Welcome to Geophilworld's blog: 06/18/15

Thursday 18 June 2015

Rivers govt recovers Govt vehicle illegally acquired by former gov Amaechi's Spokesperson (photos)

The story headline, press release & pics were sent to me from Rivers state govt house. Read below...

In furtherance of efforts by the Rivers State Government to recover government property from officials of the immediate past administration in the state, security agents and government house officials on Thursday took possession of government vehicle from the home of the former spokesperson for the Amaechi administration, Mrs Ibim Semenitari.

The security operatives carried out the operation at the home of Mrs Semenitari located at Ernest Ikoli Street, Old GRA Port Harcourt. The operatives recovered a Lexus Armoured Vehicle from the residence. Another Range Rover vehicle is said to have been in the possession of the former Information Commissioner.

It will be recalled that top officials of the outgone Rotimi Amaechi administration carted away several government property and vehicles prior to May 29. Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has since assured the people of Rivers State that all government property illegally carted away before his inauguration will be recovered and those found to be involved in the illegal act will be brought to justice.

Simeon Nwakaudu,
June 18, 2015.
Government House, Port Harcourt.

Former Imo governor Ohakim leaves EFCC custody, returns home

Read the press statement from Ohakim's office below...

Former Governor of Imo State Chief Ikedi Ohakim has left the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to his house in Asokoro. Ohakim spent less than five hours with the anti-graft Agency, before he was left to go home.

Chief Ikedi Ohakim who was at the EFCC office few hours past five pm, yesterday expressed surprise that overzealous officials of the anti-graft Agency could go ahead to invade his house with paid media men in order to score cheap points and achieve some credibility stunts.Having left office as Governor more than four years ago, the former Governor was investigated by the EFCC on the same charges as the present one, as a result of the same frivolous petition sponsored by enemies of Imo State and Igboland who feel that their criminal plans against the State Ndi Igbo would be thwarted by the highly respected elder Statesman.

Ohakim clarifies that he is always ready to honour any invitation extended to him by all legitimate agencies of government, since he does not have any skeletons in his cupboard.He warned however, that all public officials, especially those charged with the sensitive responsibility of fighting graft must not allow themselves to be used as pawns, by desperate political renegades, who cling to the smallest straw for political survival and relevance.

A more detailed press statement will be out soon.

See the faces of some of the people who died in the Charleston church massacre

21 year old Dylan Roof entered a historic black church last night, worshiped with them for about an hour before opening fire, killing 9 people. Among the victims were (clockwise from top left) Reverend Sharonda Singleton, a mother-of-three and a track coach, Tywanza Sanders, who graduated from Allen University last year, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, pastor of the church and a South Carolina state senator, and Cynthia Hurd, who had worked for Charleston libraries for 30 years.

The killer, Dylan Roof is now in police custody. The police arrested him at a police check point about 200 miles from the church. He was taken in without resistance and a weapon was found on him.

He has been described as a 'meth and cocaine-using' pill popper who got a gun for his birthday

Defence HQ denies Chadian military carried out airstrikes on BH hideouts in Nigeria

Defence Headquarters has denied claims by Chadian Military that it carried out airstrikes on some Boko Haram hideouts in Nigeria. A statement signed and released by Major Gen. Chris Olukolade, the Director of Defence Information this evening, stated that the areas the Chadian military attacked was most likely within Niger republic and not Nigeria. Part of the statement reads;

"The fact is that the Nigerian Airforce surveillance mission identified targets tagged as Camp 6 around Bosso town, which is not within Nigeria’s territory and alerted the partners accordingly.
The places reported to have been struck by the Chadians are therefore most likely to be in Niger Republic and not Nigeria as widely reported in the international media. The Nigerian military will continue to cooperate with partners in the mission to exterminate or contain terrorists strictly in conformity with existing terms of the Concept of Operation at strategic, operational or tactical levels. It is however important that issues are accurately reported while avoiding misleading or unnecessary sensationalism from any quarter” the statement read

Mrs Buhari, Mrs Osinbajo & Mrs Saraki attend the launch of sickle cell awareness in Abuja

First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, VP's wife Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo and Senate President's wife, Mrs Toyin Saraki pictured together at the launch of sickle cell awareness today in Abuja. See more pics below

Boko Haram attack lives, 38 dead in Niger Republic

38 people have been confirmed dead after Boko Haram members attacked two villages in South East of Niger republic. Women and children are said to be the main victims in the attack which happened last night June 17. The Nigerien Interior Minister, Hassoumi Massaoudou while speaking on the attack said;

"Members of the Boko Haram terrorist group have attacked the villages of Lamana and Ngoumao… The initial death toll is 38 civilians, among them 14 men, 14 women and 10 children.”

