Nigerian Politician and Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala marked her 63rd birthday yesterday, June 13 with her friends in Switzerland.
She is the founder of Nigeria’s first indigenous opinion-research organization, NOI-Polls and the Center for the Study of Economies of Africa (C-SEA).
She is credited with many honors and awards like David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award, 2014, TIME, 100 Most Influential People in the World, Africa Investor Magazine, Finance Minister of the Year, 2014, Forbes Magazine, 100, Most Powerful Women in the World, 2014, Forbes Magazine, 100 Most Powerful Women in the World, 2013, Forbes Magazine, 100 Most Powerful Women in the World, 2012, Forbes Magazine, 3 Most Powerful Women in Africa, 2012, To mention but a few.
Two men — Promise Oluwabunkenoye and Kehinde Abiola — on Wednesday appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos charged with anal sex.
The accused — Oluwabunkenoye, 24, and Abiola, 29 — whose addresses are unknown, are facing a two-count charge of same-sex, having sexual intercourse and fighting in the public.The duo, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Anthonia Osayande told the court that the accused with others still at large committed the offences at City Centre Hotel at Ijeshatedo in Surulere about 3.00.p.m. on June 1.
Osayande said the accused were caught by a police patrol team fighting publicly over non payment of money for sexual acts. She alleged that while the police interrogated them, one of the accused confessed to the fact.that he was invited to Romeo and Juliet Hotel located at Ejigbo on May 28 at 5.00 a.m. for anal sex.
“He promised to pay some money if he consented to the act, but the accused refused to pay after enjoying himself.”’
He noted that the offences contravened Sections 54 and 136 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 (Revised). The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
She ordered that the accused should submit their passport-size photographs to the court registrar. Nwachukwu said one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused, while the other must be a cleric or a community leader.
In addition, the sureties should provide evidence of tax payment to the government. She adjourned the case until Aug. 3 for mention.
BBNaija 2017 winner, Efe recently reunited with BBNaija 2017 1st runner up, Bisola Aiyeola and fellow ex-Housemate, Bally in Abuja.
The ‘Based On Logistics’ singer, is currently on one of his media tours in Abuja, while Bisola is currently shooting her first movie and Bally has been visiting IDP’s dropping gifts in his wake.
Prince Gwamnishu Harrison, CEO of Behind Bars Initiative, has revealed the ordeal he went through in the hands of kidnappers in Delta state.
According to him, He was approached aggressively and abducted by the men of the underworld while returning from Agbor, Delta State and was robbed of about N200,000 cash.
The criminals allegedly held him hostage for hours, collected his ATM card, requested for his pin and was finally released after the money in his account was transferred out and his phones and other valuables were collected.
He added that the hoodlums offered him cigarettes and Alomo (alcoholic drink) before dropping him close to a village in Ughelli, Delta state.
He wrote:
You know what truly pains? Having so much inside you and not having the slightest clue of how to pour it out. This period has been a tough one for me. God bless Counsel Kingsley Ughe and JLAA members for your supports.
JLAA Ughelli Chapter and JLAA Asaba I appreciate your love.
In less than 48hours will be leaving Nigeria to United State of America.
Kechi Okwuchi, The talented and resilient contestant of Nigerian descent, who survived the Sosoliso plane crash and flourished in spite of it, has revealed that she’s succeeded at the America’s Got Talent show.
The distraught actress shared a touching tribute to her late grandmother and condolence messages has since flooded her page.
She wrote:
“#WCW You will always be my woman crush! The queen has gone home ? My Nana left me and I couldn’t talk about it. My Nana went to be with Jesus less than two weeks after my dad.”
She goes further to reveal how broken she was and couldn’t take it as her grandmother has been there for her since the death of her mother died fifteen years ago.
“I was completely shattered! I was so heart broken and I felt I couldn’t take it. It was too much. I lost my mom almost fifteen years ago and my Nana for me, was mom so it was like loosing both Dad and Mom in a space of two weeks. I didn’t know how to face it and I couldn’t tell you guys because I know how most of you have fallen in love with her from my videos and pictures with her. I didn’t want to break your hearts ?My beautiful, strong, funny, energetic and angelic queen ??. She loved God with all her heart. She even danced at the altar with two white handkerchiefs a day before she passed. I miss you Nana. I miss you so much it hurts. If I could have one more day…? I love you till eternity ?❤? #QueenAlice #NaturalistaQueen #MamaLolo”
Billionaire Kidnap Kingpin, Evans has revealed more chilling details about his involvement in the crime. He has already begged for forgiveness, promising to be a good Christian if he is freed.
The father of five who is known for not negotiating his ransom also said he had already relocated his wife and children from Ghana to Canada.
He also said though his mother was aware of his life of crime, she was never in support.
He said;
My mum has never been to my house. She knows I’m into crime but never supports me.
It all started in the year 2000 when I fled my home town in Opi, Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State to Lagos after stabbing my fiancee when she decided not to marry me
‘I started in Anambra state during the tenure of Peter Obi as the governor of the state when a hunch man introduced me to kidnapping’,
We were later forced to leave Anambra state and moved to Edo later Lagos. ‘I had boys from Warri, Delta state who worked for me. The first job I got in Lagos was at Johnbulls Ikoyi as a driver to the CEO. One day we were going to his office and my boss said that he wanted to visit a friend. The moment he stepped into his friend’s house, I took the sum of N350,000 he had in the car and ran away to Ghana’ he continued.
I later returned to Nigeria after few months and avoided Ikoyi where my ex-boss office is situated. I then got a new job as a driver in the fashion I did before. I also stole N600,000 and eloped to Ghana again.
I returned to Lagos in 200 and used my old method to secure another job as a driver at the home of the first family I kidnapped their daughter. When I realised that they are very rich and loved their daughter deeply. I took the girl to Ghana from where I demanded a ransom of only N20m but the girl’s father paid N22m instead. I then freed the girl in Ghana/
Once I got this money, I ventured into an extravagant lifestyle and bought a house in Ghana. Then, I bought over five exotic cars and a truck. I began to show prominently in social functions where people hailed the way I was spending money.
