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• 05/29/23: BREAKING NEWS: AIT Chairman, RAYMOND DOKPESI Suffers Stroke, dies in Abuja Hospital …earlier recovered from Coronavirus, been managing his health and placed on occupational therapy to improve his daily activities *BY ROTIMI ADEBANJO/POLITICAL STAFF Writer, Abuja
• 05/29/23: CONTROVERSY: I still Repeat, I will Never Call ASIWAJU TINUBU My President-Pastor TUNDE BAKARE vows …I would address him only as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria *“The TINUBU whom I know for decades has no iota of Integrity and Incorruptibility in him unlike the former President Muhammadu Buhari” “Outcome of the 2023 presidential election is tainted. There were alleged series of electoral malpractices, the Independent National Electoral Commission made a mess of the process” *BY TOMIWA OLUDARE/POLITICAL Correspondent, Lagos State
• 05/29/23: BEGGING FOR HELP FROM FANS: I Have been Acting Yoruba Movies for Decades, I am Tired of Jumping on Public Transportation for years at My old Age, I Need A Car Urgently -Nigeria’s Creepy Yoruba Actress Iya GBONKAN lament *“I jump on buses every day. I am suffering. If I die now, you will kill a cow. Celebrate me now that I am alive” *BY TOPE KELANI/ENTERTAINMENT Staff Writer
• 05/29/23: IDENTITY THEFT ORDEAL: My Set-up was politically plotted, planned in Nigeria to be Detained at London Airport -Peter OBI opens up … Enemies of Democracy were afraid of the massive ‘OBIdients’ movement across the nation, scuttled my presidential ambition *‘The matter is still being investigated by the United Kingdom authorities, I am extremely careful in all my activities, waiting anxiously for the outcome’ *“Peter Obi did not attend TINUBU’S inauguration at Eagle Square, even though an invitation was sent to him. It would have been strange for him to attend a ceremony honouring a leader whose election triumph he is contesting in court”-Aide, Tai Obasi *BY NWAKANMA AMAECHI/SPECIAL POLITICAL & CRIME Correspondent, Lagos & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/29/23: TRENDING: BUHARI leaves Eagle Square, Flies out of Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport to Daura saying: ‘My Cattle and Sheep are waiting for Me’ … As promised, I would stay as far away from Abuja as possible, I need sometime to rest *“I Have realised it’s much easier to control my Cattle and Sheep than fellow Nigerians” *“After I have left office on May 29, 2023, if there were trouble, I would not want to be disturbed as I have found a safe haven in our neighbouring Niger Republic” *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING Editor, Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/29/23: 16TH PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA Sworn-In! I’ll defend Nigeria from terror, end extreme poverty-Tinubu …fuel subsidy is gone immediately under my administration forever, I will review and unify exchange rates *‘We will discourage corruption, empower anti-corruption agency and introduce credit culture practices as done Overseas to make life easier for the people to whom power belong’ *“We will create One Million jobs for the Nigerian youths in a digital economy without a waste of time” *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP Managing Editor, Nigeria reporting LIVE from Abuja
• 05/24/23: ‘Release NNAMDI KANU now, Write your Legacy, Name in Gold’, EDWIN Clark tells BUHARI …No need to re-appoint sacked Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, as Chairman of Police Trust Fund *“The question the president should ask himself is what legacy does he want to leave after his years as civilian president? Is it that of compensating people with appointments, most times the juicier ones, for aiding and executing wrong acts? Is it that of breaching the Constitution of the country? Is it that of nepotism? Is it that of leaving the country more divided and more devastated than he met it?” *On the path forward: “There is still room to make amends within the remaining few days that the President has embarked on appointing people to offices if it can be evenly distributed to all sections of the country as stipulated in the Federal Character laws, and not in a manner of compensating wrongdoing. I also advise President Buhari to obey court rulings, including that delivered on Nnamdi Kanu. And as he winds up his tenure, to re-examine his actions” *BY KINGSLEY UKPOMA/SOUTH-SOUTH Correspondent, Nigeria
• 05/24/23: TRENDING: Seun Anikulapo Kuti, Nigeria Afrobeat musician released on bail, Crowd converge in New Afrikan Shrine …Hug family members, thank friends, Traffic build-up in Agidingbi Road, fans scream aloud: ‘Ororororo, Arararara’ *“My client, Seun Kuti’s bail conditions had been met since last Thursday. Yes, Ṣeun Kuti was released minutes ago”-Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, legal counsel *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING Editor & IYABO ADEBAYO, ENTERTAINMENT Staff, Lagos State
• 05/24/23: FUGITIVE from JUSTICE Captured: America’s former Deputy Secretary, SAM BRINTON arrested in Maryland home for STEALING African Fashion designer’s outfit …‘My clothing, made for annual fashion show in Tanzania was stolen at Ronald Reagan Airport’, claim Tanzania Fashion Designer, Asya Khamsin *Fired earlier from government official duty after been caught in luggage thefts in Minnesota and Las Vegas cases *Embatted ex-nuclear official currently held without bond on pending charges of grand larceny *“My client, Asya Khamsin, a highly respected fashion designer from Tanzania filed a police report for her missing clothing. She provided information on the clothing that was searched for at Brinton’s residence this week. He was busted from his hideout”-Peter Hansen, Khamzin’s lawyer *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/24/23: DIPLOMACY: I Have Directed a United States Presidential Delegation to Attend the Inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29 -President JOE BIDEN …Honorable Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, will lead the delegation *“DSS, Nigeria Police, Army, Nigeria Security & Civil Defense Corps perfect advance security strategies for a hitch-free historic ceremony at the Eagle Square”-Law Enforcement Agent *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor & SAMSON SHOAGA, GROUP Managing Editor, Nigeria
• 05/21/23: FAILED ABUJA CCTV project: BUHARI’S Administration Must Account for how $460million borrowed Chinese Loan was shared by Nigerian companies, Contractors without doing the job-Federal High Court …Aso Rock must publish the identities of the companies, contractors, total money paid, status of the implementation of the project *“Nigeria has been servicing the Chinese loan. I have no explanations on the status of the project. We have not stopped servicing the loan. I have no information on the status of the CCTV project since everything is shrouded in secrecy”-Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed *Hon. Judge Emeka Nwite issued the directives from the lawsuit arising from Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s FHC/ABJ/CS/1447/2019 under Freedom of Information Act *“The Minister of Finance is in charge of the finances of the country and cannot by any stretch of imagination be oblivious of the amount of money paid to the contractors for the Abuja CCTV contract and the money meant for the construction of the headquarters of the Code of Conduct Bureau. An order of mandamus is hereby made directing and compelling the government to provide the details clarifying whether the sum of N1.5 billion paid for the failed contract meant to construct the headquarters of the Code of Conduct Bureau was part of another loan obtained from China. Nigerians deserve to know how their funds are being spent”-Justice Nwite *BY HILARU KABIRU NURENI/GROUP Business Editor, Abuja
• 05/21/23: SHAMEFUL: Ghana’s Most Notorious Social Media Lady Fraudster, MONA FAIZ MONTRAGE alias ‘Hajia4reall’ extradited to United States for STEALING $2million in Fake Marriage Scam …30-year-old pleads not guilty to six counts including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, receipt of stolen money and conspiracy to receive stolen money *“In one instance, lures an American elderly man with fake marriage certificate issued from Accra and received 82 wire transfers totaling $89,000 cash to deceitfully help her father’s farm in Ghana” *Influencer status on Instagram boasts more than 4.2 million followers, always shares posts about her music, travels to London and luxury goods * Targets lonely elderly men, older women and widow looking for genuine companionship in an operation through online dating and social media websites where she uses fake personas to send emails, text messages and social media messages to deceive them into believing they were in romantic relationships *“Montrage received fraud proceeds from victims of the operation in bank accounts she controlled in New York City and elsewhere, and in business bank accounts opened in the name of ‘4Reall Designs,’ a purported clothing company. Once she received the money in the accounts she controlled, she withdrew, transported and laundered those proceeds to other members of the operation under false pretenses”-Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York *BY JOYCE KOFI/CRIME Correspondent in Accra & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/21/23: DEVELOPING: Leaked Audio: ‘I feel Betrayed TINUBU met Rabiu Kwankwaso in Paris without my knowledge’ -Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State confides in Ibrahim Masari …I am disappointed I have been dumped by the in-coming administration despite my sacrifices for the party, I’m been treated like an outcast *“Asiwaju while in France told me over the phone that Kwankwaso’s meeting with him was facilitated by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi through Gilbert Chagoury (a Franco-Lebanese business tycoon and ally of Mr Tinubu)”-Masari *“It will be difficult for loyal party members to trust the TINUBU administration going forward for having met with Kwankwaso behind me. Kwankwaso blocked my aspiration for re-election as governor, he does not deserve a space on the table of APC party at all” *Fearing backlash in the media, Ganduje recant, saying: “We are asking the general public to disregard a mischievous attempt by social media and online publications in the country to lift a story from a purported phone conversation between Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Ibrahim Kabiru Masari discussing Ganduje’s political relationship with President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu. From all indications, some people who are not comfortable with the long cordiality Tinubu, Ganduje and Masari enjoy are bent on exploiting the situation to their advantage”-Muhammad Garba, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs *PLUS: Full Transcripts of Leaked Audio inside word-for-word unedited *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING Editor & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/21/23: INSIDE Lagos State Police Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba: Nigeria’s Afrobeat Star, SEUN ANIKULAPO KUTI excite Inmates, Policemen with LIVE performances of Fela’s ‘Water No Get Enemy’, ‘Sorrows, Tears & Blood’, ‘Lady’; ‘Expensive Shit’, Shuffering and Shmiling’, ‘Shakara’ other hits for free …‘Cellmates crown Seun Kuti Senior Marshall not General Overseer’-Lawyers *Visitors, passers-by shed tears, give standing ovation to Abami-Eda son’s show *Allowed access to receive food from wife, end hunger strike, accorded respect *“Contrary to reports that he had become General Overseer in detention, Seun Kuti told us that his rank is SENIOR MARSHALL and that he has held a free musical show for the inmates, even thrilling the officers on duty. This talented musician has been thrilling fellow inmates and policemen to free shows while in detention without a stop. Everyone who witnessed Seun performed always rise to give him a standing ovation”-Adesina Ogunlana, Counsel to Seun Kuti *“If found guilty, he will be liable to three years imprisonment as the offense contradicts Section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act”-Nigerian Constitution *BY TIM KAYODE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent in Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/20/23: U.S CONVOY ATTACK: Nigerian Security Operatives Rescue 2 Abducted Policemen, 2 American Embassy Staff from Kidnappers’ Hideout …US embassy confirms safe return of employees, vow to apprehend attackers and bring them to justice *“In the early hours of today, Friday, the joint security forces rescued unhurt the two remaining victims abducted during the attack on a US convoy along Atani/Osamela road in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State”-Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga *“Two of our employees who were involved in the Anambra convoy attack have been successfully rescued. We are confirming that the two employees involved in the Anambra attack are now safe under the protection of Nigerian authorities in Anambra State. We have informed their families of their safe recovery. US Mission personnel are on their way to meet and accompany them home”-United States Embassy, Abuja *BY TIM KAYODE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent in Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/20/23: DEVELOPING: We’ve Approved BUHARI’S $800million Loan Request, borrowed from World bank to be utilised as fit by TINUBU Administration-ABUBAKAR YUNUSA AHMAD, House of Reps Committee member on Loans, Aids & Debt Management *‘Federal Government intend to use the $800 million World Bank grant to help 50 million vulnerable Nigerians or 10 million households’ *‘The Presidency earlier sent a letter to the Senate seeking approval to take a loan of $800 million from the World Bank to cushion the effects of subsidy removal’ *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING Editor & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/19/23: SCANDAL: ENUGU Governor-elect’s public Discharge Certificate is FAKE from ‘Oluwole Black Market’, Not from NYSC-DG, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed …I did NYSC, was discharged honorably, says Peter Mbah *“The argument on whether Peter Mbah has a valid NYSC certificate or not did not arise because I have told the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2023 governorship elections that what he presented as a certificate was forged” *“Mbah came to me, showed me the certificate and I called my director to confirm the authenticity and we discovered that the certificate issued to him was fake and I told him. I wonder how elites who have gone to school will resort to black market certificates. Everyone knows how we issue our certificate in NYSC. We don’t give it in hotel rooms or houses” *“I have filed a case against the NYSC. I am demanding N20 billion for injuries inflicted on my person due to the controversies surrounding my hard-earned certificate”-Governor-elect, PETER MBAH *BY PROMISE OLUYEMI/JUDICIAL Reporter in Lagos State & KAYODE IREDE/POLITICAL Staff Writer, Abuja
• 05/19/23: TRENDING: TINUBU, other Nigerian Presidents, Family Members No Longer Need to Seek Medical Treatment Overseas -AISHA BUHARI, Nigeria’s First Lady …We have built an ultra modern N21billion State House Clinic, with highly qualified doctors to cater for any VIP medical health challenge *“President is within his rights to fly medical experts to assist other doctors in the facility located within the precincts of the Presidential Villa in Abuja” *“I initiated this project six years ago when my husband spent three months Abroad, consecutively, 90 days, and it shouldn’t be because we have all the experts in Nigeria. We only need a good platform” *“We need to save this huge funds of seeking Medical treatment Overseas to shore up the Nigerian Economy, appreciate the professionalism and knowledge of our doctors who are well sought-after outside the country” *BY AMINA MUSA/SENIOR MEDICAL Correspondent, Abuja & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/19/23: Alleged Assault:Urgent Request to Chief Magistrate of Yaba Court! WE are seeking a Fresh Court Permission to Forcibly Draw SEUN ANIKULAPO KUTI’S Blood for Positive Drug Testing -NIGERIA Police Force …We found a Gun License Receipt in his house bearing his name during search, but Gun already taken out for Repairs *Intends to file additional charges of Cannabis Usage and Weapons’ Running *Litigation, Delay designed to frustrate Musician’s Egypt ‘80 Summer Performance Tour already booked Overseas *“Police handcuffed Fela’s son like a notorious armed robber or hardened criminal in an overzealous manner, and must be released unconditionally. Let the court decide his fate. Police acting in contrary to the article (1) of the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials ”-Social Justice Equity, Rights Group *“Nigerian Police is asking the Chief Magistrate in Lagos to allow them to forcefully draw @RealSeunKuti’s blood for testing after they didn’t find anything in his house and car during the search. This is about revenge not justice”-OMOYELE Sowore *BY ADEGOKE ADEYEMI/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, Lagos
• 05/19/23: MAY 29 INAUGURATION: WAIT for Court to Decide Nigeria’s Next President, Leave TINUBU’S Fate to the Judiciary, Don’t Make a Mockery of America’s Democracy, Peter Obi Tells U.S. Govt …Stop taking sides in Nigeria’s political developments that faintly suggest you are biased, you are bringing the United States as a bastion of Democracy to shame *“There is still a lack of clarity on the basis of the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken’s call to APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 16th May 2023. The most fundamental tenet and core value of democracy is the rule of law” *“Without the risk of interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, the U.S.-Nigeria relationship should be guided by the core values of democracy. Nigerians expect that the U.S. responses to our affairs should be based on mutual respect, shared ideals, aspirations and interests which ought to transcend the considerations of any individual” *“Contextually, the willful manipulation and falsification of the will of Nigerians as freely expressed during the February 25 elections cannot be overlooked by the true friends and partners of Nigeria” *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING EDITOR, Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/18/23: WICKED: Unknown Nigeria Assailants ambush U.S. Embassy Convoy in Anambra state, kill two policemen, two Diplomatic members, set victims’ bodies on fire, others missing …United States Government condemn barbaric action, promise to track the gun-thirsty killers and ensure the safety of its mission staff *“The United States has no greater priority than the safety and security of our personnel. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and pledge to do everything possible to safely recover those who remain missing”-U.S. Govt *“We’ll bring those responsible for the attack on the U.S convoy to justice”-U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken *BY TIM KAYODE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent in Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/17/23: Desperately searching for Evidence: Nigerians who witnessed SEUN KUTI assault a Police officer on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge to reach out to us, We will Not Reveal your Identity, give you 24 hours Police protection -Nigeria Police Force …storm Fela’s son Ikeja home with suspect in handcuffs inside police vehicle, ransack building looking for incriminating evidence, seized musician’s wife mobile phone *‘WE got a signed warrant from a judge to comb musician’s house’ *‘We are are requesting the court to further detain the suspect for 21 days, so we may grill him extensively’ “The Nigerian Police Force is hereby put on notice to detain Seun Kuti for only 48 hours, to be released on bail after then”-Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Adeola Olatunbosun, Yaba Magistrate Court *BY TIM KAYODE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent in Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/16/23: ASSAULT: Nigeria Police detains Fela’s son, SEUN ANIKULAPO KUTI, Rejects Administrative Bail application, block Access to Food, Shower, seized mobile phone …says: ‘He is in our custody undergoing thorough investigation. We will teach him the lesson of a lifetime to respect police authority in uniform. No one is above the law’ *“We have it documented as evidence that Seun Kuti apologized to our police officer assaulted secretly, and handed him N12,000 to repair the police vehicle vandalized by the musician. We will arraign him in court soon”-Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Benjamin Hundeyin *“For inside the State Criminal Investigation Department ( Panti), Yaba, Lagos State today, police officers there dey humiliate me, disgrace me, abuse me; come dey threaten me on top of am. Dem dey use many bad words against me. My wife wey bring food again, come for me, make i chop, dem chase am away, come de tell am say if she show face for panti again, dem go arrest am. I get my own video recording evidence”-SEUN KUTI *BY TIM KAYODE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent in Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/13/23: FACE-OFF: FOX News is a FRAUD-TUCKER CARLSON, former TV Host …My deal on the cable station runs until January 2025, I feel humiliated for been yanked off the air as part of the Dominion settlement, I will be suing for a breach of signed contract soon *Vow: ‘I am launching a new version of my show on Twitter which we have been doing for the last six-and-a-half years, I will anchor the program on cyber space with same staff, same known people who worked with me on my previous show’ *“Fox employees, including Rupert Murdoch broke promises to Carlson intentionally and with reckless disregard for the truth. We are accusing Fox executives of making material representations, or promises, to Carlson that were intentionally broken, constituting fraud. Fox broke an agreement with Carlson not to leak his private communications to the media and not to use Carlson’s private messages to take any adverse employment action against him. Fox broke promises not to settle with Dominion Voting Systems in a way which would indicate wrongdoing on the part of Carlson and not to take any actions in a settlement that would harm Carlson’s reputation”-Carlson’s lawyer Bryan Freedman writes Fox officials Viet Dinh and Irena Briganti *Fox sends out a cease-and-desist letter to Media Matters to stop publishing leaked Tucker Carlson videos *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING Editor & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/13/23: ARRESTED: Nigerian Fugitive, DANIEL JIBUNOR ‘smoked-out’ from hideout in Indiana for STEALING $197,000 Covid Unemployment Fund in FOUR states in America …31-year-old pleads guilty to aggravated identity theft, wire fraud for defrauding California, Arizona, Nevada and Illinois *Sentenced to THREE YEARS in Federal Prison for violating Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Face Deportation after Jail Term *Caught at Bloomington Kroger store attempting to use a FAKE CREDIT CARD to purchase $1,850 in Western Union money orders *Bloomington police conduct a thorough search on him, his vehicle and found two fake unemployment debit cards, two fake debit cards, a GoBank Green Dot card, $12,980 cash and 21 money orders totaling $19,540 *“Daniel Jibunor stole at least ten Americans’ identities and filed fraudulent unemployment claims in four states: California, Arizona, Nevada and Illinois. He would use the unemployment debit cards to make ATM withdrawals, purchase money orders at various businesses including Kroger, Walmart and the U.S. Post Office”-U.S. Dept. of Justice *“At the height of the global pandemic, this defendant decided to steal emergency funds intended to be a vital lifeline for families in need. Stealing identities and relief money during a disaster is a despicable crime that merits serious punishment”- Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana *BY TIM KAYODE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent in Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/13/23: CONFESSION: Nigeria’s Music Star BURNA BOY must MARRY ME, I broke up with My 5th Boyfriend because the singer is going to be My Husband -ZIMBABWEAN Socialite woman, ELLEN TSAURA
• 05/13/23: Developing 17 Days to Go: Nigerians approach Court, files Fresh suit to stop TINUBU’S swearing-in May 29 …plaintiffs in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/578/2023 apply for a restraining order against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, claim BUHARI’S tenure continues as President/Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of section 135 (1) (a) of the Constitution *‘Registered voters of the FCT, Abuja’ whose membership are: Anyaegbunam Okoye, David Adzer, Jeffery Ucheh, Osang Paul and Chibuike Nwachukwu argues President-elect violates the requirement of Section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution *Prayers to the court: “the plaintiffs and other FCT residents have a legal interest and constitutional rights to be heard on the question of whether a President-elect must secure at least 25% of votes cast, on the first ballot, in the FCT, Abuja” *Seeking order setting aside INEC Certificate of Return to President-elect in fulfillment of the conditions stated in section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution, Attorney-General of the Federation and the CJN cited in the matter as 1st and 2nd defendants *BY PROMISE OLUYEMI/JUDICIAL Reporter in Lagos State & KAYODE IREDE/POLITICAL Staff Writer, Abuja
• 05/13/23: HITMAN BUSTED, Military Career Ruined! Tennessee’s Air National Guardsman, JOSIAH ERNESTO GRACIA Arrested after applying on Assassins’ web to kill an American for $5,000 cash …in a conversation with an undercover FBI agent, 21-year-old suspect charged with applying to be a hitman on a parody online *Fake hitman website nabs Air National Guardsman after he allegedly applied for murder-for-hire jobs “The website was created to advertise a cybersecurity startup. When it failed, it would get inquiries for hitman services, as such its administrator converted it to a parody site with false testimonials from people who claimed to have used its services”-Criminal complaint *“Josiah Ernesto Garcia, of Tennessee, came across www.rentahitman.com as he was searching for contract mercenary jobs to support his family”-U.S. attorney’s office for Middle Tennessee *BY SAM DONALDS/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent, Tennessee
• 05/13/23: WARNING: WE have Evidence of Clandestine Plots by some ‘Enemies of Democracy’ to disrupt Nigeria’s May 29 Swearing-In, Inauguration-Defence Headquarters …Our professional and highly trained soldiers are on standby to forestall any unwanted happenings in the country before, during and after the handover *“As far as internal security is concerned, the police still remain the lead agency. The armed forces and other security operatives are only playing a supportive role” *“The issue of threat to the security and stability of the country is addressed promptly. Elections have come and gone. For the presidential election, a winner has been announced. There is a transition committee in place comprising all members of the security agencies, ministries and agencies of government to make sure the event is held successfully and without a glitch. We don’t see reasons why there should be a problem during the activity. The inauguration will come and go and nothing will happen”-Maj Gen Musa Danmadami, Director of Defence Media Operations *BY TIM KAYODE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent in Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/08/23: LAWLESSNESS IN AMERICA: NIGERIAN born Naturalized United States Citizen, BOLAJI TUBO Handcuffed for Inspecting Newly Acquired Home, wins $300,000 lawsuit against Police *Visited building to view damage done to mansion he bought earlier *Jury found Prince George’s County police officers Sean Tunstall and Daniel Black liable for battery, false arrest and false imprisonment *Supreme Court makes it easier to sue police over wrongful arrests *“During the interaction with the officers, Tubo failed to show official documentation proving the home was his and that police had legal justification to detain him for refusing to leave the property”-Attorney for Prince George’s County *BY TIM KAYODE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent, Maryland & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/08/23: NO GAIN IN CRIME: NIGERIAN Medical Doctor, NDUBUISI JOSEPH OKAFOR indicted on 16 counts for illegal Distribution of Drug -U.S Dept of Justice …facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count, may lose medical license *Distributes oxycodone-a semisynthetic, moderately potent, orally available opioid, to individuals outside medical practice *Oxycodone works directly on opioid receptors in the central nervous system and reduces feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body-Medical Report *63-year-old suspect performed hasty evaluations on individuals before soliciting and receiving cash inside the examination rooms of his clinic *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigated Editor
• 05/06/23: FIGHTING FOR THE 10TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY GAVEL: My 4 Wives, 28 Children fully support me, great feat I’ll Succeed as Nigeria’s Speaker Federal House of Representatives-DOGUWA, Majority Leader …I am not ashamed of my large family, looking young, never had a divorce *‘I have accomplished what so many people cannot, family members live in comfort’ *‘I have paid my dues to the party, have the best temperament, time to reward my loyalty is now’ *BY KELVIN ISIMEME/DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, in Abuja & NURAT NURENI/POLITICAL Correspondent, Kaduna
• 05/06/23: MAY 29 INAUGURATION: Fought Hardest Political Battle, won Best Presidential Poll in Nigeria’s History-TINUBU …I campaigned vigorously, shamed and crushed all my detractors at the polls *“Opposition party threw dust at me, engaged in a smear campaign, I kept my eyes on the prize, campaigned vigorously and emerged victorious as the JAGABAN of Nigeria Politics” *“I will leave legacy projects across the length and breadth of Nigeria” *BY HABIB SEMIU/SENIOR POLITICAL Correspondent, Abuja & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/06/23: ORGAN HARVESTING SCANDAL: British Govt Shuns Nigeria Plea for Mercy, Slammed former Deputy Senate President IKE EKWEREMADU 10 Years JAIL Term …Wife, BEATRICE bagged 5 years, Doctor OBETA to spend 10 years behind bar after losing medical practice license *‘I am the cause of my parents going to jail, I feel guilty, Can’t forgive myself’-Sonia Ekweremadu suffering kidney ailment *‘I will be arrested and Killed in Nigeria if deported, I am begging for Asylum in the UK, I want to Go to School, Play Professional Football’-DAVID NWAMINI, organ-harvesting victim *BY PROMISE OLUYEMI/JUDICIAL Reporter, London & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/29/23: UNCEREMONIOUS MEDIA EXIT: CNN Fired Me, Ruined My Life, My Reputation, Put Me in the Unemployment Market after a dedicated Service of 17 years -DON LEMON lament in tears …says: ‘I am Heartbroken, Not told My Offense or given any chance to Defend Myself, treated like nobody. Network made decision based on gossip and rumors’ *“After 17 years at CNN, I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play. I was informed by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned” *Earlier co-anchored the 5 p.m. newscast for NBC5 News in Chicago, Lemon joined CNN where he quickly rose the ranks, Don Lemon Tonight launched in 2014 in a primetime slot, co-moderated a 2020 Democratic Presidential Debate and covered breaking news stories for CNN including the death of Queen Elizabeth II; last year’s school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the crisis in Ukraine and served as a correspondent across CNN/U.S. programming prior to his departure *“The rumor, which is riddled with patently false anecdotes and no concrete evidence, is entirely based on unsourced, unsubstantiated, 15-year-old anonymous gossip. It’s amazing and disappointing that Variety magazine would be so reckless in their publication”-spokesman for Lemon stated in a statement *”Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors”-CNN CEO Chris Licht *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/29/23: EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA: Greenheart International offers Lifetime Cultural Exchange Programs for Students Abroad aspiring to become Global Leaders from 60 Countries…Become a Host Family for an Exchange Student and enjoy the benefit *‘Teenagers 15 to 18 1/2 years from all over the world have a chance to acquire American education system of learning, experience Language Camps, Summer Programmes, safety is guaranteed’ *Host Family supported by Greenheart through Local Coordinators *“Are you a Teenager in Europe, Asia, Africa and you desire to experience the American High School quality of education? I am using this medium to invite you, your family to reach out to us so we can incorporate you into the process and get you started in earnest. You may email me directly for details at Mandahicks2000@yahoo.com”-LAMANDA PRIETO OTUMU, Local Coordinator, Waco, Texas *“WE are daily connecting people and planet to create global leaders drive all we do in each of our branches since 1985: Greenheart Exchange, Greenheart Travel, and Greenheart Shop/Sobremesa Wholesale”-Mission Statement, Greenheart International *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative EDITOR reporting LIVE from Texas
• 04/26/23: EXPLOSIVE CONFESSION AFTER AMERICA PROPERTY FALLOUT: MUHAMMAD KHALID KHAN, Pakistani’s Highly Connected Drug Kingpin, Money Laundering Specialist paid FESTUS KEYAMO, a Defense Attorney $280,000 legal fees to halt Extradition to United States-EMEKA Ugwuonye, Havard trained American Lawyer, President/CEO at Eculaw Group …Keyamo received extra $100,000 to ‘bribe’ Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation but pocket fund for own use, visited Kuje Prison in Landcruiser vehicle to meet Khan *“ As an End-SARS protester, I was remanded in Kuje prison in February of 2019 in one of those cases the police filed to keep me from starting the End-SARS protest heads-on. I was only remanded in prison awaiting trial. I have never been convicted of any offense in my entire life anywhere in the world. On February 24, 2021, the judge of the Federal High Court discharged and acquitted me as a free man” *“I realized Keyamo promised Khan he would use his connections in the Buhari Government to stop his extradition. Khan was willing to pay anything. I tried to convince Khan that Keyamo was only trying to dupe him” *“As Khan was leaving Kuje prison, he saw me and he began to scream so I could hear him: “I need my money back. I need my money back. Keyamo took my money but failed to deliver. He actually spoke with Keyamo that morning and Keyamo assured him that everything was alright. I felt pity for him for being deceived” *“Officer-in-charge Kuje Prison gave Khan a mobile phone and sim card inside jail with which he communicated severally with Keyamo and his people in Pakistan daily” *KEYAMO Reacts: “My integrity is intact. No one can tinker with my hard-earned reputation built for decades. If they are sure of their facts, why not write petitions? There is no need to worry. Let them publish whatever they want in the foreign press” *PLUS: U.S Court grants Motion notification to Federal Bureau of Prisons to release convicted Khan, now suffering mental and health crisis into ICE custody on September 22, 2023, then be deported to Pakistan (April 2023 New Court Document attached) *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor, Washington DC
• 04/24/23: CONTROVERSIAL DEVELOPMENT: Nigeria’s Minister, FESTUS KEYAMO buys Luxurious Texas’ Mansion for a whooping $360,000 Cash, Transfer Millions of Dollars idle funds Overseas to acquire other Foreign Properties …says: ‘Houston Mansion is Cheapest of all my Houses Abroad, I am a Rich Man working very hard daily, I don’t Need to Steal Public Funds from Government to be comfortable, Made a lot of Money from Legal Practice and Real Estate Investment’ *“We are demanding EFCC to launch a full probe now into this matter on how he bought this property after becoming a Minister of the Federal Republic, challenging the Senate to publish report on how N52billion Special Works Programme Covid-19 Fund under Keyamo was disbursed to 774 Local Government Area in 2021 without any supervision”-ATIKU Abubakar’s Aide *Mansion located at 5509 Silver Canyon LN TX 77583 in Savannah Trace having 4 Beds, 3.5 Baths with 2,840 Square Feet listed $259, 900 was off market on January 22, 2021 -INVESTIGATION *NAIJA Standard Newspaper Editorial BOARD writes Code of Conduct Bureau for Certified True Copy of Keyamo’s Asset Declaration Form Submitted in 2019 under Freedom of Information Act in Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor & HABIB LAWAL/SPECIAL Correspondent, Anti-Graft/Judiciary, Abuja
• 04/24/23: INVESTIGATION: RUSSIA’S Wagner Group backed former Warlord, Army General MOHAMMED HAMDAN DAGALO, alias ‘Hemeti’, Local Mercenaries behind SUDAN Civil War, Xenophobic Attacks against Foreigners …Target nation’s Magnesium, Gold, Zinc, other mineral resources for Moscow enrichment, development *Supplies Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces with missiles, hi-tech ammunition *Fight deprive millions of people from electricity, water and food *“413 killed, others wounded, local rebels use club; machetes, stones to mob some foreigners to death in the streets of Khartoum. Dead bodies covered the road leading out of the capital of Sudan. Russian Transport Plane sighted shuttling between two key Libyan air bases”-EyeWitness Account *BY KELVIN ISIMEME/DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, Reporting LIVE from Khartoum
• 04/24/23: ARRESTED FOR MURDER: Nigerian born Naturalized American Medical Aide, OBIAGERIAKU JANE IHEANACHO Assaults 75-year-old In-Patient, Victim dies from Trauma …knocks down patient during altercation, victim suffered broken hip *Deceased transported to the Medical Examiners’ Office for an autopsy, homicide notified *”On January 12, 2023, at approximately 06:00 a.m., we ruled the death a homicide by blunt force trauma”-Medical Examiners’ Office report *“The Northeast District Homicide have arrested a 35-year-old female Nigerian-American, Obiageriaku Jane Iheanacho for the alleged murder of a 75-year-old Ellsworth Johnson-Bey. She was transported to Central Booking Intake Facility where she has been charged with second-degree murder and first and second-degree assault. On May 18, 2022, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Northeast District patrol officers responded to the 5000 block of Frankford Road to investigate a reported aggravated assault. Once at the location, officers spoke with a Care Center Manager, who advised a 75-year-old male patient was knocked down and injured by a contractual employee”-Baltimore POLICE Department *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/21/23: DEVELOPING ON SALLAH DAY: ‘I Want to thank Nigerians for Tolerating Me for Eight years, If I offend Anyone, Do Find A Place in Your Heart to Forgive Me’-BUHARI, Nigeria President *‘I have started counting my days in Aso Rock and cannot wait to retire to my Daura home town. My home is eight kilometres to Niger Republic. I got all I asked of God and would quietly retire home’ *“I can’t wait to go home. I deliberately arranged to be as far away as possible from people” *BY KEMI ALESHINLEKAN/POLITICAL Correspondent, Abuja
• 04/21/23: ON THE RUN OVER ELECTORAL FRAUD: DISGRACED Adamawa Resident Commissioner, HUDU YUNUSA ARI Goes into Hiding for Fear of Arrest, Making Final Plans to Escape Overseas …last sighted after controversial Gubernatorial Election announcement flying on a Private Jet Registration Number: (NG) 5N-IKO, Serial Number: 258547, Model No: S-0642EC *‘Suspended Adamawa REC, Yunusa has remained elusive, incommunicado, and disappeared without a single trace. We can not reach him on his cellphone. He disregards our multiple invitations to INEC Headquarters; We cannot even locate his whereabouts. We are asking the Nigeria Police to declare him wanted and help us pick him up’-INEC Information Chairman & Voter Education, FESTUS Okoye *Leaked Phone Audio Conversation between YUNUSA & another INEC official, Hammajam Mohammed reads: “Yunusa-Ari (REC): Is that our official from Gombi? Mohammed: No sir, I’m from Fufore, sir Yunusa-Ari (REC): I’ve heard what happened. However, do whatever you can to help this woman (Binani), that’s why I gave you an extra results sheet. Please, just do anything to make her scale through” *“If Yunusa Ari is arrested, and he opens his mouth, powerful people that are high and mighty in Nigeria, especially politicians, law enforcement officers and INEC officials will be implicated. He knows too much..his confession will rock the foundation of the country. That is why he has to find a way to hide himself for his own safety”-Top Security operative *“I have ordered the immediate suspension of Adamawa REC, Yunusa, direct full investigation of every law enforcement officials found culpable’-BUHARI *BY HILARU MOHAMMED/SPECIAL CRIME/ ELECTORAL News Reporter, Abuja & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/21/23: END OF THE ROAD FOR A FRAUDSTER: Nigerian Felon resident in Houston, OLUSEYI ADEBAYO Indicted for STEALING over $500,000 form a Mining Company in Pittsburgh …previously convicted in a hurricane relief scheme *“Suspect disguised as ‘Anthony Johnson’, used five other aliases, and collected two fraudulent wire payments totaling $132,410 from the mining company into a personal Wells Fargo account. Led a criminal group to later change the account to a JP Morgan Chase account where he made 12 more fraudulent withdrawal totaling $420,320”-INVESTIGATION *“Agents said the JP Morgan account was opened in Texas by someone named ‘Anthony Johnson,’ who was really Adebayo. The grand jury said he used a fake passport from the Solomon Islands in the name of Anthony Johnson. He also used five other aliases and a series of shell companies to open and maintain bank accounts for the scheme, the indictment says. Adebayo has a fraud history in Houston. He was in the U.S. illegally, used the ID of an Orlando, Fla., resident to get a loan for property damage from the Small Business Association”-United States JUSTICE Department *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/17/23: AFTERMATH OF IDENTITY IMPERSONATION IN LONDON: I’m Ready to Suffer PAIN with My Last Breath, Follow Righteousness to a Destination of Freedom, Quality Life, Safety for ALL Nigerians-PETER OBI …Vow: ‘No force on earth can stop me from setting Nigeria free, not any obstacle, Nigerians deserves better living standard built on truth’ *‘Peter Obi has been under sundry intimidation and emotional torture in Nigeria. His mobile phone, those of his wife and children has been bugged; security operatives keep him constantly under surveillance; he’s daily put under severe pressure to leave (run away from) the country’-Family friend to Labor Party Presidential Candidate *“Peter Obi confided in me on arrival from London that while at Heathrow Airport London, he joined the usual queue to pass through Immigration when his ordeal began. He was stopped and questioned for a long time and subsequently handed a detention note. He was told to wait for further interrogation and investigation. Immigration Officer later told him his identity WAS DUPLICATED by a Nigerian criminal sharing same name with him”-Professor Chinyere Okunna, a Mass Communications scholar, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University Awka *“Obi should ask the court to compel the President Muhammadu Buhari led Nigerian government to provide the impersonator whom the Nigerian immigration issued Obi’s passport and other details”-ATIKU’S Camp *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & SAMSON SHOAGA, MANAGING Editor, Nigeria
• 04/17/23: POINT Blank: NIGERIANS No Longer Have Confidence in BUHARI Administration-NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA, Director General of the World Trade Organization … political class in the country dashed the hopes of the electorates *“South Easterners don’t really believe that government can do anything for them. On the one hand, maybe it’s a good thing because everybody then becomes their own government. You dig your own borehole to get water, generate your own electricity, do everything for yourself” *‘For Nigerian Government to regain its lost confidence among the populace, it must get a tight, better and cleaner governance that must be transparent at all times’ *BY DAVID IMONITIE, DIPLOMATIC Correspondent, Washington DC & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/17/23: SAD EXIT in UNITED KINGDOM: Nigerian Lady, 33, CHINYERE VERA OKONKWO, MSc Student of Glasgow Caledonian University crushed to Death walking home as Two-Vehicle Collide at City Centre …Police claim a reckless driver was arrested in connection with the incident, later released to go home pending investigation *”Chinenye was a wonderful, kind, intelligent young woman with a strong faith in God. She had a passion to succeed and whatever obstacles she faced were overcome. She was very family oriented and always had time for everyone. Our lives will never be the same without her”-Family of the deceased *”It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Chinenye Okonkwo in a tragic road traffic accident. We offer our sincere condolences to Chinenye’s family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time. This is a terrible shock for our community, especially those who knew Chinenye”-GCU principal and vice-chancellor Prof Steve Decent *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor & AMINA AHMED/EDUCATION WRITER, Scotland
• 04/09/23: AHEAD OF MAY 29TH INAUGURATION: My Administration will Fight, Eliminate Corruption in Nigeria-BOLA AHMED TINUBU … My mission is to better position Nigeria as a prosperous country for the coming generation since this is crucial to achieving sustainable security *‘We have the capacity to build our own refineries, we will not scare away investors’ *“If we fail to invest in the future of those children and we take ours away to foreign country for better education, neglecting the children of the poor, the result is what we are seeing today in the form of insecurity” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor & AMINA AHMED/POLITICAL WRITER, ABUJA
• 04/09/23: SEARCHING FOR JUSTICE IN AMERICA: F.B.I leads Investigation into Death of Nigerian born New Jersey Councilwoman, EUNICE DWUMFOUR Murdered in Cold Blood …Team of investigators combing every aspect of victim’s life-personal, professional, religious * ‘30-year-old discovered inside white Nissan SUV with multiple gunshot wounds on Samuel Circle just before 7:30 p.m. in front of home’-Eye Witness *”She was happy with her new husband. Happy with her daughter, and she was living the life, the American dream. She was a beautiful motivated person, who did very well in the community”-Dwumfour’s former campaign manager Karen Bailey Bebert *”We are aware of the investigation into the death of Councilwoman Dwumfour, in Sayreville Wednesday evening. We have talked with our local law enforcement partners at the Sayreville Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. Should they ask us for any assistance, we will do all we can to help their investigation”-F.B.I in a statement *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor in New Jersey
• 04/09/23: DEVELOPING: Texas Nursing Board files Criminal charges against 23 Nigerians for obtaining FAKE LVN, Registered Nurse School Certification *‘Board is authorized to file Formal Charges against a nurse if probable cause exists that the nurse has committed an act listed in Tex. Occ. Code §301.452(b) or that violates other law. See Tex. Occ. Code §301.458’ *“I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation. It is really deeply disturbing”-Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, CEO of the Texas Nurses Association *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor in Texas
• 03/29/23: ELECTION VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA: WE have Received Petition, Evidentiary Document to Investigate BAYO ONANUGA for alleged Incitement to Ethnic Hate-PROSECUTOR, INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court … Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court acknowledges receipt of your documents/letter with reference number OTP-CR-109/23 *‘This communication has been duly entered into the Communications Register of the Office. We will give consideration to this communication, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court’ *Petition submitted Pursuant to Article 15 of the Rome Statute *“Bayo Onanuga’s concept of interference arose from the legitimate act by individuals from the Igbo ethnic group in Lagos in exercising their constitutional right to vote anywhere in Nigeria. This statement was issued after individuals from this ethnic group have been attacked and killed in Lagos State during the governorship election. The attacks continued after Onanuga’s tweet. What is more disturbing about Onanuga’s tweet is the threat of future harm to individuals from the Igbo ethnic group in future elections in 2027”- Prof. Gideon Christian *BY CHINASA AMAECHI/POLITICAL Correspondent, Lagos & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative EDITOR
• 03/29/23: AFRICA’S MAIDEN STATE VISIT: U.S. Vice President, KAMALA HARRIS Shuns Nigeria, Donate $100million to Ghana, Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire; Togo to Crack down on Terrorism, promote Regional Investment …hands out another $139million to Tanzania and Zambia for Security Stability *”The Biden-Harris Administration intends to invest more than $100 million to support conflict prevention and stabilization efforts in Coastal West Africa, including at least $86 million in funding over three years specifically dedicated to implementation of the new 10-year plan”- The White House *‘Nigeria-Giant of Africa becomes object of Ridicule in Global Circle’-EDITORIAL *BY GEORGE LIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative EDITOR & SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP Managing EDITOR, Accra, Ghana & EDITORIAL Board
• 03/29/23: AHEAD OF NIGERIA’S INAGURATION MAY 29: My father needs every Prayer, Support from Nigerians to Succeed-TINUBU’S Daughter …He is ready to govern Nigeria successfully with the fear of God, bring development to our nation so we become the best country in the world *“There is no way he can do it alone. Nigerians must support him, even after the elections. We should unite. We are all from the same country”-FOLASHADE Tinubu-Ojo *“Those at the helm of affairs must help the needy and those also not at the leadership positions must also help the needy to engender societal and national development”-Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, Chairman, Northern States Council of Missioners *OMOBOLANLE ADENRELE/POLITICAL Reporter, Abuja
• 03/29/23: NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT: Labor Party Presidential Candidate, PETER OBI, Vice Set to Truncate Nigeria’s Democracy, Working against Inauguration of President-elect-KEYAMO, APC Chief Spokesman …they are desiring Interim Government at all costs, engaging in Treasonable and Subversive acts contrary to the nation’s constitution *‘It is perplexing to see those contesting the election results want to be in the courts and on the streets at the same time’ *‘Those who are dissatisfied with the declaration MUST conduct themselves within the ambits of the law. Nigeria is not a lawless country and should not be portrayed as such no matter the frustrations as presently being exhibited by some bad losers’ *‘Opposition politicians are stoking the embers of hate, division and falsehoods as well as peddling misleading narratives through some compromised media outlets should detract from such’ *BY AHMED YINUSA/CHIEF Political Correspondent, Abuja
• 03/26/23: DEVELOPING: There will be ‘Death and Destruction in America’ if I am Indicted for any Crime-TRUMP, former U.S. President … ‘What kind of person can charge another person, in this case a former President of the United States, who got more votes than any sitting President in history, and leading candidate (by far!) for the Republican Party nomination, with a Crime, when it is known by all that NO Crime has been committed?’ *“Trump had created a false expectation that he would be arrested. The GOP chairmen’s request for communications, documents and testimony is an unlawful incursion into New York’s sovereignty. We cannot be intimidated by anyone, as no one is above the law. We apply rule of law in all cases we are handling”- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg *BY QUNEETH JAPHET/Diplomatic Correspondent, Washington DC
• 03/26/23: WICKED WORLD! Nigerian Music Producer, EMMANUEL ODUNLAMI stabbed to death for showing-off Fake £300k Designer’s wristwatch in United Kingdom …Cold-blooded British robbers confessed to robbery crime, denies murder *Deceased begged for life to be spared, suspects assault several times, kick him on the floor *“It appears from the CCTV that he was stabbed before any demand was made of him, or any other form of attempt to take his watch from him. It is believed the deceased’s watch may not have been genuine but was treated as genuine by those who sought to take it. It was a blow delivered with at least a moderate level of force, in the estimation of the pathologist, that penetrated 8cm through Mr. Odunlami’s chest into the right ventricle of his heart”- Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson, KC *BY TOLULOPE OGUNBIYI, Reporting from London
• 03/26/23: BREAKING News: British University Sacks Nigerian Controversial blogger, Tinubu’s Staunch Accuser, DAVID HUNDEYIN for Fraud on Campus …axed for misconduct bordering on misogynist, racketeering, illegally collecting money from students and fraudulent book sale inside Oxford University *“I signed up to attend the event, was surprised I had to pay £20 to attend. All events run by the African Studies Centre are usually free as they are catering towards students”-Eye witness reveals shameful detail *“Onyeka Nwelue and David Hundeyin are no longer associated with the University of Cambridge. Their connections were terminated following an investigation into their conduct. The James Currey Fellowship is not administered, awarded, or funded by the University of Cambridge”-Oxford University statement reads *BY SAMUEL OPEOLUWA/EDUCATION Reporter, London
• 03/26/23: 10 YEARS JAIL TERM COMING: Ekweremadu, Wife, Daughter, Dr. Obinna Obeta violate Modern Slavery Act of the United Kingdom, Guilty of Organ Trafficking-British Court …I am Innocent, Not involved in any Human Trafficking, embattled lawmaker fires back *Suspects remanded in custody, await sentencing *UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, states: “Human trafficking offence in Section 2 Subsection 1 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, a person commits an offence if the person arranges or facilitates the travel of another person (“V”) with a view to V being exploited. Subsection 2 states that it is irrelevant whether V consents to travel (whether V is an adult or a child). Section 2 Subsection 7, a person who is not a UK national commits an offence under this section if any part of the arranging or facilitating takes place in the United Kingdom, or the travel consists of arrival in or entry into, departure from, or travel within, the United Kingdom” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 03/26/23: LET JUSTICE REIGN: Nigerian Court grants Atiku, Obi, others permission to serve Tinubu petition at APC secretariat … ‘Let ATIKU, Obi keep going to court, as I am busy assembling my competent team into Aso Rock as Nigeria’s President-TINUBU *“I know some candidates will be hard put to accept the election results. It is your right to seek legal recourse. What is neither right nor defensible is for anybody to resort to violence. Any challenge to the electoral outcome should be made in a court of law, and not in the streets”-Nigeria’s President-elect *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & NURENI AHMED/GROUP Political Editor, Abuja
• 01/25/23: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AFRICAN KING OF VIOLIN MUSIC IN AMERICA: Violin Music is MY LIFE, MY Energy & JOY-DEMOLA Violinist, famous ‘Lagos boy’ Naturalized American A-list musician …earlier performed for former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, youngest Violinist to have played for Nigerian President at the Presidential Dinner in Aso Rock, set to embark on World Music Tour to Africa *Played for Nigeria’s Legend of Juju beats, King Sunny Ade; celebrated at the National Anthem for the Houston Astros (World Series Champions) before a crowd of 40,000 people at the Minute Maid Concert, had another sold out Concert in Hobby Center Houston Tx *Prominently featured in a song with DAVIDO called “Gbedu”, one with Wande Coal titled ‘Light Up Remix’ where he sang and played the violin *Established ADE FOUNDATION to assist the underprivileged and talented children by providing music education, instruments, and basic welfare in the U.S., Africa, and Latin America *PLUS first single: “One In A Million” to drop officially on Valentine Day, Feb 14, 2023 around the world *“I am ready to use my music to help rebrand Nigeria’s image positively in the eyes of the international community” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor for Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA
• 01/22/23: WORLD EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Nigerian Scholar, Naturalized American OGBEWERE BANKOLE IJEWEREME becomes Logistic Specialist Sailor for U.S. Navy …39-year-old Skillful in Cyber-security and Public Affairs, earlier lectured in an American online college as Adjunct Assistant Professor *Had Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration at Ambrose Alli University, Masters Degree in Public Administration at Obafemi Awolowo University, graduated in Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University *Migrated from Nigeria for the United States under wife’s expatriate immigrant permanent visa slot, becomes a Citizen within two years *“My oath as a Sailor totally prevents me from posting and commenting on political issues. It is totally against Uniform Military Code of Justice with grievous consequences” -IJEWEREME *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 01/22/23: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE in AMERICA: Nigerian born Professor at Duquesne Catholic University, MAURICE IWUCHUKWU stabbed to Death by Wife, American Suspect shot self to evade Arrest …Nigerians in the Diaspora petitions U.S. government, demand full investigation *Allegheny County Police received a distress call requesting a check on the well-being of the victim later found dead in his house with a woman, Charce Dunn *Incident occurred on Tuesday, January 18, 2023, duo’s bodies found along Thorncrest Drive, Wilkins Township around 10 am *“The U.S. authorities would have to investigate the incident and notify the Nigerian embassy”-Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Public Relations Officer of NIDO “This is a tragedy for all involved and our thoughts and prayers are with Professor Iwuchukwu’s colleagues, students, friends, and loved ones”-University’s spokesman, Gabriel Welsch *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 01/22/23: NO HIDING PLACE: Nigeria’s multiple Grammy Award Winner, BURNA BOY, Foreign Music Agent sued in Trinidad & Tobago over Conspiracy to illegally stage concert …Cash money Brothers Promotions file charges in court *Lawsuit filed in the Port of Spain High Court, additionally names four local and U.S. based promoters and companies *“Any assertion that, in this instance, we contributed in any way to the planning and/or execution of last night’s event is simply untrue”-Jules Sobion of Caesar’s Army, Defendant “ We are demanding $25,000 in legal fees and US$7,000 for consultancy services for the concert”-Plaintiff *BY VIOLET ABRAHAM/SHOWBIZ Correspondent, Trinidad & Tobago/GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 01/17/23: DARING INTERVIEW WITHOUT FEAR: If BOLA Ahmed TINUBU is elected Nigeria President, Nation’s Treasury will be looted dry-Dr. TEE Mac Omatshola ISELI, renowned flutist, former PMAN President, MFR …let’s pray this never happen, ex-Lagos State Governor hangers-on will squander the country’s finances to the last *‘President BUHARI is surrounded by praise singers that won’t tell him the truth. That’s a flaw in the character of Mr.President’ *‘In 2015: a dollar was N190, now N740; a gallon of fuel was N87, now N300, Kerosine was N150, now N1,000; Diesel was N150, now N900, Cooking Gas was N180, now N850; A bag of Rice was N8,000 now N46,000; A loaf of Bread was N300, now N1,000; Chicken was N2,500 now N10,000; Domestic flight one-way was N13,000 now N80,000; External Debt was $9.7bn now $98.6bn. Nigerians can judge performance by themselves’ *‘Nigeria is a war zone. The only weapon used in a war zone are the AK 47’s. Same guns being carried by the police, most of gangsters and Herdsmen’ *“There is only one candidate who can take Nigeria out of the mess created by the All Progressives Congress and that’s Peter OBI! He is honest, hard working and has a good reputation” *‘Politicians in Nigeria are all selfish and don’t have the interest of the Nation at heart’ *‘I name my dogs after famous people to reflect those celebrities’ outlook or behavior’ *Philosophical QUOTES: “CORRUPTION is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country”-Karl Kraus *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 01/08/23: ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW: OUR Highly-rated American University Offering Educational Grant to Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya; South Africa, other African countries-DR. Dornett Mcintosh, Chancellor, HBIU … We have launched HBIU Impact Africa enrollment effective March 1, 2023, applications available on home page at: www.hbiu.org *‘HBIU has placed its focus on the continent of Africa with the goal of providing high quality distance and regional education to the people of Africa for near to no cost. People need quality education and training. Money should not continue to be an obstacle that they face’ *‘We are willing to work with students from any of the 54 African nations. We want to develop regional leadership and business support that will produce greater levels of empowerment and structure for the students to obtain Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral/PhD degrees’ *‘Graduates of our educational programs have easy job opportunities in the United States and anywhere around the world’ *‘HBIU working with a team of dedicated faculty staff: men and women of highest integrity, sound academic success and huge inspiration to the world’ *Message to NIGERIANS: ‘WE cherish hard work, commitment, and dedication to excellence. HBIU will be here to support, mentor, counsel, and invest in the students’ success. We believe that dreams are meant to become reality, which is why our motto is No one is left behind’ *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 01/02/23: 2023 Election: I Have Delivered on My Promises for Nigerians, Done My Best-Nigeria’s President, BUHARI … ‘I am challenging the next president to make Nigeria one of the leading countries by the end of this century, I have laid a lasting legacy’ *‘I welcome and accept accolades and criticisms of my administration in equal measure’*‘Nigerians don’t really appreciate my sacrifice for the country. I think I’m being harassed. I believe I’m trying my best but still my best is not good enough for some people’ *‘The lofty achievements of Mr. President will leave many Nigerian critics of the regime breathless’-Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed *BY TITILOLA ADEPEJU/POLITICAL Correspondence, Abuja
• 01/02/23: INSPIRATIONAL: Inside Story of Lagos born ADESOLA ADEYEMI Reign, African Queen of New York Model Industry … breaking boundaries as an international star in America *UNILAG Bachelor’s degree graduate in Accounting features on cover of GQ, Vogue Italia, Marie Claire; Moevir Magazine, others *earlier voted best model, Lagos Fashion Week, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, currently signed to Wilhelmina models-one of the leading modeling and talent agencies in the world *Celebrated as one of the first indigenous Nigerian models to work for world renowned foreign brands: Nicole Miller, Sherri Hill, Rebecca Minkoff; Carolina Herrera, Mac Cosmetics, Laura Mercier, Nars; Cledepeau, Khaled Weis; Cover FX ,Maybeline, Rimmel London; Flesh Beauty, Glam Glow; Saks Fifth Avenue, Macys, Net-aporter; T.J. Maxx *Walked runways in New York Fashion Week for famous designers like Pamela Roland, chiarabonilapetiterobe, Christian Cowan, Patbo; Custo Barcelona, Bibhu Mohapatra *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 01/02/23: MARRIED FOR LIFE: Celebrating African Traditional Heritage Overseas Nigerian born American lovers, Software Engineers showcase Yoruba, Igbo Culture to Marry in Philadelphia *Met by destiny, dated for nine months, began romantic relationship in New York *In honor of Yoruba traditions, AMOS AKINOLA and his groomsmen laid flat on the floor, at the feet of his future in-laws, to show respect *As an Igbo bride, OBIAJULU ‘Ajulu’ ADIGWE had her “igba nkwu,” or wine carrying, during which she received a cup of palm wine from her father, who then instructed her to go into the crowd, find the man she wanted to marry, and bring him back. When she found him, she presented the wine, which Amos drank *Couples danced non-stop to various Nigerian music and live performances by invited entertainers *“Our wedding is rich, cultural, heartwarming-and unforgettable”-Couple after marriage *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 01/02/23: BREAKING NEWS: Nigeria Government still placed My Name on a List of Enemies of the State -Dr. OKEY NDIBE, foremost author, scholar, Shearing Fellow at University of Nevada, Viebranz Visiting Professor of Creative Writing, English Department, ST. Lawrence University … Buhari administration will be remembered as unrelieved, unmitigated disaster *‘Each time I arrive at the airport, whether coming into Nigeria or leaving-I’m detained for questioning. Often, the detention lasts between thirty minutes and an hour. But on one occasion, I was held overnight, for more than ten hours, at the DSS’s airport facility’ *‘I have chosen not to be afraid when I travel to Nigeria or any other country in the world. When I’m in Nigeria, I bask in the warmth and affection of relatives, friends and fans. I hardly have time to consider the possibility of threats to my safety or life’ *‘If Nigeria were a nation founded on law, Nnamdi Kanu would not still languish in detention after a court had ordered his release. The Nigerian government is the greatest and most powerful agent of criminality in the space called Nigeria’ *‘Peter Obi is promising in terms of physical conditioning, engagement with the issues as Nigeria’s in-coming president’ *Discusses secrets behind the success of his best seller novels, plus evergreen moments as Chair of judges for the 2022 AKO Caine Prize for African writing *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 12/28/22: SHOCKING Development: I Was Robbed, My Properties Stolen inside Hilton Baltimore Hotel Room in United States -Nigerian musician, Jaywon lament *“I left my hotel today #hiltonbaltimore to the music studio only to come back and I couldn’t find my luggage, my carry on bag with my laptop. My gold chain, clothes, shoes, slides are all gone. Someone emptied my suite #hiltonbaltimoreinnerharbor this wasn’t the Christmas I had wanted” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 12/28/22: CONTROVERSY: PETER OBI, Labor Party Presidential Candidate is a Stubborn Social Media Noise Maker, Won’t Listen, He Cannot win Nigeria Presidential Election-PRINCE ARTHUR EZE, Anambra born billionaire … ‘Arthur Eze is a Political Cancer From Nigeria establishment which Must Be Rescued, alleges Peter Obi Campaign Council *‘‘I invited Obi face-to-face, asked him of his plans to win the presidential election, he had no idea. I advised him to drop his over-ambition, conserve his funds, and he rejected the idea. He is a huge joke. Politics is not a gamble or game. Atiku Abubakar, the presidential card bearer of Peoples Democratic Party is the next president of Nigeria. The former Vice president will hand over to Professor Charles Soludo at the end of the tenure’’ *“When we wrestle power from the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, the likes of Arthur Eze would no longer wield any influence in the country”-OBI *BY TITILOLA ADEPEJU/POLITICAL Correspondence, Lagos
• 12/28/22: WORLD EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH United States Govt: AMERICA is awarding $4million Grant for project Action against Child Labor Trafficking in West Africa-THEA LEE, Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs *‘Project to support ECOWAS and the Federal Government of Nigeria in implementing regional and national action plans that will address child labor crisis from December 2022 to December 2026’ *To avert Corruption: ‘The Department of Labor has a rigorous process to select our grant recipients and partners, we will continuously monitor our projects to ensure proper accountability of funding’ *“We want to be good stewards of taxpayer money while implementing the Biden-Harris Administration’s worker-centered policies”-LEE *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 12/28/22: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: I Am Returning into Active Journalism, will engage in Farming-FEMI Adesina, Senior Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media & Communications …Mr President has done well in the areas of security, reviving the economy and will leave the country far better *‘2023 election will be Free, Fair and Peaceful from Federal to States, at Executive and Legislative levels’ *‘In President Buhari’s administration, the economy is diversified: oil is now accounting for less than 10% of the Gross Domestic Product, we now get more from Agriculture, ICT, Services, and other areas and the economy inches up quarter after quarter’ *‘Issues of fuel price, food rise inflation are being tackled as expeditiously as possible, We are winning against all saboteurs in the Nigerian government’ *‘Our legacy: A safer country, Secure, more prosperous. A diversified and growing economy. Revived infrastructure; roads, bridges, rail, airports etc. A polity where corruption is abhorred, and punished when discovered. A country that the people believe in, and see as their very own. A country that has a bright future’ *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 12/28/22: CELEBRATION: Nigerian Entertainers Import Rib-Cracking Comedy to United States …Red carpet ceremony on strict invites attract top celebrities *Nollywood legend, Richard Mofe-Damijo plays compere at Nate holden Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, ably assisted by Helen Paul *On stand comedians were: Seyi Brown, Helen Paul, Skillz, Trixx, Tiani Bibish, and Jedi Ayoola with performances by Shola Iyola, Isaac Geralds, Hameed, Meaku, and the group YND *Sold out event had Nigerians in the Diaspora laughed non-stop, begging for more *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 11/05/22: POLITICS is for serious minded technocrats, not for a jester in movies-Asiwaju BOLA AHMED TINUBU … mentioning Funke Akindele in my presence is an insult *Warns: ‘You cannot govern Lagos State the way you entertain people in films’ *Question in Yoruba language: “A fowl wants to enter a house, it is bending down, how tall is it in the first place?” *APC supporters sing in Lagos Secretariat: “…Who is Funke Akindele? (she is) an ant in the presence of the father of Lagos (Tinubu)” *Former Lagos governor instructs 57 local council chairmen to reach out to aggrieved members of the party at the grassroots in order to deliver more votes for APC at the general elections *“I urge all of us to work for the victory of Asiwaju at polling unit by polling unit, ward by ward, and local government by local government”-SANWO-OLU, Governor of Lagos State *BY TITILOLA ADEPEJU/POLITICAL Correspondence, Lagos
• 11/05/22: In need of URGENT HELP! Nigeria’s Legendary Footballer, HENRY NWOSU Suffering Acute Heart Ailment … undergoing critical medical treatment at Asaba Specialist Hospital *Imo State Government steps in for medical assistance, ready to fly him Abroad if health becomes worse * “We won’t forget the prominent role you have played and continue to play in Imo state and Nigeria through developing and promoting of football and sports in general. We will make sure you get all the support you need as we pray for you to recover very soon and get back to your cheerful and playful self. Governor Hope Uzodinma has ensured he gets adequate medical attention even if it includes flying him abroad for medical treatment”-Imo State Commissioner for Youth & Sports Development, Hon. Dan Chike Ogu *“Nigerians should keep praying for God to heal me of this heart problem. I am passing through a lot of pains daily”-NWOSU cries out on sick bed *BY UCHE AMAECHI/SPORTS Reporter, Delta State
• 11/05/22: SPOT ON: IF 2023 Election Fails, Nigeria will be No More-OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, former Nigeria President … nation at a make or break juncture for a free, fair electioneering process, praying for unity *Says: ‘Politicians are capable of wreaking havoc which could divide the country if leaders fail to watch it’ *“If you stand on the truth, you stand for justice and equity, it is then that politicians will not be able to mess us around” *BY TOYE ALADEJO/POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 11/05/22: BUSTED: EFCC Arrests Nigeria Hacker King, ISMAILA ATUMEYI contesting Kogi Assembly, Recovers $470,000 USD Cash inside Morgan Estate Ojodu Lagos Mansion …Suspect hides fund in a locked underground room *Others in the net in a sting operation: Joshua Dominic, a serial fraudster, Abdulmalik Femi, a former bank employee-an inside informant *Syndicate of fraudsters hacked into a commercial bank, pulled off a heist of N1.4billion *“Suspects allegedly moved N887 million into the account of Fav Oil and Gas limited, from where the monies were paid to several Bureau de Change operators and some auto dealers for exchange into United States dollars and purchase of high-end cars. Two Range Rover Luxury SUVs were also recovered from the two suspects. They would be charged to court as soon as the investigation was concluded”-EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren *BY AHMED RILWAN/ANTI-GRAFT Editor, Abuja & RAHMAT MOHAMMED, Business Correspondent, Lagos
• 11/05/22: HISTORIC FEAT: Nigerian woman, AMANDA AZUBUIKE promoted United States Army General … decorated at a military base in Fort Knox, Kentucky *Reigns as Chief of Public Affairs at the United States Southern Command, Fort Lauderdale Area, and Director of Public Affairs, Joint Force HQs-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington *Extend open invitation to Nigerians passionate about joining the United States Army to contact her directly *“I feel privileged to serve in USl Army Cadet Command, and contribute to our future Army leaders. We have many opportunities for those looking for a sense of purpose and service. As I found out very early in life, the Army has many opportunities, and many occupations, and we award many scholarships. PLEASE CONTACT ME if you or someone you know wants to be an Army officer. Regardless of how YOU define success, the Army can help you get there. I was able to join the US military at a time when I was not yet a citizen of the United States”-Brigadier General AZUBUIKE *“Amanda Azubuike makes everyone around her better”-U.S. Army Futures Command Commander, General James Rainey *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 11/05/22: REVEALING: I am Happy My DNA Genealogy showed I am 43 percent Nigerian from West Africa-MEGHAN Markle, DUCHESS of SUSSEX on podcast … confirms she feels good about her root and confidence of black heritage identity *’Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Foundation made unspecified donation to Save the Children orphanage in Nigeria as team deliver life-saving supplies to affected flood families’ *Thumbs down hurty-tone conversation: “I find it most embarrassing when you’re saying a sentence and the intonation goes up. That’s why I keep cowering and tiptoeing into a room. I don’t like it when black women are being stereotyped as angry” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 11/05/22: World EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW after 42 YEARS in MUSIC: I Have No Regret as a Musician, Regret living in a Wrong Nigerian Environment-STELLA MONYE, Nigeria’s Samba Queen, ‘Oko Mi Ye’ songstress … Nigerian Musicians need to be more creative to Survive, I see Artistes playing Music in America Subway *‘Entertainment could be a major source of revenue for Nigeria instead of oil’ *‘We don’t have creative people in government, every politician in power for their pocket’ *‘PMAN Corrupt as Nigeria: wrong people in wrong places’ *‘During Charly Boy’s reign as PMAN President, Nigerian musicians had health insurance, No continuity in policy at the end of tenure’ *‘Lay-about (busy-bodies) created problems for PMAN, Real musicians don’t have time for brouhaha in the Music industry, PMAN need professional handlers to save it from comatose’ ‘Bongos IKWUE and I working on a collaborative entertainment gig unraveling soon’-MONYE *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/30/22: WAY TO GO: Former International Heavyweight Boxing Champion in America, ‘The Nigerian Gentleman’, ENOBONG UMOHETTE Returns to the Ring, after 8 years of earlier Retirement …knocks out William “Rugged Billy” Myers at Cincinnati, Ohio, with a swollen face, black eye in an explosive match *Lights up fighting arena with a remarkable performance, raises Nigeria Flag *ex- Nigerian national amateur Super Heavyweight Boxing Champion was a former Nigerian Secret Service Intelligence operative *Speaking from residence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: “Life outside the boxing ring and fatherhood had caused me to put on more than 130lbs in about 2 years after retirement, which made my toddler, daughters ask that I return to the boxing ring again, as an athletic Dad in build and frame” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/30/22: Making AFRICA proud Overseas: Nigerian born former PUNCH Reporter, ARTHUR ‘KUNLE FALAYI lead American newspaper Data Journalism section in Arizona …anchors Data and Housing reports for USA Today, previously covered business for BBC News for over 4 years *Fellow of Thomas Foundation in Digital and Multimedia Communication London covers housing insecurity, skilled in map, chart, use of Python, Javascript, data scraping; Qgis, ai2html; Web Design, Cascading Style Sheets and multiple data tools *ex-FRCN celebrated earlier as a Visiting Journalist in London Telegraph Newspaper *Holds Master’s degree of Science at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations at University of Lagos, Bachelor’s degree in English and Literary Studies at University of Ado Ekiti; Professional Diploma in Public Relations at Nigerian Institute of Public Relations *Won Best Reporting on Water and Sanitation, Rotary Humanitarian Reporting Award 2014, Education Reporter of the Year 2014, Overall Winner, Promasidor Quill Awards 2014; Co-Winner, 2014 Best Report on Children, Science Reporter of the Year 2015 (Runner-up), Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards 2017; Agriculture Reporter of the Year 2017, DAME Award 2018 *Worked as a Business journalist July 2019-Oct 2022 (3 years 4 months), Broadcast journalist March 2018-Jul 2019 (1 year 5 months), Punch Newspaper March 2011-March 2018 (7years 1 month) *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/23/22: Living the Dream: ‘Gifted Hands’ Genius Nigerian woman, PEJU ALATISE rule the world of Arts, ‘Ascension’ artwork sold highest in Nigeria’s Art Auction at 4.4 million Naira … fights against injustice of the present through a vision of a safer imaginary future for little girls by addressing the issue of child labor *Use arts to combat societal issues, incorporating literature, symbolism and traditional Yoruba mythology into works *Work exhibited at Venice Biennale’s 57th edition, themed Viva Arte Viva (Long Live Art), 2014 Casablanca Biennale in Morocco, Cooper Gallery for African and African American Art Harvard University, 2017, Resignification of Black Body; 2016 in Museo Bardini- Florence. Other works featured in Familiar boundaries-Infinite possibilities exhibition, August Wilson Center, Pittsburgh, USA, Resignification of Black bodies, Palermo, Italy, Curator- Awam Ampka (New York University), June 2018; Péju Alatise Memoirs of the forgotten, 2019 Sulger Buel Gallery, London Intricacies: Fragment & Meaning, Aicon Gallery, New York, 2019 *A graduate of Architecture created a group of life-size figures based on the life of a servant girl to become a recipient of the 2017 FNB Art Prize in Johannesburg, South Africa *She is a Nigerian artist, poet, writer; a fellow at the National Museum of African Art influenced by David Dale, Bruce Onabrakpeya, Nike Monica Davies, Susanna Wenger, Nigerian and Yoruba culture *“”When I look at the standard in which I want my work to be, I look at what is happening on a global scale. The artists who inspire me are those whose works engage in a way that either informs or inspires you, that talk to the true essence of the human in you and I want my work to do the same”-ALATISE *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative EDITOR
• 10/23/22: SATANIC: 3 Nigerian NURSES arrested in Delta State for stealing Dead Child’s organs for money ritual … busted after removal of eyes, nose and ear of a deceased newborn baby, blames the Devil *Hospital earlier released deceased child to family after he was confirmed dead by a pediatric, however, brought back by the parents who alleged the removal of the human parts *“Delta State Police Command can confirm the incident. The suspects have been arrested. It is true that this sad event happened. The information we got was that the child was delivered to another hospital but we were referred to that hospital where the child died”- Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer *BY ANITA AMAECHI/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, ASABA
• 10/23/22: THISNIGERIA media publication will hold every leader accountable-Highly celebrated Nigerian Journalist, ERIC OSAGIE, publisher …vow: ‘we will fight for the voiceless, report the news behind the news, beam our searchlight on hidden happenings and things people, especially the high and mighty do not want reported’ *“We are newspaper of the people for the people. We shall defend both the powerful and the powerless in a country where the rights of the weak and the powerless are often trampled on, we shall provide them a shoulder to lean on and a voice to be heard” *“We will oppose any form of injustice to any Nigerian irrespective of tribe, gender, region, religion or affiliations” *THISNIGERIA has a daily print edition, an e-copy as well as online daily reports *“ERIC OSAGIE is a thoroughly trained investigative journalist with decades of media experience across various mainstream publications in Nigeria. From his evergreen days as Features Editor in National Concord newspaper, worked briefly at ThisDAY publication, Saturday Editor at National Interest Newspapers, MD/Editor-in-chief, at New Telegraph newspaper to the SUN media group where he doubled as Managing Editor/Executive Director (Publications), DMD at The SUN on various occasions; , wrote a famous column called ‘THE FLIPSIDE’ since 2000. He is the author of ‘THE BIG INTERVIEWS’ presented to the public in 2019. ‘THE BIG INTERVIEWS’ featured his exclusive chit-chat with major Nigerian newsmakers including: Muhammadu Buhari, T.Y. Danjuma, Dim Emeka Ojukwu; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Shuehu Shagari, Victor Malu among other leaders.This Edo state born softly-spoken; ever-smiling, humble media giant is a newsman devoid of any scandal, an administrative icon and media mentor to millions of reporters”-Editorial Board, Naija Standard Newspaper *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative EDITOR
• 10/16/22: NIGERIA ALARMING INSECURITY: Nigerian Returnee Businessman from Conakry Guinea, APOSTLE WISDOM MBAKWE killed by Assassins while about to bury Liberian wife who died in a Road Accident … killers caught, confessed to hide in uncompleted building under the cover of darkness *“Our brother had opened the door to sweep the compound. He first opened the back door to take the broom and packer, then left it slightly open while he went out through the front door to sweep the compound, oblivious of what was happening inside the house. He observed his Jewish religion’s morning prayers. Just then, he heard the shout of ‘Yawhew, Yawhew, and rushed into the house just in time to see the deceased struggling with some men. One of the assailants tried to use a machete on his head, but he dodged, and it landed on his shoulders. We need justice”-MBAKWE Family member *“We are befuddled since my brother’s wife died in a motor accident on 11th September while going to Nkwo Nmiri market with our mother and he was killed on 11th October, a month after, also on the same market day. The killers took his phones and that of his wife and we don’t know how to contact his in-laws in Liberia. We are perplexed and at a loss on what to do”-Sister of the deceased, Chinyere Ajonu *“We have arrested five persons over the alleged murder of a man one month after his wife died in a car accident. We have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the event”-CSP Mike Abattam, Police public relations officer, Imo State Police Command *BY SAM AILEDU ABRAHAMS/SENIOR Political Writer, Lagos
