An Ogun State High Court in Ilaro, Western Nigeria, has fixed June 19 for ruling in the case brought before it by candidates whose names were submitted by the National Executive of PDP.

The party urged the court to determine whether it was the state executive of the party or the national body that had the right to nominate candidates for the local government elections.

The PDP prayed the court to mandate the state Electoral Commission to authenticate its list of candidates for the local government elections in the state.

Edward Ayo-Odegbesan,counsel for the party argued that its constitution empowered the national organ to determine who represents the party in any election.

However, Ajibola Oluyede, lawyer of the the state executive committee of the party, argued that the case had been adjudicated upon at a Lagos High Court in a suite NO. FHC/347/2012.

Oluyede told the court that the court had ruled that only the state executive committee had the constitutional power to nominate and rectify list of candidates for any state election.

He argued further that the initiator of the case was only wasting the time of the court and that the court should therefore strike it out accordingly.

“No organ of the party can act on behalf of the party except the state executive committee, since there is a valid judgment in that regard, they cannot reopen the case here.

“We have filed a counter affidavit to their claims and application to be joined in the matter.

“We are convinced beyond doubt that this suit is nothing but an abuse of court process, ‘’ Oluyede told the court.

In her ruling, Justice Mosun Dipeolu told the lawyers not to unnecessarily waste the time of the court with frivolous applications.

She, thereafter, fixed June 19, for the rulings on the application to be joined in the matter by the state executive party and the affidavit of claims by the candidates.

Dipeolu said that she would also deliver ruling on whether her court had the jurisdiction to hear the matter to determine which of the party organ should submit list of candidates.

23-year-old Gay South African, Thapelo Makutle was murdered and mutilated in an alleged hate crime. Makutle recently won the Miss Gay pageant in a small town of Kuruman, and also participated in the Kimberley Out In Africa Gay and Lesbian Festival. He also volunteered at the Legbo Northern Cape, a lobby group for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisegxwal and transgender (LGBT).

Allegedly, two men approached Makutle, who had just left a club and was heading home, they questioned him about his segxwal orientation and his appearance. According to Democratic Alliance Parliamentary Leader in South Africa Lindiwe Mazibuko,

    "This violent and gruesome assault is yet another reminder that many of our country’s people are still denied the basic rights and freedoms which our constitution enshrines ... There is a spate of homophobic hate crimes which have recently taken place across our country, including the repugnant and unconscionable crime of so-called 'corrective rape' committed against lesbian South African women."

So sad.

Toke Makinwa is every bit a charmer. With her confident and sexy voice, great looks and wonderful stage presence, she warms her way into the hearts of her listeners, viewers and audience earning her an enviable reputation as an on air personality, TV Presenter and event host.

She started out her career as a radio presenter on Cool Fm as a teenager back in 1999. Although her stay there was short lived, she cherished the experience and for several years, nursed her dream of returning back to the Radio.

Now an On Air Personality with Rhythm 93.7Fm, she captures her listeners’ attention on her morning show, the Morning Drive, where she gives her listeners a healthy dose of information and inspiration to start the day alongside her co-host. She is also the co-host of the soon to be launched TV show – ‘3 Live Chicks’ where she discusses a wide range of topics with other presenters – Oreka Godis & Tosyn Bucknor.

Toke is also a host on the popular Flytime TV show and was the co-host of the 2012 edition of Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty contest.

She speaks about her career journey, passions and more in this exclusive interview with Adeola Adeyemo.

Many people know you as an On Air Personality and TV Presenter. But I’d like to know more. Tell me more about the real you.
Toke Makinwa is a regular everyday girl. I’ve got sisters and a brother. I love making friends, I love being heard ‘attention seeker’ and I guess that’s what makes me good at what I do.

How old are you?
I’d be 28 in November.

What was your growing up like and educational background?
Growing up was fun-tastic as I like to stay. I was born in Abuja so I started schooling in Abuja before my parents moved down to Lagos. I had my secondary school in Federal Government Girls College, Oyo and I studied English Language at University of Lagos.