Kashamu was arrested, tried in UK court - Nigeria Police

Read the press statement from The Force Headquarters below...

The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a publication on page 4 of the Leadership Newspaper of June 18, 2015, concerning the extradition battles of Prince Buruji Kashamu with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

For the records, the chambers of TRLP Law, acting on behalf of Prince Buruji Kashamu, had on 14th April, 2015 written the Nigeria Police Force concerning the status of Prince Kashamu’s legal battles in the United Kingdom and United States, following which the Nigeria Police sought relevant clarifications from the British High Commission.

The authority of the British High Commission confirmed on 27th April, 2015, through a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, that Prince Buruji Kashamu was indeed arrested and tried in the United Kingdom criminal court, but that the court was not satisfied that Prince Kashamu had a case to answer.

However, for the avoidance of doubt, the British High Commission letter in question did not derogate from the extradition request by the US authority pending with relevant departments and agencies of government in Nigeria.

CP EMMANUEL C. S. OJUKWU, psc
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA

Wizkid: 'Why We Didn't Renew His Contract' - MTN

It came earlier in a statement signed by the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge, that the company has delisted Wizkid, Sean Tizzle, and Timaya on its ambassadorial list.

Telecom giant, MTN has released a statement concerning Wizkid's decision to not renew his endorsement contract and sign with rival telecom, GLO.

In a statement signed by MTN’s General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Richard Iweanoge, the company confirms that acts such as Wizkid, Sean Tizzle, and Timaya are no longer on its ambassadorial list.

"Although there is a finite number of brand ambassadors we can have at any point in time, Nigerian artistes can continue to monetise their intellectual works through our distribution channels such as the Caller Tunez and Music Plus platforms,’ the statement states. As was originally conceptualised, the ambassadorship will continually evolve to accommodate new talents and cater for diverse segments."

"This year, we are using a segmented approach and there will be ambassadors for each segment of our market. Using this criteria, new artistes like Cobhams Asuquo will be coming on board the MTN Ambassadorial family.’ In May 2015, stars including Davido, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, Sound Sultan, Iyanya, Chidinma, Banky W, KCee as well as Saka, Osuofia, Mama Gee and others all renewed their contracts with MTN" the further reads

Gang Play Football With Man's Head After Beheading Him In Lagos

Around the Mushin area of Lagos, heard the cry of residence as they lament on the acts of killing by hoodlums in the area .

Speaking during a protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Abiodun Leshi, who led the residents, revealed how suspected hoodlums severed the head of a resident of the area and used it to play football on the streets.

He stated that the menace is being experienced in areas such as Taniolodo, Lawani, Ojelawe, amongst others, adding that the people of the areas have been having sleepless nights over the issue.

“We have been facing incessant killings of our people. One Tunde was beheaded and they used his head to play football. Another resident, Sodiq was killed last Friday after Jumat service.

“One Adeolu was also killed recently, we have always been living in fear in the area and we cannot sleep with our two eyes closed, but we felt we should see you to seek a permanent solution to the problem,” he said.

Leshi further explained that some of the residents of the area have relocated to Ikorodu out of fear, while some have developed hypertension and some have died in the process, and called for the support of the lawmakers over the issue.

Responding, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, who led the lawmakers to address the protesters, said that the House shared the concern of the people and expressed happiness that they passed their complaints to the appropriate quarters

Horrible! A 71-Year Old Man Slaughters His Wife With A Machete In Akwa Ibom (Graphic Photos)

According to Henshaw Nyong who sent the report in from Akwa Ibom,a 70 year old man has been arrested in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state after he killed his 60yr old wife with a machete.

The man, Ita Daniel Okpo (pictured), from Mbiokporo village, attacked his wife, Alice Ita Daniel, with the machete while she was sleeping. The machete is now with the Police at the Force Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia.

Narrating the story to newsmen yesterday Tuesday, 16th June, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, Mike Okoli, said the deceased was sleeping when the septuagenarian husband attacked and hacked her.

"This man, Ita Daniel Okpo, in a most wicked act, slaughtered his wife with a machete and we arrested him. When asked, he admitted to killing his wife but said the late wife, Alice, always quarreled with him and that she was the first to carry machete. Gentlemen, but our findings revealed that the woman was sleeping when she was hacked to death"

When asked, the man admitted to killing his wife but said he took the action after finding out his late wife was sleeping with other men.

"I regret my act, but I was forced to kill her because it was too much on me. In fact, at a point, she openly told me she would rather kill me than to stop sleeping with these men. To match words with action, she had been fighting me several times. So, on that fateful day, while we fought, I killed her" he said

The ACP said the man will be charged to court.

