntai May Return To Nigeria This Week

Barring any last minute change, Taraba state governor Danbaba Fulani Paraba, who was involved in an air crash in October, would be returning to Nigeria.

Suntai, who had already spent almost 10 months both in Germany and the United States for medical attentions, was last week certified fit by his medical team in New York to undergo a long flight back to Nigeria this week.

The governor reportedly told the doctors two weeks ago when he went for one of his compulsory therapies that he was fit to return to Nigeria immediately but he was told by the health officials assigned to him to wait till the end of last week for further monitoring after which a final report on his capability to undergo a long flight would be provided.