Toke’s Career Life
You host shows on Radio and TV and I must say you do both quite well. Which one came first – Radio or TV?
Radio is my first love.

How and when did you get on to Radio?
In 1999, Cool Fm had just opened and there was this teenage program that showcased the life of teenagers and topics that interest them like sex education, being good at home, being good in school and it was broadcast every Saturday morning. It was short lived because my parents didn’t think it was a career then, they didn’t even think it was cool being on radio.

So you had some resistance from your parents initially…
I got the job and I didn’t tell anyone at home. My Mum was driving in the car one day and she heard my voice on radio and that was it. She didn’t even let me resign formally because she didn’t allow me go back there. I just stopped. Sometimes I wonder how I was on the radio for four months without my Mum hearing of it. But one fateful day she heard and that was the last time I ever went into the studio of Cool Fm.

What did you do afterwards?
I went to the University but somewhere deep down inside of me, I always wanted to go back to radio. I loved how you could express yourself and have people listen to you so I thought of giving it another try but it didn’t come quite as I planned because when I was done with University, I packed my bags and moved to London. I wanted to pursue the entertainment career before I came back home but that wasn’t successful.

Tell me about your comeback into the industry. How did you get on to presenting the Morning Drive on Rhythm 93.7Fm.
Let’s fast forward to 2010. My sister told me Rhythm was rebranding and looking for On Air Personalities and she suggested that I try it out. I auditioned in Rhythm and other radio stations but Rhythm got back to me first.

You’ve successfully crossed over from Radio to TV with your shows on Flytime TV which is mostly broadcast online. Tell me more about Flytime and how you got on the show.
Flytime TV is a production company.  It was Cecil Hammond’s goal to have his own network. We met up and talked about the ideas he had for Flytime TV as a TV station and I said ‘Why not?’ let me try out for that. Our relationship started with 3 Live Chicks. There are a lot of TV presenters out there but he wanted radio presenters on a show together because somehow, people take the words of radio presenters as bond. So he thought to himself, let’s cast 3 radio presenters.

3 Live Chicks – There has been considerable anticipation building up to the debut of the show. Tell me more about the show and what you feel about it?
We decided to start working on this show where we could talk about lifestyle, politics, we’d have celebrity guests and talk about things that are happening. Just 3 women chatting on and on and also we’d have a guest to talk with. We have finished the first season and it’s absolutely beautiful. I’ve seen a couple of episodes and I can’t wait for the world to watch it. I host it with Tosyn Bucknor and Oreka Godis.

I’d like to know, what is the relationship between Rhythm 93.7 Fm and Flytime TV?
There like sister companies. Cecil Hammond is Ben Bruce’s nephew but Flytime is Flytime, Rhythm is Rhythm.

How do you balance your roles on Radio and TV well and still excel in both?
It’s quite hectic but I’m the first person to say if you love what you do, you’d never have to work a day in your life. For me, the energy comes from just loving the concept. Even when I try to relax, I’m always thinking of new ideas. That is my passion; I don’t see it as work.

On your wake up show, the Morning Drive, you bring up a number of interesting topics for listeners to talk about. What has been the most memorable topic you’ve discussed on the show in recent times?
I would say recently, the Dana Plane Crash, God rest the souls of the people that we lost. Unfortunately a friend of mine was on that flight so having to read out the manifest, I broke down on air.

Please do accept my condolences. On a lighter note, what is the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever had while on air?
Not turning off the mic and just chatting. It’s happened to me one too many times and it hasn’t been pretty. It’s so funny how you think no one is listening but they never miss that. Sometimes it gets on Twitter and someone Tweets that the people on Rhythm have forgotten to turn off their microphone, tune in now to hear. I might just be saying something I don’t want people listening in to hear and before you know it, it’s out in the open.

