FG Orders Private Jet Owners to Pay $4,000 Luxury Tax

The Federal Government has imposed a luxury tax on private jet owners and operators in the country.

As a result, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has directed the owners and operators of private jets to pay the sum of $4,000 for every flight departure within the country.

According to a memo to all private jet operators, the NCAA ordered that Nigerian-registered private jets would henceforth pay the sum of $3,000 for every departure, while foreign registered private jets would pay $4,000 per departure.

Lagos Chief Judge sets 119 prison inmates free

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, on Wednesday, released 119 awaiting-trial inmates from Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Security Prisons, Lagos.

The inmates, who have been awaiting trial for as long as 13 years, included 99 from medium prisons and 20 from maximum prisons with offences ranging from capital to minor.

Justice Phillips said the visit was aimed at decongesting the prisons and in exercise of the Chief Judge’s powers under Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act, CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Earlier, the chief judge had released 279 inmates from the Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Security Prisons and Ikoyi prisons last year.

New Video: Terry G – Chop Chicken And Die

Terry G takes his madness to another level on this one – the freestyle video sees the Akpako Master hit at his enemies; “anybody wey no wish me well chop chicken and die”.

Shot with a smartphone, the video is a special message for all haters out there who don’t want you to make headway in life.

See for yaself!

Shekau Appears in New Video, Says Nigerian Military should bury itself in shame

Leader of the Jama'atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda'awati Wal Jihad, also known as Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, today said the Nigerian Military should bury itself in shame because he is alive.

Shekau also claimed responsibility of Tuesday, 17th September, 2013 attacks in Benisheik, Borno State where over 160 people were either shot dead or slaughtered and hundreds of houses burnt.

The then Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman in Borno State, Lt Col Sagir Musa, had issued a statement on 19th August, 2013 to the effect that "Intelligence report available to the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Restore Order revealed that Abubakar Shekau, the most dreaded and wanted terrorists leader may have died. He died of gunshots wounds received in an encounter with the JTF in one of their camps in Sambisa Forest on 30th June, 2013.

New Music Video: Tinie Tempah ft. John Martin – Children Of The Sun

Former GQ Men of the Year winner, Tinie Tempah has released the video for his second single "Children of the Sun". The song features Swedish House Mafia collaborator John Martin.

Check it.

Celebrities Party Hard at Mike Ezuronye's 31'st Birthday Celebration [PHOTOS]

Nollywood actor, Mike Ezuronye turned 31 recently and he celebrated his birthday in style. Celebrities like KCee, Julius Agwu, AY, CossyOrjiakor, Osita Iheme and others were with him at a club in Port Harcourt, where the party went down.

Check out the photos;

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Reps summon Mainstreet Bank MD over sack of 670 workers

Sunnews: Miffed by the failure of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Mainstreet Bank, Mrs. Faith Tuedor-Matthews, to honour the invitation of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, the members of the committee yesterday resolved to issue a bench warrant to arrest her if she fails to appear on October 2.

The committee, currently holding a public hearing had invited Mrs. Tuedor-Matthews to appear before it and answer to a petition against the bank for refusing to pay terminal benefits to some staff of the establishment whose appointments were terminated last year.

Rather than appear in person, the MD delegated the Executive Director in charge of Operations, Mr. Anogwi Anyanwu, to stand in for her and on behalf of the company.

Chairman of the committee, Jones Onyereri, who did not hide his anger over the development, insisted that the committee would not accept anybody else to speak for the bank apart from the MD.

Nigerian Catholic Priest Fired Over Sexual Harassment in US

A Nigerian priest serving as chaplain at Avera St. Luke Hospital and Avera Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen for more than 18 years has been fired by the Avera administration.

The Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls says recent allegations of sexual harassment by Reverend Charles Emezie against adult female staff members have been found credible.  These allegations are also violations of the diocesan Sexual Misconduct policy.  Father Emezie’s faculties to minister as a priest in the Diocese of Sioux Falls have been revoked and his bishop in Nigeria has been notified that he may no longer practice ministry in the diocese.

The Diocese of Sioux Falls encourages those who have been victims of sexual abuse or misconduct to contact its Victims Assistance Coordinator so that the Church might offer whatever assistance is appropriate.

Opposition to Jonathan: Questions the North must answer – Uduaghan

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State is in the second and final term of office as governor of Delta State. The Governor was last Thursday honoured with the Fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in Lagos, the highest award given by the institution. Uduaghan, who is a medical doctor by training on the eve of the award, spoke to a selection of newsmen on issues in the polity including calls by a faction of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala should resign as Minister of Finance, calls for a national conference and his plans to hand over Delta to a credible successor.