• 10/16/22: Nigerian Center Immigration Clinic officially unveiled in United States *Group to assist Nigerian citizens in the community in a walk-in who require legal assistance regarding legal immigration, Green Card procession and American Naturalization *Celebrate Mayor Muriel Bowser’s recent proclamation declaring October 1, 2022, as Nigerian American Day in the District *BY CHUDI OWUNIKU/GROUP Political Editor, Abuja & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/16/22: PAINFULLY SAD AFTER 30 YEARS RESIDENCY IN AMERICA: Nigerian Naturalized American, GBENGA OWOLABI Relocates to Oyo State to give back to society, kidnapped from hotel establishment, killed after N5million ransom collected …United States govt gets involved to know true cause of death, visited Nigeria to do a post-mortem, second post-mortem done in the U.S. before the burial *‘Information Technology degree graduate from University of Baltimore had a farm in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, opened a hotel in the same town last December to help the masses *‘Owolabi’s lifeless body flown back to the United States and buried in Maryland’ *“Remains taken from LAUTECH back to the U.S for burial. A death certificate was obtained at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and also at the Delaware State Military Hospital, USA. American government direct relevant security agencies in Nigeria to bring my brother’s killers to justice”-AYORINDE Owolabi, younger brother of the deceased *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/16/22: Inspirational: INSIDE Story of STEVE OSUNSAMI, Nigerian broadcasting ‘kid’ riding on the wings of ABC News in America for 25 years *Reigns as a senior national correspondent contributing for World News with David Muir, ‘Good Morning America’ *Born into a poor family of Nigerian immigrants’ parents, graduated from University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana *Started journalism as an Illinois Broadcasting Association intern and writing for ‘The Daily Illini’ helped launch media career *Worked at WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois, WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and at KOMO-TV in Seattle before becoming a correspondent for ABC News *Covered riots in Baltimore and Ferguson Missouri to the 2000 United States presidential election recount in Florida, and the shooting deaths of nine black parishioners at the Charleston church shooting in 2015 *Subject of political debate as an African-American reporter who showed emotion live on the air on the night of the election of the nation’s first black president, Barack Obama *Celebrated media practitioner has won or been nominated for many awards, including a 2016 National Emmy Award *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/16/22: ARRESTED: Nigerian Most Dangerous Los Angeles Criminal, CHARLES CHUKWUMA ONWUEMELIE busted for 68 Armed Robberies in United States… conceal identity for 24 months, wear different hats, a face mask, rubber gloves and handgun *“Los Angeles District Attorney’s office filed 16 counts of robbery against Onwuemelie for the crimes that occurred in the city of Los Angeles”-LAPD *“29-year-old suspect held on $1.4 million bail, used a handgun to steal at gas stations, 7-Elevens, and Walmarts. The robberies have occurred throughout Los Angeles County and the city of Los Angeles”- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/08/22: LABELED A LOOTER, NOW A SENATOR: WE have documentary evidence to show a former Nigerian Governor, CHIMAROKE NNAMANI stole $41million in last days of administration-F.B.I …Secretly obtained United States citizenship within 8 years in office, launder funds into 20 American bank account, moved another $961,184.27 in 21 tranches just four days leading to the end of his two-term tenure from Enugu State Government House on May 29, 2007 *Pilfered illicit funds through eight Nigerian banks as follows: $63,964 from Platinum Habib Bank in Nigeria to AmSouth Bank Florida account number 7966914620; moved $64,964 from Platinum Habib Bank to AmSouth Bank Florida account number 7966914620; moved $56,189 from Platinum Habib Bank to AmSouth Bank Florida account number 7966914647; transferred $25,772 from Fidelity Bank to AmSouth Bank Florida account 7966914655; and wired $21,975 from Sterling Bank to AmSouth Bank Florida account 7966914728 *On February 22, 2007, Nnamani paid a total of $1,800,000 in cash to buy a property at 1972 Bridgewater Drive, Heathrow, Florida, Co-conspirator named in fraud: Peter Mbah, Sam Ejiofor and Chika Ohaa *Judge Williams Acker of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ordered forfeitures of Nnamani’s assets to the U.S. government * “The defendant funds held on deposit in the twenty named bank accounts are the subjects of, or otherwise were involved in numerous financial transactions conducted by, or at the direction of Chimaroke Nnamani for the purpose of concealing or disguising the nature, the location, the source, the ownership or the control of the proceeds of ‘specified unlawful activity’ in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(B)1(1). Therefore, the defendant funds are subject to forfeiture to the United States of America pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(A)”-F.B.I Affidavit *BY OLAYEMI ADEGBOLADE/SPECIAL ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING Correspondent, Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/08/22: END OF THE ROAD: Nigerian notorious social media fraudster, Ramon HUSHPUPPI Abass should be sentenced to 11 years in prison, pay $2.2million in restitution fees, F.B.I tells federal Judge …claim suspect cooperated fully in months’ long prosecutorial investigation, to face three years of supervised release, American court rules on jail term November 7, 2022 *“I explained to F.B.I that within a period of 18 months, one of my friends and I laundered over $300million. Those are funds we obtained illegally from fraud. I am so sorry for the wrong lifestyle I led, the innocent people we duped. I regret all my actions and I have learnt my lessons”-HUSHPUPPI confesses in court affidavit *“Mr Abbas’ criminal path was premeditated, even though he had a clear chance to choose a rewarding career as a law-abiding citizen. Defendant’s history and personal characteristics are not mitigating. Indeed, given his stable family and education, the defendant was well situated to be a law-abiding member of society. Instead, he chose to pursue a global celebrity lifestyle by swindling innocent victims and laundering money for criminals of all stripes. His greed and ego have driven the many offenses he is known to have engaged in, and he has made a living and cultivated a following by using his ill gotten gains to create an extravagant lifestyle”-U.S. Prosecutors *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 10/08/22: ATIKU ABUBAKAR is the true hope for Nigeria, will win presidential polls slated for February 2023-DELE MOMODU, Director of Strategic Communications, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation … Abubakar is a son of nobody, who by dint of hard work and resilience become somebody not only in Nigeria but globally *Claims presidential candidate is a story of rags-to-riches tale of endurance and perseverance, from which Nigeria’s younger generation should derive a sense of optimism and belief in better days ahead *‘The Abubakar story of an erstwhile shepherd boy turned a national head boy, is significant for all those struggling compatriots to emulate’ *BY CHUDI OWUNIKU/GROUP Political Editor, Abuja
• 10/08/22: My husband will fix the problem in Nigeria if elected, says Senator REMI Tinubu … Present administration of President Buhari has no magic wand to just solve every issue in Nigeria, since they inherited some crises from past governments *“One of the things that gladdens my heart is that Mr. President has done well in laying foundations for everlasting legacy in politics” *BY SAM AILEDU ABRAHAMS/SENIOR Political Writer, Lagos
• 09/26/22: TRUTH PREVAILS: Nigerian born American Medical Doctor, ADEKWEH OGECHUKWU, Not Guilty-U.S. Observer Newspaper ….Cleared of sexual allegation by State of Minnesota County of St.Louis Court Criminal Division Sixth Judicial District in Court File No: 69DU-CR-19-384, Medical License to be restored *BY MOFE ABULUDE/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent, North America
• 09/26/22: INJUSTICE: Italy detain 36 Nigerian born Niger-Delta natives without Trial for years…alleged to commit Credit Card Fraud, Cultism *Human Rights Lawyer, Lucky Aghedo cries out for Justice, demand action from International bodies *Claim European Convention on Human Rights, Article 5, Section 1C and 3, provide suspects to be tried speedily or released if there was nothing incriminating *“Prevention of crime is justification for arrest and restraint of liberties. However, there ought to be a structure for suspects to be tried conclusively within a reasonable time. Some Nigerian migrants had also since been alleged to be carrying out cultism in Italy, flashing machetes and other dangerous weapons of intimidation”-AGHEDO *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor & MIRABEL ADAMS/Diplomatic Correspondent, ITALY
• 09/26/22: SATANIC: Nigerian Texas Resident, BOLANLE FADAIRO shot Nigeria’s best friend of 30 years in stomach, steals SUV vehicle, abandon 2-year-old son to die inside car’s hot temperature over money … ‘That homeless guy denied my kids the opportunity to know the great father that everybody had to know. My husband trusts people too much. I warned him against this man, his Nigerian high school classmate whom he helped many times financially killed him at the end,’ claims Michael Essien’s widow in tears *“Bolanle Fadairo is the man seen on surveillance video shooting Michael Essien and stealing his SUV with a toddler (Micah Essien) inside. Fadairo abandoned the SUV and Micah was found dead in the backseat hours later, likely from heat exhaustion”-Houston POLICE *Judge denies suspect bond, facing long years jail term, deportation *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Senior Investigative Editor
• 09/26/22: INSPIRING Story from AMERICA: Nigerian Woman serving LIFE Jail, MAUREEN ONYELOBI emerges Overall Law Degree Best Graduate from prison, becomes United States First Incarcerated Immigrant Legal Scholar …Admitted at Mitchell Hamline Law School *FACT: She is one of eight women currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at the state women’s prison in Shakopee, Accepted into the American Bar Association accredited juris doctor program nearly three years in the making *“Mitchell Hamline Law School has a long history of looking for ways to expand the idea of who gets to go to law school. It’s important for people who are incarcerated to better understand the criminal justice system, and this is one important way to do that. Our students will also benefit from having Maureen in class with them”-Anthony Niedwiecki, Mitchell Hamline’s president and dean *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 08/15/22: DISGRACEFUL: Nigerian Hacker, CHARLES ONUS, a.k.a ‘Igwe’ Admits to Diverting $800,000 American payroll funds into personal prepaid debit cards usage *Forges 5,500 user accounts/passwords, arrested in San Francisco while traveling from Nigeria to United States *“Charles Onus admitted to participating in a scheme to steal hundreds of thousands of hard-earned dollars from workers across the United States by hacking into a payroll company’s system and diverting payroll deposits to prepaid debit cards he controlled”-U.S. Attorney Damian Williams *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 08/15/22: INFIDELITY CONTROVERSY: Bipolar Disorder suffering Nigerian born Naturalized American woman, PORTIA ODUFUWA storm Husband working place at Dallas Love Field Airport, fires gun in the air … shot by a police officer, handcuffed to hospital bed while receiving medical treatment for gun wound, earlier arrested for armed robbery in Wylie, Texas *37-year-old claim hubby is cheating and having extra marital affairs with another lady * “A 37-year-old woman-later identified as Portia Odufuwa, went into the restroom at the airport before emerging with a gun and firing most of the shots at the ceiling at Dallas Love Field Airport”-Dallas Chief of Police Eddie Garcia *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 08/15/22: SHAME: Nigerian Hydro Lounge Nightclub Owner in South Africa, ABDUL OLATUNJI, alias ‘Owo’ sentenced to 8years prison for STEALING N296 million, faces deportation …defraud several businesses in Johannesburg to the tune of 12 million Rand, blames temptation on the Devil *Lead cartel that specialise in compromising legitimate companies’ email, sets software to infiltrate bank accounts, transfer funds to personal use *purchase luxurious homes, state-of-the-art vehicles with customized plate numbers *BY AKEEM EKUNDAYO/SOUTH AFRICAN Bureau Chief
• 08/15/22: SHOCKING: Nigeria join four other countries on World Bank debtors’ list …accumulates $1.3bn IDA debt within a fiscal year, debt different from outstanding loan of $486m from World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development *Rated fifth on World Bank list with $11.7bn IDA debt stock in Fiscal Year 2021 *“Nigeria’s debt remains sustainable, albeit vulnerable and costly, especially due to large and growing financing from the Central Bank of Nigeria”-World Bank *BY ABAYOMI OLUSEGUN/ECONOMY Correspondent, Abuja
• 08/15/22: LIFE@70: Renowned Editor, DELE GIWA mentored Dimgba Igwe & I in Investigative Journalism-Africa’s famous journalist, MIKE AWOYINFA …Says: ‘My ambition is to become number one biographer in Nigeria, I believe biography is a higher form of journalism’ *‘In Weekend Concord of those days, we were ready to ‘die’ to get stories’ *Quote: “I thank God because everything I wanted to be as a journalist, I have been. As the features editor in National Concord, I changed the orientation about feature writing, to let people know that a feature story is a good human angle story. It is about people. A feature should bring in things that will make people laugh, and also cry. It was based on the ‘revolution’ I brought that I was invited by the Managing Director of the company, Dr Doyin Abiola, to start the Weekend Concord. Whatever one does, people are watching one. There is no way one does well and one will not rise. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious. I was very ambitious. Early on, I decided that I wanted to get to the highest height of the profession. Editing the ‘Weekend Concord’ was one of my highest achievements” *BY KEHINDE AJOSE/MEDIA Correspondent, Lagos
• 07/23/22: Seun Anikulapo Kuti cancels Morocco’s Jazzablanca Festival following tragedy in Melilla … lament: ‘I want to mourn the 23 migrants who died trying to reach the Spanish enclave of Melilla in Morocco’ *“It pains me to inform my fans that my heart has been completely broken and devastated by the events… that have occurred in Morocco in recent days. It is impossible for me, in good faith, or in good conscience, to go on stage, to party and have fun, where so many Africans have lost their lives”-KUTI *“It is a personal decision of the artist. Seun Kuti is right”-The Jazzablanca organizing committee *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN SENIOR INVESTIGATIVE EDITOR
• 07/23/22: REVEALING: I Have Evidence that BUHARI Government is Having Direct Links with Boko Haram -BABA AHMED DATTI, Labour Party Vice Presidential Candidate … Says: ‘Nigerians should not listen to APC about securing Nigeria after eight years of abject insecurity in the country’ *“In 2013, the Federal Government of Nigeria invited a certain group (Boko Haram) into dialogue. That group nominated a highly placed Nigerian to represent them, no name called. It took that individual about three days to repudiate and then just over a year later, the same group attempted the life of that individual. Look at that very well. The reason why we are not saying too much is because we know too much. Whoever knows too little is talking too much now. I had to pray in my heart before telling what I just told you” *BY YAARI HABIBU/CHIEF CRIME Correspondent, Abuja
• 07/23/22: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: TINUBU Family of Lagos dissociates from APC Presidential Candidate: ‘ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU IS NOT A Biological Member of our Family, No genealogical relationship with us, Only Name Dropping’ *Tell-all in a family book launch entitled, “Onijumu Wura; the Tinubu dynasty of Kakawa Street” *Insist: ‘Bola Tinubu is from Iragbiji in Osun State, not from Lagos State’ *“All members that bear our last name must have a biological relationship with the cleric, the late Alfa Muhammed Bugara Tinubu”-Book author, Rafiu Babatunde Tinubu, former Head of Service in Lagos state *BY ADEKEMI ADEYEMI/HISTORICAL Writer, Lagos
• 07/23/22: WARNING: NIGERIA must unconditionally release, compensate NNAMDI KANU Now-UNITED NATIONS … Indict Nigeria and Kenya Governments for the arrest and extraordinary rendition, torture and continued detention of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra *Directs Nigeria to report back within six months of the transmission of its opinions on Kanu’s matter, steps taken to comply with all the recommendations, refers case of Kanu’s torture to Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for further consideration * 16-page report dated July 20, 2022 adopted on April 4 by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at its 93rd session, held between March 30-April 8, 2022 *“UN Working Group finds that Kanu’s continued deprivation of liberty violates his rights under articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant, and principles 2, 4, and 10 of the Body of Principles and constitutes arbitrary detention under category I, Mr. Kanu has indeed been targeted by the Government as a human rights defender on account of his freedom of opinion and expression as well as his position regarding the sovereignty of Biafra” *BY STANLEY OBELUKU/POLITICAL Reporter, South East, Nigeria
• 07/23/22: BLASPHEMY IN THE NAME OF POLITICS: We are Mechanics, Welders, Vulcanizers picked up at Eagle Square Car Park, Promised N100,000 each but shortchanged after APC unveiled TINUBU’S Vice Presidential Running Mate-FAKE Bishops Cry out … Let them pay us our balance, the organisers brought us church leaders’ clothes to wear and assured us we’d be taken care of, we will spill the bean *‘Those Fake bishops who appeared in a cassock to give Christian voters a false impression are criminals’-Christian Association of Nigeria *“Criminal elements as clerics who attended the unveiling of Kashim Shettima as the running mate of Bola Tinubu should be arrested immediately”-Dr Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre *“Clergies in Abuja who witnessed the unveiling of Kashim Shettima as Vice Presidential candidate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu are not known big names in Christendom”-TINUBU Campaign *BY TAMUNO DAVID/RELIGIOUS Correspondent, Abuja
• 07/23/22: UPDATE: Nigerian Medical Doctor in London confessed to us of a discreet plan with Senator IKE EKWEREMADU, Wife to traffic a 21-year-old Homeless Bricklayer to the UK and harvest the kidney for the sick daughter -British Metropolitan Police … Suspects remain in police custody as we are enlarging our investigation into the case, victim escaped the London home of Ekweremadu, homeless for three days before turning up at Staines Police Station *Doctor, Obinna Obeta charged for plotting with wealthy Nigerian senator and wife for long under Modern Slavery Act, may lose medical license *Ekweremadu, 60, and wife, 55, ‘conspired to arrange or facilitate the travel of the man with a view to him being exploited, namely organ harvesting’ *Prosecutors claim they planned to have his kidney removed for their daughter without victim’s consent *The couple have denied wrongdoing or that there was a criminal conspiracy *BY MOBOLA AJAKAYE/JUDICIAL Reporter, London & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative EDITOR
• 07/04/22: THERE is evidence of Violation of Freedom of Christians’ Rights to Practice their Religion in Nigeria, writes United States Republican Senators to U.S. Secretary of State … ‘Nigeria has no Single Record of Any Christian or Muslim facing Persecution’, LAI Mohammed, Minister of Information & Culture faults claim *Call based on false premise and misunderstanding of what was going on in the country-FG *‘Some Nigerian criminals kidnap for money, hold people to ransom irrespective of their religion and there are some issues of communal matters dating back to many years. If statistics are to be taken, many Muslims as Christians would be discovered to have been victims of these abductors’ *‘We want to say that Nigeria does not have a policy that denies people the freedom to practice their religion. The country does not have a policy of violation freedom of religion and it is not true that Nigeria persecutes anybody on account of his or her faith’ *BY BISAYO OPEYEMI/DIPLOMATIC Correspondence, Abuja & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 07/04/22: SAD INCIDENCE ON AMERICA MOTHER’S DAY: Stolen Truck Driver pins Nigerian Mother of Four, FLORENCE NGWU to two vehicles, crushed victim to death in New York … Incident occurred around 8:33 a.m. March 8 at 120th Avenue and 167th Street, within the 113th Precinct *“EMS responded and transported the 49-year-old female victim to Jamaica Hospital after she sustained trauma to the body. She was in critical condition. On Monday afternoon it became known that the victim, Florence Ngwu, had died”-NYPD Spokeswoman *“I am profoundly saddened to hear that Florence Ngwu … a mom of four, who was hit by a stolen dump truck in Jamaica on Mother’s Day passed away this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. This death was the result of a senseless hit-and-run, which could have been prevented. Now the victim’s family and children have to suffer the consequences. This is just an awful situation”-State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 07/04/22: DISGRACEFUL: UK Govt orders closure of Salvation Proclaimer Ministries, as Nigerian Church General Overseer, TOBI ADEGBOYEGA flees, Lavish £1.87 million on Yahoo Lifestyle evading Audit … accused of embezzlement, financial mismanagement and lack of transparency *‘The church was wound up after failing to properly account for over £1.87 million of outgoings and operating with a lack of transparency in the High Court on June 9, 2022 before Judge Burton. Salvation Proclaimer Ministries Limited, more commonly known as SPAC Nation, was liquidated in the public interest. The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of the company’ *“Investigators interviewed one of the company’s directors, Adedapo Olugbenga Adegboyega, who was also known as Dapo Adegboyega or Pastor Dapo. During interviews, Mr Adegboyega said that the church group had over 2,000 members and 200 ordained ministers and pastors but failed to provide any supporting information. Further enquiries found that SPAC Nation either failed to comply or only partially complied with statutory requirements, including providing data to support claimed donations, and accounting records in support of £1.87 million of expenditure”-British Government website *“The court heard that SPAC Nation was incorporated in 2012, a charity set up to advance Christianity. Much of its charitable work was based in London, working particularly with vulnerable people, youth, and offenders”-INVESTIGATION *BY KAYODE ADEBAYO & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 07/04/22: INTERPOL Arrests Nigerian Cyberking in South Africa, JAMES JUNIOR ALIYU for Swindling Americans to the tune of N4.7billion (R192 million) … 28-year-old suspect in Johannesburg accused of stealing millions of dollars via email and text messages “James Junior Aliyu was arrested at an upmarket estate in Sandton, Johannesburg on Wednesday, following a string operation by Interpol and the police. He appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on the same day. His arrest follows a widespread investigation involving law enforcement authorities from South Africa and the United States of America”-National police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe *BY PHINA TOMBWELL/CRIME Correspondent, Jo’Burg, South Africa
• 07/01/22: WORLD EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Biggest problem in America: Church leaders not Preaching, Teaching Obedience to God’s word -Pastor RONALD English, Greater Bosqueville Baptist Church, Waco, Texas … a person can be considered a good Christian in United States without obeying a single commandment of God’s Holy Word *‘Many pastors are afraid of standing for what is right, not to offend those who gives ‘money’ to the ministry *‘Some televangelists will not preach injustice, oppression, and systemic wrongs since money for television appearance is tied to certain views for high rating’ *‘United States Supreme Court made wrong decision in Roe-v-Wade ruling against women *“America’s foundation is built on violence, nasty-history, whitewashed black history from schools to evade posterity where white slave owners broke up black families; raped black women; hung black men and saved their body parts as mementos” *INSIDE: Divine call into God’s ministry, job at Baylor University and Fatherhood experience *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/27/22: DEVELOPING STORY: I was Deceived into a JOB promise in London, Not the Removal of My Kidney; I Did Not Negotiate Money with anyone, show document where I signed to be an organ donor or collect cash from anyone -DAVID NWAMINI UKPO, a former Lagos Bricklayer inside British Protective Shelter cries out … Says: ‘I was told to go for a medical test to know if I would be fit for the UK job, but Dr. Harry saved my life when he narrated the procedure and asked me in the Hospital if I agreed (consented) for my organ to be removed, I cried and told him I was not aware; then the Physician called the police for my rescue against Senator Ike Ekweremadu and wife’ *“I applied for a UK Visa for David Nwamini Ukpo whom I picked up in Lagos state and agreed verbally with him in my Abuja mansion to help donate one of his organs for my daughter critically suffering kidney failure in a British Hospital. My wife was on the same trip to offer my ailing daughter emotional support fighting to stay alive daily. I have been humiliated and disgraced by this saga. My detractors, political enemies at work”-Senator IKE Ekweremadu *Couple face 20-years JAIL TERM each if convicted, remanded in police custody till July 7 *‘We followed due process before issuing organ donor’s passport’-Nigeria Immigration Service *“Ike Ekweremadu and Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu of Nigeria charged with conspiracy to arrange/facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting. We are thoroughly investigating this human slavery scandal”-MET Police *BY CHRISTIAN OBADARE, JUDICIAL Reporter in London & AHMADU LAWAL/CRIME Correspondent, Abuja
• 06/27/22: NO RESPONSE TO BLACKMAIL: WE can tell you Tokunbo Afikuyomi falsified TINUBU’S academic credentials to INEC, says Campaign Headquarters … recent primary, secondary school certificate forgery stemmed from the error made in the 1999 incident, now resurfacing ahead of the 2023 presidential elections *“Mr Afikuyomi, a former senator, admitted he mistakenly filled the governorship nomination forms for Mr Tinubu in 1999 and, therefore, was responsible for the false claims before a Lagos parliamentary panel that probed the counterfeit academic records” *“Asiwaju was exonerated in the House of Assembly’s report because Afikuyomi said he filled the form on his behalf then”- campaign spokesman, Bayo Onanuga *BY ANAYO IKEMBA/POLITICAL Correspondent, Lagos
• 06/17/22: GLORY OF AFRICA: INSPIRING Story of how a Nigerian ‘boy’ EUGENE ADELEYE migrated to United States holding one suitcase, $50 to become a New York Police Officer at 9th Precinct … making waves in policing, living the American dream *Mother, a retired Nigerian police officer for 35 years helped played U.S. Visa lottery *Visited Christ Apostolic Church on arrival under Pastor Obafemi Obadare on arrival, Promoted into New York Police Community Service Team Unit *“The greatest decision of my life was to join the New York Police. After I arrived in 2016, I told the taxi at JFK Airport to take me to the nearest African owned place of worship since I had only $50 in my wallet. I was driven to Christ Apostolic Church under the pastoral leadership of Obafemi Obadare. I stayed there and worshiped the Lord in the Church. I started working in a grocery store near-by. From there I heard the NYPD were hiring for traffic controllers, so I applied for the examination with $40. I passed to become an NYPD traffic controller. And later got promoted as a Community Service Team Unit. I am encouraging immigrants to apply, the NYPD is hiring. I am a child of destiny, now a United States citizen making Nigeria proud Overseas” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/15/22: CRUELTY & INJUSTICE: Nigerian PhD student, ORHIONS EWANSIHA THOMAS died in hands of Malaysia Immigration officers for refusing bribe on time-Autopsy report … Victim cried, begged for life to be spared, yet refused and mocked *Deceased, obesed made to do frog jump severally in custody, collapsed, refused medication, *Arrested with 19 others by immigration officers at the Desa Aman Puri apartment in Kepong, Selangor, mistaken for undocumented immigrant *“Thomas wanted to get his passport from his car near the restaurant but immigration officers mistook it as an attempt to escape. He was taken to the Bukit Jalil immigration depot where the authorities still refused to let him go after verifying his documents to be genuine. The immigration officers demanded a ‘bribe’ from him to be released. The money was paid but he was still detained at the Bukit Jalil depot”-Eye witness account *“The death of a Nigerian student at a detention centre was the result of a series of wrongful actions committed by the immigration department in Malaysia. Thomas was an obese person weighing about 130kg but he was forced to do jump squats during the period of his detention which caused him to collapse. He was given the wrong medication for high blood pressure. He had a valid passport and documents but immigration officers still arrested him for inspection of documents”-Lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, Attorney for the deceased family *BY NIKE OLUWOLE/CRIME Correspondent, Malaysia
• 06/15/22: POWER OF THE PEOPLE: 200 British citizen mobilized, block UK Enforcement Agents in Peckham South London, from Deporting a Nigerian accused of overstaying Visas *Crowd sits on the floor, surround immigration van from driving off, chant non stop : ‘Let him go, People power’ *Nigerian man, KUNLE OLAKUNMI released on bail after more than 3 hours of detention *“We were alerted that there was an immigration raid in process so locals came down to block it. We had been sitting here blocking the van and having ice lollies. They brought more police in and tried to break through the crowd by pushing us. We all sat down. We were all chanting ‘Let him go!’, ‘People power!’ as we prevented the van from being driven off. Police were called but failed to break up the crowd”-Eleanor Janega, from south-east London *“Preventing immigration enforcement teams from doing their job is unacceptable. Blocking or obstructing them will not deter them from undertaking the duties that the public rightly expect them to carry out”-Spokesperson for the Home Office *BY REGINA ABRAHAM/IMMIGRATION Reporter, London
• 06/15/22: LAWLESSNESS: British Police Officers under investigation for punching a Nigerian lady, SARAH SOYEMI in the eyes for selling detox tea outside White Oaks Mall without explanation *Eye witness account: “A woman was selling detox tea outside White Oaks Mall. A police officer alighted from the car, grabbed her without explanation and another officer punched her, leaving her with a black eye, before she was charged with various offences” *Victim charged charged with failing to leave the premises when directed, resisting arrest and assaulting a peace officer *“It has just been a lot. I am in a lot of pain daily. It’s so unbelievable. I am an independent contractor, supporting my family with the tea sales and money from the Ontario Works program. I am being discriminated against for racism due to the color of my skin. I am not the only one selling detox tea over there. Why didn’t they arrest other white British citizens selling similar detox tea around the same place?”-SOYEMI, a single mother of twin boys *“We are conducting an internal review to understand what happened. While we disagree with some of the particulars of how this interaction has been described, the London Police Service takes all allegations of this nature very seriously, and as such the chief has directed that a review of this incident be conducted”-Const. Sandasha Bough *BY NINA SHALEWA KUKAH/METRO Editor, London & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/15/22: London SINGER at Night, SWINDLER by DAY: Nigerian flashy Afrobeat act, a Naturalized British citizen, IDRIS DAYO MUSTAPHA alias ‘Drizzle Lomo’ charged with STEALING $5Million from United States Traders … breaks into unsuspecting Americans’ brokerage accounts, buy stocks to manipulate prices, profiting off on swings, facing extradition to New York *“Idris Mustapha, a.k.a ‘Drizzle Lomo’, a Nigerian British who presents himself publicly as living a lavish lifestyle, driving expensive cars and sporting flashy jewelry, by being a club singer at night is accused of stock swindling by day and stealing from vulnerable Americans in the sum of $5Million”-Prosecutor *“The defendant was part of a nefarious group that caused millions of dollars in losses to victims by engaging in a litany of cybercrimes, including widespread hacking, fraud, taking control of victims’ securities brokerage accounts, and trading in the name of the victims”-Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern district of New York *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/13/22: BURNA BOY is a Fugitive, He is under criminal Investigation-Lagos State Police Command … Musician has no hiding place, must turn himself in, accused of ‘flirting’ with a married woman, police escorts fire gun at fun-loving Night Club customers *‘Force Headquarters ready to alert INTERPOL to tracks artist’s movement *“Burna Boy was in the VIP section of Club Cubana with three women when he spotted another ‘married woman’ in the company of her husband. The Grammy Award-winning artiste told Inspector Ibrahim, one of his police escorts to invite the ‘married woman’ to come join him. This gesture annoyed the lady’s husband, who lambasted Burna Boy, saying it was disrespectful for any man to make advances at a ‘married woman’. After some minutes, Burna Boy made advances towards the ‘married woman’ again, a development that infuriated her husband and his friends who had gathered at the club and the matter soon degenerated. During the heated moment, Inspector Ibrahim brought out his service pistol and released fire multiple times as the musician laughed aloud non-stop”-Eye Witness on scene *Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police condemns shooting involving the police escorts attached to Burna Boy, orders full scale round-the-clock probe *BY DAYO ADEBANJO/SHOWBIZ Correspondent, Lagos
• 06/13/22: I am Not Ashamed, I wear my ‘Zero Votes’ with confidence, says TUNDE Bakare … I lost the APC presidential primaries as a badge of zero tolerance for a certain kind of politics *‘A New Nigeria is possible, I have already congratulated the party’s presidential flag bearer, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am ready to work with him’ *BY SAM AMAECHI/RELIGIOUS Correspondent, Lagos
• 06/13/22: LAWLESSNESS: Nigerian Bandits kidnap Anglican Diocese Church Bishop, wife, driver along Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway … victims on the way to Yewa in Ogun state when incident happened *‘Abductors forced victims’ vehicle to stop on motion, forced to enter another get-away- car’-Eye Witness account *“Preliminary investigations reveals that the victim’s vehicle developed what seemed a mechanical fault while traveling from Yewa, Ogun State to Jebba, Kwara State enroute an isolated area along New Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations of the Command is in Charge of the rescue operation that has commenced since 2100HRS of Sunday 12/06/2022. All the tactical teams of the Command Anti-Kidnapping squad, Ambush Squad, Puff Adder, Police Mobile Force, PMF, Counter Terrorism Unit, CTU, and Conventional Police personnel along with local hunters and vigilantes are all involved in the rescue operations”-Adewale Osifeso, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer *BY BANKE OLUPITE/CRIME Reporter
• 06/13/22: NIGERIA 2013 Election: PDP caucus plans to endorse WIKE as ATIKU’S Vice Presidential running mate *“We, the Progressives at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, under the umbrella of our great party, the PDP, are meeting on Monday in Abuja to endorse the candidature of the River State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as the vice presidential candidate of our party”-BUSAYO Oluwole Oke, House Committee Chair on Public Accounts *BY AHMADU ISIAKA/POLITICAL Reporter, Abuja
• 06/13/22: INSANITY, FACING UP TO 99 YEARS PRISON TERM: Nigerian Man on a B1/B2 visitor’s visa, CHIEDOZIE AMADI hits American woman with car, beat her to death using a metal pole … 22-year-old immigrant in Houston, Texas claim deceased to be a prostitute, allegedly stole $2,000 from ATM card, court sets $2million bail bond *“Aggressive man appeared to have hit the lady with his vehicle as she walked on the sidewalk. The impact from the collision was so heavy that his vehicle flipped over. After getting out of the wreckage, the man grabbed a metal object and hit woman on the head”-Eye Witness “The repeated and violent nature of this incident indicates that the defendant poses a threat to the community and public safety everywhere if released”-Prosecutor Michael Levine writes in the DA’s request for bail amount *“Our patrol officers responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian around 2 am on the day of the incident and met the suspect Chiedozie Amadi standing over the victim, Jasmine James. He was promptly arrested. A magistrate set Amadi’s bail amount at $2,000,000 at the request of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office”-Houston police *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/11/22: DISGRACEFUL: Nigeria’s King of Cyber crime in America, TUNDE ADEOWO Admits Role in $6million (N2.5billion) Bank Fraud, Faces 30 Years in Prison … targets 12 financial institutions in southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania *‘Suspect’s gang used over 400 fraudulent accounts opened with fake identities, documents to defraud banks. Affected banks are in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Rhode Island, few other states”-INVESTIGATION *“Members of the criminal group acquired numerous business cheques stolen from the United States mail and altered the payee names, subsequently deposited the sums into bank accounts that had been opened with forged foreign passport documents and fraudulent U.S. visas that matched the names on the stolen cheques. After the accounts were credited, the gang withdrew the funds via ATMs or purchased money orders, using the fraudulent accounts’ debit cards”-US Department of Justice *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/11/22: Police arrest man, BENJAMIN OGUDORO for setting visiting Master’s degree Scotland wife, brother-in-law ablaze over plans to take over new mansion … Suspect poured petrol on wife, in-law when asleep, lit up room, lied on phone to deceased family that their house was on fire and that he managed to escape while his wife and brother were trapped *50-year-old suspect caught trying to sell wife’s house built with hard earned resources *Chinyere died on the spot, while brother passed moments after reaching the hospital due to severe burns *“We can confirm the arrest of the suspect who had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Yaba, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, for further investigation”- SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer *BY KOLAPO ADEYEMI/CRIME Correspondent, Lagos
• 06/11/22: WE have Forensic Evidence linking NAIRA MARLEY to Credit Card Fraud-EFCC … musician is standing trial on 11-count charge of conspiracy, possession of counterfeit credit cards and fraud *Found to have committed crimes between November 26, 2018, December 11, 2018, May 10, 2019 *BY CHIKA AMAECHI/Anti-Graft Correspondent
• 06/09/22: SAD: Nigerian man, PATRICK OHANTA hit by heavily drunk American driver on way back from job interview, vomits blood, dies on the spot …arrived Louisiana six weeks earlier from Lagos State *GoFundMe to support deceased’s wife and family for funeral opened *“Patrick was walking home from a job interview at about 5.20 PM when the sad incident occurred. He was attempting to cross the Curtis-Coleman Bridge when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a 29-year-old man from Pineville”-INVESTIGATION *“A preliminary investigation conducted by our police officers shows the suspect drove onto the shoulder hitting Patrick Ohanta pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was taken into custody at the scene, booked into RPSO jail and charged with driving while intoxicated-4th offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension, reckless operation of a vehicle, and vehicular homicide”-Louisiana State Police Troop E and the Alexandria Police Department *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/09/22: I swear to leave Nigeria forever if Atiku or Tinubu win 2023 Presidency-Charly Boy … If any of these two jabagantis win, I go just leave una walker go Ghana, go beg dem for citizenship, Buhari go become a saint *FACT: Asiwaju Tinubu received 1,271 votes to become APC presidential flagbearer *BY SUNDAY IGBEKA/ENTERTAINMENT Correspondent
• 06/09/22: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TINUBU, ‘Jagaban B’orgu’ will win 2023 Presidential Election-WASIU Ayinde Marshal, The Mayegun of Yorubaland, Oluaye of Fuji … Our ultimate goal is to retain the tenancy of Aso Rock *“I have nursed the dream for a long time that my leader Akanbi Olodoode, an institutionalist, leaders’ builder will someday become the President of Nigeria. Akanbi, the real battle is ahead and insha Allah, victory will be our song come March 2023” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/03/22: COURT sends Osinachi’s husband, PETER NWACHUKWU to Kuje prison … ‘I am innocent of my wife’s death, I have no hands in it, My conscience is clear’, I am not GUILTY of 23 counts bordering on domestic violence and homicide’, Suspect claims *“Part of the charges read: “That you, Peter Nwachukwu, 56, male, on the 8th of April, 2022, at Aco Estate, opposite police station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did commit an offence to wit: culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu by your various acts of violence and aggravated assault with the knowledge that her death would be the probable consequence of your acts. You contravened Sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015; Section 221 of the Penal Code; and the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act 2015”-AGF *“Emotional, verbal and psychological abuse contrary to Section 14(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same section of the Act”-Statement of offence *“That you, Peter Nwachukwu, male, sometime between 14th November 2009 and April 2022 at Aco Estate, opposite police station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did commit an offence to wit: emotional, verbal and psychological abuse on Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu (deceased) by humiliating her and making utterances like ‘you are smelling,’ ‘you are mad,’ to her in the presence of her music crew members”-Particular of offence *BY EMEKA OBIKALU/RELIGIOUS Reporter, Abuja
• 06/03/22: American Jury indicts Nigerian Couple for fraudulently receiving $76,000 in a Real Estate Scam-United States Secret Service … Suspects: Caesar Oruade, Ayana Saunders convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to launder money *Wife receives fund in United States, wires same to husband bank account in Nigeria, lied to American bankers money came from ‘investors’ who were funding the making of Nigerian films through suspects’ production company *“In May 2017, a computer intrusion at a real estate company resulted in a Memphis woman’s $76,000 payment on a home purchase being diverted to the bank account of California resident Jeffrey Cranford. Agents investigating the case followed the money and found that the $76,000 had been ‘chopped’ and sent to several other U.S. bank account holders before ultimately being wired to an account in Nigeria”-FBI *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 06/03/22: CHILD CUSTODY: Texas resident Nigerian man, OBINNA IGBOKWE shot wife in the head, killed mother-in-law, fled with 3-month-old-son; dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound … ‘Texas man shot wife and stepmom, snatched baby before killing himself’, says police *Couple’s 14-year-old son witnessed shooting, ran to a neighbor’s house for help *Suspect drove off with their infant son in a 2008 white Honda Accord that triggered an AMBER Alert, while on the run, dropped child in a car seat at a local hotel *“At about 1:05 am, Ennis Police Department Officers located the white Honda Igbokwe was driving and attempted to stop the vehicle. After a short pursuit, the Honda stopped in a parking lot where officers observed and heard a single gunshot come from the interior of the Honda. Law enforcement officers began life-saving measures and summoned medical personnel, but due to the severity of the injury Igbokwe succumbed to his wounds at a Dallas Hospital at about 5:20 am”-Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING EDITOR, AUSTIN, TEXAS
• 06/02/22: DISGRACEFUL: Nigerian professor, GORDAN NDUBIZU, Pharmacist Wife Arrested in United States for Defrauding IRS $1.3million, Failing to report $3.3million in Pharmacy Income … charged with filing false tax returns, unlawfully distributing, dispensing; possessing with intent to distribute and to dispense Schedule II controlled substances to including oxycodone *Further slammed with four counts of tax evasion and four counts of filing false tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017 *Couple in their 60’s face 35 years jail term in prison, embattled lecturer face sack at Drexel University working place *“The Ndubizus filed false prescriptions knowing that the drugs would not be used for a legitimate medical purpose, instead would be illegally diverted to street-level drug dealers, operated a single location pharmacy, purchased and distributed millions of dosage units of oxycodone. Suspects diverted oxycodone pills to cash-paying customers, into street-level drug dealers with fraudulent prescriptions; evaded state and federal reporting requirements by manipulating the pharmacy’s dispensing records to conceal the missing inventory”-U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/31/22: I will single handedly defeat ATIKU, former Vice-President any day any time-TUNDE BAKARE … only if the delegates vote me as APC Presidential flag bearer *‘We will assemble the best, brightest and fittest from within the country, north and south, and from outside of the country, those in the diaspora to usher in a new Nigeria where every sector is working’ *“The time has come for us to raise the foundation of many generations, to restore our path and ensure that our nation becomes great again” *BY TOPE ADELABU/POLITICAL Reporter, Abuja
• 05/31/22: My wife refused to have sex with me, poured water on me while asleep, denied me access to my two children; ran away from home -KALU IKEAGWU, Nollywood Actor …in the suit marked LD/8939HD/2021, I am seeking a dissolution of my six-year-old marriage to Ijeoma since I did not give her any infection, my wife accused me of wanting to ‘sleep’ with my step-daughter *“Till date, I have not seen any report attached to a document that she lost a baby through STD. Truly, I did not ask her why she lost the baby” *‘My wife packed out of the house and sent me a mail that she was on her way to her father’s house in Enugu. I got back home from a trip on Aug. 4, 2021, to find out that my wife had left our matrimonial home with the children to an undisclosed location’ *“I tried to contact her when I got to the house and found it empty. She told me she was at her father’s place in Enugu and four days later, I saw her at the airport in Lagos, heading to God knows where. In the mail she sent, she said she was in Enugu” *BY NNENA OPUKU/MOVIE Correspondent, Lagos
• 05/31/22: Nigerian Ace Entertainer, HELEN PAUL appointed Professor in United States Varsity … becomes Head of Department of Arts, Music and Entertainment at Heart International University *Shared photos from induction on Instagram, congratulates husband Femi Bamisile who graduated as a Doctor of Law from same institution *Previously bagged a Ph.D. degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos * “Congratulations to my husband and I. It is such a great honour for both of us. You graduated as a Doctor of Law and I was promoted too. I am now Professor Helen Paul, the new H.O.D Department of Arts, Music and Entertainment, Heart International University USA. Thank you for all the sleepless nights. Thank you for sacrificing for us. #grateful @femi_bams. Big ups to all of us at Heart University. The ceremony was a beautiful one. Sincere gratitude to my boss and the University Chancellor, Dornett Mcintosh Ph.D. Thank you my senior Professor Cox, our faculty head and all HBIU staff in general”-PAUL *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/31/22: I Need a Man in My Life to Marry Me, Put a Ring on My Finger, I am beautiful-EUCHARIA, 56-year-old Nollywood actress … I am telling the world that I need to settle down fast, the great man destined for me need to show up without any delay *“I need a man who is God-fearing and handsome. He must be up to the task, having everything that makes a man male. He must be complete, that’s all I can say” *BY FEMI ADENIYI/MOVIE Correspondent, Lagos
• 05/30/22: 2023: I am the BEST to become Nigeria President, I eat ‘garri’ three times a day, Amaechi tells delegates …I am more experienced than any presidential aspirant due to my poor background *‘I have served as Speaker, Governor, Minister, and Director-General of two successful presidential campaigns’ *“When everybody was fighting me, saying ‘he’s supporting a northern candidate, he’s supporting a Hausa/Fulani candidate, I remained steadfast that I was supporting a Nigerian candidate. Now it’s your turn to support me” *BY ANDREW IMADE/POLITICAL Correspondent, Niger State
• 05/30/22: Historic Landmark: Nigerian born Law Professor, UCHE OFODILE, first African ever Elected Lifetime Member of United States Foreign Relations Council …joins exclusive list of highly influential American leaders like Anthony Blinken, United States Secretary of State; Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon; and Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States *Reigns as a Senior Fellow at Harvard School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, Honorary Fellow of the Asian Institute of International Financial Law in Hong Kong, affiliated professor of African and African American Studies at the University of Arkansas’s J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences *“Uche Ofodile will bring attention to pressing issues: sustainability and climate change; food, nutrition and water insecurity; corporate social responsibility and accountability; global governance issues and challenges; and the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. She joins an organization whose members are among the most distinguished and most prominent leaders in the foreign policy arena”- University of Arkansas’ press statement *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/30/22: Rehashing old Story: Frustrated APC Member seeks Disqualification of ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU over Alleged Age Falsification, Chicago Certificate Scandal, Petitions Presidential Screening Committee … ‘Tinubu never graduated from the University of Chicago, lied about age and state of origin, shouldn’t be allowed to participate in June 7 party primary’, claim SAGIR Mai Iyali in a letter made available to the press *‘Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has to show proof he attended University of Chicago or he must stand disqualified as the opposition is in possession of these same documents. From the information contained in prior submission to INEC in 1999, Mr Tinubu presented a false claim, on oath, of his attendance at University of Chicago from 1972-1976. It is clear that these claims are false”-PETITION *“I lost my university degree certificate while I was in exile during NADECO days between 1994 and 1998. I stated in my INEC form 001 filled when I contested the Lagos State governorship poll in 1999 that I graduated from the University of Chicago”-TINUBU claimed in affidavit attached to prior INEC form *FROM THE SUPREME COURT RECORD: “In our judgment on May 10, 2002, we ruled that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu could not be prosecuted by the police for alleged certificate forgery. The Inspector-General of Police could not be compelled by Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) to investigate Tinubu for alleged certificate forgery” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & SPECIAL Anti-Graft Editor, NIGERIA
• 05/26/22: World EXCLUSIVE: STELLA ODUAH did not receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Certificate from our College -Logan Spindler, Development Associate, SAINT Paul College Foundation, United States … We have confirmed no academic record exists for Stella Oduah at our college *School reacts to FOI Act requests of Naija Standard Newspaper Editorial Board to verify the truth about the graduation of an incumbent Senator, former Nigeria aviation minister *CF001 forms submitted with an Affidavit under Oath by ODUAH to INEC in 2019 reads in part: “Sometime in 2010 while in transit from Akili Ozizor in Ogbaru local government area to Abuja, I discovered that some of my personal belongings were missing. The missing documents are the originals of my West African School Certificate of 1978 from Zixon Secondary School Ozubulu, First School Leaving Certificate from St. John Odoakpu Onitsha; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Certificate 1982 from St. Paul’s College Lawrence Virginia USA; National Youth Service Corps certificate 1983, national identity card, United States of America Social Security card with numbers in it” *“Further inquiries at another college with similar name in Lawrenceville, Virginia showed that this other school closed June 30, 2013, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation assumed ownership of the college in 2017, property sold to a Chinese firm due to financial problems. Calls made to school phone number at (434) 848-6431 is permanently on voicemail” -INVESTIGATION *Nigerians are asking this question: “Can STELLA ODUAH show the people are academic certificates? Or what other educational credentials has she been working with over the years as a public office holder?” *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING EDITOR reporting LIVE from Virginia
• 05/26/22: EXCLUSIVE: I am the First AFRICAN Scientist in the World to Design a towering COVID Bronze statue measuring 8 ½ by 5 feet, weighing 2205 pounds titled ‘Pandemic’ where Science meets the Arts-Dr.VICTOR Olatoye, a renowned Nigerian born American Scientist & Film Critic …essential workers in various uniforms and humanity proudly embedded, to be unveiled during the International Pandemic Heroes Tour *Set for auction at over $25million, part of the proceeds to be donated to charities on several continents to help families affected by the deadly disease, fault Nigerian politicians on money politics *Discuss the success of NAFCA African Oscar at Hollywood Bowl Theater, Migration adventure from Ado Ekiti to the United States to live the dreams *Recall how he met Columbia wife after trips to the South American country 12 times, proposal at a Spanish Restaurant called ‘Olla Catagenera’ in Cartagena Colombia and evergreen joy after marriage at Oceano Hotel and Resorts in Colombia *”Pandemic displays the scientist looking into the microscope as the doctor holds an oversized syringe placed on top to signify scientific dominance over the virus. The oversize bottle and syringe show my conviction earlier on in the pandemic that we would find a curative vaccine and that was also why keys were placed at the mouth of the vaccine bottle. The “key” to “arresting” the pandemic is in the vaccine”-OLATOYE *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/26/22: SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY: Nigerian Man, KEHINDE DUROJAIYE surprisingly transformed a bunch of junk to build ‘Airplane Car’ running on Solar Energy, Petrol in Lagos State … aero-amphibious jet car is fast, runs at 120km/hour, enjoys jolly ride from Abuja to Akure *Vehicle capable of operating on land and water, claims he is a self trained inventor *“I hope my invention will one day be a common sight across Nigeria, and help transform the nation’s aviation and auto sector in the country. I believe in Nigeria. I need financial help and engagement from the State and Federal Government to create this technology into a platform of positive image rebranding for our country Abroad and generating huge funds for the country. Technology is the future of Nigeria in wealth creation”-DUROJAIYE *BY TOPE ADEYEMI/INVENTION Reporter, South West NIGERIA
• 05/25/22: STELLA ODUAH absconded from NYSC -Director General … the lawmaker representing Anambra-North senatorial district only registered for Orientation course, ran away from the one-year NYSC programme *Archival records: In Forms CF001 Oduah submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission in 2019, she claimed that she completed her NYSC but her certificate was missing along with other credential * “Sometime in 2010 while in transit from Akili Ozizor in Ogbaru local government area to Abuja, I discovered that some of my personal belongings were missing. The missing documents are the originals of my West African School Certificate of 1978 from Zixon Secondary School Ozubulu, First School Leaving Certificate from St. John Odoakpu Onitsha; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Certificate 1982 from St. Paul’s College Lawrence Virginia USA; National Youth Service Corps certificate 1983, national identity card, United States of America Social Security card with numbers in it”-ODUAH in affidavit *BY BIBIANA CHUKWU/POLITICAL Correspondent, ABUJA
• 05/24/22: Elect Me as Nigeria President, I Swear I will Relocate to Sambisa Forest and put an END to BOKO HARAM in Nigeria within SIX MONTHS-Al-Mustapha, former chief of staff to late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha … would overhaul the military within that period of six months, which is going to be a painful exercise but necessary in order to restore the glory of the Nigerian soldiers the way they were known before *“If it is not possible to defeat terrorists in six months, I will demote all these senior officers and send them home, they will be prosecuted and must return the money given to them because I will probe them” *BY HUSMAN AHMED/POLITICAL Reporter
• 05/24/22: Glory of NIGERIA Abroad: Nigerian born Ibadan boy, ADEBAYO ADEPOJU, Master’s degree holder protecting America’s Cyber Command Fleet for United States Navy … part of cyber experts taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy *plays crucial role in defending against cyber threats, cyber space in support of the command’s mission to collect, analyze and report on communication signals using computers, specialized computer-assisted equipment, and video display terminals *“The Navy has been out there on the frontline both at sea and on the ground making sure our adversaries are kept at bay. We have a dedicated team of intel service members who ensure we are safe from cyber attack. Adebayo Adepoju is part of this crucial team. Fleet Cyber Command is on the frontlines to thwart malicious efforts in cyberspace. We are engaged against adversaries, around the globe and around the clock-24/7/365”-Vice Admiral Ross Myers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and U.S. 10th Fleet *”My service in the United States Navy is a dedication to serve my country and be part of something greater than myself. I’m honored to serve this country that has done so much for me. Joining the Navy was a challenge I needed to learn from. I’m thankful for the lessons I learned growing up in Nigeria that I continue to use today”-ADEPOJU *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/24/22: DEVELOPING: Former Imo State Governor, ROCHAS OKOROCHA begs for mercy as EFCC whisks suspect into a waiting van for Squandering 2.9billion Naira Public Fund … anti-graft agency filed 17-count criminal charge bordering on diversion of public funds and properties, ‘It’s a lie, EFCC don’t want me to contest presidential screening this Saturday’, Okoraha screams while been taken away *“Our commission on May 24, 2022, arrived at the Maitama, Abuja home of a former governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha, to effect his arrest. The move followed the refusal of the former governor to honour invitations after jumping the administrative bail earlier granted him by the Commission. Okorocha’s case was assigned to Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja but attempts to arraign Senator Okorocha were twice stalled owing to the absence of the ex-governor who evaded service of processes. At the last adjourned date, March 28th, 2022, Justice Ekwo before adjourning until May 30th, 2022”-EFCC *BY ABBA USMAN/CRIME & JUDICIAL Correspondent, Abuja
• 05/24/22: Breaking News: FBI Arrests Iraqi citizen Planning to Assassinate America’s Former President, GEORGE W. BUSH … Suspect, a resident of Ohio already surveyed Texas mansion of the Bush family *Planned to smuggle in four Iraqi nationals as part of plot, set reconnaissance to include driving to the neighborhood of Bush’s residence in Dallas *Charged with aiding and abetting the attempted murder of a former United States Official, immigration crime for his alleged attempt to illegally bring foreign nationals to the United States *“President Bush has all the confidence in the world in the United States Secret Service and our law enforcement and intelligence communities”-Bush’s chief of staff Freddy Ford *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & SUSAN AMAECHI/SPECIAL Diplomatic Correspondent, Ohio
• 05/21/22: I am Passionate about Nigeria, ‘mad’ about seeing a New Nigeria-OBASANJO … ‘We can end insecurity in Nigeria within two years, only if we are truthful to ourselves, the masses are suffering a lot’ *“How can we expect a new nation, save our country, when our politicians refuse to change their style of governance?” *“I have no apology for being mad about Nigeria because I have no other country I can call my own and I have no other country I can go to. I have come to live here. I don’t like the on-going situation of life in Nigeria presently” *BY DAVID OPEYOMI/POLITICAL Reporter, Abeokuta
• 05/19/22: My WIFE is a serial Liar, she abandoned me when I needed her most, ran away to Canada-Sheriff Lawal, Nigerian welder man begs court for divorce …She deceived me into believing she was to attend a job interview in Abuja and I prayed in my heart for her *“Shakirat broke my heart. She lies about everything. I saw her last on Nov. 16, 2020 when she said she was going for a job interview in Abuja. I later learnt she went to Canada. Lying is her habit. She has since left her matrimonial home, left me, has not returned till date; neither has she communicated with me. Her family members did not tell me of her whereabouts even though they knew her movement. I can deduce there’s no more love between us, so I have approached the court to grant me a divorce”-Troubled Hubby *“From the evidence of the petitioner which is the only evidence before this court, this court is convinced that the respondent has no interest in the marriage anymore. More so if she could abandon her matrimonial home without the consent of her husband who does not know her whereabouts, only to discover later that she had travelled abroad. This is enough to show that there is no more love between the two”-Adeniyi Koledoye, President, Igando Customary Court *BY GABRIEL OYETADE/JUDICIAL Correspondent, Lagos
• 05/19/22: I am destined for Aso Rock as NIGERIA President, Not ready to retire from politics-Asiwaju BOLA Ahmed Tinubu, APC presidential aspirant & national leader …I will tackle corruption on all fronts and ensure peaceful coexistence of Nigerians *“I am assuring Nigerians that I will govern with all my strength. Together, we will work with you to reverse the trend of corruption. There are elements of division but our commitment to Nigeria is for peaceful coexistence to build up and demonstrate unity and live together in peace and harmony. I have the experience, knowledge and profound acumen to navigate Nigeria into the most successful country in the world. I am a man of my words. I practice what I preach” *BY RILWAN OMAR/POLITICAL Reporter, Benue State
• 05/19/22: SHAME: EFCC handcuffs Nigeria’s Accountant-General, Ahmed Idris for STEALING N80 Billion, Invites suspect’s blood Brothers, Sisters used as Fraud Fronts to Abuja … WE have invited some relations of the AGF and consultants whose firms were believed to have been used for some curious transactions, states anti-graft agency *“We have clues and evidence that some consultancy jobs were allegedly used by the AGF to launder the funds. This is why the commission moved the AGF from Kano to Abuja for interrogation. He is already cooperating with our detectives. He is still in our custody. EFCC has invited some of his relations and consultants who allegedly executed some questionable or non-existent contracts. The commission will brief the nation appropriately after our findings”-EFCC *BY RASHIDAT AHMED/ANTI-GRAFT Correspondent, Abuja
• 05/19/22: SOLAR POWER SCANDAL: Nigeria’s Disgraced First elected Woman Ex-Speaker, PATRICIA ETTEH begs EFCC for mercy after converting N130million cash into personal use, pilfers fund from Akwa Ibom electrification contract … confess: ‘Please forgive me, I am ready to cooperate, I honestly don’t remember how I misplaced the NDDC money in my personal account then’ *“Our commission’s special duties unit is grilling ex-Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh for her alleged involvement in a solar power electrification scam in Akwa Ibom State worth N240 million. The former speaker received N130m through her personal account. The contract was awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission. She is still in our custody”-EFCC *BY LATEEFAT IBRAHIM/CRIME Correspondent, Abuja
• 05/16/22: NIGERIANS IN THE DIASPORA MOURNING: Nigeria’s Cultural Ambassador of Hikosso music, Florence Trautman, ‘FLOXY BEE’ loses American Community Leader Husband …Showbiz manager hubby passed on late last month in New Jersey *Ever-smiling deceased was music promoter behind America’s successful world tour hits of Nigerian legends: late Chief Osita Osadebe, late Oliver de Coque, late Sunny Okosuns, late Majek Fashek, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade and a host of others *“My husband was a great community leader officially recognized by the City of Newark. He has done so much to promote a lot of Nigerian music legends during their world tour over the years here in the United States. The memorial service will be taking place on May 21, 2022 at Third Presbyterian Church, 395 Ridge street, Newark, New Jersey. We are blessed with lovely children” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/16/22: PAINFUL EXIT, GONE TOO SOON: Nollywood Famous Actor, LEO MEZIE battled Kidney Disease for years, passed at the age of 46 *Had kidney transplant four years earlier, another kidney transplant last week but developed complications few days ago *Deceased had been in and out of the hospital for a while trying to get back on the feet *Nigerians blame Nollywood stakeholders of shying away from contributing funds to save actor while alive *BY NGOZI ADAMA/MOVIE Correspondent, ENUGU
• 05/16/22: Breaking NEWS: AFRICA’S Richest Billionaire, ALIKO DANGOTE financially broke, seeking to borrow $1.1 billion (900 billion Naira) for Refinery Project -Fitch, world’s biggest global rating agency … Already exhaust all cash in other projects, funds loaned Dangote Group of Companies not enough to finance Refinery Complex completion by 2023, can only raise fund through sale of Dangote Cement bonds *‘Dangote Industries suffering from weak corporate governance. It is a risk for Aliko Dangote to remain largest shareholder and CEO of the project who already has a lot of power over operations’ *“In the report, Fitch said: “Dangote Industries Limited has a complex group structure with a large amount of related-party transactions, with a negative effect on operational and financial transparency. We also view the dominance of Aliko Dangote, as CEO and the main shareholder, in operations as an additional risk” *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/MANAGING EDITOR, London & BY AHMED NURENI/ GROUP BUSINESS Editor, Abuja
• 05/13/22: Petrol Price in NIGERIA is 8th Cheapest in the world-ZUTOBI, a world acclaimed international driver’s education company …Africa’s most populous black nation in global index position at petrol price of $0.40 equivalent to $1.82 per gallon *Venezuela ranked first with cheapest petrol price of $0.11 per gallon, followed by Libya at $0.15 and Iran in third position with a petrol price of $0.15 *Hong Kong has the highest price of petrol anywhere in the world at $13.10 per gallon *BY CHIMENEA SAMUEL/TRANSPORTATION Reporter
• 05/13/22: MARCO RAMIREZ, an American duped two NIGERIANS of $368,000 in falsehood of helping them obtain EB 5 Investment GREEN CARD -Federal Bureau of Investigation … FBI officer Ayotunde Soladem attached to US Embassy Abuja testified before Nigeria’s Special Offences Court *Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged suspect on an amended nine counts bordering on obtaining money under false pretences *“RAMIREZ, an American suspect defrauded Messrs Gabriel Ogie and Oludare Talabi, Nigerians of USD368,698 on the pretext that the sum was their investment in his company, which would qualify them to be eligible for issuance of U.S. Green Cards. Office of the Legal Attache in the U.S. Consulate, sometime in 2016, received a letter from EFCC requesting the FBI to assist in finding out the EB-5 Investor Immigrant Programme. The request was to know if USA Now LLC has the right to issue out the EB-5 Investor Immigrant visa to Nigerians. The FBI investigated the matter and responded to EFCC based on our search of people interviewed that Nigeria is not a participant of the EB-5 Investor Immigrant Programme. If Nigeria is not a participant, then no company has been given the licence or right to give out the visa to anyone”-FBI Special Agent Soladem *BY CHARLES AMAECHI/SPECIAL ANTI-Money laundering Reporter
• 05/13/22: JUST IN: America’s JP Morgan removed NIGERIA from Emerging Market, Blacklist from Foreign Investors … country out of ‘overweight’ category due to fiscal woes amid a worsening global risk, replaced Nigeria in list with Serbia and Uzbekistan * Claims ‘shady deal’ in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation non-transfer of any revenue to the government from January to March this year caused market panic *Bank analysts bank revealed Emerging Markets Bond Index Global Diversified index dropped 16% this year, most losses come from rates of $4 billion in net outflows from emerging markets since mid-April *BY BISOLA EWEWYEMI/FINANCE Editor, New York, GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & AHMED NURUDEEN/BUSINESS Reporter, Abuja
• 05/13/22: Russia WAR in Ukraine would cause Hunger, more Poverty, Unaffordable Food Prices, Riots in Nigeria; Ghana, South Africa, other 32 African countries -NGOZI OKONJO Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization *‘Knock-on effects of Russia’s invasion results in the dependence of many African countries on food supplies from the Black Sea region’ *“I think we should all be very worried. The impact on food prices and hunger this year and next could be substantial. Food and energy are the two biggest items in the consumption baskets of poor people all over the world. It is poor countries and poor people within poor countries that will suffer the most”-OKONJO *BY SERI OBADARE/BUSINESS Writer, Europe
• 05/12/22: President of Nigeria in 2023 Must come only from South East for Peace, Justice, Fairness -OLUSEGUN Obasanjo, Nigeria’s former president tells Ohanaeze Ndigbo … Federal character, rotation of power are measures meant to help our nation-building process and more sure-footedly, move Nigeria forward *‘It is inconceivable to have peace and progress in a country that is rooted in injustice’ *“Thank you Mr. President for your unwavering commitment to peace and unity of Nigeria. You remain one of the strongest voices in Nigeria and one of the most respected Nigerians in the world because of your track records of accomplishments”-Ambassador George Obiozor *BY OLAYIWOLA EGBERONKE/POLITICAL Correspondent, Abeokuta
• 05/12/22: I Will Not Extend My Tenure, Will Hand Over by May 29 next year, BUHARI assures Nigerians … ‘I will hand power and privilege of serving the people of Nigeria to whomever Nigerians choose through free, fair and credible elections’ *“Security has been at the core of my administration. Boko Haram has been forced back from controlling whole swathes of this country, Internally Displaced Persons are now returning to rebuild their communities. Our achievements have been accomplished through the bravery and determination of the Nigerian armed forces and the fortitude of the people of our nation” *“Chief Clarke, a very well-respected elder, may be sincere in his wish for the President to extend his term by six months. We wish to categorically restate that the President will step down on May 29, 2023, after serving two terms-as per the Constitution”-Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity * BY YENI ILISU/POLITICAL REPORTER, Abuja
• 05/12/22: GONE TOO SOON: Nigeria’s former minister daughter, PILOT ADZUAYI EWUGA, 11 others DIE in plane crash … passed in a mini-aircraft belonging to Caverton Aviation Cameroon *Aircraft flew from Yaounde Nsimalen Airport to Belabo in the east of the country when air traffic services lost radio contact *Deceased was second daughter of Senator Solomon Ewuga, a stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party in Nasarawa State *AHMADU AMINU/INTERNATIONAL Correspondent, Cameroon
• 05/11/22: FORGERY: Nigerian Asylum-seeking lady, OSAMUDIAMEN OGIE pleads guilty to using stolen Irish passport to gain entry into Dublin …says she fled persecution in Nigeria after experiencing gender and sexuality-based violence *Hide Nigerian passport to cover true identity, agreed guilty to crime *Charged under Irish Passports Act and Theft and Fraud Act, arrived Dublin on a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul *Court heard this was the suspect’s first time to enter the State, sparing criminal conviction and jail sentence *“This 26-year-old Nigerian suspect had no prior criminal convictions and I have applied the Probation of Offenders Act on this case”-Judge Kelly, Dublin District Court *BY DAVID IBITE/SPECIAL Immigration Correspondent, Dublin & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/11/22: JUST IN: RESIGN Now if you are vying for any electoral office in my cabinet, else you will be FIRED after Monday, May 16, 2022 -Nigeria President, BUHARI issues directive …warn members at Federal Executive Council meeting in State House, Abuja *‘Nigerians deserve better life, need to enjoy interrupted good governance’ *Cabinet members affected: Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; Science, Technology and Innovation, Emeka Nwajiuba; Justice minister and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; others are Minister of State, Mines and Steel, Uche Ogar, Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen *Minister of State for Education, Ogbonnaya Onu, Niger Delta Minister, Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, resign appointment with immediate effect *BY MOHAMMED ABUDU/SENIOR Political Writer
• 05/10/22: GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: Esan Group set Guidelines to Regulate Political Behavior, Demand Agro Based Industries in Edo State …attract political leaders in Edo North, South *Decry pervading disinformation on Esan demography, *Prefers new inclusive Edo State Run On Fairness, Equity, Justice *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/10/22: BUHARI’S Govt built on Corruption, I am Running to become Nigeria’s next President -BENEDICTA Egbo, leading Nigerian born Professor of Education, Canada …Governance is more than waving Umbrellas and Brooms, Nigeria is a beggar nation borrowing into bankruptcy, Ready to Fight for the Masses *“Governance should involve good and principled leadership that is grounded in competency, patriotism and a vision for the common good. Instead, what we operate is a government of a few, for a few by a few” *‘Nigerians should desist from recycling the current crop of politicians that have failed the country since independence’ *BY LARA ADEKOYA/SPECIAL Political Correspondence, Ontario, Canada
• 05/10/22: WORLD EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Everyone is asking how Nigerian Politicians raise N100million to buy Presidential Nomination Forms as Public Office Holders -SEYE KEHINDE, City People Media Group Publisher…My colleagues and I led Investigative Guerrilla Journalism in Nigeria fighting oppressive Military Junta to a standstill as Editor of TEMPO Magazine, we were publishing underground * Missing $75,000 cash at the political convergence of the All Progressive Congress ought to have been captured on CCTV, monumental fraud have the support of some insiders who are so sure that nothing will come out of it *Big time Nigerian political players deliberately raised the bar of nomination forms to edge out the youths, Plans on-going to expand City people magazine into other African countries *Commend senior colleagues who were founding fathers of The News Magazine: Mr Bayo Onanuga, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Mr Idowu Obasa; Mr Dapo Olorunyomi and Mr Kunle Ajibade, Mother raised him to be humble in life *General ethics of the press comes with good journalism practice, relationship with Kunle Bakare, Femi Akintunde-Johnson, Dele Momodu; Mayor Akinpelu always intact *“Media practitioners have been holding the government accountable. Public office holders don’t care any longer. No one cares and things are done with impunity. So bad is the situation that corruption is now so rampant. And public office holders have become so brazen in the way they mismanage funds” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/10/22: POINT BLANK: I Can Run for PRESIDENT of NIGERIA without Resigning my plum job as Governor of Central Bank -GODWIN Emefiele, CBN Governor …I am reminding this court that that Section 84 ((12) of the Electoral Act as amended, 2022 does not affect me, as a public servant and not a political appointee’ *‘I hereby decline your request to summon INEC, and AGF to appear before this Federal High Court on May 12’, says Judge *“The involvement of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, in partisan politics is illegal, it will compromise the autonomy of the apex bank. Supporters of the Governor have ignored section 9 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act which provides that : ‘The Governor and the Deputy Governors shall devote the whole of their time to the service of the Bank and while holding office shall not engage in any full or part time employment or vocation whether remunerated or not except such personal or charitable causes as may be determined by the Board and which do not conflict with or detract from their full time duties.’ The provisions of section 18 (4) (b) of the Banks and are in pari materia with Section 9 of the CBN Act”-FEMI Falana, Rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria *BY GABRIELLA ACHALONU/BUSINESS & BANK Correspondent, Abuja
• 05/10/22: DAMNING REPORT: NIGERIA Ranks Second Most Corrupt Country in West Africa -Transparency International … ‘100 powerful Nigerians exposed as having used anonymous companies to buy properties worth £350 million in the United Kingdom alone’, Panama Papers document *Borrowed US$11.7 billion from WORLD BANK’S International Development Association *‘Nigeria’s DEBT to China is N32.9 trillion ($86.3 billion)-Debt Management Office DEBT Breakdown: N12.7 trillion ($33.3 billion) in external debt contracted by federal government, N20.2 trillion ($53 billion) in domestic debt, involving bank loans, of this fund the Nigerian government still owed extra N16 trillion ($42 billion), while balance are loans collected by the state governments and the federal capital territory *BY AHMED LUUKMAN/SPECIAL Anti-Money Laundering Reporter
• 05/07/22: NIGERIA is only the best country in Africa that enables Fairest Free Press-Minister of Information & Culture, Lai Mohammed …‘Our country has a vibrant enabling environment, pluralistic freedom for press’ *Nigerian media will never be a threat but key partners in the progress of the country *“It is a well-known fact that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right enshrined in our various statutes and legal mechanisms, a key feature of democracy across the world. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights captures this succinctly” *“We launched a national campaign against fake news and hate speech in 2018. It was a campaign that brought the issue to the front burner of our national discourse. Journalists within the West African sub-region should join hands with our various governments to curb the activities of journalists who taint the our image, good works and put to disgrace the ethos and professionalism of this very important profession” *BY SADE OLAYIWOLE/MEDIA Staff Writer, Abuja
• 05/06/22: WONDER: Nigeria’s Female Police Sergeant, NAOMI DANLAMI ‘Kidnaps Self’, Demand Ransom to Fund up-coming Wedding to loverboy …detained by police that she faked own kidnap to extort ransom from well wishers to fund marriage, released in less than 24 hours after, case closed *Announced engagement on social media, next day alleges abduction made by friends on her Facebook group *During fundraising, there were dissenting voices that expressed doubts about the abduction story, saying she had a history of criminal behavior: that she was not truthful, not to be trusted, and that her lifestyle was wayward *Suspect arrested after raising suspicion: suddenly appeared at the Police Force Headquarters, claimed she escaped from the kidnappers’ den where she was molested, insisted on work resumption as though nothing happened to the surprise of those around her *“See suffer wey I suffer. Do you know that the kidnappers called; they are not kidnappers. It is set up, this girl just set it up; she needs money. That girl is wicked, see the wey I just de cry since”-Suspect’s friend eyewitness record of conversation *BY DEBO ABAYOMI/SPECIAL Crime Correspondent, Abuja
• 05/06/22: CONFESSION: GOD Directs Me to Charge each Member of My Church N310,000 cash to Fly Them into Heaven, I Cannot Lie as a ‘Prophet’ -Controversial Cleric, Pastor NOAH Abraham, General Overseer, Christ High Commission Ministry, a.k.a. Royal Christ Assembly, Kaduna ..Invited by Ekiti State Police Command for investigation on Fraud *Kept 40 people in church at the Araromi-Ugbesia in Omuo-Oke, Ekiti State in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as the rapture *Members sold belongings, hoping Jesus Christ would meet them while camping inside church, a few others abandoned their families who refused to join them to live in the church *“I told each of my congregation to pay N310,000 cash. I made the declaration when I noticed that my members’ troubles were increasing. I did it because I got the authority of God who called me to practise for all those who want to serve the Lord with their whole heart” *Tells BBC Pidgin: “There is a mighty palace that will descend from Heaven and land in my church where members would live forever with the one that sent me” *BY TOLULOPE ADEBAYO/Religious Reporter, Ekiti State
• 05/05/22: Lawlessness without Conscience: RIVERS State Government renders 15,000 Nigerians homeless, clears slum-only home to poor people … Bulldozers rolled into Urualla, Port Harcourt recently, destroyed homes of hundreds of people, belongings scattered and lost, as government clearances of waterfront slums in the southern Nigerian city continues *Over six days, the homes of thousands of families in eight slum communities in the Diobu area of the city shattered, with three neighborhoods earmarked to be cleared *“We are refugees in our own state. Rain fell and all my belongings were drenched. You can imagine a woman who has not had her bath for a week because she has nowhere to do so. We woke up to the sight of bulldozers. We weren’t even allowed to salvage anything. Before we knew what was happening, we were rendered homeless. It was pathetic. The government says the move is to stop the illegal production and sale of diesel and paraffin”, lament Mary Prince, Diobu resident *“The government is determined to sanitize the waterfronts by removing all shanties and most especially, continue with its frontal and hugely successful war to rid the state of criminals and undesirable elements who have transformed these waterfronts into a den of thieves”-Paulinus Nsirim, Commissioner for Information *BY TIM IYETIMO/ENVIRONMENTAL Correspondent, Port Harcourt
• 05/05/22: True Life Story: AMERICAN Dream is a Mirage, Struggle, only Racism, Poverty, Food Insecurity; Gun Violence are realities-AJIBOLA Elizabeth Junaid, a Nigerian Asylum seeker in Chicago narrates experience …America is believed to be the land of opportunities, but America makes those opportunities very difficult to access for people who are not born into privilege, we shared an apartment with three other families-no privacy, one bathroom; my younger sister and I sleep on the floor *Lament: “We had to board two planes to get to America-one from Lagos, Nigeria, to Dubai, and another from Dubai to Chicago. I was on the plane for 23 hours. It was exhausted, thinking I was on my way to starting a new life where I’d live like Angelina Jolie” *“In America, food was very scarce because my parents had no income. My mom would go around looking for people who needed help cooking their meals. She’d work for free so she could bring home some of that food. That was what my family lived on for the first couple of months. Back in Nigeria, I had never even heard a gunshot. I used to play outside a lot there” *“My living situation improved after my parents applied for asylum and got work permits. We moved out of that cramped apartment, but now my parents worked such long hours, six days a week. I barely saw them. Some days, they left our apartment, in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, at 1 p.m. and didn’t return until 2 a.m” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/04/22: No hiding Place: UK based Nigerian certified Cancer Nurse, ABIOLA AKILLA arrested for running over British policewoman, found over speeding, sentenced to 30-months Jail Term … ‘Immediately I saw the police I was confused, I couldn’t explain what came over me as I was afraid to go to prison,’ says suspect *Had no driving license or insurance, plus her little baby strapped to the back seat *51-year old got pulled over by PC Caroline Green, knocked her down without looking back, left her lying seriously injured on the road; made victim suffer five broken ribs, leg and arm injuries with cuts, bruises near head, developed PTSD *“Her front wheel went over my ankle, then she drove up my leg. I was in so much pain I thought she’d snapped my leg. I fell back and cracked my head on the concrete and she drove over my ribs and my right shoulder. I had a crushing feeling all over my body and was screaming in pain. She was so close to my head, and in between the first and second wheels going over me I managed to get into a foetal position. Then the back wheel went over my legs, pelvis and stomach”-PC Green *BY IYABODE ADEBAYO/SPECIAL Correspondent, reporting from London
