Government Drops Charges Against Fuel Subsidy Suspects

The Federal government of Nigeria has dropped the charges against two of the accused fuel subsidy scam suspects. No reason was given for the sudden change in decision by the AGF. Various sections of the society have expressed great shock and disappointment on both the Federal government and the AGF. The dropping of the charges came few days after the fuel subsidy suspects were reported to have allegedly threatened to expose the presidency if the charges were not dropped with immediate effect.

Bank driver arrested with 19 ATM cards, N652, 000

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Dare Oladujoye, a driver with Zenith Bank, for allegedly being in possession of 19 GTB ATM cards and the sum of N652, 000. It was learnt that the suspect was using the cards to withdraw money from an ATM at Ogba branch of GTB when a security guard raised the alarm. The Commissioner of Police for the state police command, Mr. Umar Manko, said as at the time of his arrest, the suspect had withdrawn N652, 000 from the ATM. Manko said, “On July 26, 2012, around 8:30pm, there was a distress call that there was commotion at GTB, Ogba branch. On getting there, the suspect was seen with 19 ATM cards. “He is an employee of Zenith Bank and we wondered what he was doing with the 19 cards. He was arrested and as at the time of his arrest, he had cashed N652, 000. The matter is under investigation.” The suspect however denied stealing the ATM cards. He said whenever he lent people money; he would collect their ATM cards as collateral and return them after payment. He said, “I usually loan people money and I’ve been doing it for over a year. Whenever I loan people money, I will collect their ATM cards and their Personal Identification Numbers. When they repay me, I return their cards to them. “However, if they don’t pay me back in cash, I go to withdraw money from their accounts through the ATM.” When quizzed on where he got the money which he lent people, he said he was into various kinds of businesses. He also said he had friends in the banking sector that helped him with funds. He said, “I am a very hard working person. I joined Zenith Bank as a driver over three years ago and in less than a year, I bought a tricycle which I leased to another driver that gives me returns on a regular basis. “The following year, I bought two tricycles bringing the total number to three. I make N150,000 monthly from the tricycles and N60,000 from my salary. I also get credit facilities through my connections in the banking sector. “On the day I was arrested, I went to withdraw money on Thursday night with some of the cards when a security guard raised the alarm. I did not steal those cards. I know the owners of the cards and I have their numbers on my phone.” Meanwhile, the command has warned members of the public to be very careful when buying vehicles so as not to buy stolen ones. The warning became imperative following the arrest of two mechanics who allegedly received six stolen vehicles and even sold some to members of the public. Manko said buyers could sense stolen vehicles by their cheap prices. It was learnt that on July 7, 2012, Sunday Okoduwa came with a report that his car was stolen on Victoria Island. Policemen later traced the car to a workshop in Agidingbi and arrested a man identified simply as Abdusalam, who in turn claimed that he bought it from one Idowu Adegboyega. It was learnt that when Adegboyega was arrested and could not give a satisfactory explanation, his house was searched and some documents were found which led to the recovery of six other vehicles. A police source said, “When we searched the suspect’s house, some documents were recovered which led to the recovery of six other vehicles. “All the vehicles were registered in the name of one Oti Olusekola Jacob, who is believed to belong to the gang of armed robbers in Lagos.” In a related development, the police have arrested 12 armed robbery suspects. Police authorities said the suspects belonged to a syndicate that specialised in snatching vehicles from the owners at gunpoint. The police alleged that the suspects operated in Ikorodu where they robbed and also sold vehicles. According to the police, Ahmed Abdullahi, Azeez Abiodun, Olusoga Taiwo, Wasiu Azeez and Dele Balogun are among the suspects arrested. It was learnt that three of the suspects, Adebiyi Mafimisesin, Lekan Aibinuomo and Okalawon Akinpelu; were receivers of stolen vehicles, which were either Toyota or Honda products. A police source said, “The case emanated from Ikorodu Police Station and was reported on June 20, 2012 by a complainant who was attacked and robbed of his Toyota Sienna Space bus. “We swung into action and we discovered where they keep stolen vehicles and sell to buyers. We recovered six vehicles; Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and two others. “We also recovered single-barrelled locally-made shotguns and 24 live cartridges and one expended cartridge.”

