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?

MORE PICS ON THE FLIP

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.

VIDEO: Monica Lewinsky's Lingerie & Clinton Items Up For Auction

"More than thirty items that federal investigator Kenneth Starr examined while gathering evidence for the impeachment case against former President Bill Clinton went up for auction Monday on the Nate D. Sanders website. Bidding for the items, which include a negligee that allegedly belonged to the White House intern, began at $2,500."

 A black negligee owned by Monica Lewinsky is among many items owned by the former-intern that are going up for auction. Also included in the auction is a note form President Clinton, as well as some other White House regalia, but Lewinsky is NOT the one profitting.

Who is doing this and why?

VIDEO: Nollywood Actress Omotola Ekeinde Made Her USA TV Debut On 'Hit The Floor'

Sexy actress Omotola Ekeinde makes her debut on Hollywood on the TV series "hit the floor" season 1 episode 5.

Check out Omosexy’s stunning look

Actress in critical condition after acid attack in Pakistan

A young Pakistani actress was in critical condition Sunday after a man threw acid on her face while she was sleeping, her brother said.

The alleged attack on 18-year-old Bushra Waiz happened early Saturday at the family home in Nowshera, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Akhtar Waiz told CNN his family was asleep in the courtyard when a man burst in and threw acid on his sister.

Bushra Waiz, who is also known as Shazia Aziz, is a Pashto-language singer, actress and theater artist.

She suffered burns to the right side of her face. Doctors said her right leg, arm and eye were also injured.

Heidi Klum 'in process' of removing ex-husband Seal’s tattoo on Her Arm

It has been said that the only thng that is permanent is change – even tattoo don’t stay for ever.

Heidi Klum is said to be removing tattoo of her ex-husband Seal's name on her right inner arm, which was a commemoration of her previous marriage with Seal. A source told PEOPLE that Klum "is in the process of getting her tattoo removed" as she has moved on with her bodyguard boyfriend Kirsten Martin. "She's been through a few treatments. The stars on her arm with her children's initials will stay intact," the source added.

Stella Damasus denies being pregnant for Daniel Ademinokan

Stella Damasus has debunked reports that she is pregnant for her beau, Daniel Ademinokan; saying is a ‘wonderful gossip’.

AC Milan owner Berlusconi bags 7 years imprisonment

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of charges of corruption and soliciting an underage prostitute.

The 76-year-old was accused of paying for sex with Moroccan girl Karima El Mahroug in 2010, when she was 17, as well as abusing his position in public office for attempting to force her release from police custody over a charge of petty theft. Although prosecutors sought a six-year custodial sentence for the former Italian Premier, a court in Milan issued a seven-year punishment following the guilty verdict in addition to a lifetime ban from politics, pending any appeal from Berlusconi’s solicitors.

However, it could be months or even years before he serves any punishment, with Berlusconi entitled to appeal the verdict twice before it becomes final.

Berlusconi is already embroiled in several legal battles in the Italian courts. In October 2012, he was issued a four-year prison sentence for tax fraud, which has been upheld

Edo State hangs 4 convicted criminals

Four convicted criminals were on Monday executed by hanging in the premises of the Benin City Central Prisons, says Edo Attorney General Henry Idahagbon.The justice commissioner in Edo state confirmed the hanging of the four prisoners, who had been convicted of either armed robbery or murder, he said.

According to the commissioner, all their appeals had been exhausted and their death warrants were signed.

"The court gave the judgement this afternoon that the execution could go ahead and the prison authority went ahead," Henry Idahagbon told AFP.

He added that the executions were carried out by the prison service, a federal agency, and not the state government.

However, he said he was informed by prison authorities of the executions. Edo state Governor Adams Oshiomhole signed two of the death warrants since the crimes occurred in Edo, said

Fani-Kayode: Jonathan Will Split Nigeria if He Loses Election in 2015

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Monday said the way the President Goodluck Jonathan's administration was going and the threats from different quarters to destroy Nigeria if the president does not win election in 2015 was a pointer that Jonathan would attempt to split the country if he fails to win 2015 general election based on the way he had succeeded in causing a division in Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF).

Fani-Kayode, who made this known in Minna when he visited the Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu for 'consultation,' said there was a clear indication that should Jonathan lose the election in 2015, he would plot for the division of the country.

The former minister stated that it was obvious that the president was a divide and rule president, adding that if the president was not the mastermind of the NGF crisis, why would he be backing a fraction of the NGF, despite that the faction did not win the election?

"It is only in Nigeria that a loser with the backing of the presidency can declare himself the winner leading to the splitting of NGF. This is a pre-requisite for 2015 when the president is defeated, he will declare himself the same way as it happened in NGF and try to split the country the same way of the NGF," he said.

Arsenal Star Theo Walcott Ties the Knot with Childhood Sweetheart Melanie Slade

The Arsenal star married Melanie at the fairytale ceremony at Castello Di Vincigliata in Tuscany, 9 years after the couple met while Walcott was at Southampton.

Guests were asked not to bring gifts but instead to donate to the Willow Foundation, set up by Arsenal legend Bob Wilson and Macmillan Cancer Support after Melanie’s sister Sarah was diagnosed with kidney cancer at 16.

Walcott invited several of his team-mates including Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey and Thomas Vermaelen.

Speaking to Hello! Magazine, the proud groom said: 'It's fantastic to be able to finally call Melanie my wife. Now we're excited to see what the future holds for us’.

The full interview is in the new edition of Hello! Magazine which is out now

'I don't think marriage will change our relationship - I hope not anyway, as it was already everything I could have wanted.'

Lagos Bound Train Derails In Kaduna, Injures Four

Four people were reportedly injured on Monday as a train belonging to the Kaduna State Rail Transport System derailed at Kakau village on the outskirt of the state capital.

Spokesman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abubakar Adamu told newsmen that the injured had been taken to the St. Gerald Hospital in Kakuri Kaduna where they were receiving treatment, but no one died in the accident.

The train service which had provided cheap source of transport in the state capital and environs was introduced during the administration of then Governor Namadi Sambo in 2008.