GistExploits

An ongoing investigation by SaharaReporters has revealed how Aviation Minister Stella Oduah compelled the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a cash-strapped agency under her supervision, to borrow a huge amount from a commercial bank in order to buy her two bullet-proof cars. The scandalous transaction, which is quite similar to the one that cost the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) $1.6 million to purchase two armored BMW cars, was also hatched using a loan facility from the First Bank of Nigeria. Several sources at FAAN and First Bank told SaharaReporters that George Uriesi, the Managing Director of FAAN, conspired with Ms. Oduah to obtain a loan of N1.3 billion from First Bank. Part of the loan was used to buy 205 cars for several staff members, directors as well as board members of FAAN. In addition, however, four armored cars were purchased for the of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and FAAN's MD, Mr. Uriesi. Our sources listed the cars bought for the minister as two

this two gift by hiis manager , Mr. Ubi Franklin and his girl friend serves as a birthday present because he his a year older today. HBD bro. LL&P

A 40-year old widow named Mujidat was caught yesterday Wednesday October 30th with a dead day old baby she hid inside a sack around her residence at at the Iba area of Lagos. It was gathered that a member of the community, High Chief Babatunde Balogun caught the mother of seven when she was trying to dispose the baby at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday. When questioned on the content of the sack, she claimed she was coming from the market where she bought some household items. However, on a closer look, Balogun discovered that the sack contained a dead day old baby the woman allegedly had just delivered. He then called the attention of the other residents. Neighbours toldP.M Newsthat after Mujidat's husband known as Baba Mushin died about three years ago, they have seen men visiting her residence, the house built by her late husband. When asked if she planned to throw away the baby because of an alleged paternity mess, she denied, claiming that a welder turned block maker near her resid

A picture portraying a senior police officer grabbing a lady's boobs was everywhere recently. The Nigeria Police have reacted to it and has described the photograph, which showed a senior police officer in the act of fondling the breast of an unknown lady, as fake. It said the picture, which went viral on the Internet, was deliberately fabricated with the aid of Adobe Photoshop technology to mislead the public. The alleged amorous scene, the police authorities claimed, did not take place and the officer had nothing to do with the woman in the above photo with him... The police authority said they arrived at this conclusion after interrogating the officer. On the Facebook page of the police, the affected police officer was quoted as saying, "I don't know this lady. I never took the picture with her." The police said it would not tolerate a display of affection for the opposite sex in full public glare, but insisted it has observed that this particular photo is not real

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, as been named the most powerful man in Africa and 64th in the world by the Forbes magazine. Dangote, who Forbes says is by far Africa's richest man with a net worth of $16.1bn as of March 2013, was ranked ahead of the likes of Fifa President, Sepp Blatter (69th); Speaker, United States House of Reps, John Boehner (66th); and Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Mohammed Ibrahim (71). The 56-year-old, Dangote, whose company is considered one of the most diversified on the list, is ranked 43 on the Forbes list of the world's billionaires with his net worth over time said to be on the rise. In August, he announced plans by the Dangote Group to build a $9bn refinery and petrochemical complex in Nigeria, a move which is expected to help the group further diversify its current business model and increase his net worth. Away from his business interests, mention was also made of his philanthropic efforts in his profile on Forbes webs

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has confirmed that it is ready to welcome the 7 embattled governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into its fold. APC's National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, made this revelation on Wednesday in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. "They are welcome if that is their final decision. The development will strengthen our party towards 2015 election," he said.Mohammed affirmed the readiness of the party to effect a positive change in democratic system to uplift the country. According to him, APC is built on the principles of democracy and popular participation. According to him, the party had resolved to maintain inclusive party machinery where all parties that merged into the APC, would fully participate in all its activities. The APC told PDP chair Bamanga Tukur that only Nigerians can decide whether or not President Goodluck Jonathan will rule beyond 2015, saying his statement that the Jonathan will rule til