Top 5 tips for travel during Ramadan

In this Muslim holy month of Ramadan, now’s a good time to learn to say ‘Happy Ramadan’ Especially if you’re considering travel during August to countries with majority Muslim populations, like Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Dubai and Morocco. with this top 5 travel tips during Ramadan, you can join a happy Ramadan already in progress. 1. Know the basics: Ramadan is a lunar month dedicated to sawm, or fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. From sun-up to sun-down, the faithful abstain from food, drink, tobacco and sex to concentrate on spiritual renewal. After sunset, there’s a euphoric iftar, or meal, to break the fast, followed by a late-night feast and sahur, a meal before the sun comes up and fasting begins again. Yet Ramadan isn’t all daytime discipline and nightly parties: it’s a time of generosity and zakat, or charity, another of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting isn’t easy, so everyone slows down during the day – but you’ll also notice people going out of their way to extend small kindnesses. 2. Plan ahead: Like any holiday, Ramadan affects business as usual. Many venues operate with limited hours and staff, so try to book accommodation, transport and tours via internet or phone before you arrive. Even if offices have posted hours, call ahead to ensure someone’s available to meet your needs. Most restaurants close by day, so pack lunches or reserve ahead at restaurants that open for lunch in tourist areas. 3. Shift your schedule: Nightly festivities trump early bedtimes during Ramadan. Sunset streets come alive with light displays, music and offers of sweets at every intersection. After an iftar of dates, soup or savory snacks, people of all ages binge on sweets until the late-night feast followed by more visits and sweets, until wired kids finally wear themselves out. There’s no rush to get up the next day, unless shopping is on the agenda. Stores often close in the afternoon, and bargaining is more pleasant before midday heat kicks in and lack of water is felt. As sundown approaches, the mood turns upbeat, with Ramadan finery on display and tantalizing aromas filling the streets.

4. Get into the Ramadan spirit: According to tradition, even Muslim travelers are exempt from fasting – it’s hard to do at home under controlled conditions, let alone in unfamiliar places. To show your support, avoid eating or drinking on the street in front of people who are probably fasting, and grant people privacy at prayer times. 5. Accept hospitality: When a new friend offers you special Ramadan sweets or invites you to a family feast, polite refusal would be crushing. You’re not obliged to return the favor or eat the sweets. You would have given honor just by accepting their generosity in the spirit of Ramadan. Kindness can be repaid by practicing zakat, and giving to a local charity.

For your Travel Bookings visit: www.hasheq.com

Nigerian to Die by Hanging in Malaysia for drugs

A Nigerian man and an Australian nurse face the possibility of death by hanging after a Malaysian court on Tuesday charged them with trafficking methamphetamines. The Australian nurse, Louise L’Aiguille was charged in Kuala Lumpur alongside his Nigerian boy friend, Ndidi Anthony Esikalam two weeks after police said they were arrested for possession of one kg (2.2 pounds) of methamphetamine. Louise L’Aiguille entered the court room  in tears and spoke briefly to some Australian High Commission officials before sitting in the dock, hunched over in distress, for the hearing. No plea was recorded but the Australian’s lawyer said she was innocent and was slapped once by a Malaysian police officer during interrogations.  Drug trafficking carries a mandatory death sentence by hanging in Malaysia, where hundreds of people are on death row, mostly for drug offences. L’Aiguille, from Melbourne, was in a car with her co-defendant when police arrested them, attorney Muhammad Shafee Abdullah told reporters after the court appearance. Police told L’Aiguille, who had been driving, that drugs were later found in the car, he said. Muhammad Shafee said two other Nigerians — L’Aiguille’s boyfriend and another man — had also been in the car but had left the vehicle just prior to the arrests. Police are currently searching for the boyfriend, he added. “She is completely depressed. She just does not understand how all this could be happening to her. She was just driving the car,” Muhammad Shafee said. He said L’Aiguille was a nurse who was in Malaysia as a tourist and had visited the country several times over the past two years. No further details were immediately available on the Nigerian defendant as he was not represented by legal counsel at the hearing. Since 1960, more than 440 people have been executed in Malaysia for drug related offences

Yinka Ayefele Undergoes Surgery

Religious Artist Yinka Ayefele was reported to have successfully undergone a surgery recently to remove an unusual growth at the bottom of his eye lid. The surgery was said to be a successful one and the music artist is also said to be recovering fast. However, he is expected to be away from social functions and events for some time

INI EDO CONFIRMS PREGNANCY RUMOUR

Nollywood actress, Ini Edo has finally confirmed a rumor going round town that she is pregnant. The actress reportedly confirmed the story as being true. In her very words, Ini Edo said “I’m Pregnant; Yes I’m now a real woman”. This news came as a shocker to enemies of the Nigerian born actress who had been spreading unholy speculations that Ini Edo was barren and can never conceive a child; they even went to the extent of insinuating that she had divorced her husband, Philip. Some days ago, news went viral that actresses, Ini Edo and Mercy Johnson were pregnant. They were said to have concluded plans to have their delivery in the United States of America. Ini married in 2008 to Philip Ehiagwina and since then, the couple had shared any news of pregnancy but for this one, they are glad to share it with the entire world. Yes Ini Edo is Pregnant…