Excerpts:

What’s your reaction to the calls for the resignation of Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Finance Minister by the NGF?

I was very careful in listening to and reading the communiqué and I think the communiqué talked about an Appropriation Act that is based on ‘projections’.

72-Yr-Old Billionaire Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Marries 26-Year- Old Bride [PHOTOS]

Two years after loosing his wife of 40 years, Eudora, to cancer, 72 year old billionaire businessman and chairman of Champion newspaper, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has given marriage a second shot.

Chief Iwuanyanwu married 26 year old Frances Chinonyerem Enwerem, the daughter of one of his late wife's close friends, on Saturday September 14th (traditional wedding) and this past Saturday September 21st (white wedding) in Owerri, Imo State.

The new bride, who doesn't have the blessings of the Chief's children (mostly because of the age gap) is said to be expecting her first child with the extremely rich businessman cum politician.

Chief Iwuanyanwu has his hands in various businesses cutting across over 20 sectors of the economy. He is the founder of the Iwuanyanwu Football club now known as the Heartland FC.

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LOOK! Kate Henshaw on Vacation in Milan and Switzerland [PHOTOS]

Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw is in Europe for vacation – she shared photos of her in Milan, Italy and Switzerland

Check out her photos.

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Ghanaian Born UK Rapper, Sway Gets Married to fiancé, Helen [PHOTOS]

Derek Andrew Safo, popularly known as Sway tied the knot this past weekend with his long time girlfriend Helen.

The 31-year-old rapper, who is signed to Akon’s Konvict Muzik record label, shared the news with his followers on Twitter, saying the celebration was one of the best nights of his life.

In attendance at the traditional marriage ceremony were singer Fuse ODG, comedian Eddie Kadi and Choice FM’s DJ Abrantee, who also entertained guests at the ceremony.

Check out photos of the couple;

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New Music Video: Jason Derulo – Marry Me

Jason Derulo's romantic new video, "Marry Me" stars his longtime girlfriend, Jordin Sparks – It features the couple rolling around in bed, playfully feeding each other, and giggling to their hearts' content.

‘Marry Me’ is the second single from Derulo's upcoming album, Tattoos, which hits stores today.

Check it out;

Arsenal confirms signing of 19-year-old Nigerian defender, Semi Ajayi

Arsenal Football Club has officially confirmed the transfer of Semi Ajayi from Charlton Athletic into the club’s youth academy – he joined the Arsenal Academy after impressing as a trialist with the Club.

The 19-year-old Nigerian defender scored on his debut for the under-21s in a 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers, before putting in another accomplished display for Steve Gatting’s side in a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium earlier in September.

Semi, pronounced Shemi was born in London and graduated from the Charlton Athletic Academy.

Oyo State Governor, Ajimobi sacks SSG, Chief of staff, all commissioners

Political appointees in Oyo state woke up to a rude shock on Monday as the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, terminated their appointments during an executive council meeting held with them in his office in the morning.

According to reports, none of the governor’s aides had any inkling of the fate that awaited them until their boss made the announcement.

Governor Ajimobi, in a statement signed by the Director of Cabinet in the state’s civil service, Dotun Omokemi, confirmed the sack.

It was a total purge as all members of the state cabinet, including the secretary to the state government, Akin Olajide; Chief of Staff, Adeolu Akande; all the commissioners as well as special advisers were affected, leaving only the governor and his deputy, Moses Alake Adeyemo, behind.

Chidi Mokeme Returns as Host of GUS 10

Nollywood actor and TV host, Chidi Mokeme, has been announced again as the host of this year's edition of Gulder Ultimate Search reality TV show which flagged off yesterday in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.

Mokeme who anchored the reality TV show, in its first and second seasons made a stunning comeback as the anchor man last year after taking over from erstwhile presenter, Bob Manuel Udokwu.

He was announced as the host of the reality TV show, at the selection party of the Gulder Ultimate Search 10 finalists which held inside the New Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, weekend, in Lagos.

Alleged suicide: I’m still seeing a Shrink – Tonto Dike Talks Depression [VIDEO]

In a recent interview with Man Hour Tv, controversial actress cum musician, Tonto Dikeh, spoke about her past life, the depression she had, how growing up was and her plans as a musician.