• 05/04/22: FACING 30-YEAR PRISON TERM FOR WIRE FRAUD: I worked as a Senior Special Assistant to a Nigerian Governor in Ogun State when I defraud United States government of $350,000 -ABIDEMI RUFAI, politician …My conscience no longer at peace, I am guilty of the crime, ready to fully cooperate, will explain how I shared the money *Suspect pledges to return stolen funds, houses, cars; lands, stocks, companies in Nigeria and U.S to federal authority without delay *CONFESSION to FBI: “I used stolen Social Security numbers of Americans and other personal data to file $350,763 in fake claims for pandemic unemployment benefits in 2020. I stole benefits from other states, having deceitfully taken another sum of $250,000 from other federal programmes. From 2017 to 2020, I filed fraudulent claims for $1.7 million in federal tax refunds, of which $90,877 was paid out to me” *“Abidemi Rufai has agreed to disclose all of his assets and to cooperate in US government efforts to recover on those assets. At this point we don’t know what kind of recovery will result”-U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson Emily Langlie *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/03/22: DISGRACEFUL: Brazil resident Nigerian, NNAKEANYI CHUKWUKA KING arrested for smuggling 40 parcels of Cocaine hidden inside body cream at Lagos Airport, blames the Devil …Suspect intercepted during the inward clearance of passengers at the E-Arrival Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport *NDLEA apprehend two other Nigerians at NAHCO EXport Shed of airport: Rafiu Abbas had a cargo containing 19.15kg cannabis going to London disguised as ‘African dishes’, Vincent Obimma, a 63-year-old man holding 350grams of cocaine and 150grams of heroin, drugs directed at Kano State *BY FELICIA TIMENOM/Anti-drug Reporter, Lagos
• 05/03/22: HUMAN SLAVERY IN LONDON: Nigerian born British Nurse, JOSEPHINE IYAMU, ‘Cash Madam’ sentenced to 18-year prison term for luring Nigerian teenage girls into Sex Trafficking …ordered to hand over £184,000, properties seized *54-year-old first to be convicted under the Modern Slavery Act for offences committed overseas, in a landmark prosecution led by the National Crime Agency *Handed a confiscation of available assets including a large house in Benin City, Nigeria, If she fails to pay the full sum within three months, she will serve an additional two years in prison and still be liable for the money *“Josephine Iyamu specifically targeted vulnerable women and put them through the most horrific experience, only to profit considerably from their misery. Iyamu’s expenditure on travel and properties far outweighed her legitimate earnings as a nurse and our investigation into her finances proved she made hundreds of thousands of pounds from her criminality”-Kay Mellor, NCA Senior Investigating Officer *BY ROBERT ILUBORI/JUDICIAL Correspondent, London
• 05/03/22: Breaking News: United States DEA agents handcuff British Virgin Islands Head of Government, ANDREW ALTURO FAHIE, one other for smuggling Cocaine into America, conspiring to launder money …embattled premier claim immunity when taken into custody, saying: ‘I am demanding my immediate release from US custody. I am immune from prosecution on cocaine-smuggling charges since I am an elected constitutional head of government of the British overseas territory’ *Hidden camera record suspects at South Florida airport ready to meet Mexican drug traffickers to see a shipment of $700,000 in cash that officials expected to receive for helping to smuggle cocaine from Colombia to Miami and New York *”Anyone involved with bringing dangerous drugs into the United States will be held accountable, no matter their position. Today is yet another example of DEA’s resolve to hold corrupt members of government responsible for using their positions of power to provide a safe haven for drug traffickers and money launderers in exchange for their own financial and political gain”-DEA Administrator, Anne Milgram *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 05/02/22: RACISM: UK Government wrongfully label a Black British Non-verbal (Deaf & Dumb) teenage citizen a Nigerian, detained at Gatwick Immigration centre for deportation …Mother expressed outrage, asked why her 17-year-old disabled son was found at an immigration detention centre after going missing during treatment for psychosis *Boy sectioned under the Mental Health Act on 7 April, arrested 48 hours later by British Transport Police at Euston on suspicion of fare evasion *After teenager’s return to hospital, clothes contained Home Office documents incorrectly records name, date of birth, and nationality as Nigerian due to color of skin *“It’s just horrific. Just because my son is black they (Immigration Enforcement officers) assumed let’s pick him and put him in a deportation centre. How do they know he’s from Nigeria, when he couldn’t even speak? Must every black British citizen be black? My boy is a British citizen and has never left the UK once. He would not have been able to say his date of birth, would never have said he was from Nigeria due to mental disability”-Mother *“Unaccompanied minors or children under the age of 18 should not be in detention in the first place. In theory detention should be an absolute last resort, rather than an early step you would go to. We will certainly investigate this matter”-James Wilson, deputy director of Detention Action *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & EMMANUELLA SAM/IMMIGRATION Reporter, London
• 04/29/22: Great FEAT: Nigerian born Naturalized British, ELEMCHI NWOSU appointed International Trade Advisor to United Kingdom Govt…expected to maximize commercial opportunities between Britain and Africa, to bridge cross-cultural knowledge gaps, facilitate improved partnerships with African countries *Worked with UK Department for International Development, European Commission, United Nation agencies, World Bank and private sector in developing countries *Successfully performed as economic development leader managed over 20 multi-donor projects across Africa countries including: Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Rwanda, with an average portfolio size of £12 million *Expertise in resource mobilization facilitates trade and investment ties in emerging markets *“I am on a ‘made in Africa’ mission. I aspire to see more products on our shelves that say, made in Rwanda, made in Zambia, made in Nigeria, and for Africa to be a highly sought after, well-respected trading partner to the world”-NWOSU *BY KEN OLAWALE/BUSINESS Correspondent, UK
• 04/29/22: OGUN 2023 Governorship Election: JUST mere Criminal Accusation made against me in United States, Don’t disqualify me, Abiodun writes APC National Chairman *“Petition was a deliberate move to deprive me of the opportunity to set the records straight, it was characterized by falsehood and malice. I am the best candidate to assume the party’s flag bearer” *“The allegation of discrepancies in Governor Abiodun’s INEC Form CF001 for 2015 and 2019, is a statute-barred, arguing that the allegation can only form the basis of a cause of action in court 14 days from the day the governor filed and deposed to the forms. Only a court of law can disqualify our client. APC political party cannot disqualify him or prevent him from contesting in the party’s primary election”-Legal Counsel, Afe Babalola & Co *BY OLALERE AFOLAYAN/POLITICAL Reporter
• 04/29/22: EDOCHIE’S Family disown YUL’S Second Marriage: ‘Count Us Out, We only Support your First Wife’, says Uche, elder brother to Nollywood actor …We advised against marrying second wife, he won’t listen *YUL hails self, replies family on Instagram amidst controversy, captioned a photo in pidgin wearing an Ibo traditional attire ‘Ezedike’: “Real men own up and take responsibility. Fake men dey hide for back dey run am. EZEDIKE!!! Na man you be” *“I can tell you that Yul’s first wife, May, is a wonderful woman. She is my sister in law. She did not go into any relationship with my brother (Yul) agreeing to be part of any polygamous marriage. That’s the first problem. So I feel for May. It is not fair to her. My family is not in support of his actions. This is not what we do and we are trying our best to console May. What else can we do? Yul was advised against taking a second wife, but my younger brother stuck to his guns because he felt marrying a second woman is the best way to own up to his mistakes and make things right. If he chose to continue on this part, he may convert into being a Muslim where that religion permit him to marry many wives as he wants. For Edochie’s family, we stand solidly behind his first wife”-UCHE on behalf of the Edochie’s family *BY QUNNETH ADEBAYO/MOVIE Reporter, Lagos
• 04/29/22: One Night In Space Show SOLD OUT: BURNA BOY makes history as First Nigerian Grammy Award Music Star to headline New York’s Madison Square Garden Show …joined on stage by Busta Rhymes, Youssou N’Dour , Naughty by Nature as special guests *Guys scream, ladies cry in excitement, hailed performance ‘best’ throwing out brassieres on stage, begging for more, concert tickets sold from $80 with an average of $350 and as high as $2,125 per person *‘Twice as Nice’ act played best hit songs, create electrifying dance steps in choreography *“I have gone on a music tour in Nigeria three times before and I was treated as a King with royalty. Nigerians are good people”-Busta Rhymes *Name enters ‘Hall of Fame like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, The Beatles; Adele, Rihanna, Jay-Z; Justin Bieber, and Mariah Carey that sold out the world’s famous arena *“Twitter unveils #AfricaToTheWorld hashmoji to spotlight African influencers and voices who impact their community. Twitter hopes to leverage on Burna Boy’s unique win to celebrate other powerful African voices in a truly meaningful way. Twitter is highlighting Africans who are their community’s ‘firsts’ and how they’ve made a mark in the diaspora. Users can share their work along with the hashtag. The hashmoji-which is an emoji made by the platform that appears after writing out a hashtag and is activated when users type out #AfricaToTheWorld and a yellow globe emoji follows right after. The campaign represents a convergence of great talents from Africa and the Diaspora to champion conversations and moments that center the importance of #AfricaToTheWorld”-Bukky Ojeifo, Twitter’s global culture/community senior manager *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor inside New York
• 04/28/22: Shocking DISCOVERY in Nigeria: Unknown THIEF STEAL $75,000 cash at APC headquarters during crowded entrance struggle …Canopy under which sale of forms took place dismantled without explanation by hired workers in a hurry *Confusion as attendees wondered aloud how N43million cash went missing *As of the time of filing this report, officials of the party heard deliberating to move the exercise to the International Conference Centre, Abuja *“It’s actually $75,000 cash. You know there was a struggle at the gate when aspirants and supporters were trying to get in. When the parcel of money dropped, it went missing in a flash. By the time security operatives were alerted, the thief had vanished with the envelope”-party official attendee *BY ILLYSU RILWAN/POLITICAL Correspondent, Abuja
• 04/28/22: WICKED: My Husband Stabbed Me 13 Times, Made me Disabled, My Hand Got Amputated over Fears My Beauty Will Attract Men to Date Me -ROSELINE Victory O’Neill … ‘I caught him at different times in the past cheating on me, bringing in different women to our matrimonial bed, then I forgave him’ *Michael Agbaje arrested after failing to honor police investigation *Detectives from force headquarters in Abuja picked up suspect’s blood brother, Paul Tony Agbaeje, accused of threatening to kill Roseline because of her pursuit for justice *“We both had our HIV status check before we got married on November 24, 2018, the result came out negative. Months after marriage my husband started bringing different women on our matrimonial bed. He later tested positive for HIV which he concealed away from me. I confronted him about it and he told me he owed me no explanation. I forgave my husband and remained in the marriage. As a Caterer who sells food at a stand in Cultural Centre Field, Calabar, my life changed for the worse on December 27, 2020. My husband always collects every profit I make and spends it on different women. I had to keep fending for myself so I don’t starve. On that particular day, customers kept trooping in, and I sold my food till 11pm. I called the cab that used to take me home, the phone rang many times but got no response. Lots of people laid on the field till day break. I tried to reach my husband over the phone by then, but he did not pick up. And then saw one of my old classmates whom we chatted briefly. I had to rest my head on the plastic chair I sat on to sell food till day break. In the wee hours of the morning, my husband called me, I quickly picked his call, told him the challenges I faced after I sold my food and asked why he did not pick my call. He started calling me a PROSTITUTE and that he would deal with me since he knew my natural beauty will attract men to me” *BY TITIANA ABIA/CRIME Correspondent, Calabar
• 04/27/22: The Glory of AFRICA: Nigerian born USCIS media Czar, YEMI OSHINNAIYE appointed Chief Information Officer TSA, resumes May 9…successfully worked at the Department of Homeland Security for over five years *Worked in DHS as Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Division Chief Enterprise Infrastructure; Associate Chief, Branch Chief, IT Specialist *‘Yoruba boy’ reigns as owner/Vice President Operations of Home Resource Realty firm * Attains enviable Program management Level 2 Certification at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security *Holds Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business *LinkedIn profile as Deputy Chief Information Officer at USCIS read: “I am an experienced IT executive with a track record of building high performing teams. I believe strong collaboration and trust are the building blocks to success. I have an entrepreneurial philosophy that promotes creativity and cutting edge solutions. My areas of expertise include business strategy, software development, system architecture, system analysis, infrastructure, training, leadership and coaching” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/27/22: HEARTLESS & DECEITFUL: AFTER 17 years of Marriage, Nigeria’s movie star, YUL EDOCHIE dumps childhood first wife …says on Twitter: ‘I am happy my second wife gave birth to a son for me’ *First wife writes Edochie in teary response: “May God Almighty judge you and your new wife. I did you no wrong. I was faithful to you for 17 years, God gave us four children: Danielle, Kambi, Karl, and Victory Edochie and you broke my heart for a new wife secretly. What else are you looking for? What have I done to deserve this disgrace from you? Was it wrong that I was faithful to you? The Lord will fight for me” *Nigerians blasts Edochie for wickedness, cruelty and conscienceless attitude *40-year-old actor Edochie on social media: “It’s time for the world to meet my son. His name is STAR DIKE MUNACHIMSO YUL-EDOCHIE. Born by my second wife, Judy Austin. And I love him so much, just as much as I love my other children *BY NNENNA AMAKA OBASI/MOVIE Correspondent
• 04/25/22: Painful Revelation on Dying Bed: My TWIN Sister, OSINACHI suffered in the hands of Husband, She saw JESUS Christ appeared to her thrice, died saying: ‘My Chest, My Chest, Thank you Jesus’-EJIMA AMARACHI, blood sister to deceased gospel singer …She told family relatives in the hospital to help pack her things, it was time for her to go home since she has has done what the Lord sent her to do in the world *OSINACHI’S last word, as her ‘Nara Ekele’ song played in the background: “My death would be a function of a race of life well finished. If I did not make it in hospital, I would be fulfilled because I have done what the Lord asked her to do on earth. Start packing my things to go home as my time comes near. I saw two pythons fighting around the hospital atmosphere and Jesus Christ told me to start packing my things to come home. I am very happy that my joy is complete” *“At the hospital, Peter (Osinachi’s husband) was so uneasy around her. He kept asking what I was doing in the hospital. He threatened me to always inform him before coming to see his wife. Osinachi told me twice she saw Jesus Christ looking down towards her from above to come home. Night before she died, Osinachi called me on the phone and said: ‘Make fried rice for me’. I told her ‘Please, can I bring it the next morning, because I was just coming in that night?’ She was then trying to say something, but her husband barged in screaming at her: ‘Rest, rest, rest!’ and we couldn’t continue the conversation. So, in the morning when I came with the fried rice for her, I met people crying. I am sure Osinachi is in Heaven”-Ebube, family relative *“Peter tried to prevent Osinachi from using the gospel of Jesus Christ music ministry to win souls to the Kingdom of God. He chased Osinachi away from the house with her baby in hand to sleep in the cold on many occasions, medical doctors found blood patches on Osinachi’s heart region and she vomited blood profusely”-Eye witness in the hospital *BY MERCY AMAECHI/RELIGIOUS Reporter, Abuja
• 04/25/22: NEW ERA IN LEADERSHIP: ESAN Okpa Group set to produce Governor of Edo State …floats pioneer Assembly in Uromi, position for elective public offices for greater development of Esanland *Ready for crucial hybrid meeting to discuss burning issues affecting the people of the Central Senatorial District of Edo State, reaches out to Esan natives in Diaspora *“ONE of the aims of this noble leading socio-cultural and non-partisan organization is to ensure the largely agrarian community benefits from all the value chains in agriculture as a way of checking the massive drift of the bulk of its population to major urban cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt. Up-comng gathering is also meant to prepare the groundwork on how to ensure that the next Governor of Edo State is of Esan extraction-ESAN OKPA INITIATIVE *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/23/22: Any YOUTH in Nigeria without a minimum of N50million in bank account should NOT run for PRESIDENT in 2023-APC Women Leader, Betta EDU *Party’s presidential hopefuls to pay N100 million to buy nomination forms, governorship candidates will pay N50 million *“There are many ways young people could generate funding for elections. If you want to be able to cater for Nigerians, you should have gone above the point where you have to look for N50 million. When you make up your mind that you want to run, you should be able to prepare adequately for that race” *BY NURA YUSUF/POLITICAL Reporter, Abuja
• 04/22/22: RAW EMOTIONS & DEMAND FOR JUSTICE On the RISE: Nigeria Police Parade OSINACHI’S Husband, PETER Before Kids And Relations over wife’s death..Suspect’s face looking strong, unremorseful *Minister of Women Affairs visits the Police force headquarters in company of the late singer’s family members *“Honorable Minister Dame Pauline Tallen demanded that adequate punishment be meted on the suspect, Peter Nwanchukwu to serve as a lesson for men who are in the habit of constantly assaulting women”-Olujimi Oyetomi, Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Women Affairs *“Police will investigate this matter with all alacrity and responsibility. In all cases such as this, expert opinions on cause of death are sought. We have enlisted National Hospital, Abuja and as soon as the outcome is received, we will charge the suspect to Court. It will be swift as much as possible. We just want to assure the public that the suspect is in our custody”-Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali *BY AHMED RILWAN/CRIME Correspondent, ABUJA
• 04/22/22: 2023 Election: I will let you know if I will declare for Nigeria presidency, process still ongoing -Goodluck Jonathan, former president …I am happy the youths are interested in participatory politics *“Youths must pray so Nigeria may have someone of impeccable virtue to lead the country, the nation need a hardworking problem solver” *“Energy, zeal shown by the youths confirm readiness to get engaged in the political process. Only when many youths get involved in the political process will you be able to get the government that you want” *BY SIMEON DAVIDSON/CHIEF POLITICAL Correspondent, Abuja
• 04/22/22: Any YOUTH in Nigeria without a minimum of N50million in bank account should NOT run for PRESIDENT in 2023-APC Women Leader, Betta EDU *Party’s presidential hopefuls to pay N100 million to buy nomination forms, governorship candidates will pay N50 million *“There are many ways young people could generate funding for elections. If you want to be able to cater for Nigerians, you should have gone above the point where you have to look for N50 million. When you make up your mind that you want to run, you should be able to prepare adequately for that race” *BY NURA YUSUF/POLITICAL Reporter, Abuja
• 04/21/22: EARTH’S Loss, HEAVEN GAIN OSINACHI husband not a ‘MAN-of-God’, seized my Daughter’s cars, only Signatory to Bank Accounts, claim wives must be submissive -ORIAKU NMADU, Mother of late gospel singer lament …Peter presented himself to my family as a true ‘Pastor’ when he came for my daughter’s hand in marriage *Lament: “My daughter went through hell in the hands of Peter. She had four children for him. I could not go to do Omugwo for any of the children at any time since her husband would not want to see any member of the Osinachi’s family” “There was a day after Sunday Church service, Peter rushed out, ordered his children into the car and drove off, leaving me and my daughter behind. I was shocked because the car Peter was driving in was a gift given to my daughter as a seed of faith by a well wisher. Instead of Osinachi to complain, she rushed out and got us a taxi that took us home” *“My daughter believed in the Biblical injunction that marriage is for better and for worse in every situation. That was why she endured the marriage thinking that Peter would change his behavior for good one day, but unfortunately my daughter died waiting” *CHRISTIAN ABILU/RELIGIOUS Correspondent, Lagos
• 04/20/22: Nigeria Immigration Service arrests AMERICAN secretly hiding Firearms at Lagos Airport …Houston passenger arrived aboard United Airline flight, boasts of dual citizenship showing Nigerian passport *Refused to declare checked-in firearms in aviation form, claim he has right to carry firearms anywhere in the world due to his approval of the United States government to carry firearm *“Nigeria Immigration Service intercepted a passenger with firearms during screening at 10:30am. The passenger undergoing scrutiny from officials of the service will be handed over to the relevant authorities after interrogation. We learnt the passenger with dual citizenship had approval of the U.S Government to carry firearms. In civil aviation, passengers with firearms are expected to declare them at the port of entry while boarding and also declare them on arrival at their destination. We are yet to verify the documents he’s carrying as stipulated in international laws on firearms carriage and the paper which permitted him to carry the firearms could not be authenticated”-Nigeria Immigration Service statement *BY RECHEAL ADETUTU ADEBAYO/DIPLOMATIC Reporter, Lagos
• 04/20/22: SINGING inside the NET: Nigeria’s Anti-graft Agency busts Fake Army General, BOLARINWA ABIODUN for STEALING N266million, claims President BUHARI appoint him as Chief of Staff …‘I am not an Impostor, I am a big man, My Nigeria Army Identity Card serial number is 387140 military; I have a letter of recommendation signed for me by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’, suspect tells EFCC *Arraigned on a 13-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense, forgery of documents and possession of forged documents, found upon search six pump action guns, three cartridge bullets, a swagger stick and several forged documents * Collect money falsely from people after posing as a General in the Nigerian Army, made false representations to the complainant, Kodef Clearing Resources, that Nigeria President had shortlisted him and one other as Army Chief, and needed a short grant to press and process the appointment *“We arraigned one Bolarinwa Abiodun, a fake Army General before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State. Offenses are contrary to Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act 2006; Section 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 and Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006”-EFCC Lagos Zonal Command *BY NOSA ACHELENU/ANTI-Graft Correspondent, Abuja
• 04/20/22: Exclusive Interview: USAID introduces $5million Fellowship Fund to empower Women in NIGERIA, Zambia, Malawi -Dr SUSAN Kaari, Director of Award *Creating immediate opportunity for capable African women in agriculture, skills acquisition to lead policy changes, promote a more inclusive, gender-equitable agro-food system transformation *Fellowship part of over $10 billion investment announced by the United States at the United Nation Food Systems Summit *Ideal candidates are women working in agriculture, food systems with an interest in policy making, demonstrate rich knowledge in leadership role in policy development and implementation for agricultural development, food systems, and gender equality *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/19/22: SOLD OUT SHOW: Nigeria Music Star, DAVIDO Electrifies 02 Arena London Concert, Appeared in a Large, transparent Air Suspended Screen Box …fly son Ifeanyi, former fiancée, Chef Chi, domestic staff in a private jet into United Kingdom to witness celebration, historic show titled ‘We Rise by Lifting Others’ *Performed evergreen hit songs from ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ album: ‘All of you,’ ‘Ekuro’, ‘Dami Duro’; played ‘Gobe’, ‘Aye’, ‘Tchelete (good life),’ ‘The Money’; verse from ‘Bahd Baddo Baddest’, ‘1 milli’, ‘Coolest Kid in Africa’, ‘Fans Mi and Like dat’ to the delight of fans *Featured other African, British musicians as full hall capacity fun-soaked crowd scream in excitement: “Ema dami duro yeah, Emi omo babalowo babalowo olowo, Ani wo fe dami duro dami duro duro; Ewo won won fe bami nawo bami nawo nawo” *DSF, a Nigerian Dee Jay opened the show for Davido, thrilling the fans with some of the best African music side-by-side a London based OAP Adeshope Olajide famous as ShopsyDoo *BY SHOLA ABAYOMI/ENTERTAINMENT Correspondent, London
• 04/19/22: REVEALING: SIX in 10 Nigerians believe the POLICE is Corrupt-Statisca, World’s leading data survey firm …35.5 percent states most policemen, policewomen corrupt, 25.5 percent holds view everyone in the police are corrupt *‘Nigerian police, military, DSS stink of corruption, impunity’-U.S Department of State *Nigerian Police Force experiencing problems in personnel, funding, expanded traffic problems; equipment, antiquated penal codes, public relations, grievance procedures *Nigeria ranks 154th in the 180 countries listed in Transparency International’s Corruption Index, nation loses $582 billion to corruption since Independence *BY KEHINDE OYEDAPO/CRIME Writer, Abuja
• 04/19/22: POINT BLANK: NIGERIA’S 1999 Constitution is Faulty, making Politics Most Lucrative business in the country today-Legal luminary, AFE Babalola …demands Interim government installed after BUHARI’S tenure, advocate for 2023 election suspension *Members of Interim government should be drawn from all living former presidents and vice-presidents; some selected ministers, governors and delegates of prominent professional associations “What this means is that any election that is held under the present 1999 Constitution scenario will end up producing transactional and recycled leaders, with no ability to turn things around. New Constitution, which should be coordinated by the interim government, spells out rules and regulations on improved qualifications of those contesting elections. New Constitution should provide for part time legislators and not full-time legislators. The new Constitution should also provide that there shall be no salary, but sitting allowances only for lawmakers”-BABALOLA *BY RABIU AHMED/JUDICIAL Reporter, Ado Ekiti
• 04/15/22: RACISM & Seeking for JUSTICE: White Michigan Police fatally shot in the head a Congolese African Refugee man, PATRICK LYOYA over Traffic Violation … 26-year-old deceased begged for freedom in last moment, shunned by officer, killed outside a house in Grand Rapids *‘We are calling for the officer in the shooting to be fired and prosecuted. Video clearly shows that this was an unnecessary, excessive, and fatal use of force against an unarmed Black man who was confused by the encounter and terrified for his life’-Ben Crump, prominent civil rights attorney for Lyoya’s family *“Lyoya had two young daughters and five siblings. He arrived in the United States as a refugee with his family fleeing violence. He had his whole life ahead of him”-Governor Gretchen Whitmer “I view it as a tragedy. It was a progression of sadness for me. The video shows Lyoya running from the officer who stopped him for driving with a license plate that didn’t belong to the vehicle. They struggled in front of several homes while Lyoya’s passenger got out and watched. The fight over the Taser lasted about 90 seconds. In the final moments, the officer was on top of Lyoya and shot him in the head”-Winstrom, a former high-ranking Chicago police commander in Grand Rapids *“More than 100 people marched to Grand Rapids City Hall before a City Commission meeting at night, chanting ‘Black lives matter’ and ‘No justice, no peace’”-Outrage in BLACK Community *“As in many U.S. cities, Grand Rapids police have been occasionally criticized over the use of force, particularly against Black people, who make up 18% of the population”-INVESTIGATION *BY SAMSON SHOAGA/MANAGING Editor & STEPHANIE SAMUEL/CRIME Correspondent, Michigan
• 04/15/22: Angels, Saints Celebrate exit of a Good Man: Nigeria’s Highlife Music Legend, ORLANDO JULIUS blows Saxophone into Heaven at 3:00am in the morning …Died peacefully in sleep at 79years old, join Fela Kuti, Oliver de Coque, Sunny Okosuns in celestial realm to play Afrobeat in the Heavenlies *“Yes, my husband passed on late last night, there was no indication that death was coming, he was not ill, he only slept and died in his sleep”-Wife, Lady Latoya Ekemode *Further confirmation of the passage of Ijebu-Ijesha native confirmed by Bimbo Esho, Managing Director of Evergreen Music *Famous for ‘A dara, a dara’ , Jagur Nana, Ololufe, other music hits, could close his eyes to blow you saxophone notes, sing you unwritten songs from his wind instrument *BY OPEMIDE AYOOLA/ENTERTAINMENT Reporter, Lagos
• 04/15/22: Breaking News: Biden administration protects Cameroonians in United States from deportation, offers work permit … ‘Natives of Cameroon are offered Temporary Protected Status, they are allowed to work legally due to the ongoing armed conflict in the African country’, ordered President Joe Biden *Once open for applications, the TPS program will allow Cameroonians who have lived in the U.S. as of April 14 to obtain work permits and deportation protections for 18 months if they meet the eligibility requirements and pass background checks *“The TPS designation for Cameroon was justified because of the years-old conflict between the Cameroonian government and armed separatist groups in the country’s Anglophone regions in the west. The fighting has killed 4,000 civilians, according to Human Rights Watch. An increase in attacks by Boko Haram, an Islamist terrorist group in Africa have fostered extreme violence decimated Cameroon’s infrastructure, fueled economic turmoil and food insecurity and displaced hundreds of thousands of Cameroonians”-Department of Homeland Security *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor, Washington DC
• 04/15/22: Corruption & Slavery Mentality: RWANDA trades Asylum Seekers’ freedom in Britain for £120million cash payment, turns African country into deportation haven … ‘If you are a Refugee seeking applicant, Asylum person or you came into United Kingdom illegally by boat, train or plane, you will be issued a-one-way ticket and be deported to Rwanda’, says Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister *Immigrants have no statutory right to appeal deportation while in Britain, once inside the plane undocumented immigrants becomes the responsibility of Rwandan government *“Migrants are subject to Rwandan immigration rules as soon as they land. These people will be encouraged to apply for refugee status, and will have no immediate right to return to the UK. Anyone the Rwandan authorities decide to deport-such as people who commit a crime-can be sent to the first ‘safe’ country or their country of origin. Asylum seekers will stay in a hostel while their claims are processed. This is expected to take about three months”-Rwandan government *“We believe that plans to send those claiming asylum to offshore centres would breach three articles of the European convention on human rights and three of the articles of the refugee convention. It could also be challenged under discrimination legislation if, for example, Ukrainians are seen to be exempt”-Senior counsels in London *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Journalist
• 04/15/22: DEVELOPING: Any Nigerian flying outside the country will buy ticket in United States dollars (not Naira) effective April 19,2022-International Airline Carriers in Nigeria … Blame action on worsening shortage of foreign exchange in the country, difficulty in repatriating airlines’ funds stuck in Nigeria and other countries *Foreign carriers’ unremitted ticket sale proceeds in Nigeria reportedly hit $283m (about N116.87bn) *Notable carriers on the latest agreement include: South African Airways, Fly Dubai, Kenya Airways, Middle East Airlines; Royal Air Maroc, Rwanda Air, Thai Airways; Turkish Airlines, French Bee, Egypt Air; ASKY, Air Seychelles, Air Algerie, and Air Namibia. Others are: Air Panama, Air Burkina, Avianca; Bangkok Airways, Cabo Verde Airlines, Fiji Airways; Hong Kong Airlines, and Malaysian Air *“Blocked airlines funds are pretty high in Africa. I think it is about $601m in Africa across 17 countries. It is very much a case of Africa as a continent probably having the most blocked funds around the world”-Willie Walsh, Director-General, IITA *BY BAYO ADEYEMI/AVIATION Reporter, Abuja
• 04/15/22: SHOCKING DEVELOPMENT IN UNITED STATES: Rich Florida white Instagram model, Courtney Clenney, alleged main suspect in death of a Nigerian born American boyfriend, Christian Tobechukwu Obumseli walks out on bail in less than 24hours … Hospitalized shortly after detention under Florida’s Baker Act as family of 27-year-old deceased seek for justice, suspect with two million followers on Instagram reportedly placed under suicide watch after claiming she wanted to take her life *Hours after Nigerian man’s death, Cortney’s sets up a GoFundMe link, posted on her OnlyFans page titled: ‘In Memory & Justice of Christian Toby Obumseli that was set up by his brother, Jeffrey Obumseli’ *Woman claiming to be Christian’s cousin wrote on Twitter, “This girl stabbed my cousin to death and got out on bail in less than a day.. @CourtneyTailor” *“It is not enough to say we are shocked and hurting, we are utterly devastated. Toby’s murder leaves many unanswered questions and creates a void that can never be fixed or filled. Not even with time,” Jeffrey, younger brother lament *“A very active investigation has been engaged by law enforcement, hoping to determine the motive of the assault-not ruling out self-defence on the woman’s part and noting there was a struggle between the two before the stabbing. We know that there was a physical altercation between them before he was stabbed”-Miami Police Department spokesperson *Instagram suspect’s criminal history: arrested on Sept. 16, 2020, in Austin, Texas for driving under the influence, from court documents, scheduled for a pre-trial conference on June 15, 2022, Bond from the charge set at $8,000 and forced to install a locking device on her car to measure her blood-alcohol level *Facts: Florida’s Baker Act law allows police, doctors, mental health professionals and judges to commit a person to a mental health treatment centre for up to 72 hours if the person shows specific violent or suicidal tendencies *BY CHIDINMA AMAKA AMAECHI/SPECIAL Investigative Correspondent reporting LIVE from Florida
• 04/13/22: ABUSE OF POWER & INJUSTICE: QATARI Government ruined my Life, owing me 20million Qatari Riyals, locked me up in Jail for 11 months, seize my properties -Srilanka businessman, Chaminda Karunarathne cries out …Says: ‘Qatar Police forcefully took away my Foreign Passport number N8835981, ensured my 12 months’ salaries was not paid, seized my properties’ *Identity of Qatari Police officer behind abuse revealed as Nasser Abdulhadi Alahbabi, his Qatari I.D number is: 27963402236 *After 14 years residency, visited Qatari Police Force Capital to lodge complaint, advised not to fight any Qatari national for own safety *“Considering all my suffering in Qatar and wrong judgement handed down to me by a Qatari judge that made me spend 11 months in jail, I visited the Qatar Capital police to complain about it. One of head officers at Qatar Capital police, advised me not to go fight with any Qatari nationality for my own safety. I was told in a harsh tone to submit a letter and lie that my original passport got missing to take a new passport” *BY NURUDEEN AHMED/SPECIAL Law Enforcement Correspondent, Qatar
• 04/13/22: Election: I will be the next President of Nigeria, I am the solution to the nation problems, I have successfully served for 23 years -Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi …boast: ‘Those who know me can testify that I have always been a straight talker, this trait has not always made me popular, but I speak truth with conviction, which is why they call me the Lion of Niger Delta’ *‘Under President Muhammadu Buhari administration, we have invested billions in infrastructure, human capital development, and made reforms that will pay off over time in terms of socio-economic growth and stability. We have invested heavily in projects and initiatives that will secure a brighter, better future for Nigeria” *“I have served our nation for the last seven years as Minister of Transportation. For eight years before that, I served as Governor of Rivers State. In the preceding eight years before that, I was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. These 23 years of service have equipped me not only with great experience in governance and public service but also compassion for the ordinary citizens of our dear country” *NSIKKA ANSELM/POLITICAL Writer, Abuja
• 04/13/22: CARELESS LIFESTYLE: 23-year-old Nigerian Law Undergraduate in Britain, DAMILOLA OLAKANMI dies after consuming ‘Cannabis Sweet’ purchased online …deceased resident in Ilford, east London with her mother bought gummies through a messaging app delivered to her home *Consumed ‘’sweets’ with her 21-year-old friend, both immediately fell ill afterwards as her friend survived *A suspect: Leon Brown, 37, has been arrested, charged with possession with intent to supply Class B synthetic cannabinoid and possession with intent to supply a psychoactive substance *BY LOLA ADEBAYO/CRIME Correspondent, UK & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/12/22: Where is JUSTICE in America? 27-year-old Nigerian born Naturalised United States citizen, CHRISTIAN TOBECHUKWU ‘Toby’ OBUMSELI stabbed multiple times to Death in Florida, abandoned in cold blood …grieving family blames rich white girlfriend, Courtney Clenney, alias ‘Courtney Tailor’ name on Instagram and OnlyFans *“We are demanding justice for the death of our son, Christian Obumseli. Police had declined to charge his Instagram model girlfriend due to ‘white privilege’, not her claim of self-defense in a domestic violence which resulted in fatality”- Family of deceased *”Courtney still has yet to explain exactly what happened leading up to my brother’s (Toby’s) murder. The bottom line is inextricably clear: Courtney is being treated differently because of her privilege as a wealthy White woman. Within 24 hours following Toby’s death, the detective on the case prematurely concluded this was not a crime of violence”-Jeffrey Obumseli, the slain man’s brother, writes on Instagram *“Justice in this case demands that Courtney does not face any charges. Courtney was not arrested because it is clear she was defending herself as the victim of domestic violence”-Defense counsel, Frank Prieto *“Preliminary investigation determined that both Mr. Obumseli and the female, Clenney, had been involved in a physical altercation. Clenney was taken to a hospital under the Baker Act for a mental health evaluation after the incident. Under the law, details about such hospitalizations are confidential”-Law enforcement official in Florida *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/12/22: SHOCKINGLY in TEARS: Glasgow based Masters degree Nigerian graduate, Mother of Four, CHINYERE OGUNDORO sets on FIRE by estranged husband on visit to Nigeria …46-year-old victim died alongside her brother Ifeanyi Edoziem during an alleged incidence at family home in Lagos *‘Marriage issues: Chinyere had returned to Nigeria to speak with husband after finding out he planned to sell their family home which she built with her hard-earned resources without her permission behind her’ *‘Fact: It is understood Chinyere had obtained a student visa in 2018 to move to Scotland with her four children and husband before he returned home’ *“Chinyere’s husband is being accused of having set his wife and brother-in-law on fire as they slept. Her younger brother later died in hospital but was able to give a dying declaration to police, alleging that his brother-in-law was responsible”-Eye witness *‘Nigerian community in Scotland mourn, pays glowing tribute to Chineyere as a peaceful woman, demand justice and prosecution against the husband’ *“I am very shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Chinyere. I admired her dedication to her studies, the welfare of her children and wider family. Her motivation for undertaking the course was to enable a better future for them. Chinyere will be missed by all who knew her and I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends”-Dr Colin Combe, Department of Business Management at Glasgow Caledonian University *“Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr Benjamin Ogudoro set ablaze his wife Chinyere Ogudoro who just returned from Scotland, alongside her brother Ifeanyi Edoziem. Ifeanyi, in a dying declaration, stated that Mr Benjamin had accused his wife and Ifeanyi of having locked him out of the house, a claim they denied because they believed Mr Benjamin had a spare key”-Superintendent Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command *BY LAUREN DOZIE/CRIME Correspondent, reporting from Scotland
• 04/11/22: 2023 Election: My MISSION for Nigeria is to fully complete every projects Buhari and I started -Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo …My intention is to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of NIgeria, My administration will provide an excellent environment for businesses to thrive *‘President Muhammadu Buhari and I have together worked through some of the most difficult times in the history of our nation but we have remained focused on securing the country, providing infrastructure and growing our economy’ *‘In the past seven years, I have served as vice president under a true Nigerian patriot, a servant of the nation in war and peace and a man of integrity’ *BY CHRISTY IDEMUDIA/GROUP Political Editor, Abuja
• 04/11/22: PAINFUL EXIT: Nigeria’s Angelic, velvet-voiced gospel singer, OSINACHI NWACHUKWU famous ‘Ekwueme’ melody maker dies of Domestic Abuse …Police picks up run-away husband from hideout, in handcuff facing prosecution for murder *‘My 42-year-old blood sister, Osinachi was daily tutored, abused by her husband who seized her funds from gospel music and turned her into a punching bag. We advised her several times to leave her marriage or be separated from him to stay alive, but she always assured us her husband was changing and that God hates divorce’-Favour Made, deceased elder sister *“The suspect, Peter Nwachukwu, is now in police custody. We have arrested him. He is going to face the full wrath of the law”-spokesperson of the FCT police command, DP Joseph Adeh *“My father, Pastor Paul Enenche, founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre not aware of the domestic violence Osinachi was subjected to by her husband”-Deborah, daughter *“I will surely get justice for Osinachi Nwachukwu”-Women Affairs minister *BY EUNICE AMAECHI/RELIGIOUS Reporter
• 04/07/22: PRIDE OF AFRICA: America’s First Black Supreme Court Justice in history, KETANJI ONYIKA BROWN JACKSON is a Nigerian …Born in Washington D.C., parents are American descendants of enslaved Nigerians from West Africa, traced ancestral roots to Ibos in South-East, name ‘Ketanji Onyika’ translates ‘lovely one’ in Ibo language *51-year-old served as vice chair of the United States Sentencing Commission, active member of the Judicial Conference Committee on Defender Services, Harvard University’s Board of Overseers and the Council of the American Law Institute *Earlier worked as a law clerk to judge Patti B. Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, then to judge Bruce M. Selva of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit *Outstanding in private practice at Washington, D.C. law firm Miller Cassidy Larroca & Lewin (now part of Baker Botts), then clerked for justice Stephen Breyer of the U.S. Supreme Court *Currently serves on the board of Georgetown Day School and the U.S. Supreme Court Fellows Commission * ‘During the Slave era, African men and women were forced to change their names by slave owners’-INVESTIGATION *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/07/22: NAILED: Two Nigerians jailed trying to bribe South African Hawk Police to release arrested Drug Courier ‘brother’ …earlier phoned law enforcement agents to deny suspect’s appearance in court *“The two Nigerian suspects approached one of our investigators as planned, offered an amount of R5 000 in order to ensure their brother’s release. The pair offered to pay an additional amount to make the case disappear. The pair was consequently arrested and charged for corruption”-Hawk Police after a sting operation *BY FOLABI AIYEDOLA/JUDICIAL Correspondent in South Africa
• 04/06/22: TRENDING: Nigerian born Naomi Campbell’s protégé TOMIWA rules Paris Fashion Scene, Model for SAINT brand …Lights Europe biggest designer’s most influential brands *Featured on Balmain, Celine to Lacoste and Louis Vuitton label *Becomes frequent face on runways, starring in global campaigns and featured on e-commerce high fashion platforms to a captive international audience of tens of millions * “Having relocated to France, I must say it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s absolutely exhilarating to be immersed in the architecture, the museums and street art. I have always wanted to live in another country. It was easy to move to Paris from Nigeria for me. I will continue to make Nigeria proud Abroad”-Tomiwa *BY ROBERTA IMADE/EUROPE Fashion Editor & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 04/06/22: FREEDOM AT LAST: Court frees Nigerian Journalist, Activist AGBA JALINGO after 30 months in jail …acquitted of Terrorism, Treasonable Felony and Cyber Crimes *Framed up by Cross River State government for daring governor to account for stewardship, ECOWAS court awards N30milion damages against Nigerian government for injustice *“Relying on the provisions of Section 355 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, I hereby acquit Agba Jalingo on all four charges. Therefore, the charge is hereby dismissed” – Justice Ojukwu, Federal High Court, Calabar * “Acquittal of journalist Agba Jalingo on trumped-up charges is welcome, but he should never have been arrested, detained for nearly six months, prosecuted for his work in the first place”-Angela Quintal, Committee to Protect Journalists Africa program coordinator *BY AHMED RABIU/JUDICIAL Reporter, Cross River State
• 03/31/22: 2023 ELECTIONS: God has chosen TINUBU as Next President of Nigeria -Bishop Sunday Garuba, President of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace …Northern Pastors will Hold One-million-man Prayer Rally to avert evil forces *“Now the Lord said to Samuel, how long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for myself among his sons. In less than one year, a new president will emerge to forge a new course for the nation. After over three months of immense prayer and fast, it has been revealed to us that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our next leader” *BY WILLIAM OBASEKI/RELIGIOUS Reporter, Northern Nigeria
• 03/31/22: Insecurity: NIGERIA is a FAILED State-Shehu Sani, former federal lawmaker warns …Every Nigerian should be allowed to carry weapons to defend themselves *‘Nigerian government and security agencies failed to crush terrorists and Bandits kidnapping and killing our people in Northern and Southern Kaduna’ *BY SALEMA AHMED/SPECIAL Correspondent, Kaduna
• 03/31/22: DEVELOPING: I have Resigned as Super Eagles Head Coach, Ashamed Nigeria Failed woefully to Qualify for 2022 World Cup -AUSTIN Eguavoen … ‘I will now return to my role as Technical Director of all national teams’, as stated on Brilla Radio Sports FM * Nigerian Football Federation yet to release an official statement * Nigerians calling for a total overhaul of the football federation *BY TINA AMAECHI/SPORTS Correspondent, ABUJA
• 03/31/22: FAMILY AT WAR: ANNIE IDIBIA, my younger sister is a DRUG Addict, she introduced me into Hard Drugs -WISDOM, elder brother in a trending video …Scream: ‘My LIFE is being threatened, daily I am crying out for HELP, let her deny she does not take drug’ *BY ANTHONY IDEMUDIA/ENTERTAINMENT Reporter, Lagos
• 03/28/22: Ukraine WAR, Nigerian students cry out for URGENT HELP: We are 87 Nigerians in hiding, trapped in a school basement in Kherson, our lives in danger, African ladies Raped by Russian Soldiers-JEREMIAH Akpan, a stranded Nigerian second year maritime navigation undergraduate …lament: we tried to leave Ukraine thrice but got threatened at various checkpoints by Russian army wielding guns, some African students experienced failed attempts to escape at a particular third checkpoint where they were ordered out of the taxi by the (Russian) soldiers, first failed escape attempt happened on February 24 when the war had started *‘Fully armed Russian soldiers checked the students’ passports and bags, ordered them to return their luggage to the cab. The driver was forced to return to Kherson while the students were blindfolded and held inside a military tank for about two hours. The soldiers drove the tank to an unknown destination and shoved the students into a building. The Russian army untied these exhausted students only to find themselves in a dark room with some Ukrainians’ *BY OLUYEMI OLAPADE, Reporting LIVE from Kherson, Ukraine
• 03/28/22: UNFIT FOR OFFICE, Rogue in Power: Ogun State Governor, DAPO ABIODUN alias ‘Shawn Michael Davids’ Secretly JAILED for Credit Card Fraud, Identity Theft in United States …Caught for check forgery, grand theft in Miami, law enforcement fingerprint reveals hidden identity, wore orange suit jail number 8600B9436 inside cell *Hid criminality away from Nigeria’s INEC to avoid electoral disqualification, handcuffed on November 7, 1986, for fighting and injuring a police officer in a bid to resist arrest *Hired American top criminal Attorney to help file appeal for redaction of crimes documentation under file number CFN: 20150534571 in database *Redaction of criminality processed by Harvey Euvin, the Miami Dade City Clerk of Court *Already messaged embattled Governor-awaiting response asap *SAMSON SHOAGA/MANAGING EDITOR, Abuja, MURAINO IBRAHIM/ Special Crime Correspondent, Florida & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor, North America
• 03/28/22: GOD STILL ANSWER PRAYERS: After 25 years of Marriage, Failed IVF, no more Menstrual circle experience, God bless us with Triplets-Deacon MICHAEL Nwankwo & wife, Victoria Says… ‘There is nothing God cannot do, only if we put our trust completely in Him’ *‘We gave our first daughter Uzumma, which means ‘Shout of goodness, good happening or good event’, called our son ‘Chimbuchhi’ which means ‘My God is God’ and ‘Oluedo’ meaning ‘Wealth’ *BY BODE IYIOLA/Religious Reporter
• 03/28/22: TEARS: 39-year-old Nigerian Gospel Musician, Nollywood Actor, CHINEDU NWADIKE dies of Blood Cancer …after battling chronic kidney disease for some period *Set to travel to India for a more thorough medical treatment before demise *‘He lost the blood cancer battle in Abuja. When I spoke to him over the phone last week, he told me he had fully recovered from the kidney issue and would be proceeding to India by this coming week for treatment of the blood cancer/Leukemia”-Darlington Chidera Ibekwe *Last visit: reached out to Catholic priest Ejike Mbaka for prayers before hospital admission *Former Imo state gubernatorial candidate Uche Nwosu, Senator Ifeanyi Uba briefly saw him in the hospital *BY JOHNSON ABADE/MOVIE Reporter
• 03/24/22: ECONOMIC Disaster is coming soon, Nigerians will suffer extreme hardship-Primate Ayodele prophesies …Says: Police will go on strike, governors will be stoned, FG won’t be able to pay law enforcement stipend *LIFE will be so tough that Nigeria will revert to the days of austerity measures where Diesel will sell from N800 to N1000 per litre *Some state governments will not be able to pay their workers’ salaries *‘Petrol will become scarce. It (petrol) will move up to N300 per litre. Things will become extremely difficult for Nigerians. Nigeria’s reserve is in red. The country is in massive debt’ *BY IYKE AMAECHI/RELIOUS Editor, Lagos
• 03/24/22: DEFAMATION SUIT: British Court lambasts Nigerian ‘Man-of-God’, Apostle Johnson Suleman …Ordered to pay £19,601 to London Blogger, Maureen Badejo *Nigerian in Diaspora raised legal fees for Badejo to defend self against General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide *“IN CLAIM NO: QB-2022-000504, dated 10th of March 2022, IT IS ORDERED that: The Application is dismissed. The Claimant (Apostle Suleiman) shall pay the Defendant’s costs of and occasioned by the Application, summarily assessed in the sum of £19,601”- His Honour Judge Lewis, Queens Bench Division of the UK High Court of Justice *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & DANIEL ALOBA, Special Judicial Correspondent, London
• 03/24/22: SHOCKER: 90 million Nigerians live in Abject Poverty -Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics … ‘91 million Nigerians now live below poverty line’, says Nigerian Economic Summit Group *‘An additional one million people were pushed into poverty in Nigeria between June and November 2021, resulting in a total of about 8 million people being relinquished to poverty in 2021’-World BANK *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 03/24/22: World’s Renowned Juju Music Icon, King SUNNY ADE wins Rainbow HALL of FAME Legendary Lifetime Award…Celebrated as greatest African creative musician of all times American Senior Investigative Journalist, George Elijah OTUMU receives Most Dedicated African Investigative Journalist of the Year 2022, Winning story: ‘Survival Inside MAKOKO: Africa’s largest fishing village where 400,000 Nigerians live on water, land *Children attend school on floating river, Slum has little access to electricity or clean sanitation, Community speak ‘Egun’ language traceable to descendants of Benin republic and Badagry-a coastal town in Lagos State *Other winners: Double Chief Akin Williams, Hajia Bola Muse, Queen Ayo Balogun, Erelu Bukola Fagbola; Blossom Gabriel *Father of the day: High Akinola Disu, Eagle Paints Plc Chairman, Mother of the day: Ambassador Amina Temitope Ajayi * “This is one of the happiest moments in my life. I am so happy outstanding Nigerians from all walks of life are being honored yearly for their exceptional talents and unquantifiable contribution to the progress and growth of the country”-NIYI OMOGBENIGUN, CEO, Rainbow Hall of Fame Media Award * BY AYOMIDE KAYODE/DIASPORA Correspondent
• 03/24/22: ECONOMIC Disaster is coming soon, Nigerians will suffer extreme hardship-Primate Ayodele prophesies …Says: Police will go on strike, governors will be stoned, FG won’t be able to pay law enforcement stipend *LIFE will be so tough that Nigeria will revert to the days of austerity measures where Diesel will sell from N800 to N1000 per litre *Some state governments will not be able to pay their workers’ salaries *‘Petrol will become scarce. It (petrol) will move up to N300 per litre. Things will become extremely difficult for Nigerians. Nigeria’s reserve is in red. The country is in massive debt’ *BY IYKE AMAECHI/RELIOUS Editor, Lagos
• 03/18/22: Way to Go: Nigerian Music Super Star, TuFace Idibia Donates Multi-Million Recording Studio to Obafemi Awolowo University …Shared video on official social media handles, inducted Fellow School of Music *Excited varsity students sing ‘Great Ife’ anthem, hailing award-wining musician for donation *“I always wished I had music as a course in my days in secondary and tertiary schools. My goal is to build a recording studio in as many schools as I can. I want to use this medium to ask my entertainment industry/celebrity friends to do anything they can as well”-TUFACE *BY CHIOMA ROBERT/ENTERTAINMENT Reporter
• 03/18/22: Things FALL Apart: My Nigerian Wife, KORRA OBIDI Ruined My Life, Betrayed Me, Cheated on Me for Four Years, I am Filing for a DIVORCE for my Mental Health Sanity-Dr. JUSTIN DEAN …I am Heartbroken presently; I tried many times to talk to her, she would not listen, this is the hardest decision I had to make in my life *‘Anyone that knows me or watches me online knows that I’m a dedicated family man to both Korra and my children’ *‘This is honestly the hardest decision of my life, but necessary. I’m walking away from this marriage for my mental health and to be the best version of myself. I must set a healthy example for my children. I will always be there for my children’ *‘This has nothing to do with postpartum depression. I’ve been betrayed once again and she is unbothered, which pretty much summarizes our marriage. My apology to all the young men and women that believed we had a ‘perfect marriage’ *BY DAVID OLABODE/Marriage Counselling Correspondent, Michigan, USA & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 03/18/22: Hours After Tenure Ends: Fleeing Nigeria’s Former Anambra State Governor, WILLIE OBIANO Arrested at Lagos Airport on way to United States *Fancy dressing erstwhile governor had been on law enforcement watchlist since 2021, secretly under investigation for fraud *Nigeria Immigration Service alert EFCC of Obiano’s plan to fly to Houston, Texas, begs not to be handcuffed * “We can tell you that by 8:30pm tonight, Willie Obiano, a former Governor of Anambra State was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on his way to run away and board a flight Overseas. He is under investigation, in our custody”-EFCC spokesman, Wilson UWUJAREN * BY ILIASU RABIU/AIRPORT Correspondent, Lagos
• 03/18/22: WHO’S LYING? NDLEA Framed Me Up, I was only Helping a Whistleblower to Collect Shares Due, Anti-Narcotics Agents assisting Drug Barons to Ship Crack COCAINE into Nigeria -ABBA KYARI … Says: ‘NDLEA stinks in corruption. Their officials usually clear drug barons and escort them from the airport to their destination within the country’, as deposed in Court affidavit *‘Lots of people are envious of me. I was set up for busting several high-profile criminal cartels troubling the country’ * ‘I will not close my mouth, but keep exposing NDLEA for their collusion with drug couriers in Nigeria’ ‘I am demanding N500 million compensations for breach of my rights to freedom of movement, liberty and life’ *BY IMAM YENUSA/SPECIAL Correspondent, Judiciary, Abuja
• 03/18/22: FACE OFF: Russian President Vladimir PUTIN is a WAR CRIMINAL-United States President, Joe Biden … ‘It is Unacceptable, Unforgiven that U.S. designate us a Criminal, you have no Right to lecture us on war crimes’ says Russian Government *‘Any Russian who opposes our on-going military occupation of Ukraine is a Traitor of Russian Federation, we should spit such enemy out and treat that person as such. Our battle is going according to plan. These Russian expatriates are traitors living large in Miami, French Rivera, ready to sell their own mother out for money. We are not fighting a war, but reclaiming the land that originally belong to us in old Soviet Union’-PUTIN, Russian President *We are immediately making available to Ukraine anti-aircraft, anti-armor systems, weapons; switchblade drones and other forms of military assistance-United States Government *BY YOSHIR NASIR/Special Correspondent inside Ukraine
• 03/14/22: Re-Branding NIGERIA Overseas: Meet WENDY OKOLO, a-30-year-old Nigerian born Aeronautic & Space Administration Genius, First African Woman in America’s NASA history …received Doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering at 26 from University of Texas, Arlington *Earlier worked as a Summer Researcher at Air Force Research Laboratory- a scientific organization operated by the United States Air Force Material Command *Presently working as Aerospace Research Engineer at the Ames Research Center for National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Silicon Valley *Former president of the society of women engineers had Bachelors, Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering at same varsity *“I found an error in NASA code system and fixed it. That turned my destiny around for good. I owe my current feat to my all-time heroes – my sisters – who gave me biology and other science lessons through their everyday realities. Education breaks all barriers of limitations in life”-OKOLO *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 03/14/22: NO WAY OUT: DCP Abba KYARI is a Danger, Flight Risk, He will Escape Nigeria if granted Bail-NDLEA …We are confident he will make himself unavailable for trial should he be released from custody, we have evidence he attempted to bribe a senior officer of the NDLEA with $61, 400. 00 cash to replace seized Cocaine at a restaurant in Abuja *“Former IRT boss has the capacity to interfere with its witnesses, if released on bail. Bundles of exhibits marked NDLEA 1 to 5 attached to the counter-affidavit”-NDLEA Director, Prosecution & Legal Services, Joseph Sunday *“On behalf of my client, Abba Kyari, I am praying the court to grant him bail on liberal conditions. Charge against him contained bailable offences”- Mahmud Magaji, SAN, Kyari’s Counsel *“I am urging the court to invoke the powers donated to it by the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to exercise discretion in my favour. I served this country in honor and excellence. Have mercy on me”-Embattled KYARI *BY AFEEZ AHMED/JUDICIARY Reporter, Abuja
• 03/14/22: INSPIRATIONAL: Nigerian born Former Uber Driver in London, MOSES DANIEL becomes a Millionaire …specialize in property Investment business, celebrated in British press *Details on how to ‘think-outside-the-box’, live a life of financial abundance *Create successful seminars on ways to re-think strategy to be extremely rich *Struggled earlier to make ends meet first time in United Kingdom, lost over £150,000 (more than $200,000) in transportation business, recalled unforgettable experience as a delivery driver *Established Property Wealth Education firm, passed-on knowledge to 150 black entrepreneurs now turns aspiring Millionaires * “Sixteen months after I left Uber U.K. as a driver, I got into property investment, and through the use of various property investment strategies, I became a Millionaire; successfully built a 7-figure property business and created a new profession for myself”-DANIEL * “Uber driver who works in a large city like London takes home about £36,438/year (or just a hair under $50,000 USD), More experienced drivers can make £253,240/year (or more than $300,000 USD). An average Uber driver in the United States makes a salary of about $42,257/year”- UK Talents Report *BY FERDINARD OGECHUCKWU/ASSISTANT Business Editor, London & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 03/11/22: Historic Feat: MEET Nigerian born Naturalized American Astrophysicist, OSATOHANMEN OSEMWENGIE, godfather of Drones in United States Army…First African to Design Artificial Intelligence robotic machines for Surveillance, taking out Terrorists anywhere in the world *Scholar possesses Seven Master’s Degrees, recently bagged fourth Ph.D. *Software genius create Drones on missions to Jupiter, Mars from the Earth, worked with National Aeronautics and Space Administration *CEO of ‘Ubiquity Interface Inc.’ hires a team of experienced Foreign Engineers in firm *Former Administrator at Benin College of Education earlier won at World Robotics Championship, Edo State native is a key member of America Armed Forces *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 03/11/22: TOUGH TIMES COMING: NIGERIA, other African Nations will suffer pain of Rising Food, Higher Fuel Prices over ongoing Russia/Ukraine War-International Monetary Fund …Crisis will undo gains of Africa’s post COVID-19 economic recovery *‘Africa is vulnerable to impact from the Ukraine war through four main channels: increased food prices, higher fuel prices, lower tourism revenues, and potentially more difficulty accessing international capital markets’ *‘IMF has stand-by Fund to help African countries address the repercussions of the war, help design, implement reforms through our policy advice, capacity development, and lending’ *“The Ukraine war and the unprecedented sanctions imposed on Russia are having far-reaching consequences. They come at a delicate time for Africa”-Kristalina Georgieva- IMF managing director *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & TINA ALOCHUKWU/Financial Editor, West Africa
• 03/11/22: 2023 Election: I am the Most Experienced, Qualified Political Administrator to become Nigeria President-BOLA Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State …I studied Accountancy and Management in the University as a foundation for my life to bring Nigeria out of the woods, I know what good leadership is all about *‘My plan to take up the mantle of leadership from Major General Mohammadu Buhari with brain and focus’ *“If you hear them saying, he is sick, I didn’t apply for the job of race running. I didn’t apply for the job of bricklaying. I went to school to study. I didn’t apply for a job of a gravedigger. I have applied for a job of brain and intelligence, focus thinking. The job I want to do for Nigeria is for Nigeria to be greater and be proud of itself, our children, and leave a legacy of success, unlimited success for our great, great children”-TINUBU *BY IYIOLA POPOOLA/POLITICAL Editor, Abuja
• 03/08/22: FREED AT LAST: Beninois Govt release SUNDAY IGBOHO, Nigeria’s Yoruba Agitator from Prison …To urgently attend failing kidney, lung illness in Medical Centre in Cotonou contracted inside Benin Republic jail *Found no crime committed, after multiple exhaustive judicial reviews *He was released on health grounds-Counsel, Yomi Alliyu, SAN * ‘I dedicate my Life to the Service of Humanity’-IGBOHO *BY AKINLABI ORIYOMI/POLITICAL REPORTER & NIFEMI HABIB
• 03/05/22: The Final Fall & Extradition Countdown: DCP ABBA KYARI is facing 42 years JAIL Term in United States for Fraud, Corruption-Attorney General of Federation & Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN tells Court …Charged in FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022 under the Extradition Act, Nigeria will hand him over for justice to prevail *Police inch towards Outright DISMISSAL, NDLEA ready for Prosecution *Hushpuppi enters plea deal to serve as a live witness against embattled Police Chief in U.S. Court *Nigeria Police Force ‘ashamed’ Kyari is ruining law enforcement practitioners’ reputation *‘Nigeria’s police officer, DCP Abba Kyari was indicted by a Grand Jury with the approval of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. He is wanted to stand trial for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft’-F.B.I *BY DANIEL AMAECHI/SPECIAL Anti-Fraud Correspondent, Nigeria & SIMON STEVEN/FOREIGN Correspondent, Los Angeles, USA
• 03/05/22: Breaking News: QATAR Airways Board Members Loot $9billion (QAR 33.3 billion) in Six Years – ALTHANI HUMAN Rights, fiery civil rights group in Middle East …dares Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer to account for stewardship openly *Links ‘accrued’ debt claim to Mismanagement, Exploitation, Corruption *Alleges $4million shared around social media giants worldwide to curb dispute with Europe’s Airbus, pose series of questions for directors to answer *Argues Qatar Airways discard Qatar Aviation Authorities concern to obtain a renowned third party to carry out comprehensive inspection, provide technical cause backed by testing and evaluation *BY AMINU MOHAMMED/AVIATION Editor, Middle East & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 03/05/22: Nigerians: Let Me Enjoy My Marriage in Peace as a Second Wife, Leave Me Alone, Nollywood Actress, Mercy Aigbe tells Critics …Stop bullying me on Social Media, Face your own Life *There is No Crime being married to a movie marketer, Rejoice with me and stop your jealousy * “If you can be happy for me, be happy for me. If you’re not happy for me, go and get busy. I am not the first person to be a second wife. It is my choice to be a second wife”-AIGBE *BY TOPE AKINLADE/ENTERTAINMENT Writer
• 02/28/22: Fresh Wine, Creative ideas in Nigeria 2023: Renowned American trained Administrative Technocrat, OKEY SAMUEL MBONU declares for President …ready to save Nigeria’s Economy, promise to deliver nation out of the woods, solve myriads of insecurity challenges *Nigerians should wake up, run from former leaders with no accomplishment of leadership *Vows to beat other political aspirants on merits, lead Nigeria into a globally sustainable growth *Successfully served as Commissioner for Housing & Community Development in Washington Dc, USA ‘I will salvage Nigeria for the next generations of Nigerian people’-MBONU *‘Mbonu, under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party will bring international credentials, valuable energy, and a great network to broaden the party’s reach across Nigeria, internationally across Nigerian communities around the world’-Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, National Chairman, PDP *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor & TOPE OLUSEYI/POLITICAL Correspondent, Abuja
• 02/23/22: INSPIRING: Nigerian born Naturalized British, SILAS ADEKUNLE is youngest Africa’s Robotics Billionaire in Britain …26-year-old creates first gaming robot in Europe ‘MekaMon’, earned $7.5million for selling 500 robots *Acquired First Class degree in Robotics, Received Honorary Doctorate degree of Technology at University of West England *Revered as a Young leader in Technology Entrepreneurship, listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe, Named to Financial Times Top 100 minority ethnic leaders in Technology *Signed exclusive distribution deal with Apple to sell product in United States and Britain *Robotics’ company developed an App which controls ‘MekaMon’ portal to digital content, having earned $12million from investors *“We are now focused on using ‘MekaMon’ to develop Robotics education ecosystem across Africa and cloud infrastructure for industrial automation in the United Kingdom”- ADEKUNLE *BY SIMON IYIOLA/ROBOTICS Editor, Europe & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/23/22: Economic Hardship raises Inflation: Nigeria Airline increase Domestic Air Fare tickets by 75 percent …expensive fees traceable to high rise in price of Jet A1 aviation fuel, only rich people can afford air travel *“Airlines’ Fees increase in order since airfare had since been deregulated”-Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority *‘A liter of the commodity that used to sell for N190 presently sells for between N400 and N500, a price that may still go up. For every ticket you sell, you have 5 percent of Ticket Sales Charge rendered to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, you have other deductions to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and to other airport owners’-Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr Obiora Okonkwo *A one hour flight from Lagos to Abuja that used to cost between N20,000 and N35,000 now attracts N50,000 and above depending on the booking period and pattern and the airline-INVESTIGATION *BY MOHAMMAD NURENI/AVIATION Reporter, Abuja
• 02/23/22: DISGRACEFUL: Nigerian born Naturalized American Nurse, Behavioral Health Psychiatrist Husband in New Jersey, facing 20 years Jail Term for Forced Labour, Harbouring Undocumented Immigrants …Suspects: Bolaji and Isiaka Bolarinwa to appear in Court through video conference before United States Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio *Charged in an eight-count indictment with two counts of forced labour, slammed a fine of up to $250,000 on each count *Couple financially benefited from the victims’ forced labour, confiscate passports and visas of immigrants, worked at St Remi LLC at 750 Route 73 S Ste 105a Marlton, NJ 08053 *Prosecution brought by Special agents of the FBI, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/23/22: No Hiding Place: DCP Abba Kyari to remain in the custody of NDLEA for further Investigation for 14 days -Justice Zainab Dimka Abubakar, Federal High Court in Abuja … ‘I am being held on the basis of a false allegation cooked up against me by the Police, NDLEA’, says embattled former IRT Commander *‘Investigation by NDLEA revealed that the Abba Kyari (1st) to 5th respondents have compromised the whole operation and were involved in the importation, trafficking, and dealing and also tampered with the recovered 25kg cocaine’-Court document *‘This court in suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/182/22 declines BAIL application on Health ground for Abba Kyari, ordered suspect to put Federal Government on notice of the existence of suit instituted against it’-Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo, Federal High Court Abuja *BY AHMAD IBRAHIM/ANTI-DRUG Reporter
• 02/16/22: HAPPENING NOW: Abba KYARI’S Most Trusted Cocaine Trafficking police partner, ASP JOHN UMORU alias ‘Too Much Money’ Flee Nigeria…tipped off by a compromised Narcotic Agent attached to Akanu Ibiam International Airport ahead of impending arrest *Fugitive member of Inspector General Intelligence Response Team sighted in United Arab Emirates *Nigeria Police notifies INTERPOL to effect arrest of suspect *Identified as ‘Brain behind’ sharing ratio of all drugs seized in any IGP IRT raid *NDLEA grills Kyari for hours, sets up discreet investigation to expose Narcotic officers on payroll of drug couriers *“In our custody since 14th February 2022, undergoing grilling are: “DCP Abba Kyari, ACP Sunday Ubuah, ASP Bawa James, Inspr. Simon Agrigba, John Nuhu while ASP John Umoru (is at large), meaning we are making moves to have him arrested and brought to justice”-NDLEA *BY RAYMOND OSAMOTA/Financial & Anti-Drug Special Correspondent
• 02/15/22: DEVELOPING: Nigeria’s Police Chief, ABBA KYARI is leader of Cocaine Barons operating Brazil-Ethiopia-Nigeria route, video taped bribing Narcotics Agents with $61,400 (N35Million) cash-NDLEA …We have arrested former Anti-kidnapping Police Commander, 4 other IRT unit officers for corruption, unethical conduct, drug possession *Caught pressuring NDLEA agents to free arrested Cocaine suspects’ in detention *Pleading with undercover agents to hold back 15 kg of Cocaine for personal usage *Handcuffed, hands over mobile phones, begging for leniency in face of interrogation, becomes object of ridicule in International Community *BY MOHAMMED ABIBU/Anti-Drug Correspondent, Abuja
• 02/14/22: ROYAL SHAME: Nigeria’s Most Controversial First Class King, OLUWO of IWO begs Osun State Governor for N20million dash to Marry Ado Bayero dynasty’s Princess from Kano Emirate …after divorcing Jamaican’s Channel Chin accused of filming bedroom activities for blackmail, extortion *Former queen allegedly claim ‘Oluwo of Iwo’ involved in sexual assault of 13-year-old maid, marriage built on falsehood *In the heat of their messy separation, erstwhile wife released a video of the monarch rolling up a joint (Marijuana) to smoke *Monarch mocks ex-wife, saying God Almighty who is worthy of praise will never leave his ordained servant to be scorned by enemies *“I wish to remind your Excellency that this kind of royal wedding within two notable traditional institutions in Nigeria will require huge expenses, which necessitate support of the state government financially, even logistically. The estimated amount for the event is above (N20,000,000.00) Twenty Million Naira”-His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo *BY BOLADE AKINGBADE/ROYAL Editor, Abuja
• 02/14/22: LATEST RANKING 2022: Nigeria’s ALIKO DANGOTE, Wealthiest Billionaire in Africa for 11 years, new Net Worth $21.2 billion, adds $950 million to fortune-BLOOMBERG Billionaires Index …three South Africans, One Egyptian maintain billionaire status *Aliko is 96th Billionaire in the World in 2022 Global Ranking, Wealth rose following a year-to-date price increase in the shares of Dangote Cement Plc. *Owns sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest cement production, Dangote Cement with a revenue of 891.7 billion Naira ($2.5 billion) in 2019, Firm spread impact in sugar, salt, oil; fertilizer and packaged food *Other African billionaires: Johann Rupert & family (South Africa) Net worth $11.8 billion, Nicky Oppenheimer (South Africa) Net worth $8.30billion, Natie Kirsh (South Africa) Net worth $7.98 billion; Nassef Sawiris (Egypt) Net worth $6.56 billion *Bloomberg Billionaires Index is a daily ranking of the world’s richest people *BY RILWAN AHMED/GROUP FINANCIAL Editor, Africa
• 02/13/22: WOMEN OF POWER: Nigerian born Naturalized British Female Entrepreneur, YEKEMI OTARU holding four degrees appointed Chancellor for University of West Scotland …issued formal powers to confer degrees, diplomas and other academic distinctions, to represent the university at key events *42-year-old possesses considerable industrial experience in Engineering and Marketing, Co-Founder/Executive Director at Doqaru Limited, prominent Aberdeen-based sales and marketing consultancy firm *She is a board member of Interface-a body which connect a wide range of organisations from national and international industries to Scotland’s universities, research institutes and colleges, matching them with world-leading academic expertise to help them grow *Renowned as a bestselling author and social media expert, known for innovative use of social media platforms * “I am honoured to have been appointed Chancellor-elect of University of the West of Scotland, following in the footsteps of a remarkable individual in Dame Elish Angiolini. We are all living through challenging times, and higher education plays a vital role in society and for our economy. I eagerly look forward to being part of the University”-OTARU *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/12/22: BREAKING NEWS: Nigerian born Naturalized American, TAIWO ADELEYE opens first African Restaurant, Nightclub in Michigan…selling food that represents Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage *Establishes African bar ‘Tatse’ where people eat various meals, dishes made from spicy recipes *Ensure ‘Alobosa’, which translate ‘Onion’ in Yoruba language rules the night for English premiership/American soccer fans and party lovers with huge televisions on stand *Evening hours kicks off every Friday in All Black Afrobeat Music Jam Night and attendees wear black clothing as a sign of black historical empowerment *Place grandmothers’ pictures on wall above the food for people to see, Maternal grandmother taught him how to cook and Paternal grandmother fostered in him a love for education *”I watch the English Premier League. When I go around, I find it difficult to find a bar that understands that there are other people that don’t just want to watch American football, but English Premier League or Champions League. As such, I want to ensure the chef and soccer fan set out to create a space where Africans, and some Americans, can watch games while eating my American-infused Nigerian dishes”-ADELEYE * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/12/22: Nigerian Creative Entrepreneur, TAJUDEEN JAJI ABOLORE Reigns as Most Successful Entertainment Czar in Republic of South Africa …runs Booth Night Club in Sandton, dominating nightlife in Nelson Mandela country home *Elite entertainment venue attract captains of industry, business leaders and newsmakers *Emerges Best Club in Johannesburg by Joburg Viewers’ Choice Awards (Best of Jozi), voted the Best Night Club by The Voice Magazine *First to introduce BoothFest which converge Africa’s biggest music exports where Wizkid, other musicians perform, founder of Highland Movers in Midrand, Gauteng, owner of a beauty salon and spa outfit called Skin and Beauty Matters *Received endorsement from premium brand partners like RGBC, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Barcardi, DGB, SAB, Edward Snell and British Tobacco * BY KELVIN IDIRABEN/SHOWBIZ Correspondent, South Africa & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/12/22: LET JUSTICE REIGN: I was Promised 3,000 Euros (1.5 Million Naira) to deliver DRUGS to Belgium, Turkey-PETER Mkwo, a European resident Nigerian …businessman blames the Devil, saying: ‘I have been living in Belgium for 15 years. I did not know what pushed me into it. I was lured and tempted by Satan.’ *37-year-old arrested while trying to board Ethiopian Airline 910 en-route Abuja-Addis Ababa, to Brussels *Claimed he accepted an offer to deliver drugs to raise some funds to pay back the money he borrowed from friends during the burial of his father *Alleged bag containing drug brought to him in the hotel by the two men before he took off to Abuja where he was to take flight to Brussels *“When searched, we discovered 3kg of methamphetamine stuffed in the lining of a false bottom of his luggage”-NDLEA *BY OLAWALE ABIOLA/ANTI-DRUG Correspondent, Lagos
• 02/12/22: EMOTION, TEARS AROUND THE WORLD: Marley Children Unite, Shock the World in a 20-minute Root Concert in honor of Reggae Legend’s Father 77th Birthday … 12-year-old Grandson ‘Elijah’ steal show, performs solo as percussionist, singer, guitarist *Tuff Gong, Bob Marley Museum ensured smooth broadcast for eight broadcast, Electrifying moment from artists *Stellar lined-up local/international musicians featured Etana, Queen Ifrica, Gyptian, Tony Rebel, Kes The Band, Bugle, and Marion Hall (formerly Lady Saw) *Show anchored by two generations of the Gong’s own acclaimed Reggae dynasty: daughter Sharon Marley, grandsons: Elijah, Yohan, and Skip Marley *Grand finale in-studio performance by The Marley Brothers: Ziggy, Stephen, Damian, Julian, and Ky-Mani Marley *BY LINDA ABRAHAM/JAMAICAN Entertainment Editor & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/09/22: HOPE ALIVE FOR THE MASSES: Nigeria’s House Tenants may no longer have to Pay a year in Advance for Rent…Senate debating a law to make yearly upfront rents illegal in the capital, Abuja *Lagos state government hoping to act as a guarantor in a new payment system, landlords will be encouraged to switch to accepting monthly rents *Before now Nigerian landlords prefer large upfront payments to reduce chances of tenants’ default *Finding 12 months’ rent in advance is an additional burden for millions of the people *KEMI OLUDAYO/Housing Correspondent, Abuja & IKECHUKWU AMAECHI/Reporter
• 02/09/22: Nigerian Man, BACHIR MUSA AMINOU Arrested in Ghana for having 656 ATM Debit Cards connected to Nine banks, found with extra $12,000 Cash…Ghanaian Government orders thorough investigation *43-year-old suspect faces two counts of electronic trafficking and stealing, remanded pleading not guilty *Cards bearing different names issued by eight Nigerian banks and one Ghanaian Bank *“The state has launched a new investigation into the activities of the accused”-Assistant State Attorney for the Republic *BY KWEKU CHARLES/Judicial REPORTER, Accra
• 02/09/22: SKIP MARLEY plans first United States World Music Concert titled ‘The Change’ …to celebrate Reggae Legend’s father 77th birthday *Tour to hit 21-cities from March 20th, 2022 in Tampa, Florida *Set to release ‘Let’s Take It Higher Documentary Film with stops in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and more before concluding in West Hollywood, California on April 27th *Skip won critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Fader, Hypebeast; Vibe, Billboard, Complex, Essence; Teen Vogue, nominated for two Soul Train Music Awards, received NAACP Image award, and Best New Artist at the iHeart Music Awards *“Excited to finally bring the music to the people. This tour marks a change for the better”-SKIP *BY RACHEAL ROLAND/Special Entertainment Correspondent in Kingston, Jamaica & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/American Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/01/22: American Famous Hollywood Actor, FOREST WHITAKER traces Ancestral Roots to Nigeria … receives traditional chieftaincy title of Nwannedinamba of Nkwerre, meaning ‘A Brother in a Foreign Land’ *Had a DNA test which confirmed his mother had Akan ancestry, father was of Igbo descent, feels great whenever he plays Black role in movies as that reminds of his rich African heritage *UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation vows to train Nollywood film producers, actors on how to create bloc-buster movies, studied Acting at the University of Southern California *Won Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, British Academy Film Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards * “I am proud of my Nigerian Igboland lineage. I have Nigerian blood flowing in my veins. I am from Nkwerre community in Imo State, which is why I visit Nigeria three times every year. Nigeria is my home, Africa is my root”-WHITAKER *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/01/22: I am the Best Candidate to Become Nigeria’s President-DELE MOMODU …Says: ‘I am confident to trounce Atiku, Saraki, others to get PDP Presidential Ticket’ *‘I am coming fresh as a politician with the highest integrity. I have never been in government, not been tainted by power. I am the only one with such pedigree among other aspirants’ *‘Finance is no longer Nigeria’s challenge rather the political class engage in wasteful spending’ * ‘A lot of Nigerian politicians in government enjoy what they could not enjoy in their private capacity, thereby putting pressure on the nation’s finances. I am calling for an urgent cut in government’s spending with a view to focussing on developmental projects’ *BY AYOOADE POPOOLA/POLITICAL Correspondent, Abeokuta