For those who admire what you do and have aspirations to follow in a similar path, how fulfilling is your career as a TV & Radio personality.
150% if there is anything like that. It’s OK to think about the gains or what it has to offer you but the first thing is you must love what you do. David Beckham gets paid so much money for tapping football which is probably one of his hobbies. You must see it as something you cannot live without. The fulfillment has to come from you chasing that dream and it’s quite amazing what you get back from it as well.

That leads me to my next question. How financially rewarding is your career?
A radio presenter would tell you that apart from your monthly salary, the job comes with a lot of perks. You have hype, jingles, you have companies listening to your voice and saying ‘oh, I want that person to represent my brand’. In a month you could make so much more than your regular income. But with TV, we are getting there.

Fashion, Romance & Controversies
As a TV Personality, your appearance at public events is usually something a lot of people take note of. How would you describe your fashion style and how have you been able to cope with the spotlight?
I love fashion, I breathe fashion, I eat fashion. I could be very occupied reading a fashion magazine. For me, fashion evolves, it’s an everyday thing. I like what I feel comfortable in, what makes me feel young, what interprets who I am. If the public would see that I’m fashionable I’d say thank you for that.
Do you have a stylist who picks out your clothes and accessories for social events?
I have a couple of stylists actually and I have become friends with a number of Nigerian designers as well. It’s OK to have a stylist but I would advice everyone to have a personal relationship with designers too. I’d have to give it to them, Nigerian designers work really hard but sometimes the stylist who puts clothes together gets more recognition than the designer. I use Tianah’s Place, Lucy Love, Bolaji Animashaun and the designers that over the years I’ve become good friends with- April by Kunbi, I really love her; Phunk Afrique, Moofa.

Would you rather not have a stylist and just have the freedom to pick out your clothes yourself?
Because of the nature of my job, I would because sometimes I might think this is right but a professional’s eye would look at it and say this is not appropriate for that event. Of course I cannot say I would not use a stylist, I would always use a stylist. Even when you get clothes off designers, it’s always good to have someone that you can run it by.
I’m used to seeing you in this particular hair style, long weaves with a side or center parting. When are you going to try out something different?
I like to grow my hair to start with. When you’re approaching 30 or 35, you do not want to wake up one morning and find out that because of regular perming, your hair is all gone. Sometimes when I do not want to perm my hair, I close the parting up and I think the side parting suits me. I’ve got a big forehead which I love. I’m an Ondo girl. If Tyra Banks was a Nigerian, she’d be an Ondo girl. Bangs fit me as well but maybe I’d change it soon. I’m willing to try new things as long as I don’t have to bleach my hair.

Would you be willing to try out a short hair do for instance?
Because I’m so short and tiny, I think I would disappear under the hair.

You came under the media spotlight some weeks ago when you were quoted by several blogs and websites saying that you called popular blogger, Linda Ikeji a gossip and not a role model. However, you didn’t give much of a response when it happened. Why?
It’s been a while and I didn’t respond when it all happened. I’m someone who likes to take the high road. Someone said to me, when there is a hundred percent negativity, ignore 99% and that 1% you rise up to, make sure it’s worth it. I didn’t think it was worth it, I didn’t think there was anything to say.

Most people only got to read a few lines of what you supposedly said on your show that morning. Were you quoted out of context?
Anyone who listened to the radio that morning would testify to what really happened. I have a Radio Show, she has a Blog and we are both responsible for passing out information. I respect what she does; lots of people go there even from outside the country to stay in touch with what is happening in Nigeria. This is my Radio show, my space and I believe it’s also my duty to educate people out there.
We were talking about Nigeria and how the reading culture is declining. I’m guilty as well, I said it on the show that I can’t remember the last time that I really read a book and we were trying to recall days when we had books like Animal Farm, The Gods Are Not To Blame. It’s so heart breaking when a 12 year-old girl might sit in here and Wole Soyinka would walk past and she’d probably not know who he is. We were talking about why people find it easier to read the average website and not a book. I think if she had heard it, she’d probably have been proud of the fact that she was rated among the people that I mentioned like Perez Hilton, TMZ, Media Take Out. I read them, I’m a radio presenter I should read them but I would not encourage the average 15 year-old to go on Media Take Out or TMZ or Linda Ikeji’s Blog. It’s not a personal attack on her person because her blog is a brand. For instance, if you sell cigarettes for a living and someone says cigarettes is bad for the health, why would you think that the person is trying to disrespect you as a person?
The name of her blog is Linda Ikeji’s Blog. It’s a brand. I don’t know her as a person, I don’t know her doctrines, I don’t know who she is so why would I attack her personality?

