Boko Haram Bomb Maker Arrested By JTF in Jigawa

The Joint Task Force, JTF, has said it has apprehended a Boko Haram chieftain, who doubles as the group’s bomb maker in Kazaure, Jigawa state.

Spokesman of 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, headquartered in Kano, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said six people were rescued during a dawn raid that led to the arrest of the yet to be identified terrorist.

Those rescued were three women and three toddlers, suspected to be family members of the man who intelligence gathering revealed has been in the business of aiding and abating terrorist activities in the North.

Iweha said: “In continuation of operations aimed at complementing the efforts of military operation in the North Eastern part of the country and as is customary with the JTF in Kano, the command deems it fit to keep the general public up to speed with developments in the fight against terrorists in its area of operational responsibility.

Buhari, Tinubu & APC Leadership are Bunch of Hypocrites – Presidency

The presidency has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and particularly its leadership comprising Major General Muhammadu Buhari and former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, of double standards and being inconsistent on national issues.

In a paper titled, “Nigeria in 2014: Facts Versus Fiction”, written by the Special Assistant to the President, New Media, Mr. Reno Omokri, the presidency described the opposition and its leadership as a bunch of “hypocrites” who would stop at nothing to “secure political power by whatever means necessary”.

Omokri recalled that on December 18, 2013, several newspapers had carried the statement from APC which called on President Goodluck Jonathan to respond to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter on the grounds that the allegations contained in the letter warranted a response.

However, he expressed surprise that after the president did exactly what the APC had recommended, it changed its tune and on December 26, the party berated Jonathan’s response to Obasanjo’s letter.

Zimbabwean Writer Blast Comedian Basket Mouth Over ‘Rape’ Joke

Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basket Mouth got more than what he bargained for recently, after he posted a joke that had ‘rape’ inclination.

Though the comedian has deleted the joke and apologised on his twitter page, but the ripples the joke generated has crossed the borders of Nigeria. (See a snap shot of the joke below)

One of the folks who felt slighted by the joke is a Zimbabwean writer/blogger, Barbara Mhangami. Barbara, who currently resides in the US with her husband and four daughters, lashes at the comedian in a piece she titled, “Mister Basketmouth, Rape is NOT a Joke!”

Excerpts,

“Dear Mr. Basketmouth. I write in peace, because war does not solve anything. Moreover I am desperate to communicate in a way that will get you to understand the gravity of what you did by sharing a horrible joke, whose punchline is rape.

Why I gave my producer a brand new 2013 Camry — KCEE

Limpopo crooner, Kcee was in the news recently for handing the key of a brand new 2013 Toyota Camry to Del’ B, the producer of Kcee’s popular hit track.

Kcee who came back into reckoning in 2013 with his popular song Limpopo tied down a number of endorsements, chief among them was his MTN ambassadorial deal, which came shortly after releasing the song.

Del’ B, who produced some of the hit tracks in Kcee’s album which was released late last year was said to have been shocked about the new gift which he received as his new year gift from the hip-hop star.

Photos from Soul Singer, Bez and Bolatito’s Wedding in Lagos

Nigerian soul singer, Emmanuel Bezhiwa Idakula, popularly known as Bez and his heartthrob, Bolatito Ladoja, daughter of Ex-Governor of Oyo state Rasheed Ladoja, exchanged marital vows yesterday in Lagos.

See more photos on the flip.

Soyinka’s daughter, Iyetade to be buried January 10

Iyetade Soyinka, the late daughter of Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, will be buried next week in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The deceased, born on June 5, 1965 and survived by a daughter, Oreofe, and a son, Adeoto, passed away on December 28, 2013 at the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, after a brief illness.

A statement by the family said Iyetade will be laid to rest “on Friday, January 10 in Ibadan, after a funeral service at the Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan, at 11a.m. A short service of songs will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, 9 January.”

It noted that the death had brought “great sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss,” describing the deceased as a cherished daughter.

The statement further narrated that Iyetade had her early education at the Staff School of the University of Ibadan and Queens School, Ibadan. Her higher education was at the University of Ibadan, where she focused on science courses.

Terry G Says He Was Not Stoned on Stage: Find out what happened!

Terry G is shutting down rumours that he was injured when he recently took to the stage to perform.

The Nigerian music star was billed to perform alongside Ice Prince and J Martins at the IBB Square, Malkurdi, Benue for a show.

After Ice Prince wowed the crowd, it was time for the always energized performer to rock the stage.

According to his publicist, after he performed his songs – Free Madness and Akpako Bombom, the anxious fans at the event were already crossing the barricade erected by the security officials.