I spent over N2m on orphanages and local primary schools in Ghana. The Deputy Nigeria Ambassador to Ghana and other prominent Nigerians were also in attendance at the handing over ceremony of my donations.
Early this year, I was arrested along with my wife, in Lagos. We were brought to the court but we later regained our freedom due to the power of my money and connections.
I have to admit, I have done wrong and I have caused pains to several families but I want to live and pay for my evil crimes.
I heard several stories about SARS and their operations but I never thought that I would one day be brought here for reckoning.
“I am just asking for another chance, I am sorry for my action, I will become a Christian, if only I have another chance. I cannot remember the number of people I have kidnapped so far. I took part in high profile kidnappings in Edo State where I got N10million as my share.”
A Lady identified as Ruth Orji, was brutally attacked and dehumanized by six soldiers in the 174 Battalion, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The military officers who viciously attacked her after she challenged them for slapping her brother have been arrested.
There was an uproar after photos of her battered body went viral on social media.
An NGO, the Joint Legal Action Aids, picked up her case and filed a legal process at the Federal High Court against the Nigerian Army and her assailants, demanding for N250m compensation.
According to a statement released by the General Counsel of JLAA, Kingsley Ughe today, the Army High Command called for out-of-court settlement few days ago.
The Army requested that the meeting take place at the 9 Brigade Headquarters at Ikeja but the NGO requested that the meeting be held at its office at Akowonjo, Lagos which was granted.
In attendance at the meeting yesterday were the Commanding Officer, 714 Battalion, Ikorodu, Lt.Col. B.C. Ezeh, Army Legal Director , Major C. Biambo, Major S.U. Obongha and host of other officers in a convoy of three military trucks. The victim, Ruth Orji alongside Kingsley Ughe, Opeyemi Baderu were in attendance.
The Army apologized for the conduct of Major S.U.Obongha for the brutal assault on JLAA member, Ruth Orji. Major S.U. Obongha himself tendered unreserved apology to the Ruth.
After the formality of apologies, the meeting entered into the very delicate terrain of monetary compensation.
JLAA’s position was eloquently presented to the visiting team by Kingsley Ughe. There were offers and counter offers. Both side stuck to their position. At the end, the meeting was adjourned to today for both side to evaluate the settlement proposals being offered.
Christopher Archibong, A retired Police Officer, has been arrested and detained at Mbukpa Police station for allegedly raping a 9-year-old girl in calabar, Cross River State.
According to CrossRiverWatch, Mrs. Peace Edem Okon, mother of the victim, said she had gone to the market and left instructions with the victim to wash the clothes of her siblings and upon her return something foul had happened.
She said:
“When I got back I discovered that my daughter wasn’t herself, all efforts to make her tell me what was wrong were futile. Then the younger ones told me that blood was coming out from her bottom. I was surprise and thought she had started seeing her period. It was when I bought pad and tried helping her fix it that I discovered it was mucus, and upon persuasion she told me what happened”.
In the same statement, She said that the victim said on May 31, 2017 after when her mother left for the market, the accused came and asked about the whereabouts of her parents. She told him they had gone out.
“So (he) told me to come and pick some firewood. So as I went to pick the firewood, he came and held me to the ground and climbed on me,”
“You will sleep and will not wakeup”
She screamed and said she was going to tell her mother but the accused threatened that he will kill her – he told her and then unzipped his trouser and raped her.
The victim said when the mother came and saw her and asked what has happened she was scared to speak-up as the accused had threatened that she would die and she only told her mother “because my mother wanted to die”.
Mrs. Theresa Okpa of Basic Rights Council (BRCI), the law firm handling the case said that the family of the victim fears the case may be compromised, especially as the accused is a former Police officer.
She added that the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Commissioner are already involved and aware of the case as the organization will do all it can do make sure this particular case is not swept under the carpet.
The medical report Form D5 of the victim obtained by CRW shows that the child was defiled.
Meanwhile, the matter has been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Nigeria’s Controversial entertainer, Charly Boy has taken to his Instagram page to celebrate his wife’s birthday as he shared a picture of himself alongside his wife.
He made known that marriage isn’t about how compatible couples are but how they deal with their incompatibility as he described himself as a ‘loyal mugu’.
He wrote:
My Wife,
I trust that our togetherness over the years have taught some people about perseverance, tolerance, discipline and friendship.
Though our marriage has not been a bed of roses like that, but we have managed to stay loyal to one another. I have been our soldier, protecting this fragile thing called marriage. E no easyooooooooo.
Now we know that marriage isn’t about how compatible couples are but how they deal with their incompatibility. You are one of the things in my life that I got right, my ultimate merit badge, may we never grow old.
If no be YOU, Na who.
Your Loyal Mugu
A Facebook user, Hannah Pewee has taken to her page to recount how she was kicked out of a mall because a customer did not like her outfit and then reported her to the security.
She claimed to have won the skimpy cloth because of the sweltering temperatures outside the street.
The 20-year-old slammed Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and expressed her disappointment over their action.
She wrote:
“As many of you know, it is NINETY degrees outside today in West Michigan. Aka, really hot. So, of course, I decided to dress for the weather: shorts and a tank top. But apparently, how I was dressed (see photo below) was too slutty for the public, as I was kicked out of the Woodland Mall today.
Yup. Apparently some anonymous person reported me to MALL SECURITY for inappropriate dress and I was kicked out.
Never mind that within a one foot radius there were plenty of girls dressed just like me, since it’s NINETY degrees outside. I am so angry right now I’m shaking. I felt so embarrassed I almost cried. All because a stranger didn’t like how I dressed.
The Woodland Mall should be ashamed of themselves, as well as that anonymous complainer. It’s my body, and it’s hot outside! I’m not going to show up in jeans and a sweater, sorry. Don’t like it? Look away! I was out having a fun time with my sister and next thing I know, I’m out on the street. Slut-shaming how girls are dressed is deplorable and outdated, and it needs to stop.”