She gave quite a response on her blog to your comment. How do you feel about her response?
She’s a business woman and I could see business written all over it and as far as I’m concerned, if she felt that was an avenue to tell a story to the world, I can’t knock her hustle. It’s business.

You attended the same University and studied the same course with Linda but graduated about two years apart. Didn’t you know her back then?
This is the first time I’m actually hearing that. A lot of people didn’t like me back in University, maybe I was just one of those girls that she didn’t like.

Would you call yourself a role model?
It’s relative. I think who you think is a role model would be different from who another person would think is a role model. I’m not trying to be Mother Theresa, I’m trying to reach out to people as best as I can. It’s an individual thing. I love The Kardashians, most people don’t. But I see business. I think that they are hard working.
Let’s talk about some mushy stuff now. Are you a big fan of romantic marriage proposals?
I’m a lover of love, I wrote the book called love. I’ve been dreaming about my wedding since I was 5. Yes, I believe in fairy tales, I believe in happy ever-afters. I don’t plan what is going to happen after the happy ever after but just give me that.

What is your ideal marriage proposal?
Growing up, I did dream that I would get proposed to on Oprah Winfrey Show. I dreamt that the guy would have all the rings out at Oprah and would tell me he is taking me to lunch, leave me  in a hotel room, send my dress up and I’d wear this lovely dress. Then he’d send a chauffeur to pick me up to come and meet him at work and somehow we’d be parked at the back corner of Harper Studios, and I’d walk in through the back door not knowing where I am and the next thing is I’d find myself on set with Oprah. Then she’d ask me “do you know where you are” and I’d say “I was supposed to meet my fiancé somewhere”. Then I’d see all my family members in the audience and my fiancé comes out, gets on his knees and there are people carrying the rings and he says “take any ring of your choice. Marry me.”

You sound very dreamy. Let’s come back to earth now. It’s all over the news that you recently got engaged. Tell me, how did he propose?
It was romantic, that’s all I’d say. Not Oprah Winfrey Show kind of romantic but maybe when I have my own talk show, we’d renew our vows on my show.

How soon are you going to walk down the aisle with your fiancé?
I’ve been planning my wedding since I was 5 and I want everything to be perfect so I’m still planning and when I’m ready I would let you know.

It was great chatting with Toke Makinwa and from Bellanaija.com, we wish her the very best!

Toke Makinwa’s Interview with 9ice
http://youtu.be/amcNvPzFgXs
http://youtu.be/4nU1vxsjgY4

Golden City Assembly, a Lagos based church, recently appreciated ‘the immense effort’ of one of Nigeria’s multi-talented comedian Ayodeji Richard Makun popularly known as AY at her just concluded Achievers’ Day event.

According the host Pastor Samuel Adeoye, ‘The comedian has contributed his own quota to youth development in the country. He further said,  the vision of the Church is to breed the next generation leaders in all walks of life . The belief is not in the religion of a person, but everyman’s potential. We don’t care whether you’re a Muslim or Christian, our interest is you and that in everyman is the seed of life.’

The award was received by Afam Felix on behalf of AY who was in Abuja for 2Face’s Away and Beyond concert.

The comedian, who later spoke to NET said,’ There is no better place to be recognized than the body of Christ. I really appreciate the love and honour shown to me and I say a big thank you to them. I’m really grateful to them for this and will continue to do what God as sent me to do in my own way’.