• 02/01/22: I will handover a Home-Grown Economy, Stable Democracy, Revamped Security -MUHAMMADU BUHARI, Nigeria’s President …I am leaving behind a legacy for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria with 24 years of uninterrupted democracy *‘We are determined to continue the war against corruption and fight poverty, we remain focused on building an all-inclusive economic opportunity for all citizens’ *‘There are some of our elites for whom profit remains the only motivation for any and every enterprise’ *‘Nigerian politicians must look beyond gaining power to how you can leverage public positions in the process of societal change’ *BY ALIYU RILWAN/POLITICAL Staff Writer, Abuja
• 02/01/22: United States begin No-Interview Visa Renewals for Nigerian Applicants…renewal of application only available for a B1/B2, F, M, J; H, L or C1/D visa, list other conditions *Initiative is part of continuous commitment to expand, innovate consular services despite the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic *New application procedure will begin in February in the U.S. Consulate in Lagos and will be extended shortly thereafter to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja in limited capacity *Processing times for the program are expected to be up to two months and applicants will not be able to retrieve their passports during that time *BY TINA TOLUWANI/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Senior Investigative Editor
• 02/01/22: Nigeria’s Telecom Czar, EMEKA OPARA appointed Vice President, Airtel Africa…supervises 14 African countries *Resumes new position in Dubai-United Arab Emirates, takes charge of Corporate Communications and Company’s Social Responsibility *Expected to lead Airtel team to develop strategies and execute activities in the management of media relations, social media communications, consumer affairs; internal communications, government relations and social investments *Successfully transformed Airtel Nigeria with novel ideas for over 19 years, specialty in consistent communications practice spanning journalism, advertising, public relations; events, sponsorships and corporate social responsibility *Had BA (Hons.) in Mass Communications at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, holds post-graduate Diploma in International Public Relations *He’s an active member of International Public Relations Association, International Association of Business Communicators, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria *“To all who supported me alongside the way as I journeyed in my career, I will forever be in debt of gratitude. All the glory goes to the Great Architect of the Universe”-Celebrant, OPARA *BY ANTHONY AMAECHI/TELECOM EDITOR, Nigeria
• 01/26/22: MEET Nigerian Genius, Dr. CHUKWUEMEKA ONYEWU America’s Most Prominent, leading Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon in Maryland…had Bachelor’s degree from Boston University Cum Laude at the age of 19, may be reached directly at +1 301-276-4691 *Reigned as Commonwealth Scholar at Boston University School of Medicine, completed General Surgery Residency at Howard University Hospital *earned Intern of the Year, Chief Resident of the year awards earlier, conclude Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital *Floats Sustainable International Medical Missions, a non-profit organization that offered over 29 free medical assistance to Sudan, Cameroon and Nigeria *Endowed in sculpturing using liposuction, fat transfer, breast surgery; augmentations, reductions, lifts, and reconstruction for breast cancer *Honors: Received several medical awards, fellowships, Jamachi Plastic Surgery making waves *BY RIBAH ODEBAH/SPECIAL Medical Correspondent, Maryland, USA & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN International Investigative Editor
• 01/24/22: CONFESSION: My Nigerian Great Grandfather, NWAUBANI ERASMUS OGOGO ORIAKU Greatest Slave Trader in Bite of Niger Delta-ADAOBI Tricia Nwaubani, poet …gained power and wealth by selling African men, women and children across the Atlantic, carried slave-trading license from the Royal Niger Company in southern Nigeria *Agents of my great grand father captured Igbo slaves across the region, passed them to middlemen through the ports of Bonny/Calabar and sold them to white merchants *African local leaders hand over their daughters in marriage to him to secure his favor, had dozens of wives, a leopard was killed; six slaves were buried alive with him in death *Influence drew the attention of colonial officials who appointed him chief of Umujieze and several other towns, presided over court cases, established churches and schools *Built a guest house where he played host to British dignitaries on land where my parents’ home now stands *Descendants of freed slaves in southern Nigeria called ohu still facing significant stigma, Igbo culture forbids from marrying freeborn people, denies traditional leadership titles such as Eze and Ozo * Our family dissociates ourselves from our great grand father’s wickedness, we are seeking the face of God for mercy, we feel our family is cursed *ADANNA OKORIE/HISTORY Correspondent, Abia State, Nigeria
• 01/21/22: Historic Discovery in South Carolina! CHARLESTON: Largest port city in America where 20 million Africans were sold inside Old Slave Mart …African slaves bound in chains mouth, feet from home town in Nigeria’s Calabar/Ibo Bite of Niger-Delta, Angola, Ghana, Gambia; Benin Republic *Corrupt African Kings collude with Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese; British authorities to trade African men, women and children into Slavery in exchange for gifts *African Slaves cried until no tears in the eyes, separated against their will, forced to work on farms for long hours without payment, built Ellis Island in the South while in bondage; sold for 100 and 200 sterling per person ($11,630 and $23,200) in today’s money *End of the Civil War in 1865 marked the ‘official’ end to slavery-the year 13th Amendment to United States Constitution outlawing slavery *Enslaved Africans performed various jobs-from manual labor, housekeeping to skilled trades, Slaves traded or ‘rented’ out to other masters and if an enslaved person worked for someone else, his or her owner would be paid the wages-INVESTIGATION *80 percent African Americans trace one of their ancestors in family to those who arrived in Charleston-International African American Museum *Charleston city council apologizes to Black community for role in Slave trade at Juneteenth *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN International Investigative Editor who was in Charleston
• 01/19/22: SHAMEFUL & DISGRACEFUL: Nigerian National, CHARLES ONU ‘The Don’ Arrested in Bronx, New York for STEALING $800,000 Payroll Deposit, chained waist down-to-the-feet … hack into company’s 5,500 processing system user accounts and divert American citizens’ fund into personal controlled prepaid debit cards *Suspect used cyber threat to collect stolen credentials, username and password, facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison *“IRS Criminal Investigation will always work with our law enforcement partners to track down those who try to breach our country’s tax and financial infrastructure. We will continually endeavor to bring to justice criminals who think they can comfortably steal from victims in America while hiding behind their computer screens”-IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN International Editor
• 01/19/22: No Hiding Place: FBI pursues 35-year-old Nigeria’s Most Notorious Fugitive, ABIOLA AYORINDE KAYODE alias ‘ABK Ginger’, 3 others for STEALING over $6million from 70 different businesses in United States …Suspects go into hiding in Nigeria, placed on INTERPOL surveillance watchlist, names are: Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin, Felix Osilama Okpoh and Nnamdi Orson Benson *U.S. Government issues Warrant of Arrest against fleeing indicted Cyber criminal gang, notify Nigeria’s apex anti-graft agency, EFCC *BY RANTI EGBERONGBE/SPECIAL Crime Reporter, Abuja & BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign International Editor
• 01/19/22: Dreams come alive: Lagos boy turned Naturalized American, TOLULOPE JORDAN OMOGBEHIN reigns as WWE Superstar Giant Ninja…recalls encounter with basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston, Texas *28-year-old send notice to wrestlers in locker room, vow to win the coveted WWE Championship belt to make Nigeria proud *Former Raw Tag Team Champion graduates from Atlantic Shores Christian School, further studied at the University of South Florida where he played center position in basketball *Transferred to Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland actively played for Morgan State Bears *Plus why he turned against veteran co-athlete AJ Styles *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN International Editor
• 01/08/22: Damning Report: There is No Reform in NIGERIA POLICE, No Justice for victims of brutality one year after #EndSARS Protests-AMNESTY International …Investigation panels dashing victims’ hope of getting justice *Pro-government mobs used to instigate violence, Nigeria police lawless violence beyond control *Gravity of human rights violations outrageous, not a single culpable law enforcement agent has been prosecuted * “Nigeria has the worst police force in the world”-World Internal Security and Police Index International *BY MUSTAPHA AHMED/SPECIAL Law Enforcement Correspondent, Abuja
• 01/08/22: Breaking News: World’s Renowned, Award-winning Irish Iconic Journalist, PAUL WATTERS appointed International Tourism Columnist for Naija Standard Newspaper…anchors ‘Food, Travel & Healthy Living around the World’ *Food Columnist for several media houses in Ireland, USA had over 30 years experience in the culinary industry, worked in best-known places in the world *Famous former Chef at the iconic Savoy Hotel in London and Australia’s Sydney Opera House produced a recipe for roast stuffed chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto ham stuffed with cream cheese *“It has always been a long time dream of mine to write for you guys. I am very happy to regularly turn in my food, travel and tourism column weekly”-PAUL *BY CLEM IBIDAPO/STAFF Writer, Tourism, North America
• 01/08/22: ARRESTED: 40-year-old American born Nigerian heritage educator, Dr. OLAYINKA ALEGE handcuffed for Misdemeanor Assault …found forcefully performing unwanted foot massage on American underage kids as a form of punishment, resigns as Florida’s Providence school district administrator *Released later on personal recognizance with an order not to contact the victims *“There wasn’t a person who felt bad that they had been punished. Not a single kid will tell me they were unhappy coming to school because they felt they were going to be punished. They felt comfortable coming to my office, and that’s the tone I tried to set”-ALEGBE *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 01/06/22: Sad Exit: Nigeria’s Guardian Newspaper longest former Features Editor, EBERE AHANIHU dies of Heart Attack in Canada home…arrived Ottawa as a refugee after threats to life over expose on HIV/AIDS, completed a PhD program at Carleton University *Deceased dissertation titled: ‘Digitizing Failure: Power and Development in Nigerian e-Schools’ *Travelled widely, reporting on human rights, development and HIV/AIDS work brought threats from law enforcement agents *Ex-Canadian ambassador touched by the journalist’s exemplary lifestyle kick-starts a-gofundme page to support the family *“We need journalists like this who are fearless in their pursuit of truth. It’s a big loss for journalism to lose someone at their prime like this”-Robert Peck, a former Canadian ambassador who served first overseas posting as a diplomat in Lagos *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor & MADU UCHE/Staff Writer, Canada
• 01/06/22: Special Report after 10 months Investigation: Survival Inside MAKOKO: Africa’s largest fishing village where 400,000 Nigerians live on water, land …Children attend school on floating river, Slum has little access to electricity or clean sanitation *Every 15 households share communal latrines, as excreta, kitchen waste and polythene bags go straight into the water *Community speak in ‘Egun’ language traceable to descendants of Benin republic and Badagry-a coastal town in Lagos State *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATIVE Editor who was in Lagos, Nigeria
• 01/04/22: The inspiring story of Rivers State born ANTETOKOUNMPO family in Greece: Parents flee Nigeria 30 years ago over death threat, suffered 21 years of hard labor without Citizenship, Greek kids relocate to United States to win NBA Finals after months of homelessness …Costas Antetokounmpo won family’s first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers *“I know I’m a role model. My mother is everything in our lives. I know our Dad is looking down on us from Heaven. But this should make every person, every kid, anybody around the world believe in their dreams. No matter, whatever you feel when you’re down, when you don’t think it’s going to happen for you or you might not make it in your career, be it basketball, might be anything; just believe in what you’re doing and keep working, success is on the way”-Giannis on behalf of Antetokounmpo brothers * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 01/04/22: Breaking News: United States government awards Nigerian Professor, IYALLA ELVIS PETERSIDE one of America’s Best Physicians in the World…revered for outstanding work in Pediatrics, Neonatology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical school, Nigerians Americans are currently one of the most successful immigrant communities in U.S., with a median household income of $62,351, compared to $57,617 nationally earlier *Worked as a consultant for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia considered one of the best children’s hospitals on the planet, practiced at Bolton General Hospital in Bolton, England *Specializes in Neonatal Apnea, Neonatal Brain Injury, Neonatal Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Neonatal Surgery, Nosocomial Infections and Ventilation of the Neonate *Graduated from the University of Ibadan where he had medical training, specialized in Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery and Neonatology at the Booth Hall Children’s Hospital in Manchester, England * “Nigerian born physician, Professor Iyalla Elvis Peterside who has worked in four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America is honored as one of the top physicians in the United States. The cerebral academic was named among recipients of America’s Best Physicians 2021 award”-U.S. National Consumer Advisory Board * “Nigerians are the most highly educated of all groups in the U.S. since 61 percent of Nigerians hold at least a Bachelor’s degree compared with 31 percent of the total Foreign born population and 32 percent of the U.S. born population. Data found that among Nigerian-American professionals, 45 percent work in education services with several others being professors at some of the top universities. Nigerian Americans are also increasingly entering into entrepreneurship and building tech companies in the U.S.”-American Community Migration Survey *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 01/01/22: My Vision for BringBackOurGirls Movement, Fight against Boko Haram & Police Brutality in Nigeria-AISHA YESUFU, prominent Kano State born Nigerian activist, ENDSARS Movement member …earlier direct attention to the abduction of over 200 girls from a secondary school in Chibok *Graduate of Microbiology from Bayero University Kano overcome the challenge of a girl gender in a heavily patriarchal environment, joined women protestors that marched on the Nigerian National Assembly Abuja complex *Chosen among BBC’s 100 Women in 2020, listed in Top 100 Most Influential Africans in New African magazine in the year 2020 *”I will not be an irresponsible parent and leave this fight for my children. I am ready to sacrifice my life for my children to live. I brought them to this world, and I need to fix the world I put them in”-YESUFU *BY AMINA IBRAHIM/CIVIL RIGHTS Correspondent, Abuja
• 01/01/22: Press FREEDOM Under Attack: Nigerian Epoch Times Journalist, LUKA BINNIYAT Handcuffed, Brutalised for exposing Police non-challant genocide against Christians in Northern Kaduna State …arrested since November 4, arraigned under Section 24 (B) of the Cyber crimes Act with electronically transmitting information *The charge relates to Binniyat’s story on October 29 titled, “In Nigeria: Police Decry Massacres as ‘Wicked’ But Make No Arrests” where he quotes Senator Danjuma Laah, who criticized Kaduna’s Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affair’ Samuel Aruwan for concealing facts on genocide *“My life is in continuous danger daily since I have written a lot about the plight of Christians under persistent attacks in the hands of Islamist Fulani militia groups. I have challenged the narratives of the Kaduna state government on the issues of security and the killings in Kaduna State”-BINNIYAT *“Nigerian authorities should cease all legal proceedings against journalist Luka Binniyat, release him immediately, and reform the country’s laws to prevent the criminalization of journalism”-Angela Quintal, Africa program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists *BY TIMOTHY AKPAN/RELIGIOUS Editor, Middle-Belt Nigeria
• 12/30/21: MEET Nigerian ‘Ogun State boy’, a Naturalized British Billionaire, ADEBAYO OGUNLESI, owner of Gatwick, Edinburgh, 3 other Airports in United Kingdom…Investment banker received first-class honours in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University in England, bought London Gatwick Airport For £1.5 Billion cash *Trained lawyer single-handedly transformed fast dilapidating Gatwick International Airport in London into a state-of-the-art affair, making it one of the best airports on the planet *Soft-speaking economist owns over 5,889 units of The Goldman Sachs stock worth over $13,927,492, Net worth estimated at $3.5 billion as of 2020 *Got a J.D. magna cum laude and Master’s degree in Law from Harvard Law School, Served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall of the United States Supreme Court *Recipient of International Center in New York’s Award of Excellence, cited one of the Top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine *He is Chairman and Managing Partner at the private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners, Son of First Nigerian Professor of Medicine *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor & TINA BAMIDELE/Business Correspondent, London
• 12/29/21: Breaking News: UBA wins Africa’s Most Reliable, Global Bank 2021 Award, defeat Financial Institutions in Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania; Q3 2021 Gross earnings hit N490.3 billion in 37% Profit growth …Tony Elumelu receives World’s Lifetime Banking Icon Hall of Fame Award, bank operational in 19 African countries *Banking style, profits, business model; customer service relations and Integrity stands out *Dr. Raphael James, founder of largest Photo Museum in Nigeria with over 36, 000 photos emerge winner, Africa’s Most Outstanding History Preservation Award 2021 *BY EDITORIAL BOARD & Special Reports by GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Foreign Editor
• 12/29/21: Breaking News: ThisDay’s Former Deputy Editor, The Guardian’s ex-Assistant Editor, TUNDE OKOLI appointed Editor-at-Large, anchors ‘AMERICA Notes’ …to report on life’s experience of immigrants in United States in a breezy, stylish, flowing weekly article *Graduate of Theatre Arts & Media Studies at University of Calabar studying for Master’s degree in Visual Culture at Illinois State University, won several media awards in Nigeria, attend lots of international media seminars in Europe * “Nigerians, Africans and the world will witness a new style of Africa’s journalism never experienced before. My weekly column will be factual, deep, incisive and analytical. I promise not to hold anything back in this voyage of news analysis. I will bring all my wealth of media knowledge to bear on this column”-OKOLI *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/28/21: Breaking News: YUSUF Suleiman, Chairman Governing Board, NAFDAC, Kase LAWAL, Nigeria’s Richest Billionaire Oil Magnate in Texas win ‘MAN OF THE YEAR 2021 AWARD’ …Royal Prince of Sokoto Caliphate relentlessly fighting against food poisoning and drug addiction in Nigeria, Oyo State born billionaire is highest private employer in North America offering huge benefits to employees *Dr. Phillip Emeagwali emerges Africa’s Most Intelligence Genius of All Times for inventing fastest computer in the world *Innoson Motors win Best Auto company in Africa Award 2021 for manufacturing locally made, durable and affordable brand new automobiles for Africans, defeating vehicle firms in Kenya, South Africa, Ghana *Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wins as Best Nigerian Author in the Diaspora 2021 *Reverend Mother Abimbola Esther Ajayi ‘Iya Adura’ receives Africa’s Most Outstanding Lifetime Philanthropy Award 2021 for her godly, selfless and consistent service to humanity *BY EDITORIAL BOARD & Naija Standard Newspaper Center for Investigative Journalism
• 12/28/21: NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY: Wizkid, Davido win Africa’s Most Famous Musician in the Diaspora, Nigerian Artist of the Year Award 2021…Nigeria’s FELA Kuti, South Africa’s Lucky Dube, Ghana’s Amakye Dede (Iron boy) immortalised into Africa Hall of FAME honor *Fredrick Leonard emerges Africa’s Best Actor of All Times *Uju Okoli reigns as Best Nigerian Actress of the Year 2021 *Tributes pour in for Nigeria’s Showbiz pen prince, Groove master Peter Thomas *BY Editorial Board & Naija Standard Newspaper Center for Investigative Journalism
• 12/28/21: NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY: The PUNCH wins Africa’s Most Accessible, Readable Newspaper Award 2021 …Dele Momodu, Ladi Ayodeji, Tony Iyare; Kayode Soyinka receive Lifetime Media Icons Award for pacesetting contribution and growth of media industry in Nigeria *AZUH ARINZE voted Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Society Journalist of the Year 2021 *Channels Television emerge Most Watched Nigeria News Station of the Year *Best Africa Broadcast Station in the Diaspora goes to BEN Television, London *SAHARA Reporters outshine others to win the coveted Best Anti-Corruption African Blog in the Diaspora * GBENGA DAN-ASABE voted Nigeria’s Best Investigative Journalist of the Year 2021 *BY Editorial Board & Naija Standard Newspaper Center for Investigative Journalism
• 12/23/21: Historic feat for Incorruptible Man: Canadian government throws red carpet for First Nigerian Police Officer, Constable TEWOGBADE OJO in Ontario, celebrates retirement after 42 years of active service…pacesetter in community policing, regarded one of the most honest cops in the world *Theology graduate/minister of gospel engages new immigrants on domestic violence issues, spearhead initiatives that paved way for computer access for young people in the city *Received Canadian Police Leadership Forum Award in 1999, Ilesha born is recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, the ProAction Jack Sinclair, Canadian Urban Institute Local Heroes; June Callwood Outstanding Achievement, Bud Knight and Planet Africa awards among others *“Constable Tewogbade Ojo can retire from the job, but you can’t retire from the police family”-Chief Bill Blair, President, Canadian Association Chiefs of Police *“Long before any sociologist or criminologist put to paper what community policing is all about, you (Tewogbade Ojo) were ahead of the game”-Deputy Chief of Police, Peter Sloly *“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this community and I am not going to walk away from it, even though I have retired from the Service”-TEWOGBADE *BY ADEBOLA ODERINDE/POLICE Reporter, Ontario & BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/ AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/23/21: Flying Africa’s flag Overseas: Nigerian born Naturalized Canadian, JEFFREY FASEGBA wins British oldest international educational honor, become recipient of Rhodes Scholarship Award at University of Oxford *Had Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance with minors in Psychology/Economics, plans to pursue Master’s degree in African studies and public policy with a focus on economic innovation, to create Fyyne a-start-up apps for hair services for everyone *Appointed member of the University College, used innovation, entrepreneurship style to improve the lives of people around the world *Led independent research on social enterprises in the Nigerian energy industry, established Black Career Conference, co-founded Black Rotman Commerce * “It is an absolute honour. I thank God for the opportunity to further my research into how we can use innovation as a tool to solve our most pressing problems. I am immensely grateful to my family, my friends and to the university for their support throughout the process. It truly takes a village”-FASEGBA *BY TREASURE AMAECHI/STAFF Correspondent, London & BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/23/21: The GLORY of NIGERIA: NIgerian PhD student, JOSHUA OKYERE outshines 102 other candidates from 13 countries to win Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship in Canada *Soft-spoken man breaks record as the first African to have achieved the feat in the Peace and Conflict Studies program *Genius represent University of Manitoba-an institution in Western Canada in keen scholarship contest that had 643 entries from 13 universities around the world * “I would like to congratulate Joshua Okyere for this impressive educational achievement. He has joined a group of emerging scholars across Canada and he will benefit from this experience for the rest of his career”-Dr. Kelly Main, an acting dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Manitoba, Canada *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/22/21: Mouth-watering Mama Africa Meal in Hot Demand: Nigeria’s locally-made FUFU, Egusi Soup now viral in America, ruling Menu main Food…attracts 250 million viewers on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook; LinkedIn within 7 days *Africans in Diaspora, African-Americans, Latinas place online order for meal, others visit African Restaurants for pick-up to avoid delay * “I don’t know what they(African food stores) put it in, I couldn’t even start to guess. I started the #fufu or #fufuchallenge tags for new lovers of #Fufu and Egusi soup on TikTok. I drove nearly 80 miles in search of an African Kitchen. I found a Nigerian restaurant. I settled on two: egusi and okro (okra) soup. In my car, still parked outside the restaurant, I filmed myself as I dipped a mouthful of dough into the okro soup. “Bomb — it is so worth it”-Joeneen Hull, a Black American lady * “Our business income quadrupled the week after Joeneen Hull highlighted our Los Angeles Nigerian restaurant on TikTok. We have been selling Nigerian food at a fast pace”-Veronica Shoyinka, owner Veronica kitchen *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/22/21: Exclusive Interview: I am Africa’s Rumba Dance King in America’s Hollywood-MIKE OKRI, Nigerian American music superstar …Says: ‘I have been celebrating Africa’s rich heritage, culture, tradition for decades in Los Angeles; you need no godfather in America to fulfill your dreams’ *Discusses how he relocated from Nigeria to United States, plan to unveil MIKE OKRI ENTERTAINMENT music label in USA soon *Reveal: ‘I will save into my future memoir the windy, bumpy road from migrating as a visitor to becoming a United States citizen’ *Recalls first time on concert stage with 10,000 live audience in the 80’s in Nigeria *Recipient: Nigeria Music Awards 1988, 1989, 1990 (Best vocalist, Best song and Best music video), Fame Music Awards (Best vocalist and Best music 1991, 1992); Pan African Music Award, Ghana) 1992; Legendary Music Hall of Fame Award in Maryland, Los Angeles, Calgary Canada and Nigeria *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/20/21: Breaking News: Nigerian varsity lecturer, Dr. GIDEON IDOWU wins $150,000 (2.3 million Rand) Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Grant in South Africa…Alumnus of Federal University of Technology Akure defeats 292 candidates representing 26 countries in 2021 competition *Winning research explores how, through poorly enforced environmental laws in Africa contributes significantly to global marine plastic pollution, contamination of its freshwater bodies, where rural populations depend for drinking water *Grant established in memory of the late Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer’s lifelong vision of seeing research at the forefront of developing solutions for conserving, and better understanding of our environment for generations to come *“ Dr. Gideon Idowu will lead a group of scientists from 11 African countries looking to gain deep understanding of the impacts of microplastic pollution on human health; loss of aquatic biodiversity, helping inform policy and attitudinal changes across the African continent for generations to come”-Bridget Fury, head of Oppenheimer Generations Philanthropies and chair of the JWO Grant expert pane *BY FREDRICK IMAGBEAGBON/EDUCATION Correspondent, Johannesburg
• 12/20/21: Breaking New Ground: University of Lagos Alumnus, ADEOLA AUSTIN OYINLADE becomes first-ever Nigerian to win American Bar Association International Human Rights Award 2021…historic ceremony announced in Chicago, USA, at the maiden Hybrid Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association *The Human Rights and International law expert honoured in recognition of works in advancing human rights solutions in Africa *Award recipient is Principal Partner of Adeola Oyinlade & Co, a law firm based in Lagos, founder of Constitutional Rights Awareness and Liberty Initiative, having graduated from the Faculty of Law with a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws degree from the same faculty *“Adeola Austin Oyinlade have advanced solutions to human rights issues across Africa, including the South Sudan political crisis, the Central African Republic crisis, the Congo Democratic Republic armed conflict and Libyan peace talks”-ABA President, Patricia Lee Refo *BY KEMI IBAYI/LAW Correspondent, Chicago & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/20/21: JUST IN: Nigerian UNIPORT don, PROFESSOR JAMES KPOLOVIE receives Global Scientist of the Year 2021 Award in Canada…competition opened to scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators from all over the world *Event designed to foster the professional growth of talented scientists, engineers, and researchers from various regions of the world *“We congratulate Professor James Kpolovie on the award. His impressive accomplishments over the years and his commitment to excellence inspired the centre to recognize him as a winner in the Natural Sciences/Computer and Information Sciences category”- Dr. Michael Finnen, Director, IARC Competition *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor & LINDA EWEDA/Special Correspondent, Montreal, Canada
• 12/20/21: Service to Humanity: Pope Francis Appoints Nigerian born Abia State Catholic Diocese Priest, ARCHBISHOP FORTUNATUS NWACHUKWU Permanent Representative to United Nations…known in diplomatic circle as ‘Permanent Observer of the Holy See-the Vatican-to the UN Office and Specialised Institutions Geneva’ *Chosen also as Permanent Observer to World Trade Organisation and made Representative of the Vatican to the International Migrations *Leadership roles contained confirmed by the Office of the Antilles Episcopal Conference Secretariat, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, December 17, 2021 *Archbishop Nwachukwu to remain in charge of the Mission in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and Antilles, until he departs for the new mission at the United Nations at the beginning of March 2022 *Speak fluent Igbo, English, Italian; German, French, Spanish; modern Hebrew, a bit of Arabic, as well as some ancient languages of Biblical research in Latin, Hebrew; Greek and Aramaic *BY ROLI AKEDU/RELIGIOUS Correspondent, Rome
• 12/20/21: CRUELTY & SADNESS: Nigerian Couple Sell only child, a-30-day-Old Baby For $100 (N50,000) in Ogun state…claimed the Devil and poverty pushed them into abominable act after 10 years of waiting for ‘fruit-of-the-womb’ *Suspects (Eze Onyebuchi and wife Oluchi) picked up at Ilara in Ode Remo area on the 16th of December, following a tip-off from eye witnesses to cops *Upon interrogation, the couple claimed that a neighboring woman by the name Mrs Ruth Obajinmi introduced them to another woman who lied she was from the Human Rights Office with a promise to foster the child, explained the said woman gave them a token sum of N50,000 and took the child away, without knowing her name or her place of residence *Divisional Police Officer of Ode-Remo Division, DSP Olayemi Fagbohun swung into action saying: “We are on top of the situation, our men are on the ground. We must get to the bottom of this situation” *BY WUNMI ADEGBITE/CRIME Reporter
• 12/17/21: Breaking News: Nigerian Naturalized American once-renowned medical Internist, Dr. SAMSON ORUSA convicted for Drug charges, Money laundering, illegally distributing oxycodone at his medical practice …Tennessee Senior Pastor of God’s Sanctuary Church found guilty, faces 20 years in jail *Jury indict suspect in 36 out of 45 counts, freeze five bank accounts, one annuity and one 401K; with a combined value of more than $918,000, plus forfeiture of a 2017 Mercedes Benz *Alumnus of University of Benin Faculty of Medicine may lose medical license during jail term *“Physicians like Dr. Orusa who violate their oath and engage in such reckless conduct and contribute to the opioid epidemic facing this nation can expect to bear the full force and effect of the federal justice system”-Acting U.S. Attorney Mary Jane Stewart *BY OLAMIDE OLOWODE/MEDICAL Correspondent, Tennessee & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/17/21: GREED: Highly desperate 23-year-old Nigerian American, ECHEZONACHUKWU OBIANEFO handcuffed in Texas for stealing $300,000 worth Rolls-Royce … confessed to crime, saying: ‘Devil lured and tempted me into it’ *Houston man held in the Harris County Jail, bail set at $50,000, worked as manager of Osita Links and Logistics Group LLC before arrest *Original owner of car tells investigators automobile was missing in Florida *Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the first sport-utility vehicle produced by luxury automobile maker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars being the brand’s first all-wheel-drive vehicle *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/16/21: Nigeria’s Most Notorious Yahoo King, ‘Ijoba-dollar’ inside Hot Soup in USA: FBI arrests KWAM One’s American ‘Owambe’ party buddy, AFEEZ ABIOLA ALAO, 34 others for stealing $117million from older citizens; face 20 years in prison…lavishly showers bail of dollars on Fuji Czar at Quillox in Lagos shindig in September before returning to Dallas, used fake names on dating sites to prey on targets; lose mansions/state-of-the-art automobiles and Bank accounts frozen *Group scam over 100 vulnerable, retired American widows/divorced, indicted for money laundering and wire fraud *U.S law enforcement record, screenshot Nigerian 37-year-old suspect’s video spraying money in parties *“These criminals rely on victims’ isolation, loneliness, and sometimes their grief. The only mistake these victims make is being generous to the wrong people. Once they depleted the savings they vanished into thin air. Romance scams are often difficult to prosecute because victims are often embarrassed, feel duped, and don’t want to come forward”-Acting U.S. Attorney, Prerak Shah *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/15/21: SHOCKER: Nigerian man, BAMIDELE MURAINA, other accomplice Sentenced for hacking into Washington’s Employment Security Department, received $2.6million unlawfully from IRS within two years…charged for Unemployment and Tax Fraud using stolen personally identifiable information of innocent Americans *Suspects collect dozens of fraudulent unemployment insurance claims *‘These defendants took away funds from programs meant to assist American workers and families seeking to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic’-Acting U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine *“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on us all. The enterprise created by these serial criminals further victimized our citizenry by robbing them of financial resources that were intended to help them”-Special Agent in Charge Steven Baisel, U.S. Secret Service Atlanta Field Office *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor live in Washington DC
• 12/15/21: Disgraceful: America’s Federal Grand jury indict Nigerian resident, MARK AROME OKUO, Kenyan girlfriend, Florence Nwede Musau for stealing $1.3million in Bank/Wire Fraud…lavished proceeds from crime since 2018 under fake names *Okuo used a fake Nigerian passport to open bank account where he deposited over $35,000 cash, and lover girl withdrew fund in less than one hour *Suspects face maximum sentence of 60 years in prison *BY EMMANUELLA AYODEJI/SPECIAL Financial Crimes Reporter, Canton & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/15/21: The GLORY of AFRICA: Nigerian Investigative Journalist, TOBORE OVUORIE defeat Canada, USA, Australia; other nations to win DW Freedom of Speech Award 2021 in Germany… ‘On no account should we let our voice be silenced’ *Risks life as an undercover to pose as a would-be sex worker to investigate the widespread human trafficking ring in Nigeria, discovery prompt federal government to launch investigation *‘I hereby present the DW Freedom of Speech Award 2021 to Tobore Ovuorie, who has met extreme challenges during her investigation into the trafficking of young women from Africa to Europe’- DW Director General Peter Limbourg *‘I cannot think of a more courageous journalist than Tobore Ovuorie. Her passion to unearth the truth, to reveal the plight of the victims and the cruelty of their persecutors, led her to take a leap that very few journalists ever could summon the bravery or replicate’ – Laudatory speaker Kenneth Roth, Human Rights Watch Executive Director * “Ovuorie’s work is an outstanding example of investigative journalism and human braveness’-Antoaneta Vassileva, vice president of the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings  *”Being a journalist in Nigeria is difficult. We struggle for an economic basis for our work and fight for access to information. Critical and sophisticated journalism in Nigeria is shrinking”-OVUORIE *BY PAULINE DAMIEN/MEDIA Staff Writer, Germany
• 12/14/21: FALL FROM GRACE TO Grass: Nigerian born American Obstetrics/Gynecology Specialist, DR. CHIKE AGUH Arrested for Sexually Assaulting patient in New Jersey…touches lady’s private parts, compel victim into oral sex in his Franklin Township office *Suspect with 39 years of medical experience confesses to crime, blames the devil, American Medical Association may suspend license; name to enter sexual predatory register *‘I was assaulted by a 64-year-old medical doctor, Dr. Chike Aguh who invited me to his office for a medical appointment. He immediately shut the door, pulled me to the wall. He pulled down my underwear and started touching my private parts. I screamed at him and told him to stop. He wouldn’t listen. He threatened me to have oral sex with him’-Victim recounts ordeal *‘Chike J. Aguh, of Belle Mead, a medical doctor was charged with sexually abusing a patient during a medical appointment at his Somerset County practice. He faces charges of sexual assault and sexual contact’-Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/14/21: SHAMEFUL: Nigerian Student on F-One Visa, JOHN OLUWADAMILARE JOSEPH Convicted for Raping 11-year-old-girl in America…found guilty on one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, two counts of Second-Degree Rape, to be sentenced in 2022 *Suspect was a college student in Tennessee, came to Carroll County to participate in an internship in Washington DC when crime happened *“I appreciate the cooperative efforts of the investigators and our office in helping to get justice for the victim”- Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Amy Ocampo. State’s Attorney Allan Culver *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/13/21: BREAKING News: Middle East’s Most Powerful Woman of Sleaze, SHEIKA MOZAH BINT NASSER looting QATAR’S institution for billions of U.S. Dollars, secretly installs family members into choice Government Boards-Al Thani Human Rights Council of the Ruling Family in Qatar alleges …Slam United Nations for Corrupt compromise, world body looks away for 26 years after several complaints, expect action in 10 days *Demand appointment of international panel of advocates to reassess the relationship between the United Nations and the State of Qatar *Fictitious fraudulent programs include 9/9 September, Qatar Foundation, Education Above All; Silatech, UN provides Arab Queen ‘Special Immunity’ status against arrest *Launders Qatar’s fund in Europe and United States, use ill-gotten wealth to finance purchase of assets registered in Sheikha Mozah’s name, her children, close relatives, and several “companies” registered in Bahamas, Malta, Luxembourg, Singapore, US, other proxies * BY AHMED MOHAMMED/ANTI-CORRUPTION EDITOR, Middle East & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/13/21: Historic: Nigeria’s Ibo model, MARISTELLA OKPALA showcases Africa’s rich culture to the world, win Best National Costume at Miss Universe 2021 pageant…inspired by ‘Mmanwa’ a traditional female masquerade in southeastern Nigeria *Costume mask made by Filipino designer Kennedy Jhon Gasper using African beads, stone & craft featuring a colourful ancient back cape *‘My design was to protect children and women against any form of abuse. This costume pays attention to the strong will of women in attaining whatever height they want to attain, no matter the challenges faced while reaching their desired goals’-MARISTELLA *BY CLARA ANABOR/FASHION & Style Editor, Europe
• 12/13/21: Abuse of Power: NNAMDI KANU, Nigeria’s pro-Biafra activist’s Life in Danger inside DSS Custody, Health failing fast, denied access to Food, Not allowed to change dirty Clothes-Maxwell Opara, Legal team member …files for a fundamental human rights enforcement suit at a Federal High Court in Abuja *Doctor takes Igbo freedom leader’s blood 21 times for unnamed test *‘We are seeking a doctor from a government-owned hospital who can attend to Kanu’s deteriorating health’ *BY JOY AMAECHI/HUMAN RIGHTS Reporter, Abuja
• 12/10/21: Let Justice Roll: TWO Nigerians: A Dee Jay, Taxi Driver handcuffed for stealing 180,000 pounds from Ireland’s Pandemic Unemployment Payment …security agents foiled attempt to launder extra One million pounds, names are Oluwagbewikeke Lewis, Bashiru Aderibigbe *Irish law enforcement wire taps conversation of suspects’ plan to hack government’s bank account *‘We have evidence to show criminal gangs operated by Oluwagbewikeke Lewis, Bashiru Aderibigbe illegally harvested 74 bank account information through their bogus email, sets up 57 bank accounts in online prepaid financial services using false passports’-Irish government *BY ROSE MANDE/SPECIAL Anti-money laundering reporter, Dublin
• 12/10/21: ABOMINATION IN THE HOUSE OF GOD: Nigerian American flamboyant Pastor, JOSHUA OLATOKUNBO SHONUBI arrested for arranging 60 fake Marriages in 7 years for African Immigrants to obtain Green Cards in Maryland…Suspect places hoax documents on letterhead of New Life City Church after collecting huge sum of money, officiates wedding *Embattled ‘Man-of-God’ faces 6 count charge, could be jailed 30 years upon conviction, may tender names/identities of ‘Permanent Resident Cards’ beneficiaries to Immigration *On Facebook, pastor post photos of self-serving the homeless, suspect used activities to “recruit” and “groom” economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens for money *‘A federal grand jury has returned an indictment on 50-year-old-Pastor of New Life City Church, charging Joshua Olatokunbo Shonubi, a/k/a Olatokunbo Joshua Shonubi, age 50, of Bowie, Maryland, for a federal charge of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, visa fraud and for presenting false documents to a federal government agency, in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain permanent resident status for foreign nationals by arranging marriages to U.S. citizens’-United States government *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/09/21: Dignity in LABOR: I am Happy to be a Bus Driver in London, Bus drivers pay starts at £26,000 and rises to more than £31,000’ -RACHAEL ALADI Ayegba, former Super Falcons Goalkeeper …I am old, no longer playing football, you need to know when to stop to try something else *‘We are paid peanuts for playing for Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the World Cup’ *BY TOPE OLADELE/SPORTS Reporter, London
• 12/09/21: Multi-million-dollar Fraud: F.B.I arrests Nigerian-American celebrated doctor, PATRICK NWAOKWU for selling Fake Nursing Transcripts, L.V.N; Medical/Certified Nursing Aide certificates to Unqualified Immigrants in Northern Virginia … Suspects accused of selling fraudulent transcripts, diplomas, listing courses/ grade, loses Medical License; drive expensive auto mobiles *“A Nigerian-American doctor, Patrick Nwaokwu, his associates Musa Bangura and Johanah Napoleon face charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud; conspiracy to commit false statements relating to health care matters, and false statements relating to health care matters”-Court documents *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/09/21: NO Gain in Crime: Haitian Police busts Six Nigerians for swallowing 1.76 kilograms of Cocaine …handcuffed at Toussaint Louverture International Airport *Suspects intercepted by agents of Anti-Narcotics Brigade while trying to board a flight bound for Paris (France) with drugs in their intestines; transferred to the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police *BY SOHIA ROBERTS/CRIME Correspondent, Haiti
• 12/06/21: RIP-OFF in South Africa: I composed a Global Hit Music; I have not been paid any Money for my work -Jerusalema velvet singer, NOMCEBO Zikode cries out …threatens legal action against Open Mic Productions label *‘I have been ridiculed, with efforts to marginalise my contribution. The continued love and support from the fans of Jerusalema has been my strength and anchor during this difficult time. My voice and lyrics have transcended globally, but I still await what is due to me. As a female artist, I can’t stay silent anymore; the matter is now with my lawyers’ *We have not truly paid Zikode because she is yet to sign the featured artist agreement in our company-Open Mic Management *Song reached No. 1 in Belgium, Romania, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Switzerland, attained No. 4 on Billboard’s world digital song sales chart, went triple platinum in Italy and double platinum in Spain. On YouTube the music garnered 420million views *BY REMMY YVONNE/ENTERTAINMENT Correspondent & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/06/21: Returning Home to MAMA Africa: United States’ George Floyd’s death, Black Lives Matter Movement, compel Black Americans to relocate to Ghana…searching for African roots *Why some Black Americans are dumping U.S. citizenship to reclaim their “destiny” in Kwame Nkrumah country *Americans visit Elmina Castle on Ghana’s Atlantic Coast to witness a central hub where Africans were sold into slavery 100 years ago *“I am a born Black American in Washington DC. I am a successful Entrepreneur, highly educated. I am well connected in business as a great therapist dealing with emotional health. I had friends as a socialite, but I live in fear in America. I felt I was earlier living the American dream. Whenever I look behind my shoulder due to police pull over for traffic and racism, I developed trauma. Trauma is embedded in my DNA from the transatlantic slave trade to the Tulsa race massacre. Africa is my home, my root. I am happy to have returned to Africa permanently”-SONJIAH Davis, a dual citizen of U.S and Ghana *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/ AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/02/21: BREAKING News: Libyan Court orders Gaddafi’s son back into Presidential Race… arguments intensified over conduct of an election aimed at ending a decade of turmoil *Armed men stormed five election centres in western Libya, stealing ballot cards-Elections Commission *‘Saif al-Islam Gaddafi is a figurehead for Libyans still loyal to the former government of his father’-Political Analyst *BY ALIYU AHMED/Political & Judicial Foreign Correspondent, reporting LIVE from Tripoli
• 12/02/21: End-of-the-road: Devil lured me to kidnap a Catholic priest, I forced his family to pay me N1.5million cash for his freedom, will God ever forgive me? -Pastor Izuchukwu Anoloba, Apostolic Church of Christ in Lagos … ‘I never knew I will be arrested. I regret my actions because I am now a disgrace to the body of Christ and my family’ *“The Lagos pastor and other kidnappers held the Catholic Priest for over seven days and made him to pay them a ransom of N5million. The syndicate was a deadly one. This said pastor was arrested in Lagos following intelligence gathering by men of the anti-kidnapping unit of the command”-Imo state Police Commissioner, Rabiu Hussain *BY KELECHI ANAYO STEPEHEN/CRIME writer, Owerri
• 12/02/21: MURDER! A Nigerian, conspired with a British to knife-stab EMMANUEL OGABI in cold blood, left to die on the street of London few doors from victim’s family home-Metropolitan Police …Suspects charged to court, remanded in custody, names are: 23-year-old Denzel Maposa, 26-year-old Onyema Olisa *‘Analysis of CCTV footage shows Emmanuel was surrounded by a group of males’-Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard from Met’s Specialist Crime Command *”The anguish, loss and the pain we feel as a family is indescribable, and no family should ever have to feel this pain or deal with such a loss”-Pastor Samuel Ogabi, Father of the deceased *“My 26-year-old son was chased down the alley and running for his life. He screamed out for help, and no one came to his aid. He was slaughtered in the street and left to bleed to death”-Mother of the victim, Bola Ogabi cries *BY RACHEAL OKIKIOLA/LONDON Crime Correspondent
• 12/02/21: South African born Nigerian Naturalized Irish Renowned Scientist; PAMELA UBA makes history as First Black woman to win Miss Ireland Queen 2021 after 74 years of pageant’s contest…represents Ireland for Miss World beauty title, grew in neighborhood of Ballyhaunis-County Mayo *Had undergraduate degree in Medical Science at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Master’s degree in Clinical Chemistry from Trinity College, Dublin, worked as a Medical Scientist at University Hospital Galway *Raised money for educational support for children, played Gaelic football as a center back being an active Gaelic Athletic Association fan *BY ROILA EKUNDAYO/Foreign Fashion Editor, Dublin
• 12/02/21: Breaking barriers beyond the shores of Africa: Nigerian lady, CHIOMA ONWUCHEKWA becomes first ever International Student, Black recipient in American history to win Tennessee Technological University’s PhD Teaching Award …winners chosen on how they uphold ethics, punctuality, preparedness, teamwork, and dedication to teaching *Doctoral candidate of environmental science-chemistry is the first Nigerian, African to ever win this award *Master’s degree holder from Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland revealed American research to focus on microplastics in the aquatic environment and to transport organic pollutants from one place to another *Cooking your own food is America is cheaper and healthier than going out to eat -CHIOMA *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 12/01/21: Omicron Virus: Canada ban Nigerians, Egyptians, Malawians, 7 other African nations from visiting, still no direct flight from Nigeria…as Nigeria’s House of Representatives mandates NCDC to set up national response to control emergence, spread of new COVID-19 infection, *“Foreign nationals who have transited or stayed in 10 African countries (as listed) cannot enter Canada if they have been in those countries in the last two weeks”-Canadian Health Minister, Jean-Yves Duclos at a press conference *BY EVELYN PETERS/HEALTH Correspondent, Canada & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 11/30/21: Unlimited Success: Nigerian Music Superstar, WIZKID wins Apple Music African Artiste of the Year Award…hit song ‘Essence’ nominated for two American Grammy Awards 2022 *Wizkid has been the most streamed African artist on the continent on Apple Music growing by more than 250 percent outside of Africa. In October 2020, he released Made in Lagos, a critically acclaimed and most commercially successful album, which include his hit song ‘Essence,’ a track that gained 125 million plays on Apple Music and over 2.8 million followers-Apple Music *“Thank you to Apple Music for this award. It’s a blessing to get to do what I do, and I am proud to be representing Africa”-Wizkid *Ayo Balogun, a.k.a. Wizkid is the most celebrated African artist to have won BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, Billboard Awards; iHeartRadio Music Awards and MOBO Awards -Naija Standard Newspaper Center for Investigative Journalism *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 11/30/21: Note of Warning: ANY Nigerian Employer that recruits, conceal Ghost Workers will Face the Full Wrath of the Law-President Muhammadu BUHARI …Heads of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies who label new projects as ongoing will be penalised *Federal government will strike a balance to maintain social equilibrium, mitigate effects of economic hardship, reduce cost of governance *I have confidence that Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, ICPC will continue to maintain vigilance *BY BELLO IDRIS/Judiciary & Military Correspondent, Abuja
• 11/30/21: Giving Back to the Society: Nigerian-American award-winning musician, DAVIDO disburses N250million cash to Orphanage homes to celebrate birthday…determine to empower orphans, lift less privilege out of poverty *Oversees disbursement daily, sets up a five-member committee on transparent process 29-year-old directs the masses on how to apply from Monday, November 29 to Thursday, December 2, 2021 *How to apply: Interested orphanage operators are to follow the link: https://linktr.ee/davidoorphanagedonations, Once the link opens, click on the ‘orphanage registration link’ option to proceed, A welcome message will surface. Click on the ‘continue’ option to read the rules of filling the form, on agreement with the rules, proceed to fill the form *BY SUBOMI OLAWALE/ENTERTIANMENT Correspondent, Abuja & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 11/30/21: BREAKING NEWS: EFCC re-arrests former Nigeria’s Aviation minister, Femi Fani Kayode for forgery inside a Lagos Federal High Court …moved swiftly to a nearby anti-graft agency custody along Awolowo road, Ikoyi *I am innocent of any allegation; my lawyers will step in quickly on the matter-Aides close to embattled ex-minister fumes *We can boldly confirm that Femi Fani-Kayode, an ex-minister is in our custody. He is being quizzed over false documents-Shehu Shuaibu, EFCC Investigator *BY AHMED NURENI/Special Anti-graft STAFF Writer, Lagos
• 11/24/21: CORRUPTION & MASSIVE DEBT ACCUMULATION: Kogi Governor, YAHAYA Bello sets aside N1.5billion for Refreshments, N600million to upgrade Deputy governor’s office in 2022 Budget …slashed workers’ salaries payment structure *Claims: ‘N100 million to be used to Rehabilitate/Repair Deputy Governor’s building, Electrical Installation to cost N10million, Generator House Construction billed for N20million, Office Furnishing estimated for N350milliom; Renovation/Furnishing of Lodge for N200million, Car Park/Posh in Lodge at N4million, Construction of SEMA Warehouse at over 120million; Extension of Deputy Governor’s Complex: N120million, Construction of Storm Water Drainage in Premises at a fee of N100million *‘Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State have no regard for human lives. Workers treated like slaves, living in fear’- Usman Okai, chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, *“EFCC must investigate this matter urgently and save the workers”- Naija Standard Newspaper Center for Investigative Journalism *BY KAREEM IKOTUN/Special Anti-graft Correspondent, Kogi
• 11/24/21: JUST IN: EFCC Did Not Arrest Me for Forgery, only a Media Spin by Fake Journalists -FEMI Fani-Kayode, former Nigeria’s Aviation Minister …Argue: ‘I was invited to their office. I flew down to Lagos to see them. The anti-graft agency officers were polite and professional to me’. I was granted bail on self-recognition’ *‘We detained and grilled Femi Fani Kayode for over 6 hours on Tuesday evening. For a period of five times, he has written sick letter severally to court from the same hospital claiming doctors had placed him on bed rest to evade trial. He was granted bail on self-recognition, to appear in court again November 30”-Counsel for the EFCC, Bilikisu Buhari *BY TOLA EWA/Anti-graft reporter, Lagos
• 11/23/21: Historic Feat Overseas! Nigerian born United States based medical doctor, Professor VINCENT NJAR wins award for discoveries on Cancer …received prestigious David J. Ramsay Entrepreneur of the Year Award *This cerebral researcher discovers retinoic acid metabolism blocking agents or novel retinamides that inhibit the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells and tumors * Varsity don’s firm, Isoprene Pharmaceuticals Inc emerges winner of a two-year $2 million Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Cancer Institute for a translational project to develop a novel therapeutic for triple negative breast cancer *Recipient is a highly respected medicinal chemist, oncopharmacologist who leads the medicinal chemistry section in the Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics at the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor & MARYAM IFEMADE/Medical Correspondent, Maryland, USA
• 11/23/21: Honesty is Best Policy in Life! Liberian Teenager, EMMANUEL TOLUE Receive America’s HBCU Scholarship…Upon returning $50,000 cash found on street of Monrovia *18-year-old seventh grade dropped out of school to run family’s motorcycle taxi business *Liberian President George Weah honored him with Order of Distinction, $10,000 reward and two motorbikes *‘I hope my story will be an example to other kids to go to school and always do the right thing’-TOLUE *BY LAURETTA NYEER/LIBERIAN Correspondent & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 11/23/21: INSPIRATIONAL Success Story: MEET Nigeria’s 24-year-old Youngest Attorney, Barrister ESTHER CHUKWUEMEKA called to Bar as Solicitor/Advocate of Supreme Court …Finished High School when she was 13, gained admission to Abia State University two years after, denied registration been underage *Studied Law in Indian University, emerges Best Graduating Law Student in Varsity history *Compulsory attend Nigerian Law School class for Bar Part 1 program from Foreign University *BY NDUKA AKAGANA/Special Education Correspondent, reporting from India
• 11/23/21: WORKING VISIT TO NIGERIA: We will offer Military, Intelligence Support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts against Boko Haram insurgents-U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony BLINKEN …We are deeply concerned about West Africa’s domestic, regional security and democratic backsliding *Discussions include cooperation on global health security, expanding energy access, economic growth, and revitalising democracy in the region *Blinken lays out in a speech President Joe Biden’s policy towards Africa, as Nigeria is removed from a list of countries with religious freedom concerns * BY YETUNDE ORIOLA/STATE HOUSE Correspondent, Nigeria & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 11/23/21: Developing: My LIFE in Danger, I am not SAFE inside Nigeria’s Department of State Services’ Detention-NNAMDI KANU, Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra …I’m being tortured, not allowed to change my clothes, any detainee that exchanges pleasantries with me is condemned to a solitary cell or maximum-security punishment *‘Contrary to a Court order, I am solitarily confined to a very tiny cell twenty-three (23) hours of the day without access to sunlight and any social interactions whatsoever. The condition of my detention at the DSS headquarters in Abuja continues to be harsh, degrading, and inhumane’-KANU *‘DSS officials did not allow him to have a new pair of glasses, since they broke into pieces the ones he was using during his abduction in Kenya’-Counsels to pro-Biafra agitator *‘Barrister Aloy Ejimakor detained, interrogated for hours by the DSS when he came on visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. To date, Kanu had been denied access to the British Consul despite repeated requests to see him’-INVESTIGATION *BY KALU AMAECHI/SPECIAL Assignment Correspondent, Abuja
• 11/23/21: FEAR of Arrest: Retired Navy Director, Rear Admiral TAHIR YUSUF goes into Hiding after stealing Nigerian Navy’s N2billion Fund…Anti-graft agency, EFCC seals Two Hotels, Buildings, Bakery owned by fugitive *Suspect previously second-in-command to the Chief of Account and Budget Naval Headquarters, held the cash in seven accounts- both private and corporate in two banks *Fled earlier to Dubai after been uncovered for embezzling N2 billion belonging to the Nigerian government *Sealed properties include Emerald hotels and suites located in Zaria and Kaduna, two uncompleted buildings in Zaria/Kaduna, Bitmas Bakery Limited in Zaria *Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the permanent forfeiture of about N500 million found to be fraudulently amassed by the military officer to the Nigerian government *BY HALIM ABUBAKAR/Anti-graft Correspondent, Abuja
• 11/23/21: BREAKING News: F.B.I cracks down on Three Nigerian Teenagers for Defrauding Arizona, California, North Carolina of $1.4million (N580 million) Jobless benefits claim…these indicted suspects are Quazeem Owolabi Adeyinka, 20; Ayodeji Jonathan Sangode, 22; and Olamide Yusuf Bakare *Arrested after being caught by security cameras of Automated Teller Machines withdrawing huge sum of money *‘Bank of America (BofA) records show that 175 prepaid cards worth more than $1.4 million total from Maryland were sent to the suspects’ addresses. The funds were depleted through purchases, transfers, and ATM cash withdrawals conducted in California, Florida, and Maryland. ATM withdrawals alone amounted to over $989,000’, other funds – Prosecutors *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 11/23/21: Awaiting EXTRADITION: Nigerian based Notorious Yahoo King, CHUKWUEMEKA ONYEGBULA alias ‘Phillip Carter’ Steals $2.5million funds from Washington DC, 16 States in America…files 253 fraudulent unemployment claims *Detained Port-Harcourt’s software worker is an employee of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited *‘Chukwuemeka Onyegbula received millions of dollars on claims from several states in United States, deceived federal Small Business Administration to pay out additional funds in COVID-19 economic disaster’- Seattle U.S. Attorney’s Office *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Editor
• 11/23/21: PAINFUL EXIT: Nigeria’s Famous Nollywood Actor, BABA SUWE Suffers Stroke caused by Chronic Diabetes, dies of Neuropathy (Nerve Damage) complications arising from Polyuria …Battled disease for 10 years, emaciated as he tried to stay alive *‘I can confirm that Babatunde Omidina, alias Baba Suwe is dead. I have no of idea how and where he died’-Mr. LATIN, TAMPAN President *Deceased LAST INTERVIEW: “NDLEA tortured, humiliated and wronged me for false drug accusation in 2011. They (NDLEA) damaged my hard-earned reputation and integrity. I have been demanding public apology from NDLEA to be published in national newspapers to restore my name for years, yet they refused. My current predicament is linked to the ordeal officials of NDLEA subjected me to while in its custody. Friends and family members have taken me to different hospitals, my health condition is getting worse. My situation is so bad now that I can’t walk without a walking stick. NDLEA got an appeal against me so they would not pay me my N25million damages…” *BY BOLATITO ODERINDE, MOVIE Correspondent, Lagos & CHARLES INYANG, ART/ENTERTAINMENT Reporter, Abuja
• 10/21/21: ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW! I am on Speaking engagement across United States-Dr. Joe Okei Odumakin, multiple, award-wining Nigeria’s most leading fiery activist …says: ‘Sunday Igboho, Nnamdi Kanu will have their day in court, the Rule of Law will prevail without fear of favor *‘I wear the struggle as a badge, daily fighting for the masses and oppressed people’ *Chiwetalu Agu arrest is a global embarrassment to Nigeria. How could the military arrest an actor for wearing a print of the rising sun? *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 10/21/21: Rising hatred against Africans! United Arab Emirates Suspends Direct Employment Visa For Nigerians…alleges crime *BY LUKMAN YINUSA/SPECIAL IMMIGRATION CORRESPONDENT, DUBAI
• 08/19/21: REVEALING! SUNDAY IGBOHO, Yoruba activist will be killed if returned to Nigeria -Olusegun Falola, Lawyer for Yoruba Nation agitator …We have evidence of plans by Buhari administration to arrest him, He’s safer in Benin Republic where he is standing trial * Quote: “The case will make revelations as to which government is powerful in Africa, our government may not be wealthy, and not much in population as compared to Nigeria but there is a signed treaty that must be respected” * BY OLAYEMI ODUBELA/REPORTER in Benin Republic
• 08/19/21: POINT BLANK INTERVIEW: INTERPOL should arrest, prosecute Nigeria’s Super Cop, Abba Kyari for crimes in Hushpuppi deals-Gary Revel, America’s iconic investigator …My family and I received dangerous threats for exposing a team of assassins that killed late Martin Luther King Junior and John F. Kennedy, JFK, 35th President of United States of America * Narrates MLK was killed for standing against the Vietnam War at the Riverside Church in New York City * List assassins’ name as: J. Edgar Hoover, President Lyndon Baines Johnson, Mafia Boss Carlos Marcello and CIA Operative-E Howard Hunt who led the team * If alive, MLK would be taking a strong stand against the Republican attacks on America’s Democratic fabric and security * Civil rights maestro would support ending the filibuster in order to bring about fair voting rights in the United States * Reveals the toughest moment of his career *BY AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU
• 08/19/21: OUTRAGE & HUMAN RIGHT ABUSE! Taliban fighters point gun, capture Afghan’s first Female Governor, SALIMA MAZARI …taken to a hideout, whereabouts unknown, women group fear torture and execution * Afghanistan’s biggest female pop star, Aryana Sayeed escape on US cargo jet * Taliban vow to impose strict Sharia law * ‘Religious scholars will decide whether girls can go to school and women can work. No way democratic system of government would remain, it is not compatible with Islamic law’ -TALIBAN spokesman Waheedullah Hashimi * BY MOHAMMAD RILWAN/REPORTER, inside Afghan
• 07/29/21: UNDER RADAR OF CORRUPTION! We have evidence world’s greatest fraudster, HUSHPUPPI paid funds into direct Bank Account of Nigeria’s Super Cop, Abba Kyari- America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation …United States Court indict Kyari, 4 others over $1.1mllon fraud, arrest warrant issued for bribery, money laundering * America’s law enforcement agents put INTERPOL on alert regarding Kyari’s movement, cellphone communication as an accomplice * We have proof Kyari received illegal money to harass, detain and jail Hushpuppi’s business partner-Judge Otis Wright, United States Court for the Central District of California ‘I did not collect any bribe or money from Hushpuppi. He saw some of my Native Clothes and Caps on my social media page and he said he likes them. I connected him to my Tailor (the person selling the clothes) and he sent about N300,000 directly to the person’s bank account. The Native Clothes and Caps (five sets) were brought to our police office and he sent somebody to collect them in our office- embattled Nigerian Detective, KYARI lament * Tension build in Nigeria Police Force Headquarters as corruption, low morale taint security operation among rank and file * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & MOHAMMED ALIYU, Anti-graft Correspondent
• 07/29/21: ONE-ON-ONE-INTERVIEW: AJEGUNLE is the New York city of Nigeria – Dancehall reggae star, Chinagorom Onuoha, a.k.a African China *Nigerian politicians are the biggest problem facing the nation, federal government has failed the musicians *Ready to dump Nigerian citizenship to become an American or British only if… *Claim alleged rape case against him in United Kingdom was a lie, set up *PMAN Headquarters is divided, led by greed *’I am set to duet Shaggy, Puff Daddy in a Foreign Concert. I have never ever used Marijuana in my life. I am currently working on something new and a lot of music videos for some songs I produced some years back’- African China *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/ AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/08/21: Face-Off: Aso Rock ends Twitter operation in Nigeria indefinitely for deleting President Buhari’s tweet …Nigerian Bar Association threatens legal action against the Nigerian government if Twitter ban is not immediately reversed *The mission of Twitter in Nigeria is very very suspect-Information Minister Lai Mohammed * We’re suing Nigerian authorities over their ILLEGAL indefinite suspension-SERAP, Lagos-based civil society group *BY DAVID ONUKE/Social Media Editor, Abuja
• 06/08/21: Service to Humanity in America: Nigerian born American Black Lives Matter activist, CHI Osse running for New York City Council 36th District seat …spurred by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis to fight for people of color and minority ‘I am vowing to end qualified immunity protections for police officers, freeing victims of police violence to file civil suits and hold cops accountable- Osse *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/08/21: Bombshell: T.B Joshua is the Wizard of Endor, deceived millions of people in name of ‘Emmanuel’- Chris Okotie, Shepherd-in-charge, Household of God Church …He was consumed by divine anger of God to answer for his atrocity, Day of the vengeance of our God has fully come to Nigeria and none shall escape *Says: ‘One third of God’s angels followed the disgraced anointed cherub Lucifer!! Jehovah-Jesus our mighty gladiator has broken the head of the dragon with his mighty blows’ *BY FUNKE ABIODUN/Religious Reporter
• 06/08/21: Explosive Interview: If President Buhari aides not willing to lead Nigeria out of the wood, they should Resign-Dr Raphael James, multiple award-wining publisher, curator, author, tourist legend …Nigeria had been a failed nation since 1970, we are facing Hyperinflation, in a state of ‘Achebeisim’; things falling apart, extinct unavoidable *Nigeria politics is all about money, plenty of money. The youth don’t have the cash, we just have to continue wait on the old breeds *Some Nigerians will steal electricity cables, break-in to destroy transformers and vandalise properties belonging to government, we are all guilty for the no-stable power supply *Former governor James Ibori’s recovered loot by British government should be returned to Delta state under a committee supervision *Tell Nigerians : ‘Let us remain united as one big nation, shame the world and all those who are sponsoring our brothers against us *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/26/21: DEVELOPING! I will never ever take COVID-19 vaccine, I refuse to be a guinea pig in medical experimentation-DAVID Oyedepo, Nigeria’s Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide aka Winners’ Chapel …I have never seen a generation where you force people to take vaccines *Tell members during church’s Covenant Hour of Prayer programme: ‘It is inhuman, it is immoral sir. I’m not a lawyer but I don’t think it is legal. You can’t come to my house and want to give me injection’ * ‘The world is confused but the church is lighted. So the triumph of the church will humble the pride of the world. They don’t know what to do sir. In the last days, the church will be reigning in power and glory. That is God’s agenda. No apologies’ BY TOMIWA OLUWADARE/Religious Reporter, Lagos
• 04/26/21: DISGRACEFUL, FACING 20 YEARS IN JAIL! Two Nigerians, an American accomplice create fake Moderna COVID-19 vaccine website in Baltimore…charges victim $30 a dose *Prosecutors indict Olakitan Oluwalade, 22, his cousin, Odunayo Baba Oluwalade, 25, of Windsor Mill. and Kelly Lamont Williams, 22, of Owings Mills *Slammed with conspiracy to commit wire fraud * “I urge citizens to remain vigilant and if you see something that doesn’t seem right, please report it. Don’t become a victim”-U.S. Attorney for Maryland Robert Hur * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/26/21: BREAKING NEWS! U.S. govt arrest Nigerian born American fake Department of Homeland Services Immigration officer, MODESTUS NWAGUBWU IFEMEMBI …deceived USCIS to illegally obtain U.S Citizenship under Fake Identity *Department of Justice launch full scale investigation into criminal act *earlier entered United States on a flight from France to Chicago using a stolen British passport where he altered his own photo under the name ‘Karlos Mourfy’ of Sierra Leone *Received asylum, adjust status to lawful permanent resident (green card), applied for U.S. citizenship under another name ‘Karlos Ifemembi’ *Suspect facing deportation, to lose citizenship after prison terms *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/11/21: SHAMEFUL & WASTED LIFE! 21-year-old Nigerian citizen on f1 Student Visa in America IFEANYI NNAJI arrested …for felony possession of a controlled substance, illegal gun running, money laundering *Missouri Highway Patrol upon search warrant of his residence seized over $80,000 in cash, a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Edition, a loaded semi-automatic handgun; 38 THC vape pen cartridges, a large amount of THC-infused edibles, including suckers, 11 pounds of brownies, and gummies *Other items Police found are the following: Adderall pills, a morphine pill, nine Ecstasy pills, six Xanax pills, about one ounce of psilocybin mushrooms, 162 “hits” of LSD; 11 pounds of marijuana, three-quarters of a pound of marijuana resin *HE lives large in a luxurious mansion, Every Fridays, he attends some of the most expensive night clubs in town *He is being held without bond in the Adair County Jail * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/11/21: Disgraceful! Nigerian born Naturalized American Sheriff’s Clerk Supervisor Umeka T. Myers Arrested After Alleged Theft …Caught stealing inmate property and their monies under $30,000 from the Vault Section * Having worked at the sheriff’s office for 26 years, placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation * She posted a $5,000 bond and was released from the Dallas County Jail * “Accountability is a core value in our department and we will continue to provide transparency to the community when these types of situations occur”-Sheriff Marian Brown * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/11/21: ABILITY IN DISABILITY, Help Her! Daily I hawk in Lagos traffic so that my daughter, grandma and I will not die of Hunger -Mary Daniel, 26-year-old single mother amputated at 11 …Lose parents to car crash at tender age, vowed never to go into prostitution for survival *Being an orphan and walking on one leg supported by a crutch not enough for her to compromise her values, She had huge dream to become a Nurse in life *Unflinching resolution makes her eke out a living on the highways in Oshodi, one of Lagos’ busiest cities *Abandoned by man who impregnated her, strap her daughter on the back while hawking bottled water *Donations to Daniel can be made via her Access Bank account with Account Name: Mary Daniel and Account Number: 1235107726 *“I sleep on the balcony and passage of a house over there at a storey building on Suwebatu Street. I hardly sleep at night because of mosquitoes. So I usually pray at night. I always take a short nap after the first round of hawking in the morning to make up for the sleepless night. I know I am an orphan and physically challenged, I have worn to God I will not beg because I believe I have the strength to work and cater for myself”-Mary lament in tears *BY BOLADE ADEYEMI/Special Reporter, Lagos
• 04/07/21: SACRIFICED LIFE FOR OTHERS IN AMERICA ! Nigerian Immigrant, IJEOMA AFUKE, a Certified Nursing Assistant worker dies of Covid-19 in Chicago …before becoming a Nurse, U.S citizen, helped patients for longer period months * Deceased examination scheduled for June, completed requirements to become a United States citizen * Chicago woman passed at Stroger Hospital of pneumonia related to a Coronavirus infection * Family only able to raise $10,000 to defray cost of funeral *“She did not have a serious underlying medical condition that made her more vulnerable to the virus” – Cook County medical examiner’s office *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/07/21: MURDER IN AMERICA! Nigerian 24-year-old beauty queen PhD student, NAJEEBAT SULE shot multiple times, killed inside her car outside her family’s home in Philadelphia *Police have not found a motive and have made no arrests nearly three weeks later * “Sule was sitting in her gray Toyota Corolla, exchanging text messages with Magaji, when an unidentified man walked up to the vehicle with a gun drawn and shot her several times. I heard the gunfire and emerged from the house just in time to see the suspect fire the last of the shots at my daughter. I saw the guy shooting my daughter. He shot the last round and I pursued him. Najeet was rushed to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where she was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later”-deceased’s father, Adewale Sule * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/07/21: Sad Exit in USA! Famous Nigerian born American Afro-soul Music Producer AYORINDE FABORO, a.k.a Dr Frabz shot dead in Maryland …earlier worked with Davido, Naeto C, Wizkid, Dagrin;YQ, Shank, Omawunmi among others * 35-year-old was out at night to get some groceries, Nigerian community in United States in mourning mode, matter under Police investigation *Produced hit songs like ‘Dagrin’s ‘Thank God’, ‘Bombay’ and ‘Joy’, his latest single titled ‘No Room for Heartaches’ released in May last year *“Oh my God, persevering face, my dear brother, Dr. Frabz, this is such terrible news, just heard that he was shot, who did this? I am so pained right now what kind of news is this?”-Nikki Laoye, a musician * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/07/21: TENSION! There will be breakdown of law and order in Nigeria if SUNDAY IGBOHO, a Yoruba activist is arrested, detained or killed under any guise-Femi Fani Kayode, former Aviation minister …Igboho, a freedom fighter has not committed a crime by advocating for the actualization of an Oduduwa Republic for the Yoruba people of the South-West *The threat will be counter-productive as well as cause chaos and instability in the nation *He has not broken any law and secondly he represents the thoughts and aspirations of over 70 million Yoruba people *He is not a murderer or a terrorist and neither has he breached any law or committed any offence * BY BOLADE ADEYEMI/Special Reporter, Abuja
• 03/27/21: SHAMEFUL! Nigerian Yahoo Boy, EMMANUEL ODIAH sentenced to 54months in United States prison for stealing over $600,000…pleads guilty to money laundering, wire-fraud scheme * “Odiah participated in a scheme that manipulated elderly and other vulnerable individuals with a total disregard for the financial and emotional devastation it caused. Bringing those who prey on our seniors to justice is a top priority of my office”-U.S. Attorney Blader * “33 year old Nigerian in Dallas, laundered money for a network of individuals perpetrating computer-based fraud schemes in Nigeria and Ghana. He maintained seven U.S. bank accounts to launder fraud proceeds. He opened these accounts using fraudulent passports in the names James Princeton and Ryan Greg Mornson”-INVESTIGATION *U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 03/27/21: JAILED AFTER PAYING £5,000 FOR BOGUS WEDDING! Nigerian man, CHINEDU AMADI caught in the web of Fake Marriage in United Kingdom…hurriedly parade three different ladies from European Union * 27-year-old man turned up at a register office to book a wedding, with three different ladies, at three different times as ‘partners’, women failed to pronounce his full name for wedding ceremony * “Registrar Debra Webster, having noticed the mysterious change of bride, told them their ceremony would have to be postponed because of Amadi’s lateness. And when the groom returned to the Leicester register office again – on Valentine’s Day – he was accompanied by a third woman, Hungarian Szilvia Basco-Porkolab, 38”-Eye Witness account *BY RALPH OLANIWOLA/Special correspondent, London
• 03/27/21: INJUSTICE & WICKEDNESS! Nigerian Controversial Businessman, PRINCE OBIEZE NESTOR dies in Dubai Police custody…arrested, crudely tutored for displaying wads of hard currencies on social media without court appearance * Notoriously known dollar-flashy oil and gas man showcases exotic cars on Instagram, Facebook * Deceased denied access to family, lawyer even after protesting arrest * “Nestor was arrested by the C.I.D. Dubai and tortured during interrogation. He died in police custody and his body has been deposited in the mortuary”-Leaked report * Nigeria Consulate in United Arab Emirates shows no concern, embassy staff gives no response after dialing them at +971586935266 *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief& RAHMAN LUKMAN, Reporter, Dubai
• 03/17/21: HOPE ALIVE FOR YOUTHS IN NIGERIA! My Administration will be lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty-Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari …Vows ‘We will deliver on this promise’ * “President Buhari wondered why a holistic agenda on poverty reduction was never contemplated by pasts administrations when the Nation’s revenue was at an all-time high”-Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President * BY RILWAN AHMED/ Special Correspondent, Abuja
• 03/17/21: SAD: Over 23 million Nigerians are jobless -Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics …Unemployment rate in Nigeria hit 33.3% * Quote from Q4, 2020 report: “A combination of both the unemployment and underemployment rate for the reference period gave a figure of 56.1 per cent. This means that 33.3 per cent of the labour force in Nigeria or 23,187,389 persons either did nothing or worked for less than 20 hours a week, making them unemployed by our definition in Nigeria” * BY DAVID AMAECHI Business Reporter, Abuja
• 03/15/21: SCAM! United Nation’s agency, Global Fund defraud a Nigerian firm, Zenith Carex in the sum of N68million…reneged to honor earlier contract execution agreement made in presence of United States Agency for International Development *Relationship soured when Zenith Carex demand for balance payment of projects after 30days *Playing the blame-game Global Fund alleged embattled Nigerian company shortchange it of US$3million *Zenith Carex officially writes Nigeria’s Minister of Health to demand full investigation against Blackmail, Intimidation *Plus evidential document attached for clarity *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & AJOKE BOLUWATIFE, Health Reporter, Abuja
• 03/15/21: INSIDE 63rd Grammy Award in United States: 29-year-old PortHarcourt son, BURNA BOY stunned the world as first Nigerian to win Global Music Award, performed virtually to ecstatic live viewers …Charismatic Starboy, WIZKID carts home Statuette in Best Music Video category win with Beyonce * “This is a big win for my generation. Burna Boy, in the House. Yes oh! Yes oh! Yes oh! Africa is in the House men! Africa, we are in the House”-BURNA BOY shouted in reacting to his marvelous achievement * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief LIVE in Los Angeles, California
• 03/13/21: SPITTING FIRE! ‘I was never served a court proceeding personally by my estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu’-Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s former Minister of Aviation …She lied against me, Nigeria police launch investigation into alleged abuse of court process as case adjourned till 21st April 2021 Justice Oriji rules: “It is the Police to investigate whether the acknowledgement containing the endorsement with the name of the respondent was actually forged or not. The plaintiff had in her application alleged that the ex-minister denied her custody of her children. The bailiff should have insisted on serving the respondent personally. The purported service of the processes is hereby set aside. A fresh hearing date is hereby served on the respondent” *ROBERT ALOMA/ Judiciary Reporter, Abuja
• 03/13/21: DEVELOPING: President JOE BIDEN reverses Trump’s travel ban, as U.S. Department of State order Nigerians, African nations, 13 Muslim-majority to re-apply for visa …policy target U.S. visa applicants whose requests were denied under former president * “Trump’s travel ban is a stain on our national conscience. I am giving the State Department 45 days to come up with a plan that would allow individuals from the affected countries to have their U.S. visa applications reconsidered”-President BIDEN in White House * “Following a legal review, those whose immigrant visa applications received a final refusal on or after Jan. 20, 2020, due to Trump’s travel ban may seek re-adjudication without resubmitting their application forms or paying any additional fees, provided the underlying visa petitions remain valid. Those who were refused visas prior to Jan. 20, 2020, may also be reconsidered, but these individuals must submit new applications and pay a new application fee”-State Department spokesperson Ned Price * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 03/13/21: Great Move in Nigeria! Nigeria Music Legend, KING Sunday Adeniyi ADEGEYE Appointed President MCSN, GOCREATE app goes Live …GoCreate App monitors and reporting use of music on all platforms (digital, online and offline) within the territory of Nigeria * King of World Beat to function as the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Society opening more doors of opportunities by leveraging on his wide experience and contacts around the world * Chief Executive Officer of MCSN, Mayo Ayilaran, states: “The potentials of MCSN is gradually being revealed to the Nigerian Music and entertainment industry, particularly the creative sector” *BY KELVIN OBADA/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, ABUJA