Reports that officers who arrested the “most wanted” kidnap kingpin, Evans, last Saturday stuck broomsticks up his penis to spiritually disarm him have been denied by the Police.
According to reports, The Guardian Newspaper reported Sunday morning that security operatives who participated in the high-profile operation inserted broomsticks into Evan’s penis, without quoting any officials or witnesses.
They wrote:
“A ritual where a broom was inserted into his private organ was then performed as a sort of spiritual disarming before he was handcuffed,”
Police spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, said the arrest was a major success and a moral booster in the war against incessant kidnapping, which has become a lucrative enterprise for hardened criminals in recent years and denied the claims of gruesome torture.
He said:
“The report is not true. It is unfounded. Nigerians should disregard it,”
Millions of Nigerians in different parts of the country who dreaded this suspect will now be able to sleep with their two eyes closed,
If they insert broomsticks into a man’s penis, would he even be able to walk?
No one should be casting aspersion on the police, especially when officers are making high-profile arrests in an effort to ensure peace and security.
He was paraded before the media and he expressed himself with ease,
Nobody can stand with such a torture.
We don’t violate citizens’ fundamental rights, no matter the gravity of their crimes.”
According to Sahara Reports, The cabal reportedly reduced access to Buhari in an effort to control information leaks to the public.
Read the full reports by SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORK:
President Muhammadu Buhari was not allowed to see his wife during her recent visit to the United Kingdom, presidency sources informed SaharaReporters on Tuesday. In the stunning disclosure, the sources affirmed that the president has been kept away] from several of his aides and even those bodyguards who supposedly traveled with him.
The President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari who also frequents London to take care of himself, is still the manipulator-in-chief, according to the sources.
Furthermore, SaharaReporters learned that Mr. Buhari has not spoken to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for several weeks following his departure from Abuja for a second round of medical treatment for an undisclosed medical condition suspected to be cancer.
The sources gave the example of Wednesday last week when members of Buhari’s cabal called the Acting President and asked him to await a call from the ailing President, pointing out that no such call was received except one that was just a few seconds of hellos before the person hung up the phone.
SaharaReporters also learned that the public declaration by Orji Uzor Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, that he met Buhari in London is a complete fabrication as Buhari did not at any time receive the Mr. Kalu, who recently decamped to the president’s All Progressives Congress party. One particular presidency source told SaharaReporters they suspect Kalu was using that gimmick to intimidate the judge who is trying him for corruption, considering that he wore a turban to court a few days later.
Our sources confirmed that Buhari is incommunicado, and is only reached by two aides, Tunde Saburi and Sarki Abba, who have maintained stoic silence about his condition.
It is notable that when Mrs. Buhari returned from her recent trip, she sent messages to her family members in Adamawa claiming her husband was recovering fast but asked for intensification of prayers.
The cabal reportedly reduced access to Buhari in an effort to control information leaks to the public. They cabal reportedly as far as forging Buhari’s signature so as to give the impression that he is still in control even after Buhari himself had handed over power to his vice, trying to create the impression that he is still in charge.
Mr. Kyari is said to be in charge of all the behind-the-scene moves. It was he, they claimed, who a few days ago passed a fake document to Garba Shehu, one of Buhari’s spokespersons, claiming that Buhari had given Osinbajo the go-ahead to sign the 2017 budget.
According to their account, Osinabjo had already decided on the date he would sign the budget, a decision that was delayed only by a last-minute discussion to include some projects such as the Lagos-Apapa Port road repairs. They said they were not surprised at Mr. Shehu’s fake statement claiming Buhari sent a letter granting the Acting President the right to sign the budget.
Buhari is said to be rather unaware of his environment, his memory somewhat affected. For instance, on his way to the UK, he was said to have asked if he was on his way to Sokoto. Our sources said that the cabal working with Buhari might bring him back the same way he was returned in February, in a scheme to use his presence to perpetrate more fraud and control power.
An 8-year-old boy who is 6ft 6ins tall and pillars above some of his seniors as well as his classmates has made it to the Guinness Book of Records.
The boy, identified as Karan, from Meerut in India, got his height from his Basketball Player mum who is quite taller than him but he hopes to play basketball like his mother and began to receive training from her since he was five.
When he was born weighing 7.8 kg and over 63 cm in length, he entered the Guinness Book of Records as the heaviest and tallest baby at birth. Now his father hopes his height will make him recognized again.
He is a healthy child and does everything his classmates do – He is regularly taken to an endocrinologist and so far nothing abnormal has been noted in his development.
The only challenge with his height is getting clothes and shoes that fit and so they are made specially by a tailor as it’s almost impossible to find his size in the market.
Karan and his mum have the same shoe size and often wear each other’s shoe. Its quite hard to believe that he is just a child.
He hopes to grow even taller than his mother and he intends to use his height in deciding his future career.
He said:
“But if I have to choose between becoming a doctor and a basketball player, I will choose basketball for sure.”
His 33-year-old mum, Shweatlana, who stands at 7ft 2in is India’s tallest woman and has represented India in numerous national and international sports events.
She said:
“My clothes have to be stitched specially. I don’t even find bangles or sandals in my size. Now we get Karan’s clothes tailor made as well.”
His 41-year-old father, Sanjay, is also tall and stands at 6ft 6in, the same height as his eight-year-old son.
He said:
“When Karan was born, he weighed 7.8 kg and was over 63 cm in length. So that got him into the record books instantly. Then, when he was five-years-old, he got the record for being the tallest toddler. He is eight now and I want to get him into the Guinness Records again,”
Nollywood actress and mother of one, Uche Jombo has replied a troll who felt the need to correct the actress “choice of dressing”
The 37-year-old actress shared a photo of her on a black outfit as seen above.