The event which  took place at the church premises on Saturday, June 9, 2012 also honoured several celebrities such as the godfather of stand-up comedy  Ali Baba, a former PMAN president Tee-Mac, and award winning actor Joseph Benjamin.

The Theatre Arts graduate from Delta State University Abraka and protégé of Ali Baba started his professional stand up comedy in 2006 and has won several awards including Best Upcoming Comedian in Nigeria, courtesy: National Comedy Awards.

AY as he is fondly called has had several successful comedy shows within and outside the country as he is also preparing for his forthcoming show in Abuja; AY LIVE Show come Sunday, June 17 (tomorrow).  Speaking on the show he said, ‘We are really putting our best into it to make it worth the while for everyone, the preparations have been o or more than a week one. My crew and I intend to make it better and bigger than that of Lagos’.

The Charity Lounge Lagos is set to host its official Induction Ceremony tagged The Fantastic Five on Thursday 28th June at Troy Lounge. This is coming after it recorded a remarkable success of the Children Day Celebration with the Challenged on May 27 2012 which was marked by a Fundraising Initiative.

According to Charity Lounge resident rep,
the Fantastic Four Individuals and Initiatives have finally made an additional list of recognizing a young Philanthropist and its initiative for exemplifying all the attributes of a good neighbor and their contribution to humanity.

Those nominated for the Hall of Fame now includes Nollywood star  Stella Damasus, Pop artiste Innocent '2face' Idibia, Comedian Julius Agwu ,Broadcaster Funmi Iyanda and Corporate Executive, Gerald Azobo.

Those shortlisted for the initiatives now includes: The Future Project, Lamboginny Say No to Crime, Save Laura Campaign, Bake for Change and Kuth Foundation.

Do you love to have fun and make financial contributions to Charities, then make sure you come for the official induction ceremony.
See you all there and don't forget to bring your wallets for the Auction!
Admission is strictly by Guest list. So to make reservations please call 08036804764, 08037071370, 08052025238.

Date: Thursday 28th June 2012
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Troy Lounge, 12, oladele kadiri behind Excellence Hotel, ogba.
Dress Code: A Touch of White or Black (Formal)

Partners are Digital Interactive Media, Zapphaire Event, Troy Lounge, Peekaboo Global Consulting and Creative Five World (Charity Lounge Lagos Parent Company)

The nominations list for the 2012 edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Awards was unveiled during a black tie event held at Federal Palace Hotel on Jun 1, 2012.

Here are a few photos from the event…



CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE PARTY

Armed robbers stormed the Sabo area of Osogbo, Osun State on Thursday, carting away unspecified sum of money after robbing some Hausa Bureau de Change operators. After the robbery, the robbers headed towards Olaiya-Ogo-Oluwa area of the metropolis, which houses no fewer than 10 banks, where they were confronted by the police guarding one of the banks. But the robbers engaged the policemen, shooting a corporal in the leg.


The police mobilised, deploying more men to confront the hoodlums. The robbers were said to have fled when they realised that the police were determined to arrest them.

Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Kalafite Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, saying the police were on the trail of the robbers.

A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “When they saw the firepower and readiness of our men, they fled through Gbonga Road, where they killed one of our men in a patrol van at Gbongan junction.”

A customer, who was in one of the banks during the gunfight, Miss Itunu Lawanson, said panic gripped everybody in the banking hall.

Lawanson said, “Everybody ran helter-skelter. Some people ran into toilets, some hid under tables as gunfire crackled. Many hid under chairs and tables.”

After the pandemonium, which greeted the duel died down, several police vehicles were deployed in the capital city even as banks locked up for the day.

Many residents condemned the sporadic shooting by policemen in patrol vehicles after the robbers had fled.

Nigeria and the United States of America government might be heading for a diplomatic row over the decision of the latter to freeze some of the accounts of the country’s embassy in Washington, DC.