Ray Daniels Okeugo died on the evening of Friday the 25th of October 2013, in Lagos, Nigeria a the age of 33. Okeugo used to act in many soap operas and home videos before taking into photography. His burial arrangement is being planned by Lagos state chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) led by Victor Osuagu. Below is a statement by Invisible Borders Trans-African Photographers Organisation: It is with deep regret that we announce the passing on of our friend, brother and member Ray Daniels Okeugo. This incident took place on the evening of Friday the 25th of October 2013, in Lagos, Nigeria. Until the mentioned day, he was a founding member of Invisible Borders Trans-African Photographers Organisation, and has been behind every success of the Organisation's activities since its inception. As a photographer and an actor in the Nollywood film industry, he will be remembered for his unquenchable energy. He exudes the demeanour of "the last man standing", and this goes a

The Director-General of National Biotechnical Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Saidu Mohammed, has said the solar eclipse, which will occur on November 3, will come with mild darkness across the 36 states of the federation. The Director-General, who made this known during a press briefing, last Thursday in Abuja, also advised Nigerians to remain calm, as the eclipse would not affect satellite communications or air services. The eclipse, however, will be characterised by a flush of sunlight and mild darkness during its peak. The agency has, therefore, made available at its headquarters, sunglasses, which will serve as filters for the effect of the sun. Dr Mohammed added that: "It will be like any other day, but its effect will be felt at its peak. It is recommended you wear sunglasses. There is no need to panic," he concluded. Earlier in his presentation, the Director of Centre for Astronomy, University of Nsukka, Professor Felix Okpara, who outlined the various times of the ec

In a recent interview with Encomium Magazine, fast arising actress MINA told Enconiun about the worst betrayal of her life... she says.. "My first cousin and my ex betrayed me. The whole story is complicated. She dated my boyfriend and married him. I had no idea what was going on until they were about to get married because she was pregnant for him. I did not introduce him to her. She knew him. He was my Uncle's best man and we were in the bridal train. He met us together and went after me. "We had a relationship for some years, two years at a stretch, then it became off and on and all those times she knew. She was even engaged to someone else at the time. Unknown to me she 'worked' her NYSC down to Lagos to have my boyfriend. She was living with him and it didn't make any sense to me. Until later on, I found out they were getting married. "What pained me most and the worst part of it was when I got to hear about it and confronted him, he said he can neve

The police in Lagos State have commenced investigation into how a nine-year-old girl died, after sustaining injuries caused by alleged consistent rape. According to police authorities, the deceased was raped over five times, by a 14-year-old student, Onyi Adimabua, in the Ikorodu area of the state. The father of the deceased, Simeon Jigo, toldPunch Metrothat Onyi is the son of the proprietor of the school his daughter attended. He said his daughter opened up about the rape when she started having medical problems. The 77-year-old man said his daughter died on October 3, 2013. He said, "Up until my daughter's death, she was a pupil of Fulfilled Greenland School, Ikorodu, and she was in primary three. One day, she came home and started complaining of pains around her vagina, stomach area. We rushed her to Ikorodu General Hospital. "A doctor checked her and after conducting some tests on her, told us that my daughter had sustained medical complications due to forced sexual i

OJB JEZREAL has finally been discharge at the hospital in India after a successful kidney transplant. The ace music producer sent out a release thanking everyone and said he will be home soon. Find it below. Dear fellow Nigerians, Greetings from far away India! I am sure this note from me will catch you with a little surprise. I have been reading a lot of news about me being published on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and different blogs by my good friends. I thought I must take out a quick moment and let you know that I am officially discharged today from the hospital, after a successful Kidney Transplantation Surgery, by God's Grace. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Nigerians for your prayers and good wishes, without which all this would not have been possible. I also take this opportunity to thank my friends, fans and family for all the love, prayers and good wishes for a Speedy Recovery!! Be home with you soon……. Thank you once again sincerely, Your very own OJB