She wrote:
‘If you want to fly, you have to give up the stuff that weighs you down”‘ and then a fan who felt her fashion was out of place came for her and mummy Uche did not swallow it easily!!
and the comment from a fan, reads: “Uche Jombo I am begging you, please please please change your wardrobe.”
and the beautiful actress replies thus: “are you ok? This is a character’s wardrobe hence the #SETLIFE.. I will block you next time you come here talking about what I wear as Uche Jombo ..Its NEVER going to be your business.”
Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer, Runtown and his American based girlfriend, Selena Leath, have welcomed their first child in the United States.
Selena gave birth in Los Angeles in the early hours of yesterday, just few days after the singer flew to the United States for her delivery.
She has taken to her Instagram to share a video of her new baby boy.
UPDATE: As at 14th of June, 2017.. 500 people raised over $20,000 for the family of the Brave policeman who gunned down one of the robbers involved in the Zenith Bank Robbery that went viral earlier this month.
In an overwhelming show of love and devotion to a cause, Nigerians from different parts of the world raised over $15,000 for the family of Sergeant Chukwudi Iboko, the policeman that was killed during a robbery in a branch of Zenith Bank in Imo State.
As of 11.08pm on Monday, $16,476 had been raised on a fundraising platform, GoFundMe, by 390 people.
The feat was achieved within 24 hours of the start of the campaign by PUNCHNewspapers and other social activists in the country, led by Kayode Ogundamisi.
The late sergeant in whose honour the project was initiated, Chukwudi, died on February 23, 2017 after confronting some robbers who invaded a Zenith Bank branch on Wetheral Road, Owerri.
The late father of eight children, in a 2.58 video clip released in June 2017, could be seen engaging a four-man robbery gang in a gun battle, during which he shot dead one of the robbers.
The video, which went viral on the social media, also captured Chukwudi being shot at by one of the robbers after he ran out of a security post at the entrance of the bank.
Investigation by The PUNCH revealed that the victim died a day after the incident.
His widow, Rose, in an exclusive interview, lamented that one of their eight children, Chukwuebuka, died from shock on the day of the father’s burial, adding that the police authorities abandoned her and her surviving children.
She also said Zenith Bank only paid for the burial of her husband.
Readers had challenged PUNCH Newspapers to create a platform to raise funds for the deceased’s family, with many Nigerians pledging to support the cause.
With the support of some activists, PUNCH Newspapers took up the gauntlet and created a GoFundMe account for the family on Sunday, setting a target of $15,000.
In less than 24 hours, the target was exceeded.
PUNCH Metro observed that the highest donation was $1,000 and the least was $5.
While some of the donors commended the courage of the deceased policeman, others asked the Nigerian government to also support the family.
One Elochukwu Obimdike, who gave $5, said, “You won’t know (what) this feels until it happens to someone that you know.”
Another donor, Tope Fasua, who gave $120, asked that part of the funds should be used to support the other policemen involved in the tragedy.
“Please, let us use this money for the other affected policemen and to put Zenith Bank and Nigerian Police under pressure. Thanks The PUNCH for this initiative. You clocked the amount in one day, plus extra,” he wrote.
Another contributor, Tinu Ojikutu, who gave $20, said, “Your husband and your dad was such a brave man. He was a hero. I pray the Lord continues to comfort you all. God bless you.”
Nigerians, who are willing to make contributions, but could not explore GoFundMe platform, requested that a bank account should be opened in the name of the family for naira donation.
A Twitter user, Morakinyo, @tipsy8701, said she had difficulty donating to the cause through GoFundMe.
“Please, can PUNCH provide a bank account to pay the fund? My payment is not going through on the platform. Thank you,” she tweeted.
Another Nigerian, Stan, with a Twitter handle, @Stannwasky, was also interested in donating, but for the technicality of the online platform.
“Don’t know how to donate through this stuff,” she wrote.
On the GoFundMe page, one Fredrick Obinna-Raymond Chukwuemeka, requested the opening of a bank account domiciled in Nigeria.
He posted, “Please, is there any Nigerian bank account (in which) one can make his own donation?”
Visitors to PUNCH Online, who read the story on the GoFundMe fundraising for the Ibokos, also wanted to donate in naira.
A poster, with the alias Soulchild, wrote, “PUNCH, how can one donate to this cause? And must I only donate in USD? You are limiting the amount that can be raised by disenfranchising those of us that do not have domiciliary accounts.”
Another reader, identified as Twins, inquired, “Is there an account number one can pay directly into?”
One Moses also indicated interest, saying, “PUNCH kudos. To get more support which many of us want to give, kindly publish a bank account number we can credit in naira.”
Amebo wrote,
“PUNCH, please publish the account number to enable my folks back home to make some payment to the account. I have already instructed them to donate some money into the account.”
A Nigerian, who claimed to be resident outside the country, Dike Offor, said he had been following the story religiously and would like to assist the Ibokos.
“Please PUNCH, I don’t reside in Nigeria, but I am up to date with the news in my great country…please, I need the account number of the fundraising for the family,” he said.
Following this, PUNCH Newspapers has decided to open a bank account for the purpose of raising funds in naira for the family.
Meanwhile, The PUNCH and its partners would soon announce three non-governmental organisations that would manage the funds raised for the family to ensure accountability.
The notorious kidnapper arrested at the weekend, along with six members of his gang in Lagos, by police operatives from the intelligence teams has named some of his victims.
Chukwudidumeme Onuamadike, alias Evans, told detectives that though he could not remember the number of people he kidnapped or the amount of money he collected as ransom, he was, however, able to mention a few.
In Edo and Lagos states, he remembered kidnapping Mr. Mbarikatta William Uboma at Festac Town on June 16, 2012, where the sum of N20 million was collected as ransom before he was released.
A police classified document containing Evan’s confessional statement revealed that Mr. Paul Cole from Ohafia in Abia State was also kidnapped by the gang on August 23, 2012, at Festac Town where N20m was also paid.
Mr. Mohammed Jamal, a Lebanese, who was kidnapped on August 19, 2012, at Ajah, paid N17m at Ojo area of Lagos to regain his freedom.