• 03/12/21: GLORY OF NIGERIA IN THE DIASPORA: Nigerian born United States Scholar, JELANI HAIDAR ALIYU behind America’s General Motors’ Most Creative design, personally invented 2010 Chevrolet Volt, 2004 Pontiac G6 …making wave as Director General of the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council *Kaduna boy celebrated senior creative designer at GM factory plant in Michigan *Graduate of Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi won two prestigious award at Ford Motor Company and Michelin, USA *Honored Best Student at College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Named co-designer of Oldsmobile Bravada, Buick Rendezvous cars *Outstanding as lead exterior designer for hybrid electric vehicle with a sleek arcing roofline in Yankee *“My parent are behind my success story. They encouraged me realize my dream in life by allowing me become who I wanted to be. For example, when I attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and decided not want to continue there, they were supportive. On the design of Chevrolet Volt: Look at a tiny leaf, it is only a millimeter thick and yet it is a highly efficient factory. I tried to understand nature’s efficiency and design. I pulled those concepts and applied them to the Chevrolet Volt”-ALIYU *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 03/11/21: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA: ‘I Suffered Pain, Slapping and Humiliation in the Hands of Femi Fani-Kayode’-ex-wife, Precious Chikwendu, former beauty pageant fumes …He repeatedly kicked me on my stomach several times even when I was pregnant, confined me to Hospital when I attempted to escape * Demand full custody of their four sons in a court affidavit of an originating summon pursuant to Section 69 of the Child Rights Act * Lament: “I met Fani-Kayode in 2014 at the peak of my beauty career and we fell in love. We began living together and had children- a son age five and a set of triplets age three” * Fani-Kayode currently spends N1.8million on food, toiletries and left over on the children monthly while only him doles out N575,000 on clothing * Says: “I want court to compel him to give me a monthly payment of N3.5million for the upkeep of our four sons” *BY TOLULOPE AYOBAMI/Judiciary & Domestic Violence Reporter, Nigeria
• 03/11/21: Royal Man of Honor whom the Cap fit: Charming Prince of Sokoto Caliphate Dynasty, YUSUF SULEIMAN reigns as Chairman, Governing Board NAFDAC, Ready to keep Safeguarding Public Health in Nigeria …plans to implement new innovations for adequate regulation of food, drug administration * Highly skilled Maritime industry and Public Sector specialist bringing wealth of experience to bear *Scholar of Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Graduate in School of Business Administration (Univ of Virginia) turbaned the prestigious ‘Dan Amar of Sokoto’ *Endowed in Negotiation, Business Planning & Development virtue laced in leadership and inter personal communication aura *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/20/20: Christmas Tragedy after 20 years residency in America! Nigerian born medical doctor, BENJAMIN OKIGBO Strangulates wife to death, tried to kill sons, hang self over uncontrollable heated argument in Greatwood, Texas …21-year old twin children escaped claws of ‘death by whisker’ * Police investigation reveals murder-suicide as cause of death, denies widely alleged ‘gun shot’ in their home at 1500 block of Brookstone Lane * Attached inside story: Video recording evidence of incidence as proof * “Our investigation confirmed that Benjamin Okigbo strangled Theresa Okigbo to death. He then attempted to kill both of his 21-year-old sons by strangling them before he eventually killed himself by hanging. Both of the sons survived the attack with injuries that are not life-threatening”-SUGAR LAND Police, Texas *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief live in SUGAR LAND, Texas
• 12/19/20: FACING THE MUSIC! European court faults United Kingdom for unlawfully deporting Nigerian man, CHARLES UNUANE as disproportionate violation of human rights whose kids are British citizens…ruling claim ‘not good for a democratic society’ * Judges in Strasbourg found that the removal violated right to family life as guaranteed by article 8 of the European convention on human rights * This 57-year-old had appeal supported by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants and awarded €5,000 (£4,447) * Court did not make an order for him to be returned to the United Kingdom * Convicted earlier for falsifying 30 applications for leave to remain in the United Kingdom, given a community sentence and ordered to pay a fine *BY TOM TAYLOR, REPORTER, Britain & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/19/20: FACING DEATH SENTENCE: Nigerian Mentally Unstable Man, IBEKWE EMEKA AUGUSTINE charged for Sexually assaulting 25-year-old stepdaughter in Malaysia…Attack wife, throws four-year-old step-grandson down fourth floor of an apartment building * Tries to commit suicide after incidence, sustained injuries after jumping down third floor * Self-administered banned Tetra Hydrocannibol (THC) and Morphine dangerous drugs “A urine test was conducted and we found that he is on medication. It is also understood that he has some mental health issues. No record of treatment has been found yet, but his friends and family have said this”- Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Saiful Azly *BY LILIAN IBADE, REPORTER, Kuala Lumpur & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/19/20: FROM TRUE LOVE TO MARRIAGE! Nigerian Prince, ADEKUNLE ‘KUNLE’ ADEBAYO OMILANA rents out an entire New York City restaurant for first date with American model turned wife…Royal man from Arugbabuwo ruling house spotted Keisha, outside the W Hotel in Manhattan and asked her out * Pair went for dinner at a restaurant, with her unaware that he was royalty * Couple married in New York City and live in London * Plan to renew their vows soon on the island of Sao Tome, off Nigeria’s coast *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/01/20: REBRANDING NIGERIA OVERSEAS! 46TH U.S. President-elect, Joe Biden appoints Nigerian born Naturalized renowned Attorney cum Economist, ADEWALE ADEYEMO as Deputy Treasury secretary …’Lagos boy’ becomes highest ranking African-American to occupy the prestigious position *Former Deputy National Security Advisor, first president of the Obama Foundation graduated from Yale Law School *Worked as Deputy Director at National Economic Council during erstwhile President Barack Obama administration “America has always overcome crises as the direct result of the determination and persistence of the American people, and the policy choices we make. I look forward to working at the Treasury Department to make policy choices that help build an economy that works for everyone”-Adeyemo on Twitter * “I am introducing my Economic team, calling for immediate relief for Americans”-Biden *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/01/20: HISTORIC! Meet OYE OWOLEWA, a-30-year old Nigerian born Ph.D Pharmacy holder first Elected into United States Congress …Won as a shadow member representing District of Columbia * He is a Naturalized American, a Democrat from North-Eastern University in Boston * Esther Agbaje, another Nigerian wins Minnesota House of Representatives seat * “In this role, I’m going to fight for DC statehood and bring our values to the lawmaking process. While today is day for some celebration, the hard work also follows”-elated Omolewa *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/01/20: FOOD FIGHT TO MURDER! 34-year-old NIGERIAN, EMEKA NDUBUISI stabbed to death in Italy…begged for life to be spared at ghetto of Borgo Mezzanone …Incident happened at countryside near Foggia houses with an estimated 1,500 migrants *Killer, Evans Nnaemeka, a-24year old Nigerian confessed to crime as fight become violent in a restaurant *BY KUNLE AYOOLA/REPORTER, ITALY
• 12/01/20: PAINFUL! Nigerian 17-year-old Genius, CHISOM CHUKWUNEKE bag seven A1s in 2019 WASSCE, dies of Blood cancer in South Africa ….Received distinguished award in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology *“Forever in our hearts! Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint you left in our Hall of Fame. A truly outstanding student! Rest In Peace Chisom”-Graceland College in Enugu, her school said in a statement on its Facebook page *“Just a pain on the leg that snowballed to a devastating episode, the battle started earnestly. As restless and worried as I can be, I promised to do everything humanly possible. With glaring poor health care in Nigeria. Off we went to South Africa. You spoke in parables about a special gift 10 days earlier and left a day to my birthday. Never did I know your gift you promised was your glorious exit. You exhibited virtuoso and dazzling intellects to the bewilderment of the doctors at Wits Donald Gordon Hospital, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa”-Felix Chukwuneke, Chisom’s father *BY REMI ADELABU/Correspondent, South Africa
• 12/01/20: SHOCKING! Nigerian Night-club owner, MIKE EZE-NWALIE NWOGU alias ‘Pretty Mike’ impregnates six ladies, bring them for celebrity wedding …boast on Instagram: ‘No film trick… we are just living our best lives’ *Filmed feeling each baby’s bump as heavily pregnant wives waited in line at the wedding * Arrested few years ago for walking women to a wedding in chains and leashes *BY LILIAN IBADE, REPORTER, Europe & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 10/17/20: Ozzidi King Forever with Saints of God in Heaven! SONNY Okosuns Memorial Concert lights up America October 25…Performing LIVE Felix Lebarty, Mike Okri, Stella Monye, Alex Zitto * Celebration begins 8pm to 3am * Venue remains Hampton Conference Center, Maryland, USA *“The world will witness an indoor concert like never before here in United States of America where the music, presence, energy and message of Sonny Okosuns will come alive. The world is waiting for this evergreen show”- Robert Okosun, President of Trans Atlantic Promotion Inc *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 10/17/20: ‘My Performance for then Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in Aso Rock remains Evergreen’-Paul Play I.K.DAIRO, ace Nigerian musician …Reveals untold lessons learnt from father-Chief Dr. I.K Dairo, Africa’s legendary Highlife icon *Nigerian Musicians have been home without job for 8 months and nothing has been done to alleviate their financial losses due to Covid-19, PMAN riddled with leadership controversies *Only source of income for musicians during this pandemic is streaming song on Apple Music and other major platforms *Remarkable success attained on my debut album ‘Mo So Rire’ was on the Lord’s wings *Plus how Dr Mike Adenuga, Chairman Glo mobile showered me with much love, Why I stay out of scandal *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 10/17/20: BREAKING NEWS: ‘H-E-L-P, I am Suffering from Deep DEPRESSION, My Son is Dying from Umbilical HERNIA disease’-Nigeria’s Ghetto King, BABA Fryo cries out…Ajegunle music maker begging Federal government, Nigerian Entrepreneurs for N10million to offset son’s second Surgical operation, pay-off accrued bills in Hospital *Battling disease for 3years now, Regret child still feeling pain till date *Blames Covid 19, says: ‘Pandemic is affecting me-no show, no concert’ *Donate to him directly: Friday Igweh, 0262073096 Gtbank *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 09/11/20: BREAKING SILENCE AFTER 25 YEARS ON WORLD MUSIC STAGE! Africa’s Queen of Reggae, EVI EDNA OGHOLI ready for international collaboration with AKON, Senegalese born America’s Grammy Award Winner * Europe’s Amazon of Rhythm was the first Nigerian mainstream female reggae artist that took music all over Africa * Remains first female musician to work with Ivorian music legend Tiken Jah Fakoly * New EP ‘Peace and Love’ released has a French track, titled ‘Paris Est Belle’ (Paris is Beautiful) with an Isoko reggae Jazz hit titled ‘Urehe’ meaning ‘It is not Over Until is Over’ * Signed mouth-watering contract on Enorecords LLC in Italy, where she made a record deal, artist management and distribution for five years * Reveal how Nigerian musicians can survive in face of on-going COVID-19 pandemic * “The death of Majek Fashek, was a great lose to Nigerian music industry and Africans at large. I felt Majek Fashek went on holidays because Rastas don’t die”-Evi Edna Ogholi *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/America Foreign Bureau Chief
• 09/11/20: Inside The WHITE HOUSE! DONALD TRUMP to BUHARI: ‘Why are Christians killed in Nigeria?’ Nigeria President confess: “It was an awkward situation sitting alone with the United States President when I honoured his invitation to the White House only for him to accuse me of atrocity” *Revelation made at the end of the two-day ministerial performance review retreat at the presidential villa, Abuja * “I told him that the problem between the cattle rearers and stagnant farmers I know is older than me”-BUHARI *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/America Foreign Bureau Chief
• 08/25/20: ENCOUNTER! Meet YUSUF ABUDULRAHMAM SAMBO: Nigerian born British Genius leading 5G Revolution in Scotland…heads University of Glasgow’s World Technological Research *Kaduna native-an indigene of Ikara completed Ph.D degree in Mobile Communications at the age of 27 years *Had Master’s degree in Mobile and Satellite Communications at the University of Surrey in distinction with two publications *Graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a second-class upper degree in Electrical Engineering *Contracted to conduct research on mobile communications at the Texas A&M *Presently working on a £1.2 million EPSRC-funded project as a research associate in Communication, Sensing and Imaging Group of the University of Glasgow *Nicola Sturgeon, the first woman to become the first minister of Scotland: “Scotland is aiming to be the 5G leader in the United Kingdom. 5G could enable Scotland to add about £17 billion to GDP by 2035 and create 160,000 jobs” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 08/11/20: Satan in the House of worship! Nigerian ‘Man-of-God’, General Overseer of The Church of Lord, EBENEZER AJIGBOTOLUWA impregnates two blood sisters, dupe mother of N2million…blames the Devil, congregants flee * Suspect earlier turned-fugitive procures abortion for victims in a private clinic in Abeokuta * ‘I reported the matter at Lafenwa police station after I got sick in 2018 and was taken to the Church in Olomoore, Abeokuta for spiritual healing. The pastor took advantage of my sickness and asked me to move my entire family of six into the church premises to avoid being afflicted with the same sickness. There and then, the prophet started having sex with my daughters of 16 and 13 years of age without my knowledge’-mother of the victims * “In compliance with the Commissioner of Police directive, the DPO led his men on intelligence, technical based investigation, and their efforts paid off when the prophet was arrested on the 6th of August 2020 at about 5:00am. On interrogation, he confessed to the allegations and that it was the reason why he ran away when he heard that police were looking for him”-Ogun State Police *BY OLUYEMI ADELADE/CRIME REPORTER, ABEOKUTA
• 08/11/20: From LAGOS to United States of America: Nigerian Grandma, MOJISOLA ODEGBAMI lands mouth-watering deal in Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’ Music Videos…featured in a chart-busting album which premieres on Disney * ever-radiant 69-year-old grandmother appeared in two music videos * Music based on singer’s soundtrack album, ‘The Lion King: The Gift’, which was created for the 2019 remake of the original Disney film “The Lion King” * African artists involving Nigeria’s Yemi Alade, Ghana’s Shatta Wale, Cameroon’s Salatiel appeared in 90-minute album * ‘Goal of the project is to show that Black is regal, rich in history, in purpose and in lineage’ -Beyoncé * “My journey to being cast began with a medical trip I made to California in July 2019, where I met Folajomi (FJ) Akinmurele, a young actor. I was staying with my daughter’s friend. This friend of hers has a 7-year-old-son. The son, FJ, is the main character in Black Is King. I feel happy to have represented Nigeria, and by extension Africa, in ‘Black Is King’. It was an opportunity to showcase Nigerian culture through her appearance”- ODEGBAMI * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/11/20: Let’s ALL PRAY: EUNICE AWONIYI, Kentucky born lady having a Nigerian heritage, Missing…Police set out rescue search team *Reportedly seen later in Atlanta, Georgia *LMPD, Georgia police been looking for missing woman since May * Described by family as 5 feet, 2 inches, 190 pounds with brown eyes * Her last statement on Facebook claim she is ‘into a new relationship’ * Anyone with information about her whereabouts asked to call LMPD at 502-574-LMPD (5673), Mary Awoniyi at 678-632-1611 or Tabitha Awoniyi at 573-246-0091 * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/01/20: BEAUTY & BRAIN IN AMERICA : Inside the world of OLAMIDE DAVIES TALABI, Nigerian born American Most Outstanding Humanitarian Cultural Ambassador in New Jersey …Invisible hands behind the creation of greater awareness for Ogun state outside Nigeria * Initiates ‘Miss Africa Tri-State’ which features unique opportunities for young ladies to support humanitarian causes * She is an exemplary activist fighting for creation of opportunities for Nigerians in USA * Successfully served as former Special Adviser on Diaspora and Cultural Exchange in the office of Mayor in Newark * Reigns as President for Imperial Group of Companies, Chairperson for NAPAC in New Jersey * PLUS how Foreign Direct Investment from America can be attracted to Nigeria through Tourism * “Our goal is to look out for Nigerian-Americans with policies that will benefit us economically, politically and overall well being as immigrants in the USA. Most importantly, we support our people to run for offices. We have many success stories of Nigerian-Americans running for offices even in predominantly white neighborhoods”-Ambassador OLAMIDE *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/31/20: Meet Toronto’s Music Star JAY DAVIS HARMONY, The Queen of Soul in Canada …ready for music collaboration with any top African musician, searching for Mr. Right: an intelligent, spiritedly calm man willing to spoil her, love music and be supportive of her career * ‘My first major concert was at the Bamboo club downtown Toronto with artists like Culture and Mutabaruka on the line up’ * Performs on Facebook Live concerts and attract huge following on social media * ‘America is the biggest platform where any musician can get worldwide recognition’ * ‘My current Album ‘No Giving Up’ is titled track ‘No Giving Up’, being a song that is empowering, motivational; tells of dreams and aspirations in the music industry’ * ‘My models are singers like Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna; Beyoncé, The Beatles, Elton John; Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown; Gregory Isaacs, John legend, Etta James, R. Kelly, Prince’ *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/31/20: HUGE RELIEF ACROSS ATLANTIC: Crown Prince of Dubai, Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum pays $11,500 ( AED 42,000) to clear accrued bills of stranded Nigerian couple with quadruplets…Suliyat Adulkareem, 29, gave birth to the babies, two boys, and two girls, at the Latifa Hospital for Women and Children * ‘Infants born prematurely at nearly 31 weeks through an emergency C-section and placed on ventilators at the neonatal intensive care unit’- Hospital statement * “It’s just a huge favor, and we are still in shock because we didn’t even know how to get the money. I had been sleepless wondering how to pay the bill. We have been getting calls from Portuguese and Brazilian nationals in Dubai. People have been trying to reach us. The Nigerian community has been following us every step of the way”- Abdulkareem, father of babies * “I stepped in to pay the bills after I came across the initial highlighting the family’s story” -Crown Prince of Dubai *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/29/20: CONSPIRACY OF LIES THROUGH ENVY: ‘I served Nigerian A-list Comedian, I GO DYE for 12 years, he sold me out to Nigeria Police that I hired assassins to kill him over phony N36million’-TUNDE Biletiri, former publicist, entertainment journalist * ‘He ruined my hard-earned reputation, labeled me a common criminal, a fraudster, a swindler, yahoo boy in street parlance’ * ‘I was picked up by police team from Zonal Investigative Bureau Zone 5. They allegedly called me a Notorious cultist, Assassins’ patron’ * ‘I was forced to write false statements under duress and tortured severely in police custody’ *’In Police custody, I was forced to write a cheque of N25million by Corporal Lazarus despite pleas by Inspector Ebilayefa not to allow me write it since the case was not fraud related. They vowed to use dud cheque to rope me in. They tortured me with a cutlass and threatened to kill me assuring nothing will ever happen to them’ * ‘My unlawful detention and remand in prison for three months was a set up’ *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau
• 07/28/20: ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW INSIDE WASHINGTON DC: Nigerian Orphan, OMAS AUGUSTA SHAKA is America’s Amazon in United States Military …holds E-5 Sergeant leadership position, eyes E-7 Sergeant of all Sergeants rank * Trains American, other countries’ armies in use of M249 machine gun, a powerful tool that can shoot 200 rounds in one minute, narrate why Nigerian army officers cannot contain Boko Haram *Shocked: ‘Some Nigerian soldiers asked me repeatedly on social media the name of the machine gun in training of new listing in America in my base and that they have not started using it in Nigeria at all. I felt bad for them. Tell me how can they fight Boko Haram with lazy weapons?’ * ‘In United States military training, there’s is no short cut, as in bias , no bribe’ * ‘dedicates life in service to God, establishes Hold GOD Strongtv ministry for humanity’ * ‘Happily married woman reveals how she migrated to America from Nigeria in 2011’ * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau
• 07/26/20: INSIDE UNITED KINGDOM: South Wales Police chokehold Nigerian Student, UYIOGHOSA EMMANUEL AIGBE, mistaken for a burglar on night out in Cardiff while awaiting taxi…wins £4,000 in damages, Claim he ‘struggled to breathe’ as he was ‘jumped on, trampled on and dropped on the floor’ * Arrested, forcefully taken to a police station and dubbed a suspect in a burglary case * “We acknowledge that a mistake was made in arresting this man for burglary, and a full debrief of the incident to identify any opportunities for learning by South Wales Police is taking place and we remain absolutely committed to taking those forward”- spokesman for South Wales Police *BY JOHN OWOLABI/SPECIAL Correspondent, Britain
• 07/25/20: COVID-19 Pandemic travel restriction: NIGERIAN Couple deliver quadruplets in Dubai, newborn babies stranded in Hospital …couple owing $120,000 and incurring daily charges of $5000 to keep the babies in separate incubators * Kids’ Father, Tijani Abdulkareem, 32-year restaurant city cook: “We have been relying on the goodwill of the hospital and the generosity of the Nigerian community in Dubai. The hospital has really helped us” * “I gave birth to my babies-two boys and two girls on July 1. My husband and I live in Dubai. My husband began making plans to relocate me to Nigeria to give birth when we found out that I was having quadruplets in January”-Suliyah, 29-year mother of the babies * “Nigerian community, with contributions from some UAE residents and other nationals who read the news on local media, have been able to raise (AED) 30,000 (around $8000) to pay part of the family medical bills. They have also secured rent for two months at a bigger apartment for the couple for when the babies are discharged from the clinic. We are keen on ensuring the family gets ongoing support towards the welfare of the mother and the quadruplets even when they get back to Nigeria”-Abdul-Hakeem Anifowoshe, a member of the diaspora community in Dubai * “Nigeria’s embassy in Dubai had contacted the family. The mission is on top of the matter and is in constant touch with the family”-Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairwoman of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission * BY ALPHA MOHAMMED AHMIDU/SPECIAL Correspondent, Britain
• 07/25/20: ABILITY IN DISABILITY: Nigerian born Naturalized American Medical Genius, DR. OLUWAFERANMI OKANLAMI earlier suffered spinal cord injury, paralyzed from the neck down en-route to becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Yale …Presently an Assistant Professor for Family Medicine & Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation * Reigns as Director of MDisability Community Engagement, Director of Adaptive Sports in Michigan Center for Human Athletic Medicine and Performance at Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan * Working as Spokesperson for Guardian Life in their Equal & Able partnership, Serving on St. Joseph County Board of Health as appointed by former Mayor Pete Buttigieg *Bagged MD from University of Michigan, earned Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, and Technology Entrepreneurship from The University of Notre Dame; completed Family Medicine Residency at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana * On Board of the River City Challenged Athletes, featured on Robin Robert’s Good Morning America Series, received Michigan Medicine’s Distinguished Early Career Alumni Award in 2020, serving on the Board of the Michigan Medicine Alumni Society * “In 2013, I was on my way to becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon. The University of Michigan Medical School graduate was in his third year of residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut at that time. I jumped into the pool. I didn’t do a backflip or anything like that. There was no diving board, but I hit either the ground or the side of the pool or someone’s leg. I can’t be completely sure, but immediately I was unable to move anything from my chest down. In my mind, I was thinking of next steps: Stabilize my spine, get me onto the stretcher and get me to the hospital. My medical instincts kicked in”-Okanlami * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/25/20: Confusion, Rivalry tear Nigeria Music union apart: Pretty OKAFOR is a Homeless Fraudster, Cocaine Addict on Zone 2 Police wanted list, never PMAN President at no time’-TEE MAC OMATSHOLA, award-wining flutist …alleges :’Pretty is not a musician, he had no single album as he stole N120million belonging to the music union. He lied that I sold PMAN land in Abuja freely given by IBB many years ago. He will soon be arrested by the police’ *embattled Pretty fires back: ‘Tee Mac and Orits Wiliki were handcuffed to Abuja (with no photograph/video proof), made to appear before police. PMAN land was sold by them as they were kept in the cell. Tee Mac jumped bail. Uncle P ran away from the house for defrauding the people in PMAN’S name while his wife is two months pregnant. I am still the President of PMAN’ * Uncle P blast Pretty: “At last week NEC meeting of PMAN, Pretty was expelled in a Communique signed by 28 state chapters of the union. I am the elected National PMAN of President recognized by the Trade Union Registrar. Pretty is an impostor. He will soon be committed to prison as he faces Form 48/49. That guy is simply a thief, a madman, a criminal in hiding; who enjoy lying and creating chaos everywhere. PMAN’S new election is coming this October” *Orits Wiliki react: “Pretty Okafor is a criminal, warming up for Prison whom I have sued for N100million in HEARING NOTICE: ID/ADR/148/16: ORITS WILIKI -VS- PRETTY OKAFOR. At no time was Tee Mac or I ever arrested by the police. He should provide the name of the PMAN Abuja land buyer, copy of the receipt for the sale and which year was it sold. The fool who could not pay his house rents and was thrown out telling you he is the richest Nigerian Musician? *BY ROTIMI AGULERO, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, ABUJA & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 07/19/20: QUEEN OF THE AIR: Meet ADEOLA OGUNMOLA SOWEMIMO, First Nigerian born, first-ever African Female Pilot to fly Boeing 787, Boeing 767 Dreamliners across the Atlantic Ocean…Ogbomoso girl reign, rules on the wings of Qatar Airways in Middle East * Ever-smiling beautiful lady graduated from the Landoke Akintola University and later completed study at Sunrise Aviation Academy located in Ormond Beach, Florida * Celebrated on Guinness Book of record breakers in the African aviation industry * She captained the first International all women flight to Nigeria in December 2017 * “I am a product of God’ grace and the evidence of God’ glory”-ADEOLA * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/19/20: FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY: Nigeria’s foremost Royal King, OBA ADEYEYE OGUNWUSI, Ojaja II adopts a talented Corn Seller who drew his Portrait…gives him Scholarship to University level, promised to support more creative youths * 17-year-old boy used pencil to reflect the true image of the royal father * Ooni of Ife vows: ‘My Royal Stool is dedicated to ambitious young Nigerian populations who are daily pushing hard through the barriers of economic instability and uncertainties to gain better livelihood’ * “Superlative Samuel who is just about to graduate from secondary school has been adopted by me. His fees till his tertiary education will be taken care of by me and he will be gainfully employed right here in my palace”-Oba Ogunwusi *BY LEKAN ADEDAYO/ Culture Reporter, Lagos
• 07/19/20: IN ‘LUST’ WITH A CON MAN: AMERICAN Retiree woman fell in love with a Nigerian criminal, CHUKWUEBUKA OBIAKU on Facebook, freed from captivity in Lagos after 12 months of sexual assault * Lured innocent woman to fly to Nigeria under the pretext of ‘love and deceitful marriage’ * Held her captive in a hotel and extort $48,000 cash from her bank account * Stolen funds include monthly retirement benefits and allowances over the period of 15 months * “Chukwuebuka Obiaku forcefully collected, took control of her credit and debit cards as well as the operation of her bank accounts”-Nigeria Police Force *BY NIFEMI OWOELA/STAFF Writer, Lagos & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/15/20: INSIDE CHICAGO: American Court denies HUSHPPUPI, Nigeria’s King of Cyber-fraud bail, orders to remain in jail till later in the year…over money laundering charge, considers suspect a flight risk *F.B.I. argues Raymond Abass possesses multiple foreign passports, may flee country if granted bail *embattled ‘Billionaire Gucci Master’ moniker don fathers a child in Illinois, plead to stay in girlfriend’s family house in Homewood while case proceed * “My client lawfully work hard for his funds as a celebrity and a social media influencer. He made his money by constantly promoting Gucci, and Louis Vuitton bags or designer’s label as a legal means of income. His fame paid for his luxurious life in Dubai. Job as an Instagram celebrity pays for his monthly his $10,000 monthly rent in Dubai luxury flat. We applied for bail for him with an electronic monitor on his leg so he might stay with his American girlfriend’s uncle in Illinois but was denied. He is not a criminal. He was abducted from Dubai”-Famous American defense attorney, Gal Pissetzky * “He could commit crimes with just any smartphone and internet connection”-Prosecutors *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief live from Chicago
• 07/15/20: ONE-ON-ONE-CHAT: SONNY OKOSUNS’ evergreen World Music Concert happened in United States-Robert Okosuns, brother, President of Trans Atlantic Promotion Inc …my family, his wife and children witnessed his last moments at the hospital in Washington DC *Recalled in-performance sold-out shows at Music Against Apartheid Apollo Theatre, NY in 1984, African Music event in Detroit, USA in 1985, Soweto Day at New York Park in 1986, Zimbabwe Independence Concert in 1987 and the Nelson Mandela Welcome Concert *Revealed what he missed most in the Ozziddi King, Real reasons the Nigerian press labeled his home ‘The United Nation’ * After he became an ordained evangelist, he named his band Ozzidi and released hit songs like ‘O.Jesu, Mercy, Esselle, GOD of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, and Let there be light * Hails David Adodo of praise and worship fm 106.1 in Baltimore MD, Sonny Vanderpuye of sunlight radio in Virginia, others for positively re-branding Nigeria’s image Overseas *Why African artists hardly break even in the American music industry *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/10/20: Revealed! America’s BLACK PANTHERS’ Hollywood movie is an Intellectual Theft from ‘Amazons of Africa Women Warriors’ 90minutes full-length film-Femi Lasode, award-wining producer, Afrika ‘n Vogue/Even-Ezra Studios …True story of the war between Dahomey and Egbas of Abeokuta in in the late 19th Century * ‘It’s a huge cultural product that generates revenue, assist in the promotion of tourism *Movie will be subtitled in English, French, Yoruba and Beninoise languages * Bloc buster movie won award at the ‘Documentary without Borders’ Documentary Festival * Quote: “It has been asserted that this African story was the basis of Hollywood’s ‘Black Panthers’, mega box office hit. While the ‘Black Panthers’ story is fiction, the ‘Amazons of Africa, Women Warriors’ story is factual. Hollywood, over the years, has often been accused of stealing African stories, only to bring them out in their own way” *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/09/20: ADEBOYE Fires top Redeemed Assistant Pastor, Gideon Bakare for sleeping with Church member’s wife …Caught in attempted adultery and putting the church in a bad light * Found pant-down with wife of a congregant on their matrimonial bed in Akure, Ondo State, trying to have a canal knowledge of her * “The Redeemed Christian Church of God has excommunicated Mr Gideon Bakare and relieved him of all ministerial duties in the Mission. The Church dissociated itself from such immoral act of Mr Bakare and described it as being completely contrary to the core values, doctrines, beliefs and practices of the RCCG and the undiluted word of God. Mr Bakare has therefore been directed to return all official items in his custody and stay off all associated connections with the Mission with immediate effect”- RCCG spokesperson Olaitan Olubiyi *BY IYANU ADEGBITE/RELIGIOUS REPORTER, AKURE
• 07/09/20: ONE-ON-ONE-INTERVIEW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Nigeria is a Scam -Stereoman Ekwe Akpor Oghene, a Glo ambassador …lament how musicians are suffering, claim: ‘No money, no show, no relief package from government for artists’ survival’ * Claims: “Envious musicians alleged that I killed the mother of my baby which led me to prison where I was placed in remand, but set free after the Federal Ministry of Justice argued that I had no case to answer” * Reveal: ‘I was professionally trained a Tailor, where I made and sew clothes in the past. I channeled the fund I made there to release the music which led to my been signed on a record label’ * Confess: ‘I used to smoke Marijuana very well, but at a time I stopped because I discovered it was not good for my brain, so I quit in 2010’ *Plus how he discovered his unique traditional dance steps, latest album on the way *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/09/20: ECONOMIC CORRUPTION: Nigerian Governor of Kebbi State, ABUBAKAR ATIKU BAGUDU traced to 8 Luxurious Properties in Dubai worth over $4.8 million-Sandcastles data Investigation, UAE …building located on twelfth floor of Dubai’s Capital Bay Towers development * Helped Nigeria’s former head of state Sani Abacha embezzle billions of dollars from government coffers-Carnegie Endowment for International Peace * ‘How Bagudu and Sani Abacha’s son, Mohammed Abacha, at greatly inflated prices, generated and shared a $282 million windfall’-Court document *Arrested and extradited from Houston, Texas at the request of New Jersey, where Bagudu had set up a shell company called Doraville Properties to launder funds stolen from Nigeria * Begged for settlement, reached an agreement to return $160 million of stolen money in exchange for deportation to Nigeria to face trial * Governor Bagudu reportedly claims innocence, says ‘I am not guilty of any corruption’ *BY ISSA AHMED/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING, reporting live from UAE
• 07/06/20: MAJEK FASHEK in New York: ‘So Long, Too Long’ for burial in Nigeria, Still ‘A Prisoner of Conscience in Death’ …He worked with Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Beyonce, Danny Erskine , sang for Nelson Mandela’s freedom during apartheid period * BY George Elijah Otumu, American Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA/National President, Nigerian-American Press Association email: elijahotumu@yahoo.com
• 07/05/20: BREAKING NEWS: Nigeria’s KING of Cyber-fraud, HUSHPPUPI hires Micheal Jackson’s former attorney, Mark Geragos for defense in court…to help wriggle out of multi-million dollar scam, reduce 20-year-jail term * Defense lawyer expected to convince United States Department of Justice officials on how suspect can help track similar internet crimes around the world for the government * Suspect’s inner circle friend, music producer, singer, Samklef confirmed the up-coming legal firework plan on Instagram, saying: “This movie go sweet pass Netflix… he might not even spend all his time.. he will work with the government and regain his freedom” * America’s famous attorney in highbrow case earlier represented celebrities like Winona Ryder, Chris Brown, Colin Kaepernick and Scott Peterson * Naija Standard Newspaper editors reached out to defense lawyer, Principal Attorney at Geragos & Geragos law chamber located on 644 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, LA 900 17 left an urgent voice mail message on subject matter at: +1-213-625-3900 while awaiting response *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/04/20: BREAKING NEWS: Nigeria’s Most Notorious KING of Cyber-fraud, HUSHPPUPI land in America, arraigned in Chicago court in teary eyes…facing 20 year jail term upon conviction for money laundering, hacking, cyber-attack, forgery, Girlfriend (Amira Dyme) disowned him saying ‘Karma is a bitch. He’s a thief’ * Defraud a New York-based law firm of $922,857, scam a financial institution of $14.7million, deceived two million people around the world, to appear in Los Angeles court in few weeks * Conspired to steal $124million from an English Premier League club, F.B.I, INTERPOL, Dubai Police tracked him, 10 others for seven months before arrest * Coined America’s million of dollars after hacking into Covid-19 Palliative Fund, Unemployment Insurance through fake website * Dubai Government confiscate suspect’s 10 buildings, 20 customized automobile vehicles 2021 model, seized over 150 million dirham (30 million pounds) in cash; 100 Gucci perfume (colon) and 50 designers’ wristwatches * Suspect’s recorded last conversation before apprehension in UAE: “I have suffered so much poverty in Nigeria. My sister died of poverty because my family could not afford her hospital bill. After I have made money, I vowed to spend it anyhow. God punish money” * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/27/20: FROM ENTERTAINMENT TO THE THRONE! Meet-HRH King TIMI GIDEON ODIKEME, Amananaowei of Peretorugbene Kingdom in Bayelsa, a First Class traditional ruler, owner of Africa’s most prominent record label …Chevron oil magnate is a graduate of Petroleum Engineering from the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun * former Executive director of Soundcity was enviable brain behind success of 24-hour Pan-African urban music television channel * He’s President, Tadok Global Group of companies flourishing in Music/Movie production, Hotels/Gardens and Properties * Undying love for music development in Nigeria, in South-South region, drove his entrepreneurship to support and build musically talented youths within Niger Delta region * Single-handedly sponsored over 30 endowed youths to Abuja to showcase their talents at an event in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja streamed on BenTV UK along many terrestrial TV stations * African-Americans, Black community ready to witness Coronation coming soon * “A very big congratulations to my elder brother HRH King TIMI ODIKEME THE AMANANAOWEI OF PERETORU KINGDOM, a well deserved victory Congratulations…HRH King Timi Odikeme. Thank you Jesus Christ”- Ebiere Odikeme Nicholas, American nurse younger sister * GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/26/20: 9-year-old Nigerian Genius, BASIL OKAPARA JR build over 30 mobile games with no computer training * Passion for games began at age four * Ready to place game titled “Frog attack,” on the Google play store shortly * “There was this day he was on the tablet, as usual, he was so carried away with the game he was playing that I got upset with him. Out of annoyance, I said to him, ‘you are always playing games, can’t you think about building your own games so others can play yours too?’ I was angry when I said it, and I did not know he took it seriously”-Father,of boy, Okpara Sr *BY KEMI OLADELE/TECH REPORTER, LAGOS
• 06/26/20: INVESTIGATION OF POPULAR FARMS: Slavery Indian company in Nigeria BUSTED, Police rescue over 100 workers locked in rice factory …forced to work throughout on-going Coronavirus lockdown * Men cramped in the northern city of Kano, not allowed to leave the mill * Workers promised an additional $13 (£10) a month on top of their $72 monthly salary – those who refused threatened with sack * Many coerced to work most of the time during incarceration with little food, five managers arrested * “No prayers allowed, no family visits”- 28-year-old Hamza Ibrahim, one of those rescued * “What I saw was heart breaking. Where the company kept these people to live is not fit for animals”-Karibu Yahaya Kabara of the Global Human Rights Network * ‘The plant had now been shut down and the owners are being investigated for holding the men against their will’-Police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna *BY AMINU AHMED, REPORTER, KANO
• 06/26/20: MURDER IN QUEEN’S ENCLAVE! Alexander KAREEM, 20-year-old Nigerian brother of controversial Met police officer who appeared on Nigerian Big Brother shot dead on London street…deceased screamed ‘help me’ as he lay on the ground before a passer-by attempted to perform CPR * Paramedics arrived to treat victim, pronounced dead shortly after * Family members in distraught, no arrest made at press time * A white Range Rover seen in the area before the shooting later found burnt out being traced by police as ‘a key line of inquiry’ * “Alexander was killed by gunshots to his chest and abdomen while he was walking home after visiting a shop around 12.40am”-Post-mortem conclusion * “I heard shots and somebody calling help me, help me. I called the police and watched the nearby scene from a window. I saw a man laying in the street, sort of in the gutter in front of the bus stop, and several cars had stopped and the people were trying to help and one of them was trying to give CPR. I was laying in bed at about 12:30am when I heard two or three gunshots before Mr Kareem was found”-Eye witness account * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & EMMA OLLEAH/REPORTER, London
• 06/25/20: IN THE EYES OF STORM! Nigerian Musician, D’BANJ sneaked into my hotel room with a spare key, RAPED Me repeatedly and threatened my LIFE-BABATAYO Seyitan, assaulted lady cries out for help ….’I was kidnapped, coerced to recant my allegation, forced to delete my earlier tweet’ * ‘Kokomaster locked me up in police cell with criminals for speaking up against him’ * Bold to share story after artist joined in preaching against rape on Instagram page *Angry Nigerians petition United Nations to remove D’banj as a Youth Ambassador * Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police orders full probe of rape allegation with reference number CB.7000/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOl.484/801 * D’ Banj fires back angrily: “I have sued the lady (Babatayo Seyitan) for N100million for defaming my hard-earned reputation. I am innocent until proven guilty. Stop social media trial. #SAY no to rape and human rights violation” *BY RAYMOND AMADI/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, LAGOS
• 06/25/20: IMMIGRANT ADVENTURE IN UNITED STATES! Inside story of Ghana’s King, Nana Gyensare V, OSEI, a Taxi Driver in New York …a traditional leader of the Akwamu people, who oversees residents of five towns across Eastern Region * Recalled various challenges on how his brother died, when he inherited the throne * Moved to New York in 1977 to make a better living for himself * Began taxi driving as he bought a medallion in 1982, his father had 19 children *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/25/20: SHAME! Nigerian born Naturalized Australian Doctor, TONY BAKARE Convicted for stealing $360,000 in fake Medicare claims…prepared fictitious receipts from sometimes dead patients as cover-up * Sentenced to four years in jail for forgery and deceit from thousands of patients * Found guilty of obtaining financial advantage by deception after a three-day trial in the District Court in Brisbane * ‘He Lodged over 4,000 false claims for providing services on dates he was overseas’-INVESTIGATION * “This was a persistent course of conduct involving a series of dishonest acts,” Judge Moynihan told the court * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & EMMA ODEBA/REPORTER, Australia
• 06/19/20: BREAKING NEW GROUND @ FEDERAL RADIO CORPORATION OF NIGERIA: Nigerian Ace broadcaster, SEGUN OGUNJOBI brings Fela Kuti’s ideology into COVID-19 album, set to duet AKON, America’s multiple Grammy Award holder …says: ‘I won BBC Media Action/ USAID Award in Investigative Reporting in Nigeria’ * Graduate of performing arts University of Ilorin inspired by global unrest affecting humanity * ‘At four years, ‘Abami-eda’ electrified me into new age Afrobeat music of philosophy and prophesy’ Confesses: ‘Lyrics of Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson had influence on me’ ‘My music is born out of vision of the future, rekindling hopes for poor masses, separating bad from good, pointing out dangerous trends people should avoid and celebrating essentially workers as heroes of our time’ *GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/19/20: COVID-19 SPREAD IN NIGERIA: Former Oyo State Governor, Senator ISIAKA ABIOLA AJIMOBI battling to Stay alive, on Life Support Ventilator Machine…diagnosed with Coronavirus three weeks ago, receiving treatment at upscale Lagos hospital, First Cardiology Consultants * Rumoured dead last night but family, aides claim ‘he is still alive’ * Lagos Hospital source: “We are asking for prayers, admitting that his situation had become critical. Other than placing him on life support, First Cardiology Consultants is currently not doing anything else on him” * “Thank you for reaching out to us hear directly from United States of America to verify the truth. I can assure you that former governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is now in a stable condition going by the latest report I have received from the hospital. He would have recovered faster if younger in age but he is an elderly person. I am asking Nigerians in America, at home and in the Diaspora to keep praying for him to recover quickly”-Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to former Oyo state Governor on Communication and Strategy *BY JINADU AKINLABI/SENIOR HEALTH EDITOR, LAGOS & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/19/20: ROFOROFO FIGHT: Executive Jet Airline owner in Nigeria is Arrogantly silly, I have ordered our 20,000 Marlians to boycott your useless plane-Naira MARLEY, Nigerian musician …’My management did not know it was some useless Marlian people that chattered our jet’, says Chairman of the airline, Dr Sam Iwuajoku * ‘The fact that the Almighty has blessed you, shouldn’t make u look down on anyone! Mr executive jet calling us useless is not only defamation but oppressive’ * “Thanking God we did not crash on your flight as we nearly did” BY TIMMY * AKIODE/AVIATION REPORTER
• 06/16/20: TRUE CONFESSION FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE IN NIGERIA! ‘My Aunt’s Husband RAPED, DISVIRGINED ME at the age of 13years’-heartbroken Chinwe Udeze lament * Forcibly had sex with me multiple times, even when my aunt was asleep at night, he sneaked to where I slept in the palour to rape me * He threatened to kill me, boast : “you can tell but no one will believe you including your aunt” * My Aunt (Martina Bobogini Julius) and treated me like dirt, her husband (Julius Elemotse) threatened me severally not to tell anyone * She got pregnant at 15 years, recalled ordeal and aspiration of becoming a lawyer * Begged in tears: “I want Nigerian government to help me get justice, despite it’s been over a decade. I still get panic attack and trauma from what my in-law had done to me. I want the government to do a thorough investigation on this case” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/16/20: WICKED & SAD! OLUWATOYIN SALAU, 19-year-old Nigerian Born American Black Lives Matter Activist Sexually assaulted, found dead had wanted to become an Academic…body discovered 3 miles from where she was last reportedly seen in Florida * Teen was active in the city’s protest against police brutality, calling for justice for black people recently killed at the hands of police, including Tony McDade of Tallahassee and George Floyd of Minneapolis, homicide investigation underway * Her earlier tweet: “Anyways I was molested in Tallahassee, Florida by a black man this morning at 5:30 on Richview and Park Ave. The man offered to give me a ride to find someplace to sleep and recollect my belongings from a church I refuged to a couple days back to escape unjust living conditions. * Last message: “Going back to the situation that happened to me this morning, I did not fall asleep. He then asked me if I wanted a massage at this moment his roommate who was in the house was asleep. I was laying on my stomach trying to calm myself down from severe ptsd. He started touching my back and rubbing my body using my body until he climaxed and then went to sleep. Before I realized what happened to me I looked over and his clothes were completely off. Once I saw he was asleep I escaped from the house and started walking from Richview Road to anywhere else…” * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/11/20: MIRACLE, GOD CAN DO ALL THINGS! Nigerian couple delivers twins through IVF after 43 years of waiting upon God for fruit of the womb…had babies at Lagos University Teaching Hospital * earlier fertility doctors warned couple the pregnancy would be dangerous, had a a cesarean at 37 weeks * Medical doctors found pre-cancerous cells of the cervix during a routine test * Spent chunk of her £250,000 National Lottery winnings on IVF treatment and fell pregnant * Dr Adeyemi Okunowo, who delivered the babies, described the birth as a ‘miracle’ *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/10/20: INCREDIBLE! Nigeria’s Most Wanted former Petroleum Minister, DIEZANI ALLISON MADUEKE Secures Immunity from prosecution…obtained citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominican Republic, appointed Trade and Investment Commissioner * Her 32-page diplomatic passport contains a restraining order against any arrest or prosecution *Fugitive hiding in Britain holds a Dominican Republic Diplomatic Passport number DP0000445 * “I envisage you playing an active role in the coordination of road shows and trade and investment expositions, as well as providing facilitator services to businessmen interested in investing or doing business with the Caribbean region. Dominica is ideally placed and equipped to serve as the perfect hub for such commercial activities in this region”- Roosevelt Kerry, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of Dominica *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/10/20: BREAKING NEWS! African Diaspora Unite for JOE BIDEN in United States 2020 election …A group of African-American career professionals with original hereditary from Kenya, Liberia, South Africa; Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, other nationals applaud Democratic presidential nominee * “Africans who are African-Americans are fully ready under African Diaspora Unite for JOE BIDEN-National Group will be out in huge numbers this November to vote Biden into power as the elected President of United States. It is a promise”-Ugo Nwaokoro, former Deputy Mayor, City of Newark, New Jersey *BY BAYO ADEYEMO, reporting LIVE from Maryland
• 05/24/20: ‘We are ready to support and assist undocumented Nigerians in the process of obtaining resident permit’ -National Union of Nigerians in Italy …We are working in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy in Rome * Italian government passed a bill to regulate close to 600,000 undocumented immigrants in the country to participate in this year harvesting season across the country * “Thanks to the magnanimity of the Nigeria Ambassador to Italy His Excellency, Ambassador Yusuf Jonga Hinna who has agreed to work with NUNAI to simplify the process of obtaining certificates of Nationality (CofN) for as many Nigerians who do not have a Nigerian passport. And as you know, without a passport or a certificate of Nationality, it will be impossible to apply for the regularisation, hence the Embassy, with a view to help the concerned Nigerians has co-opted NUNAI to collate the names and necessary documents of concerned Nigerians through their local and provincial associations”- NUNAI president, IRIAKANU Samson Hodge * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/24/20: INSPIRING! Nigerian born, American leading Pediatrician and board certified Internist, Dr. NGOZI EZIKE reigns as National Policy Advisor at Illinois Department of Public Health … served for more than 15 years promoting the organization’s mission of delivering integrated health services with dignity *Successfully delivered inpatient care at Stroger Hospital as well as primary and preventive care in community and school-based clinics *earlier as medical director for Austin Health Center, located on the West-side of Chicago engaged the community in health initiatives involving obesity, diabetes, and breastfeeding *In her last role in Cook County Health, served as medical director at the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center, the largest single site juvenile detention facility in United States * Graduated with honors from Harvard College with a concentration in chemistry, medical degree is from University of California at San Diego *She completed her internship, residency at Rush Medical Center where she is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, earned a management certificate from Harvard Business School *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/24/20: SHOCKER ON COVID-19! 950 more Nigerian children under five may die every day over six months period— UNICEF …Globally, 6,000 additional children under five could die daily *Estimate is based on an analysis by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, newly published in The Lancet Global Health journal *Disruptions could result in potentially devastating increases in maternal and child deaths * 6,800 more Nigerian maternal deaths could occur in just six months from now * Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative: “We have made steady progress in reducing preventable child and maternal deaths in Nigeria over the last 20 years – and it would be devastating if that progress is lost or reversed – devastating for Nigerian families, communities and for the country as a whole *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & TAYO ABAYOMI/HEALTH REPORTER, ABUJA
• 05/24/20: NO LIMIT TO EDUCATION! Nigerian born 73-year-old Grandma, a Naturalized American, FLORENCE NWADO ONWUSI DIGIDU Bagged Doctorate Degree in Communication, Culture and Media Studies…graduate as a member of Howard University’s Class of 2020 * Defend her dissertation titled “Igbo Collective Memory of the Nigeria – Biafra War (1967-1970): Reclaiming Forgotten Women’s Voices and Building Peace through a Gendered Lens * Former producer and writer on Nigerian Television Authority is a distinguished recipient of Sasakawa and Annenberg Fellowship * “In my second year at Howard, and very close to my screening test, I lost my mother and my father within months. I had to return to Nigeria each time to perform the demanding burial ceremonies for each. I was completely deflated, both physically and emotionally, but I persevered because my father always wanted me to be a ‘Doctor’. This powerful survival instinct in me, which I call daring, and God’s help, are what made me overcome all personal challenges during my doctoral program and get to where I am today”- * “I admire the way Florence delved inside the most painful period of her life to find the focus of her research on women, war and peace. She received the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Fellowship in her last year to conduct interviews with 10 female survivors of that war, and she used [the] feminist standpoint theory to interpret their stories. It is a beautifully researched, theorized, and written dissertation that demonstrates exceptional Howard scholarship”- Carolyn Byerly, Ph.D., Didigu’s advisor and chair of the Communication, Culture and Media Studies doctoral program *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/24/20: RACISM! A British Landlord, Elina Vimbsone refused room rental to African man saying ‘Nigerians make house smell’ * Gambia born lawful UK resident, EBRIMA MBOOB told property is ‘only for European people’ * In tears, Ebrima, studying performing arts at the University of the Arts London said: “I was completely shocked at the landlord’s response and I still am today. Growing up in England, I have experienced all types of racism, but this was the first time that I have experienced something this absurd. What makes it even more shocking is the fact she said ‘will be brilliant if you can make the time to come and view’, but soon changed her mind once she realised I was black” * “We are not racist or just to be honest, I have friends from Nigeria and all house smell what they cook” -Landlord *BY QUNNETH AYODEJI/CRIME REPORTER, UK
• 05/21/20: A Nigerian Genius, ONORIODE REGINALD AZIZA Bagged 3 First Class degrees at age 23 … including one from Cambridge University *Received over over 25 academic awards for the Best Student in the Faculty of Law at Obafemi Awolowo University, the Mohammed Bello Prize for the Second Best Student at the Nigerian Law School, and the Wolfson College Jennings Prize for a Distinction on the Master of Corporate Law in Cambridge among others *Scored distinction in all papers at SSCE examinations, expertise lies in securities law, investment and dispute resolution * Inspired by Nigeria’s legal luminary, Professor Olukonyinsola Ajayi SAN to study law Had a short spell at Olaniwun Ajayi LP in Lagos, later spent six months with Shearman and Sterling chamber in Paris * Worked briefly an associate with Herbert Smith Freehills in London, a culmination of the bursary awarded him by the law firm to study at Cambridge * Hired as an Attorney for Chevron Nigeria Limited while studying as a doctoral student at the University of Oxford “My driving force has been an unrepentant commitment to excellence. It is all I have ever wanted to do and be: excellent. I believe I have only been thirstier than most in pursuing excellence. I believe, as did Aristotle, that excellence is not an act but a habit. The pursuit of this habit of excellence has thus been my driving force”-Aziza *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/15/20: 200 Nigerian undocumented immigrants stranded in Canada…evacuation by Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa postponed, new date uncertain * Blames inability of Air Peace – the chosen carrier – to secure “overflight and landing permits” from the Canadian authorities on time * “The high commission opted for Air Peace because the air fare was relatively more affordable compared to the offers of other airlines that were contacted. This is coupled with the fact that only Air Peace had agreed to convey the evacuees from more than one location in Canada”- Nigeria High Commission * BY OLUYEMI ADEDURO/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER/CANADA
• 05/15/20: New Development: ‘Clinical Trial of an effective treatment of Covid-19 to commence in Nigeria’-World Health Organization …’We did not discuss Vaccine against the scourge, Fake news and misinformation about false cures spreading on social media * “Over 100 countries have joined the solidarity clinical trial. Nigeria has also expressed interest to be part of this solidarity trial and efforts are underway to start the process in Nigeria too”-Fiona Braka, officer in charge of the World Health Organization in Nigeria * ‘There is no vaccine available yet and Nigeria is not conducting any vaccine trials’ * ‘This involves drugs already in use, such as anti-viral drugs and chloroquine, that have been repurposed for Covid-19 treatment. This is not a vaccine trial’ *BY TOM IMONITIE/MEDICAL REPORTER, ABUJA
• 05/15/20: ‘I Regret dumping Austria Citizenship for Nigeria as a Professional Footballer’-BENEDICT AKWUEGBU, retired Nigerian football striker …’I played for Nigerian national football team and was a 2002 FIFA World Cup participant’ * Says: ‘I regret representing my fatherland in international football instead of Austria that also offered me a great opportunity. It makes me feel the regret of playing for the Super Eagles. It makes me blame myself, and ask myself why I rejected Austria who were all over me then to play for their national team which I turned down in preference to Nigeria’ * ‘If I knew I would be treated this way, perhaps I would have been much wiser. But then, that’s the prize I had to pay for being patriotic, holding tight to my love for the green, white and green colours of Nigeria * ‘Till today, Austria still show me love, they still recognise me to the point that I now wonder how it would have been if I had adopted their nationally and represented them at the senior level’ * ‘ I’m just being honest to my conscience. I’m not against the leadership of the NFF. The field is large enough for them to increase the team [coaches] number. You have the Super Eagles, U-23 Olympic Eagles, Flying Eagles, U-17 Golden Eaglets. You also have the women teams – Super Falcons, Falconets and Flamingoes (U-17). You can appoint one ex-international to each of these teams’ * BY NICOLE IBAKA/REPORTER, ABUJA
• 05/15/20: After 6 hours of Rigorous grilling, EMEKA OKONKWO, alias E-MONEY leaves Nigeria Police Custody in a wine-coloured suit …Says: ‘I am a clean entrepreneur, a successful businessman’ * Attract the ire of Nigeria Police Inspector General for allegedly using fully armed policemen as domestic servants * “We received a signal from the Force headquarters on Monday that the police detail of music executive, E-Money, be immediately withdrawn and an investigation into the man be launched. The IG was surprised that policemen were attached to him in the first place and were being used like domestic servants, carrying umbrellas, opening doors and doing menial jobs for him. The policemen were discovered to be attached to B Operations at the command headquarters and not MOPOL which is the usual practice. So, we have withdrawn his policemen and we are inviting him for questioning. The policemen will also be interrogated”-A top police officer * BY CHIDI REUBEN/CRIME REPORTER
• 05/15/20: ‘CHURCHES in Nigeria will certainly lose members after COVID-19 pandemic’-Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Daystar Christian Centre *’Churches with huge members may see a smaller congregation, as most people will now prefer to stream services from home’ * ‘Now that many have been used to worshiping God from the comfort of their rooms, will they go to church when COVID-19 is finally over? * “Many Christians may also feel relaxed on Sundays when they usually go to church?” * BY TOMIWA BOLUWATIFE/RELIGIOUS REPORTER, LAGOS
• 05/15/20: Nigerian born French Fugitive, JESSICA EDOSOMWAN is Europe’s Most Wanted Woman …Recruits 17 young girls from small towns in Nigeria promising to fund their journey to Western Europe * Compel young Nigerian girls to pay a debt of 50,000 to 60,000 euros each, entrusted victims to an older woman who supervise and collect money from them * Victims, housed, fed in bad conditions at exorbitant prices, prostituted in streets or trucks. Money recovered and sent back to Nigeria through a traditional informal payment system. Prosecutors estimate girls aged 17 to 38, made up to 150,000 euros a month for the syndicate, selling sex for as little as 10 euros * ‘Most of the women come from Benin City, a centre of human trafficking, and many told investigators they had made the dangerous journey across the Sahara Desert to Libya, then across the Mediterranean to Italy before ending up in Lyon’-Investigation * “Jessica Edosomwan, a Nigerian citizen who escaped after police raided a prostitution ring in Lyon, is wanted by French authorities. Jessica has been on the run, but she is believed to be hiding either in the Benelux countries, Italy or Germany”- European Police Office * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/10/20: Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) on Notice! Nigeria Police warn Bishop DAVID OYEDEPO: ‘Don’t Re-open Sunday Church Service’ * ‘We have information that some religious leaders in Ogun state are preparing to open their religious centres for people to converge in total disobedience to both the state and federal government directives’ * ‘The command will not tolerate any act capable of undermining the determination of the state and federal government to fight the COVID 19 pandemic to a standstill’ ‘The ban on all forms of gathering be it social or religious is still in force”- Abimbola Oyeyemi, state Police Spokesperson * BY TOPE ADEYANJU/REPORTER, ABEOKUTA
• 05/10/20: FALL-OUT OF COVID-19! Nigerian evacuees from Dubai scream: ‘We are treated like prisoners inside Quarantined Hotel in Lagos’ * ‘We are surrounded by stern-looking, fully-armed soldiers who do not allow us to even get fresh air or receive some sunlight within the compound’ * ‘We have not had it good since we returned from Dubai. We all tested negative for COVID-19 but we are being treated as if we have the disease’ * ‘No government official had called or visited to check our welfare except some officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control who stopped over to see us on Saturday morning’ * “ All COVID-19 issues are handled by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in consultation with the PTF (Presidential Task Force). NIDCOM’s role was to help co-ordinate the names of those who wanted to return, working with the mission. We are not involved in the logistics of their return. So please direct your questions to Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs who is in total control”-Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission * BY JIMI OLAYIWOLA/REPORTER, LAGOS
• 05/10/20: Nigerian born British resident Nurse, ONYENACHI OBASI contract Coronavirus, dies after five weeks on Ventilator machine …51 -year old worked as a health visitor and sacrificed her life for what she loved * Passed early hours of May 6 at Queen’s Hospital, survived by her 19-year-old son *Her last word on dying bed: “I felt I had a duty to work, and help during the pandemic” * Family so far raised more than £6,000 towards Obasi’s funeral costs through ‘GO-FUND-ME’ * “We are just heartbroken. She was really loving, really sweet and a really cute person. She was a good example of unconditional love and just loved everyone. She was so giving and always had an ear – she took people as they were. She loved her job, but that is what caused her to fall ill in the first place”-Her niece, Ijeoma Uzoukwu * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & RIKKY EDWARD/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, UK
• 05/10/20: Nigerian-British Mercury award nominated rapper, BEN CHIJIOKE, a.k.a TY dies of COVID-19 in London…Tears as tributes pour in for 47-year old music-maker * Deceased released debut album “Awkward” in 2001, ‘Go-FUND-Me’ raised for him * His follow-up, “Upward”, nominated for the Mercury in 2004 alongside Amy Winehouse * “Ty was admitted to hospital with complications related to COVID-19, and was put in a medically-induced coma. He woke up and appeared to be getting better but last week contracted pneumonia in hospital, and died on May 7”-Diane Laidlaw, Fund-raising page organiser *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & RIKKY EDWARD/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, UK
• 05/10/20: BREAKING NEWS: Italian Government issues Legal Status, Work Permit to 650,000 Undocumented Nigerian migrants, other African nationals…for proving essential by caring for the elderly and picking crops during the Coronavirus crisis *Touching story of how many Africans endured pains of homelessness and dejection * Most of these migrants are found in Naples-a situation that earned the city the ‘Africa of Italy’ During Covid-19 lockdown in Italy, African migrants were deployed in farms across Italy to tend to crops and perform sundry farm duties * “The food on our table comes from these fields. Now we must hand over those rights which have been denied to those who work in them. The permits – which won’t give migrants the right to vote – will be valid for six months and will be renewable. They were proposed by the agricultural minister Teresa Bellanova. The measure could be inserted into a temporary government decree with immediate effect but will be voted on in parliament after 60 days” – Peppe Provenzano, minister for the south of Italy * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/06/20: ‘We have returned to Nigeria over £241m ($300m) stolen by Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s former dictator’-United States government …Fund laundered through the U.S. And kept in a Jersey bank account *Money recovered from the hidden account of shell company Doraville * Repatriation involves Jersey retaining $5m (£3.8m), US eligible for same amount * ‘The island had transferred $314,305,568.54 to the U.S on 2nd March’- Jersey’s Attorney General Mark Temple QC * ‘Money had been moved to a recovery account held by the Central Bank of Nigeria and would be paid to the National Sovereign Investment Authority within 14 days’-The Justice Minister for Nigeria, Abubakar Malami * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief
• 05/06/20: ‘Nigeria is calling for Debt Forgiveness of member states from International financial institutions’-President Muhammadu Buhari…Members need to use funds withstand the fallout of the Coronavirus pandemic * ‘We are urging official lenders to help cushion the pandemic fallout with outright debt cancellation’ * Fact: Nearly half of Nigeria’s outstanding external debt is with multilateral lenders, led by the World Bank Group with $10.1 billion. Beijing-based Export-Import Bank of China is the second-biggest creditor with loans totaling $3.2 billion, while Eurobonds account for $10.86 billion or 39% of external debt *BY ADEOLA EKUNDAYO/REPORTER, ABUJA
• 05/06/20: NABBED AFTER 20 YEARS ON THE RUN! Brazil’s Most Notorious Cocaine supplier, Gilberto ‘Fuminho’ Aparecido dos Santos, Two Nigerian drug couriers arrested in a hideout in Mozambique…Fugitive found inside prestigious Montebelo Indy, a luxury hotel in Maputo * Accused of running international cocaine operations for the country’s biggest gang * Ship tonnes of cocaine around the world constantly * Police recovered fake Brazilian passport, 100g of cannabis, 15 mobile phones and a car, cash equivalent of about $800 (£633) in Mozambican and South African currency * “Dos Santos does not operate alone, he is part of a gang. We are still investigating whether there are other gang members in Mozambique. One of the Nigerians held a visitor’s visa for Mozambique, the other had a temporary residence visa”-Mozambique police spokesman, Leonardo Simbine *BY UCHE NELSON/CORRESPONDENT, MAPUTO
• 05/06/20: AMERICA’S FAMOUS MEDICAL DOCTOR IN CHICAGO: INSIDE the World of DR. BABAFEMI TAIWO, a Nigerian born leading infectious disease specialist…a celebrated Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University * He has been in practice for more than 20 years, earlier Medicine at University of Ibadan * Won the John Carey Young Investigator Award in 2009 in recognition of his contributions * Had Residency in Internal Medicine at Berkshire Medical Center * Received Fellowship, Infectious Disease at Medical School & Residency, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University * Elected Executive Committee of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group * Appointed Chief of Infectious Diseases Division in varsity since 2016 * Bagged Certifications & Licensure at IL State Medical License * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA’S FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/01/20: AFRICA MOURNING: TONY ALLEN, World’s greatest Drummer, godfather of Afrobeat Rhythms dies of Heart Attack at Pompidou Hospital in Paris …Fela Kuti’s former music director battled Aortic rupture disease to stay alive, plus his last interview few weeks ago in France *79 years old musician latest album titled ‘Rejoice’ in collaboration with south African trumpeter, Hugh Masakela trend on Billboards * ‘Tony Allen is dead. He died of heart attack. He had no contact with Coronavirus disease. He was the greatest drummer that ever lived’-Eric Trosset, manager to Tony Allen * Why publicist earlier tried to hide the demise of Afrobeat maestro-INVESTIGATION * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & DAMIEN YERMT/Reporter, France
• 04/18/20: SAD! Nigerian Chairman of defunct Sosoliso Airlines, VICTOR IKWUEMESI Dies of Coronavirus in London…After few weeks in Intensive Care Unit * Nurses removed oxygen from him to eat after weeks on drips, struggled to breath on his own * Immediately placed on ventilator and died shortly after * Earlier admitted in a British hospital for High Fever, Pneumonia, Lung infection *BY ERIC DEMUDIA/REPORTER, London
• 04/18/20: DIED AT THE AGE OF 75 YEARS: Edo state born retired British Veteran Nurse, MARGARET URHOGHIDE succumb to Covid-19 attack…30 days after glamorous Birthday celebration * Worked for NHS England for decades, described as one of the most celebrated Nurses in U.K. * “Mrs Margaret Urhoghide is a wonderful and illustrious daughter of Esan”-Esan Community of Manchester * “Deceased last birthday was a special gathering of families, friends and well-wishers. A celebration of life, love, tradition and above all the goodness of God. The gathering was a cross-section of a cream of people from different walks of life and culture”-Tribute * BY IBHADE CELESTINA/STAFF WRITER, LONDON
• 04/18/20: PAINFULLY AVOIDABLE! 25-year-old Nigerian-American student, BASSEY OFFIONG, weeks before graduation at Western Michigan University, Dies of Coronavirus …Chemical engineering student refused Covid-19 tests in the Kalamazoo area, where he lived off-campus, despite experiencing symptoms like fever, fatigue and breathing difficulties *Eventually hospitalised at Beaumont, in Royal Oak, had last week medication on a ventilator in the facility’s intensive care unit *“My dear sweet cousin, this is unreal. I don’t even know where to begin. May your soul rest in eternal peace. You did everything and more with your time here on Earth, and although you weren’t anywhere near done in your purpose”-Deceased cousin, Rosalyn Afiong *WMU president, Edward Montgomery: “On behalf of the entire Bronco community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Bassey Offiong entire family, including his sister Asari, who has been generous in communicating with us regularly” * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 04/18/20: NIGERIANS MOURN! Mallam ABBA KYARI, Nigeria President’s Chief of Staff dies of deadly COVID-19…test positive to Coronavirus, continuously received medial treatment till he passed on * Remains arrived in Abuja Saturday morning from Lagos * Buried at Gudu cemetery Abuja after funeral prayers at his residence * BY OLUCHI ROBERT/REPORTER, ABUJA
• 04/18/20: NIGERIA School Blast and Tragedy! A Nun, SISTER HENRIETTA ALOKHA, College Principal Sacrificed her LIFE to save students at Bethlehem Girls College…’She risked her life, entered the explosion, died while rescuing Bethlehem Girls College students amidst the rubble’, says Sr. Monica Omowunmi Rowland, Superior General of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus *17 persons confirmed dead while 25 others were injured, Over 200 persons were displaced as 50 nearby houses were destroyed *Bethlehem College is owned by the Archdiocese of Lagos and managed by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus * ‘A gas explosion near the International Trade Fair Complex, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State may have been the cause’-INVESTIGATION *BY PADE ABAYOMI/STAFF WRITER, LAGOS & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 04/12/20: EASTER SUNDAY: ‘I am the Resurrection and The LIFE’ -Jesus Christ of Nazareth …Stone rolled away from tomb, HE is Risen, Sicknesses conquered, Death destroyed * ‘Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and going to the tomb and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it’-Matthew 28:2 * ‘Mary Magdalene peering into the empty tomb of Jesus and saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet’- John 20:12 * “God raised him from the dead. He ascended to heaven, to the right hand of God, and will return again to fulfill the rest of Messianic prophecy such as the resurrection of the dead, the Last Judgment and establishment of the Kingdom of God”- New Testament * “He who believes in Me will live even if he dies”-Jn 11:25 * By Good Friday, Jesus died. Before dying, He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Finally, He said: “It is finished” * BY TOM ILEYA/RELIGION REPORTER, EUROPE
• 04/12/20: ANTI-CORRUPTION FIGHT! ‘ United States Justice Department’s Anti-money laundering must show evidence $320million stolen Abacha’s fund repatriated to Nigeria is not Squandered’-CHUCK GRASSLEY, U.S. Chairman, Senate Finance Committee …Slam Nigeria’s EFCC, Attorney General for pursuing opposition, saying: “We are asking for proof that funds returned to Nigeria would go toward infrastructure projects as promised” *“Ibrahim Magu, head of EFCC and Attorney General Abubakar Malami using their roles as an enforcement arm against anyone voicing opposition to Buhari’s government” *’Given all these circumstances, it is critical for Congress to understand what steps the United States government is taking, before it helps transfer hundreds of millions of dollars to Nigeria, to ensure that the money is not fuelling more corruption and government abuses’ *Nigeria rejects U.S. senator’s query, claim: “The Federal Government would not be dragged into any controversy over an allegation that has no fact or any iota of proof” * “The Commission remains focused on its mandate against economic and financial crimes and will not be deterred by spurious allegations from individuals with hidden agenda”-EFCC spokesman Tony Orilade * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 04/10/20: CORONAVIRUS DISEASE! 1,000 Nigerians in America, Europe apply to Federal Government to Return Home…begging: ‘We are scared of Covid-19 Abroad, We don’t want to die…bring us back to Nigeria’ * Nigerians who want to return home are in China, United States, United Kingdom; France, United Arab Emirates, Spain and Italy * “Those stranded are actually not Nigerians living abroad. They are mainly Nigerians who traveled for one reason or the other and got stranded. They want to return home. We will do our best, with strict rules for them to follow before being allowed to board. Several people have registered”-Chairperson of NIDCOM, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa * Nigerian government give two conditions that must be met: “They must undergo a compulsory COVID-19 test in their host countries before leaving and subject themselves to a 14-day quarantine on arrival. Conditions are in line with the guidelines of the National Centre for Disease Control. They will bear all expenses of the trip” * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/10/20: CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC! ‘Nigerian Government ready to liaise with British Airways to evacuate over 500 Nigerians living in United States and the United Kingdom’- Boss Mustapha, Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 * 300 Nigerians are to be evacuated from the United States, 200 from the United Kingdom immediately All Nigerian citizens who will be evacuated will be quarantined in the available facilities rather than the self-isolation- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama * BY HELEN IDUMO/WRITER, ABUJA
• 04/10/20: PAINFUL DEATH! Nigerian born British Bus Driver in London, EMEKA NYACK IHENACHO contracts Coronavirus…Died hours after lamenting if he skip work his take-home-pay would be cut, saying in tears ‘Mum, I’m not going to make it’ *Complained bitterly of lack of personal protective equipment for transport workers * Hardworking father of a seven-year-old son regularly parked his bus at the Holloway depot, proudly drives it through the streets of Islington * He was one of eight London bus workers who died in the last few days, suffered from mild asthma, Family members now crowdfunding money for his funeral costs * “I’m heartbroken. I’m in so much pain. It’s a pointless loss of a life for doing a job he loved. I only discovered after talking to my daughter that she begged him not to go to work. He made friends very easily. He would talk to anybody. He always enjoyed spending time with myself, his sister and we would watch movies and Love Island”- Anne Nyack, deceased mother cried * “I called 999 again and said he was screaming, calling out: ‘I need an ambulance’. I held his head between my hands and said: ‘Look at me, you’re not going anywhere’, and the look of fear in his eyes will haunt me for the rest of my life”-Family member * BY ADEOLA RUBEN/REPORTER, UK & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 04/08/20: PAINFUL! Nigerian born Naturalized American renowned Epidemiologist, CALEB ANYA sacrificed Life to save hundred Covid-19 patients inside New York Hospital…dies of Coronavirus infection, family want him cremated * Wore normal hospital garb, Covid-19 kit for five days * Plus his Life as a Pastor, Regrets & Aspiration for Nigeria * Why he prays before any medical operation * Last word to wife on dying bed: “Honey, I love you so much. I am so sorry for not staying back with you as you earlier advised me in Maryland. I tried to stay safe here in New York Hospital, yet I caught Covid-19. It pained me that I will not be able to celebrate my wedding anniversary with you and also help Nigerian government to solve the Coronavirus pandemic. Please forgive me” * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/08/20: SADLY! ‘We can tell you that 22 Nigerians have died of Coronavirus in Europe’ –Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe …18 in UK, 3 in Italy and 1 in Spain Not less than 25 other Nigerians are currently hospitalised due to infection from the virus * ‘The figures were compiled from the information provided by the country chapters of the organisation around the world’- Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, chairman of NIDOE * BY KOLA OYEDOLA/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER, Italy
• 04/08/20: NO HIDE-OUT FOR CORRUPTION: ‘We are ready to Confiscate the stolen sum of 117 million pounds ($153 million) seized from JAMES IBORI, a convicted Nigerian politician’-British prosecutor * Case, a rare example of a prominent Nigerian politician being punished for part in the endemic corruption that has blighted Africa’s most populous country for decades * Restarting the process at Southwark Court, prosecution counsel Jonathan Kinnear list assets Britain is seeking to seize from former Delta state governor and return funds to Nigeria * Ibori as a young shop assistant in a branch of home improvements chain Wickes in London, was caught trying to steal from the store and convicted of theft *BY CHIOMA ELEBUWA/CRIME REPORTER, London
• 03/31/20: JUST IN: Oyo state Governor, SEYI MAKINDE tests positive to Coronavirus disease…says: ‘I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is POSITIVE’ * Confirms he is asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate * Designate Prof Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force while he recovers * BY YEMI AKANDE/POLITICAL REPORTER, IBADAN
• 03/30/20: New development in medical science: ‘I met a young Jamaican in Geneva whose Invention could help tackle spread of COVID-19’ -Commonwealth Secretary-General, PATRICIA Scotland …Rayvon Stewart found a way to curb the spread of harmful germs from person-to-person or via contaminated surfaces * He discovered Xermosol which helped saved 20 born babies in Jamaica that were earlier infected with lethal bacteria * Field and laboratory testing validated Xermosol’s efficiency in killing more than 99.9% of deadly pathogens * Tests carried out in conjunction with University of Technology, Jamaica and University of the West Indies showed Xermosol destroys organisms as MRSA, E-coli and viral cells like influenza virus H1N1 * This is a huge step in the fight against microorganisms and offers new ways of thinking around combatting viral cells such as Coronavirus * “The recognition I received from the Commonwealth Health Innovation Awards was a key moment in Xermosol’s progress, generating immense interest in the project”-Rayvon *BY DEBRA KELLY/SCIENCE REPORTER, KINGSTON, JAMAICA
• 03/30/20: CORONAVIRUS 14-DAY CURFEW: Nigerian Government orders Shelter-in-Place for Abuja, Lagos, Ogun states…businesses, offices shut down, movement restricted from 11pm on Monday, March 30,2020 …’COVID-19 has no cure. Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine’, President Muhammadu Buhari *All citizens in areas mentioned to stay in their homes, Travel to or from other states postponed * Restriction will not apply to hospitals, all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution * Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they were unable to work from home exempted from restrictions *All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational, Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority * Vehicles conveying food, other essential humanitarian items into locations from other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter restricted areas * Directs a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect * BY TOLA ADEBAYO/ NATIONAL REPORTER, ABUJA