Bank of America, M&T Bank and Wells Fargo received directive from the US government to close the accounts of the Nigerian embassy in Washington and its consulate in New York on suspicion of money laundering after traffic on the various accounts raised a red flag.

The decision is sequel to intelligence report generated by a panel comprising representatives of the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Department of Treasury, unknown to Nigerian embassy officials, to monitor wires and traffic in all the accounts operated by the embassy.

An online publication Huhuonline.com had reported on Friday that the US on Wednesday vowed to ignore a request by the federal government urging Bank of America and Wells Fargo to unfreeze Nigerian embassy’s bank accounts in Washington, DC, and New York.

The move, according to sources, is setting the stage for a potential showdown between the two countries with Nigeria also threatening to reciprocate by freezing the US embassy’s accounts in the country.

The online media stated that about $3.6 million dollars was said to have entered and left the accounts in under a month, the latest transaction being the withdrawal of $50,000 in hard cash by a top embassy staff.

In rejecting the federal government’s request, a source in the State Department was quoted as saying, “The Nigerian embassy was unable to respond to requests for clarification about payments and transactions into the account and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the accounts are being used as channels for money laundering and other financial crimes.’’

The source, who said the move was not targeted at the country’s embassy alone, told the online news blog that the embassies of two other unnamed African countries were affected by the freeze.

Also, an unnamed federal government official in the foreign affairs ministry was quoted to have stated, “We must not accept the illegal decision to shut down legitimate embassy accounts simply because we are in America.”

A source at the Nigerian foreign affairs ministry told Huhuonline.com was asked whether Nigeria will go the extra mile to institute retaliatory action which could be interpreted as a declaration of war, and he retorted: “I don’t know if it’s an act of war, but it’s outside all norms of international behaviour…we’ll see what happens when push comes to shove.”

Since the freezing of the bank accounts, the Nigerian embassy has been grounded as it can no longer conduct regular embassy business, such as paying bills and the salaries of diplomats.

As part of efforts to resolve the issue, the auditor-general of the federation and a team of auditors left for the US to begin auditing the accounts of the embassy.

Efforts by embassy officials to open new bank accounts with other American banks have so far been politely turned down, prompting consideration of reciprocal measures such as closing the bank accounts of the U.S embassy in Nigeria.

American rapper and ‘Bad Boy’, Sean Combs otherwise called P Diddy, is closing down his Atlanta based Justin’s restaurant.

The restaurant which was founded 14 years ago, is named after his son, Justin and was popular for the ‘Martini Mondays’ and the countless popular celebrities it hosted.

Although, there have been several claims that the decision to shut down is a temporary one and the business may soon re-open, others have countered this, claiming the shut down is permanent and was due to lack of proper management.

However, a representative of the Bad Boy World Entertainment Group, which has P diddy as boss, has debunked the assertions, stating that the restaurant was closed to allow the company pursue other business ventures which include music, television, fashion, fragrance and spirits.

Justin’s first outlet was opened in New York and suffered the same fate in 2007.

The 37 year old rapper was photographed in LA recently with puffy facial features; puffy cheeks, altered lips, uneven brows, and a much smaller nose.

She's had a lot of work done on that face of hers over the years but the latest one has really altered her old look. Plastic surgeons in LA say her new look is an example of surgery gone bad and are worried the singer has suffered some sort of muscle or nerve weakness due to her numerous cosmetic procedures. They said her lower lip on the left side is not working well.

Nigeria’s representative, Goldie has for the second time, emerged as the head of the Upville house in the on going Big Brother Stargame show.

Her new position was as a result of her victory in the ice cream task which required that the housemates feast on ice cream without using utensils. The 28-year-old singer beat her fellow house mates hands down, finished her ice cream before every other person and happily placed the bowl on her head.

She will take over from Lady May and resume officially on Monday, June 18, 2012.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Lee and Keagan  and Junia and Jessica from Namibia await their eviction fate tomorrow, Sunday, June 17, 2012, after they were randomly nominated for eviction on Monday, June 11, 2012.