Evan’s gang also kidnapped Mr. Kingsley Nwokenta on September 19, 2012, after he left Lebanon Bar in Festac Town and he had to pay N15m in addition to his black Toyota Venza car that he forfeited to the gang before he regained his freedom; just as the gang also claimed responsibility for the kidnap of Mr. Anthony Ozoanidobi on October 10, 2012, along Marwa Road in Satellite Town where N15m was paid before he was taken to Apple junction, Amuwo-Odofin in Lagos and released.
Evans further stated that his gang also kidnapped Mr. Leo Abraham in Lagos on August 20, 2012, and dumped him at Badagry Road in Lagos after he paid N15m.
However, Ojukwu Cosmas, who sells Toyota parts at Aspanda Trade Fair, who was kidnapped on January 21, 2016, at Festac Town was not too lucky as he had to pay $1m to secure his release.
James Uduji who was kidnapped by the gang at Seventh Avenue, Festac Town late last year paid $1.2m after being held for six weeks before he was released, while Chief Raymond Okoye Odu-Na–Ichida who was kidnapped in 2015 also paid $1m to regain his freedom after two months in captivity.
Uche Okoroafor, a trader at Alaba International Market, Lagos, was kidnapped by the gang in 2015 and held captive for three months before he was released after paying $1m, just as Elias Ukachukwu, who was kidnapped by the gang in November, 2015 also paid $1m for his release.
Francis Umeh, a spare parts dealer at Aspanda, was kidnapped in July 2016, at Raji Rasaki Estate and released after paying $1m to secure his release.
The gang, however, recorded a fatal loss when in 2013, in its attempt to kidnap Chief Vincent Obianudo, the owner of Young Shall Grow Motors, met with stiff resistance from the policemen attached to the chief. The police opened fire and killed two members of the gang.
Though the gang also killed a policeman and some of its members escaped, Chief Obianudo, who sustained bullet wounds during the attack, survived after several surgeries.
The last known victim of the gang in Lagos before it was smashed is Mr. Donatus Dunu, a pharmacist and importer of drugs, who was kidnapped on February 14, 2017, in Elupeju area of Lagos. The sum of N150m was paid by the victim’s family to secure his release, but Evans collected the money and refused to release the victim, insisting that an additional N300m must be paid.
The gang regretted that Dunu escaped from Evans’ detention camp in Igando on May 12, 2017, without paying the additional ransom.
In Edo State, the gang kidnapped Mr. Ohunyon Ernest in November 2011 and he had to pay N85m, just as Mr. Dan Odiete who was also kidnapped by the gang in Benin City in 2013, paid N100m to regain his freedom.
The owner of Uyi Technical who was kidnapped by Evan’s gang in Benin City in 2013 paid N100m before he was released, while Tom, kidnapped in Benin in 2012, paid N100m to the gang.
The owner of Kings Paint was also kidnapped in Benin City in 2010 by the same gang and had to pay N40m to regain his freedom even as Mr. Randeki, who was kidnapped by the gang in 2010 paid N30m for his release.
Evans, who was nabbed by a combined team of police officers and men from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) at his private residence in Magodo, Lagos, on June 10, was described by the police as a very intelligent suspect.
Other members of the gang that were also arrested at different locations include Felix Chinemerem, 36, from Arochukwu in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, and Nwosu Chikodi Chukwuma, aka Sudo, 42, and is said to have over 20 years experience in armed robbery and about eight years experience in kidnapping.
Other arrested members of the gang are Uchechukwu Amadi from Anambra State who the police described as the head of Evans’ detention camp, a female, Ogechi Amadi, said to be the woman that rented the house and cooks for the kidnappers and their victims in the camp.
The rest are Suoyo Paul, aka Nwana, 42, a native of Bayelsa State, and is said to be the one supplying the gang with rifles and ammunition, while Ikenna Emeka, 28, from Anambra State, said he participated in four kidnappings in Festac Town with Evans before Evans sacked him from the gang for stealing an expensive wrist watch and a ring from a victim without informing him.
A lawyer, Kissinger Ikeokwu who is based in Imo State has claimed to have gotten the true account of the robbery that happened at Zenith Bank, Owerri, which left a gallant policemant, Sergeant Iboko dead.
The brave policeman who killed one of the four armed robbers in the attack, ran out from where he took cover and suffered severe gunshot injuries and died the next day in a police clinic in Owerri after he was allegedly rejected at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.
Read what was shared by the lawyer on Facebook concerning the incident.
Those who blame the officer for running out got it wrong. I got the true account from an anonymous witness and feel I should share it since he cannot by reason of his office.
When the robbers approached the Bank, three Policemen were in the small Security House. They diaplayed gallantry by shooting and blasting the car windows, but the robbers still emerged frim he car unhurt in what many have described as “Odoeshi”. The robber in blue the officer shot dead moved tactically to the small window at the back side the Policeman ran towards. He sprayed them with bullets killing one instantly and severely injuring the officer who today lost his one eye. The gallant Iboko was the man the robbers bullet didnt touch and he took cover lying low and kept his calm.
Confident that he had finished the officers who took cover at the small security post, the robber on blue decided to enter and finish the last breath off all the officers. It was then that Iboko who had taken cover having seen his men in the pool of their blood decided to either act or die with them. Sensing the invinsibility of the robbers, Iboko was reported to have deeped his gun nussle into the blood of his colleagues and that proved vital in neautralizing the suppossed odoeshi.
Immediately the robber on blue who had sprayed them with bullets from the back window approached the door, Iboko took him out. Having shot and proved he was alive, Iboko knew he must flee or wait for the robbers who didnt fear bullets now come for him. He made the deft move with just 20% chance of escaping. He ran towards the backside of the Bank building through the left flank.but he couldnt run too far as he fell to bullet wounds.
Upon his falling the other robber he had a face toface close range shootout with now came towards him and rained bullets on him, but Iboko’s four colleagues at the back gave him backup…… that backup was bullets from the far end of the backyard that made the killer of Iboko retreat and run to their car in a hurry.