On her depression, she said “It brought me back to the beginning; I saw my self as a baby.I had to start from there. I’m still healing; I’m still taking classes, still seeing a shrink. Depression is the deadliest disease that I’ve ever come across. It is something that can kill you in a snap.”

Check the interview;

Blackface Signs Multi-million Naira Deal

Fortune may have finally smiled on member of former Plantashun Boiz, Blackface as the dark-skinned dude has landed himself a deal worth millions of naira.   

Blackface, who has been having a row with Tuface over the copyright of popular song, African Queen and his not being invited for his Dubai wedding, signed a deal with Franchise Events Limited worth N52 million including a car and a house.

According to Franchise Events Limited spokesperson, the company chose Blackface because of his "versatility, staying power in the music industry and his brand of music".

25-year-old video vixen, Marie Miller wins Miss Earth Nigeria 2013 [PHOTOS]

Popular model and video vixen, Marie Miller beat 23 other contestants to emerge the winner of 2013 Miss Earth Nigeria – the event held last night at the grand ball room of the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

Marie went home with a brand new 2013 Toyota Avensis and N3million one year salary. She will also represent Nigeria at the Miss Earth pageant later this year. 

Check out some photos;

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Amber Rose, Karlie Redd and Boris Kodjoe in Lagos for Miss Earth Beauty Pageant (Photos)

Amber Rose, Karlie Redd and Boris Kodjoe arrived in Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday for Miss Earth Beauty Pageant 2013 edition. The event took place at Oriental Hotel. Amber, Karlie and Boris were received by President of Actors Guild Nigeria, Ibinabo Fibresema at Muritala Muhammed Airport.

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Check out Choc City Rappers MI and Iceprince in Ghana [PHOTOS]

Chocolate City Music rappers, MI and Iceprince were in Ghana weekend to grace the September edition of Soundcity’s Chairman VIP Party which held at Bellaroma, Osu, Accra on Saturday.

See photos of MI, Iceprince and Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie.

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“I learnt how to open Safe and ATM machine on Youtube” – Suspect

At the weekend, police arrested a suspect who specialises in vandalising Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Abuja and collecting all the money in the machines.

According to informed police source, at about 10.00 a.m on Saturday, detectives attached to Utako division received a report from a bank located at Jabi that an ATM machine had been vandalised, with money removed.

Immediately, policemen were dispatched to the scene. They discovered that the ceilings of the building were removed and CCTV camera monitor tampered with.

The policemen further moved to the toliets and noticed some doors were locked from behind.

After forcing the doors open, the suspect, Jamilu Hassan, 27, was found hiding and subsequently arrested.

Osun State Set to Demolish Public School for New Shop Rite Complex

Alumni, parents and other education stakeholders in Osun State have begun to remove items they donated to Fakunle Comprehensive High School in Oshogbo, following allegations Governor Rauf Aregbesola plans to demolish the school and replace it with a “Shop Rite” mall.

According to Sahara Reporters, there has been a long battle between parents, alumnus, students and the Aregbesola administration over the plan, saying that the governor is serving the interests of his political god-father, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to provide prime space for him to extend Shop Rite, a business he is said to own, to Oshogbo.

The State Government through the ministry of education sent out transfer letters to teachers of the school and released a list by which it distributed the students of Fakunle High School to other schools. By the new list, some of the students now have to cover more distances to learn.

Renowned Ghanaian Poet, Prof. Awoonor killed in Kenya mall attack

Renowned Ghanaian poet and statesman Kofi Awoonor was among the 59 people confirmed dead in an attack by Somali Islamist militants on a Nairobi shopping mall, Ghana's president said Sunday.

Awoonor, 78, was killed and his son was wounded at the Westgate mall, Ghana's Deputy Information Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu said. Awoonor had been due to appear at the Storymoja Hay literary festival in Nairobi on Saturday.

Kwame Dawes, a cousin of Awoonor as well as a poet who was in Nairobi at the time of the attack, said Awoonor and his son were not together when the shooting started. "I think the son went to pick up something at the mall. Professor Awoonor was in the parking garage waiting for him," Dawes, a professor in the United States who is editing Awoonor's latest poetry collection, told AFP by telephone. "The son was shot while he was inside the mall. We don't know at what point the professor was shot," Dawes said.

Psquare Shut down Addis Ababa, Gave another fan a wristwatch [PHOTOS]

After a successful US/Canada tour, Nigeria’s music sensation, Psquare headed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopa where they had another sold out concert.

The music duo put up a splendid performance at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa yesterday – in the process, one half of Psquare gave a fan a wristwatch.

Check the photos out;

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