Gunmen abduct octogenarian father of Bayelsa lawmaker

Some unidentified gunmen have abducted an octogenarian, Mr. Watson Iti, in Bayelsa State.
The victim is the father of the lawmaker representing Brass Constituency II in the State House of Assembly, Mr. Watson-Alfred Belemote.
It was learnt that the octogenarian was abducted by four gunmen operating along the waterways of state on Saturday morning.
The victim, who hails from Okpoama kingdom of Brass Local Government Area, was reportedly whisked away while he was conveying the body of his deceased wife for burial.

How We bursted fertiliser syndicate & arrests 20 electricity vandals--Anambra NSCDC

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command on Saturday intercepted a trailer load of fertiliser being allegedly diverted by a syndicate to an undisclosed destination.
The State Commandant, Mr Godwin Omoregie, disclosed this to newsmen in Awka, the state capital.
Omoregie said the fertiliser worth million of naira was intercepted at Amansea, Awka North Council Area of the state.
He said the consignment was initially alloted to a dealer in Anambra at the Eleme Petrochemical Depot for agricultural purposes.

‘Obasanjo came for Zero hunger programme, not PDP meeting’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Friday to attend a meeting of Zero Hunger in Africa-Nigeria chapter and not a meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obasanjo was at the centre for the Zero-hunger meeting and not for the PDP meeting, a party he openly left.

Recover stolen funds, prosecute looters, Sanusi tells Buhari

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has advised the Federal Government not only to recover looted funds from individuals and groups, but should also prosecute culprits to serve as a deterrent to others.

He gave the advice in a lecture he delivered on the deregulation of the downstream oil sector and Nigeria’s economic development at the National Defence College, Abuja on Wednesday.

Shekau rejects Al-Barnawi, says he was deceived by ISIS

Abubakar Shekau, who was replaced by Islamic State as Boko Haram’s leader has spoken out about the news, claiming that he was betrayed and denouncing his purported new leader as an infidel.

He said this in an audio message, his first in over one year, after IS on Tuesday published an interview with Sheikh Abu Musab al-Barnawi in its Al-Naba online weekly magazine in which he was introduced as Boko Haram’s new leader.

In the interview, Barnawi talks about the history of jihad in this region but makes no clear reference to Shekau.

ENTREPRENEURS COME TOGETHER FOR 3RD EDITION OF #THESMJURY

Entrepreneurs from all walks of life stormed the venue of the ICTEL Expo , Eko Hotels and Suites on the 28^th of July 2016 for the 3^rd edition of the SM Jury.

The conference tagged ‘Building Your Digital Empire’ addressed the challenges faced by the Entrepreneurs in an ever more globalised digital economy. The event served to explore the start-up

Gov. Obiano, Obi reconcile at late Rev. Fr. Tagbo’s funeral

Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra and his predecessor, Mr Peter Obi on Wednesday sheathe their swords at the burial service for late Rev. Fr.  Nicholas Tagbo, who died at 86.

Obiano unbelievably begged Obi for forgiveness while addressing guests and dignitaries who graced the occasion in Onitsha.

The governor said the virtue of forgiveness instilled in him by the late Tagbo made him to ask Obi for forgiveness.

He said Obi had contributed to the development of the state and it was left for the people to judge him (Obiano) for the much work he has done so far.

“As a student of Christ the King College (CKC), we give the best to anything we do and not half measure.

“We want peace, love, unity and progress in Anambra state,” Obiano said.

The governor assured the people of the state of more developmental projects.

In a remark, Obi, who expressed shock said since Obiano had asked for forgiveness, he would not relent to forgive him.

No rivalry between Frank Edwards and me –Joe Praize

Even as Frank Edwards and Joe Praize are among the top gospel artistes in the country, Joe Praize has said they are not in any form of competition.

In a chat with Saturday Beats, the gospel singer said he doesn’t see Edward as a rival in any way.

I’m used to negative comments –Halima Abubakar

Like her or hate her, Nollywood   actress, Halima Abubakar doesn’t care about the negative criticism that usually follows her comments and posts on the social media as she told Saturday Beats in a recent chat.
Few days ago, she generated a heated debate on her Instagram page when she posted, “Can’t wait to disvirgin (sic) and have children. Please don’t preach on this post, the world have heard enough quote. Sinners will disagree.”
This comment sparked a lot of reactions from her fans, many of whom did not believe the actress could still be a virgin. In a chat with Saturday Beats, the actress refused to comment on the post, saying she had got used to the negative comments that usually follow her posts.

