Bosom Friends Lured Man to Death, Used Him to Appease Deity in Ondo State

By eternal  /  September 6, 2012  /  Featured, Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 0 Reactions

The Ondo State Police Command have unearthed the sacrificial killing of Mr. Olufemi Ogunkorede, 56, by his bosom friends. ThisDay newspaper learnt that Chief Babatunde Olumofe with two other friends of his – Mr. Sunday Akeju and Eso, all childhood friends of the deceased, hatched the plot to invite late Ogunkorede from Lagos to a fictitious funeral in Erusu Akoko, Ondo [...]

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Fires Razes 4 Buildings, Over 50 Stalls In Labawo Market Ibadan

By onnaedo.okafor  /  September 6, 2012  /  Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 0 Reactions

An early morning inferno in the popular Labawo Market, Ogunpa, Ibadan yesterday claimed the wares of traders running into millions of naira as 4 buildings and 50 shops were engulfed in flames. However, no life was lost in the unfortunate incident. The market is reputed for stocking all sorts of chemicals, leather and building materials [...]

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President Jonathan to Forward Names of Replacement for Power, Defence Minister to Senate On House Resumption

By onnaedo.okafor  /  September 6, 2012  /  Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 0 Reactions

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the Minister of State for Power, Mr Darius Ishaku to take charge of the Ministry of Power pending when a new Minister is appointed. Jonathan who made the disclosure at the inauguration of the reconstituted Presidential Action Committee on Power and Presidential Task Force on Power said he would forward [...]

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Dana Airline To Resume Operations As Federal Government Lifts Ban

By onnaedo.okafor  /  September 6, 2012  /  Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 0 Reactions

Following rigorous technical, operational and financial audit on Dana Airline after the June 3rd crash of one of its planes which claimed the lives of all 153 passengers on board, the Federal Government has cleared the airline to resume its operations. The move has generated outcry from Labour activists, Lawyers and families of the victims of [...]

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Minister of Petroleum’s Sudden Trip to UK Fuels Speculations

By intoxyka  /  September 6, 2012  /  Featured, Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 1 Reaction

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dieziani Alison-Madueke trip to the UK has fuelled speculations about the reason for her trip. The minister who is not on leave, suddenly left for the United kingdom last week. Most have speculated that she travelled for medical reasons while others have said that she travelled for a ‘personal matter’. The Director [...]

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Nigerian Navy Rescues Singaporean Oil-Tanker from Pirates

By eternal  /  September 6, 2012  /  Featured, Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 0 Reactions

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), reports that a Singapore-owned oil tanker hijacked by pirates, Tuesday, has been rescued by the Nigerian Navy. The oil tanker which had 23 Indian sailors on board, was seized in the Gulf of Guinea, but was freed by the Navy who sent in two ships and a helicopter to the scene. All crew members are reported [...]

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Cynthia Okosogu Murder: Police Recover Nude Photos of Murdered Victim, Others

By intoxyka  /  September 6, 2012  /  Featured, Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 1 Reaction

The investigating team of the Cynthia Okosou murder have hit pay dirt. The police have recovered nude photos of the murdered girl and other victims from a laptop belonging to one of the suspects. The photos which numbered up to 50, showed the victim while she was being sexually assaulted with bite marks all over her [...]

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State Governors Not Favourably Disposed to Introduction of N5000 Note

By intoxyka  /  September 6, 2012  /  Featured, Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 0 Reactions

Just a few hours after the approval of the National Economic Management Team on the new currency, there are indications that state governors are not favourably disposed introduction of  the new currency. According to state governors, they were not informed of the approval of the plan to introduce the new currency, stating that to the best of their [...]

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Federal Government to Take Charge of Reconstructing Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

By intoxyka  /  September 6, 2012  /  Featured, Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 0 Reactions

The Federal Government has decided to take over the reconstruction of the Lagos – Ibadan expressway from construction firm Bi-Courntey. Bi – Courtney has been on the job since 2009 and are currently still in talks with the Federal government as to the early construction of the roads. In a press briefing, Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, [...]