Everything Louis Vuitton, even the collar of his shirt...lol.
The Nigerian traveler's friend sent in the photo which was taken in Ibiza.

The first time we heard Bottom Belle, we loved it. The feisty diva, Omawumi did her thing with her strong vocal chords. She infused the classic Omawumi humor and together with highlife crooner, Flavour N’abania they made this great song. Renowned director, Clarence Peters did his thing on this video.

<a href="http://vimeo.com/44132017" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://vimeo.com/44132017</a>

Actress Tonto Dikeh was recently accused of receiving N5m in return for sex with Sifax boss Taiwo Afolabi who allegedly has one nights stand with Nollywood actresses in exchange for money and gifts.


When Tonto was contacted she said;

    "I Dont know him and the  name rings  no bell ... no one gave me five million for sex ...This is just another funny joke gone too far like all the others. I don't know where it is coming from. I don't even know who the man is. I have other things to concentrate on please,these are all unecessary distractions.

 Taiwo is a 50year old multi millionaire businessman, nd according to some, he has bedded 90% of Nollywood's leading ladies.

The actor, who has been keeping a low profile in recent times, was spotted at an event in Lagos last week. Looks like he's aging very well.

Narrating his ordeal to CRIME DIGEST on Wednesday, Akimu said, “I had known Anyanwu for about a year before I decided to visit her in Lagos. She had a brother at Ozarra whom she frequently visited. Sometimes, she would stay for some weeks or a month before going back to Lagos.

“Like me, Anyanwu only had secondary school education. We were seeing each other during her visits to Enugu. So, when I was on annual leave in June 2009, I decided to visit Lagos briefly and see Anyanwu in her residence.

“It was my first visit to Lagos. The day I came to Lagos, I spent the night with a friend at Ikotun. The next morning, I went to Lekki, to the address Anyanwu had given me.”

Akimu said he succeeded in locating Anyanwu’s residence at about 11 am. After stating his mission to the security guard, he (the guard) admitted him into the compound. Unfortunately, he did not make it to the front door of the house before all hell broke loose.

He said, “Anyanwu’s home was at Lekki Phase. I don’t recall the name of the street. At the gate, I had to identify myself and who I came to see before I was let in. I met a girl in the compound, perhaps about 20 years, but I didn’t talk to her. As I walked up to the door, the girl let out a scream saying I was a thief. I was rooted to the spot. This girl kept screaming and screaming. Then about seven young men rushed out from behind the house. I think there was a boys quarters there.

“They all pounced on me and started beating me. Nobody asked me what I came to steal or how I got into the house. Anyanwu, who was in the main building before my arrival, then came out. She had been drawn out by the commotion. Immediately she saw I was the person being attacked, she pleaded with them to stop beating me. She told them that I was her friend. But nobody listened to her.”

While Akimu was being allegedly assaulted, somebody phoned Anyanwu’s uncle and alerted him of the development. “Eventually, Anyanwu’s uncle arrived, but his presence made matters worse for me. Already, some policemen, perhaps from a nearby bank, had come to the house.

“They searched me and found nothing incriminating. But even that was still not enough. Anyanwu and I were then taken to the Maroko Police Station where we made statements. All this while, Anyanwu had been pleading with her uncle to let me be, but the man wasn’t listening.

“He seemed to be offended that I was dating his niece. Even the Investigative Police Officer asked Anyanwu what she had done to upset her uncle, but she had no answer for him.

“Things did not get better after that. My cell phones were seized from me. As a result, I could not contact my siblings and friends to tell them what had befallen me. After a few days, we were taken to Panti and from there to court. It was during our arraignment that I learned I was being accused of armed robbery and other offences. I was really shocked.

