Police didn’t rescue me from kidnappers, says Bishop Kattey

Four days after he regained freedom from captivity, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, Dean of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, said the claim by the Rivers State Police Command that it rescued him from the abductors was “a blatant lie.”

He said the kidnappers voluntarily released him on their own accord which he attributed to divine intervention because, according to him, he knew people all over the world were praying for his unconditional release.

The 65-year-old cleric also said he was not aware of any ransom paid on his behalf.

Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Angela Agabe, shortly after the release of the Archbishop on Saturday evening had claimed that it was the police that rescued him.

21-Year-Old Nigerian, Ajibola Obabiyi Wins Muslim's Miss World Beauty Pageant [PHOTOS]

A Nigerian contestant, Obabiyi Aishah Ajibola has been crowned the winner of a beauty pageant for Muslims in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta.

The 20 finalists, who were all required to wear headscarves were from six countries – they were judged on how well they recited Koranic verses and their views on Islam in the modern world.

After a show in front of an audience of mainly religious scholars and devout Muslims, a panel of judges picked Obabiyi Aishah Ajibola as the winner.

Upon hearing her name, the 21-year-old knelt down and prayed, then wept as she recited a Koranic verse.

She said "thanks to almighty Allah" that she had won the contest. She received 25 million rupiah ($2,200) and trips to Mecca and India as prizes.

Ajibola told AFP before the final that the event "was not really about competition".

"We're just trying to show the world that Islam is beautiful," she said.

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Bash Ali apologises to President Jonathan and Sports minister

Allsports: Veteran Nigerian cruiserweight boxer, Bash Ali on Tuesday in Abuja tendered an apology for his actions in pushing for the government to sponsor his intended fight.

Ali had a problem with the Sports mininster, Bolaji Abdullahi after the boxer was thrown out by the minister’s security men for forcefully trying to break protocols to see him.

But he has apologised adding that his actions in was not intentional, nor was he willing to hurt anybody.

Ali is pushing to have his name enter the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest boxer to win a world title, which he plans to stage in Nigeria.

“I will like to tender my unreserved apology to anybody I might have hurt in the process of my trying to bring honour, glory, employment and clean money to Nigeria,” Ali said at a press conference.

DJ Switch Emerged Winner of maiden edition of The Glo X Factor [PHOTOS]

Though the winner of the first edition of The Glo X Factor has not been officially announced, but we can authoritatively tell you that Obianuju Catherine Udeh, fondly called Dj Switch was crowned the Glo X factor winner last night.

Switch, who currently lives in Abuja smiles home with $150,000 (₦24 million) and a recording contract with SONY music.

DJ Switch, who is the last of eight children, grew up in Warri, but hails from Udi, Enugu State, and she studied Geology at the University of Port Harcourt.

Congrats to the new Xfactor.

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African Queen Crooner, 2face Idibia is a year older today

Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly called 2Face Idibia was born in Jos, Plateau State, on September 18, 1975 ­– he is 38 today.

HBD to a true star.

Afro-beat Legend, Fela Kuti’s movie to be directed by Andrew Dosunmu

The man at the helm of indie drama ‘Mother of George,’ director Andrew Dosunmu is set to embark on another rattling project. Dosunmu has been picked to direct Focus Features’ drama with music Fela Kuti, which is currently in development.

Dosunmu will direct from a script written by Focus CEO James Schamus and Nigerian poet Chris Abani. The script will be based on Michael Veal's book Fela: The Life and Times of an African Music Icon.

The film will chronicle the life of Fela, who was not only one of the founders of the musical movement of Afrobeat, a fusion of jazz, funk and psychedelic rock, but also pushed boundaries in art and life in the 1970s.

Kate Henshaw celebrates 20 years in Nollywood with a book launch [PHOTOS]

Celebrating two decades in Nigeria film industry, popularly called Nollywood, actress, Kate Henshaw, presented a book titled, The World of an Actress: My Story, on Tuesday at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

The memoir, which also doubles as a photo book, chronicles the actress’ humble beginning as a starlet, career highpoints, as well as the journey to fame.

Special guests at the event, which was anchored by ace Nollwyood actor and comedian, Basorge Tariah Jnr, include the First Lady of Ekiti State, Mrs.Bisi Fayemi, Rita Dominic, Dakore Egbuson, Chidi Mokeme, Chioma Chukwuka, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Segun Arinze, Funke Akindele and other stars.

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Miss New York, Nina Davuluri crowned 2014 Miss America [PHOTOS & VIDEO]

After a night of long evening gowns, tight swimsuit strutting, dancing, singing and, yes, answering those tough judges' questions (including ones about Miley Cyrus and Syria!), the contestants were narrowed down to one winner.