Iboko died later of his wounds. 7 Policemen were on duty on that very day at the Bank wetheral Branch. 3 lost their life including iboko. One survived with injuries. 3 escaped unhurt and told the story you read hereby.
The survivors were at the back yard and they reinforced Iboko giving him cover when he fell. Their bullets made the rubbers retreat in a hurry and not pick the guns of the slain officers. Their back reinforenent made the robbers abandon their colleague through whom Police got the clues that ultimately led to the arrest and waterloo of the robbers.
Iboko took cover lying low with a dead colleague and one whose eyes was shattered by the same man he killled. He killed same man when he came tru the door but lost I trying to run after exposing his cover. Watch the video again. Spot the robber on blue go behind which the CCTV camera didn’t cover. He shot the 3 officers from the back window on close range target. Iboko was lucky not to be hit and took effective cover lying low. He moved when he had to move when the man now came tru the door to finish the job and Iboko took him out.
Such Gallantry. RIP to the fallen…….. My condolences to the families.
Mavin Records artiste, Reekado Banks, 23, yesterday evening took to his Twitter to call out DJ Xclusive, 33, for sidelining him on a song, after the DJ allegedly begged for the song from him.
It is not clear at this point which song is being referred to but we gather that DJ Xclusive is set to release a new song soon which features Mr Eazi & Flavour.
The Imo State Police Command on Tuesday promised prompt payment of the entitlements of the two policemen who lost their lives during the robbery attack on a Zenith Bank branch on Wetheral Road, Owerri, Imo State.
The state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, while commending The PUNCH Newspapers for doing a “thorough job”, said the police would not abandon the victims’ families.
This is just as Zenith Bank said it would foot the bills for the treatment of Sergeant Otu Attang, who lost one of his eyes during the attack.
The company said it would also sponsor the education of the children of the late two cops, Sergeant Chukwudi Iboko and Sergeant Sunday Agbo.
PUNCH Metro had reported that a gang of four attacked the Zenith Bank branch on February 22, 2017, carting away some undisclosed amount of money from a customer whom they trailed to the premises.
However, the incident gained public attention early June when footage of the bank’s Closed Circuit Television Camera, which captured the moments of the robbery, was released to the public.
The 2.58 minutes video, which immediately went viral, showed a courageous Chuwkwudi engaging the robbers in a gun duel from a security post at the bank’s entrance.
One of the robbers, later identified as Ikechukwu Opara, was shot dead while sneaking to the security post.
Soon after, Chukwudi could be seen running out of the security post as one of the robbers shot continuously in his direction.
He was said to have died the following day, following gunshot injuries he sustained during the attack.
Another policeman with him on the premises, Agbo, was also said to have died shortly afterwards, while the third policeman, Attang, lost one of his eyes.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH Newspapers, Chukwudi’s widow, Rose, lamented that one of their eight children, Chukwuebuka, died from shock during the burial of the father.
The PUNCH Newspapers and some social activists, led by Kayode Ogundamisi, in response to the call of readers and Nigerians from different parts of the world, inaugurated a GofundMe account to raise $15,000 for the family, a feat that was achieved within 24 hours.
However, the Imo State CP, Ezike, during a press briefing at the command’s headquaters in Owerri, described the slain cops as heroes who would never be forgotten.
He recalled that shortly after the robbery, the command got a marching order to arrest the robbers that killed the cops who were from the 18 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Owerri.
Ezike said investigations led to the arrest of the robbery suspects, which included 36-year-old Justice Ogbonna, aka JJ; Abiye Charles; and Okechukwu Nwanegbo, aka Modestus.
The commissioner said the police recovered two AK-47 rifles and one AK-49 rifle with 175 rounds of ammunition from the suspects.
Also recovered were four cars – one Toyota Avalon, two Toyota Camry, and one Toyota Corrolla.
“Let me state for the avoidance of doubt that the trio of Sergeant Chukwudi Iboko, Sergeant Sunday Agbo and Sergeant Otu Attang, remain our heroes. They were gallant, professional, and courageous; they displayed encouraging passion in defence of lives and property. The Nigeria Police Force, under the able leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has not, did not and will not abandon them and/or their families.
“As you are well aware, the Nigeria Police Force is a Federal Government agency governed by laws, rules and regulations in all matters, including financial matters. Be rest assured, therefore, that the financial rights, entitlements, benefits and even privileges of these our own shall be fully paid, and on time too.
“The two deceased officers were recommended for posthumous promotion, while the injured officer was also recommended for a special promotion to his next rank. I am very confident that very soon, the Inspector-General of Police will graciously announce the promotions. Similarly, the command is in constant touch with the families of the deceased officers. We have made and will continue to make financial assistance to cushion the effect of the loss of their loved breadwinners.”
He said the management of the bank gave financial assistance for the burial expenses of the victims and released start-up business funds for the deceased families.
Ezike noted that the bank also agreed to be giving monthly allowances to the families, including a promise of scholarship to any level of education for the children of the deceased officers.
He thanked Nigerians for their support since the security video went viral, saying the job of protecting lives and property could be hazardous.
The police boss said the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha, had promised to meet the families of the policemen.
PUNCH Metro learnt that one Mr. John Ekweanuo of Sparvi Charity Foundation Worldwide presented the sum of N500,000 to Chukwudi’s family at the briefing.
A blogger, IfeanyiCy Njoku, who made the presentation, said the foundation was touched by the bravery of the policeman.
“The money was presented to the widow in the presence of heads of police formations in Imo State and the state Commissioner of Police,” he added.
…a day cannot go by, without us having one drama or the other.
Yesterday, Daughter of Billionaire magnate, Temi Otedola was “stylishly called out” for allegedly bleaching her skin… and then her man, Mr. Eazi, flew in to save the day. (Catch up on the details here).
This whole thing happened on Twitter.. Then, again, Singer Simi, also shared a photo of herself rocking a yellow top, that looks much like the one Temi shared where she was called out for bleaching.. and a User, Dammy was quick to point out that Simi quickly copied Temi’s style and then posted it on Twitter, so she also could have her own fair share of Social Media drama..