Wrestler Carrying Mitchelle Obama

It was a trilling moment for the Team USA when a wrestler, Elena Pirozhkova picked up the American first lady and carried her in her hands for a some memorable moments, cheering and taking unforgettable photographs.  Elena, a 25years old 5-foot-5 wrestler picked up the 5-foot-11 first lady after hugging her. Elena said: “I hugged her, and then I asked her if I could pick her up. I think she was nervous. I went slowly and I just picked her up. I wanted to ask her permission. There was security all around but she gave it. I will only meet her once, I wanted to do something different.” Mitchelle Obama is the head of Team USA Olympic delegation to London Olympic 2012. She was on her tour of Britain during which she backed Team USA, met the nation's Olympians at their training base in East London and attended a Let's Move! event at the US ambassador's residence

LADY GAGA SUED FOR $10 MILLION BY TOY MANUFACTURER

These are trying times for our dearest Lady Gaga as MGA Entertainment slammed the controversial singer with a $10 million lawsuit. MGA Entertainment is a toy manufacturing company and it is suing Gaga for allegedly backing out of a deal Gaga and her management company entered into with MGA Entertainment. MGA claims Gaga acted in "bad faith" after initially agreeing to include a voice chip with the doll and have it ready for sale by Christmas.

Now, the company believes, Gaga is attempting to delay the item's release to coincide with her new album in 2013. In its Manhattan Supreme Court suit, MGA asserts that Gaga and her team “engaged in intentional and deliberate delays” to prevent it from meeting its summer deadline with distributors. Though Gaga has not seen the court documents, her spokesperson believes Gaga will prevail

Thirteen killed In Benin - Ore Auto accident

A headlong crash between an IVECO Truck and a commuter bus on Sunday morning along the busy Lagos-Benin highway has killed thirteen people and left one injured. One passenger was critically injured and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital close to the scene of the accident. The auto accident involving two vehicles occurred on the Benin–Ore part of the Lagos –Benin highway. Road safety officials reports that a Toyota Hiace commuter bus with 15 passengers on board crashed headlong into an IVECO Truck while it was descending a steep slope. The two vehicles collided head on at 7.45 AM on kilometer 53 before Ohosun near the boundary of Ondo and Edo state. The bus which was driving against the traffic when the crash occurred is registered to Anambra state mass transit company. The accident led to the instant death of 13 males, another male was critically injured and rushed to Shiloh Hospital Ugbogui for medical attention. The dead victims of the accident were also deposited in the mortuary at the clinic

Boko Haram, others over-stretching military –Army Chief

A Shocking revelation was made recently by the Nigeria Army high command when it revealed that the recent activities of the Boko Haram militant group have posed a serious threat to the resources of the Army.

Although, Major General Usman Abdulkadir, Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation, gave no details, the military authorities have had to set up Joint Military Task Forces, first in the Niger Delta, to check terrorism by militants, and now  in such Northern states as Plateau, Borno and Kano in the face of the Boko Haram insurgency. Personnel, money, vehicles and weapons that could have been put into better use have had to be diverted to solve the security challenge posed by the Niger Delta and Northern terrorists. General Abdulkadir, who spoke at a Ramadan lecture of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) in Abuja, said an estimated seven million assorted illicit weapons are in circulation in Nigeria. Gen. Abdulkadir said: “Investigations can be difficult because the structures to make investigating more accurate are largely lacking. Means of identification of criminals and foreigners are tricky because most Nigerians don’t have passports, national identification cards, social security numbers or drivers’ licences. Abdulkadir expressed concern that the crises in the country are stretching military resources.