But by the time he delivered a fan favourite – Halleluyah, his overzealous fans who clearly love him as an indigene of the state, trooped to the stage and efforts by the security personnel to push them back resulted in a very physical protest.

“I Can Act Nude for $50m” – ‘Clinic Matters’ Star, Amanda Ebeye

Nollywood Actress, Amanda Ebeye has stated that she can act nude in any Nollywood movie if given 50 million dollar.

In a recent interview with Punch, the ‘Clinic Matters’ star said “I cannot act nude but like I have said before, if you pay me about $50m, I will. Please who is the first to pay? I can shave my hair because I’m an actress. If the role requires it, if it is a beautiful script and the money is good, I will do it. It will not be because it is the trend. It is not because Mercy Johnson did it, so I should, no, that is not enough reason. Right now, the script has to be outstanding for me to be interested in shaving off my hair.”

Iyanya Talks Marijuana, Davido’s Birthday Party, His Body & More [VIDEO]

Iyanya gives account of the widely publicized incident at Davido's birthday party where it was reported that he was bounced. He also disclosed why he does not have his personal waist yet, his take on the use of Marijuana and more.

See video below;

Militant Chief Majid al-Majid 'dies in Lebanon'

Majid al-Majid, the commander of the Al-Qaeda-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades, has died in custody in a hospital in Lebanon, state media said.

Majid al-Majid, a Saudi who is on Saudi Arabia's most-wanted-terrorists list, was arrested in Lebanon recently.

Lebanese security sources said Majid al-Majid died in a military hospital in Beirut on Saturday, a day after going into a coma suffering from kidney failure.

It was only on Friday that the Lebanese authorities said that DNA tests had confirmed his identity.

Defence Minister Fayez Ghosn earlier confirmed the commander was being held by army intelligence in Beirut and was "being interrogated in secret". He refused to say when and how the arrest took place.

Kunle Afolayan Talks about His Film ‘October 1st’, Says He Wants More Than Nollywood [VIDEO]

Nigeria's film industry, known as Nollywood, started just over 20 years ago and is now the third largest in the world.

Many of its low-budget films follow well-tried formulas with huge doses of love, betrayal and, often, witchcraft.

However, some Nigerian filmmakers are working outside the Nollywood genre, hoping to succeed internationally. Kunle Afolayan is one of them – in this interview with BBC, the film-maker talks about his latest film, “October 1^st” and his plans for the future.

Rapper Eva Alordiah Denies Dating Music Video Director Patrick Ellis

Chris Brown Welcomes New Year By Putting On a PDA With Karrueche Tran [PICZ]

True love knows no barriers - even the ones set by a court-ordered residential rehab program.

Despite being in rehab, Chris Brown spent New Year's Day with his lady love Karrueche Tran, who paid a visit to the controversial hip-hop crooner.

The 25-year-old aspiring model tweeted out a photo of the couple as they frolicked in the grass outside of the clinic.

Both she and the 24-year-old singer are wearing traditional New Year's crowns as Tran sucks on Brown's tongue.

'Getting chrae on New Years Day haha #Corny #Ha#HappyNewYears,' captioned Brown's girlfriend.

Nigeria's First Lady May Die; I do not see Nigeria at semi-final of 2014 W/Cup – Primate Ayodele

 Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has joined Nigerian Ministers to prophecy for 2014. The Primate is known to have predicted the Sosoliso and Bellview Airline crashes few years ago.

Hear him,

Concerning the year 2014, I will advise every Nigerian to take time and be prayerful for the country and for themselves from the 1st to 3rd of January, 2014. This is for God to prevent imminent dangers ahead of the nation and the economy. Let us take it from here. I don’t see anything happening in the Nigerian economy. I see debts everywhere- our crude oil, foreign reserve, and all.

States will be in debt, the Federal Government will be in debt and Nigeria will be planning to go borrow money. So, the government has to be very careful not to be affected by these debts. Prices of food will increase drastically and flour will be scarce and become very expensive. Corruption too will be more prevalent because this government lacks the power to fight it. Fighting oil theft will also pose a major challenge and Nigeria will beg America to support her in the fight. The price of petroleum will increase as well.

Keshi picks Alampasu, Egwuekwe, 21 others for CHAN

Super Eagles’ Head Coach Stephen Keshi on Tuesday in Abuja released the list of 23 players who will represent Nigeria at the third edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CHAN event is billed for Jan. 11 to Feb. 1, 2014 in three South African cities.

The list has three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards, with 2013 Golden Eaglets’ star goalkeeper Dele Alampasu making the cut.

The team’s first-choice goalkeeper and skipper, Chigozie Agbim, as well as team regulars such as defenders Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe and Francis Benjamin also made the list.