Jonathan finally took his first obvious action against Stella on Monday with the last-minute decision to stop her from signing the much-publicised Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Israel. Following the refusal of many Nigerians to say "Amen" to prayer for Stella Oduah in Israel on Sunday, it then dawned on President Jonathan that he can no longer allow Stella to sign another official document... In her stead, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Stella Oduah was shocked as she was present at the venue. Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed that Stella Oduah did not sign the BASA agreement on behalf of the government. He however refused to explain why she was not allowed to sign. But a top Presidency source on the entourage of the President in Israel told Punch that the decision to stop Stella from signing the agreement was taken shortly after Jonathan arrived

Clara Chime, the First Lady of Enugu State, says Governor Sullivan Chime, has placed her under house arrest, and has cried out for help to human rights bodies to come to her rescue immediately. In a letter dripping with pain and suffering,Mrs. Chime (pictured above with Governor Chime) disclosed that she married Mr. Chime in Oct. 2008 but revealed that she has not been able to sleep with him for over four years. Describing her desperate situation, she said that even President Goodluck Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan have intervened with her husband without success."My father is late, my Mum and few of my siblings are confused and have done all kinds of prayers they know of. 3 of my siblings prefers me dead than to see me leave the Government house. He treats my Mum and my siblings bad," she wrote. The Enugu State First Lady said she has been introduced to two psychiatrists whose names she gave as Dr. Onwukwe and Dr. Agumo, who have prescribed "all kinds of drug

11 strange men in black robes caused a stir at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge yesterday Sunday October 27th during the Chelsea vs Manchester City clash. Goal.com reports that the hooded men, who had mysterious circles on their chest, were seen making curious synchronised movements at irregular intervals during Chelsea's 2-1 win, while they also stood in unison at random moments. Situated three rows back from the corner flag at the Shed End, the gang could be clearly seen on TV cameras beaming pictures of the crunch fixture all across the world. One Chelsea fan sat close to the mysterious guests was Robin Taylor, who said afterwards that he was slightly perturbed by their presence. "We're used to a few different characters down at Chelsea, there was once even a guy brushing his teeth behind the bench at a game, but we've had nothing quite like this before," he said.

11 strange men in black robes caused a stir at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge yesterday Sunday October 27th during the Chelsea vs Manchester City clash. Goal.com reports that the hooded men, who had mysterious circles on their chest, were seen making curious synchronised movements at irregular intervals during Chelsea's 2-1 win, while they also stood in unison at random moments. Situated three rows back from the corner flag at the Shed End, the gang could be clearly seen on TV cameras beaming pictures of the crunch fixture all across the world. One Chelsea fan sat close to the mysterious guests was Robin Taylor, who said afterwards that he was slightly perturbed by their presence. "We're used to a few different characters down at Chelsea, there was once even a guy brushing his teeth behind the bench at a game, but we've had nothing quite like this before," he said.

Retired Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe, who played several roles in a number of military regimes in Nigeria, passed away today in New York City, SaharaReporters has confirmed. A source close to the family told our correspondent that Mr. Akhigbe breathed his last at 1.06 p.m. (New York time). He was surrounded by his wife, his children, and their spouses, our source disclosed. The cause of death was throat cancer, said the source. SaharaReporters learnt that the former military administrator of Ondo and Lagos States first experienced symptoms of his disease in 2010. He was engaged in President Goodluck Jonathan's campaign at the time, but took a leave to fly to Germany where doctors gave him the grim diagnosis. For three years, he underwent treatment for his cancer in Germany, the UK and the United States of America before finally succumbing to the disease earlier today. Over the last one month, the former naval officer received treatment at the Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Hospital