Lol, A visibly pissed-off Simi, of course replied the Twitter user, who she considers as a troll.. She said: “I feel bad for whoever has to end up with you and your IQ”
The family of the late Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya, on Monday, released a statement which reads that the autopsy conducted on her remains showed that she died of a ‘natural medical cause’.
Moji’s brother, Femi Olaiya, on behalf of the family dispelled rumours that the late actress was posioned in Canada where she was delivered of a baby girl in Feburary.
However, doctors, who spoke with our correspondent on Monday, said that the autopsy report suggested that the late mother of two must have died of a traceable and demonstrable medical cause.
A medical consultant with the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Dr. Adeoye Oyewole said,
“Someone is said to have died of a ‘ medical cause’ when there is a traceable and demonstrable medical pathology that is related to the death. The term ‘natural medical cause’ is not medical.
“For instance, if the person had suffered a heart or cardiovascular event just before he/she died, that is a traceable medical cause. If the person also had an underlying medical condition like an enlarged heart but an event triggered a shock to the system to have caused the death, it is also a medical cause.”
A cardiologist with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Dr. Afolabi Akinkunmi, corroborated Oyewole’s views, saying there was always a medical cause to every death; and an autopsy was usually carried out to establish the exact or underlying cause of the individual’s death.
Akinkunmi said,
“There is always a medical cause for every natural death. If you have any doubt, then the autopsy report is conducted and the coroner will state it on the death certificate.”
Another expert. Dr. Babajide Saheed, noted that a person who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest or a condition that shuts down the brain or nervous system in a short time is said to have died of a natural cause.
Saheed said, “There is always a medical pathology to every natural death. So a natural death means that there is nothing you could have done to help the individual, such as if the person experienced a sudden cardiac arrest and died even before getting to the hospital.
“If a person that has a terminal disease such as leukemia dies, it is a natural death because there is nothing you could have done for the patient. These are natural deaths with a traceable medical pathology.”
Kidnap kingpin, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, a.k.a Evans, who was arrested last Saturday by police for coordinating several high-profile kidnappings, armed robbery and murder within Lagos, Edo, Abia, Enugu and Anambra States, has revealed that his father’s decision to disown him was why he took to crime.
Evans, who received millions of dollars as ransom from his victims during his reign as an ingenious kidnapper in the country, told Vanguard exclusively that he was forced to drop out of school while in Junior Secondary School Class 2, when his father, Steven Onwuamadike, drove his mother, Chinwe, away and got married to another woman.
Evans explained that his father, who is a businessman, asked him to join another business man, a spare parts dealer, also in Nnewi, who he served for five years without settlement because the man later accused him of stealing.
This development, according to him, embarrassed his father so much that he drove him out of his house.
Evans who is a native of Akamili, Umudim Quarters, Nnewi, Anambra State, stated that his father’s action affected him deeply and he was forced to move into his mother’s house. He said his mother accepted him and she also raised money for him which he used in travelling to Lagos.
While in Lagos, Evans disclosed that he started selling diesel to luxury buses and truck drivers at Alafia Bus-stop along Lagos-Badagry Expressway. He explained that, while he was selling diesel, he slept in a bus garage and that was where he joined a robbery gang.
First robbery gang, Vanguard gathered, that Evans’ first robbery gang specialized in attacking luxury buses plying the East – West Road, at night.
Police sources explained that Evans was involved in several highway robberies from which he raised enough money with which he travelled to South Africa.
A former anti-robbery police operative attached to Orile Police Station, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that Evans and his gang specialized in robbing traders in luxury buses travelling at night on the road.
The ex-policeman added that Evans who had several informants around motor parks in Alafia, Maza-Maza and Jibowu areas of Lagos State, used to obtain first hand information on the movements of traders coming to Lagos State with huge amounts of money from informants working at major luxury buses parks across the country.
The source disclosed that Evans and his gang would attack these buses on the highway and dispossess the passengers of their cash and other valuables, explaining that some of his gang members were arrested and when the police were closing in on him, he fled the country to return a few years later and relocated to the East.
It was gathered that while in the East, he formed another dangerous gang that started robbing and kidnapping wealthy business men especially in the commercial city of Onitsha in Anambra State and Aba in Abia State.
When his notoriety soared in criminal circles, other robbery gangs started seeking him. That was how he became the financier of arms and armourer for the fearless and deadly armed robbery kingpin in the east from Nkanu in Enugu State, popularly called Ngwu Ekekere Omu, who robbed banks all over the country until he was killed in Anambra by a military patrol team that blocked a road on a tip-off from members of the Special anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, in Awka.
Afterwards, he carried out a bloody robbery operation at the university town of Nsukka, Enugu State, where he killed among others, a Divisional Police Officer and later shot the SARS Commander in Enugu in the knee while they were pursuing him along Adani/Otuocha road.
During that operation, he also burnt down Nsukka Police Station after raiding one of the banks and as he was escaping from the scene with his gang, they threw bundles of crisp Naira notes in different denominations to the cheering crowd and commercial motorcyclists, including school children who were on their way home.
Ngwu Ekere Omu died in 2009 and most of his gang members were hunted down and eliminated by members of the Special anti-Robbery Squad in Enugu and Anambra states.
Police sources said Evans participated actively in that deadly operation and later, after some of their gang members including their leader were killed, he again escaped abroad.
On his return, according to sources, he veered into full time kidnapping with Lagos as his base. He used to pose as a spare parts dealer from South Africa with proceeds of his crime.
Reports also alleged that he participated in some operations with another notorious killer, Vampire, who was later killed by the Police after plotting his escape from Owerri court in Imo State, while on trial.
Investigations revealed that Evans later linked up with another notorious kidnapper called Henry Hunchman in Anambra State and they coordinated several kidnappings. They were later chased out of Anambra State and they fled to Edo State.