 “The managing of internal security in Nigeria poses challenges for the security agencies in several ways. Nigeria has several pockets of crises that are beyond the Nigeria Police. “The result is that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is deployed to several parts of the country at the same time, thereby over-stretching military resources. In addition, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is saddled with the roles of meeting Nigeria’s international obligations in peacekeeping, which worsens the situation.” On proliferation of arms, he said: “Out of approximately 500million illicit weapons in circulation worldwide in 2004, it was estimated that about 100 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa, with eight to 10million concentrated in the West African sub-region. “Regrettably, more than half of these Small Arms and Light Weapons(SALW) are in the hands of non-state actors and criminal groups. Nigeria is both a producer and consumer in the West African sub-region. “Although it is difficult to determine the exact quantity of illegal SALWEEN circulating within or penetrating into Nigeria, it is estimated that over 70 per cent of about eight to 10 million illegal weapons in West Africa are in Nigeria. “The access to SALW makes criminals and militants to be bolder when facing security agents, making it more difficult to combat them. It also astronomically increases the levels of casualties and destruction that could be visited on the populace.” Abdulkadir admitted that the high-level of insecurity is causing a decline in the confidence that Nigerians have in political leadership. He added: “The present situation has also bred an atmosphere of political insecurity, instability, including declining confidence in the political leadership and apprehension about the system. “Invariably, continuing escalation of violence and crises across the country interrupts the survival of democracy.” The Army General advised politicians against sponsoring violence or exploiting ethno-religious differences to cause mayhem in the country. He said if Nigeria is on fire, it could consume those  behind it

14 Killed in Uganda by Deadly Ebola Virus Outbreak

14 killed in Uganda by deadly Ebola virus outbreak

An outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus has killed 13 people in Uganda and efforts are under way to contain the hemorrhagic fever, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday. There is no treatment and no vaccine against Ebola, which is transmitted by close personal contact and, depending on the strain, kills up to 90 percent of those who contract the virus. Joaquim Saweka, WHO’s representative in Uganda, said that although suspected Ebola infections emerged in early July in Kibale district, about 170 km (100 miles) west of the capital Kampala, the outbreak was not confirmed until Friday. “There are a total of 20 people suspected to have contracted Ebola and 13 of them have died,” Saweka said. “A team of experts from the government, WHO and CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control) are in the field and following up on all suspected cases and those who got into contact with patients.” Saweka said the origin of the outbreak had not yet been confirmed, but 18 of the 20 cases are understood to be linked to one family.Kibale is near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the virus emerged in 1976, taking its name from the Ebola River. The symptoms include sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, impaired kidney and liver function and both internal and external bleeding. Ebola was last reported in Uganda in May last year when it killed a 12-year-old girl. The country’s most devastating outbreak was in 2000 when 425 people were infected, more than half of whom died.

N15m Scandal: Jim Iyke Apologises & Sobered... I’ve Learnt My Lesson – Jim Iyke

Jail beckoned on controversial Nollywood star Jim Iyke but mother nature was kind and so, the Imo state born actor was saved. Thanks to his parents who rescued him from a determined Habiba Abubakar who wanted the tough talking actor jailed for allegedly conning her out of N15million.

Jim Iyke’s parents had gone with cap in hand to beg the Abuja big girl to let by gone be while the case got settled out of court. Pronto, Habiba withdrew the case in a show of respect to Jim’s parents. But the dust of the rumble had hardly settled down when a bitter Habiba was quoted as lamenting to close friends that the stress and strain she suffered as a result of the matter, forced her to the surgeon’s table and knives, to take away the extra pounds and wrinkles she’d piled up during the period. A remorseful Jim was alledged to have disclosed he has learnt his lesson. “I’ve learnt to be silent over the matter. It would also be reasonable to apologize to Habiba for pushing her into embarking on plastic surgery”, he said.

The actor who admitted to meeting Habiba through his sister affirmed he made jokes out of Habiba’s tummy and shape, but had on no occasion advised Habiba to do any kind of plastic surgery. According to Jim Iyke “I’m playful and jovial, and because I can make fun out of anything, I had jokingly complained about Habiba’s size sometime in my family house. I crack the same jock even with my sister, and we all laugh over it. I don’t think the claim you alleged Habiba is making is actually true. How can she be claiming that I pushed her into the pain of plastic surgery? I really don’t have anything personal with her. My sister said Habiba told her something of sort, but I never believed it. I thought it was one of those gossips. Hearing it from you actually confirms that she said something related to that. But would you believe that I will advise a married woman against her wish to go for surgery? If she went through any kind of stress as a result of that, then I’m sorry”