The State Security Service, Lagos State Command, has arrested a 48-year-old man, Samson Adebayo, for allegedly arranging the kidnap of his nine-year-old son, Emmanuel, and demanding a ransom of N350, 000. According to the SSS, Adebayo had solicited the help of his girlfriend, Kehinde Alonge, to kidnap Emmanuel from his residence at 2, Solomon Street, Ilu-Nla, Aradagun, Badagry. The director, SSS, Lagos State, Mr. Ben Achu-Olayi, said Adebayo reported the incident to security agents, pretending to be distraught. He said, "On October 7, 2013, the command received a report from Adebayo Samson, who complained that his son was kidnapped on October 3. "Consequently, the command swung into action with the aim of rescuing the victim and arresting the culprits. Preliminary investigations confirmed the kidnapping by Alonge, who had demanded a N350, 000 ransom. "She demanded that the ransom be paid into a United Bank of Africa account 2050908899, belonging to one Taiwo Faloye. Unk

Another air disaster was averted at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja on Monday as a Med-View Airlines aircraft from Lagos suddenly took to the air again at the point of landing in Abuja. The pilot told the passengers that he took to the air again to avoid a collision with another aircraft on the tarmac. The airline Flight VL2104 took off from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at noon and was scheduled to land in Abuja at about 1.05pm. The pilot had already announced final descent into Abuja and asked all passengers and cabin crew to fasten their seat belts but the pilot suddenly took off to the air again with barely 30 seconds to touch ground. The plane had 150 passengers on board. After about three minutes of gaining altitude, the pilot announced that he decided to take off again to avoid colliding with an aircraft that was on ground. He said that after he had been granted clearance to land, it was later discovered that the other aircraft was not fast enough, hence his decision to t

According to new reports, the police officers indicted in the lynching of two innocent young men (Ifechukwudi Nwanikpor,25, and Kazeem Onayemi, 26) in Ajara, Badagry, have been granted bail. The officers were arrested due to their alleged involvement in the mob action that led to the brutal killing of the two young men as captured by various video clips which later went viral on the internet. According to our source, Inspector Adefemi Ashogbon, Sergeant John Sanayon and seven other police officers were granted bail due to their deteriorating health in detention and were allowed to seek medical attention pending the outcome of the investigation and date of their trial. A video recording by some bystanders exposed Inspector Adefemi Ashogbon and Sergeant John Sanayon, who were attached to the Badagry Police station, at the scene of lynching while seven others police officers were detained for allegedly planting guns on the victims and labelling them armed robbers. Several calls were made

Chris Brown catches another break! According to TMZ, he was released a few hours ago without bail and the assault charge has been reduced from a felony, which could have landed him in prison, to a misdemeanor. He's also required to stay 100 yards away from the man he allegedly punched in D.C yesterday. Chris, who has been in custody since the incident, had been ordered to take a drug test, but the judge vacated that order. His bodyguard's charge was also reduced to a misdemeanor.

On Monday Oct. 21st, US Republican Senator Ted Cruz told a rally that Nigerian email scammers have been hired to run the Obamacare website, a commentthat a lot of Nigerians found offensive. After being bombarded with several phone calls from Nigerians in Houston and all across the US, theoffice of Ted Cruz has issued a statement from the Senator apologizing for what he said. The full statement reads: It's unfortunate that we're living in a time where just about every joke can be misconstrued to cause offense to someone. To the good people of Nigeria - a beautiful nation where my wife lived briefly as the child of missionaries - no offense was intended. I am fully appreciative of the range of mutual economic and security interests that make Nigeria an important friend to the United States. And even to those few unscrupulous email scammers who were the subject of the joke, I apologize to you for the unfair comparison to the utterly dysfunctional Obamacare website.