Senator Ben Murray Bruce Insists On Donating His Wardrobe Allowance

Ben-Murray Bruce received attacks yesterday by Osun state government after he declared he would be donating his wardrobe allowance to the unpaid workers in the state. He says no body can dissuade him from what he wants to do.

Protesters Storm NASS, Demand Death Penalty For Corruption

Some protesters stormed the National Assembly on Wednesday and demanded a legislation that would prescribed death penalty as punishment for corruption in the country.

Speaking under a group, Voice of the Voiceless, they said there was no way Nigeria would made progress if corruption in public office was not brought under control.

They wrote separate letters to the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara.

In the letter to the House, which was signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Oliver Ezeala, the protesters wrote, “Corruption, as we are all aware of, has eaten so deep into the fabric of this great nation and we are strongly advocating the death penalty to anybody who is found guilty of corrupt practices, no matter how highly-placed such an individual is in the society.

“Nigeria has tried every other measure of deterrent but to no avail.
“We want this great nation to toe the path of countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, China and other world powers who have achieved so much developmental strides as a result of their zero tolerance for corruption.”
However, they said they were confident that with President Muhammadu Buhari in power, the fight against corruption would be fast-tracked.

“We believe that he will fight this our common hydra-headed enemy to a complete standstill,” the letter added.

Chad carries out airstrikes on Boko Haram hideouts in Nigeria

Chadian military have reportedly carried out airstrikes on Boko Haram hideouts in Nigeria in retaliation for the June 15th multiple bomb blast coordinated by the sect members on Chadian Police Headquarters in N’Djamena, the Chadian capital. 27 people, mostly cadets who were graduating from the police academy in the force headquarters died in the attack.

'Your support means the world to me'- Caitlyn Jenner appreciates Laverne Cox

Bruce Jenner's female version, Caitlyn, took to Twitter yesterday to thank one of the most powerful transgenders in the US, actress Laverne Cox for her support...

Meanwhile, Laverne, who was the first transgender person on the cover of Time magazine, the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy and the first transgender person that will have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, is now also the first transgender person to grace the cover of Entertainment Weekly dressed as the Statue of Liberty.

Chad bans the use of full-faced veil following Boko Haram multiple bomb blasts

Chadian government has banned the use of full-faced Muslim veil throughout the country following Monday's twin bomb blast that killed 27 people at the country's police headquarter.

Announcing the ban while speaking to religious leaders yesterday June 17th, the Chadian Prime Minister, Kalzeube Pahimi Deubet, said the government has ordered security forces to seize Burqas from markets and burn them immediately.

"Wearing the burqa must stop immediately from today, not only in public places and schools but throughout the whole of the country,"he said

He added that any type of clothing that leaves only the eyes visible is a form of "camouflage" and is now banned. He said anyone found wearing a burqa would be "arrested, tried and sentenced in summary proceedings".

He asked religious leaders to spread the message in their mosques, churches and holy places.

U.S Ambassador visits Senate President

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, James F Entwistle visited President of the Senate. Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki today. See more photos below

Former Imo state governor, Ikedi Ohakim arrested by EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reportedly arrested former Imo state governor, Ikedi Ohakim. He was arrested by EFCC officials at his Asokoro home Abuja this morning at about 10.05am, according to a report by Premium Times.

He was picked up after failing to honor an EFCC invitation yesterday June 17th. He is being interrogated over some properties traced to him.

Kendall Jenner stuns at the Fragrance Foundation Awards (See photos)

Kendall Jenner looked gorgeous at the Fragrance Foundation Awards in New York City on Wednesday. The 19-year-old supermodel put on a red gown slashed to the thigh, with only one sleeve and a shoulder cut-out with a shiny dark grey belt at the waist as she strut her stuff in strappy black pointed-toe pumps. See more photos below

Photo credit: Shuttershock

White gunman fatally shoots nine people at historic black church in South Carolina

A gunman remained at large Thursday morning after nine people were shot and killed in Charleston, South Carolina, during a Bible study session at one of the nation's oldest and most prominent African-American churches, authorities said.

According to the church's website, Emanuel AME Church -- often referred to as 'Mother Emanuel' -- is the oldest AME church in the south and has one of the largest black congregations south of Baltimore, Maryland.

The church played an important role in the state's history, including the slavery era and the Civil Rights movement.

"This is a hate crime," Charleston Police Chief Gregory Mullen said early Thursday near the scene at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Among the victims was the church's pastor, the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, 42, a Democratic member of the state Senate, two sources told NBC News.
Mullen described the suspect as a slender 21-year-old white man with sandy blond hair, wearing a gray sweatshirt or hoodie, jeans and Timberland boots. A reward will be offered later Thursday, he said.