Janet Jackson Slaps Michael Jackson’s Daughter ParisA new report says Janet slapped Paris, called her a spoiled brat and tried to take away her cell phone on July 23rd. The family battle over Michael Jackson’s money and children is getting worse and worse by the day. Sources confirmed that there were two SUVs that drove into Katherine’s Calabasas, CA, home on July 23. The first contained Janet, Randy and Jermaine, while another followed with Michael’s three kids: Paris, Blanket, and Prince. Janet, Randy, and Jermaine did not have authority to enter, and immediately tried to convince the three kids to get in a car to drive them to Arizona to see their “missing grandmother.” A security video shows Janet trying to grab Paris’ cell phone from her. Sources say Janet slapped Paris, and screamed “You’re a spoiled little b**ch!”... Paris slapped Janet back and yelled, “This is our house. Not the Jackson family house. Get the f**k out!” Meanwhile, TJ, who is seeking custody of the kids tried to stop the guys, by putting Randy in a headlock and punching Jermaine in the mouth. This battle is just getting interesting...Michael Jackson will surely be disappointed with the conduct of Janet towards his kids

Veteran Actress Lupe Ontiveros Passes Away

Iconic Mexican-American actress, Lupe Ontiveros passed away Thursday night due to liver cancer. She was 69.

Lupe's expansive acting career in film and television boasts roles in Selena, As Good as It Gets, The Goonies, Desperate Housewives, and Reba among a multitude of others.

Jennifer Lopez, who worked with Lupe in Selena, fondly remembers her costar, stating:

"I am tremendously saddened by the news of Lupe's passing! I've enjoyed her work throughout the years. She was a great actress and working with her in 'Selena' was an unforgettable experience. She will truly be missed."

Eva Longoria has also expressed her condolences, saying: “I'm deeply saddened at the news of my dear friend Lupe Ontiveros' passing. She was more than a colleague to me, she was my family. My heart is with your family Lupe.”

Lupe has a long history of playing immigrant workers, and once revealed that she had played a maid over 150 times throughout her life!

The passionate, talented actress once shared: "You've got maids and you've got maids. You got maids that have longevity beyond what you ever conceived of in your wildest dreams. I'll give you an example — The Goonies. Those that got hooked — I have a whole following of 30-year-olds who got hooked. Oh my gosh, I'm a heroine to them."

You will be greatly missed Lupe!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lupe's loved ones. May she R.I.P.

2brothers caught with decomposing body parts of brother in Festac
It was a pathetic Thursday when men of the Nigeria Police discovered the decomposing corpse of Mr Akunbuyi Ajayi in one of the rooms in his fathers’ duplex in Festac town Lagos Nigeria. It was later discovered that Akunbuyi was killed by two of his brothers, Toye and Tola who allegedly slaughtered their brother, Akunbiyi and sold his limbs and other parts of his body.

The duplex which is located on B close, House 6 of 3^rdAvenue festac town lagos was later searched by the police. The Two elder brothers, Toye and Tola was arrested with some human parts which led to further investigation that revealed that they had slaughtered their younger brother and kept the corpse in one of the rooms in the duplex they lived in; the duplex was said to have been inherited from their late parents.

Toye and Tola was suspected to have beheaded Akunbuyi and also cut off his manhood, hand, limbs and other vital organs which they sold to ritualist for money. The remains of Akunbuyi have since been deposited at the morgue. One would wonder what the world is turning into these days with the rate of senseless murders of relatives in our society.

Kim Kardashian Fashion Choice: Fail or Fabulous?
The Paris Fashion Week is synonymous to only one thing… bombarding of the red carpets with countless types of hideous outfits that pompous designers and celebrities pretend are hip and chic and totally the next trend.

To be honest, most of them look like a clown wear.
Case in point: Kim Kardashian and the following black dress, which appears to be growing some kind of white weed along one side of it. She may wanna call in an exterminator for this monstrosity...

Kardashian is accompanied in the pics above to the Stephane Rolland Fashion Show by boyfriend Kanye West, about whom she recently gushed to Oprah.

Might these two shack up? Get married? Have kids? We'll save those pressing questions for another time and focus instead now on the contraption attacking Kim

North Korea's First Lady Was a Cheerleader, Ditches Drab Outfits

SEOUL, South Korea - The father fell in love with a dancer. Now the son has fallen in love with a singer.

The talk of Seoul today is all about the 24-year-old ex-singer-turned-first lady of North Korea, Ri Sol-Ju, who was officially mentioned by North Korean TV on Wednesday as the "comrade wife to Marshall Kim Jong Un."

A new video was aired today of the two walking arm-in-arm, a rare lovey-dovey image which analysts in Seoul say is aimed to make North Korea's young leader appear "stable and fatherly."

Kim, 28, rose to power earlier this year after the death of his father Kim Jong Il last December. His father never appeared in public with an official wife, but is known to have had four or five wives. Jong Un was born to Jong Il's fourth wife, a celebrity dancer named Koh Young-Hee.