• 03/30/20: COVID-19 SPREAD: Nigerian Defiant PASTOR UDEN, General Overseer of Jesus Reign Family Church Arrested for violating ban on public places of worship in Federal Capital Territory…Christ Embassy, 15 other churches shut * Church in full session when members of the ministerial task force team arrived * Team waited for the pastor to conclude worship before approaching him to explain his wrongs and handcuff him * Task force team dispersed worshipers at the Christ Embassy Church located at Jahi District of the FCT * Enforcement team also shut down the popular H-Medix Pharmacy located at Wuse II District of the FCT, following complaints received at the FCT COVID-19 Situation Room that the pharmacy has no gun thermometers, other required items to ensure safety of customers and staff * BY DEBORAH JOHN/RELIGIOUS CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 03/30/20: COVID-19 PANDEMIC: ‘It is Satanic, Evil and Greedy for any pastor to demand for tithes, offerings from members at this trial period of global health crisis’-Nigerian pastor, Ambassador Ephraim, founder of Power House and Ephraim Ononye Ministries Worldwide …’I am more angrier and it is very dangerous that some men of God are coercing their members to pay online’ * ‘Where do those pastors involved expect their members to get the money from when markets are closed down, most offices are not working and civil servants do not go to work instead of being concerned about their welfare and well being in this trial period?’ * BY AMAECHI DANIEL/REPORTER, ABUJA
• 03/30/20: SHOCKING CONFESSION: ‘Coronavirus is a Demon in Hell, I am demanding the sum of $100,000 (₦36,700,000) as a ‘Man-of-God’ to fight it off’- Pastor Mboro, a South African clergy …’I am ready to embark on the dangerous journey and save mankind as funds only cover my transport logistics’ * Boast: “I have seen a vision of how the Coronavirus demon looks like and I will defeat it” * “There is no need for worry and doing any expensive research. The real problem is the demon causing this disease and I am ready to kill it once and for all’ * BY TITIANA CLEMENT/REPORTER, PRETORIA
• 03/24/20: World, fans mourning passage of Afro-Jazz Star! Manu Dibango, Cameroonian Music legend dies of Coronavirus…plus how African Saxophone Superstar contracted Covid-19 86-year-old Cameroonian, best known for the 1972 hit ‘Soul Makossa’ breathe his last in Paris, according to a representative * ‘Funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible’ * Funerals in France limited to 20 people who are in the closest circle of the deceased due to a lockdown in trying to slow the spread of the coronavirus * Remembered famous copyright dispute with Micheal Jackson over Thriller as King of Pop settled him out of court * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & REBECCA AMPHORA/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, FRANCE
• 03/23/20: CORONAVIRUS: Two NIGERIANS Suffering Drug Overdose after Self-Medicating with Chloroquine… demand for the drug surged in Lagos moment Trump Praised Anti-Malaria Drug as Possible COVID-19 Treatment * Some Nigerians begin stockpiling hydroxychloroquine for family members and friends * “Two people were hospitalized in Lagos for chloroquine overdoses”-Oreoluwa Finnih, senior health assistant to the governor of Lagos * Gboyega Akosile, chief press secretary to Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu tweet: “Oreoluwa Finnih, the governor’s senior special assistant on health,, had warned against “massive consumption” of the drug” * * BY TITILAYO OBADINA/HEALTH REPORTER, LAGOS
• 03/23/20: Making Africa Proud Abroad: INSIDE the World of ADEBAYO OGUNLESI, Nigerian billionaire owner of London Gatwick and Edinburgh Airports…Son of the first Nigerian professor of medicine at University of Ibadan, possesses a Net Worth of 20 million dollars * Received a B.A. with first class honors in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University in England. Later bagged a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School and an M.B.A.from the Harvard Law Review * Served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall of the United States Supreme Court * Made wave as attorney in the corporate practice group of the New York City law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore * Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of Credit Suisse First Boston * He is Chairman and Managing Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners, a joint venture whose initial investors included Credit Suisse and General Electric * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 03/19/20: ORACLE OF GOD SPEAK: ‘As long as you remain in the secret place of the Most High, no Coronavirus will come near you’ – Pastor E.A. Adeboye *Ability to abide under God shadow involves you living a life of cleanliness like washing your hands, keeping your environment clean * This is the time God is separating people who are genuinely serving Him from other people who call the name of the Lord in vain for their own pecuniary gains * The Lord is passing through all the nations of the world presently * BY IYANU AKANBI/RELIGIOUS REPORTER
• 03/19/20: INSPIRING: 12-year old Nigerian hyper-realist, KAREEM WARIS OLAMILEKAN wins International Art Award in Taiwan * Triumphed over 2,723 international candidates to win Taiwan’s 22nd Fervent Global Love of Lives Award * Fervent Global Love of Lives Award under Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation was founded in 1997 * Gifted-hands young artist is one of a growing crop of hyper-realists in Nigeria that use charcoal and pencil as the medium of choice for his paintings * “Famous Nigerian Internet Bitty Artist – Waris Olamilekan Kareem sketched a stunning portrait of French President, Emmanuel Macron, on the spot in just two hours, which amazed the global media. He has now become a famous Internet artist. The works of Michelangelo motivate him, and his goal is to surpass the standard set by the great artist. He intends to use drawings to depict Africa vividly and flip a new life to change Africa”-Taiwanese government *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & CLAUDIA KENNEDY, REPORTER, TAIWAN
• 03/17/20: JOURNALISM AT ITS FINEST @ RAINBOW HALL OF FAME AWARDS: Nigerian born American Journalist, GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU Wins double media honor in a glitzy and glamour red-carpet ceremony at Golden Gates Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos * Receives Outstanding African Investigative Journalist of the decade, Most Celebrated Nigerian Journalist in the Diaspora on Saturday, March 15 * Remaining award winners: Most Outstanding Legal Luminary of the year (Charles Ajiboye), African Humanitarian Writer (Mike Cerutti Osagie), Extraordinary Business Icon (Dr .Nwaorie Lazarus); African Culture Promoter in the Diaspora ( Nikki Spooner), Most Trusted Real Estate Investor (Dr.Jerry Nwakobi), Most Outstanding Female Initiator (Mrs.Olajumke Saliu), Hon .Dr.Segun Musa (Dynamic Politician) and other recipients BY SAMSON SHOAGA/MANAGING EDITOR, Nigeria
• 03/15/20: BREAKING NEWS: Famous Nigerian Pathologist, Dr. OLUMIDE OKUNUGA Dies of Coronavirus in Italy after contacting high Fever in Canada…’63-year-old Nigerian diagnosed to have contacted Coronavirus while on few days official assignment to Canada’-Close friends * Deceased, a native of Ikenne, Remo, Ogun state was President of Egbe Omo Yoruba, Emila Romagna and Vice-President of Yoruba National Community in Italy * Celebrated as a two-time Councillor for Modena in Italy where he had lived for 35 years * “His death has left the Yoruba community in Italy totally devastated. We have lost a very great man who is in the apex of his career”-an official of the Egbe Omo Yoruba * “We lost a great man this weekend. He was an affectionate and decent man who lived for others through his meritorious services since he left Nigeria for Canada many years ago”- Abiodun Gbadamosi, an official of Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & FUNKE DOLAPO, REPORTER, ITALY
• 03/14/20: DEPORTATION THREAT: Nigerian Couple, RASHEEDAT and AFEEZ BAKARE in Tears…beg Canadian Government ‘Daughters risk Genital Mutilation if returned home’ * Family of four arrived Ontario in 2017, had another daughter in Canada a year later *After denial of refugee status, Rasheedat, now five months pregnant, collapsed and was taken to hospital * Recently, the government issued a temporary delay on the family’s deportation order * “My children’s lives, my husband’s life are at risk. We ran away because they wanted to circumcise my baby girl — the one I brought from Africa. When I got to Canada, I had another baby girl. Currently, I’m pregnant with another baby girl. Now [I’ll have] three baby girls — [and all of their lives are] going to be at risk”-Rasheedat *BY TOLU ABODERIN/REPORTER, ONTARIO & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 03/13/20: Lagos Pastor, MICHAEL NJOTEAH Sentenced to TWO Years in Jail over N2million Fraud…deceived suspect in the pretext of helping to procure Australian visa *Defraud another victim to the tune of N850,000 for same visa offence * ‘Offences contravene sections 287, 314 318 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015’-Prosecutor, Friday Mameh * ‘I am not a visa agent, I collected the money from the complainants in order to connect them with a visa agent’-Njoteah *BY TIM ABIOLA/JUDICIAL REPORTER, Lagos
• 03/13/20: MONEY LAUNDERING IN AMERICA! Nigerian born Houston resident Kingpin, BAMEYI KELVIN OMALE receives 135 months JAIL TERM… ordered to pay $5,378,292.03 as restitution *32 -year-old suspect involved in the scheme to launder millions of dollars *Other Nigerian suspects found guilty: Chinonso Agbaji, a 30-year-old Houston resident sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, Igho Calaba, a 26-year-old Austin resident got 30 months in federal prison; Chibuzor Stanley Uba, a 31-year-old resident of San Antonio to 36 months in federal prison * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 03/13/20: CONFESSION! ‘I am GUILTY of collecting $1,500 cash from a Nigerian man to help him obtain Green Card in America unlawfully’-AJIA Strauss, 28-year-old American lady in Newark * Monsuru Ogunbiyi, resident of Pittsburgh convinced American woman to submit falsified documents, made untrue statements to USCIS to become a permanent resident * Fake couple staged photographs, claiming to live together and opening a joint bank account * Court set sentencing for June 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m, facing five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 03/13/20: Nigerian Drug Queen in America, TEMITOPE AYONI OLAIYA, alias ‘Tammy’ sentenced to 10 years in prison for Cocaine conspiracy, multiple fraud scheme * 41-year old Green Card holder in Maryland recruit men, assist couriers in obtaining passports, visas, booked their travel arrangement *Suspect ensure couriers’ travel to foreign countries to obtain drugs, bring same into USA *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 02/28/20: FIGHTING FOR DAUGHTER’S RELEASE IN BOKO HARAM DEN: LEAH SHARIBU’S Mother storm London, plans to meet British Prime Minister…in tears, saying: “Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has tried, but I need Boris Johnson to help me now secure my daughter’s release from terrorists’ captivity” *On Hausa BBC interview in London: ‘Nigerian government did not contact our family until seven months after the abduction of our daughter’ *Lament: ‘I have cried many times. My eyes are swollen. President Buhari contacted me, and sent down three Ministers, assuring me that Leah was going to be released soon, nothing else else had been said to me’ *Confess :’I am in London to seek the assistance of the the British Government to free Leah from the terrorists’ captivity * BY AHMED MUSA/Correspondent in London
• 02/28/20: ‘As a Prophet of God, I can tell you those who destroy Nigeria will cry, Face the Lord’s Anger’- Rev. Fr. Ejke Mbaka, Roman Catholic, Adoration Ministry, Enugu * Vows: ‘Anyone who plot to destabilise Nigeria would receive dire punishment from God’ * Stop blaming President Buhari for all the problems in Nigeria * Governors should go back to their drawing board, don’t leave the insecurity problem alone to Buhari, he can’t be everywhere. You people receive millions of Naira every month for security votes, use those money to do meaningful things in your various states, engage youths and see whether we will not get it right * BY EMMANUEL ODEMA/STAFF WRITER, ENUGU
• 02/28/20: PANIC & FEAR: ‘We now have a confirmed CORONAVIRUS Patient in Nigeria’-Dr. OSAGIE EHANIRE, Minister of Health * Case involves an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and just returned from Milan, Italy on the 25th of February 2020 * He tested positive at the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control * Patient clinically stable with no serious symptoms, being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos * Lay out procedure on how Nigerians should take care of their health, maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves from COVID 19 * ‘Coronavirus patient visited Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State’- Tomi Coker, Commissioner for Health *BY DOLAPO AJAYI/Special Correspondent, SOUTH-WEST Nigeria
• 02/28/20: TRUE CONFESSION OF A-22-YEAR-OLD NIGERIAN UNDERGRADUATE GIRL: ‘A Rich Yahoo Guy paid me 4Million Naira to sleep with his dog, I think I am Pregnant’-CHIOMA (last name withheld), cries in self regret * ‘I have sinned against God, I cannot even see my Menstrual circle anymore’ * ‘He deceived me his Uncle’s company was shooting Adult movies, now having a strange illness’ * ‘A month ago some boys came to our campus from Ghana on a mission to recruit some girls into their porn industry’ * ‘I was promised heaven on earth and given One million Naira as an advance payment-that made me fell for him’ * BY DELIA OMOBUDE/REPORTER, Lagos
• 02/27/20: FACT UNDILUTED ON NIGERIAN TRADITION! Origin of IFA, Dangers of Voodoo mythology …True story of Adeola Fagbamile, divinely saved by God from Ifa ritual * Confession of a lady called by Ifa Oracle as a priestess: ‘I felt I was going to die, I could not sleep, until I relocated to Australia’ * PLUS why last names bearing Ifa are tied automatically to Ifa ancestry, Egungun (Masquerade) connection *BY TADE ORIYOMI/REPORTER, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA
• 02/22/20: LIVE IN DALLAs: Nigeria’s Controversial Musician, NAIRA MARLEY secures P-2 Visa for American performance Tour …shows titled ‘Marlays Yankee’ slated for March 6, 2020, other cities *First show holds at swayz ballroom, 9750 Walnut street, #114, Dallas, Texas, 75243 *Gate fees pegged at: $40 (early bed), $50 (regular), $100 (VIP ticket); $1500 (silver table for 8 people), $2500 (gold table for 10 people) * Malian American fans calls him ‘Africa’s snoop Dogg’ * For more enquiries, contact on Twitter: @Femi_Lamerica or call: +1682-252-8777 * Tickets available and coordinated by Evenbrite BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 02/21/20: Nigerian born Spanish fraudster, HELEN MUKORO IDISI arrested for Scam, Identity Theft, Impersonation posing as UN Women President… handcuffed suspect fired back: ‘United Nations defamed me’ *Call self ‘archduchess’, ‘detective’, ‘politician’, ‘Nigerian aristocrat’ * Detained on pain’s eastern Mediterranean coast, request funds from global bodies and giving interviews to the media as a VIP * “Helen provides online legal courses and solicited funds to carry out different projects related to the institution she claimed to represent”- Spanish police *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & KALID INUDU/ REPORTER, Spain
• 02/21/20: NEW DEVELOPMENT: ‘WE are ready to confiscate JAMES IBORI’S tens of millions of pounds stolen from Delta state oil-producing area in Nigeria’ -British Government *earlier convicted former governor found guilty of laundering his loot in Britain *Prosecution counsel Jonathan Kinnear list assets that Britain seeks to confiscate from Ibori and return to Nigerian public funds *Total value of the known proceeds of his crimes came to 117 million pounds ($153 million) * For the record, during his time in office, Ibori amassed a portfolio of luxury properties in Nigeria, London, Washington, Houston and Johannesburg *Case expected to last around four week *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & CLAUDIA FAITH, Staff Crime Writer, London
• 02/19/20: United States Presidential Campaign: Nigerian conman, CHINEDU AMAECHI creates FAKE Social Media Account for Pete Buttigieg…alleges ‘Nigerians support political ambition’, claim ‘big misunderstanding’ to cause confusion *Drops the name of Lis Smith, senior communications adviser for Buttigieg’s campaign *Gives impression that Smith is behind “Pete Buttigieg supporter from Nigeria” * ‘It’s an absurd of conspiracy theory’- Smith * “Nigerian shadow account conspiracy theories are the new rat emojis. Sad but not surprising”-Matt Corridoni, the campaign’s deputy rapid-response communications director * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 02/19/20: Nigerian Detainee in American Jail, ANTHONY OLUSEYE AKINYEMI Strangulates self inside ICE Custody within 24hours…Pronounced deceased after been found unresponsive in his cell at the Worcester County Jail * Attempts made by Emergency personnel to revive 56-year-old unsuccessful. * Locked-up in ICE custody a day after conviction in Baltimore City Circuit Court for a sex offense and assault * Immigration detainer earlier lodged against him for sexual abuse of a minor, entered the U.S. lawfully on a non-immigrant visa, failed to comply with the terms of his admission and was in removal proceedings before federal immigration courts *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 02/18/20: BREAKING NEWS! Masked Gunmen invade Nigeria’s Federal capital territory, kill Aso Rock’s assistant director, LAETITIA NAANKANG DAGAN inside own Apartment…trailed from Presidential Villa, Abuja to home, murdered within 3 hours *’She ( Laetitia) was beaten, hand-tied and strangulated to death against her wish’-INVESTIGATION * “The Police are now working round the clock to fish out the killers of Laetitia and the law will take its course”- Permanent Secretary, Jalal Arabi, State House statement *BY LATI AHMED/REPORTER, ABUJA
• 02/18/20: KING SEGUN ‘ShyShy’ SHYLLON: NIGERIA’S Number one Dee Jay, Radio Host in London…reigns as only African Dee Jay to blaze European mainstream club in a live VideoMix for four years in Finland …says ‘I was born into a music family, where my Dad was a great keyboardist, a legendary composer and a music teacher’ * Had successful disc jockey shows in Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Nigeria, Holland, France, Italy * Celebrated as Most Famous Guest Dee Jay on Channel O music awards * Remain first African to have ever introduced AfroBeats into mainstream carnival * Pioneered and hosted a radio show called ‘Grand Slam’ a live broadcast from the party venues on Ray Power 100 the first private radio station in Nigeria back in the 90s * Recalls rookie-day at OGBC FM 2 in Ogun State, hails broadcast icon Femi Sowoolu for discovering his talent * Abeokuta ‘boy’ Confesses: ‘ I love my ‘Amala’ with rich delicious okra soup and fish stew’ * PLUS working encounters with world renowned Dee Jays, why he’s always shy as ‘Shy Shy’ QUOTE: “At a particular time in life, you are recognized by your gifts through the amount of work you put in place to better yourself. When you do it diligently and passionately, you are loved at your best”-ShyShy * GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER
• 02/13/20: ‘No Sane person will die for Nigeria, a Poorly Mismanaged Nation’-Bishop Mathew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese * Citizens of some countries were willing to risk their lives for their nations but such is not the case in Nigeria * An average officeholder is ready to die to protect his office but not for the nation that has given him or her that office * BUHARI remained the only president in the history of the country that had run the most nepotistic and narcissistic government in known history * Lament: ‘Our attempt to build a nation has become like the agony of Sisyphus who angered the gods and had to endure the frustration of rolling a stone up the mountain’ * BY AHMED ILADI/REPORTER, Sokoto state
• 02/13/20: ‘FAKE News medium reported Zahra Buhari secured job in PPPRA’-Presidency * ‘Zahra, just like any other Nigerian, can work wherever she secures employment, we hasten to add that the story is false in every material particular’ * “The publication is untrue, malicious, and meant to cast aspersions at the First Family since the tendentious platform claims the job was secured fraudulently’-Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity * BY KENNETH AMAECHI/STAFF WRITER, ABUJA
• 02/13/20: OLIVER WANKO, making waves as Africa’s Number One Tax expert in North America…providing first class tax information in one place, understands IRS policies *Cameroonian born American Certified Public Accountant most sought after by Nigerians, Ghanians, Tanzanians, South Africans, other nationalities * Offers Individual/Business Tax, Fast Refunds, Direct Deposit, Electronic Filing, ITIN * “We have been on ground over the years in Texas taking care of various tax consultations of individuals, companies consistently providing excellent services for the people of black communities, which is why we are the most reliable here in United States” BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 02/13/20: OLIVER WANKO, faisant des vagues en tant qu’expert fiscal numéro un en Afrique en Amérique du Nord… fournissant des informations fiscales de première classe au même endroit, comprend les politiques de l’IRS * Expert comptable agréé américain né au Cameroun le plus recherché par les Nigérians, les Ghanéens, les Tanzaniens, les Sud-Africains et d’autres nationalités * Offre la taxe individuelle / professionnelle, les remboursements rapides, le dépôt direct, le dépôt électronique, l’ITIN * «Nous avons été sur le terrain au Texas au fil des années pour prendre en charge diverses consultations fiscales des particuliers, des entreprises fournissant constamment d’excellents services aux habitants des communautés noires, c’est pourquoi nous sommes les plus fiables ici aux États-Unis» PAR GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU / AMERICAN Foreign Office Chief
• 02/10/20: SUFFERING DEPRESSION & HEARTBREAK IN AMERICA! Nigerian born Naturalized American woman, JOY UTOKANANDU arrested for trying to illegally drive into White House…Secret Service, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit of the D.C. Police Department handcuff her *Law enforcement responds to suspicious vehicle around 6 a.m * Suspect stopped and the individual taken into custody * Mother-of-two Nurse practitioner having mental illness after Nigerian husband filed for divorce * Joy relocates from North Texas to Washington D.C and lives inside her car blocks from the White House * “This is 100% mental illness, she has no political affiliation, no strong views about anybody. It’s a woman needs help, who is sick. She did not go there intending to harm President Trump. We are divorced”-Jeffery Akharoh, former hubby reveals * “We closed the surrounding roads Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest and 17th Street Northwest due to the security alert. The roads were also closed to pedestrian traffic. The vehicle, we later identified as Mercedes with Texas plates, was stopped and the individual was taken into custody”- Secret Service * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 02/10/20: SADLY PAINFUL! Nigerian born former Texas College athlete, MICHAEL IFY EGWUAGU Arrested for Stabbing Pregnant blood Sister 26 times to death…caught on recorded door camera saying: ‘I killed my sister, I killed Jennifer’ * 25-year-old suspect handcuffed, taken by police into custody * Victim, Jennifer Chioma Ebichi, 32, was found suffering from multiple stab wounds at a home in Pflugerville, 17 miles north of Austin. * Arrest affidavit alleges that Egwuagu was seen on doorbell camera video holding a knife as he left the home after the killing * ‘I believe Ebichi was stabbed one to two dozen times and died as a result of multiple stab wounds’ -Chief Medical Examiner J. Keith Pinckard * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 02/10/20: LET HIM FACE THE MUSIC IN AMERICA! 20-year-old Nigerian born American Green Card Holder, EYITOLUWA OLALEYE Handcuffed for Assassinating own biological Mother in Holiday Inn hotel, Texas….deceased found face down on the floor with her son lying on her back- arms wrapped around her body * Mother screamed for help at 2:12am, son forcefully cover mouth so no one could hear * Call transcript said Austin-Travis County EMS already on their way to the scene for a report of someone screaming in their room, Later updates to the call said the sounds of a fight were also coming from the room * Police say once they made their way into the room they found a woman face down on the floor with a man lying on her back with his arms wrapped around her body. The woman was unresponsive and ATCEMS performed CPR but she was declared dead at the scene. Police say as he was detained the suspect appeared to be singing in a different language * ‘ A post mortem examination on Olayeye’s mother said the victim suffered deep skull hemorrhaging, hemorrhaging around the neck, lacerations to the inner mouth, petechial hemorrhaging and signs of strangulation’- Travis County medical examiner *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 02/03/20: WICKED! Nigeria born Cambodian Drug Fugitive, PRECIOUS CHINEME NWOKO alias ‘Precious Max’ lures Australian woman on dating app (Tagged) into Romance…Deceived Yoshe Taylor into carrying Heroin in two laptop bags * Lied to be a South African, invites victim to Cambodia to propose marriage after bout of sex * Australia Custom and Border Protection arrest victim, court sends her to jail for 23 years * 24-year-old fraudster handcuffed from hideout, sentenced to 27 years in jail * “I thought I have met the dream of my life. Precious Max a Nigerian ruined me. He acted like prince charming on Tagged dating social network where I met him. He talked smoothly. I never knew he is an agent of Satan. We are trying to appeal the judgment”-Taylor, a mother-of-two tears up * BY TINA DANIEL/CRIME REPORTER, LIVE in AUSTRALIA
• 02/03/20: SHAMEFUL! Nigerian Drug Queen in America, TEMITOPE AYONI OLAIYA, a.k.a ‘Tammy Olaiya’ Recruits youths as Cocaine couriers to Brazil, Defraud U.S. Govt in Medicaid Health Scam…Green Card holder in Hyattsville, Maryland drives Lamborghini porch cars from proceed of crime *40-year-old woman helps couriers to travel to foreign countries to obtain drugs to bring back into the United States for sale * Assist drug mules in obtaining passports, visas and booked their travel arrangements * Lavishes $381,500 in fraudulent credit card, facing 10 years minimum jail term, to be deported after prison * “Tammy Olaiya is a ‘triple threat’ of criminality – drug trafficker, a fraudster, and a liar,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia * BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 02/02/20: Breaking News! Controversy, Disinformation trail Nigerian e-Passports’ renewal in Texas…angry Nigerians, Embassy Agents differ on procedure for biometric exercise * ‘We are doing our best to help Nigerians process their passport renewal. Many Nigerians are impatient. These Nigerians damaged, destroyed the door of a church (our earlier venue for biometric on South Carrier Parkway at Grand Prairie. Five times we called the police on them to maintain order. We will have to underwrite the church doors’ repair. We all have to maintain Nigeria’s image positively Overseas. For Nigerians’ comfort, we had to move the processing to a more spacious church on Jefferson street’ -Olu Korede, one of the agents assigned from Nigeria Consulate of Atlanta * ‘I can assure you that the official agents (Ambassador Stella Onuoha, Olu Korede) are lying. After we knocked the church doors severally and no one opened, we called the cops on them. That was on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at former St. Joseph’s Anglican church campus located at 4829 South Carrier Parkway at Grand Prairie when we realized the doors were locked, yet suspected biometric was on-going inside the building. At the end, some of us were eventually taken care of’- Oyeyemi Olatunji, one of the protesting Nigerians *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief reporting LIVE from Grand Prairie
• 01/29/20: GRATITUDE TO GOD! Nigeria’s ace actor, MIKE EZURUONYE survives 8hours Eye Surgery… due to harsh movie production lights * Had abnormal growth encroaching the pupil of both eyes *Doctor advised for medical surgery to prevent permanent damage * Confesses Ophthalmologist had a successful operation * Warns: ‘People who spend a long time looking at their phones and laptop screens are at risk of such danger’ * BY DEMOLA IFEPADE/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, LAGOS
• 01/29/20: SADLY BATTLING STROKE! Nigeria’s Nollywood Actor, ERNEST ASUZU spotted topless at Lagos Shoprite, begging for alms to feed…lament to passers-by ‘he’s been abandoned’ *Tears-up that no one in the movie industry cares for his survival, wearing a blue jean pants and bathroom slippers BY KESTA AMAECHI/REPORTER, LAGOS
• 01/26/20: Knock-out King: ONORIODE ‘Godzilla’ EHWARIEME, Nigerian born Mike Tyson of Africa making waves in USA…defeats most opponents in round one * U.S.-based Nigerian 6-ft-7 heavyweight pugilist had 17 wins only one defeat * Fans compare him to Tyson, the original “Baddest Man on the Planet * Began career in 2003 in Oghara (Delta state), punched his way up to the top to become WBF International heavyweight title * Says: ‘I am ready to FIGHT for the World Championship belt’ *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 01/26/20: SHAMEFUL IN AMERICA! Nigerian Woman, JUMOKE MONSURAT AYEDUN arrested in New Jersey for STEALING $17,000 cash from an elderly East Texas woman * 29-Year-old used a fake Facebook account to defraud victims, lied to victim she was eligible for a grant from the United Nations Democracy Fund Program of $75,000 *Victim deceived to talk to the scammer after seeing a picture of another family member * Smith County Sheriff’s Office investigates the case, tracked down the suspect through the bank account number used by the suspect during the transactions * Ayedun had been receiving payments into her account from various sources as Venmo, Zellepay, personal checks. * ‘We determined the suspect as 29-year-old Jumoke Monsurat Ayedun, a Nigerian national who was living in New Jersey on a visa. A warrant for Ayedun has been issued for theft from the elderly. Her bond was set at $1 million. Ayedun was arrested by police in Teaneck, New Jersey. She is currently in the Bergen County Jail awaiting extradition’-Investigator John Partlow *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 01/26/20: INSPIRING! Nigerian born American West Point Military Graduate, YINKA FALETI eyes Secretary of State political position in Missouri…former United Way VP, launches campaign * As a prosecutor earlier helped an 11-year-old boy open up and get justice after his teacher had been showing him pornography in the classroom * Served in the U.S. Army in Kuwait twice — before and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks * Raised over $300 million for the St. Louis area as second executive director of Forward Through Ferguson, a nonprofit formed after a police officer fatally shot Michael Brown in 2014 * Faleti, who is running as a Democrat reportedly said: “I’m running to ensure all Missourians, no matter what persuasion they are, have free, fair, and secure access to vote and that our ballot initiative process is protected, and the decisions that come out of it are honored” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 01/26/20: Meet STEVE BABAEKO, Most Celebrated Designer, leader of Nigeria’s Number One Creative Agency…takes company X3M Ideas to the end of the World *Graduate of Ahmadu Bello University ready to use art to celebrate the riches of African culture in the eyes of international community *For tourism to flourish in Nigeria, government needs to partner with the advertising industry to keep projecting the strength of the nation *In 8 years his firm has won major accounts in Africa, have thriving offices in Lagos, Johannesburg and Lusaka *Recalls first job as a Copywriter, appreciates Victor Johnson, then Managing Director of MC&A *Worked on a DStv campaign that ended up being used across many parts of the continent *Nigeria’s Finance Minister position is not to support the unified currency ECO *Message to Nigerians: “I understand that the country is hard but if we all flee this country who will build it for our children? Some people’s forebears stayed back, sacrificed and built the countries we are all escaping to. Imagine if they had fled their country at the time, we will have nowhere to run to today” *BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 01/19/20: VARSITY DON RUINS SELF IN AMERICA! Nigerian born Professor, CHIKAODINAKA NWAKPA sacked for STEALING $185,000 research grant funds…lavish money on ‘Ashewo’ (Prostitutes), Sports bars and iTunes * Former Drexel University professor handcuffed, arrested, facing criminal charges * ‘We charged him (Professor Nwakpa) with theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception on both felonies’-Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office * “Mr. Nwankpa inappropriately and criminally diverted tens of thousands of dollars that were allocated for research purposes toward his own private enjoyment. He betrayed Drexel University and tuition-paying students he was paid to educate,” District Attorney Larry Krasner *Spends over $96,000 on adult entertainment venues, sports bars, waste more than $89,000 on iTunes purchases, meals and other unauthorized purchases between midnight and 2 a.m *Released on $25,000 bail, surrendered his passport and scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 29 BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 01/19/20: ECONOMIC SUPERPOWER OF THE 21ST CENTURY: ‘Nigeria is Africa’s Black China of the world’-SAM Hill, Senior Contributing Editor, Newsweek magazine ….argues ‘Kano-oldest city in West Africa is more busier, closely cosmopolitan like New York City’ * Reveal encounter with Nigeria’s former Central Bank Governor, HE Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th emir of Kano *Talks about Community Engagement and Social Development Initiative, a nongovernmental organization in Maiduguri that helps female victims of the militant group Boko Haram BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 01/19/20: $184 million FAKE LOAN: Fraudsters duped Nigerian oil producer, LEKAN AKINYANMI, owner of Lekoil company $600,000 cash…clones Qatar Investment Authority website * Lekoil shares plunged 73% after a trading halt in London Stock Exchange * ‘I am a victim of a complex fraud in order to masquerade as representatives of the QIA’-Lekan lament * Mark Simmonds, former minister in the U.K. Foreign Office during David Cameron as prime minister will lead the investigation alongside Tony Hawkins who is chief executive of another U.K.-listed oil firm, Columbus Energy BY ROBERT IDEMUDIA/ECONOMY EDITOR, LONDON
• 01/19/20: HELP ME, WHAT WILL I DO? ‘My Biological Father disvirgined me, daily making love to me for long, I can’t stop it’ – TINUKE AJENUFUJA, confused Nigerian-17year-old girl confesses …’I am from Ekiti state, My father’s name is Samuel Ajenufuja, I have no romantic feeling for any other man again’ * ‘ I have two elder brothers, elder sister, My Mum not aware of secret affair’ * ‘I love going out with my father, taking a bath with my father.’ * ‘ That’s where it all started. My father said he wants to go and have his bath. I told him we should bath together which he agreed on. On getting to the bathroom, I touched my father d…k with the hope that he would hit my hand but he doesn’t. The next thing I could see is my father’s body arouse. He slept with me inside the bathroom since when I was 14 years old’ *PLUS how she delete her Facebook account due to shame BY TOLULOPE ADEFEMI/Undercover Crime Reporter, Ekiti
• 01/12/20: A Genius blessed with gifted hands ready to shock the world with creativity : ‘I am the African KING of Oil on Canvass ready to conquer the Art World, re-branding Nigeria positively Overseas’-OLUMIDE ORESEGUN *Had successful major art shows at SHORODER bank in London exhibition, Zenith bank art & style in Lagos, his paintings acquired by famous art collectors across Africa * Creates design after Michelangelo’s David sculpture, paintings of Leonardo da Vinci paintings and Williams Bougereau * All my works are so special to me as every element of beauty and emotion are woven into the creativity through paintings * ‘My messages are always based on truth called HYPERREALISM. I am aware one of the greatest renaissance artists realism painting was sold for 450 million dollars auction. This means a lot of important value for all HYPERREALISM painting in the world’- Award winning Olumide reveals GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/American Foreign Bureau, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 01/12/20: INSIDE EUROPE-INTERVIEW ON HOSPITAL BED: ‘I was the longest HOUSEBOY to Fela Anikulapo Kuti in Kalakuta Republic’-OGHENE KOLOGBO, Nigeria’s Afrobeat Superstar …Says: ‘I witnessed how Nigerian soldiers invaded Kalakuta Republic in February 1977, threw down Fela’s mother (Funmilayo) and burnt the entire place down’ * ‘Day Fela died was the worst moment of my life. I was in Germany, Berlin, Warsaw then filled with emptiness without knowing what else to do’ * ‘ I was the only musician in Kalakuta at that time that Fela will approach and sing to me what he wants me to play that will bring the best out of me’ * ‘Marijuana is only a natural weed that you can take from the tree right away and smoke. Fela call it NNG -Nigerian Natural Grass. I smoke it since it helps me against Hypertension’ * ‘I played 40 albums with Fela and the African 70 band-the greatest hits of all time’ * ‘I have been in Europe for 41 years from 1978 till now 2020 blasting Afrobeat tunes’ * ‘I knew Majek Fashek before he got lost in America but me Black Rice and George Owell are still standing on music stage’ * ‘I Rejected German Passport since I am proudly identify with my Nigerian nationality wherever I travel’ GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 01/11/20: NO HIDING PLACE: ROCHAS OKOROCHA, former Imo State Governor indicted for STEALING over N6billion funds…fraud perpetuated within state’s Oil Producing Areas Development Commission * Committee investigates ISOPADEC’s activities from May 2011 to May 2019 * ‘Senator-elect’s administration handled funds during eight years tenure with recklessness. Shortfall in revenue that accrued from the Federation Account uncounted for stood at N6, 044, 774, 341. 37’-INVESTIGATION * “The issue here begs for explanation on what happened to the original 40 per cent monthly derivation fund allocated to ISOPADEC and Okorocha should be held responsible for the missing funds. It is painful to note that citizens and some Managing Directors colluded with Okorocha to misappropriate ISOPADEC’s funds with impunity”- Committee Chairman, Romanus Ezeogu present report at Government House, Owerri * Dismissing the allegation, Okorocha’s Media Aide, Sam Onwuemeodo yelled: “I have nothing to say. You are stupid. I said you are very stupid” BY ANAYO AMAECHI/SPECIAL CRIME REPORTER, IMO STATE
• 01/11/20: Breaking New Ground worldwide! ALIKO DANGOTE, Africa’s Richest Man ready to open American Office…becomes $4.3 billion richer in 2019 *Found huge office space in New York, to employ eligible candidates soon *Remains owner of Biggest Cement Factory in sub-Saharan Africa *Set to complete a $12 billion, 650,000 barrel-a-day refinery currently under construction in Nigeria * 62-year old Nigerian is 95th Richest person in the world * Dangote Group of companies account for over a fifth of the value of the Nigerian stock exchange BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 01/11/20: The god-father of General Interest News Stories in Nigeria break silence: ‘KUNLE Bakare, MAYOR Akinpelu & I established Fame Weekly Magazine successfully, Nigeria’s Biggest and Most Famous Journal ever’ -FEMI AKINTUNDE JOHNSON (FAJ) …Unpublished reasons why I left National Encomium Magazine, embraced higher media calling * The Nigerian Press has continued to perform in commensurate to their relative capacities within the context of the prevailing economic challenges that have restrained print runs, sales and advertising budgets * There’s relative freedom of expression in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari’s Govt * It is not true that the agitation of few American legislators made the release of Omoyele Sowore and Dasuki possible * Federal Government need to establish an atmosphere of mutual respect and security of life for media practitioners to thrive *Recalls evergreen days in The Punch Newspaper plus highpoint of media career *Teaches Post Graduate students (PGD) a semester on a course called Topical Issues In Mass Communication, with Celebrity Journalism being the keystone at Nigerian Institute of Journalism GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, America’s Foreign Bureau Chief
• 01/11/20: EDICIÓN ESPAÑOLA: El padrino de Historias de Noticias de Interés Generales en Nigeria rompe el silencio: ‘KUNLE Bakare, ALCALDE AKINPELU establecí la Revista de Semanario de Fama con éxito, el Diario más Grande y más Famoso de Nigeria alguna vez’-FEMI AKINTUNDE JOHNSON (FAJ) … Los motivos inéditos por qué dejé la Revista de Elogio Nacional, abrazaron la vocación de medios más alta * La Prensa nigeriana ha seguido funcionando en conmensurado a sus capacidades relativas dentro del contexto de los desafíos económicos predominantes que han retenido carreras de letra, ventas y presupuestos publicitarios * Hay libertad relativa de expresión en Nigeria bajo el Gobierno del presidente Muhammadu Buhari * No es cierto que la agitación de pocos legisladores americanos hiciera la liberación de Omoyele Sowore y Dasuki posible * Necesidad del Gobierno federal de establecer una atmósfera de respeto mutuo y seguridad de vida para practicantes de medios para prosperar Días de planta de hoja perenne de *Recalls en el Periódico de Perforadora más highpoint de carrera de medios El Poste de *Teaches Gradúa a estudiantes (PGD) un semestre en un curso llamado Cuestiones Actuales En la Comunicación de misa, con el Periodismo de Celebridad que es la clave en el Instituto nigeriano del Periodismo GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, el Jefe de Oficina Extranjero de América
• 01/10/20: BREAKING NEWS: OGHENE KOLOGBO, Nigeria born Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat music protege in Europe survives Auto Crash…during Annual World Concert Road Tour * Being treated for urgent medication in a specialist hospital * Set to undergo surgery on left leg, monitoring his health till January ending * “My brother, I had an accident, so my left leg have to be operated upon before I lose it. I am still in the Hospital till 21st January 2020 after which I may be discharged. I will be here in this Hospital for 10 or 14 more days”-Kologbo writhing in pains * Africans, Europeans praying for Super star’s quick recovery, cherishes Martin Luther King Jnr * Watch out for KOLOGBO’S unpublished, never-read before, fire-brand interview with Naija Standard Newspaper’s editorial team regarding his long years in Kalakuta Republic, intimate father-son relationship with ‘Abami-Eda’, successful Afrobeat music shows in Europe and why he is proud to carry his Nigerian passport proudly everywhere in the world *QUOTE: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me’-Palm 23 verse 4 BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 01/04/20: NOTORIOUS MAN CHARGED WITH FIRST DEGREE RAPE! American Court declare Nigerian Nurse, CHUKWUEMEKA EMMANUEL Wanted for Raping a patient at Centerpoint Medical Center …Bond set at $100,000 as warrant is issued for arrest anywhere in the world * Patient suffering catheter leaking administered morphine, other narcotics for serious pain requested nurse to clean her * While cleaning her, suspect pulled down his pants, raped her * Suspect called former girlfriend and confided he was going to Nigeria because he had been accused of rape * “The patient told Emmanuel several times he was hurting her and told him to stop. At one point, she told Emmanuel he was going to get in trouble. He allegedly replied, ‘No it’s OK. We won’t get caught’ against the patient’s wish”-Court records * “We are focused on the health and well-being of this patient and are committed to providing her support during this time. He ha been terminated”-Hospital Management BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 01/04/20: FRESH DIPLOMATIC ROW! GHANA forcefully evicts Nigeria High Commission from property in Accra…’We need Nigerian Govt help. We received an instruction for our High Commission to vacate its diplomatic property’, lament Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana, Michael Olufemi Abikoye * Letter reads that failure to comply within stipulated time will lead to depositing Nigeria Mission’s belongings at the nearest Accra police station * Nigeria property broken into last month and being ransacked with the likelihood of being effectively occupied * “Nigerian Government failed to renew the property following expiration thus the property reverted to the state in compliance with Article 258 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution”-Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs * Nigerian government reacts: “Nigerian High Commission in Accra not evicted, we are trying to renew the lease on the property. The high commission is exploring the possibility of renewing the lease agreement with the host authorities”-Ferdinand Nwonye, spokesperson, Nigerian Foreign Affairs ministry BY KWEKU KOFI/SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT,, reporting from ACCRA, GHANA
• 01/04/20: BULLY FIGHTING IN FACE OF SEEMING IDENTITY THEFT: Nigerian born Muslim Hijab-wearing Woman, FOLAKE ADEBOLA in Dallas challenges Chicken Express restaurant for sending her home…’We identified her as Stefane Coleman by our investigation’, Cables News Network *Converted to Islam in August last year but started working at the restaurant for about three months * “Once I clocked in, the manager said ‘Take off anything that doesn’t involve Chicken Express,’ which I knew he was talking about my hijab. So I didn’t react, I just went to the back and took off my jacket and my purse. Five minutes later, he called me into the office telling me that I have to take it off because it’s not a part of the work uniform.’ she tell CNN * Rhett Warren, a lawyer for the operator of the Chicken Express restaurant insisted that the manager who fired Adebola was wrong BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & CHRISTINA IMADE/SPECIAL CRIME REPORTER, DALLAS
• 12/29/19: STRIKING GOLD IN USA: Nigerian born University of Minnesota undergraduate, TAOHEED BAYO designs African Sneaker for NIKE…creates Yut Air Max 1 concept from Yoruba culture *Reaches out to African root to create a brilliant design that does not only sell but teaches * “On designing the sneakers, I employed green for its base, which represents a part of Nigeria’s flag and earth. I touched up the colour with white. I opted for suede leather because I found it a perfect marker of the resilience of Africans”-Taoheed BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/29/19: INSPIRING FOR NIGERIAN YOUTHS! 25-year-old Nigerian first class Graduate from University of Nigeria, GODWIN NWANGELE Wins 2020 Rhodes Scholar-Elect for West Africa…joins 100 scholar-select to study at Oxford University *Electrical and electronics engineering specialty passionate about solving problems with technology *Defeats 2,783 applicants from around Africa *earlier won many academic awards been best graduate student in UNN in 2017, overall best graduating student in engineering in Nigeria as recognised by the Committee of Deans of Engineering and Technology of Nigerian Universities BY ZAINAB AHMED/EDUCATION REPORTER, NSUKKA
• 12/29/19: DARING: ‘I am ready to BREAK some toes to serve the ordinary people of Oyo State’ -Governor Seyi Makinde …declares during thanksgiving service to mark 52nd birthday * ‘Once we give education to our children, the sky is their starting point’ * ‘My determination to render service to the ordinary people informed my decision to declare free and qualitative education in the state. Education remains the surest way to lift people out of poverty’ * Reveals: “I thought I would join the Army, fight for my country and possibly get killed and that may be the end of the story. So for me, every year I have lived above 30 years is like a bonus” BY TOLANI ABAYOMI/SPECIAL POLITICAL REPORTER, Ibadan
• 12/29/19: HISTORIC: 22-year-old Nigerian innovator, DAVID ADEYEMI emerges First African World Student Organisation appointee…becomes Nigeria Country Director, trounced 11,000 African candidates * Had record breaking scores in all the assessments during the interview period * “His versatility swept us off the floor during our interview session and the entire World Student Organisation community is looking forward to his exploit and contributions”- Dimas Satrio Pradhana, World Student Organisation Founder * The World Student Organisation is a Berlin-based organisation founded on youths’ concerns towards rising, present global issues, as it seeks to connect students worldwide in order to come up with solutions for these issues BY LUKMAN HAFEEZ/TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 12/29/19: REVEALING! ‘NIGERIA Economy under the present government is heading to Bankruptcy’-OLUSEGUN Obasanjo, former Nigerian president …Nigeria’s external debt grew by 700 percent to N24.947 trillion ($81.2.74 billion) from $10.32 billion in just four years (2015) * No entity can survive while devoting 50 percent of its revenue to debt servicing * ‘I do not need the brain of any genius to conclude that those who use statistics to dig us deeper into debt are our enemies: statistics can be used to serve any purpose, and that is why Winston Churchill talked of lies, damn lies and statistics, meaning statistics can be made master of lies’ * ‘I am calling for national dialogue or debate on Nigeria’s short, medium and long-term plans as a nation’ BY ZAKARI ALFA/CHIEF BUSINESS REPORTER, LAGOS
• 12/29/19: CONTROVERSY IN THE HOUSE OF GOD! ‘December 25, is not the Birthday of Jesus Christ, but a day set aside by ancient Romans’ worshippers of the sun for Mars festival’-MFM Pastor, Olukoya ….says ‘I have studied the Holy Bible from Genesis to Revelation, there is no word like Christmas’ * ‘I am warning modern Christians to stop promoting such unbiblical celebration * ‘MFM church decides to engage members in various spiritual activities during such periods and other public holidays to discourage them from partaking in such unscriptural celebration’ * The bible only recorded that the Shepherds were taking care of their flocks during a very cold season when they sighted the star that announced the birth of Jesus Christ. This cold period could be around April or May BY CHRISTINA AMAECHI/ SPECIAL RELIGIOUS CORRESPONDENT, LAGOS
• 12/23/19: ABOMINATION! 19 year-old-Nigerian Boy, EKANEM ANIETE, Impregnates mother in Delta state while testing love charm…confesses: ‘I am so sorry, Devil deceived me into it’ Says: “I didn’t mean to do this. I saw myself falling in love with my mother after the love charm prepared for me by a native doctor was brought home. I suddenly found that I was making love to mum when I thought the charm will not work, and upon the revelation, I threatened to kill her and the matter was reported to the police” * Ekanem had wanted to use the charm on one of the matrons in the college where he was a boarding student in Asaba, now begging mother for forgiveness * ‘I did not know how it happened, but all I can say is that a young man who looked like my son suddenly found his way into my room at the wee hours and I was speechless. He covered my mouth with his hands, pressed me down against my will’-embattled mother reportedly said * ‘The 19 year old had been arrested following his threat to kill his mother due to shame. We are presently investigating the case’-Delta State Police Command BY JUDE IBUZA/SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT, DELTA STATE
• 12/23/19: SHAMEFUL & DISGRACEFUL! Nigerian high-flying Pastor, SAM KAYODE Jailed for Stealing the sum of £4.1million in UK…once celebrated chattered Accountant sentenced to nine years in prison * Suspect earns £57,000 per annum, found guilty of £150,000 theft and £3.95m fraud. Out of the £4.1m stolen, only £800,000 was recovered from him * Woolwich Crown Court in South London described him as “dishonest” and “greedy” * Lavishes loot on four women – his wife, Grace; a second ‘wife’ in Nigeria, Olubunmi Halima; and two other women in Britain ( Toyin Lawal, Yetunde Turtak) * ‘He bought luxury cars, including a Mercedes, an Audi TT sports car and an Infiniti car with the money’-British prosecutor, James Thacker * Kayode tried to blame the crime on his late wife and a junior colleague, saying they conspired to tarnish his image by transferring the money to his account in revenge for his adultery. His crime was exposed when a school cleaner stumbled on some of his criminal documents -INVESTIGATION BY HELEN INOVE/DEPUTY EDITOR, LONDON
• 12/23/19: PASTOR TOBI ADEGBOYEGA IN THE EYES OF THE STORM: Nigerian ‘Man-of-God’ runs a Church-cult haven in London where former convicted criminals drop Drugs, Knives on the Altar…being investigated by UK Charity Commission for Fraud *Under close scrutiny by Scotland Yard, may face Money Laundering * 39-year-old embattled Nigerian pastor arrived Britain as an immigrant in 2005 * Lives in a home of £100,000 a week, drives a Lamborghini car *Compel members to get bank loans and return same fund to him for ‘blessings’ *Assisted by Mariam Mbula, a senior church leader with at least 13 convictions for 34 offences * UK Labour MP Steve Reed, the Shadow Children’s Minister promises urgent investigation BY IKENNA AUSTIN/RELIGIOUS CORRESPONDENT, BRITAIN AND GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/09/19: LET THERE BE LIGHT: ‘I Will bring ELECTRICITY to Nigeria in 24 hours’-EMMANUEL OBAYAGBON, renowned Electrical Engineer …Says: ‘I discovered Solar Science at the age of six years’ * ‘I am the First Nigerian to have invented Generator Power Booster since 2012’ * ‘God Almighty, light-off in Nigeria inspired me to be creative’ * ‘I have sold over 8000 pieces of my products and Nigerians did not believe me earlier’ * ‘I have been featured in several national and International technological journals’ * ‘I am ready to tell President Buhari on secret of how to bring steady power to Nigeria’ GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/09/19: INSPIRING! TIME Magazine names Nigerian born Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, OLUWASEUN AYODEJI OSOWOBI among 100 Leaders of Tomorrow …’Dubbed ‘Rising Star shaping the future’ *Nigeria’s woman rights activist celebrated as one of world’s most ascendant leaders * How Survivor of sexual violence set up ‘Stand to End Rape’ initiative provide support to women, men and young people who are experiencing any form of gender-based abuse, Helped thousands of sexual and domestic abuse victims in Nigeria * “As young people, our relationship must surpass government collaboration on financial relations. We must collectively protect the human rights of those within our community, especially vulnerable women and girls, persons with disabilities and LGBTQI people across the Commonwealth”-OSOWOBI * “The Commonwealth Youth Awards, particularly the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, shines a spotlight on the unsung efforts of our young people who have made a major impact in transforming our communities. We are happy our Commonwealth Person of the Year, Osowobi, is being recognised for her outstanding work beyond the Commonwealth”- Layne Robinson, the Commonwealth’s Head of Social Policy Development BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/09/19: AFTER 12 YEARS OF EVADING JUSTICE: ‘It is Shameful if you Handcuff me in Public, Nigerians will be laughing at me’-ORJI UZOR KALU begs Prison Warders …Shaking former governor cries: “Where are you taking us to now? I will follow you.” * “You: Orji Uzor Kalu is hereby sentenced to 12 years in prison for Stealing the sum of N7.65bn funds belonging to Abia State people’- Justice Mohammed Idris in an abridged version of the 228-page judgment * Kalu’s associate sentenced to 10 years in prison while Slok Limited, the company used in perpetrating the fraud ordered to be wound up BY RITA ADEMOLA/Judicial Reporter, Abuja
• 12/01/19: Exclusive Interview to CELEBRATE 35 YEARS OF MUSIC PERFORMANCE IN AFRICA: ‘I am the First Reggae Legend in Nigeria to have composed a song that caused awareness to HIV/AIDS epidemic several years ago’-Pupa ORITS WILIKI, the Kole-man Revolutionaire …The project enabled me to drag the then serving Nigeria Minister of Health, Professor Olikoye Ransome Kuti into the music studio * ‘I authored, composed and produced FIFA World Youth Championships THEME SONG Tagged Nigeria 99’ * Recalls encounters with Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Sunny Okosuns, Lucky Dube, Ras Kimono * President BUHARI administration has done well in the area of Copyright Management *Based on constant success in the past, PMAN by now ought to be listed on Nigeria Stock Exchange *Intend to also release a Double Album of Classic Pupa Orits soon * Plans to unveil Academy for music for kids especially the Challenged in Orphanage homes * Confesses: ‘How I met my wife as an unlimited blessing from the outset’ GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief
• 11/30/19: $44.9million Fraud, Money laundering, Forgery &Identity Theft in America! FBI transmits Extradition documents to Nigeria, EFCC quizzes ALLEN IFECHUKWU ONYEMA, boss of Peace Airline for 10 hours…INTERPOL liaises with Nigerian law enforcement agents on further prosecution in Canada, intensify surveillance tracking *Anti-graft agency expands investigation into other Nigerian accomplices *Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta supports Onyema’s indictment by U.S. Department of Justice, vows to cripple activities of Peace airline, other fixed assets in Nigeria * ‘I am innocent of all corrupt charges in United States of America. I am gathering the right paper work and getting ready to clear my name’-embattled Onyema cries out *How Onyema made millions of dollars during Amnesty programme for Niger Delta militants * “We carried out the October 1, 2010 Independence Day twin bombings in Abuja in protest of the amnesty fraud”-Jomo Gbomo, spokesman for MEND in a statement * ‘Allen Onyema and Kingsley Kuku, former adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs, used funds meant for the amnesty programme to float Air Peace airline’-Diepreye Dikibo, ex-Militant Leaders Forum in the Niger Delta BY AHMED IDRIS/NATIONAL SECURITY EDITOR, NIGERIA, FUNLOLA OWOEYE/SPECIAL DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/24/19: Interview: Foremost Amazon leading the way for Girl-child education in Africa! ‘Rural Women in Nigeria will occupy key leadership positions in a short distance’-Aisha BABANGIDA, Chairperson, Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman …technology businesses will be headed, owned by women, as they become pacesetters in the development of agriculture in communities *Access to education, health care, and empowerment are greatest problems facing African women * Women should work together as a unit to produce female leaders in Africa * Nigeria has no choice but to support the growth of the Girl-Child *Reveals: * ‘African women take lead in Liberia, Ethopia. We have seen the strength of the women in Sudan. I am very positive we can still witness several women presidents in Africa’ *Recalled memorable moments she helped a rural woman turned successful entrepreneur *PLUS highpoint of her empowerment program for Girl-child and women in Africa GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 11/24/19: Rise & Fall of Nigeria’s Air Peace Airline boss: American, Canadian Governments declare ALLEN ONYEMA Wanted over $20million Fraud…Justice department indict him for money laundering *INTERPOL, EFCC set to effect arrest, extradite fugitive to America * lavishes $180,000 on Rolls Royce, $88,500 Mercedes cars, $204,000.00 on armored Lexus LX570 *Forged financial instruments using fake export letters of credit at Bank of America BOA 8086, Wells Fargo WF 3417 , J.P. Morgan Chase account number XXXXXXXXXXX5512 and Bank of Montreal Canada account number XXXXXXX7515 *Huge mansions in Atlanta, Roaming Mobile phone (404-467-xxxx) under security surveillance (Home located at): 3475 Oak Valley RD NE #40, Atlanta, GA 30326 , 3390 Fairburn RD SW #K171 Atlanta, GA 30331 * Detectives bust his FAKE business deals in United States, Facing 40 years JAIL TERM in total if found guilty in U.S. and Canada, U.S. Marshals ready to take him into custody * “Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the U.S. banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt”- Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Robert J. Murphy * “I am innocent of all fraud charges in United States of America. I work hard for my money. I am ready to face the court in America to prove my innocence and clear my name”-embattled Air Peace chairman lament BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & DINA SOLOMON AMAECHI/SPECIAL CRIME EDITOR, CANADA & OLA IDOWU, CRIME REPORTER, ABUJA
• 11/17/19: BRITISH DOCTORS’ NEGLIGENCE, WHERE IS JUSTICE? 34-year-old Nigerian man, OSCAR OKWURIME Dies in Harmondsworth Detention centre…cried, begged for Medical Doctor treatment for weeks yet ignored *Deceased wanted to become a trained medical doctor, found lying dead, foaming in the mouth in his cell by another detainee * “Oscar entered Britain with a valid visitor’s visa, declared for Asylum after overstaying his visa. He was arrested. I told my late brother to tell the authorities so they can treat him. That first week, they didn’t do anything. And the second week he said they were still saying nothing. The last time I saw him, he told me he was on a waiting list of about 400. He said he was feeling pain in his side. He had not had any health issues before. It was a pure case of negligence. If someone is in your custody, telling you he’s not feeling well, it’s your duty of care to get them checked. Any time I’m alone, I’m in tears. It’s terrible, It’s very painful. I don’t know what to do” -Alex, victim’s family * The cause of his death is unknown but the situation is being investigated”-UK Home Office BY DAVID IMONITIE/SPECIAL CRIME REPORTER, reporting LIVE from UK
• 11/17/19: LIVING THE DREAMS IN UNITED STATES: Nigerian born Naturalized American, DALE OKORODUDU Reigns as leading Pulmonary/Critical Care Physician with specialty in Lung Ailments in North America…establishes ‘Black Men in White Coats’ to counter racism in Texas *Runs a-non-profit organizing national summits, recording a feature-length documentary film *Determines to singularly drive up the number of young black men in the field of medicine * ‘Black men account for only 2.9% of applicants to United States medical schools’-Association of American Medical Colleges * “When somebody closes their eyes and thinks about a black male, they think about either an athlete, a musician, or somebody in prison. We want to add black men in white coats to that stereotype”-Okorodudu *QUOTE: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”-Hippocrates BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 11/10/19: INTERVIEW: ‘AJEGUNLE is the Future of Nigeria’s MUSIC HUB, the New York of Nigeria’-Daddy Fresh, multiple award wining Nigerian musician …Says ‘I am the Asiwaju (Torchbearer) of all Ajegunle Musicians, I have dropped many albums and received a lot of awards’ * Chief Osita Stephen Osadebe, Micheal Jackson, Bob Marley Maryam Makeba, Luther Vandross, Oriental Brothers inspired me into music * Tony Okoroji is the best PMAN President, No bad past presidents in Music Union * Uncle P performed well as PMAN Governor for Lagos State, he should be trusted as PMAN President with high expectations, Poor mismanagement almost ruined the music union *Assures: ‘My newest single album titled SHEY NORMAL will shake Nigeria’s entertainment industry’ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 11/10/19: BREAKING NEWS: AMERICAN Embassy Denies DR. KAYODE FAYEMI Entry VISA…’Ekiti State Governor’s Visa to USA not Rejected, He Retrieved his International Passport’, argues Nigeria Governors’ Forum *Nigeria Governor Forum’s Chairman furious, dashed to Embassy to know why he was rejected * Directed to contact appropriate offices for further details, embattled Governor allegedly tore the USA visa rejection documents and threw it at the Embassy officials * Previously scheduled trip to the USA with the Governors Forum in the company of Alike Dangote to meet with Bill and Melinda Gates nullified *Advanced team comprising of aides, protocol officers who had taken off to USA to prepare grounds for their respective principals recalled back to Nigeria * “American Embassy indicated that the visa may not be ready by Friday, 8th November, Dr Fayemi retrieved his passport because of a crucial speaking engagement at the AfDB Africa Investment Forum in South Africa on Monday, 11th November 2019”-Nigeria Governors’ Forum *PLUS untold reasons United States Embassy DENIED Ekiti State Governor Visa into America BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & SHOLA OYEBADE/Staff Writer, South-West Nigeria
• 11/10/19: 98 DAYS in Custody: ‘My LIFE is in Danger, I will continue on HUNGER STRIKE until Nigeria’s Department of State Security Services Release Me on Court Order’-OMOYELE SOWORE, Convener, RevolutionNow * “Since Thursday, Omoyele Sowore has refused to come down. He has refused to see anybody and this is in protest that his rights are being violated. He has not eaten because the DSS don’t feed him and he is rejecting food from the people who usually take food to him in detention”-Femi Falana, Human rights lawyer BY SALOME RACHAEL/REPORTER
• 11/10/19: NIGERIANS in UK protest BUHARI’S Medical Visit as Unpatriotic…Converged at Abuja House, London *Demand Mr President return home, fix Nigerian hospitals instead of seeking medical treatment abroad, planning for importation of foreign medical Doctors, spends 200 days out of office for medical tourism *Highlights insecurity, lack of basic amenities in Nigeria while Nigerian politicians continued to travel abroad to enjoy facilities provided by the politicians of other countries *PLUS How Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari travelled to London to meet with his boss to sign the amended bill of the Deep Offshore BY FRED ABEDE/SPECIAL DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT, UK
• 11/04/19: Foreign Direct Investment into Nigeria! Foreign Business visitors, Migrant Communities storm Lagos for Ethnic Business Awards…high-networking for entrepreneurs, hold in Oriental Hotel, Lekki * Event promises to celebrate and honor recognized Nigeria-based foreign investors * Business moguls, corporate firms, the diplomatic coterie signify interest * “The Ethnic Business Awards is aimed at recognizing and appreciating the outstanding contributions of foreign businesses, organisations, individuals and communities to corporate Nigeria”- Lanre Odukoya, project’s scribe BY DEMOLA OLATOYE/BUSINESS REPORTER, LAGOS
• 11/04/19: SHAMEFUL: Nigerian born 80 year old British Doctor, ISYAKA MAMMAN arrested for Manslaughter, Prescription Fraud in Manchester…after he pierced patient’s heart with hypodermic needle * Patient died in his hands during a routine hospital procedure *Questioned by detectives over allegations of gross negligence after 48-year old Shahida Varven collapsed whilst giving a sample of her bone marrow *Refused bail conditions as he begged court to fly to Nigeria to attend his granddaughter’s wedding *earlier suspended from medical practise for 12 months after giving a total of five different dates of birth with regulators BY TIM IBADE/SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT, MANCHESTER & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 11/04/19: AFTER 22 YEARS MARRIAGE OF LOOKING UP TO GOD: Nigeria Gospel Songster, YINKA AYEFELE’s Wife Delivers 2 Boys, a Girl in United States of America…party time ahead in Maryland, Nigeria * Triplets cry, eat and defecate same time * “My babies were actually born on January 18, 2019. They were delivered prematurely, so initially I had to deny the reports when it went viral. I told those who saw me at the hospital in the USA not to disclose that I had given birth because I wanted my triplets to live. I was so scared initially for their lives, I didn’t want anything to happen to them health. The babies have been a source of blessing to me. There have been a lot of changes in all that pertains to me. I also appreciate my special wife who endured for over 20 years to achieve this. Some women would have eloped; her family would have pressured her to leave but she was steadfast”-elated new Dad, Ayefele BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 11/04/19: Nigerian Politician, PETER OBI headlines News Express Anniversary 7th Lecture… keynote speakers/ eminent Lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Legal cum Development Expert, Barrister Bashir Maidugu confirm attendance, ceremony holds Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Main Hall of Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos * “We are grateful to these distinguished men of ideas for accepting to dissect Nigeria’s economic cum developmental challenges and propose the way out, during the 7th News Express Anniversary Lecture”- News Express Publisher Isaac Umunna BY CHINEDU AMAECHI/STAFF WRITER, ABUJA
• 10/26/19: SHOCKING: I Have successfully performed over 500 Surgeries, No single death Recorded-Fake Nigerian Doctor, IBRAHIM MUSTAPHA boasts …Principal Medical officer of Cottage Hospital is not a surgeon, but a jungle man who caused the death of 46 innocent persons, claims DSS * Nigeria’s Secret Police: ‘A preliminary investigation revealed that Mustapha holds National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) certificate, an equivalent of Senior Secondary School certificate or High School. He confessed to forging MBBS credentials’ *Exposed when he attended visa interview as a potential medical team member for the 2019 hajj operations, spotted by a man who knew him in Gombe as a ward attendant in an undisclosed clinic BY AHMED JUBRIL/Special Crime Correspondent, Yola
• 10/26/19: SHAMEFUL: Nigerian Medical Doctor, KENNETH ONUOHA charged for Sexually Assaulting an American Woman in Michigan … Ingham County Prosecutor’s office filed two counts of 2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and one count of Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Contact * Arraigned and held without bond in 54-B District Court, Ordered to surrender his Nigerian passport * State records from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs showed Dr. Onuoha was previously punished for violating the state’s public health code * ‘Dr. Onuoha asked me if I have ever been checked for cancer. He had me remove my shirt and bra and then performed an exam I saw described as “aggressive. Again, when I had lower back injury. He made me to stand then suddenly pulled my pants and underwear down without warning or explanation’-Patient raised concern * The administrative complaint was investigated by the Board of Osteopathic Medicine’s Disciplinary Subcommittee. It determined the allegations were true and that Dr. Onuoha violated the state public health code BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 10/26/19: LAWLESSNESS! ‘Nigeria Police beat, humiliate, threatened radio journalist, KOFI BARTELS with sexual assault inside cell’-Committee to Protect Journalists, New York …Says ‘Nigerian authorities must investigate and hold accountable the police officers responsible for it’ * Eye witness account: ‘A group of five police officers punched and kicked Bartels, a reporter with the privately owned Nigeria Info radio station, beat him on the knees with pieces of wood, and arrested him for filming them’ * ‘Citing Bartels’ work covering the police in Rivers state, the policemen said that they would put the journalist in a prison cell with an inmate who would rape him’-CPJ BY RAYMOND ADIBE/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, Rivers State
• 10/26/19: Trending Interview: I Discovered & Brought Plantashun Boiz, Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo into Nigeria’s National limelight -Ace producer/Babyface of Nigeria’s music industry, NELSON Brown ….Recounts encounter with Majek Fashek on three separate occasions * Recalls how he pioneered the music success of Tuface Idibia, Blackface and Faze *Discusses fear for PMAN and thumbs up for Buhari’s administration in the entertainment industry *Confesses: ‘I have produced over 200 hit songs and 50 hits albums. I am looking forward to working with AKON, Senegalese born American Grammy Award winner’ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 10/21/19: Edición en español: CONDENADO a 30 MESES EN PRISIÓN DE AMÉRICA! ‘Usé CINCO identidades FALSAS diferentes para Robar el efectivo de más de 300,000 dólares en el ‘-nigeriano de Maryland que el hombre nacido JOHNSON OLATUNJI OGUNYEMI admite * Dice: ‘soy CULPABLE de la Falsificación, el uso Falso de Pasaporte, Fraude, el Mal uso del Visado * Blanqueo de Dinero’ * Esposado en un banco en Nuevo Carrollton, Maryland, después de que Ogunyemi presentó un pasaporte nigeriano fraudulento y el visado en nombre de Benjamin Smith al cajero para conducir una transacción financiera * 50 años llegaron Estados Unidos el 31 de enero de 2015, autorizado a permanecer hasta el 30 de julio de 2015 por CBP, rechazaron dejar los Estados Unidos * ‘Durante Johnson Ogunyemi detención, tomamos posesión de tres pasaportes nigerianos en él teniendo visados estadounidenses, todos con la foto de Ogunyemi, pero de los nombres de Benjamin Smith; Benjamin Johnson, y John Wale. También, encontramos en él un permiso de conducir nigeriano en nombre de Benjamin Smith y un permiso de conducir de Ohio en nombre de David Durston se repuso de Ogunyemi o del vehículo que él condujo al banco’-el Nuevo Departamento de Policía Carrollton * ‘La cantidad de dinero lavada y planchada por Ogunyemi como la parte de la conspiración era al menos 307,300 dólares’ – Abogado de los Estados Unidos Robert K GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN JEFE DE OFICINA EXTRANJERO
• 10/21/19: SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS IN AMERICA PRISON: ‘I used FIVE different FAKE identities to Steal over $300,000 cash in Maryland’-Nigerian born man JOHNSON OLATUNJI OGUNYEMI confesses * Says: ‘I am GUILTY of Forgery, False use of Passport, Fraud, Misuse of Visa & Money Laundering’ * Handcuffed at a bank in New Carrollton, Maryland, after Ogunyemi presented a fraudulent Nigerian passport and visa in the name of Benjamin Smith to the teller to conduct a financial transaction * 50 year old arrived United States on January 31, 2015, authorized to remain till July 30, 2015 by CBP, refused to leave the U.S * ‘During Johnson Ogunyemi arrest, we took possession of three Nigerian passports on him having U.S. visas, all with Ogunyemi’s photo, but in the names of Benjamin Smith; Benjamin Johnson, and John Wale. Also, we found on him a Nigerian driver’s license in the name of Benjamin Smith and an Ohio driver’s license in the name of David Durston recovered from Ogunyemi or from the vehicle that he drove to the bank’- New Carrollton Police Department * ‘The amount of money laundered by Ogunyemi as part of the conspiracy was at least $307,300’ -United States Attorney Robert K BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 10/21/19: Edición en español: NOCHE DE BLOODSHED EN LONDRES! La madre nigeriana of-6-yr-old, SHAKIRA que el MERCEDES Apuñaló a la Muerte como un Pacificador en la Granja de Creta … pidió al atacante a la lanza su vida en vano El *Victim murió en el fondo de la sangre antes de la llegada de paramédicos * ‘El Shakira estaba equivocado el lugar en la cuenta de testigo de ‘-ojo de tiempo torceré * Mismo día un hombre británico en los sus años 20 con una escopeta se mató en Sydenham, Londres del Sur * La mujer británica de 35 años detenida en la sospecha hacia el asesinato, interrogado por pilla en custodia * “El Shakira es uno de 28 años una madre. Ella tiene a un niño de seis años. Que yo sepa esto era un argumento en el que ella realmente no estuvo implicada. Ella estaba equivocada sólo el lugar en el tiempo incorrecto. No era relacionado con la cuadrilla, no era relacionado con la medicina. Ella era una maravillosa señorita, siempre feliz. Ella tiene a un hijo encantador y era sólo una madre normal”-Terry Ellis, representando Camden Contra la Violencia CORRESPONSAL de KIM OLADELE/CRIME, que hace un informe de Londres
• 10/21/19: NIGHT OF BLOODSHED IN LONDON: Nigerian mother of-6-yr-old, SHAKIRA MERCEDES Stabbed to Death as a Peacemaker in Chalk Farm…begged assailant to spear her life to no avail *Victim died in pool of blood before arrival of paramedics * ‘Shakira was in the wrong place at the wring time’-Eye witness account * Same day a British man in his 20’s with a shotgun killed himself in Sydenham, South London * 35-year-old British woman arrested on suspicion of murder, being quizzed by cops in custody * “Shakira is a 28 year old a mother. She’s got a six-year-old kid. As far as I know it was an argument she wasn’t really involved in. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. It wasn’t gang-related, it wasn’t drug-related. She was a wonderful young lady, always happy. She’s got a lovely son and was just a normal mother”-Terry Ellis, representing Camden Against Violence BY KIM OLADELE/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, reporting from London
• 10/14/19: BORN TO REIGN: Lagos bullied boy, ISRAEL ADESANYA in New Zealand knocks-out opponent to become UFC World Middleweight Champion…endured Racial Abuse, street-fighting from the age of 10 *30 year old now celebrated as one of the best fighters in the world *Crushes Robert Whittaker’s dentition out in two rounds before a crowd of 57,000 in Melbourne * earlier trained in taekwondo in Nigeria, fighting professional kickboxing bouts in 2011 * ‘I struggled to fit in and never felt accepted in my adopted country because of my race and being an African immigrant. It was weird being the only black kid around. I had to defend myself a lot. ‘I’m cheeky, I’m annoying so I’d always get myself into trouble and eventually I had to learn how to defend myself. That’s when my search for fighting came through’-Adesanya BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 10/06/19: Resolving Xenophobia in Africa: BUHARI Strikes deal in Mandela’s Country…Nigeria, South Africa to issue 10-year Visa to Businessmen, Academics, Frequent Travelers *Agreement reached at 9th Bi-National Commission of South Africa and Nigeria meeting in Pretoria *Decision taken to encourage more people-to-people contacts among citizens of both countries and further strengthen socio-cultural, economic and political relations *During meeting at the Union Buildings, Presidential Palace of South Africa, the two presidents agreed on early warning signals to nip violence in the bud before it escalates BY NOPESA PUNUELL/DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT, PRETORIA in South Africa
• 10/06/19: TRENDING GLOBALLY: Lagos-born 7ft 3 inches giant Wrestler, JORDAN OMOGBEIN takes over WWE in America…25year old signed mouth-watering deal, beats competitors to surrender in NXT *Debut in World Wrestling Entertainment in a Two-On-One Handicap match *earlier a college basketball player for the University of South Florida and for Morgan State University * After his Nigerian family migrated to the United States, he attended and graduated from Atlantic Shores Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia *Met basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwan during the USF Bull’s team trip to Houston, Texas, played center position for the Morgan State Bears from 2014-2015 BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 10/06/19: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ‘I Didn’t See my Appointment to Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of Labour and Employment (State) coming’-TUNDE MOSHOOD Junior, Special Assistant, Media & Communications * We will be operating an Open-House style for trained journalists to verify any information * A new dawn in information dissemination, smooth access to media performance in our ministry * Minister of State Labour and Employment already attracting interest from foreign partners. Had William’s Dominic who’s the Political Counselor at the British Embassy in our ministry to discuss possibly synergy on foreign investments and cooperation with Nigeria *Recalls glorious days of Festus Keyamo (SAN) at the Gani Fawehinmi’s chambers *PLUS plans to leave a lasting legacy for Nigerians, diplomats, foreigners, members of the press GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 09/29/19: WORLD Exclusive Interview: ‘I was with my Father, Chief Hubert Ogunde at Cromwell Hospital, West London in his last moment’- Bayo Ogunde, son to Nigeria’s foremost Theatre & Cultural icon …Reveals fond memories as far back as in the 60’s, 70’s * How Nigerian Government invited him to start the National Troupe * Converged artistes from all over Nigeria in their home town of Ososa via Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State *Plans underway to celebrate Ogunde at a later date in Great Britain * Only arts, culture, music students’ researchers yearn after Ogunde’s works, others run after Western/Asian cultures * PLUS how the family built on their Estate in Ososa, The Hubert Ogunde Living History Museum opened to the public and made available the Complete musical works of Dr Hubert Ogunde (a 13CDs Box-Set) for sale at The Ogunde Villa 3, Noble Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief (Naija Standard Newspaper)
• 09/29/19: HEARTLESS! Nigeria’s Convicted Drug importer in Australia, PATRICK NWEKE inside Sydney’s Villawood Detention centre smuggled several mobile phones to dupe an American disability pensioner $US400,000…creates Fake Romance scheme, later tricked Peter Strand into Trafficking drugs to evade customs *Coordinate operatives in Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia to lure Strand to Sydney airport with 2.5 kilograms of cocaine * Suspect criminal network target the elderly and vulnerable to become couriers * Strand lost his job as an electrical salesman, his marriage crumbled * “I received an email from a scammer posing as a Nigerian Government official offering to help retrieve funds. It was extremely well organised. That’s mind-boggling, absolutely mind-boggling and let alone out of Australia, but out of a detention facility — how is that possible?”-Victim * “They would coordinate their travel arrangements, they would put them up in hotels, they would provide them with money, aeroplane tickets and then upon receipt, they would take acceptance of the drugs and introduce them into the market. Mr Strand as a prize catch because he was broke, sick and frail. The people controlling the man are in Spain”-Australian Police BY TINA IBIDUN/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, SYDNEY & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/29/19: HISTORIC MOVIE ON MISSING CHIBOK GIRLS: Nigeria’s Documentary ‘Daughters of Chibok’ win The LION OF AWARD at Venice Film Festival…Movie reflects true life story of Yana Galang, 51-year old woman whose daughter was among the 276 girls kidnapped in April 2014 from their school dormitory in Chibok, northeast Nigeria * Nigeria born Film Director, Joel Kachi Benson determined to take the world to the women of Chibok still living in incredible pain of their kidnapped daughters’ absence *His words: “When my name was announced as the winner and I walked up on stage, it was the most surreal thing ever! Almost like an out of body experience. But I knew this was an opportunity to remind the world that Chibok is still here and the story doesn’t have an ending yet. And so we must not forget” * ‘Everyday, I wash and fold my daughter’s clothes — praying that she will one day be released from the den of Boko Haram. Rifkatu my daughter, for five years I have wept and waited, praying for you to return. I will not stop praying for you. I will never stop, and I know that one day my prayers will be answered’-Galang cries *PLUS how crew spent several days in the small village in Borno State speaking to families of those affected by Boko Haram abductions BY AHMED ALWALI/MOVIE REPORTER, VENICE
• 09/22/19: BREAKING NEWS: Nigeria’s KING of Comedy, ALI BABA Storms America for 2019 Independence Anniversary…Red Carpet event holds LIVE in Dallas October 4-5 at 7pm to 12midnight * Independence weekend groove stages at Swayz Ballroom, 9750 Walnut Street, Dallas 75243 * Cheap earlybird ticket now on sale at $30, VIP ticket $60, for VIP tables dial: +1469-335-3458 *Historic ceremony powered by Ateam, TK Dallas, Jude Ngene * Ali Baba promises fresh and new rib-cracking jokes to reflect major events in Nigeria BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/22/19: BREAKING NEWS: Over 20 Arab Ministers confirm attendance for 3days’ UAE 3rd Arab Ministerial Forum on Housing and Urban Development…His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE ready to host dignitaries * UAE’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Zayed Housing Programme rolls out press conference on Tuesday 24/9 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Habtoor Palace, Al Habtoor Ballroom A, Ground Floor * Jointly organized by the Ministerial Council for Housing and Construction of the Arab League in conjunction with Council of Arab Ministers of Housing, Reconstruction and the Regional Bureau for Arab States *Historic ceremony discusses issues pertaining future in the fields of housing and development, as discussions revolve around three main questions of inclusive cities for happiness,quality of life, sustainability in housing and urban development BY ABDUL MOHAMMED/ARABIAN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, DUBAI
• 09/22/19: CHILD ABUSE! Nigerian Woman, REBECCA OJO ODONSI Sentenced To 6 Years in Jail for Body Injury to Daughter in Ghana…Accused 15-year old daughter of Stealing 3,000Cedis, handing over proceed of crime to Boyfriend *Angrily used a kitchen knife, a pair of scissors to cause her harm, leaving her with bleeding wound * Ghana government returns daughter back to Nigeria woman relative * ‘My daughter is a thief. She had been stealing everything in the house and giving same to her Ghana boyfriend. She stole my two cellphones in the house, 3,000Cedis I collected from the bank and handed everything to her Ghana boyfriend. We have no money to feed. I have no one to run for help. Her father promised to send us money, but nothing has happened since January this year. Ghana government should spare me jail time. They should deport me back to Nigeria’-Cried embattled suspect BY KOJO AKUA/CRIME REPORTER, ACCRA, GHANA