Phyno has captured my heart –Sandra Ifudu

Up and coming artiste, Sandra Ifudu, tells Saturday Beats about her career

Why did you decide to become a professional artiste?

Singing has always been a part of me. It is innate. I remember when I used to take readings and psalms in church and a lot of people would wait to see me after service to tell me how beautiful my voice was. So the decision to do music was taken at an early age too, say about when I was 12 years old. I remember being obsessed with the likes of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and wanting to be like them when I grew up.

Those who condemned Kano film village project are hypocrites –Fidelis Duker

The Nollywood industry was taken aback when it was reported earlier in the week that the Federal Government had cancelled the N3.7bn film village it had planned to build in Kano State.
It was reported that the clerics in the state had kicked against the project, saying it would promote immorality.
However, reacting to the move, popular filmmaker, Fidelis Duker, said it was unfortunate that such a laudable project had to be stopped because of such views.
“I was shocked when I heard the project had been cancelled. You need to look at the positive aspect of this film village. It would attract tourism; it would improve economy and create a viable industry for the region, not only to Kano.

I am not divorced –Mike Abdul

Mike Abdul is certainly one of the artistes that have revamped gospel music in Nigeria and he has endeared so many people to his heart.
However, since it was rumoured about three years ago that his marriage had hit the rocks, the young artiste had chosen not to talk about his status and based on that, so many took his silence for the truth.
But in a telephone chat with Saturday Beats, the Morire singer said that he was not divorced. He told Saturday Beats that it was a misconception for people to think he is legally free from his marriage.

Gawker founder files for bankruptcy after Hulk Hogan suit

Gawker Media founder Nick Denton filed Monday for personal bankruptcy protection in a bid to stop Hulk Hogan from seizing his assets in a multimillion-dollar sex tape judgment.
The office of the British internet entrepreneur, who controls a 68 percent stake in the news and entertainment website, confirmed the move to AFP. His lawyers gave no further details when asked to comment.
In March, a US jury in Florida ordered that wrestling star Hogan be allowed to collect $140 million in total compensation after Gawker published a tape of him having sex with a friend’s wife.
Gawker Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June, also seeking to sidestep a shutdown over the jury’s verdict.

He lives in us, Yeni, Seun Kuti remember dad

Seun and Yeni Kuti have paid tribute to their late father, Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, 19 years after his death.
“Nineteen years ago our Icon father, leader and father of the Nation left the world stage. He lives in us forever and continues to guide and protect us,” Yeni Kuti, who uploaded a photo of her late dad on Instagram wrote.

Dangote refinery will solve W’Africa’s fuel supply challenge – Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday said the largest single line refinery in the world being developed at the Lekki Free Trade Zone by Alhaji Aliko Dangote will change the face of oil and gas business in the West African region.

Governor Ambode, said this at the LFTZ during an extensive inspection tour of the Dangote Refinery by the Togolese President, Mr Faure Gnassingbe.

Budget padding: Jibrin meets APC leaders behind closed doors

A former Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, is in a meeting with the leaders of the All Progressives Congress at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja.

Jibrin, who arrived at the APC Headquarters around 2pm, was summoned by the national executive of the party after his allegation of budget padding against the leadership of the House of Representatives led to tension in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

National convention won’t solve PDP’s problems – Kashamu

The representative of Ogun East in the Senate, Sen. Buruji Kashamu, has warned that the August 17 national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party will not solve the problems confronting the party.
He said it would be better for the elders of the party to wade into the crisis by having a peace meeting with the two people laying claim to the national leadership of the opposition party.

Kashamu stated this in a position paper he submitted to the two factions fighting for control of the party.
The paper was made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

Obama calls on Republicans to reject ‘unfit’ Trump

United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday called on Republicans to reject Donald Trump in some of his strongest comments yet about the party’s White House nominee, saying he is “woefully unprepared” and “unfit” to be president.
“This isn’t a situation where you have an episodic gaffe. This is daily and weekly where they are distancing themselves from statements he’s making,” Obama said of the party’s top brass including House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senator John McCain.

Taraba govt ‘blocked’ distribution of food items to IDPs — Minister

Hungry internally displaced persons camped in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Tuesday broke down in tears after the minister of women affairs, Aisha Alhassan, told them that the state government had prevented her from distributing food items meant for them.

Mrs. Alhassan, who arrived her home state on Friday to distribute federal government relief materials to IDPs, women groups and physically-challenged persons, said the state government refused to release the items.