Members of the New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, says it has become necessary to raise alarm over what it calls "the war" declared on it and its members by certain agents and henchmen of the Goodluck Jonathan administration who have embarked on a mission to intimidate and overawe us, using various unconstitutional means to achieve their selfish goals. "On its part, the Nigeria Police, which has woefully failed to find a solution to the menace of Boko Haram, kidnapping, assassination and other criminal acts ravaging the country, has been given a fresh mandate to frame up our members and term them criminals in order to keep them at bay. "The experiment has already started in Bayelsa, the home state of President Jonathan, where 85% of the citizens have indicated interest to work against his second term ambition due to the total neglect of the state and the entire Niger Delta region by the present administration."The PDP faction chaired by Alhaji Kawu Baraje in t

Ace actress, Kemi Afolabi speaks her mind about going nude in movies: One thing I would say is that, going nude in movies does not come with the job now. What you need as an actress is your inspiration and delivery. That is the way you are able to get across to your fans. Nobody is going to tell me I have to wear pant and bra. It does not come with the job. Acting goes beyond that, to me it is your expression and how you are able to get across to those who look up to you. It is a thing of the mind and the choice we make. If it comes to the character where you have to act the prostitute... We have the corporate prostitutes who do not expose their body because that is what they do. Naturally I don't like wearing a lot of things on my body when I am home. But that does not take me to the movie set and start exposing my body. Not because I am married. Sometimes you need to show some flesh, like when you are acting the role where you have to seduce a man.

When three-year-old Ikeoluwa Olaniyi was playing with her friends in her grandfather's compound in Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, on September 3, 2013, little did she know that death was lurking. It was learnt that a teenage motorist, Chinyere Wagbaranta, in company with her brother, Chisom, and a police corporal attached to Police Mobile Force 22, Felix Adebayo, in a Mercedes Benz Sports Utility Vehicle, drove into the compound carelessly, hitting the little girl and crushing her skull. The victim's grandfather, Adesola Elegbede, who spoke to our correspondent while fighting back tears, said Ikeoluwa was his first grandchild. He said, "Ikeoluwa lives with me and my wife. Her father works in a bank and her mother works with an accounting firm, which are both located on Victoria Island. Ikeoluwa attends a school in Ilasa, which is not far from our house. She stays with her parents during the weekend. "On the day of the incident, I came in and saw her eating yam just o

Associated Airlines' aircraft technician who was among the five survivors of the October 3 crash that left 15 people dead in Lagos has passed on. He died at the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, where he had been receiving treatment. The development brought to 16 the number of dead victims of the ill-fated plane which crashed while conveying the remains of former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu, from Lagos to Akure. Sources at the hospital said the technician, Mr. Samson Fatoye, died at about 7pm on Wednesday. Fatoye, who suffered severe burns from the crash, had been treated in many hospitals before he was finally taken to the Gbagada hospital. The sources said Fatoye died few hours after immigration officials from Abuja arrived in the hospital with electronic data capturing machine to prepare passport for the survivors to travel overseas for further treatment.

According to a report by AFP, police who enforce Islamic law in Kano have arrested 150 people in the last week, including for indecent dress, as part of a crackdown on immorality. Some people in Nigeria's second city have been picked up for sporting hair styles inspired by prominent international football players, said Mohammed Yusuf Yola, spokesman for Kano's sharia police, or Hisbah. Others were thrown in jail and fined for wearing their trousers too low on their waists, mimicking a style that became prominent in the 1990s, partly through the influence of some American hip hop artists. The arrests have followed an order by Kano state Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to cleanse the city of immoral practices and the trend is set to continue in the weeks ahead, said Hisbah Director-General Abba Sufi.The Hisbahis a state police force funded by state govt and is not part of the federal police."We have arrested 150 men and women in the past week, including prostitutes and their b

nice swaggs

Thisday Foreign and Diplomatic Editor, Mr. Paul Ohia, was found dead yesterday October 22nd in his official car, a white Kia Optima along Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos. According to eyewitness reports, the deceased had parked his car for several hours by the side of the road, which aroused the suspicion of passersby, prompting them to move closer to check on him. The eyewitnesses said the deceased had reclined the driver's seat and lay on it as if he was sleeping; until they opened the car doors to find out that he was motionless and lifeless. The sympathizers who noticed the Thisday sticker on the windshield of the car called Thisday office, informing them of the tragic incident. Thisday staff and the police moved Mr. Ohia to Lagoon Hospital in Apapa where he was confirmed dead. Although, the hospital said an autopsy would determine the actual cause of death, the medical doctor on duty said the deceased might have died of cardiac arrest. Ohia is survived by a wife and two children.