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EFCC Tackles NGO’s; Calls Them Avenues For Money Laundering

By intoxyka  /  September 6, 2012  /  Featured, Headlines, Nigerian News  /  0 Comments and 0 Reactions

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched an attack on NGO’s within the country, labelling them as money laundering units. The head of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering,  Angela Nworgu, levelled these harsh allegations at the NGO’s in a seminar held for non-financial institutions at Abuja. She says that according  to a research carried out by the Financial [.

The Unofficial NEA 2012

The Unofficial NEA 2012 Post on BellaNaija! All the Snapshots of Annie Idibia, Funke “Jenifa”, AY, Waje, Don Jazzy, Susan Peters, Ice Prince & More

Yesterday, Sunday 2nd September 2012, the 7th edition of Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place in style at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 60 Washington Square South, New York, USA.

The event which was hosted by top Nigerian comedian, AY and “Jenifa” star Funke Akindele-Oloyedewho arrived in a luscious pink floor length one shoulder gown with silver sequins, saw in attendance some  of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Don Jazzy, Uche Jombo, Wizkid, Brymo, Waje, Juliet Ibrahim, Susan Peters, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Ice Prince, eLDee andVector, who all came in their best ensembles.

Now let’s talk fashion, must see looks of the night include; Uche Jombo who came in with her husband in anIsi Atagamen dress, top model Ify Jones and Annie Macaulay-Idibia strut the red carpet in Vonne Couture black dresses and Susan Peters in a robe gold dress. And on the dapper side, eLDee stepped on stage in a double breasted black suit with white pants and BBA 2010 Winner Uti Nwachukwu accepted his award in a blue check suit.

The official photos are coming soon, so keep refreshing BellaNaija, till then, check out some of the unofficial photos of the stars leaving Lagos to New York City, to the pre-NEA event and the grand award show itself.

Jetting to NYC

Uche Jombo & Don Jazzy

Uche Jombo & Ice Prince

Waje, Funke Akindele-Oloyede & AY

Ice Prince & Don Jazzy

Pre-NEA

Susan Peters, AY, Uche Jombo & Juliet Ibrahim

Susan Peters & Millen Magese

The 7th Edition of NEA

Ify Jones in Vonne Couture

Susan Peters & Funke Akindele

Uche Jombo

Uche Jombo & Her Husband, Kenny Rodriguez

Annie Macaulay-Idibia in Vonne Couture

Inside

Funke Akindele & AY

eLDee

Brymo

Ice Prince

Uti Nwachukwu

Vector

Waje

Wizkid

Rita Dominic Declares: 'I Never Believed I Would Still Be Relevant In Revitalised Nollywood'

That Nollywood is presently going through a revitalised phase is no surprise, but that some actors and actresses, who have been in the game for some time and are still relevant in the movie industry is surely surprising.

Not many, who craved for a better Nollywood, are making relevance in the game now. Some have backed off while some have simply remained underground trying to strategise on how to fit in or make a come back, if possible.

For the likes of Omotola Ekeinde Jalade, Genevieve Nnaji, Jim Iyke, Rita Dominic and few others, there is no doubt that they are still threats to many up and coming actors and actresses.

In an interview captured by Nigeriafilms.com some months ago at an event, Rita Dominic revealed that she is amazingly surprised that she is still relevant in the 'new' Nollywood, which has undergone sporadic changes.

When asked to comment on Nigerian movie industry in yesteryears compared to how it is today. The 2012 AMAA Best Actress of the Year winner said, "it (Nollywood) has grown tremendously. I never believed I would be here to witness these changes, but I am still here. The industry can only get better."

Rita is one of the few Nollywood icons that have survived the breeze that is sweeping through the film industry. She has been busy on a movie location in Ibadan, Oyo State, where she spent about four months before returning to Lagos few days ago.

9ice/Toni Payne Latest: Being a single mom is hard, my son is now my focus—Toni Payne

Some days ago, there were reports about 9ice claiming he has moved on from his reported marriage crash but stated that he would not remarry. Days after the report, Toni Payne took to twitter to disclose what her focus is; raising her only child from her marriage with singer.