“All I did was visit my girlfriend at her home. I was remanded in Ikoyi Prison and since then, while Anyanwu was taken to Kirikiri. That was the last time I saw her. My last court appearance was in 2009. I could not afford the services of a lawyer until the Stephen and Solomon Foundation came to help me.”

A copy of the charge sheet made available to CRIME DIGEST showed that Akimu and Anyanwu were both arraigned on five counts of armed robbery, illegal arms possession, conspiracy and attempted kidnapping.

The lovers were said to have robbed a certain Vitus Ezinwa of N5m on June 16, 2009 at about 6.30 am at his Akanbi Disu residence. They were accused of making an attempt to kidnap a lady named Munachimso Ezinwa.

When CRIME DIGEST contacted Stephen and Solomon Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that offers free legal services to the indigent, the founder and human rights activist, Aigbonosimuan Giwa-Amu said, “Akimu’s plight was brought to our notice a few weeks ago and we have since taken up his case as his lawyers. When one has been charged for armed robbery, it is not easy to get the person out even when that person has been framed.

“Cases like Akimu’s abound in the prisons. There are even inmates whose relatives had them locked up for misbehaving. In fact, most of the inmates in our prisons are not convicted criminals. They are on remand, awaiting the Directorate for Public Prosecution’s advice and most for minor offences. This process is cumbersome and unnecessary.

“The Lagos State Attorney-General has the power to invoke a nolle prosequi in respect of offenders that have overstayed the length of the term they would have served had they been convicted. That way, all those inmates awaiting trail can be speedily released. There is no point in engaging the services of the Office of the Public Defender to defend those whose detention the AG can revoke.”

Jide Kosoko's Daughter, Abidemi kosoko just graduated from the the Theatre Arts Department of the Lagos State University. The BON award winner is an upcoming actress yet she interprets her scripts so well.

Like seriously I'm still surprised that a player can be reprimanded over this 'seemingly' little matter. Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner will be charged by UEFA for flaunting a sponsored/branded underpant after hitting the net twice in Wednesday June 13's Group B match in Lviv against Portugal.


Unknown to him, the singular action was against the rules and UEFA is taking disciplinary actions against him. A statement released by European football's governing body reads,
"UEFA has today announced that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Denmark's Nicklas Bendtner for improper conduct (Law 4 of the Laws of the Game) at the UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Portugal in Lviv on Wednesday 13 June. The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with this case on Monday."

Bendtner had no idea he had broken the rules.
"It is just a pair of lucky boxer shorts that I used in the first game as well and have used before the tournament. I didn't know I was breaking any rules but I am aware of that now." He vowed.

Inspite of what's on ground, Paddy Power, manufacturers of the branded boxer shorts congratulated Bendtner on his actions on the night of the game.




LOL! This is the funniest football news I've heard this year.

A pastor and two other persons, were, yesterday, sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each by a Delta State High Court  for kidnapping and  demanding N20 million ransom. Jailed were one Ifeanyi Obiakpani, an uncle to the victim, who allegedly masterminded the kidnap, Peter Okafor, said to be a pastor and one Christian Eze.



Prosecution told the court that the accused persons had on December 21, 2009 kidnapped Anthony Ogbolumani.

It added that  Obiakpani, Okafor and Eze on or about December 21, 2009 at Umuagu in Asaba, within the Asaba Judicial Division with intent to steal, demanded N20 million from Osadebay Obianuju, threatening to kill Ogbolumani, if the said demand was not complied with.

Trial judge, Justice T. Diai, in her judgment,  found the three accused persons guilty and convicted them to seven years imprisonment each for  conspiracy to kidnap, 10 years imprisonment each for kidnapping and three years imprisonment each for demanding N20 million as ransom .The sentences are to run concurrently.

Before handing down the judgment, the court noted that prosecution had convinced the court that the ingredients of the offence in the three-count charge were proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Is this Real?
Could this be Real?
How Real is this?
Abeg Naija we too much jare!
 
This is original bendel insurance. If he can lift that much with his mouth why not represent naija at the forthcoming Olympics?