• 09/22/19: GUILTY! ‘Federal Grand Jury indicts NIGERIAN Man, MONSURU OGUNBIYI for engaging in Sham Marriage, Falsification of documents to obtain Green Card’-U.S Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania …Couple Charged in Conspiracy to defraud United States Government * ‘Monsuru Ogunbiyi and Ajia Strauss conspired with one another to defraud the United States. Ogunbiyi, a native and citizen of Nigeria, and Strauss, a native and citizen of the United States, agreed to enter into a sham marriage so that Ogunbiyi could obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States’ * ‘As part of the conspiracy, Ogunbiyi agreed to pay money to Strauss, including $1,500 on the day of their June 3, 2016, marriage in New Jersey. Ogunbiyi and Strauss submitted false and fraudulent statements and documents to the United States’ * The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both, for the charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/22/19: Just-in on Xenophobia: Bribery and Corruption Scandal rocks Consulate General of Nigeria in South Africa…Angry Nigerians claim desperate people are paying 800Rands cash as ‘sorting fee’ to be enlisted on Air Peace flight for evacuation * Called Nigeria Embassy in Pretoria at: +27 12 342 0905 but got no response BY TINA OKONUFUA/DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT, PRETORIA
• 09/21/19: CRUELTY: Nigerian 73-year old Nanny in America, OLUREMI ADELEYE Sentenced to 40 years first-degree child abuse jail…for Killing an 8-month-old by force-feeding her bottles of milk *Maryland resident suspect confinement was imposed for 15 years * Adeleye, a mother of five and grandmother of 10, said that feeding children so they don’t go hungry is customary in her home country of Nigeria and she didn’t mean to hurt the baby *Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy: ‘No winners or losers in this case. Nothing that could have happened here today could have brought them the justice that they want, which is to have their little girl with them. She would’ve been three years old had she lived. She deserved to grow up. She deserved to have a life, to fulfill her dreams, and all of that was cut short by the reckless actions of someone who was supposed to care for her. The judge imposed a fair sentence’ * “Realistically, I don’t know if she’s going to be able to make it through a 15-year sentence, quite honestly. Unlike what the family said, she feels terribly about what happened. And prior to this event, she had been very caring for that child”- Douglas Wood, Adeleye’s attorney BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/21/19: SHOCKING & CRUEL: FAKE Nigerian married Pastor in London, AJIBOLA SHOGBAMIMU alias Shohfah-El Isreal sentenced to 17 years for Killing Joy Morgan, fellow church member…Dubbed a notoriously dishonest prophet for manipulating a 20 year-old midwifery female student *40 year old ‘man-from-Hell’ convicted by a jury at Reading crown court *earlier lied to police that he dropped Morgan off at her student accommodation in Hatfield after a church dinner *Suspect later admitted to spending two nights alone with her in his flat in Cricklewood, North-west London *Court heard that after killing Morgan, a student at the University of Hertfordshire, Israel attempted to cover his tracks BY QUEENETH DORA AMAFULU/ SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT reporting LIVE from London
• 09/21/19: INCEST! ASWAD AYINDE, Nigerian music video director of ‘The Fugees’ smash hit ‘Killing Me Softly’ bags 90 years JAIL TERM for Raping, Fathering children with six daughters in USA …Best R &B Video MTV winner brings shame to Nigeria *Had Sexual intercourse with second daughter when she was eight-years-old, impregnate her four times *Tells Court he was trying to create a ‘pure family bloodline’ by impregnating his daughters * Repeatedly rapes his six daughters, resulting in six children in New Jersey, Florida * Ayinde former first wife claimed during a pre-trial court hearing that suspect assured her the world was going to end, and it was just going to be him and his offspring and that he was chosen *Found guilty of Rape, Felony, Kidnapping and more crimes BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/15/19: DAMNING REPORT: ‘NIGERIA Military holding CHILDREN as Boko Haram Suspects’-Human Rights Watch …Thousands of adolescents held in Deplorable conditions *Many detained without charge for months or years in squalid, severely overcrowded military barracks, with no contact with the outside world *Children described heart-breaking woes of beatings, overwhelming heat, frequent hunger and being packed tightly in their cells with hundreds of other detainees *Giwa Military Barracks in Maiduguri is Nigeria’s army most notorious torture chamber for Raping, Sexually molesting under-age girls * Inside Document: ‘Fifteen of the children had been detained for more than a year, and some had been held for more than three years. None had been allowed to contact family members outside the detention center, nor had the authorities contacted their families’ * ‘The children said that Giwa has a cell for boys under 18 with children as young as 7, or even younger’ * “Children are being detained in horrific conditions for years, with little or no evidence of involvement with Boko Haram, and without even being taken to court”-Jo Becker, children’s rights advocacy director at Human Rights Watch *Awaiting Nigerian Military’s response as at press time BY CHARLES OGBEDE, SPECIAL CRIME EDITOR & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/11/19: REVEALED: ‘Nigeria’s Reggae Legend, MAJEK FASHEK suffered Drug Abuse and Schizophrenia, worst form of Psychosis 20 years ago at St. John Hospital in New York’-America’s renowned Psychiatrist who diagnosed his ailment …Says: ‘I personally treated him medically for his extreme chronic health crisis, he is the only one who can help himself’ * ‘He only takes his medication when he is in the Hospital. As soon as he is discharged, he becomes non compliant’ * ‘He urgently needs a very good Psychiatrist and Clinical Psychologist to help him out of his problems’ * Panic as music icon is facing critical health challenge inside Queen Elizabeth hospital, London * ‘I have sold my cars, properties to offset Majek hospital bills, He has no single house of his own in Nigeria. I have been paying N1.2 million monthly on his accommodation since January because we needed an apartment that has stable electricity as the the singer cannot stay without electricity, In 2015, it was revealed that Majek was bankrupt and battling drug addiction. After admitting that he needed help at the time, he was admitted into a drug rehabilitation centre in Abuja’-Uzoma Omenka, the Rainmaker manager lament * Previously worked with the likes of Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA’S FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF IN WASHINGTON DC
• 09/08/19: WORLD Exclusive: MAJEK FASHEK Suffering from Undifferentiated Schizophrenia Rebound, Hospitalized in London …Nigerian Reggae icon cannot eat, talk or do anything on his own, battling to stay alive * Rainmaker became gravelly ill and was rushed to London after a brief admission at a Lagos hospital *Manager cries out saying Nigerian Embassy in London abandoned them to their fate * “ The truth is, we are stranded here in London. We are in great debt and we need financial help urgently if we don’t want this icon (Majek Fashek) to die”-Uzoma Day Omenka, Rainmaker Manager * Manager begs Nigerian Government, Philanthropists, anyone willing to help to donate in saving Majek Fashek into his London Bank Account Number: # Barclays Bank 30260762202947 #Telephone: +1 682-246-6621, +44 7448 512502 #Account Name: Uzoma Day Omenka * “Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that disturbs your thinking and perceptions of life. This affects your interactions with the world. People with schizophrenia may hear voices or noises; become very paranoid; believe they have unusual powers; think others control their thoughts, or vice-versa; or believe world events are connected to them. They may not talk or express themselves much. They can be confused and paranoid.The person may not bother to change clothes or take a shower”- psychiatrist Minnie Bowers-Smith, MD BY TIMI JOSEPH/ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT, LONDON & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER
• 09/02/19: JAILED: 27 Year old Nigerian, SAMUEL NWANKWO Arrested at Terminal 3 London Heathrow for Swallowing 67 Cocaine Wraps worth £82,210 …Stopped by Border Police on arrival from Brazil via Latam Airlines flight *Tracked to South American country for five days, had no checked baggage with him, lied to be visiting his wife *Peterborough Resident previously pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulent evasion on importation of a prohibited Class A drug * “Importing drugs by ingestion is illegal and could lead to lethal consequences. Nwankwo was lucky to be alive after swallowing such a large quantity of cocaine. The CPS takes the trafficking of illegal drugs extremely seriously and will prosecute those who flout drug rules”-Cindy Fayefunmi, from Crown Prosecution Service BY LINDA OYEYEMI/SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT, LONDON & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/02/19: BLACK AxE MONEY LAUNDERING SCAM: NIGERIA’S Notorious Cult Leader, AUGUSTUS BEMIGHO-EYEOYIBO Arrested, Facing Court Trial in London for Receiving One Million Pounds …Three Nigerian siblings resident in Greenwich, London behind scam sentenced to 16 years Jail Term *Blood brothers set for extradition proceedings concerning advance fee frauds in Greece * Evidence showed brothers had been actively involved for a number of years in a conspiracy to launder stolen money using phone and email scams connected to Delta state born cult leader * “We were able to show the Nakpodias were talking to Augustus Bemigho-Eyeoyibo, the leader of Black Axe, based on conversations found on their devices. They talked about the amounts, and what to do with the funds after they arrived, including how much to keep for themselves”- Philip Slough for Crown Prosecution Service BY CHINUA EBERE/CRIME REPORTER, LONDON & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/02/19: Xenophobia attack: NIGERIAN Jewelry Shops, Electronic companies, Hotels Set ABLAZE in South Africa…Continuous looting of foreign-owned businesses *Angry South Africans target Nigerian-owned Private Clinic, Motor spares shop and a Nigerian Church for destruction * Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria informed of planned overnight attacks and looting of foreign nationals’ outfits *South African Police Service and the Tshwane Metro Police Department intensified deployments * “Foreign-owned shops and offices were targeted by angry taxi driver rioters. The violent revolt and looting have been fuelled by the death of a taxi driver allegedly by Tanzania nationals on Tuesday at Pretoria CBD. Not less than two buildings were burnt by the angry mob. This was done after the stocks in the various shops were looted by the rioters”-Adetola Olubajo, President of Nigerian Union in South Africa * “The taxi industry plays an integral part in the well-being of our communities. When they (the people) cry out for police attention, it is important that we respond positively and swiftly, in the best interests of the community”-Provincial Commissioner, MEC Jacob Mamabolo BY JUMAI IYIOLA/SOUTH AFRICAN CRIME CORRESPONDENT
• 08/29/19: MORE TROUBLE OVER ALLEGED RAPE: Pastor Fatoyinbo’s International Traveling Passport Seized; House, Office Searched…as Congregation abandons church in droves * Secured bail after making available two level 16 officers with landed property in Abuja *Embattled ‘man-of-God’ report daily to Police HQ on a daily basis * ‘We are gathering strong evidence of rape against the COZA Pastor’-Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department BY TOMIWA ORIYOMI/CRIME REPORTER, ABUJA & SAM IKADE/RELIGIOUS REPORTER, LAGOS
• 08/29/19: CONFESSION: ‘IRAN is fully sponsoring Sheik El-Zakzaky, Shai leader to violently OVERTHROW the Buhari Administration’-NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT …Plans to replicate the 1979 violent revolution that led to the forceful takeover of power in the country in Nigeria *Tells Court: The plan of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria leader and his sponsor was to forcefully turn the country into an Islamic State * 56-paragraph counter-affidavit reveals the relationship between El-Zakzaky and Iran started shortly after the said revolution that toppled a sitting government * El-Zakzaky heavily influenced by the Iranian revolution, which saw Ayatollah Khomeini take power after the overthrow of the Shah in a popular uprising BY AHMED LAWAL/SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 08/29/19: LATEST NEWS ON FBI LIST: Nigeria’s Anti-graft Agency, EFCC Bust GHANA Hideouts of 77 Nigerians indicted for America Internet Fraud…’We are cracking up on these criminally-minded Nigerians, All our offices on RED ALERT to arrest them’ * ‘We have recovered N486m in cash and arrested 28 suspects so far’ *The collaboration between the commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led to the recovery of $314,000 and N373m * ’14 of the suspects have been charged and convicted while nine are still undergoing trial, as other five are still under investigations’-IBRAHIM MAGU, Acting Chairman of EFCC BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICA FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 08/29/19: INTERNATIONAL DISGRACE IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: 3 NIGERIAN WOMEN Arrested, Handcuffed, facing Trial for ARMED ROBBERY in DUBAI…Accused of STEALING Dh57,000 (N5.6m or $15,517.59) in Cash *These Nigerians, aged: 30, 33 and 34 confessed to crime, Jumped out of the window to escape *45 year old Iraqi victim narrates how he was swindled by Nigerian ladies pretending to be Swedish students on a dating application * ‘We responded to emergency phone call. These Nigerian women escaped through the window and we chased them on foot. We arrested three of them and the victim identified them before taking them to Bur Dubai police station’- Emirati police officer BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/29/19: FIGHTING CORRUPTION & INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: SCROLL Report Online stages Conference at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos Today …3.5 million Nigerians remain food insecure despite government and humanitarian aid *Challenge the press: ‘ The media has a role to play in ensuring the sustainability of our democracy by seeking solutions through conferences, workshops and seminars’ * “Fighting Corruption and Insecurity: The Way Forward was chosen due to insecurity leading to two million Nigerians estimated to have fled their homes, as the refugee crisis has entered its sixth year and there is conflict induced food insecurity and malnutrition’- Janet Mba Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist/ Publisher of Scroll Report BY CHIKA OBIYEDU/MEDIA CORRESPONDENT, LAGOS
• 08/29/19: NO GAIN IN CRIME: 35 Year old Nigerian Kingpin, IZUCHUKWU EZIMOHA, alias ‘Izu-Ugali’ executed for Drug Trafficking in Indonesia…Lifeless Body returned to Nigeria, Buried in Mansion amidst tears *Families, Friends attend funeral at his Ezimoha Compoud, Ezigbo village, Ihiala LGA of Anambra state BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & ILLA MOHAMMED, REPORTER, INDONESIA
• 08/25/19: CORRUPTION: $25Million Bribe Scandal rocks NIGERIAN Navy…as ISREALI Govt arrest 3 Israeli Shipyards’ employees for selling Shaldag Patrol Boats to Nigeria * Accused of Fraud, Money Laundering, Tax offenses and Breaching Export Laws *Israeli Police, Israeli Tax Authority, International Law Enforcement involved in Investigation *BUHARI Administration signed a three-year $195 million maritime security contract with Israeli firm HLSI Security Systems and Technologies * ‘We condemn the management of the Nigeria Maritime and Safety Agency for awarding the contract to HLSI. It is a breach of Nigeria’s internal security, and defies local content laws’-Nigeria’s House of Representatives *Pressures mounts on Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, EFCC to bring culprits to book BY JEROME SAMSON/CRIME REPORTER, ISREAL & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/25/19: JUST IN: Albania Sacks Consul in Nigeria, NITIN SANDESARA over Alleged $725 million FRAUD Charges…Diplomat, brother-in-law used Sterling Biotech company to borrow funds from banks in India *Police handcuffs Cetan Sandesara as he tries to flee Albania, faces prosecution in India * ‘Our government interrupted Nitin Sandesara’s mandate as a consul in Nigeria because his case may damage the (country’s) image and reputation’-Albania Foreign Ministry BY SAMUEL IHIDU/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, INDIA
• 08/25/19: REFRESHING: Nigerian Music Star, DAVIDO performs at New York Power Concert in Madison Square Garden…duets American rapper Curtis 50 Cents Jackson, Snoop Dog danced on non-stop *Played hit songs back-to-back as crowd ask for more… *Performed to a mixed audience of thousands of people at the Season 6 premiere of American TV series * Recent collaboration with Chris Brown, Blow My Mind’ attract over 10 million views on YouTube in less than two weeks ‘Dreams do come through for real. And I feel so fulfilled in life’-DAVIDO BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF LIVE IN NEW YORK
• 08/25/19: INTERNET DATING FRAUD! Nigerian Man, MOSES IGWENEME Swindled a Switzerland woman of over $240,000 in Romance Scam…EFCC cracks Father-daughter syndicate, declares fugitive Co-conspirator, Nkiruka Blessing wanted * Promised Fake Marriage to Chantal Helene Meadery, Deceived victim into making a total of 16 different money transfers with a promise to relocate to Switzerland *Arraigned at Federal High Court in Port Harcourt * ‘Investigations showed that the syndicate has also defrauded other foreigners through their fraudulent dating schemes’- EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade BY HELEN OYEBADE/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 08/25/19: OPINION: ‘AFRICAN Slavery is still thriving in the world today’-Nigeria President, MUHAMMADU BUHARI …There are 40 million men, women and children living in forced servitude * Modern form includes: debt bondage, enslavement of war captives, commercial sexual exploitation/ forced domestic servitude, holding people held against their will and controlling their movements * We must remember that slavery is not simply a campaign of hatred; it is the pursuit of profit. One way to extinguish it in its current forms, therefore, is to make it economically unfeasible
• 08/25/19: SHAMEFUL: Nigerian born Texas man, HAMMED AKINOLA Sentenced to over 7 years in JAIL for $10million Housing Fraud…earlier convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in thefts *53 year old indicted for same international fraud case linked to about 45 victims and bogus requests for payment in 2016 * ‘American victims thought they were sending money to title companies to close on homes, whereas this group used fake emails and hacking of legitimate accounts leading the victims to transfer funds to accounts controlled by James Campbell and Hammed Akinola’-Prosecutors BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/18/19: BREAKING NEWS: PortHarcourt Native, Seaman VICTOR DIAMOND flies Nigeria Flag to become American Naval Future Warfighter…Undergoing dedicated instructional guidance at Naval Education and Training Command in Great Lakes *Learning to be highly skilled, operational and combat ready warfighter with tools and opportunities for continuous development *Adapting and keeping up with specialized skills needed to be a boatswain’s mate *Fully ready to take charge of the overall maintenance and preservation of U.S. Navy warships *The Naturalized American is a 2007 graduate of Century International High School, credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in PortHarcourt *His word: “I learned to live a positive life, live by example and to be a positive example for others to do the same. I grew up in a family in PortHarcourt where respect and doing what is right is very important. You have to own what you have done no matter what the consequences” * ‘Diamond plays an important role in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy’- MC2 (SW/AW) Theodore Quintana “Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships. Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities”- Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 08/18/19: SENTENCED TO 13 MONTHS IN AMERICAN PRISON: TWO NIGERIAN Yahoo Boys in Trouble for STEALING the sum of $487,000 Cash…OLUGBOYEGA AKINLOYE FASANYA, ANTHONY CHIDOZIE EZIKE altered fake checks * The 36-year-olds deposit fraudulent checks totaling $1.2 million in banks and withdrew $487,000 cash before the fraud was detected *Submitted counterfeit traveling international passports from Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa as form of identification to avoid detection * Fasanya ordered to pay $380,000 in restitution to the affected banks while Ezike has been ordered to pay back $230,000, await deportation after serving JAIL term * “Fasanya and Ezike agreed that they actually committed the crime. They admitted they altered the checks and deposited them into American banks in Rhode Island and Massachusetts”-U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island Stephen Dambruch BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard
• 08/18/19: My LIFE, HEALTH in Danger, EYES going Blind’ -Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky, Shi’a Muslim Leader/Founder, Islamic Movement of Nigeria confessed before return to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Nigeria (video attached) …BUHARI Administration, Indian Govt conspired to POISON me, My Wife (Malama Zeenah) had full bullet lodged in her body * ‘Sheikh El Zakzaky is a pathological liar. He had ulterior motives in India. Let him face his on-going court trial’-Nigeria Presidency * ‘Why was Sheikh El Zakzaky demanding for a-5 star hotel when not on tourist’s visa to India to foment trouble? Why did he ask for his Nigerian international passport so he could run away?’ -Nigeria’s State Security Service * ‘There is no truth in the claims as alleged by the Sheikh. He refused the trained medical doctors we assigned to him in India. Medical treatment request was received from both the patient (the Sheikh) and the government of Nigeria-India Government respond * London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission chastise Nigerian security services in perpetuating the illegal detention, pressures Indian govt to re-treat Zakzaky * PLUS why Nigeria’s Secret Police whisked him to unknown destination, Investigation his relationship with #RevolutionNow Movement to destabilize Nigeria BY NURENI AHMED/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA & RAHMATU IBRAHIM, CORRESPONDENT, INDIA
• 08/10/19: New Development inside DSS: ‘I Will Not Eat any FOOD from Nigeria’s State Service, I don’t want to be Poisoned, Only meal from my people will I eat’-defiant OMOYELE SOWORE speaks from detention …Renew calls for Unconditional and Immediate release of #RevolutionNow protesters arrested * Vows: ‘We will continue to fight against bad anti-people policies of Buhari’s govt’ * ‘I was dragged from my Hotel Room like a Criminal. I am in High Spirit since light will overcome darkness any day’ * ‘The Take-it-back-movement has been granted permission to deliver food on a daily basis to Sowore in detention’- Rachel Onamusi-Kpiasi, Take-it-back spokesperson BY TOLULOPE ADEBAMI/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 08/10/19: WANTED for TERRORISM IN UNITED KINGDOM: British Court orders Bench Warrant for DANIEL OSULA, a Nigerian-Irish Fugitive for plotting TERROR ATTACK against Westminster…36-year old Warehouse Assistant flee Magistrate court premises before judgment * Repeatedly sent threatening emails to House of Commons staff * Claimed he would stab civil servants and mow down pedestrians * Court heard he was furious because HMRC refused to return his passport BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/10/19: RECUPERATING: TUFACE Idibia, Nigeria’s Music Icon sick, under Doctors’ watch round the clock…Strike business deal with Nigerian Stock Exchange as an Ambassador * Hospitalised, Administered series of medications, placed on bed rest * Wife expressed thanks to God that husband’s situation is not out of control * “Incredible human, so Baba has been ill, on drips and plenty medications. Doctors were by his side for 48hours! We all didn’t think he could make it to this big event that was all about him and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Even with his voice and body shaking, the man got up told the doctor ‘Man I no go too dey, I no dey like cancel work matter and this one over important make I just drag body reach the event! He made it but back to his medications. Get well soon baby” -Anne Idibia BY CHINEDU ABARIBE/ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT, SOUTH WEST NIGERIA
• 08/10/19: MY TRUE STORY: ‘I Have no link with N9.9billion Fraud discovered by EFCC, I Have Nothing to Hide’ -former Lagos State Governor, AKINWUNMI AMBODE ….None of my personal bank accounts are listed or frozen by anti-graft agency *Says: ‘Account frozen by the Federal High Court belong to the Lagos State Government and not me or any individual. In the spirit of Sallah and having served Lagos State well, my record was clear’ * ‘HE Akinwunmi Ambode wanted to clear his name. He will not allow any one or institution to ruin his hard-earned reputation. He has no business with EFCC. Those accounts were opened in the course of normal operations by the Lagos State Government for its administrative purposes and not for the former governor’s personal transactions as was being wrongly insinuated and have been operated to ensure smooth operations of government activities by previous and present administrations’-Habib Aruna, Media aide BY FEMI OMILADE/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, LAGOS
• 08/10/19: KISMAYO KITCHEN Unveiled in AMERICA: AFRICA’S Most Famous Restaurant in Vermont make Waves…parades Somali’s recipe, condiments and Africa’s spicy food * Multicultural cuisine features Samosa, Fufu, Jollof Rice and intercontinental meals * Remains Number one African menu spot in Burlington city * Attract visitors from African-American, African, Hispanic, Canadian and White American communities *Ahmed Mohammed, the creative Chef behind the kitchen * Feel AFRICA’s rich meal, place your order dial: +1 802-448-3032 or mail: kismayokitchen@gmail.com BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF who was in Vermont
• 08/04/19: NEW DEVELOPMENT: NIGERIAN Government plans to slam TREASON Charge against OMOYELE SOWORE…Sahara Reporter’s Publisher may face LIFE imprisonment if convicted * ‘We have credible information that Omoyele Sowore is in contact with some foreign actors to destabilize and overthrow the country. He is in our custody’-Nigeria Secret Service * Treason crime by Nigerian Constitution: ‘Any person conspiring with any person, either within or without Nigeria, to levy war against the state with the intent to cause such levying of war as would be treason if committed by a citizen of Nigeria, is guilty of treason and is liable to punishment of death. Whoever commits treason shall be punished with death, and whoever attempts or abets treason shall be punished with imprisonment for life or for any less term or with fine or with both’ * ‘Sowore has been removed as national chairman of the African Action Congress for misappropriation of funds. We have accused him of enjoying inflow of foreign funds into the party and retaining same personally in contravention of section 225, (3) (4) of the 1999 constitution”-Oladele Ade, Acting Director of Communications, AAC * ‘Those those that sacked Sahara Reporter’s publisher from AAC are misguided individuals on suspension”-Sowore’s camp react BY EMMANUEL OGEBE/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA & IJEOMA CLARKSON/POLITICAL WRITER, LAGOS
• 08/02/19: BITCOM FRAUD IN AMERICA: F.B.I investigating Two NIGERIANS indicted for STEALING $59,000 from Oregon and California investors…Interpol on red alert for suspects’ arrest * U.S. Govt slams 13-count charge on ONWUEMERIE OGOR, KELVIN USIFOH for scheme to defraud American victims * Suspects bought deceitful websites to lure unsuspecting American victim, promising investors fake 20 to 50 percent returns on bitcoin investment with zero risk/instant withdrawals * Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy on issued an investor alert to warn about websites touting advisory and trading businesses related to digital assets * ‘After receiving bitcoin transfers from the investors, Gift and Usifoh would transfer the bitcoin to other accounts and eventually exchange it for Nigerian Naira. They never returned the money to the victims’-Prosecutors BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 07/20/19: INVESTIGATION: NIGERIAN Man, HILLARY INEOMO-MARCUS living in Britain since age of 10 having TWO British Children facing Deportation…Cries from Harmondsworth detention centre: ‘I am British and afraid, I have no ties to Nigeria’ * Claims arrest, prosecution done in error by United Kingdom security operatives * Blindly invest £4,500 in cousin’s business, same fund collected as tax returns behind him * Immigration revoked his status, Home Office sends him Deportation Notice * ‘British Government is set to ruin my family. He has no home in Nigeria. Leave my Husband alone’-Stacey, Wife of embattled Nigerian lament BY ROBERT IGANI/SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT, UNITED KINGDOM
• 07/20/19: RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AWARD: United States honor 82 year old Nigerian Imam ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR who saved over 260 Christians from Herdsmen deadly attack *Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo host the first-ever International Religious Freedom Awards * Award celebrates extraordinary advocates of religious freedom from around the world *Other award winners: Mohamed Yosaif Abdalrahan (Sudan), Ivanir dos Santos (Brazil), William and Pascale Warda (Iraq) and Salpy Eskidjian Weiderud (Cyprus) * “Imam Abdullahi’s courage in the face of imminent danger and his history of outreach across religious divides demonstrates his lifelong commitment to promoting interfaith understanding and peace”-U.S. STATE Department * ‘We awarded Abubakar the Nigerian Star in recognition of achievement and service to Nigeria and Nigerians. He is a peace builder who put his faith into action by securing the lives of people of other religions.’-U.S. Embassy in Nigeria BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 07/20/19: SHOCKING: American man, MARCO RAMIREZ in trouble for defrauding Nigerians seeking United States GREEN CARD of $565,000 (N203.4million)…Picked up by EFCC on 16 counts bordering on conspiracy and obtaining under false pretences * His companies arraigned: USA Now LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP and USA Now Capital Group * Victims of the Fraud: Ambassador Godson Echejue, Abubakar Sodiq and Olukayode Sodimu * “Having not breached the bail terms granted by my brother judge, the defendant is hereby allowed to continue with the terms. The matter was adjourned till October 7, 8, 9 and 10 for trial”-Justice Mojisola Dada BY CHARLES IDEBE/ANTI-GRAFT REPORTER, LAGOS
• 07/14/19: PAINFULLY SHOCKING! NIGERIAN 33 Year old PhD student, THOMAS ORHIONS EWANSIHA Dies of Seizure inside Malaysia Immigration Custody…Battles convulsion in between academic period, earlier arrested as crime suspect on suspicion * ‘We are awaiting the post-mortem report of Ewansiha, as well as a full medical report to identify the cause of his death’- Khairul Dzaimee, Director-General of the Immigration Department * ‘Malaysia Immigration officials killed my Husband. They continually maltreated him in their brutish manner to the point of death in Bukit Jalil Immigration Depot’-Wife of the deceased * Wife lament in tears: ‘Having acquired all educational qualifications, Malaysia Government made my Husband die like a chicken’ BY LURETTA OBEMBE, CRIME CORRESPONDENT reporting from Malaysia
• 07/14/19: GRUESOME MURDER OF AFENIFERE LEADER’S DAUGHTER: ‘No ONE should blame OODUA PEOPLES CONGRESS when we react to this injustice on FUNKE OLAKUNRIN’ -Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, GANI ADAMS * ‘ Yoruba race not at a loss as to what to do to put a complete stop to the atrocities of the Fulani herdsmen’ * ‘Fulani herdsmen are invading the South West in their numbers and perpetrating atrocities’ * ‘ Yoruba people are not paper tigers and dogs who can only bark without biting. We only want the whole world to know what has been done and being done to our people’ BY TOLULOPE DANIEL/STAFF WRITER, LAGOS
• 07/14/19: BREAKING NEWS: UNITED STATES Government issues alert, warns American citizens in Nigeria: ‘Avoid large crowds, Demonstration by Islamic Movement Sect’ * U.S. Mission advise citizens to avoid violent gatherings, remain in safe areas * ‘American citizens should avoid crowdy areas, be aware of your surroundings, monitor local media for updates and carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa’-U.S. Mission in Nigeria BY EUGENE CHUKA, DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, LAGOS & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/29/19: TRUE LIFE SHOCKING CONFESSION! ‘Nigerian Pastor Biodun FATOYINBO RAPED and Disvirgined Me at the age of 18′-BUSOLA DAKOLO, wife of Nigerian Singer …’I have NEVER Raped anyone in my LIFE. She’s out to ruin my life’, countered embattled ‘Man-of-God’ Fatoyinbo, Senior Pastor, COZA Church * Reveals: ‘He covered my mouth, brought out his penis’ * ‘This Abuja Pastor should rot in JAIL’-Husband, Timi Dakolo * Lament: ‘I was wearing pants he pulled off my pants and that was how he found difficulty to enter but he just kept on … I was like grunting I would cry I would … I was doing a lot of mixed feelings and all that and then he eventually penetrated even blood dropped on the floor. He had orgasm” BY ABIMBOLA BADARU/CRIME REPORTER, LAGOS
• 06/29/19: DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE’S TROUBLE ON THE RISE: BRITISH Detectives storm Nigeria…Scrutinize Records, Parley EFCC on former Minister Stolen FUNDS *President Buhari signs Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill 2019 into law to confiscate Diezani’s assets at home and Abroad * Anti-graft agency traced N47.2 billion and $487.5 million to the ex-minister * Former OPEC President possess N23,446,300,000 and $5 million (about N1.5 billion) in various Nigerian banks * EFCC finally secured forfeiture orders on the following assets of Diezani: about $37.5 million Banana Island property; Heritage Court Estate, Plot 2C, Omerelu Street, Diobu Port Harcourt; 135 Awolowo Road/Plot 808 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi; and 7, Hurnburn Street and 5, Raymond Street, Yaba, Lagos BY CHIGOZIE OLISAMEKA, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE EDITOR, ABUJA & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/29/19: SON-OF-THE-DEVIL IN AMERICA: NIGERIAN Man, AYOOLA AJAYI Arrested for Kidnapping, Raping, setting missing Utah student MACKENZIE LUECK body on Fire *31 year old Naturalized American desecrates her body, seized her belongings * Former U.S Army Technician deceived 23 year old deceased after arriving Salt Lake City *Faces LIFE Jail in Prison and other Felony crimes against humanity BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/23/19: BREAKING SILENCE AFTER 23 YEARS IN NIGERIA’S MUSIC INDUSTRY: I am NIGERIA’S Number one Reggae ROCKER-Gidd Magip …’If music is the food of love, play on…’ * ‘Nigerian Government has FAILED Musicians in the country’ * ‘PMAN is a Useless Organization and a Den of Thieves’ * Yet to collect a single royalty on Reggae Rocker after commercial success of album * ‘Plays deep, spiritual classics of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Majek Fashek * Reveals why most musicians live in abject poverty, Why he loves being a Jehovah Witness * His words: “I’m from a polygamous family. After my Dad’s death, the family drove my mother with eight children away. I dropped out of school and started selling newspaper as a vendor. I sold newspapers for two years and thereafter bought my guitar. I bought my first guitar at a cost of 320Naira then” BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 06/16/19: BREAKING NEWS: ‘Foreigners living in Nigeria illegally will be DEPORTED soon’-Nigeria Immigration Service * Plans to begin issuance of residence permit to foreigners with valid legal status * Deportation action against foreigners with national threat commences in 3 months * ‘We have made efforts to protect Nigeria’s border’-Muhammad Babban Dede, Comptroller general, Nigeria Immigration Service BY AHMED AKWALI/DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 06/16/19: LOOKING UNTO GOD TO RESTORE BOY’S SIGHT: FLAVOUR, Nigerian Music Superstar flies adopted Liberian son, SEMAH WEIFUR into India Specialist Hospital for Eye Surgery…Music-making with him taught me to be humble Recollects how he met the Liberia blind singer at Peace Cultural Centre * Displays confidence in the power of God to open the eyes of beloved Liberian boy in New Delhi * ‘When it comes to music, impairments do not exist; as for me, music is spiritual’ * “I adopted Semah to prove to the world that no condition can limit you in life. I was introduced to him through Masterkraft and the traditional Queen Ruler of Liberia, Juli Endee, during my trip to Liberia”-CHINEDU OKOLIE, a.k.a ‘Ijele’ crooner BY TENEMA JOY/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER LIVE from India
• 06/15/19: ‘I Was Captured, SOLD for $400 in Libya and saw HELL’-JUDE IKUENOBE, true story of a Nigerian from Benin City trapped in Sahara desert, divinely saved by God …Thousands of Africans hoping for a better in Europe are sold for $400 each * Hundreds of thousands are detained indefinitely, spend years working for arbitrary sums or without pay * We are at constant risk of being kidnapped, sold, and auctioned from one militia to another * Fewer people are making it to Europe, but more are dying, disappearing or being abused * “In Sabha, every black man is a target . We black in Libya are money to Arabs. The minute they get us, they can sell us. If they are coming, just run. Run for your life,”lament Ikuenobe BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/15/19: UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION: Apartheid, Racism inside CHINA GLOBAL TELEVISION NETWORK in Nairobi busted…African Reporters live in fear, allow Chinese use the restroom first then follow afterward * Only permitted to eat in the cafeteria after Chinese journalists have eaten at 1pm * Shocking details of how Black Reporters are treated as inferiors, Salary delayed * On billboards in Kenya, claims in Swahili slogan “mtazamo tofanti,” or “see the difference * “ We don’t produce independent journalism, but pure propaganda by order of the Communist Party”-News Reporter in CGTN Kenya BY KENGA KULUNGA/REPORTING LIVE FROM NAIROBI
• 06/10/19: JAIL DESPERATION: ‘U.K Government should engage Nigeria in Prisoner Swap-deal, I want to spend my remaining JAIL TERM in Nigeria VIP Cell’-BRITISH Born Nigerian Killer, MICHAEL ADEBOWALE cries …37 year old of Nigerian heritage notorious in Britain for killing Lee Rigby *Lament: ‘I am tired of Britain’s Monster Mansion’ detention HMP Wakefield *Writes Immigration attorneys for help, advice, still serving 45 years in British Jail BY TINA STEWART/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, LONDON & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/10/19: HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT AT 14 YEARS: AMERICAN Based Nigerian born Genius, FIFEHANMI BODUNRIN heads to University..Several Colleges offer her admission, Ready to study Piloting, Resumes September *Says: ‘When I was 5 years old, I read 500 books during one summer. Reading to me is like being in another world entirely’ * Cherishes Kung Fu Panda as a Karate practitioner * Joins United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/10/19: INSPIRATIONAL: Meet the first Nigerian Woman in Finland to bag Doctorate Degree in Pharmacognosy …’I am happy my wife graduated from University of Helsinki in flying colors’, Tweets her husband, Chukwueke Chijioke *Says ‘My wife is making Nigeria, Africa and black race proud in Europe’ BY JOHN CHUKWURA/EDUCATION CORRESPONDENT, FINLAND
• 06/01/19: BREAKING NEWS: ‘We hereby ban NURTW, Street Urchins or Area Boys in Oyo State’-Executive Governor Seyi Makinde …Says: ‘Government is now in charge of all parks and garages in the state’ * ‘Activities of the union is illegal with immediate effect’ * “You can now go about your duties without fear of molestation. We have put in place a combined team of security task force in every community for peace and order to reign supreme”-Bisi Alaka, Chief of Staff to the governor BY MORENIKE IFEOLA/STATE CORRESPONDENT, OYO
• 06/01/19: BREAKING NEWS: ‘GHANA is granting Permanent Citizenship to over 200 African-Americans, Caribbeans residing in the country’-President Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO ….These Diaspora Citizens will be honored at Ghana’s Year of Return next month * ‘The celebration is very dear to the President because it had the potential to place Ghana high on the international map’- Akwesi Awua-Ababio, Director of Diasporan Affairs at the Office of the President/ Chairman of the Year of Return Steering Committee * ‘ 2019 ‘The Year of Return’, is a celebration of African resilience and to commemorate 400 years since the first Black slave reached the shores of the new world, United States of America * Fact: It is the prerogative of the President to confer citizenship on persons who were not citizens by birth, as enshrined in the Constitution *PANAFEST to highlight the importance of historic ceremony BY KOFI AKEKWU/DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, WEST AFRICA
• 06/01/19: NO GAIN IN CRIME: ‘We are compiling the Fraudulent Transactions of NAIRA MARLEY on Mastercard, Visacard printout’-EFCC …Credit Cards we recovered from Azeez Fashola (real name) bear other names as Timea Fedorne Tatar with No. 4921819410257431 ( Lloyds Bank Plc), Barclays Bank Plc with number 4539782440624281 (Nicole Louise Maylon) and third card with number 4757147207869807 issued by Santander UK Plc and bears the name Sharon Broad * ‘The commission is investigating a case of identity theft and electronic cards-related fraud in which the listed card information were recovered during investigation’ in Nigeria’s apex anti-graft agency’s letter to Visa and Mastercard * ‘He used the credits cards for identity theft and electronic cards-related fraud’ BY CHIDI AGABA/CRIME AND JUDICIARY REPORTER, ABUJA
• 05/28/19: HISTORIC: Nigeria’s Genius, ADEBAYO ALONGE wins Technology Award for inventing Nanoscanners that detect FAKE DRUGS …chosen as overall winner for 2019 BNP Paribas Group Deep Tech Prize *Competition designed specifically to address the needs of deeptech entrepreneurs across several different industries and technologies * “I would want every Nigerian and the world to be safe from fake drugs and fake medications”-Alonge BY TOPE OLANREWAJU/TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 05/28/19: IMO State BOY, KELECHI MADU(Kaycee) becomes First Nigerian elected Lawmaker in Canada …doubles as Minister of Municipal Affairs of the Province of Alberta *45 year old will be parliamentarian representing Edmonton South-West constituency *Ministry is the third largest in Alberta with over $3.7 billion portfolio *UNILAG law graduate under aegis of United Conservative Party in Edmonton won in the provincial election garnering 7,742 votes to beat his competitors: John Archer of the New Democrat Party who polled 6,974 BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/28/19: INSPIRATIONAL: 28 year old Anambra State Girl, EMELIFE STELLA CHINELO wins Overall Student of the Year Award in University of Mysore, India…received 20 gold medals and 5 cash honors *Emerges Golden Girl of college, topped Msc. Chemistry class graduates *Had highest award ever in post-graduation studies during the varsity’s 99th convocation *Earlier named Best Graduating BSc. (applied chemistry) student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Nigeria * I devoted most of my time towards studies. I was either in the classroom or library. The reason why I chose India, especially the UoM, for higher studies is because of its scope for academic excellence” -CHINELO BY ANGUL LERAN/EDUCATION CORRESPONDENT, INDIA
• 05/28/19: MAKING NIGERIA PROUD ABROAD: Nigerian Doctorate Student, PETER GENGER, holding two Master Degrees win Nahlah Ayed Global Leadership Award in Canada *Scholar in Peace, Conflict Studies holds extensive experience in facilitating dialogue and peace education *His inclination for study and practice is on the resort, entrenchment of African Indigenous peacemaking opportunities to address conflicts, development challenges in African communities, in resonance with the African Union’s declaration for African solutions for Africa’s problems * “This award has made me realize that there is no service that is too little or too much to give. The most important thing is for one to keep serving with sincere concern for humanity. After all, there is joy in true leadership and service”-Genger BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/28/19: Fighting the Battle of his LIFE: I am Not CORRUPT, EFCC can fully investigate me…My Hands are Clean-BAYO ONANUGA, MD/CEO, News Agency of Nigeria …May pursue libel court case against petitioners * ‘ On my first day at NAN darkness was everywhere, I provided N250,000 of my own money to the Technical Department to buy diesel and decreed that on no account must the agency be in darkness from 8am till 8pm daily’ * ‘Illegal NAN labor unions out to ruin my hard-earned reputation’ * ‘I created three websites with less than N1.7m and paid less than N2m, about $5,000 every year for hosting at pagely.com’ * ‘We want Secretary to the Government of the Federation to immediately probe the out going managing director of the agency, Bayo Onanuga for fraud’-Labor Unions in NAN BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/19/19: SHOCKING: United Kingdom Police Handcuffs, Arrest Nigerian lady for pulling a white man with rope like a Bingo Pet…thinks suspect may have used Voodoo on British man *Drags victim about on the floor with chain tied around the neck in London * Man obeys, crawl on his knees and hands in total submission looking so tired BY NURA OLAMIDE/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, BRITAIN
• 05/19/19: DISGRACEFUL: NIGERIAN Born Music Rapper, ADETOKUNBO AJIBOLA, alias ‘Trapstar Toxic’ Jailed five years in Britain for Cocaine deal * Arrested while fleeing a flat containing £30,000 worth of drugs * 26-year-old pleads guilty to possession of cocaine, cannabis with intent to supply, Sentenced at Harrow Crown Court * Attempted to escape by jumping from a second-floor window when police raided the property * “Ajibola played a leading role in the control of the Class A and B drugs markets in the Willesden area. He reaped the financial rewards of his illegal enterprise with no thought given to the misery of drugs supply that he brought to the community where he lived. The police will now begin confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover the assets seized, to ensure that Ajibola does not profit from his criminality”-Prosecuting Counsel, Dec James BY UFOMA MILLIAN/JUDICIAL CORRESPONDENT, UK
• 05/19/19: PAINFUL SHAM MARRIAGE: ‘My NIGERIAN Husband, BEN SOYEMI pretends to love me, but only married me for Visa’-British Woman cries out …Says: ’25 year old Nigerian hubby flirts with ex-girlfriend in Lagos on Skype daily’ * ‘He used, dump me and humiliated me before my entire family in London’ * ‘He ruined my life, I filed for divorce which he signed after two years’ * Lament: ‘I loved him. We dated for six months on social media, met him having almost expiring student visa’ BY JOY REWANE/CRIME CORRESPONDENT/London
• 05/19/19: HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIM SHATTERED DREAM: NIGERIAN 7-foot-2 Homeless man, CLIFFORD ETADAFIMUE Arrested in United States …Lured into America with promise of hoax Basketball careers *21 year old earlier squat in a homeless shelter *Had multiple encounters with New Hampshire Police in Nashua * “Clifford refused to stand and enter the rear of the van. After several minutes and multiple orders for Clifford to enter the van, myself and other officers picked Clifford up and assisted him into the rear of the van. It took 10 police officers to move this 350-pound homeless Nigerian into booking. He was subsequently charged with resisting arrest for refusing to cooperate”- Sgt. Adalberto Garcia of the Nashua Police Department * “He is facing potential mental health issues and suffering from a medical condition that requires the use of a glucose meter”-City Police BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/04/19: YOUNGEST DEE JAY IN THE WORLD: 6 year old South African Genius, DJ Arch Jnr wins Guinness World Records Award…Emerged South Africa Got Talent Winner at the age of three * Started disc-jockeying at the age on ONE, Had impact on America’s Got Talent * Shows off skills, professionalism in outdoor ceremonies as youngest entertainer in Africa * Performance much sought-after by top Celebrities in Africa, Europe and United States * Performed at South African Film Awards and All Africa Music Awards in Nigeria BY HARRIET IVANA/ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT IN JO’BURG (SOUTH AFRICA)
• 04/28/19: AFTER 20 YEARS OF MEDICAL PRACTICE: SAMSON ORUSA, Nigerian born American Medical Doctor Indicted on 45-Count Charges…’Man-of-God’ Facing Opioid Distribution, Healthcare Fraud, Money-laundering Crimes *56 year old man charged with 22 counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance outside the bounds of professional medical practice; 13 counts of healthcare fraud and nine counts of money laundering * Suspect opened and maintained medical practice at 261 Stone Crossing Drive in Clarksville, Tennessee for the purpose of distributing Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone * The indictment alleges that in February 2015, Orusa diagnosed a patient with Chronic Pain Syndrome without performing a specific examination and prescribed oxymorphone (an opioid), Soma (carisoprodol, a muscle relaxer), and alprazolam (benzodiazepine, an anti-anxiety drug). This regimen is commonly referred to as “The Holy Trinity,” and is considered to be a potentially deadly drug cocktail * On September 14, 2018, the State of Tennessee permanently revoked Orusa’s Pain Management Certificate and on that same day, Orusa wrote 164 individual prescriptions for approximately 12,754 Schedule II controlled substance pills * Suspect used clinic proceeds to make a $12,451.00 down payment on a 2017 Mercedez-Benz; and wrote a check for the purchase of $100,000 in securities * “Anyone who contributes to the opioid epidemic plaguing this nation should expect to be targeted by our law enforcement partners and held accountable. Physicians who prey upon an already addicted population; steal from public healthcare programs; and engage in such reckless disregard for patient safety, as alleged here, will face a vigorous prosecution by this office” – U.S. Attorney Cochran, Department of Justice BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard
• 04/28/19: DISGRACEFUL! NIGERIAN Yahoo Yahoo Man, COSMOS EMEH posed as FAKE American Soldier…Scam Australian Woman the sum of $400,000 through money transfer service * 32 year old conman deceived vulnerable ladies through hoax online romance scheme * Lied to 38 year old female victim, traveled to woman’s house to collect extra $105,000 *Charged with one count each of fraud and attempted fraud at Brisbane Magistrates Court * “The 34-year-old woman began an online romantic relationship with Cosmos Emeh, 32, after befriending him on social media in October 2018. The following month, she was groomed into believing Emeh was a US soldier, and sent him more than $200,000 through a money transfer service. He he then traveled to the woman’s house to collect a further $105,000”-Australian Police BY BIMBO AYOBAMI/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, AUSTRALIA, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 04/28/19: SHAME! Nigerian Man, EUGENE ORE of Wisconsin JAILED 5 years for STEALING $11.6Million in Tax Return…Pilfers Americans’ Debit Cards, Pin, Social Security, Date of Birth in Oregon and Washington DC *62 year old Nigerian filed multiple tax returns for years using the identities of thousands of taxpayers *Ordered to pay back the sum of $400,000 as Restitution *His American co-suspect, Curtis Sherman Pethley withdraw tax refunds from the prepaid debit cards after taking a 10-20 percent cut of the proceeds, wired the rest money to Nigeria * “Court documents revealed that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began investigating the scheme in May of 2013. when a victim in Medford notified them of suspicious activity. Someone had electronically filed false federal and Oregon state tax returns using her and her husband’s personal information — including their social security numbers and dates of birth”- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard
• 04/28/19: Nigerian Born American Heavyweight fighter, EFE AJAGBA Reigns as Boxing Hero of Texas …Says ‘I am proud to have come from Ughelli, Delta state and always re-branding the image of the Nigeria in sports’ * 25 year old Olympic Gold Medalist had 10 Fights, 10 Wins, Zero Losses *Nicknamed ‘The One And Only’ Gold/Bronze winner in the 2015 African Games/2014 Commonwealth Games * Rising Heavyweight Pugilist proving his moniker *Defeats German Michael Wallisch in the second round to improve 10-0 as he made in Las Vegas debut on April 27, 2019 BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard
• 04/14/19: ‘Nigeria’s ALIKO DANGOTE is Richest Black Billionaire in the world in 2019, fortune at $10.9billion’-FORBES …Oprah Winfrey’s entire worth at $2.5 billion, Michael Jordan valued at $1. 9billion * Mike Adenuga net worth at $9.1 billion, Robert F. Smith: $5 billion * David Steward is worth $ 3 billion, Strive Masiyiwa: $2.4 billion, Michael Lee-Chin: $1.9 billion * Isabel Dos Santos: $2.3 billion, Patrice Motsepe: $2.3 billion, Abdulsamad Rabiu: $1.6 billion *Folorusho Alakija’s estimated valued at $1.1billion, Mohammed Ibrahim: $1.1 billion * 2,153 people made it to the 2019 FORBES list of the World’s Billionaires, 13 are Blacks BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/14/19: Chibok Girls’ SCAM: Nigerian lawyer, EMMANUEL OGEBE sues American newspaper, Wall Street Journal, demand $11million for Assassination of Character…desires six reliefs in U.S. Court * ‘Ogebe and his Nigerian associates fraudulently exploited the ex-hostages for tens of thousands of dollars’-Wall Street Journal * The Wall Street Journal, according to the court papers, published false and defamatory article about Mr. Ogebe on April 13, 2018 on its website and in its print edition of the newspaper, entitled, “The American Ordeal of the Boko Haram Schoolgirls” * “I deny the accusation. This was a dirty operation and they did a lot of havoc and subterfuge. It is heartbreaking to a philanthropist and humanitarian when you see how heartless people can be. The Chibok saga ultimately left me poorer”-OGEBE BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 04/14/19: Sicily’s Nigerian Sex Trafficking leaders busted…Lure 15 Underage Girls into Prostitution from Nigeria via Libya into Italy *Police identifies RITA IHAMA, 38, and MONICA ONAIGFOHE, 20, as brains behind the cartel * Investigators track an Italian national, Giovanni Buscemi for helping to exploit girls * 16,000 Nigerian women arrived in Italy from Libya between 2016-2017-INVESTIGATION * ‘We were all forced to have sex without condom with older men as the age of our father. Our traveling passports were seized and we were all threatened daily’-Cries 14 year old Ose Aimagbon * “On arrival in Italy, the women [say they] were forced into prostitution and told they must pay back the cost of their travel to Italy”-Giovannella Scaminaci, deputy chief prosecutor in Messina BY THORPE KATE, CRIME REPORTER, ITALY
• 03/31/19: WICKED, PAINFUL & HEART-BREAKING STORY OF A SHATTERED DREAM: NIGERIAN 18 year old Girl, NGOZI EZE Strangulated and Raped to Death in Enugu…On way back from JAMB preparatory Lessons *Community claims unknown assailants in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government behind heinous act * Deceased father says he took her on a motorcycle on Tuesday to a school at Ogrute, Enugu Ezike where she takes her Jamb lesson and on going back in the evening he found out that someone gave her a lift * ‘My daughter’s phone was switched off. Her phone was switched off all through. It was the following morning (Wednesday) that her corpse was discovered in a bush at the back of the community. She could not further her school last year because of low finance, she promised me to work hard to gain admission this year but the devil would not allow us to see our shining light grow’-Cries Pa Eze * ‘We have taken Ngozi Eze corpse away for further investigation. We found scratch around the victim’s neck and ankle which made it look like she was strangled by the rapists’-Enugu Police Command * ‘God will always punish Wickedness. Certainly, people will always reap what they sow and also the committers of this heinous crime will never go unpunished’- Rev. Father Johnson Nwanonenyi BY DAMIEN ELUBELO/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, OWERRI
• 03/31/19: INSPIRING: AKON, Senegalese born American Music Star brings Solar Power to 600million Africans …Says ‘Akon Lighting Africa project will provide Solar Energy Electricity for Africa’ *Lament: ‘Children cannot study at night without proper light, unable to have their homework by candle light * Over 3.5million Africans die every year from harmful pollutants or fires * Project funding sourced from China- iangsu International Economic And Technical Cooperation Group * Raised 1 billion dollars to finance projects in Africa * Akon’s net worth is $80 million dollars, making him one of the richest R&B singers BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 03/31/19: FRAUDSTERS FROM HELL: AFRICAN Pastor, Wife Arrested in Egypt for selling ‘Tickets to Heaven’ at a cost of $500 (N180,00)each…Claims Ticket will get people into the Gates of Heaven without God’s judgment * Heresy: Lied that ‘Jesus’ appeared to him to sell golden tickets for multitudes worldwide * Says: Smoking ‘crack-Cocaine’ in Heaven is totally free * “ Jesus Christ appeared to me and gave me the tickets made of pure gold so that I can sell to people who want salvation. I do not care what people or the police are saying about me, I am being persecuted because of doing the work of God”- Pastor Tito Watts, a Zimbabwe based clergyman *Fake Pastor’s wife, Amanda: We just wanted to leave earth and go to space and smoke rock cocaine. I didn’t do nothing. Tito sold the golden tickets to heaven. I just watched” *Egyptian Police Report: ‘We confiscated over $10,000 in cash, five crack pipes and a baby alligator’ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief & YINKA MADEBE OWO/RELIGION CORRESPONDENT, CAIRO
• 03/31/19: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ‘BUHARI’S Govt back to dark days of the military where media is a subject of all sorts of attacks by agents of government’-Fiery Human Rights Activist, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin …Says: ‘No Value is placed on Human Life today, Nigeria rated Poverty Headquarters of the world’ *Fires back at ex-Governor of Lagos state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for picking on her hubby: ‘Nothing to worry about all that. If you can’t stand the heat,don’t venture into the kitchen. It’s all water at the back of the duck’ * ‘Nigeria has a long history of human rights violations and compliance’ * Discusses her recent conference at the Consulate General office of United States of America in Lagos *Demand probe of Nigerian Government for allegation involving soldiers raping under-age girls, women in Military camps of victims of Boko Haram * ‘ The menace of human trafficking in Nigeria has risen to alarming stage in the recent time’ * PLUS views on arrest of Sunday Fase, Nigerian-American publisher of African Examiner in Abuja BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 03/23/19: INSIDE NAIROBI: 25 year old NIGERIAN Woman, PRINCESS OKOYE arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for Hiding Cocaine in Milk, Stomach to avert detection…Picked up as she prepared to board a flight destined for Italy * Found to be carrying 77 Pellets of suspected narcotics, later emit 15 pellets swallowed BY TITUS IKEPVA/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, NAIROBI
• 03/23/19: $15Million FRAUD in America: NIGERIAN Fugitive, AYODEJI OLUMIDE OJO, Central Bank of Nigeria staff tracked hiding in Lagos…Declared wanted by United States Justice Department for fraudulent internet and bank transactions *American Govt detains suspect’s friend Olufolajimi Abegunde for helping to cash a dubious cheque of $9,000 on behalf of wanted Nigerian * ‘I didn’t know Ayodeji Ojo is a criminal. He always visit America. On one occasion, he begged me to use my bank account to cash a cheque of $9,000 since he had no legal address known to the bank in America. He used my name to commit fraud. I have learnt my lesson never to help any Nigerian again’-cried Olufolajimi Abegunde inside detention’ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 03/23/19: A LIFE OF CELEBRATION: News Express Publisher loses 90 year old mother in Delta state…Madam Margaret Umunna Edeyi (Maggi), a devout Christian, Community leader lived as a ‘Woman-of-God’ *Survived by five children, several grand children and great grand children BY NSAH EDEMAN/CORRESPONDENT, DELTA STATE
• 03/23/19: SHAMEFUL: NIGERIAN Police officer points gun in Woman’s head, RAPES her at ATM Booth under the cover of Darkness…Commits crime within the premise of a commercial bank in Anambra state as a security guard * ‘The policeman had been disturbing the 35 year old woman, regularly asking for sex each time the woman was around to use her ATM card to withdraw funds in front of the bank. The victim rejected his proposal until the police officer pointed gun at her head, threatening to shoot her. When I heard the woman crying, begging the officer to stop, spare her life was when I knew she was been raped’-Monsuru Olajide, an eye witness recounts ordeal * ‘The suspect has been arrested, detained and facing prosecution’-Rabiu Ladodo, Commissioner of Police, Anambra state BY CHUKWUDI ABARIBE/CRIME REPORTER
• 03/18/19: BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIAN born Houston woman, THELMA CHIAKA deliver Sextuplets in American Hospital..Birth time: 4:50 to 4:59am at The Woman’s Hospital, Texas * ‘Odds of having 6 children at-a-time estimated at 1 in 4.7billion’-INVESTIGATION * ‘The mother is doing well. The babies are in stable condition in the hospital’s advanced neonatal intensive care unit’-The Woman’s Hospital Management, Texas * ‘This is the happiest day of my Life. My joy knows no bound looking at the faces of my children. God is forever glorified’-elated Mother, CHIAKA BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 03/18/19: DAMNING VERDICT: ‘Difficult access to Justice, Female Genital Mutilation, Rape common in Nigeria’s IDP Camps’- The World Report …Says: Domestic violence, trafficking for the purpose of sexual and labor exploitation have become order of the day * Nigerian Government’s battle with Boko Haram result in over 20,000 civilians deaths, large-scale humanitarian crisis with 2.1 million people displaced by conflict, 7 million in need of humanitarian assistance * Corruption continues to plague Nigeria despite the Buhari administration’s increased efforts at reform and oversight BY KATE CHIOMA/UNDERCOVER CRIME REPORTER, NORTHERN NIGERIA
• 03/18/19: BREAKING NEWS: ‘NIGERIAN Soldiers, Civilian Joint Task Force RAPE Hungry Women for Sexual Exploitation’-AMNESTY International *Civilian JTF forcefully separate women from their husbands and confined them in remote “satellite camps” where they have been raped, sometimes in exchange for food. * ‘Instead of receiving protection from the authorities, women and girls have been forced to succumb to rape in order to avoid starvation or hunger”-Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria BY HARUNA AHMED/SPECIAL CRIME REPORTER
• 03/10/19: TRAVEL ALERT TO CANADIANS! ‘NIGERIAN Security situation is Unpredictable, Huge Risk of Terrorism’-Government of CANADA … crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings rampant * ‘Avoid all travels to Niger-Delta, Middle Belt and Northern States’ * ‘Exercise high degree caution in Abuja, Calabar and Lagos due to the incidence of crime’ * ‘Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Nigeria’ BY BIDEMI BRIYON/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER, ABUJA
• 03/10/19: WHERE IS JUSTICE IN AMERICA? NIGERIAN Gay Asylum Seeker, UDOKA NWEKE locked-up inside California Detention Center since 2016…Released temporarily by ICE * Suffering in Adelanto Detention Center, two hours northeast of Los Angeles where Life’s possibilities are very limited * After Nweke’s plea for asylum was denied, he attempted suicide. Psychologists diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia and depression * “Seeing him there in the orange jumpsuit was a staggering reality for me. Nweke has been detained for several months as a result of actions that he took only in order to survive. All he’s seen of the United States is a jail cell, a detention facility”-OLA OSAZE, Nigerian transgender, National organizer of the Black LGBTQ Migrant Project BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 03/10/19: SEEKING JUSTICE: Nigerian Man HILARY INEOMO-MARCUS faces deportation from Britain after over 20 years stay …Arrived United Kingdom at the of age of 10 and lived in London ever since, granted leave to remain in the early 2000s *earlier worked as a presenter on National Prison Radio, where he was commended as being the best prisoner-producer, remain primary carer for two under-age sons * ‘I have no tie to Nigeria. The prospect that they could walk in and grab me and put me on a plane before I can say goodbye to anyone – not even my children – terrifies me. I’m a product of British Education and Culture’-INEOMO-MARCUS *’We revoked Mr. Ineono-Marcus status after he served a 15-month prison sentence in 2013 for a tax offence’-British Immigration BY CHIOMA IDIKA/LONDON Correspondent
• 03/04/19: SECOND TERM IN OFFICE: Corrupt people will never go free, only people with integrity will serve in my cabinet-BUHARI * I want to assure women and youths that my administration will not disappoint you BY AHMED ILIYAH/POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 03/04/19: Soldiers deployed on election duty in Nigeria 2019 polls were professional and proactive in their conduct-Nigerian ARMY * Nigerian Presidential, National Assembly polls within the ambit of the law, rules of engagement BY TOLA AFUAPE/REPORTER, ABUJA
• 03/04/19: 2019 ELECTION: I will never mortgage Nigerians’ mandate freely expressed to me for anything-Atiku Abubakar …Sad that 24 EFCC agents arrested my son-in-law *Anti-graft officials stormed his house in two regular vehicles, an 18-seater Toyota bus (registration Abuja CS 522 RSH) and a Hilux van BY GARBA ALIYU/STAFF WRITER, POLITICS
• 02/28/19: DEVELOPING NEWS: MUHAMMADU BUHARI declared winner of Nigeria’s 2019 presidential election, Opposition rejects result…heads to Court with evidence National Electoral Commission: APC 15,191,847 PDP: votes 11,255,978 BY NURUDEEN ALIYU/POLITICAL EDITOR
• 02/28/19: Disgraceful in America: Nigerian Man, EMMANUEL KAZEEM sentenced to 15 years for stealing over $11million in IRS Tax-Return Scheme…Charged for Fraud, aggravated Identity theft, conspiracy *Maryland resident behind largest tax fraud in American history *Purchased more than 91,000 identities from a Vietnamese hacker tin Oregon company’s private database *Investigators discovered he was linked to over 10,000 fraudulent federal tax returns totaling $91 million in refunds * “Suspect bought a house in Maryland and put a nearly $200,000 down payment on another. He also tried to use the money to develop a four-star hotel in Lagos, Nigeria”- U.S. Attorney for Oregon Billy Williams BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Oregon
• 02/28/19: $80,000 WIRE FRAUD: U.S. Police arrests hiding Nigerian conman on Student Visa, KELLY ITIVE for preying on Texas women…Scammed vulnerable women in E-Paso County into paying him $78,000 after posing as an American white man *Operates FAKE Nigerian Romance Scam in fraudulent bank deals BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 02/28/19: Smoking Gun in Nigeria’s Rule of Law: ‘Reinstate Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Onnoghen now, Suspension is illegal’-New York Bar Association writes BUHARI *Claims: ‘The Nigerian Constitution provides for the Chief Justice’s removal by the President only where a two-thirds majority of the Senate supports the removal. The President here lacks the requisite Senate support’ *Explained: ‘President must take action now to restore Chief Justice Onnoghen to the bench and let the National Judicial Council process unfold in due course’ *“The international community, as well as Nigerian lawyers, civil society, and the Nigerian Senate, have voiced concerns that the timing of President Buhari’s suspension of the Chief Justice may be seen as an attempt to ensure that the President prevails in any post-election legal challenges”-President, Roger Juan Maldonado BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 02/25/19: PAINFUL: Inside last Moment of NIGERIA’S FIRST Super Model, YEMI FAWAZ in America…Her Battle, Pain with Colon Cancer at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital * American Cardiologist, Nephrologist discovered pioneer Nigerian model suffered hole in Heart and Kidney *Leads love international outreach to help less privilege *Challenged Advertising industries in Nigeria for ‘having sex with models’, paying them peanuts BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU in New York
• 02/25/19: SELLING OFF HER FUTURE TO GREED: INEC Supporting staff, NYSC lady collects N1.5Million part-payment Bribe to destroy Ballot papers in Imo state…hid thumb-printed votes inside khaki trousers, under-pant, brassier, shoes * Caught in a bush in Ndiuloukwu Umuowere after disappearing from polling booth *Suspect was expected to collect a balance of N1.5million after completing mission * Arrested by security operatives, confess: ‘Devil and politicians deceived me’ BY IKENNA CHINEDU/CRIME REPORTER, IMO STATE
• 02/25/19: NIGERIAN Couple, YEMI AND ADE TAIWO: Face behind Payless African & Carribean Food Market in London…Imports Nigerian food and Fashion *Introduce fresh vegetables, meats and spices from Africa into cuisine *Their products come from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Cameroon and the Congos *Runs a thriving food, clothing branch in Payless African and Caribbean Food Market opened its at 875 Hamilton Rd, United Kingdom BY TOLULOPE IMADE/FOOD & FASHION REPORTER, LONDON
• 02/17/19: REVEALING in AUSTRALIA: NIGERIAN Notorious Romance King, FISAYO OLUWAFEMI inside Sydney’s Villawood Detention used 16 Mobile Phones to plot $3million Fraud…Police seized from him numerous SIM cards, identification information, and various electronic storage devices *Suspect’s Girlfriend, Harriette Bangura handed 11 count charge for money-laundering of over $480,000 fraud * Under the alleged scam, emails were sent out from falsified or ‘spoofed’ email addresses encouraging recipients to reveal personal details such as credit card numbers, account names, passwords, officers and urged people to send money in exchange for love or goods * “The 43-year-old is allegedly the ring leader of a crime ring that targeted not only businesses, but women looking for love”-Sydney Police *Another African Gang member was involved in the syndicate having laundered $90,000 BY DIPO OLANIYI/CRIME EDITOR, AUSTRALIA
• 02/17/19: SHOCKING in AMERICA: Chicago Empire star, JUSSIE SMOLLETT paid Two NIGERIAN Brothers, ABIMBOLA and OLABINJO OSUNDAIRO $3,500 to assault him with bleach, Noose yelling racial homophobic slurs…for Global media attention and Publicity * “The attack was stage-managed by Smollet himself. He planned everything. He promised to give us the sum of $4,000 in total but only succeeded in giving us $3,500 cash before we traveled to Nigeria on holiday”-‘Nigerian brothers * Smollett had told police that on January 29, two assailants tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him while yelling’Empire f****t’ and ‘Empire n*****’ at him * ‘We can confirm that the information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation,’ Chicago Police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & CLEM IDEMUDIA/CRIME REPORTER, CHICAGO
• 02/17/19: NEW DEVELOPMENT ON NIGERIA’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: Foreign Observer foils INEC Rigging plans in 10 states on botched election day February 16…How violence, lawlessness were prevented in 26 states *Why National Electoral Umpire postponed election, set new dates for February 23, March 9 * ‘We have No Confidence or Trust in INEC to manage any credible election’-Afenifere *’INEC plan was to manipulate the smart card readers to substance biometric, accreditation with manual verification of already pre-loaded names, thus paving way for mass rigging and allocation of fictitious votes for President Buhari and APC Candidates during the elections’-Nigeria main opposition party, PDP * “I am deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and our preparations both locally and internationally, INEC postponed the Presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement”-President BUHARI * “The commission could not afford to be distracted by baseless allegations. The Commission was not a political party and would not allow itself to be dragged into unnecessary controversies at a time like this”-Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman * ‘The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa’-United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo BY NIKKY IYABODE/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER, CHESTA ILAM, POLITICAL WRITER, RILWANU AHMED, REPORTER, ABUJA & AJANI AIYEOLA/INVESTIGATIVE EDITOR, ABUJA
• 02/10/19: ‘NIGERIA is at major crossroad, Vote BUHARI out as Nigeria’s greatness lies in our Diversity’-Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Nigeria’s former military president …Bill Clinton, America’s 42nd President set to arrive Nigeria February 12th, Ready to meet President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar,ex-Vice president to Sign Peace Accord 10am following day * ‘One would have thought that the APC will give fillip to the idea of devolution of powers and tinker with processes that would strengthen and reform the various sectors of the economy’ * ‘Nigeria is in search for new breed leadership that must start now as we prepare for 2019 election’ * ‘We need a rebranded Nigeria, National Rebirth and rebranded politics for the people’ * ‘It is often ridiculous for me when people use smaller countries in our West Africa sub-region as handy references of how democracy should be. It beggars our giant of Africa status’ * ‘Time has come to sacrifice personal ambition for national interest and I will support a fresh breed of leadership in the 2019 elections’ * IBB FULL STATEMENT INSIDE BY AHMED MOHAMMED/POLITICAL REPORTER & SEKI ABEKE/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER
• 02/10/19: MAX AIR IN THE EYES OF THE STORM: BRITISH Government Detains, Quiz Nigerian Pilot, Captain ADAM DILLI IBRAHIM for unlawfully hiding aboard airplane…Charges Nigerian airline £180,000 a day as they cannot find another pilot to fly the plane after Ibrahim was deported * Pilot earlier fingerprinted, photographed and humiliated in Britain for being a stowaway * Airline consultant, Frank Unokesan, disputes UK claim, says ‘Whenever they see a green (Nigerian) passport they have doubted they are the captain and believe he is a stowaway, that’s their mindset’ * Max Air may now avoid Britain in future and take its business to Germany, which has allowed pilots to stay for up to three months without any problems BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & NNEKA OKIM/AVIATION EDITOR, LONDON
• 02/03/19: SECRET TRAP IN AMERICA: U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement sets up FAKE UNIVERSITY to arrest Undocumented Foreign Immigrants …ICE’S Sting operation carried out in University of Farmington which enrolls hundreds of students in Michigan *Phony University deceitfully advertised an innovative STEM curriculum that would prepare students to compete in the global economy, and flexible class schedules * Charges non-refundable tuition of $8,500 a year for undergraduates and $11,000 a year for graduate students * Fake university had been set up in 2015 as part of an elaborate sting operation aimed at ensnaring foreign nationals who had initially come to the United States on student visas * “The phony university was “being used by foreign citizens as a ‘pay to play’ scheme”-Prosecutors * School being run by undercover agents working for ICE BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 02/03/19: REVEALING INTERVIEW AFTER LONDON ARENA SOLD OUT SHOW: ‘I bought My First Mansion in United States in cash at the age of 24’-David Adeleke, a.k.a DAVIDO, Nigeria’s award wining musician …Says: ‘My mansion was searched by American detectives being only African in that neighbourhood. They were shocked how I could pay 100% cash to buy a huge house ‘ * ‘I did not see my house search as racism since some Americans were brainwashed into thinking Africans are not honest’ * ‘I have the biggest African Records in America presently. I may go into politics to correct some defaults’ *Interview corroborated by United Kingdom’s Channel 4 television station BY TOMIWA OLADELE/LONDON ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
• 01/28/19: BREAKING NEWS: ‘Pretty Okafor, PMAN President’s impostor GUILTY of Contempt of Court and liable to be committed to Prison’-National Industrial Court of Nigeria …Musician faces three Warrant Arrests, now in hiding after been served at his house located at 14a Fadeyi street, off Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikeja, Lagos *Form 48, Suite No: NICN/LA/272/2015 dated January 21, 2019 reads: “unless Pretty Okafor obeys the judgment of paragraph 6 (III) of the Consent Judgment of Honorable Justice O.A. Obaseki-Osagahe, refrain himself from parading himself as a PMAN National officer, he’s guilty of Contempt of the court” * ‘Further take notice that the act of parading yourself as the President of PMAN contrary to the valid and subsisting judgment of Court dated 20th September 2017 amounts to CONTEMPT of Court for which you will be liable to be committed to prison should you hold yourself out as the PMAN’s President henceforth’-Court Registrar 1, Olafolasade Opeyemi * ‘Zone 2 Police, Inspector General’s team, State Security Services cannot locate his official address’-INVESTIGATION * ‘I am suing Pretty Okafor for lying, defamation. I am not a NEC member so I have no business in organizing any delegate meeting as he recently alleged. Those around him like Zaki, Sony Nneji and Muma Gee in Port Harcourt will also be liable for association and conspiracy’-Tee Mac Omatshola, former PMAN President BY TUTU ORIADE/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER & CHUBA ADIOGBE/JUDICIAL REPORTER, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 01/28/19: CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA’S SUSPENSION: ‘NIGERIA is sliding into a Tyranny State’ -EUROPEAN Union……’My Administration is fighting corruption in Justice Walter Onnoghen’s infamous activities. He’s alleged to have breached Code of Conduct for Public Officers’-President BUHARI
• 01/23/19: NATIONWIDE SECURITY ALERT: ‘ISIS West Africa, Boko Haram have concluded plans to disrupt Nigeria’s 2019 presidential elections’-United States Embassy * ‘We have intelligence reports ISISWA, Boko Haram will be conducting attacks on Nigerian Security, Infrastructure’ * Militants groups will be striking at places of gathering as markets, hotels and malls *No specific threat information to the U.S. Embassy, warns U.S citizens to follow personal security precautions on a regular basis * ‘U.S citizens in Nigeria should remember to follow personal security precautions on a regular basis. For citizens’ assistance, reach U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria +234 (9) 461-4328 +234 (9) 461-4000 (after hours) AbujaACS@state.gov U.S. Consulate Lagos, Nigeria +234 (1) 460-3600, +234 (1) 460 3400 (after hours), LagosACS@state.gov, State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444′-U.S Government BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & TOLA OLUDARE/CHIEF DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, ABUJA
• 01/21/19: BREAKING NEWS: ‘We are not endorsing any candidate in Nigeria’s 2019 election, only supporting a democratic process that reflects the will of Nigerian people’ -United States Government …Rivers, Borno, Benue, Kano are hotspots that might experience violence * ‘We fear that NIGERIA’S 2019 General Election will be characterised by violence’ * ‘We are happy all major candidates have signed peace pact’ *Conduct of the elections could have significant consequences for the democratic trajectory in Nigeria * ‘We will be watching closely for instigators of violence or those attempting to undermine the democratic process’- US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, Tibor Nagy * Nigeria’s 2019 election would serve as a critical test’-U.S Department of State BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & KEMI OLOWO, ASSISTANT DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, ABUJA/Naija Standard Newspaper
• 01/21/19: WICKED, EVIL, FACING LIFE JAIL TERM IN AMERICA PRISON: NIGERIAN Man, KEHINDE AFOLAYAN blames the Devil for Stabbing wheelchair-bound 61-year-old disabled White American woman over 100 times in chest, abdomen … leaving her partially disemboweled, near 5th Avenue and Clark Avenue in South Milwaukee *31-year old suspect charged with one count of first-degree intentional homicide in connection * Charging document confirmed a witness peered through the window and saw Afolayan stabbed Deborah Lynch as she sat in her wheelchair * Responding officers found Lynch sitting motionless in her wheelchair, breathing but unresponsive, victim passed away before being loaded onto the aircraft *Police claims Nigerian squatter in deceased’s apartment not cooperative, but keep saying “Jesus forgives me BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF/Naija Standard Newspaper
• 01/19/19: AFTERMATH OF SHOCKING TRIP TO AMERICA IN GRAND STYLE: Nigerian Govt Plot to Arrest ATIKU ABUBAKAR, Opposition Presidential Candidate ahead of 2019 Election…PDP claims Aso Rock fabricate outright lies to discredit more acceptable politician, Rubbishes empty threat *Dares BUHARI to account for how N9 trillion was stolen under his watch then as Minister of Petroleum Resources in NNPC *Reveal BUHARI’S Family members alleged corrupt acquisitions in 9Mobile and Keystone Bank PLC to the tune of N1.032 trillion *Atiku lodges in Trump International Hotel, received by top United States Government officials *Nigerian Community, African-American Business Entrepreneurs hold meeting on ‘Blue-prints’ in moving Nigeria forward economically * Discussed with lawmakers at United States Capitol Hill, visit U.S Chambers of Commerce and had interactive sessions with editorial team of Voice of America * “We make bold to state that Atiku Abubakar has nothing to do with the alleged issues leading to the collapse of Bank PHB, but an honest and hard working Nigerian who has no skeleton of any sort in his cupboard, unlike President Buhari, who is now entangled in series of corruption allegations”-KOLA Ologbondiyan, Director, Media & Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organization * “In any event, any time Abubakar returns home, he has questions to answer following the fresh evidence that we have that he benefited N156million slush funds that led to the collapse of the former Bank PHB”-Nigeria’s Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 01/12/19: INSPIRING: NIGERIAN Genius, AHMED MOHAMMED Constructs First Local Helicopter for Nigerian Army …Says ‘My creativity was done out of patriotism for Nigeria’ *Used personal savings to source for materials in the country * Kaduna state born man designed the helicopter using green colour to represent Nigeria * His words: “I strongly believe in a positive Nigeria. I know that the nation can quickly develop through technology. And I believe this is my own contribution in making Nigeria great”-MOHAMMED BY ILIYA SAKA/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, KADUNA
• 01/12/19: NIGERIA 2019 ELECTIONS: Rich NIGERIAN Politicians chase after World’s Most Expensive BULLET PROOF Cars…Fear of Assassination, Violence compel anxiety & Vehicle built to survive Military or Chemical Attack *Unpredictability of elections’ result compound apprehension *Alarming Media report raises tension in the polity and among the electorates * Plans to shell out $1.5million for Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition, Eyes ‘The Beast’ (New Cadillac Limo) in the sum of $1.5million, Aims at Rezvani Tank at a cost of $155,000 * ‘There are 100,000 armored vehicles on the streets worldwide’-INVESTIGATION *PLUS Car Manufacturers now smiling to the Bank BY OKECHUCKWU ANAYO/AUTO EDITOR, ABUJA & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 01/12/19: REVEALING: Nigeria’s Millionaire KING OF SCAM in America, REX ANYANWU busted for FAKE Marriage …Collect $10,000 from every African Immigrant, Paid 50 United States citizens $700 each for stage-managed ‘bogus wedding’ *Runs a fraudulent marriage factory for over 11 years to arrange ‘Green Cards’ *American Governmental shuts down his hoax business *Lied to immigration officials to assist aliens in their illegal efforts to stay in the United State *Citizens and immigrants testified in court that they often didn’t meet until day of the wedding *Found guilty of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, alien harboring and even violating the law to gain citizenship for himself * “He paid U.S. citizens to marry aliens and then lied to immigration officials to assist the aliens in their illegal efforts to stay in the United States. Anyanwu’s illegal business has been shut down and he will now lose his own citizenship”-U.S. Attorney office *Sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $750,000 BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 01/07/19: BREAKING NEWS: South African Police Services Step up Plans to Arrest GRACE MUGABE, Former First Lady of Zimbabwe…Warrant of Arrest issued for assaulting a model, Gabriella Engels *High Court sets aside Mugabe’s diplomatic Immunity *AfriForum writes INTERPOL to help enforce apprehension * Model turned down Bribe from Robert Mugabe, former President of Zimbabwe not to pursue criminal charges * “A process on the matter has been initiated with the international anti-criminal organisation” – Vish Naidoo, spokesperson, South African Police Services BY CHINEDU IBEKWE SAMUEL/DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT IN SANDTON, SOUTH AFRICA