In her words; “being a single mom is hard, I have taken it in stride. My focus isn’t the challenges, but raising a child who is proud to have been raised by me.”

Both 9ice and his estranged wife, Toni Payne have been separated from each other for over a year now. Though it had been reported in some sections of the media that there is an imminent comeback between them, but that has not yet manifested. The duo produced a child, Zion from their marriage.

Nollywood Budding Actress, Stephanie Chijioke Gets N100m Mansion, Splashes N44m On Cars

Gist reaching Nigeriafilms.com has it that Nollywood promising actress, Stephanie Chijioke is now living large as she has spent a fortune in making life very comfortable for herself. 

A source disclose that the Dubai-based actress, popularly known as Arab Money, is putting up a mansion worth about 100million Naira in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the bird in the know, Stephanie is being spoilt with this kind of money by one Bayelsan big boy. Stephanie, who is not among A-list actresses in Nollywood, is said to be living an extravagant life most of the A-listers in the movie industry cannot live. 

The source further revealed that this Bayelsan big boy recently bought a 2012 Mercedes Benz CLS Wagon worth about 18.7million Naira and a Mercedes Benz G55 AMG worth about 25.1million Naira for this up and coming actress. 

Stephanie lost her sister to the cold hands of death sometime in June 2012. That notwithstanding, the lady is on top of her game at the moment.

Princess

Lepacious Bose

Big, Strong, Reliable' Nigerian Female Stars On Parade

'Big, Strong, Reliable' Nigerian Female Stars On Parade

Call them ‘plus size’, you are on point. Describe them as ‘big, strong and reliable’ like a bank’s slogan, you will never be prosecuted for that. In the African parlance, they are referred to as ‘big madam’.

In the entertainment industry in Nigeria, we can only boast of few plus 12 Nigerian female stars just like the American Moniques and Queen Lateefats. Here are some Nigeria's ‘big, strong and reliable’ celebrities in the showbiz industry.

Ronke Oshodi Oke
Ronke is a known fish in the Yoruba movie industry. For her, playing comic character is gradually becoming her best belt. She is one of the few ‘big, strong and reliable’ stars in the showbiz industry in Nigeria. Her natural frontal endowment, which gave birth to her ‘Oshodi Oke’ suffix to her name, has made most people forget that her real name is Ronke Ojo. In the acting world, she is not new as she has also paid her dues. 

Foluke Daramola
When the role-call of Yoruba actresses that are well educated are called, Foluke Daramola's name would not be missing just as she would anyday anytime make the list of ‘plus size’ celebs in Nigeria. Unlike Ronke who is not a good dresser, Foluke knows what to wear at the right time. One thing Foluke may lack may be her being scarce at most showbiz events. She is even now of a social activist than an actress she is known for. 

Lepacious Bose
A mention of her name without her picture may give the impression that Ogunboye Bose better known as Lepacious Bose is the ‘lepa’ type of a lady. But a picture of her shows otherwise. For Bose, comedy has made her become a public figure and an avenue to give hope to the plus 12 in the society. One funny thing about her is that she crack jokes with herself, which make people laugh.

Princess
Damilola Adekoya popularly known as Princess is one of the top comedians in Nigeria. While a student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), her love for comedy was already known. She qualifies to be in the list of Nigeria’s top ‘big, bold and beautiful’ entertainers. She is also largely endowed both in the frontal and backside of her body. She is absolutely endowed just like the Kokomaster, D’Banj puts it.

Eniola Badmus
This list wil definitely be incomplete if the name of Eniola Badmus well known as ‘Wuule’ (meaning ‘fill the house’) is not included. Gbogbo Bigs Girlz, as Eniola is fondly called by both friends and fans in the Yoruba film industry, is one the ‘plus size’ celebrities Nigeria can boast of any day, anytime. Her acting prowess is never in doubt as she delivers her movie role well.

Wyclef,Akon to feature in Nollywood film

Black November behind the scenes

International musical acts, Wyclef Jean and Akon will feature in 

International musical acts, Wyclef Jean and Akon will feature in Jeta Amata’s "Black November". The duo joined the cast in the final lap of shooting, which took place in Los Angeles, California.