Jennifer Lawrence Voted Most Bankable Star of 2013

Actress Jennifer Lawrence apparently sold maximum tickets in Hollywood as she has been named the most bankable star of 2013 in Hollywood followed by 'Gravity' star Sandra Bullock.

In 2013, the 23-year-old actress appeared in teen franchise 'The Hunger Games' sequel 'Catching Fire' and in 'The American Hustle', David O Russell's latest after 'Silver Linings Playbook' that saw Lawrence bagging the best actress Oscar.

Lawrence was voted the top money-making star of 2013 in Quigley Publishing Company's annual poll of motion picture theatre owners and film buyers.

Photos of Celebrities at The Ghana Movie Awards 2013

The fourth edition of the Ghana Movie Awards held at the Accra International Conference Centre last week end.

See photos of Monalisa Chinda, Jackie Appiah, Nadia Buari and other celebs at the event – more photos on the flip.

Gunmen Kidnap Six-year-old Son of Ex-Commissioner in Bayelsa

A six-year-old son of a former Commissioner in Bayelsa state, Chief Godknows Powell, was on Wednesday kidnapped by gunmen.

The boy was kidnapped on Etegwe road, Yenagoa, in the early hours of the new year, while returning from church service.

According to NAN, the victim was in the company of his mother when the gunmen accosted them at about 12.45 pm and whisked him away.

A relation of the family confirmed the incident and said the abduction of the boy had thrown the family into despair.

“We are supposed to be celebrating the New Year, but we are now in a pathetic mood. We pray that the boy is safe,” the source said.

The kidnappers are yet to establish contact with the family.

Jailed Ibori sacks Daily Independent newspaper management from prison

Jailed former Delta State governor, James Ibori, has ordered the management of his newspaper, Independent Newspapers Limited, INL, to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect.

The order from Mr. Ibori, who is currently serving his jail term in a London prison, was handed top editorial and senior management and operations staff of the embattled newspaper by the Chairman of its Board of Directors, Lawan Gambo, during an emergency management meeting on Saturday, December 18.

Mr. Gambo, who presided over the brief meeting, held at the corporate headquarters of the newspaper in the Ogba area of Lagos reportedly told some top editors and management to go home till January 31, Premium Times learnt.

The board chair also indicated that only those of them relevant to the future of the company would be recalled. Those not recalled, he said, would be disengaged and communicated.

New Music Video: Ehis Baba –– Sugarcane

Nollywood Actress Mary Uranta Releases New Photos

 See more photos on the flip.

“D’banj never tried to reach me, it hurts deeply” –– OJB expresses disappointment

In a recent interview with Inspiration FM’s Gloria Maduka, OJB talks about how D’banj abandoned him when he needed his help. He also tells how he expected D’banj to come out and refute claims that he gave him ₦7m cheque as his contribution towards the kidney transplant.

Hear him;

“The most disappointing one for me is D’banj because he passed through my hands, he was trained under my tutelage. That is offensive. I don’t care if you’re with Kanye West, you can’t forget your root. I won’t call anybody else’s name but I will call his because it hurts. His own hurts very deep. And he never tried to reach out to me. It’s not like we parted on fighting terms. 

He told me he had to go to London and he went. And when he came back it was Don Jazzy, and I said OK, that’s fine. And what he did worked and I’m very proud of him, the love I had for him, that’s why it hurts more. He should have come out to say no, I don’t know why you people are saying all this, I didn’t give OJB N7million, maybe a part of him felt embarrassed because at the end of the day, really, are you not supposed to do something?”

Endia and Emma Nyra grace the cover of Tush Magazine [PHOTOS]

Music acts, Emma Nyra and Endia are on the cover of the 6^th issue of Tush Magazine – Tush is an urban lifestyle youth magazine.

See more photos on the flip.

New Music: Harry Song –– Tele Mi

Here’s a new joint from Mr Songz himself, Harry Song titled “Tele mi”.

Army Headquarters Retires 30 Generals

Following the promotions and postings of 27 major generals by the Nigerian Army Council, indications have emerged that the Army authorities have issued terminal letters to 30 generals, preparatory to their leaving the force between today, 31st December and 31st January 2014.

Among the generals that have so far received the letters are some principal staff officers at army and defence headquarters, commandants of tri-service institutions, corps-commanders, as well as those of Army-owned training institutions.

Nigerian Tribune gathered from authoritative military sources that while some of the generals have served the mandatory 35 years in service, others have been caught up by the age on rank requirement for retirement and some have become not promotable by virtue of the fact that they have not been successful with the promotion boards for the three scheduled opportunities.