Miss New York, Nina Davuluri, 24, became the first woman of Indian descent to win the title – she was crowned the new Miss America on Sunday night in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The beauty queen beat 52 other contestants, including first runner-up Crystal Lee of California, to win the highly-coveted title and $50,000 scholarship cash.

She takes the honor from Mallory Hagan, who won last year's competition.

Check out the photos and a full video of the pageant;

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Father catches man raping daughter

Vanguard: Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man (names withheld) for allegedly raping a girl in Oluyole area of Ibadan.

He was said to have been caught raping the girl in a bush.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect allegedly lured the girl into the bush before forcefully having canal knowledge of her, while the victim was said to be shouting for help.

The cry reportedly drew the attention of her father, who rushed to the scene and caught the man in the act.

Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor, confirmed the story.

New Music Video: IllBliss ft. Chidnma – I am sorry

Illbliss has released the video for ‘I am sorry’ featuring ‘Kedike’ crooner, Chidinma – the video is directed by Clarence Peters.

Check the video out;

Penelope Cruz Goes Topless During Family Vacation [PHOTOS]

Penelope Cruz may have just given birth less than two months ago, but she is not afraid to show off her body. Cruz is on a little family vacation with her hubby Javier Bardem and their two kiddies Leo and Luna in Corsica!

While on the beach, the 39-year-old actress was pictured showing off her post-baby figure in a tiny bikini – later, she took off her top completely for a swim with Bardem and their two-year-old son, Leo.

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Worshippers robbed during Sunday church service

Police are investigating an armed robbery during which a masked man interrupted a church service to steal from the worshipers.

Police Lt. James M. Albert said the incident happened just before 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Pentecostal Church at 326 Appleton St., Holyoke, Massachusetts.

A service was under way when a masked man, described as skinny, short and Hispanic wearing a black T-shirt, pants and hat, entered with a handgun, Albert said.

"He told them it was a robbery," Albert said. "They were all in fear."

Albert said the man stole various items from the people, including numerous cell phones. The state police crime scene unit was called to assist Holyoke police with the investigation, Albert said.

Albert estimated that approximately 20 people were attending the church service. He said the robber ran off, and someone then called police.

What is wrong with this photo?

Stella Damasus’ Daughter Makes Acting Debut in New York [PHOTOS]

The daughter of Nollywood star actress, Stella Damasus has joined her mother in the Nigerian film industry popularly called Nollywood. The young girl recently made her debut in the acting world in a film directed by her mum's alleged lover, Daniel Ademinokan.

Stella announced on twitter a moment ago about this development. She said her daughter starred in her new web series called MixMatch.

The web series was shot in New York, USA and it is based on the lives of members of a biracial family living in New York City.

IMAGINE: This Couple is expecting their 17th child

The Radfords have been a couple for over 25 years and have nine sons, seven daughters and one granddaughter, yet Mrs Sue Radford is pregnant again... with her 17th baby.

According to Daily Mail, the couple, of Morecambe, Lancashire, don’t know whether it will be a boy or a girl.

They say they are ‘absolutely thrilled’ to be having another baby, who will be a sibling for Chris, 24, Sophie, 19, Chloe, 18, Jack, 16, Daniel, 14, Luke, 12, Millie, 12, Katie, ten, James, nine, Ellie, eight, Aimee, seven, Josh, five, Max, four, Tilly, three, Oscar, two and Casper, 11 months.

Mrs Radford wrote on Facebook after her 12-week scan: ‘We are so excited to announce Radford baby 17 will be joining this family in April.

Miss Kenya, Miss Ghana and Miss Russia Storm Nigeria ahead of Pageant [PHOTOS]

Ethel Okosun, daughter of late music legend, Sunny Okosun has invited international beauty queens, Miss Russia, Miss Ghana and Miss Kenya to Lagos for a brief visit. Their visit is in preparation for the Exquisite Face of the Universe World Final which will make its debut in Nigeria in November.

Miss Russia, Meri Asatiani arrived in Lagos on Friday (September 13, 2013), while Miss Kenya, Vicky Wilson landed in Lagos the next day.

The beauty queens, at a launch event, assured Miss Ethel Okosun, who is the host of the pageant, that she will not regret bringing the pageant to Nigeria. 

On her part, Ethel says: “It’s an honour to have been granted the hosting right of the grand finale of the Exquisite Face of The Universe World. I feel excited because this will be the first time the pageant will come to Nigeria and all is being put in place to ensure its success. The pageant holding in the country will allow Nigeria to be seen in a new light by the rest of the world.”

First Lady denies involvement in sale of Enugu Distribution Company

First Lady, Patience Jonathan, has denied any interest in the sale of Enugu Distribution Company.