Budget Padding Scandal: Falana’s views on SSS probe hypocritical, says Ekiti assembly

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has criticized human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, (SAN), for questioning the powers of the State Security Services to investigate members of the House of Representatives over their involvement in the padding of the 2016 budget, while he backed the agency when it “invaded” the assembly and arrested a member over allegations of fraud.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Gboyega Aribisogan, on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, said Mr. Falana’s new position on the SSS’ role at the National Assembly and the arrest of members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly over attempt to impeach the state governor was a show of hypocrisy.

36 detained in Turkey over 2010 sex tape scandal

A sex tape saga that affected Turkey’s opposition parties several years back has returned to the headlines, as detention orders were issued Tuesday for 120 people in connection with the video.

A media report in Istanbul said that sex tape engulfed the centre-left People’s Republican Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on the right and has been linked to the same movement of an Islamic cleric that the government blames for the failed coup attempt on July 15.
It said that so far, authorities detained 34 members of the police force and two others in what is known as the “cassette” case.

Anambra NDLEA Arrests Drug Suspect, seizes Consignment Worth N1.78bn

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra says it has arrested a 31-year-old man, Vincent Chidiebere, for allegedly peddling hard drug worth N1.78 billion.
Addressing newsmen in Onitsha on Tuesday, the Commander of NDLEA in the state, Mr Sule Momodu, said that the suspect was arrested in Awka on July 28 with methamphetamine weighing 25.2kg.
Momodu said that the arrest followed a tip-off that a shipment of methamphetamine would pass through Anambra from Enugu to Lagos.

Three beneficiaries of Niger Delta amnesty programme bag first class degrees in UK varsities

Three beneficiaries of the Nigerian government scholarships to study abroad under the Niger Delta Amnesty programme have bagged First class honours in UK universities.

Eighteen others got Second Class Upper (2:1).
Nicholas Goodness and Terubein Fawei who graduated from the University of Bedfordshire finished with first class honours in public relations, telecommunication and networking engineering respectively.

One of world’s most wanted suspected criminals arrested in Nigeria

The head of an international criminal network behind thousands of online frauds has been arrested in a joint operation by INTERPOL and the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The 40-year-old Nigerian national, known as ‘Mike’, is believed to be behind scams totalling more than USD 60 million involving hundreds of victims worldwide.
In one case, a target was conned into paying out USD 15.4 million.

One of world’s most wanted suspected criminals arrested in Nigeria

The head of an international criminal network behind thousands of online frauds has been arrested in a joint operation by INTERPOL and the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The 40-year-old Nigerian national, known as ‘Mike’, is believed to be behind scams totalling more than USD 60 million involving hundreds of victims worldwide.
In one case, a target was conned into paying out USD 15.4 million.

Labour Minister, Chris Ngige, booed in Enugu over Buhari’s ‘lopsided appointments’

The people from the South-East region on Monday, in Enugu, booed the Minister of Labour ‎and Productivity, Chris Ngige, after he tried to defend appointments so far made by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr. Ngige was in the Enugu State capital to speak at the Town Hall session for the South-East region organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.
But as he spoke, he was repeatedly jeered by those in the hall who kept shouting “No no no”.
At a point the hall became uncontrollable, and it took a lot of efforts for organisers to restore order.
Some participants complained that Mr. Buhari had so far marginalised the zone in the appointments made so far.

800 ex-Boko Haram militants get relief materials

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, says it has presented relief items to a group of 800 former Boko Haram members who recently denounced their membership of the group.

The repentant insurgents are currently camped at a military-controlled facility known as Safe Corridor in Gombe State where they are undergoing rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes.
NEMA’s director general, Muhammad Sani Sidi, who led other officials to present food and non-food items to the former insurgents, said such handouts would be given every three months, according to a statement released by the agency.

Buhari appoints Tinubu’s aide, others as NCC Commissioners

President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Senate to confirm nominees into positions of Chairman, Executive Commissioner, and Non-Executive Commissioners of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In a letter dated August 2, 2016, sent to President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, Mr. Buhari nominated Olabiyi Durojaiye as chairman of the commission.
Mr. Durojaiye, a former senator, is to represent the South West.
The president also nominated Sunday Dare as the NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management.

Nigerians reject life pension for ex-governors, legislators — Poll

The issue of payment of life pension to governors, their deputies, National Assembly and House of Assembly members has been on the front burner of public discourse in recent times.

In an opinion poll conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) nationwide, the respondents said that the ongoing payment of pensions to former governors should be discontinued.
They noted that the former governors, who were now senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, were by implication, earning double pay.

JAMB Withdraws 2016/2017 Admission List Forwarded To Universities, Others

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has withdrawn the list of recommended candidates for admission earlier sent to the tertiary institutions, the Board said in a statement on Sunday.