Mullen said information was slow to develop because there was a report that "there might have been a secondary explosive device in the scene." That threat was over, he said, offering no further details.
"This is the most unspeakable and heartbreaking tragedy," Mayor Joe Riley Jr. said early Thursday, saying the gunman had to be a "hate-filled person."

Charleston police spokesman Charles Francis said the shooting occurred about 9 p.m. ET. The Rev. Norvel Goff, presiding elder of the Edisto District of the state conference of the AME Church, said a prayer vigil would be held at noon Thursday.

Known as "Mother Emanuel," the church is the oldest AME church in the South, having been founded in 1816 under the leadership of abolitionist minister Morris Brown, the second bishop of the AME Church in the U.S. The Gothic Revival-style church is on the National Register of Historic Places.

"I'm just absolutely sick to my stomach right now. It's horrible," Lisa Phipps, who works across the street as a caterer, told NBC News.

"I just can't believe this is happening in my community," Phipps said. "That's a very active church. ... Their influence is wonderful. They do so much for the community.
"I can't imagine a human being doing something like this," she said.

The Rev. Thomas Dixon, a pastor with the activist group People United to Take Back Our Community, that a Bible study session likely would have been in progress, as is common in the African-American church "on any given Wednesday night."

RIP: Nigerian Army Loses Another Hero!

Amos Erekose, a section commander in the Nigerian military lost his life recently during a battle with Boko Haram members in the Northeast. May his soul rest in peace Amen.

Mother arrested for stabbing her 2 years old son to death (see photo)

A 26-year-old frustrated mother, Funmilayo Tijani has been arrested by the Ogun state police command for allegedly stabbing her two-year-old son, Emmanuel, to death at her residence on Ogunso Street, Orelope Estate, in the Egan, Sango Ota area of the state on May 27th.

According to a report by Punch, Funmi, who is separated from her son's father and lives with her father, was arrested after Neighbors raised an alarm after she was found with a blood stained knife. Her child was later found dead with stab wounds. Mother and late child pictured above

A neighbor, Akeem Ijaola, who resides in the same area with Funmi when the incident happened said Funmi, a fashion designer, narrates what happened

"Funmilayo and her son stayed with her father in a one-room apartment. The boy attended a private school in this area. About 4pm on the fateful day, we noticed that something was going wrong in the apartment. When people went near, they saw the boy in a pool of blood. He had been stabbed many times. Funmilayo at that time looked like a mentally-derailed woman. The boy died before anyone could take him to a hospital. Although no one could ascertain the cause of her action, Funmilayo is divorced, and the child was born out of wedlock about three years ago.”

Another neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Funmilayo might have committed the act out of frustration as she was financially and emotionally unstable.

“She tried to borrow money during that week from her boss, but she failed. There are also arguments whether her husband was the father of the boy or her father, who she stayed with. Also, her former husband, John, has married another wife who gave birth a few weeks to the incident. I think all these contributed to Funmilayo’s emotional breakdown.”

Speaking on the incident, Funmi's father, 53 year old Mr Adebayo from Ikare Akoko, Ondo State, said

“Funmilayo’s mother died about 20 years ago. She grew up staying with me. I married a second wife later, but separated from her years ago. Funmilayo had been staying with me since she separated from her husband. John initially refused to accept her pregnancy. But they went for a DNA test, which confirmed him as being responsible for the pregnancy. Thereafter, he took her to a place in Apapa, and they were planning to travel to his hometown in Delta State,. but I refused and asked her to come back home.”he said

The Ogun state police spokesperson DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident and said Funmi has been acting very strange since she was arrested.

“The police were at the scene to recover the body of the child. The woman has been acting strangely like someone with an unsound mind. She has been arrested and investigation is ongoing.”

The child's body is said to be in the morgue.

Source: Punch

Aliko Dangote says he's ready to acquire Arsenal FC

Africa's Richest man, Aliko Dangote says he will soon buy Arsenal Football club once he completes the refinery that he is building in Lagos. He said this to BBC Hausa on Tuesday June 16th

“When we get this refinery on track, I will have enough time and enough resources to pay what they are asking for. There were a couple of us who were rushing to buy, and we thought with the prices then, the people who were interested in selling were trying to go for a kill. We backtracked, because we were very busy doing other things, especially our industrialization.”he said

Dangote had shown interest in buying the club when he spoke with

Oh!!! Cher calls Donald Trump an obnoxious asshole and a loudmouth bigot

The iconic performer, 69, took to Twitter yesterday Tuesday June 16, to rant against Trump, also 69, and his recent decision to run in the 2016 Presidential election.