A statement issued on Sunday night by Mrs. Ayo Adesugba, her Director of Information, said there was no truth in the online article published on Sahara Reporters, titled “Nigeria’s First Lady, Vice President behind the Enugu Disco Sale Fiasco.”

“Normally, the hearsay and conjectures in the article should have been ignored due to the fact that it is speculative journalism at its worst, she said.

“Additionally, the article as it pertains to the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, is devoid of any concrete evidence or supporting documents. However, since the First Lady’s name has been mentioned in the article we are duty bound to respond so that the public will not be unwittingly misled.”

Presidency, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Blast El-Rufai

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has given Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, former minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) seven days’ ultimatum to tell Nigerians the person that gave CAN President Ayo Oritsejafor a private jet or risk having his dirty character exposed to the public.

Simultaneously, President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday urged Nigerians to beware of former FCT minister who he described as “a double-minded and unstable man in all his ways.”

In a statement in Abuja by Reno Omokri, his Special Assistant (News Media), the President urged the public not to be misled by the machinations of el-Rufai, “a man who is in dire need of prayers and perhaps psychological assistance.”

Watch BBA (The Chase) lovebirds, Elikem and Pokello arrive in Ghana [VIDEO]

Zimbabwean representative in this year’s Big Brother Africa (The Chase) reality show, Pokello Nare and her Ghanaian boyfriend Elikem Kumordzi arrived in Ghana Tuesday for a three-week visit.

Elikem and Pokello were warmly received by hundreds of fans who had gathered at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

Her trip to the country is to reciprocate Elikem’s trip to Zimbabwe last week.

The Ghanaian tailor during his stay in Zimbabwe visited Pokello’s parents, attended three parties, made some donations to the Thembiso Children’s Home in Luveve and also met with his fans in Zimbabwe.

Ondo State former Governor Agagu Dies Suddenly

Thisday: Former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu, is dead. He was 65. Eddy Olafeso, former Ondo State Commissioner for Information, said Agagu slumped and died yesterday evening during a meeting at his residence in Lagos.

Another source said the former governor had been sick for sometime now, and had just returned to the country after a medical trip abroad. The source said further that when the traditional ruler of the ex-governor (Orofun 1 of Ijodo, Oba J.T Timola) died about three weeks ago, he could not come for the burial, but only sent condolence message from abroad, even though the late king was his family member.

LOOK! Nicole Kidman takes a tumble at NYC Fashion Week [PHOTOS]

She was happily minding her own business following an appearance at New York Fashion Week, and then suddenly Nicole Kidman found herself on the floor.

The 46-year-old actress was knocked to the ground yesterday afternoon after a photographer on a bicycle got a bit too close whilst trying to get a good picture of her.

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New Music Video: Omawumi – Warn Yourself

Shot in Brooklyn, NY and Lagos, Omawumi has released the visuals for the song ‘Warn Yourself,’ taken off her sophomore album “Lasso of Truth”.

The video was directed by Mega – watch it below;

Farida Waziri fires back at Obasanjo; asks him to respect his age

In her reaction to former President Obasanjo’s criticism of her leadership at the EFCC, Farida Waziri has warned Mr. Obasanjo to respect his age and watch his comments else she would be forced to open up on him. (Read Obasanjo’s comment here)

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Dr (Mrs) Farida Waziri, OFR, in a statement on Wednesday reminded former President Olusegun Obasanjo that ability to be used to witch hunt political enemies in the rabid pursuit of a third term agenda has never been part of the qualifications for appointment as chairman of the anti-graft agency

Mrs. Waziri denied meeting Mr. Ibori ahead of her appointment to the EFCC, a claim she made earlier in a separate interview with the same EFCC publication. Mr. Ibori is serving a jail term in United Kingdom for stealing state funds.

The former EFCC boss said she was fully qualified to have headed to the agency given the stipulations of the law.

Eddie Murphy Releases music video for 'Red Light' ft.Snoop Lion [VIDEO]

Eddie Murphy, known mostly for his stand up and acting careers has jumped back into the music world and released the video for his first single 'Red Light'. This first track happens to be a reggae song – of course that was why he featured Snoop Lion.

Watch the video below; I think you would like it;

Lawyer and activist Mike Ozekhome regains freedom

Kidnapped legal practitioner and human rights activist, Mike Ozekhome has finally been released by his abductors.

A family friend to the Ozekhomes and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode told Premiumtimes he had a telephone conversation with the lawyer this morning (Thursdy).

“I just spoke to him and he was very excited to be free,” the former minister said. “He was full of thanks to God and was in very high spirits.”

Mr. Ozekhome’s elder brother, Pius, also confirmed the lawyer’s release to the News Agency of Nigeria.