Report reaching us says Nigeriam musician OJB has finally had his kidney surgery in a hospital in India and he is said to be recovering from the surgery.

Brymo's former record label Chocolate City through their law firm, L & A legal Consultants on Monday October 21st got an injunction against him, 'restraining him from recording, releasing, distributing any composition, song, musical works or carrying out any activity as a recording or performing artist through or for the benefit of any person or organisation other than Chocolate City pending the determination of the suit against him. Chocolate City says Brymo's contract remains valid until 2016.

A section of the ailing NNPC refinery in Warri, Delta state was gutted by fire this morning. Report reaching us says the situation is now under control as fire fighters have been battling all morning to put the fire out. More details later

Fans of Wizkid in Abuja shunned the singer's much publicized concert tagged WizkidLiveAbujaInvasion. The event which was held last night at the prestigious International Conference Centre, Abuja witnessed a low turn out of crowd. Showtime was slated for 5pm but it was not until past 9pm that a few people showed up for the event.

Ailong Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State shook off officialdom yesterday. He drove out of Government House Jalingo to go fishing. The hunting ground was his fish pond located near the School of Nursing at Jalingo Bye-pass in the state capital. Suntai, wearing a grey sports suit, was accompanied by members of his family, security agents, friends, aides and newsmen. Among them were his wife, Hauwa; their twin children, his younger brother Babangida Suntai; Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, Mr. Sylvanus Giwa, and Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Mijinyawa. His over one hour expedition, however, yielded no catch. The governor jokingly said the fish cheated on him. "Kifin sun chuche ni, dun sun liga su chi abichi," he said in Hausa, meaning: "the fish cheated on me because they are already fed." On arrival at the pond, Suntai asked the farm manager to give him the fish feeds, which he threw into the pond for the fish to show up. The farm ma

Obafemi Martins has welcomed his third child from his third baby mama. Abigail Barwuah, the older sister of Italian footballer Mario Balotelli gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday October 16th in Italy. 25 year old Abigail, who has been dating Obafemi since 2012, Was four month pregnant before but lost the pregnancy last year when she was in Nigeria with Obafemi in December 2012, she got pregnant again and has now given birth. Congrats to them.

Nollywood diva, Rita Dominic has added another feather to her cap as she won the Best Actress Award at the Nollywood Movie Award (NMA) for her role in 'The Meeting'. This is in addition to her 11 combined nominations in four different awards this year. Her movie, 'The Meeting' also won the award for Best Director (won by Mildred Okwo) and Best Make-up (won by Jennifer Alegieuno). Rita beat stiff competition from tested thespians Mercy Johnson, Uche Jombo, Bimbo Akintola, Funke Akindele and Nse Ikpe-Etim. Stepping up to receive the award in an architectural inspired hand crafted one-off Iconic Invanity gown, Rita thanked all those who have contributed to her growth and promised to work harder at her craft. Okwo who is the Managing Director of the Audrey Silva Company, said she is elated that Rita is getting a lot of accolades for her acting. "In fact, all the women in that 'Best Actress' category have focused on improving their acting skills. That was not an

He was an accountant but left for his love and passion the film industry. His movies had been blockbusters and are still making waves both locally and internationally. Kunle Afolayan speaks on his recent movie and the joy of being a producer, director and actor rolled into one. You just finished your third movie 'October 1st', can you tell us what the movie is all about? It is a story that actually came up when I was trying to research a story that affects the local environment in Nigeria. Before then I had sought the view of people and I tweeted that I was looking for a script. I could not believe what I got in response, because they were really not what I would get myself involved in terms of film making. I later contacted Tunde Babalola who is the writer of the 'October 1st' movie and gave him a brief of what I was looking for. He then came up with a treatment and the initial title then was 'Dust'. When the final script came up, we decided to change the titl