Vanguard reports Evans told them during a chat that he teamed up with one of his friends, Ehis, in Edo state and they started kidnapping. He disclosed that Ehis introduced him to some of his friends known as Benin Papa, Odionose, Okey and Igbo Papa and they coordinated several kidnappings.
He further explained that he was forced to invite his friend, Hunchman, who he said had heavy arms and ammunition to join them in Edo State. According to him,
‘’When Hunchman came in, we carried out two big kidnappings that yielded N150 million, but Hunchman who owned the arms and ammunition, ran away with the money.’’
Escapades during MD Abubakar’s era as IGP Vanguard investigation also revealed further that Evans’ activities became so troubling that the then Inspector -General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, deployed one of his key operatives, Patrick Ejedawe, who was the Commander of Mopol 2 Squadron Command, Lagos, to Edo State, to track him and his members down.
It was learned that Ejedawe, now an Assistant Commissioner of Police, mopped up all members of the gang except Evans, Hunch-man and Sudo, who fled to Ghana. Sources disclosed that betrayals in the gang aided the police in mopping up the gang members, leading to the death of members like Benin Papa, Odionosa, Okey, Igbo Papa and many others who were killed by the Police in gun battles.
Vanguard’s source further disclosed that Evans, Hunch-man and Sudo eventually came back to Nigeria and were based in Lagos, when Ejedawe was redeployed from Edo State by a new Inspector-General of Police.
At that point, Evans and his gang terrorised residents of Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin, Ojo and Ajao Estate areas of Lagos State before he was arrested.
The Lagos state police command has nabbed a 45-year-old suspected ritualist with a human skull and he revealed that he sells them for N1million each.
The suspect, Identified as Lucien Tusume, was arrested at Iraye village in Sagamu area of Ogun State, following intelligence report.
Explaining the circumstance that led to Tusume’s arrest, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, said some policemen, who disguised as buyers, contacted the suspect for a human skull.
The suspect readily agreed to sell a dried skull for N150,000 to the undercover operatives, but the officers bargained for N81,000 which he accepted.
The suspect later took the dried human skull to the ‘buyers’, and he was subsequently arrested after payment was made to him.
During interrogation, the suspect disclosed that the dried skulls were sold between N80,000 and N120,000, adding that fresh human skulls were more expensive. He said:
“I SELL FRESH SKULL FOR N1 MILLION.”
The suspect, according to Famous-Cole, had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, where investigation will be made on how and where he got the human skulls.
Davido’s BabyMama, Sophie Momodu, who just launched her YouTube Channel and promised her fans to bring them exciting contents has shaded all broke guys.
Sophie says she gets upset when broke Guys slide into her DM’s claiming fine boy.
Now, the question is, how can you tell one is broke, when they slide into your DM? How?
Well, she took to snapchat to write; “I get mad when broke guys dm me. No seriously like are you lost? I’m busy pls. Who find boy epp? Abeg shift”
Linda and Kemi had a fall out a few years back, to the extent that Kemi had to place a gag order on Ikeji, hindering the blogger from publishing any story about her.
Despite, this, Linda still donated to the embattled Journalist! Such heart!
“SPECIAL THANKS to @officiallindaikeji #LindaIkeji who secretly donated to my legal expense travel fund. Today I found out she was the very FIRST DONOR on May 16th N100,000.
Thank you Linda. We women in Nigeria should now collectively form a powerful force showing the world that girl power belongs here. .
.
Cheers to you Linda!!
I appreciate all your donations Nigeria. However big or small. Lets get @hnnafrica back on track. A GoFundMe appeal has been set up as well.”
Unknown to him, the neighbourhood had been surrounded by the police before his arrival.
But, before his arrest, he had started moving his personal effects from his 3, Fred Shogboyede Street, Magodo, mansion.
A guard, Ali, who said he saw how Evans was arrested, said he was initially surprised to see so many policemen in the estate.
Ali said armed policemen in over four vehicles blocked all the roads leading to the estate.
“Some stayed at the gate close to his house, others stayed at the end of the street and there was another group towards the street behind his house. The man came in that day in a cab and the cab was waiting for him outside.
“But as soon as he entered, policemen surrounded the place. He opened his upper window and called Pius. He asked Pius who those people were and Pius told him they were policemen and they were looking for him.
“Then, he locked the window and stayed there. As of then, we didn’t know what was happening. We thought that maybe they were just looking for him until we saw the policemen drag him out in handcuffs. They also took Pius with them.”
It was gathered that he had not been to the house for sometime before the police busted his gang.
According to some guards, the mansion and another at 96, Emmanuel Keshi Street, also in Magodo, were built less than a year ago.
The houses were locked when The Nation called yesterday.
But, a woman was seen locking the Emmanuel Keshi mansion gate when she left the house.
The guards, who claimed they were friends of Evans’ gateman, Pius, said the suspect neither received visitors nor mixed with neighbours.
They said he usually paid his utility and other estate dues “promptly”, adding that his gateman and chef earned N20,000 each monthly.
According to them, Evans and his family never went to church. They said the only person allowed to go to church was Pius.
One of the guards, who gave his name as John, said:
“I have been working in this estate for more than one year. This house is new. It was built last year. The man bought it and remodelled it. He changed a lot of things in the house.
“He doesn’t talk to people. He doesn’t attend estate meetings but he pays his dues. I haven’t seen visitors enter there. He was living in the house with his family and he had a woman cook. His security man is Pius, our brother from Kaduna. He told us the man has four wives and that none of them knew the other.
“Pius was arrested by the police that day (Saturday). The man doesn’t go to church and I never saw his family go to church. Pius told us he was the only one who usually went to church in the house. He said his salary was N20,000 per month.
“We noticed the man started moving out about a month ago. Pius also said it during our discussion that his employer was moving out. The man stopped coming to the estate in his car. Sometimes he came on a power bike, other times, a cab.”
Billionaire Kidnap Kingpin, Evans has revealed more chilling details about his involvement in the crime. He has already begged for forgiveness, promising to be a good Christian if he is freed.