The movie "Black November" is about the Niger Delta and features Nollywood stars; Fred Amata, Nse Ikpe-Etim, OC Ukeje, and Robert Peters  in the big-budget film.

It also has Hollywood actors like Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Sarah Wayne Callies and Anne Heche.

Jeta Amata is known for his international standard movies including; The Amazing Grace, Inale and Black Gold

Bomb scare in Asaba, gunmen kill don, council scribe in Borno

A BOMB scare in Asaba, capital of Delta State, yesterday sent government officials scampering for safety. The scare disrupted activities at the Cabinet Office Complex as it was locked by the police.

But the state government dismissed what was suspected to be a bomb as a device at the entrance to the office of the Head of Service in Asaba to scare people.

The threat to security was, however, made real once again in Borno State as gunmen killed the Bama Local Council Secretary, Muhammed Salisu, and a university teacher Abubakar Muhammed Salihu.

The Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan who reacted to the reported bomb scare in Asaba, disclosed that what was suspected to be an explosive device was only a fetish-like object made to look like a bomb to scare   people.

He said that when the police bomb disposal unit checked it there was nothing in the object that could be detonated.

His words: “What was found by the police bomb disposal unit was not a bomb. It was just something put together like a fetish thing that did not have the component of a bomb. Maybe a native doctor tied a few things together to scare people.”

The governor explained that the bomb scare was caused by mischief-makers who had the intention of blackmailing the government, stressing that it was something fetish put together that did not have the components of a bomb.

However, he said that the government and the security agencies in particular were on the alert to ensure that criminal-minded persons would not capitalize on the development to cause havoc in the state.

The governor assured Delta residents that his administration would continue to protect lives and property, explaining that security operatives were carrying out surveillance in the state and would nip any security threat in the bud.

The Commissioner of Police Ikechukwu Aduba confirmed that the device was not a bomb and would not have exploded saying: “It is neither a bomb nor an explosive.”

He observed that the watch on the device was not timed and connected. He advised Delta residents to be security conscious and report any strange object or persons in their vicinity to the police.

But in Maiduguri gunmen killed the Bama Local Council Secretary and an Ekiti university teacher on Monday night.

The killings, according to a resident, occurred in Suluemanti ward of the metropolis, near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot, before men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) rushed to the scene to prevent further attacks.

The Police Commissioner in the state, Yuguda Abdullalahi,  said  yesterday: “The Bama Council Secretary, Muhammed Salisu, and his friend, Barrister Abubakar Muhammed Salihu, a Senior Law lecturer from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, in South-West Nigeria, were shot dead last night.”

He added: “When the police rushed to the scene, the bodies of the two slain friends were seen lying in the pool of their blood with bullet wounds in their heads, suspected to be fired by armed hoodlums in the area.”

A close family relation to Salisu told The Guardian that  the  lecturer was in Maiduguri to enroll his 12-year-old son in one of the colleges in Maiduguri.

He said: “This boy came in yesterday and insisted on sleeping in the house of his best friend, the local government secretary. He was supposed to deliver a paper at the Nigeria Law School today in Abuja.”

The bodies of the two have since been taken to Biu town, 187 kilometres south of Maiduguri, for burial, according to Islamic rites.

The Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU) was thrown  into  a mournful mood yesterday following the news of the gruesome murder of  the lecturer .

Speaking on the telephone yesterday, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Bunmi Ajibade, said the university community received the sad news with shock. He described the death as “unfortunate”.

He said as soon as the university confirmed the incident, the Vice Chancellor of the school, Prof. Patrick Aina paid a condolence visit to the Dean of the Faculty of Law and the  family of the deceased.

Besides, barely 24 hours after the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) recovered a cache of arms and ammunition at a Boko Haram hide-out in Maiduguri metropolis, six gunmen on a tricycle yesterday attacked and set ablaze Gwange III Primary School at about 1.35 p.m.

The suspects, according to a resident, used Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and petrol-bombs in torching four blocks of classrooms, while they fired several gunshots to scare away residents living near the school.