• 01/07/19: JUDGEMENT TIME: NIGERIAN Born British Nurse, JOSEPHINE IYAMU alias ‘SANDRA JOSEPHINE IMAGHODOR’ becomes First Person Convicted under United Kingdom Modern Slavery Laws…Found guilty of trafficking five Nigerian women from Benin city to work as prostitutes *51 year old Identity-lying Liberian heritage forces innocent Nigerian ladies to swear oaths to hand over money to her during “juju” ceremonies *Court hears Iyamu compels women to eat chicken hearts, drink blood containing worms and have powder rubbed into cuts *Former resident of Bermondsey in London then arranged for the women to be trafficked across the Mediterranean, with one being told to pay a “bill” of €37,000 (£32,700) * Guilty of five counts of arranging or facilitating travel for sexual exploitation * “Voodoo rituals gave Iyamu crushing psychological control over the women, who were too afraid to challenge her or to fail to pay her back tens of thousands of euros she charged them to be trafficked into Germany”-British Prosecutors BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 01/07/19: BREAKING NEWS: ‘NIGERIA Government is Requesting Britain to Extradite DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE, former Oil Minister’ -Economic and Financial Crimes Commission *Faults long-delay in corruption probe in United Kingdom *After Diezani’s arrest in London October 2015 as part of a probe into global corruption, she has been on bail ever since * Linked to a string of money laundering, bribery; asset recovery cases in Nigeria, Italy and the United States *Evidence showed that billions of dollars were siphoned from oil deals, state accounts, including to pay for properties in exclusive areas of Lagos and London *’I am innocent of fraud charges. I worked hard for all my funds. I have not stolen any fund’ -erstwhile OPEC President denies * “It is very unreasonable that she is not being tried there,” he told a news conference in the capital, Abuja. That’s why I say, if you cannot prosecute her, bring her here. We will prosecute her”-Ibrahim Magu, EFCC Chairman BY NIRAN OYEDIPE/ANTI-CRIME EDITOR, ABUJA & LOVETH AJAGU/JUDICIARY
• 01/05/19: DISCOURSE: ‘YOU Can’t DRESS Indecently as a Christian and Come into the House of God’-Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God …’I have ordered security guards to arrest anyone found indecently dressed at the Redemption Camp’ * ‘Parents should warn their children, Camp is a HOLY PLACE of Worship’ * Instruction issued during the Ministers’ Thanksgiving at the 3×3 Auditorium at Shimawa, Ogun state * His words: “The way you can’t dress to the church, don’t dress so in the camp. If you are caught indecently dressed in the camp, you’ll be arrested. “Parents should warn their children because if you dress indecently in the camp, they’ll be arrested. “And when their parents come to bail them, they’ll be arrested, too” BY GLORIA OLAMIDE/STAFF WRITER
• 01/05/19: SHOCKING CONFESSION: ‘I am a BOKO HARAM Commander, I Have Killed over 200 people before My Arrest’- UMAR ABDULMALIK Sings in Police Custody Says…’I Will explain how we planned the Nyanya Bombing in Abuja, Attack on Kogi Prison’ * ‘A dismissed policeman joined our robbery gang with two AK-47 rifles, Pistol’ * ‘We were given contacts on how to attack rich men by a police informant’ * ‘I Had an Accident and damaged one of my eyes in the course of banditry’ * ‘We created Metallic Bombs and caused havoc in Abuja, Kogi and few other places’ * ’30 year old Busted by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team’ BY RAHMAN MUHAMMED//CRIME REPORTER, ABUJA
• 01/01/19: DAMNING VERDICT AHEAD OF 2019 ELECTIONS: ‘HISTORY Won’t Forgive MUHAMMADU BUHARI for Bringing in 53 Suitcases of Looted FUNDS Secretly into Nigeria’-ATIKU ABUBAKAR, Nigeria’s former Vice president *Explains: ‘In 1984, AS HEAD, Nigerian Customs and Excise Department at Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command I stopped the ADC of Buhari (then Military Head of State) from smuggling illegal money into the country’ *Dares young Nigerians and millennials who may not be aware of this incident to Google it *Vows: ‘I, Waziri Atiku Abubakar has no history of stolen looted funds’ *Assures: ‘Insha Allah, we will win 2019 Elections and make life meaningful for Nigerians’ * “In desperation, the Buhari administration released this statement to cover their shame on a day that the US based International Strategic Studies Association reported that it is the unprecedented corruption around President Buhari that has led to the recent setbacks in the war on terrorism in the Northeast”-Mazi Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to HE Atiku Abubakar BY SAMSON SHOAGA/MANAGING EDITOR, ABUJA
• 12/31/18: DEVELOPING NEWS: NIGERIA’S Secret POLICE Investigates Foreign Nationals for Humiliating Nigerian Port Workers, Abusing Expatriate Quota…Tracks concessionaires operating Lagos Tin Can port *Move followed petition filed by right advocacy group, the Center for Human Rights and Social Justice * Two firms in scandal: Tin Can Island Container Terminal Limited and APM Terminals of unbridled human right abuses in their operations * “Terminal ‘B’ Tin Can, Port Complex, 1/3 Point Road, Apapa on Wharf Road, Apapa in Lagos cannot account for N3billion monthly subvention fund”- Executive Chairman of CHRSJ, Comrade Adeniyi A, Sulaiman * Names of Looters: Yann Magarian Operations Manager of TICT, (+2348066273552), Commercial Manager of same company, Kapur Pawan (+2348063996876), Managing Director, Etienne Rocher (+2348030630399); Human Resources Manager, Juliet Ikemefuna (+23408023141634/+2348141381169), Leader of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adeyanju (+2348067667760/+2348022906505) BY MOHAMMED RILWAN/DEPUTY EDITOR, INVESTIGATIONS, ABUJA
• 12/31/18: BREAKING NEWS: ‘ATIKU Abubakar, Nigeria’s Most CORRUPT Politician, Facing Sealed Indictments in America’-FESTUS Keyamo, Director, Strategic Communications, President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation *Found Guilty by PTDF to have abused his office by aiding and abetting the diversion of public funds in the sum of $145 million as loans to his friends * Warns: ‘Let him produce his tax receipts for 2015, 2016 and 2017’ * How can a man who has not paid his Personal Income Taxes now says he wants to get Nigerians working again? BY SOLA ONADEKO/CRIME REPORTER, LAGOS
• 12/23/18: CONFESSION: ‘We Are GUILTY of trying to Obtain GREEN CARD illegally in America’-Arrested Nigerian Suspects tell prosecutors …Says: ‘We conducted Sham Marriage, paid Money to American ladies to Deceive immigration’ *Arrived USA from Nigeria on B1/B2 Visitors’ Visa but engaged in fraudulent marriages to stay *Nigerian Identities in scam: Adebisi Philip Bode Adejumo, 34, a Grambling, La., resident and Nigerian citizen; Godspower Raphael Sobaeh, 31, a Fort Worth, Texas, resident and Nigerian citizen; and Olabode Ebenezer Olubodun, 37, a Houston, Texas, resident and Nigerian citizen; John Femi Egunjobi, 34, a Grambling resident and Nigerian citizen, Talatu Helen Dada, 38, a Ruston, La., resident and Nigerian citizen, Oludayo Folarin Olayinka, 38, a Midland, Texas, resident and Nigerian citizen; James Ojo Ayodele, 49, a Ruston resident and Nigerian citizen, Precillia Asabe Dada, 53, a Ruston resident and others BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/23/18: BREAKING: Two NIGERIAN Texas Residents Sentenced to 45 Months in Prison, Face Deportation…For Fraud, Money Laundering, Identity Theft, Bank/Credit Cards Scam *Caused losses of over $1.1million to United States Government * Orefo Okeke of Arlington, co-conspirator, Clement Onuama plead guilty to crime * Victims found in 16 states in America, Seven countries around the world * “Okeke was found responsible for causing losses of over $1.1 million. He was ordered to pay restitution of over $582,000 and to forfeit the same amount as a money judgment against him”- US Attorney’s Office BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/23/18: 20 YEARS IN PRISON MAXIMUM CHARGE: AMERICA’S Justice Department Arrests KWAM 1’s Son, SULTAN OMOGBADEBO ANIFOWOSHE in Chicago, Others over $2million Fake Online Romance, Mystery Shopping Scam…’My Son is not a Fraudster, He’s now on Bail’, reacts Nigeria’s Legendary King of Fuji Music *Law Enforcement Agents round up internet fraudsters in USA, Nigeria * FBI argues Fraud lasted over two years through ‘Operation Gold Phish’ * Complaint accuses the conspirators of engaging in various other cyber-enabled scams, including investment, employment frauds and target victims’ corporate email accounts *Used parts of slush fund to pay for vehicles on behalf of a Nigerian car company *Deceived American ladies through Match.com, Facebook, and Instagram *Apprehended in Illinois: DANIEL SAMUEL ETA, also known as “Captain” and “Etaoko,” 35, of Skokie; BABATUNDE LADEHINDE LABIYI, also known as “Junior,” 20, of Chicago; BARNABAS OGHENERUKEVWE EDJIEH, 29, of Chicago; SULTAN OMOGBADEBO ANIFOWOSHE, also known as “Ayinde,” 26, of Chicago; BABATUNDE IBRAHEEM AKARIGIDI, also known as “AK,” 39, of Chicago; MIRACLE AYOKUNLE OKUNOLA, 21, of Chicago; and OLUROTIMI AKITUNDE IDOWU, also known as “Idol,” 55, of Chicago *Picked up in Texas: ADEWALE ANTHONY ADEWUMI, 27, of Richardson, Texas. Arrested in Nigeria was OLANIYI ADELEYE OGUNGBAIYE, also known as “DonChiChi,” 26, of Lagos, Nigeria BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, TOM CRAIG/ENTERTAINMENT WRITER, CHICAGO & LOLA OGUNBANWO/CRIME REPORTER, ABUJA
• 12/22/18: TOURISM: MOROCCO Gets AFRICA’S First High-speed Train at a whooping cost of $2billion…10 year decade project funded by the governments of Morocco, France, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates * French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI inaugurated train * New trains made by manufacturer Alstom and can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour *It’s double the speed of South Africa’s Gautrain launched in 2012, which falls short of the criteria of high-speed rail * “We aim at six million passengers a year after three years of commercial operation, instead of three million currently”- Mohamed Rabie Khlie, director general of national rail operator * ‘The Government is continuing its reforms and major investments to improve the business climate and attract foreign investors’- African Development Bank BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/15/18: BREAKING NEWS: ‘OLUSEGUN OBASANJO is Totally Confused, Suffering Dementia, No SANE Person Takes him Seriously’-GARBA SHEHU, Senior Special Assistant to Nigerian President on Media & Publicity *Says: OBJ’S utterances gibberish, not worthy of attention *Vows: ‘Whoever Obasanjo endorses at 2019 election is irrelevant. He is very unstable on decision’ *Flays Baba Iyabo for dropping ‘God’s name’ as he deems fit *Add: ‘We have learnt not to take his utterances seriously anymore’ BY IFEYINWA CHUDY/GROUP POLITICAL EDITOR, ABUJA
• 12/15/18: POWER OF LOVE: Emir of KANO’S Heir, PRINCE AMINU SANUSI LAMIDO Ready for Marriage…says ‘Nothing like perfect wife or perfect marriage. All you can wish for is an understandable and respectful wife’ *Wedding Fathia set for December 29, 2018 at Al Furcan Mosque, Alu Avenue, Nassarawa GRA Kano, Time: 11:00am *Crossing Swords December 29, 2019, Venue: Emir of Kano Palace, Time: 12:00pm * “I am the Happiest Man in the world since I have finally met My GOLD..Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the new Princess of Kano..Fulani Zainab Ali Bashir”-Prince Aminu Sanusi Lamido * ‘My daughter’s wedding has brought me unlimited joy’-Zuhrah Abdulhamid Hassan, Bride’s Mother *PLUS How Prince Aminu Sanusi Lamido has brought honor to Nigerian Police Force as an Assistant Superintendent of Police BY IYIOLA OREMADE/ENTERTAINMENT & SOCIETY REPORTER, ABUJA
• 12/11/18: GOOD NEWS: After 3 years of living in separate continents, NIGERIAN Family Re-Unites in Canada…JOY MAXWELL narrates how she came from Nigeria to Saskatchewan to write a Nursing Exam *Laments: ‘Few months turns three years. The idea of giving her children a brighter future helped keep her strong’ * “Right now (my youngest) doesn’t really know who his mom is and that is kind of hard for me. I can stay on the phone for hours, but I can’t touch them. It’s hard, it’s lonely, and it is quite challenging”-JOY, Nigerian Born Naturalized Canadian BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/11/18: INSPIRING: NIGERIA’S Youngest Medical Doctor in England …Trainee Helicopter Pilot sad when younger sister suffered sickle cell anemia attack, needed urgent care but nearest hospital in Nigeria couldn’t deal with her condition *Found available Air Ambulance in a South African Hospital *Devastated when younger sister died after 12-hour activation period for medical treatment *Stunned by the tragic death of her younger sister, Orekunrin left behind a high-flying job in the United Kingdom to take to the Nigerian skies and address the vital issue of urgent healthcare * “I started thinking about whether I should be in England talking about healthcare in Africa, or be in Africa dealing with healthcare and trying to do something about it”-OREKUNRIN BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 12/09/18: MAKING NIGERIA PROUD ABROAD: ‘I Am the FIRST BLACK Person, First AFRICAN to obtain PhD in Biochemical Engineering from University of Saskatchewan, Sask’ -Dr. ADEOLA OLUBAMIJI, Ibadan Born Canadian Girl, Lead Material / Metallurgical Engineer at Burloak Technologies in Hamilton, Ont. ….Says: ‘CANADA offers me a home away from home, I am an Immigrant’ * Explains: ‘I Have a Foreign Accent, No one Can say my Name Correctly’ * ‘My Mother was a Farmer, My Father Had a Little’ * ‘LIFE was Tough growing up, As young as 10 years I hawked Pepper on the street of Mokola to support my Family’ *Graduated in Bachelor’s of Science in Physics (with Electronics) from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria having scored 3.8 of 5 CGPA, Obtained Master’s of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Tampere University of Technology, Finland *Worked as a Cleaner part-time to support herself through her degree, and for another year searched for PhD admission and scholarships *Her Words: “Nothing in life came to me easy; therefore, I learned to put in a good fight at every step of the way. In the fourth year of my PhD, I started the job hunt for a company that could offer me my long-awaited career. I graduated at time when engineering jobs were scarce and recent engineering graduates found it hard to secure appropriate jobs. Most of the advertised jobs required minimum of five years related work experience, and I was often told that I was overqualified because I have a PhD” BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/02/18: AMERICAN EXPRESS Company introduces CREDIT CARDS Fully into NIGERIA…Removes Africa’s most populous black nation from its blacklist * Recognizes honest Nigerians angling for its services *Unified Payments will now offer American Express Card in all Nigerian transactions *’Nigeria is an important destination for our Card members and this is the latest step in extending the AXP footprint across Africa’- Catherine Malec, Vice President of Bank Partnerships in Africa for American Express *’When they pick some of your transactions, the IP address originates from Nigeria. Now that has been cleared and there are other good people in this country that want to use the American Express card. There are travelers from the world that are coming into our economy’- Chief John Adebanjo, UP, Chairman, American Express and Global Business Travel Nigeria BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/02/18: NELSON MANDELA’S POST 100 YEARS BIRTHDAY: Beyonce’, JAY Z, Femi Kuti, Whizkid, Tiwa Savage, others headline Global Citizen Festival in South Africa…Streaming LIVE to over 100 millions viewers today * Home town converges crowd, fans and lover of freedom from world over * Pharrell Williams steals show with hit tune ‘I am Happy’ *Beyonce recalled how she met Madiba BY QUINNET YVONNE, Jo’Burg & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 12/02/18: FACEBOOK Destructive Policies exposed, Crushes Small Scale Businesses across the world..Rip Entrepreneurs, Make profits for Shareholders *Allegedly permit Untrained Support Managers to close Accounts at will *How Mark Zuckerberg’s company contradicts self in adhering to Community Standard Policy *Concerns self alone with huge profit for Shareholder, Board Directors BY SAMSON SHOAGA/MANAGING EDITOR, ABUJA
• 11/29/18: SHAME IN BRITAIN: NIGERIAN DRUG Cartel in Hackney dealing in COCAINE, HEROINE Sentenced to over 20years in Prison…British conspirator, Rashayne Hunter found guilty of two counts of conspiring to supply class A drug *Received Imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court *The Nigerian identities: SAMUEL AWOYERA, 20, found guilty of two counts of conspiring to supply a class A drug (heroin and crack cocaine), sentenced to seven years and six months in Jail; SHERIF ISIAKA, 19, pleads guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A (heroin and crack cocaine), sentenced to seven years and five months’ imprisonment, JODECI OFULUE, 24, previously pleaded guilty of two counts of conspiring to supply a class A drug (heroin and crack cocaine), sentenced to six years and nine months in prison; AYO ANIBABA, 17, found guilty of two counts of conspiring to supply a class A drug (heroin and crack cocaine) and one count of possession of criminal property, sentenced to four years and four months’ imprisonment *Sell drugs in Peterborough, Huntingdon via dedicated phone lines nicknamed ‘Ricki’ and ‘TJ *PLUS their expensive lifestyles, modern automobile garage, visit to underground Night-clubs BY PETER CLEG/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, UNITED KINGDOM
• 11/29/18: REVEALING: NIGERIAN Man, 49, BOLANTE IDOWU ALO Dies in Canada Border Services Agency Custody…After been forcefully removed from KLM Flight to Amsterdam, fell into Medical Distress *Deceased had heated exchange and altercation with two CBSA Agents * Calgary Police Service investigating this case as a death in custody * Alo arrived Canada in 2005, fought to remain by filing numerous times for refugee status * Documents from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada warned: “Removing Alo could be ‘violent’ and advised CBSA agents to ‘take caution’ and be careful” *Family’s Nigerian Church sets up GoFundMe page to raise money to bring his remains back * Distress Family members: Wife, two sons aged 17 and 20 in Nigeria cries for Justice BY TOLANI OPEOLUWA/ANTI-FRAUD REPORTER, CANADA
• 11/29/18: INDICTED IN AMERICA, FACES DEPORTATION: NIGERIAN ‘Green Card’ Delta Born Woman Holder, ROSA MARIA ORTEGA gets EIGHT YEAR JAIL Term for VOTER FRAUD in TEXAS…Voted illegally five times between 2004 and 2014 *Flouted American Law by falsely claiming to be a United States Citizen during Electioneering *Reportedly served as a poll worker with assumption as her ‘civic duty’ *Later admitted Ignorance as a resident alien on a driver’s license form, while incorrectly checking the U.S. citizen box for the purpose of voting * “This case underscores the importance that Texans place on the institution of voting, and the hallowed principle that every citizen’s vote must count. We will hold those accountable who falsely claim eligibility and purposely subvert the election process in Texas”-Attorney general, Ken Paxton BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/29/18: LONG OVERDUE: ‘FRANCE Ready to Return 26 Stolen Thrones and Statues taken from Benin Kingdom during Colonial Era’-EMMANUEL MACRON, French President …Says: ‘This happened in 1892 when we had the war against the then Kingdom of Dahomey’ *Artifact currently on display in the Quai Branly museum in Paris * “The return of art to Benin should not be an isolated case. The president hopes that all possible circulation of these works is considered: returns but also exhibitions, loans, further cooperation” -Elysee palace * Ousmane Aledji, director of the Benin cultural centre Artisttik Africa: ‘We Are pleased to see a new form of cultural exchange with France’ BY ANIETE PAMELA/CULTURAL STAFF WRITER, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE & KLEM IMONITIE/SENIOR CULTURAL CORRESPONDENCE, PARIS
• 11/29/18: FINAL INSTRUCTION: ‘I Am Ordering Nigerian Military to Crush, End BOKO HARAM Threat NOW’-President MUHAMMADU BUHARI ….Vows: ‘WAR against Terrorism is A MUST WIN in NIGERIA’ * ‘Nigerian Army should not be Distracted by speculations, Remain Focused to Wipe Off Boko Haram from the surface of the earth’ * ‘I want to reassure you that as your Commander-In-Chief, I will do everything within my power to continue empowering you by providing all the necessary equipment, force multipliers and enablers required for you to prevail on the field’ * ‘I also want you to be aware that I am currently looking into measures to improve your entitlements and welfare generally’ *WARNS: ‘Security agencies must rise to the challenge and curb threats to security in our country’ BY AHMED RILWAN/ASSISTANT EDITOR, ABUJA
• 11/29/18: 2ND YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: ‘MY Husband, OLAWALE ADEYINKA is my Greatest JOY, HAPPINESS & the LOVE OF MY LIFE’-BENITA OKOJIE, Nigeria’s Gospel Star …Says: ‘GOD is the sustainer of our Marriage and HOME’ *Shares photos of their Wedding Day on Social Media BY CHIKA IBONI/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, LAGOS
• 11/29/18: TOURISM: MOROCCO Gets AFRICA’S First High-speed Train at a whooping cost of $2billion…10 year decade project funded by the governments of Morocco, France, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates * French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI inaugurated train * New trains made by manufacturer Alstom and can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour *It’s double the speed of South Africa’s Gautrain launched in 2012, which falls short of the criteria of high-speed rail * “We aim at six million passengers a year after three years of commercial operation, instead of three million currently”- Mohamed Rabie Khlie, director general of national rail operator * ‘The Government is continuing its reforms and major investments to improve the business climate and attract foreign investors’- African Development Bank BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/25/18: BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIANS in Texas celebrate passage of Nigeria’s First Class Bayelsa Traditional Ruler, HRH KING PETER ODIKEME OKERE, the Amananaowei of Peretorugbene Kingdom ABIRI 1…Hosts Service of Song in Redeemed Christian Church of God House on the Rock, Grand Prairie *Highly respected monarch with no single scandal contribute immensely to Humanity, Human Capital Development for Niger-Delta Youths *Preached love, lived a life of Integrity with unparalleled lasting legacy till he conquered death *Fought for Infrastructural Growth, stopped impostors from enriching themselves with Community loot *Devout Christian, a Chief Pharmacy Technician encouraged spread of the gospel, outreach crusades in the community, detest Occultism in Coronation *Pioneer leader that encouraged youths’ Employment, Skills’ Acquisition and Western Education *Famous Pentecostal preacher, Pastor O.J Kuye reflects on the essence of life in a sermon titled: ‘The King Has Died’ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/22/18: NIGERIAN Rising Star, SHABA UGLY Rocks Germany with Dancehall Reggae Music…Sing-alike of South Africa’s Lucky Dube, Nigeria’s Righteous-man inspires in ‘Let’s God Will be Done’ *Much sought-after single takes over German Concerts, Night Clubs and Churches *Germans call him ‘African Music Star’- “Du bist ein afrikanischer Musikstar. Wir lieben dich sehr. Ihre Musik ist erfrischend und inspirierend,” which translates: “You are African Music Star. We Love you greatly. Your music is refreshing and inspiring” *Others call graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state: ‘African Reggae Star’- “Afrikanischer Reggae-Stern” * “The story of Joseph from Prison to Palace narrates the journey of my life. From Grass to Grace can only happen when you fully believe in God alone and never put your trust in human beings”-IRABOR SHABA JUNIOR BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & HELEN AFOLABI/ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT, GERMANY
• 11/21/18: BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIAN Born American Investigative Media Professional, GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU Wins ‘Distinguished AFRICAN Journalist in the Diaspora Award 2018’…General Kollington Ayinla receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Nigerian Fuji Music *Story chosen for award titled: ‘NIGERIA’S BEST THREE Orthopedic Surgery Doctors in AMERICA Unveiled’ published October 26, 2017…with specialty in joint replacement surgery of the hip, knee, fracture care, work-related injuries, sports medicine and athletic injuries * Other Awardees include: His Royal Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of IFE, First Lady of Anambra State-Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, Prophet T.B. Joshua, Founder Synagogue Church of All Nations, Bolanle Sarumi, Ashabi Aliyu; Primus Odili, Wale Samson and many outstanding Nigerians * ‘This 5th year Rainbow Award is designed to continually celebrate outstanding Nigerians for excellence in their careers being people with tenacity of purpose. The award is to honour ingenious Nigerians, Africans at home and in the Diaspora for sterling performances in their chosen fields”-Omogbenigun Niyi Johnson, Publisher/Founder *Rainbow Light Ceremony holds Sunday, November 25th at Presken Hotel Resort Limited, Ikeja, Lagos BY SAMSON SHOAGA/MANAGING EDITOR, LAGOS
• 11/20/18: BREAKING NEWS in AMERICA: NIGERIAN Deaf & Dumb with Cognitive Disabilities, FRANCIS ANWANA, 41, Fighting Deportation in Detroit…Writes: ‘I was brought to USA at 13 years by my Father as a little boy where he enrolled me in Michigan School of the Deaf’ *USCIS Faults claim, argues :’Francis Anwana first came to the U.S. in 1983 with his father at age 13. He was issued an F-1 Student Visa. He violated his visa condition and became out of status since he is no longer a student. He needs to be deported. He is an illegal immigrant’ * ‘This young man has lived in the United States for 34 yrs. He is deaf & requires special medical care but is now facing deportation to Nigeria’-David Leopold, former President, American Immigration Lawyers Association * ‘I have introduced a private legislation to grant Permanent Legal Resident Status and halt the deportation of Francis Anwana, a Deaf Michigan resident’-Congressman Dan Kildee BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/20/18: SHOCKING: NIGERIAN Couple, KENNETH GBOBOH, Wife, FRANCA behind largest Welfare Fraud of €400,000 in Ireland…Jailed for five years, crime lasted for over eight years *Arrived Ireland from Nigeria in 2006, Instantly applied for and received unemployment benefit *Established second identity under a fictitious name ‘Patrick Akim’, worked as IT Project Manager with FAKE name *Deceitfully collected €240,000 mortgage from EBS in 2008 using the name non-existent name *Wife continually claimed jobseeker’s benefit and did not inform the Department of Social Protection that her husband was in employment *Franca claimed jobseeker’s allowance of over €132,000 and rent allowance of almost €49,000 BY DESMOND IGBADE/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, IRELAND
• 11/20/18: CHILLING INVESTIGATION: PARIS Park in France, haven for NIGERIAN Women forced into Prostitution…Nigerian underage Girl Nadege Chinasa narrates how she was RAPED, had an Abortion *Trafficked from Nigeria to France at 6years old, Raped by Local Gangs that killed her aunt *Forced into sexual slavery at 15 years for €20 ($23) per client, to pay off a colossal debt to a female Nigerian pimp known as a “madam, Sleep with 10 men per Night *Human Traffickers also use ‘Bois de Vincennes’, a sprawling park on the outskirts of eastern Paris, home to horse riding schools and zoo for sex activities * Cries: ‘We are not allowed to wear more than our underwear in the night, others wear miniskirts standing outside underneath street lamps, facing out onto the empty road’ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/18/18: Nigerian Born BRITISH Fugitive, BAYO AWONORIN Arrested in USA hideout over £12m money laundering…Most Wanted Fraudster name appeared in National Crime Agency list *Extradited to United Kingdom for prosecution *Earlier Arrested, Jumped Bail, Fled Britain for fear of apprehension *44 year old Nigerian remanded in custody at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/18/18: CONTROVERSIAL DEATH IN BRITAIN: NIGERIAN 18year old boy OLUWADAMILOLA ODEYINGBO Killed in London street Fight, Lifeless body Dumped in a garden …’Special post-mortem showed he died of multiple organ failure from pre-existing medical condition. No one will be charged for the death of Mr Odeyingbo’, claims Metropolitan Police * ‘Detectives investigating the death of a young man they believed was murdered in a street fight have concluded that he died of natural causes. No offences of murder or manslaughter have been committed’-Officers from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command BY CHUNA CHUBA/CRIME REPORTER, LONDON
• 11/18/18: CONFESSION: ‘My LIFE is in Danger in Nigeria for Being GAY, Don’t Deport Me from Britain’-ADENIYI RAJI, 43 year old Nigerian seeking Asylum in UK cries out ….Lament: ‘I have been receiving death threats on social media, I was attacked several times’* ‘My ex-wife caught me and my former partner in bed pant down. As soon as she saw us, she raised the alarm. People gathered and started beating us severely. After that, she divorced me’ * ‘My employers in Lagos sacked me for being Gay. The Nigerian police started publishing my pictures and my name in the Nigerian national dailies. They kept saying that anyone who has useful information that could lead to my arrest should come forward’ *Raji’s solicitor, Bhaveshri Patel-Chandegra, an immigration specialist at the law firm Duncan Lewis: “The court has looked at his case and nullified all his evidence that he is at serious risk if removed to Nigeria but there’s been no evidence that his documents aren’t genuine” *“The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection and each claim is carefully considered on its individual merits”-Home Office spokesperson BY IRETI IPADEOLA/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, UK
• 11/17/18: BUSTED: NIGERIAN Nollywood Actor, HENRY OMOAKE Handcuffed in Nairobi Apartment possessing FAKE $25Million Cash…Claim Fund was a Movie Prop *Found to have expired travel documents, alleged set-up by few Kenyans and Nigerians *Argues: ‘I am not into Money Laundering. The money was to be used in a movie scene being that I am a Script Writer for Film Makers’ BY MALELI TUOKTI/CRIME CORRESPONDENT in NAIROBI
• 11/17/18: SHOCKER: ‘We Have BUSTED Nigerian Money Fraud Gang in Ireland’-IRISH Police …’€15m ($17.3m) of fraud proceeds passed through Irish bank accounts *We have ordered Banks to close 350 accounts suspected of being used in the fraud * We raided 15 homes in Dublin, Seized four Nissan SUV Cars * We round 350 accounts suspected of being used in the fraud BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/17/18: PAINFUL: ‘I am Fighting AMERICA’S Custom and Border Protection in Court for earlier Seizure of my $41,000 cash meant to build Modern Clinic for Nigerian Mothers, Children in Rural Areas’-ANTHONIA NWAORIE, Nigerian born Licensed Nurse in Texas …Says: ‘United States Immigration later mailed me a cheque of $41,000 due to widespread reaction generated by my humiliation while been treated like a criminal at Houston Airport’ *Regret: ‘I didn’t know that I needed to declare over $10,000 cash when leaving United States’ * ‘She’s been unable to open her clinic. She’s been living a nightmare. She’s been deprived of that money. This case highlights the abusiveness of civil asset forfeitures in general. It’s just crazy- She’s not been charged with a crime. The entire situation was so weak and not worth pursuing that the U.S. attorney decided not to even try to forfeit her money’-Anthonia’s Attorney, Dan Alban of the Institute for Justice * CBP did not comment on this story of Washington Post, citing pending litigation BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/12/18: SHOCKINGLY PAINFUL: NIGERIAN 16 Years old Boy, JOHN OGUNJOBI Stabbed to DEATH in South London…Collapsed in Tulse Hill during ‘Bonfire Night’ *Fatally wounded in Greenleaf Close after 10:53pm, Struggled, begged killers to stay alive * ‘Despite the efforts of paramedics, the male was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.41pm. His next of kin are aware. He has been formally identified as John Ogunjobi, 16, of Tulse Hill. A post-mortem examination held on Thursday at Greenwich Mortuary gave cause of death as a stab wound’-‘Scotland Yard * ‘I am appealing to anyone who has information that could assist this investigation to come forward and speak to police. We believe the victim was attacked by a number of suspects and the altercation would have undoubtedly drawn the attention of those who were in the vicinity’-Murder Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Richard Vandenbergh * ‘We have seen a spate of fatal stabbings in South London recently with five murders over the course of the last week. One murder is one too many with the devastation it causes to families, friends and communities difficult to comprehend. Tackling violence is a priority and one which remains at the forefront of all the work we do. This includes utilising our local resources but also supplementing them with resources from across the Met, including the Violent Crime Taskforce’ – Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger, Commander of the Central South Command Unit BY TEMI OYELADE/SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT, LONDON
• 11/11/18: AMERICA’S MID-TERM ELECTION: NIGERIAN Born Famous American Attorney, CHIKA ANYIAM elected JUDGE in DALLAS County…Emerges First African Immigrant in United States history to serve as a State District Court Judge * Assumes office January 2019, In charge of Criminal District Court 7 *Scored landslide 428, 971 votes-62.23% to defeat Republican opponent *Highly supported by husband-Okey, Campaign led by Jeff Dalton & Dallas County Democratic Party *Practiced Criminal Laws for over 17 years in America *Successfully handles all levels of Felonies, Misdemeanors, Mental Health Cases *Celebrated in ‘Dallas Morning News’ Editorial: “Anyiam’s answers were consistently thoughtful during our recommendation interview but often reflected the voice of who she, in fact, is — a defense attorney…,” *Legal Association: Member, State Bar of Texas, Member-Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Member-Dallas Bar Association; Member-Dallas Criminal Defense Association, Member-J.L.Turner Legal Association and Member-NAACP, Garland Chapter *“I remain committed to serve the community as a fair, just and impartial judge”-CHIKA BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 11/11/18: SHAMEFUL: ‘I Have Never tasted Alcohol in my LIFE, I was not Drunk, only playing with empty Beer bottles’-Dismissed Nigerian Policeman, KADIMA USENI, Mobile Force Squadron 22 Base Ikeja …Says: ‘It was a set up against me. I was secretly recorded without my knowledge’ *Lament: ‘Police higher authority want to ruin my life. I am not lying. My Force Number is 176219. I seized the empty beer bottles from some Police officers’ children’ BY TITILAYO ODUNLAMI/CRIME REPORTER, LAGOS
• 11/11/18: CONFESSION OF A MASTERS DEGREE CHRONIC FRAUDSTER: ‘I Have Never met Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice president. I only use his name to deceive innocent Nigerians in a bid to steal their money’-AMINU AHMED YERIMA …Claims: ‘I have exploited over 50 persons on Facebook pretending to be an aide of Atiku. I am from Jade Local Government in Adamawa, same place PDP Presidential Candidate comes from’ *Busted by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari *Collected 50million Naira from victims within SIX Months BY AHMED LAWAL/DEPUTY CRIME EDITOR, ABUJA
• 11/11/18: INSPIRATIONAL: SOUTH AFRICAN Surgeons SAVE MUHAMMED TAMIMI, Palestinian teenager…after he was shot in the Head and Face at close range with a rubber-coated, metal bullet *15 year old Palestinian boy cries ‘I want to be able to go outside. I am not allowed to stay in the sun too much. And I want to be able to run with my friends’ *Bullet pierced his nose and lodged in his brain *A large part of his skull had to be removed, causing his left eye to sink * ‘Every help Tamimi received is a proud example of South Africans who give real expression to Madiba’s spirit of sacrifice and caring for one’s fellow man especially the most vulnerable amongst us’-Mandla, grandson of Nelson Mandela BY RACHAEL OLIVER OSADOLOR/South African Correspondent
• 11/11/18: INSPIRING IN AMERICA: Nigeria born IGBO boy, EDIRIN OKOLOKO Appointed Judge in Snohomish County Superior Court…Washington State government applaud his legal accomplishments *Bagged Bachelor of Law from the University of Benin in Nigeria *Received law degree from the Seattle University School of Law *Worked for 13 years as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney on homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse cases *Successfully prosecuted four murder trials * “He will be an excellent addition to the bench in Snohomish County”- Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington State BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU FOREIGN CHIEF
• 11/11/18: REVEALING: LAMBORGHINI VENENO ROADSTER is the Most Expensive Car in the World 2018 at the cost of $4.5million (£3.23 million)..Drive home this luxurious vehicle in classic style …Anthony Paul Bamford owns 2 Ferrari 250 GTOs, Floyd Mayweather drives Lamborghini and Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita *List of Most Expensive cars : Lamborghini Veneno Maybach Exelero, , Koenigsegg Agera R., Ferrari F60 America, Bugatti Chiron, Zenvo ST1; Lamborghini Reventon, Porsche 918 Spyder, Aston Martin Valkyrie, Limited Edition Bugatti Veyron, Mansory Vivere, Lykan Hypersport; Aston Martin Vulcan, McLaren P1 LM *Possesses 750 horsepower, gets a 6.5-liter V12 engine, runs at 221mph *Power delivered to all four wheels via Lambo’s 7-speed “ISR” transmission * Slick gearbox capable of shifting gears almost as quickly as transmissions used in Formula One racecars BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 11/05/18: BUHARIGATE: ‘WAEC HEADQUARTERS GHANA has NO TRACE of Certified True Copies of MOHAMMED BUHARI Examination Certificate in our Archives Records & Aptitude Test Department’-BOAMA GYIMA, Head of National Office, WAEC HQ. GHANA …’We cannot validate the Attestation of Result purportedly issued by WAEC Nigeria’ *Sets up high-powered meeting to query Nigeria’s membership of the council *Plans to summon Nigeria’s WAEC officials to explain why the body printed attestation certificate * ‘As a Nigerian military officer, it would have been impossible for me to have attended the Defence Services Staff College in India in 1973, and, after that – in 1979 – the United States Army War College, had I not sat for the WASC examinations, which I did in 1961’-President BUHARI BY AKUA KWEKU/EDUCATION REPORTER, ACCRA & AHMED YUSUFU/STAFF WRITER, ABUJA
• 11/03/18: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW IN AMERICA: ‘Miss NIGERIA International not related to Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant’-VANESSA EKEKE, Founder/Executive Producer, Miss Nigeria International …Onye Osemenam emerges reigning Miss Nigeria International, tackles issue of homelessness as pet project during tenure *Ex-Beauty Queen creates platform for young Nigerians girls resident in United States to fulfill their dreams, plan to re-brand Nigeria’s image Overseas *Vows: ‘We are set to advance the global cause of women by using education, creativity and community service to engage the girls to do something meaningful’ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 11/03/18: 2019 ELECTIONS: ‘NIGERIANS: I Have 9 CREDITS in My West African School Certificate, Vote for Me again’-President BUHARI …’I am happy to have received Attestation and confirmation of result from WAEC Officials’ * ‘I Can Assure you that Gen. Yar’Adua and I Wrote WASC, since we Joined Army same time’ * Nigerians question why WASC name bears ‘Mohammed’, instead of ‘Muhammadu’ being first name BY NURENI ALAO/POLITICAL REPORTER, ABUJA
• 11/03/18: INVESTIGATION: ‘AMERICA has no hand in the death of MKO Abiola, Nigeria’s Billionaire Politician’-Thomas Pickering, former United States Ambassador to Nigeria * Says: ‘Chief Abiola did not DIE of Tea Poison, but of Cardiac arrest’ * Claims: ‘Abiola looked robust, and healthy. He did not seem to have lost much of weight. He recognized me immediately. He greeted both Susan Rice, myself and our Ambassador. We sat in a small square of chairs of sofas in the living room of the guest house where he was jailed. We were all offered tea, both Susan and our Ambassador from what was clear was tea from the same pot. It is important I say this because some people had alleged that the tea was poisoned’ * ‘ABIOLA was not Murdered in Nigerian Government Custody’-Report BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICA Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 10/27/18: NIGERIA’S Richest Businessman, ALIKO DANGOTE Reigns as Sixth Most Charitable Person in the World…Honored by British based Richtopia-a digital periodical that covers business, economics and financial news *President of Dangote Group of Companies endowed his foundation to the tune of $1.25 billion *Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and J.K. Rowlings occupied the first three positions while Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk were in the fourth and fifth position * Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa was 11th on the list BY FINNY ADEDUGBA/FINANCIAL REPORTER, UNITED KINGDOM
• 10/27/18: BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIAN Human Trafficking King in Russia, DAVID AMAECHI, Accomplice arrested for selling Nigerian 19year old model, TOPE ADEBOLA for $35,000…Forced her into Sex Slavery in Moscow *Victim found bruised, malnourished during rescue operation, once thrown out of window of an apartment for refusing sexual exploitation * “After the World Cup in Russia, I was sold to one Russia Madam by two Nigerian men that made me travel to Moscow. I was once injured by this Madam when she ordered her boys to throw me out of their window on the second-floor apartment because I refused sex for 20 men. I felt I would die. I overheard the two Nigerian men that they had already perfected plans to resell me to another Russian trafficker for $35,000, when I was rescued”-TOPE cried *PLUS how stranded victim was lured into witnessing 2018 FIFA World Cup BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard
• 10/27/18: BUSTED IN STING OPERATION: NIGERIAN Fraudster, EMMANUEL ANEKE, alias ‘Otunba Cash’ Arrested for STEALING $1.4MILLION Cash in Turkey…Gang hiding inside toilet handcuffed *Clones, intercept Danish’s GM Plast company’s email address *Received funds through front companies like Turkish ED, ZI and N.M *Aneke’s gang members are Popoola, AA Oyemade, AT Fajolu and BO Balogun in Bağcılar *Seized items from Nigerian gangs: 17 mobile phones, 15 sim cards, 3 flash memory, 4 computers, 1 memory card, $85k, €5k, 5 necklaces, 3 bracelets, 2 handcuffs, 2 rings, 1 earring, Rolex watch and numerous crime documents * Turkish Police Department: “We received a letter from Danish Police on 9 May 2018, via Interpol, that an unauthorized access was made to one GM Plast company’s e-mail address. And that the company paid monies into some accounts in Turkey. Investigation by our Cybercrime Department led to the arrest of Turkish ED, ZI and N.M, whose companies were used as fronts. From there we arrested Aneke and his criminal gangs holed up in a luxury hotel” BY CHIMA OBELU/FOREIGN CRIME CORRESPONDENT, Istanbul, Turkey
• 10/27/18: AHEAD OF NIGERIA 2019 ELECTIONS: ‘I am a Honest person, My Secondary School Result is still with Secretary of Nigerian Military Board’-Nigeria’s President, BUHARI … ‘Nigerian Army don’t have the original, certified true copy or WASC statement of results of retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate’, says Director of Army Public Relations, Brig-. Gen. Olajide Laleye * Buhari Vows: ‘I am the above-named person and the deponent of this affidavit herein. I have attached an affidavit to support my claim’ * Nigerian Army: “It is a practice in the NA that before candidates are shortlisted for commissioning into the officers’ cadre of the Service, the Selection Board verifies the original copies of credentials that are presented. However, there is no available record to show that this process was followed in the 1960s for Buhari” * ‘We have received a list of 70 out of 91 political parties fielding candidates for presidential 2019 elections including Buhari, Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress party who failed to attach necessary documents as required for his re-election bid’-INEC BY RILWAN AHMED/POLITICAL REPORTER, ABUJA
• 10/22/18: ‘Federal Government will soon destroy and wipe-off Boko Haram’-Nigeria’s President BUHARI …Vows: ‘You can’t be shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great), Allahu Akbar, and be killing innocent citizens and destroying properties all in the name of God’ *We would not allow any group hiding under religion to unleash terror on innocent citizens * I’ll continue to hold former president Goodluck Jonathan in high esteem for accepting defeat in 2015 election * Nigerian entertainers should use their respective talents in promoting the culture of peaceful co-existence and unity among the diverse socio-political groups BY HILARU AHMED/CRIME REPORTER, ABUJA
• 10/22/18: ‘NIGERIANS: Give me your Vote this Second Chance, I know where my votes will come from’-President BUHARI *I am Confident Pregnant Women and Nigerian masses will vote me back to power * I Have warned INEC, Security Agencies to ensure that every vote counts in 2019 * I am not ‘President Slow-Motion’ as some Nigerians assumed, I am only trying to follow the law, especially as democracy is different from military rule BY ILIYA MOHAMMED/POLITICAL REPORTER
• 10/22/18: BREAKING NEWS: Congolese Refugee Boy, PIERRE KOMPANY elected First Black Mayor in Belgium…Oversees a borough of 25,000 people in Gashoren *Ran intelligent campaign devoid of identity and racial politics *Focused on issues like childcare, elderly assistance and improved soccer fields * African engineer by trade earlier elected Councilor in 2006, Won a seat in Brussels Regional Parliament in 2014 *His son-Vincent is a professional footballer in the Manchester City Football Club *QUOTE: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”-Hariette Tubman BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 10/21/18: INSPIRING IN AMERICA: Nigeria born IGBO boy, EDIRIN OKOLOKO Appointed Judge in Snohomish County Superior Court…Washington State government applaud his legal accomplishments *Bagged Bachelor of Law from the University of Benin in Nigeria *Received law degree from the Seattle University School of Law *Worked for 13 years as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney on homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse cases *Successfully prosecuted four murder trials * “He will be an excellent addition to the bench in Snohomish County”- Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington State BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU FOREIGN CHIEF
• 10/14/18: INSIDE Looting of KANO STATE Treasury: Kano State Governor, ABDULLAHI GANDUJE Caught on Tape Receiving $5MILLION CASH Bribe from Contractor… Inflate projects for other contractors to collect $50,000 cash per contract *Embroiled in Corruption, Spy Camera used to record Ganduje in a sting operation *ASO ROCK orders discreet Investigation into Graft Allegation *Compels House of Reps candidate re-contesting to ‘settle’ Governor’s wife with a new car * “We believe if public office holders are exposed, there will be sanity in the system. We want anti-Graft agencies to investigate this matter’-One of the Contractors * Kano natives in Dubai calling on EFCC, Law enforcement agencies to commence immediate investigation, Requesting CCTV camera footage view in Governor’s office * ‘We wish to state that there is no iota of truth to these allegations and if indeed there is any such alleged video, it is at best cloned’-Muhammad Garba, Kano state commissioner for information BY YINUSA AHMED/ANTI-GRAFT REPORTER, Kano
• 10/14/18: DAMNING VERDICT in INDONESIA: ‘MUHAMMADU BUHARI would be ousted in the 2019 election’-Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigeria’s president …Says: “Nigeria President will be voted out for poor performance and inaction on urgent matters that offer economic benefit for all” * Lament: ‘Buhari’s hands are too Weak’ *Assures: ‘We will soon have a newly elected president that will be able to sign International engagement and opportunistic deal for Nigeria’ BY BIDEMI OLUMIDE/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER in Indonesia
• 10/13/18: PRESIDENTIAL INTELLIGENCE REPORT BUSTED: ASO ROCK Secretly lists Obasanjo, ATIKU ABUBAKAR, Fayose, Melaye, Gbenga Daniel, other P.D.P big wigs in ’50 high-profile’ persons barred from ‘escaping’ Abroad over Corruption …BUHARI’S Presidency panics releasing their names would cause lawlessness in public * ‘Attempts by Nigeria’s presidency to place a ban on these Nigerians is to instill fear, discredit them ahead of 2019 election’-Top Security source *Tension builds in Nigerian Polity, Masses fear Apprehension, Peter Obi’s name not on list * ‘Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies have placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by EO6 on watch-list and restricted them from leaving the country pending the determination of their cases’-Garba Shehu, S.S.A to Nigeria President on Media & Publicity * “I have No Information on this allegation’- Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to Nigeria President on Media & Publicity as at the time of going to the press BY KOLAWOLE ORIADE AKEJU/POLITICAL EDITOR, ABUJA/DESMOND IBIAKA/DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, LAGOS & MOHAMMED RILWAN/CRIME EDITOR, LAGOS
• 10/08/18: AFRICAN GLORY ABROAD: CONGOLESE Medical Doctor, DENIS MUKWEGE Fighter for Women suffering Sexual Violence wins Nobel Peace Prize 2018…Yazidi Activist, Nadia Murad becomes joint winner being survival of RAPE from Islamic State militias *Honored for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war *Mukwege heads Panzi Hospital in the eastern Congo city of Bukavu that receives thousands of women each year, many of them requiring surgery from sexual violence * “Denis Mukwege is the helper who has devoted his life to defending these victims. Nadia Murad is the witness who tells of the abuses perpetrated against herself and others”- Norwegian Nobel Committee * ‘Rape in war has been a crime for centuries. But it was a crime in the shadows. The two laureates have both shone a light on it-Dan Smith, Director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & IKOLI AYETUNA/STAFF WRITER in CONGO
• 10/08/18: SHAMEFUL: UNITED NATIONS Sanctioned NIGERIAN Policeman on peacekeeping mission for Sexually assaulting Under-age GIRL, another woman in Democratic Republic of Congo *Barred from all UN missions, ordered home after investigation found him guilty *Suspect re-assigned by Nigerian government on UN mission to South Sudan *UN request Nigeria Government to report any disciplinary or legal action taken against him * ‘We have vowed to toughen the response to allegations of misconduct by peacekeepers’- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres BY TIM ILOSU/CRIME REPORTER, reporting from Congo
• 10/08/18: ‘We Will Return President BUHARI to power in 2019 Elections’-Nigeria’s former Minister, YUSUF Suleiman …’SOKOTO state is home to APC. We will elect all APC candidates in Sokoto Insha Allah’ * ‘Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Third Force political movement is a convergence of people without political direction’ BY LUKMAN HALIRU/REPORTER in Sokoto
• 10/06/18: SHOCKING: STEPHEN OSITA OSADEBE’S Son, OKECHUKWU killed in Anambra Flood …18 year old Drowned with lifeless body found floating on the river * “OKEY was with two persons he was swept up in the flash flood. He had no opportunity for to escape or be rescued by his friends, as the river was turbulent at the time”-AMAECHI Osadebe,deceased’s mother BY CHIKA EWELEANU/CRIME REPORTER, ANAMBRA
• 10/06/18: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LATE (DR) SIR WARRIOR’S SON: ‘I Am NIGERIA’S KING of Highlife Music in America’ -Ajuzieogu Obinna Warrior …’I feel My Father’s presence when I am on Music Stage, I always sense his spirit around me’ *’My father’s shoes are too big to be filled by any musician, His songs evoke fresh memories of meditation and make people think about their future’ *Still relates with Golden Voice of Oriental Brothers-Acquilla, others constantly *Reveals: ‘My latest Album is titled IKENGA meaning ‘I am my Father’s son.’ The world will witness its unveiling in United States by December 2018′ * ‘My father’s music is special as it refuses to leave this generation’ * Performed for Peoples Club of Nigeria in Virginia Beach Concert, Played at African Music Entertainment Award in Wembley, London for Mbaise Community, United Kingdom *PLUS how God cleared him from sexual assault allegation then as Baltimore Correction officer GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 09/30/18: BREAKING NEWS: ‘NO Criminal Records found of BABAJIDE SANWOOLU’S Arrest in UNITED STATES’ -INVESTIGATION …Not available in any American Police Check *Data untraceable in United States-Police Clearance Certificate (Criminal History) *Nothing found on FBI Records Check, U.S. Department of Justice File * Nigerian students in America dares Lagos Governor to release Certified True Copy of Sanwoolu arrest in Night club *’My opponent, Babajide Sanwoolu was arrested in a Night Club in America for spraying fake dollars’-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode *QUOTE: “DEMOCRACY dies in DARKNESS”-The Washington Post Newspaper BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & BROWN STEVESON/AMERICAN CRIME EDITOR
• 09/29/18: SEPSIS KID DEATH CASE IN BRITAIN: ‘NIGERIAN-BRITISH Doctor, HADIZA BAWA-GARBA wins Appeal against UK High Court earlier Ruling…New Judgement vindicates her, orders her to Resume work unmolested * Medical Doctor absolved from the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock * ‘The Court of Appeal sets aside the order of the divisional court that Dr Bawa-Garba should be erased from the medical register and restores the order of the tribunal that she be suspended from practice for 12 months, subject to review’ *RULES: ‘Earlier High Court was wrong to strike off pediatrician after medical tribunal found it would be disproportionate in light of mitigating factors’ BY TIMOTHY ELEBURE/MEDICAL REPORTER, LONDON
• 09/29/18: INCREDIBLE IN AMERICA: 2 NIGERIAN Born Naturalized AMERICAN Pharmacists, 4 other Foreigners charged in $9.6million Drug Scam…Distributes over 344,737 doses of controlled substance across United States * ‘Purpose of scheme was for pharmacists to dispense prescriptions for controlled substances written by a doctor to “patients” in exchange for cash payments. The controlled substances were sold for profit on the illegal street market in Metro Detroit, Michigan’-INVESTIGATION * The DRUG Cartel names: ENITAN SODIYA-OGUNDIPE, ABIODUN FABODE, AMIR RAFI, DR. VASAN DESHIKACHAR, NIESHEIA TIBU and ANDREI TIBU BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/29/18: CONFESSION: ‘I Am NIGERIA’S Most Notorious Internet HACKER’-Michael Thompson Williams, trained medical doctor …Hacked into a businessman’s account, swipes N28million * Says: ‘I can hack into any organisation, bank, corporate agencies, government account and anything hackable. My targets are international musicians and celebrities’ * Explain: ‘Nigerian banks are not practicing real banking. Nigerian banks are not secured. If I want to hack into any bank I can clear their money anytime. Nigerian banks do not know that they need to hire professional hackers to protect their accounts’ * ‘I can buy something worth N40 million without paying a dime and still generate bank alert. The bank will still confirm the alert. I have the brain and I am not ashamed’ * ‘Creates FAKE Credit card through cyber ghost 12, could shot down CCTV Camera. Bought expensive Porsche car without paying a cent. Formerly worked in Tolu Medical Centre and Eko medical hospital * ‘The syndicate goes to car shops, buys a car, configures a computer programme that will send a fake payment alert to the seller and by so doing, obtains a car under false pretences’-Lagos Commissioner of POLICE BY FOLABI OYELADE/CRIME REPORTER, LAGOS
• 09/29/18: HISTORIC VISIT TO AFRICA: AMERICA’S First LADY, MELANIA TRUMP Shuns Nigeria, Visit Ghana, Malawi, Kenya and Egypt October 1st…Her office assures she’ll promote child welfare during extended solo international mission *Looks forward to spreading the message of her “Be Best” child-welfare initiative throughout Africa *Discussed her plans at a reception for the spouses of foreign leaders and others participating in the annual United Nations General Assembly * “October 1st will mark the first day of my solo visit to four beautiful and very different countries in Africa”-MELANIA BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, NEW YORK
• 09/25/18: INHUMANITY: Nigerian Born British Woman Medical Doctor, AYODEJI ADEWAKUN, Nursing Husband deceitfully Trafficked ‘Slave Nanny’ into United Kingdom from Lagos…Promised earlier to pay £500 per month, only to pay her £15 a month *Nigerian couple seized her passport and threatened to beat her when she asked for her pay * ‘Couple convicted of trafficking by a jury at Southwark Crown Court following an investigation’- Scotland Yard’s Modern Slavery and Kidnap Unit * “The couple persuaded me to come and care for their two children in Erith, south-east London, since 2005. I told told Southwark Crown Court my experience. I was later forced to work all day cleaning the house, cook for the family, was even woken up if the doctor got home late and wanted a snack. I met the Adewakuns during their visits back to Nigeria where my father was employed in a similar role by Adewakun’s parents”-37-year-old victim narrate in tears *PLUS how she escaped the slavery by luck BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & LAMIDE IYIOLA/CRIME WRITER, London
• 09/25/18: SHOCKER: ‘We Will No LONGER allow the ABUSE of our National Health Service by Nigerian Pregnant Women using our hospitals to have their babies’-BRITISH Government *UK evolve stiff position after unnamed Nigerian woman put to bed in a UK hospital, refused to pay her bill of £10,000 and escaped to Nigeria *Another Nigerian visitor, Bimbo Ayelabola, a Nigerian woman who had quintuplets in Britain now embroiled in a residency row over her extended stay BY QUEEN SEMUDA/STAFF REPORTER, United Kingdom
• 09/25/18: ‘BRITAIN is Considering a Relax in VISA RULE for Nigerian Medical Doctors, Nurses’-Saffron Cordery, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Providers *UK Prime Minister introduced visa limit for all non-EU skilled workers at 20,700 people a year * The proposed changes will affect the Tier 2 visas, which are used by skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland-INVESTIGATION * ‘This is going to be a huge relief for trusts up and down the country who have been really struggling to fill their doctors and nurses vacancies. Lifting the visa cap for foreign doctors and nurses is absolutely the right decision and a huge relief’ BY CHIOMA ANIGALU/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER, UNITED KINGDOM
• 09/25/18: ‘If I am Elected NIGERIAN President, I will develop Capacity for Women and Empower Children’-DAVID Mark …Says the future of this country depends on women and youth development *Vows: ‘I would accept the outcome of the PDP presidential primary’ BY HAMMAN RILWAN/POLITICAL REPORTER, KOGI
• 09/25/18: JOURNALISM IS NOT A CRIME: ‘I Was Jailed 5,000 years in PRISON for exposing ROT, CORRUPTION in Liberia Government’s Economy’-RODNEY D SIEH, EDITOR of Liberia’s FrontPageAfrica * ‘Our undercover reports found that funds worth $6m intended to combat an army-worm epidemic were unaccounted for’ * ‘Monrovia Court sentenced me for failing to pay libel damages of $1.6m (£1.2m) won by a former minister who sued my paper after we published the findings of a government audit’ * ‘Monrovia Central Prison, where I was thrown into is a cell with murderers, armed robbers and petty criminals. The prison, built in the capital city to hold 200 prisoners, has more than 1,000 inmates. Nearly half of them have been detained without trial’ * ‘The challenges of bringing these stories to light are enormous. Reporters take risks for little pay as newspaper owners struggle to pay staff and keep the generator running because of an unstable electricity supply’ * ‘It took the might of an international outcry, massive protests from supporters and sympathisers and an op-ed in the New York Times to force the government of then-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to get me out of prison’ BY PETER WELBER/MONROVIA CORRESPONDENT
• 09/22/18: LAWLESSNESS: ‘Former Bayelsa Governor, Sylva’s Security Adviser, Richard Kpodo Raped me without a Condom ‘-26 year old victim tells Court in details * Reported to her Uncle (a policeman), undergoes HIV test, prescribed drugs * Kpodo Charged on two counts of unlawful detention and rape of the victim * ‘I was invited by Kpodo to his office in the hotel at about 8 pm where he locked the doors and forcefully had sex, I shouted and also pleaded and he said he would not leave me until he was satisfied. So when he finished, he asked me to clean myself and bring his food. I was injured. He removed my trousers and I kept struggling with him until he finished’-Victim cries in her testimony * ‘The patient complained that she was raped by her boss and I examined her in the presence of a female nurse and there were bruises in her vulva and due to the pains she did not allow me to touch her vaginal area. There was also whitish discharge which I suspect to be semen although did not conduct any further tests, the observations tallies with the complaint of violent sexual assault. She walked with difficulty’-Dr Ikenna Nwanna, Diete Koko Memorial Hospital, Opolo, Yenagoa BY TIMEYIN ABULIME/CRIME REPORTER in Yenogoa, Bayelsa
• 09/22/18: INSPIRING: Ibadan based Nigerian International Institute of Tropical Agriculture wins AFRICA Food Prize 2018…Receives US$100,00 grant issued by African Green Revolution in Agriculture @ a Gala Dinner in Rwanda *Award recognizes individuals and institutions leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa from a struggle to survive to a business that strives *Honor celebrates Africans who are taking control of Africa’s agriculture agenda *Prize celebrates the achievements of IITA for its 50th year of service to African agriculture and smallholder farmers in 2017 BY OMOLOLA BELLO/FOOD & SCIENCE WRITER in Ibadan
• 09/22/18: BREAKING NEWS: BOKO Haram warns NIGERIAN Government of plans to kill UNICEF Nurses, ALICE LOKSHA NGGADA, others and LEAH SHARIBU in 30days…Already killed 2 Igbo-born medical doctors taking protective shelter in the Military commander’s apartment *Invades Rann Internally Displaced Camp in Maiduguri *Military officers pulled off their uniforms in disguise to avert attack *Overpowers Military Battalion guarding the Rann Camp housing over 15,000 IDPs * Sacrifice: Alice and other nurses volunteered to go with Boko Haram to save the lives of others inside IDPs * ‘UNICEF keep mute, claims its image more important than risking negative media bashing to save Nigerian employees’ lives in terrorists’ captivity’-INVESTIGATION BY HILARU MOHAMMED/SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER, MAIDUGURI
• 09/19/18: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LINDA IKEJI IN AMERICA: INSIDE Story of BABY BOY Delivery @Emory University Hospital, Midtown Atlanta …Says: ‘I will be returning to Nigeria after few months of taking bed rest’ *Blasts Kemi Olunloyo : ‘She is a LIAR. She has no truth in her mouth. I have long put that lady to a corner for always saying things that are not relevant’ *Wonders how Naija Standard Newspaper had direct access to her hospital phone number *“Linda Ikeji is admitted in our hospital. We will connect you directly to her immediately for your interview from an African newspaper in Texas’-Nurse Cynthia GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 09/17/18: ENTERTAINMENT IN YANKEE: NIGERIA’S Highlife Legend, SIR WARRIOR of Oriental Fame Resurrect in AMERICA…Son, AJUZIEOGU Obinna Reigns as ‘King of Nigerian Culture’ *Protege Sings ‘Elu-UWA’ evergreen tune, re-echoes Highlife memory *Africans, Black Americans, Caribbeans shed tears, hail performance as heroic * ‘Nigerian community in USA angry, blasts Imo state government for not immortalizing Christogonus Ezebuiro Obinna (Sir Warrior)’-INVESTIGATION * Ajuzieogu, Ex-Baltimore Corrections officer discharged, acquitted of falsified sexual assault BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 09/17/18: INVESTIGATION: NIGERIAN Gangs Steal iPhones in UK, make Millions in Phone Re-sell at Computer Village Lagos…armed with acid, robbing pedestrians of their smartphones *Snatches ten of thousands of phones on British streets to supply a booming black market run by crime lords in Nigeria * Facts: In 2016 there were 446,000 UK phone thefts. In London alone, there were 60,000 mobile thefts and robberies, almost two-thirds of them iPhones *“This is a very serious matter. We’ve seen an increase in moped crimes across the UK. The police need to take these crimes more seriously and make investigating them a higher priority. And sentences need to reflect that this is serious organised crime which should attract tougher penalties”-Tory MP Bob Neill, chairman of the Commons Justice Committee *“It is truly shocking to think that violent attacks here in the UK are being used to make black marketeers in other parts of the world wealthy”- Fellow Tory Andrew Percy BY SUSAN IBADE/SPECIAL CRIME CORRESPONDENT, UNITED KINGDOM
• 09/17/18: SHOCKING& SAD: Nigerian-born British model, HARRY UZOKA stabbed to death in London… staggered into the street from a housing estate before collapsing *25 year old signed by Premier Model Management, promising 1.8m-tall model’s face had appeared on billboards in the UK and USA. He had also worked for Zara and Mercedes *Eye witness: “We believe that the incident started at Ollgar House, in Ollgar Close and the victim was assaulted and stabbed before staggering and collapsing in Old Oak Road” * “This is another tragic murder with a young male victim who has met a violent death”-Detective Inspector Beverley Kofi BY SALMON IBIKUNLE/CRIME REPORTER, LONDON
• 09/10/18: DRAMA/THRILLER FILM IN USA: America’s AT&T/Tribeca Celebrates Africa’s No. 1 movie ‘NIGERIAN Prince’…Strikes Distribution deal with Vertical Entertainment *Movie script created by AT&T and Tribeca through Untold Stories initiative *Movie Director, Friday Okoro won $1million to produce epic film under mentorship from the Tribeca Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Institute * Vertical plans a fall 2018 theatrical release in multiple U.S. markets, including New York and Los Angeles, Selected the first winning film of AT&T Presents *Film to be released via national VOD outlets, DIRECTV and U-verse *’NIGERIAN PRINCE is about a Nigerian-American teenager who is sent to Nigeria against his will and joins forces with an internet scammer in order to return to the United States. Selected as the first winning film of AT&T Presents Untold Stories’-Okoro *American Media Review: *“Mr. Okoro spins a tangled web in which no transaction can be trusted”– Ben Kenigsberg, The New York Times *“Compelling and illuminating”– Nick Schager, The Daily Beast BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/10/18: BRITISH Born Enugu Boy, LEMAR OBIKA Reigns as King of Songwriting in United Kingdom, Europe, Australia…Finished third place on the first series of British talent show Fame Academy *Music Producer had seven top ten UK singles and sold over two million albums *Seen as one of the most successful artists to come out of a reality TV show *Won two Brit Awards, three MOBO Awards and released his fifth studio album *At 17 years had first concert with Usher Raymond at Junior Jam in ‘The Temple’ Tottenham *Abandoned plans to study pharmacy at Cardiff University to pursue a musical career *Successfully supported various artists as Destiny’s Child, Total Uncle Sam and Usher Raymond BY DAVID ILESANMI/ENTERTAINMENT WRITER, ENGLAND
• 09/10/18: Okonjo Iweala’s son, UZODINMA captures ‘America’s literary with ‘Beast of No Nation’ novel…Book depicts a child soldier in an unnamed African country *Novel received critical acclaim on Time Magazine, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Times and Rolling Stone *Attended St. Albans School in Washington D.C., graduated at Harvard University earned an A.B., magna cum laude in English, American Literature and Language *Author, Sociologist, Physician won Hoopes Prize and Dorothy Hicks Lee Prize for Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis; Eager Prize for Best Undergraduate Short Story *Received Horman Prize for Excellence in Creative Writing *He’s a graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons class of 2011, Currently a fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University *Honored with the New York Public Library’s 2006 Young Lions Fiction Award. Named in 2007 as one of Granta magazine’s 20 best young American novelists BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/06/18: INHUMAN: NIGERIAN 15 year old Boy, AYANFE OMOSEBI Dies in America…After parents forced him to embark on 44days religious fast in Wisconsin *Nigerian parents, Kehinde and Titilayo Omosebi arrested, placed in handcuffs *Another son, 11 year old boy hospitalized *Mother refused medical treatment, citing religious reasons, taken into Sauk County Jail * 11-year-old in protective custody receiving care at the Children’s Hospital in Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin * ‘The parents would be remanded in custody on possible charges of neglecting a child causing death and neglecting a child causing great bodily harm, until they appear in the Sauk County Circuit Court’-Reedsburg POLICE BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief LIVE in Wisconsin
• 09/06/18: SHOCKER IN OGUN STATE: NIGERIAN Students tied to Crucifixes in Ayetoro, beaten…For coming late to School *3 people including school’s principal arrested for tying two students *Pupils were flogged by a teacher in front of their school *Mediator wounded, beaten in crisis * “They were tied to a wooden trees made to look like a crucifix when a policeman on patrol saw them. They told the principal and the school proprietor to untie them and they refused. They even beat one of the people who intervened”- Abimbola Oyeyemi, Ogun State police spokesman BY OLUWASEYI OYEDELE/CRIME REPORTER, AYETORO, OGUN STATE
• 09/06/18: BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIA dominates AMERICA’S NFL Africa draftee list…Many of them are Nigerian-Americans, still attending Colleges BY LOYE ABIMBOLA/SPORTS CORRESPONDENT, NORTH AMERICA
• 09/06/18: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ‘I am the New MANAGING DIRECTOR of BEN TV in United Kingdom and Africa, Available on Sky Channel 175 ‘-Deborah Ronke Apampa, award-wining Nigerian-British ace journalist *Had outstanding success in her famous TV ‘Black Variety’ show in England *Created the TV reality show ‘Omotola The Real Me’ which sets best record on DSTV *Produced ‘Stars On the Runway’ an event with top African celebrities modeling for charity *Columnist, Opinionated journalist writes first Unpublished Novel at age Nine * Studied law at London Metropolitan University, graduated from Pan Atlantic University, Worked as Ceo/TV Producer /presenter for BM Epic Media, TV Producer/Presenter R70 UK, attended Independent Journalism Centre * ‘I was a big fan of MEE Mofe Damijo, publisher of defunct Classique magazine, presenter of MEE and You. She died when I was 14 years old. We have come up with new shows that will captivate our different viewers. We are set to reposition Ben TV for greater global audience’ -Apampa BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 09/03/18: WONDERS WILL NEVER END: NIGERIAN Conmen clones Kenyan’s FIRST LADY’S Identity to DUPE Victims online of over 20million shillings..Kenya detectives confirmed holding two Nigerian nationals constantly using Facebook account of prominent Kenyans to swindle unsuspecting victims of millions of shillings These Nigerians are: Timothy Ogba Ebakole and Alex Olesugun Adebayo who devised elaborate con games, disguised as philanthropic ventures, preying on dozens of social media users, many of them poor job-seekers *Arrested Nigerians claimed to be ‘Senators’, placed repeated phone calls to victims to pay money into their accounts to facilitate government bursaries to them * ‘On the said Facebook account they announced that my office in partnership with the national government is giving out loans under the Kenya Government 2017/2018 Empowerment Loan for Entrepreneurship. This is not true because my office does not have such engagement. Numerous Kenyans had fallen to the scheme. They faked letter with an emblem and a seal of the Kenya government’- Kilifi County Senator Stewart Madazyo *’ They will be among the first to be tried under the recently enacted Cybercrimes Law’-Kenya Government BY VICTOR OWOLABI/CRIME CORRESPONDENT, REPORTING LIVE FROM KENYA
• 09/03/18: IDENTITY THEFT IN EAST LONDON: NIGERIAN Woman, FATOU JOHNSON teaches using Fake French Passport, National Insurance Card to obtain Disclosure Barring Service certificate for work eligibility…Coerced into prostitution on arrival in Britain *Earlier worked with vulnerable adults at several care homes around Gloucestershire *37year old later used fake Identification card to secure job at Tewkesbury kids’ school *Arrested at Cambian Southwick Park School in Tewkesbury *Confessed to court: ‘I am guilty to two charges of possession of False Documents’-Johnson *Received a six month suspended sentence at Gloucester Crown Court BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 09/02/18: DISGRACEFUL: NIGERIA’S ex-Premier League Goalkeeper, ABDUL AZEEZA, Other gangs BUSTED… Selling fake British passports, University degrees for £800 each *Former professional footballer sentenced to four years in jail *Recovered from his kitchen as evidence: a false passport in his back pocket, a residency card in his wallet, including specially adapted tools for dismantling passports, threads for stitching, paint thinners and laminate found at his home in Walworth in South London *His gang members: Alfred Adekoya, 47, of Walworth, sentenced to 40 months and two weeks after pleading guilty to conspiracy to manufacture a fake document. Victor Ariyo, of Nunhead, London, acted as a go-between sentenced to three years in jail, Luke Nkanta, 29, of Woolwich in south-east London, acted as courier; sentenced to 16 months in jail after pleading guilty to possession of an identity document with improper intention *’We have stopped a concerted, systematic and financially motivated assault on the UK’s immigration system’-Immigration Enforcement inspector Ben Thomas BYGEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & TOMS SHOLAPE/CRIME REPORTER, LONDON
• 09/02/18: SHOCKER:NIGERIAN Born British Resident, FRANCIS EZENWANKWO Jailed SIX YEARS…For RAPING his Tenant *Sub-let House in Heston Street, Hounslow, London Borough to a lady from Europe *Sneaks into lady’s bed with spare key *Gauged lady, Forcibly had carnal knowledge *Victim called police emergency numbers: 999 or 112 BY TOMS SHOLAPE/CRIME REPORTER, LONDON
• 08/26/18: INDICTED IN AMERICA’s 2016 ELECTIONS: NIGERIAN Woman, ELIZABETH AMACHAGHI on B1/B2 Visiting Visa falsely claimed to be American, Registered, Voted illegally…18 other Foreign Nationals arrested * ‘We have charged them with illegal voting during 2016 election’-Justice Dept. * ‘Some of them were charged in an indictment handed down by a federal grand jury in Wilmington, N.C. They were accused of filing a false claim of citizenship in order to register, and then voting. The defendants are from numerous countries, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Nigeria and Germany’-DOJ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 08/26/18: CHARGED FOR FELONY VIOLATION: NIGERIAN Man, OLAJIDE NOIBI Arrested for hiding aboard Virgin American Flight 415 in Los Angeles International Airport…Found to possess FAKE Boarding Pass * ‘After the plane took off, flight attendants noticed there was an extra passenger, and when they examined Olajide Noibi’s boarding pass they noticed that it was from the previous day and bore the name of a different person’-FBI spokeswoman, Laura Eimiller BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 08/25/18: AJIMOBI: ‘Bolekaja’ Emperor playing ‘Amala’ Politics with journalists’ lives ‘Democracy dies in Darkness’-Washington Post mantra *QUOTES: ‘Dictatorship naturally arises out of democracy, and the most aggravated form of tyranny and slavery out of the most extreme liberty’-Plato * ‘The one indisputable reality of dictatorship is that dissent, insult, and malevolent language do not go unpunished if it is allowed at all’-Ferdinand Marcos BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN Bureau Chief, Naija Standard Newspaper
• 08/19/18: HUMAN TRAFFICKING: NIGERIAN Born Naturalized British Nurse, JOSEPHINE IYAMU, alias ‘Madam Sandra’ Jailed 14 years…For recruiting FIVE Girls into Prostitution in Europe *Formerly set to contest for Edo State House of Assembly as a lawmaker in 2019 *Charged her victims Euro 30,000 and Euro 38,000 to arrange for their travel documents to Europe – profiting over Euro 15,000 from one victim alone *Used a witch doctor to convince her victims they were under her control, Exploit them to fund a lavish lifestyle to Europe, wearing £700 designer shoes *Iyamu and her husband Efe Ali-Imaghodor were arrested at Heathrow Airport on August 24 last year after travelling back from Nigeria. Police found in her possession seven mobile phones and over 30 SIM cards-INVESTIGATION * ‘Sandra Iyamu trafficked Nigerian girls across Sahara desert to Libya before being shipped across the Mediterranean in an inflatable boat. She had been found guilty in the first case of its kind in the UK. ‘-Kay Mellor, National Crime Agency
• 08/19/18: NEW DEVELOPMENT IN UNITED KINGDOM: BRITAIN Ready to Deport Nigerian born Gay Asylum Seeker, ADENIYI RAJI…Held for Six Months in an immigration detention centre *Daily received Death Threats on Social Media, highlights the increasing number of claims to the Home Office *In Nigeria, homosexual acts are punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Gay marriage and displays of same-sex affection also outlawed *Home Office report: Had 362 Nigerian asylum applications in 21 months. Only 63 percent allowed to stay in Britain, 81 percent denied stay permission * Bhaveshri Patel-Chandegra, an immigration specialist at the law firm Duncan Lewis, said: “The court has looked at his case and nullified all his evidence that he is at serious risk if removed to Nigeria but there’s been no evidence that his documents aren’t genuine” * ‘My LIFE is in Danger. My former employer in Lagos sacked me for being gay. The Nigerian police started publishing my pictures and my name in the Nigerian national dailies’-Raji cries out BY KESTA ODICHIE/DIPLOMATIC REPORTER, LONDON
• 08/19/18: INSPIRING OVERSEAS: BRITISH Born Nigerian Genius, ANNE-MARIE IMAFIDON passed two GCSE Examinations in Maths and Information technology in Primary School…Youngest child to study at Lyceum Institute of Technology in East Ham, London *Admitted to Oxford University to study a degree program at 15 years *Started Master’s degree at 17 years, Becomes Youngest ever to graduate at 19yrs *Daughter of Chris Imafidon, a Nigerian ophthalmologist who emigrated to London *Eloquently speak six languages at the age of 10years, Received Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II in 2016 *Worked for Goldman Sachs, Hewlett Packard, Deutschebank before establishing her company ‘Stemettes’ *Awards: BCS (British Computer Society) Young IT professional of the year, 2013, Red Magazine, Women of the Year award, 2014, Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award, 2014 BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/19/18: BREAKING NEWS: EMBASSY OF NIGERIA in Washington DC establishes Federal Credit Union…to empower Nigerian owned small-scale businesses in America *Set to offer loans to Nigerian entrepreneurs resident in Yankee *Eligibility: You must be a Nigerian business owner in USA, have a verifiable source of income-stream, possess average Credit Score, have clean background check *It is a concept financial, banking and investment initiatives for Nigerian communities in America *Further inquiry, call Bayo Idowu, Chairman Emeritus on: +1 240-422-2004, Dr. Kazeem Bello, Commiittee Chairman at: +1-973-809-8053; Felix.O. Obi, Chair, Corporate/Media Sub-Comm at: +1-301-2019-2253, Dr. Eunice Ukwani, Comm. Sec.Gen at: +1-347-277-2135 *Jointly supported by Steering Committee of the Nigeria National Association USA BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/19/18: UNVEILED IN AMERICA: AFRICAN Diaspora Today Magazine hits News stand…Received by African Union Mission in Washington D.C. *Staged African Diaspora Distinguished Leadership Award *Center Africa Broadcasting Network Corporation claims journal designed for Africans living abroad, with keen interest in maintaining ties with their homelands * Awardees include: Dr. Mima S. Nedelcovych served in the President George Bush’s govt. (1989 to 1993) as the U.S. Executive Director to African Development Bank in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire * Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao African Union Permanent Representative to the United States of America * Jean AbiNader, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director AbiNader Int’l Services * Melvin Foote, President and Chief Executive Officer Constituency for Africa BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/19/18: WICKEDNESS, UNJUST & HATEFUL: OYO STATE GOVT Demolishes AYEFELE’S N800M Fresh F.M Radio Station, FIVE studios…Drive 300 employees into Labor Market while matter is in court *Expresses angst over unverified inciting comment, argues Music House has no approval *Nigerians weep, place curses on Toye Arulogun Snr (Oyo Commissioner of Information & Culture) as Caterpillar pulls down building into debris * ‘WE got all the approvals for Music House (Fresh F.M Radio Station). Yet, Oyo state government it did at last……my pains my sweat ….So help me God’-Ayefele * ‘OYO State Government has no single respect for Nigerian court of law. Governor Ajimobi is practicing politics of bitterness, setting a dangerous precedence. He cannot gag the press’-Nigerian American Press Association in a joint statement BY IWALEWA OLUMIDE/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, IBADAN
• 08/19/18: EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM: GOVERNORS of Lagos, Nasarawa, Gombe, Rivers set for 2018 NMNA …12TH edition to be historic, epoch-making * Tanko Al-Makura is the guest speaker, other VIPs as special guests of the day *HRM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife confirmed attendance *Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kusada, Speaker, Katsina House of Assembly, Hon Isah Ashiru Kudan, Sarkin Bai Zauzau, Senator Shehu Sani, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammed (Matawalle) promised to witness ceremony *Theme: ‘The Role of Media in Ensuring Credible Elections and Maintenance of Good Governance’ * “I am very happy to work with the 2018 NMNA team because they are very versatile in event of this nature, and that gives me the courage that we can make this edition the best so far”-Sola Olugbemiro, boss of Solkem Entertainment BY LARETTA IKOMI/ENTERTAINMENT WRITER, LAGOS
• 08/13/18: WHITE HOUSE Endorses Cybersecurity Technology Book on Fake News …Writes Naija Standard Newspaper Editorial Board *Assures that by working together, the administration will deliver on America’s promise for the people * ‘We will strengthen our national spirit and ensure that America continues to shine as a beacon of freedom for all of the world to see’ * ‘Melania and I deeply appreciate your support. We are honoured to serve a country that we love and to work every day to improve the lives of the American people’-President DONALD TRUMP BY PAUL IMADE/DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, LAGOS
• 08/11/18: NIGERIA’S Music Superstar, DAVIDO wins BET Awards in America …Tell celebrities inside Microsoft Theatre venue ‘Come to Africa, eat the Food’ *Celebrated as Best International Act in the world in 2018 *Condoles Afropop star, D’Banj on death of his 13month-old son by the pool side BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/11/18: INSPIRING: RICHARD AYOADE, Son of a Nigerian Electrical Engineer Father, Norwegian Mother is a leading British actor, Comedian, Famous TV Presenter…Won BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance *Popular for role as socially awkward IT technician Maurice Moss in Channel 4 sitcom *Served as president of Footlights at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge *Received Martin Steele Prize for play production *Studied at St Joseph’s College at Ipswich, later Read law at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge BY AKINYELE ADEPOJU/ ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/11/18: The LOST NIGERIAN CHILD IN BRITAIN: EGBADO born YORUBA Princess, OMOBA SARA AINA sold into Slavery…Liberated from enslavement, adopted as god-daughter to Queen Victoria *Witnessed her parents death during attack, Ended up in court of King Ghezo as a slave at five years old, Renamed Sara Forbes Bonetta after the ship HMS Bonetta * Oke Odan native intended by her captors as a human sacrifice, Rescued by Captain Frederick E. Forbes of the Royal Navy, who convinced King Ghezo of Dahomey to give her to Queen Victoria *Married to Captain James Pinson Labulo Davies, a wealthy Victorian Lagos philanthropist at St Nicholas’ Church in Brighton, East Sussex *Sara, Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther were only Lagos indigènes the Royal Navy had standing orders to evacuate in the event of an uprising in Lagos *Died of Tuberculosis at age 37. Her grave number is 206 in the British Cemetery of Funchal near the Anglican Holy Trinity Church, Rua Quebra Costas Funchal, Madeira BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/11/18: NIGERIAN JOURNALISM AT ITS BEST: The WORLD Celebrates NIGERIA MEDIA NITE OUT Award September 23 …Celebrities, foreign media chiefs, diplomatic communities identify with event *Theme: ‘Role of Media in Ensuring Credible Elections and Maintenance of Good Governance’ * “We will be re-writing Nigeria’s media history through this epoch-making event”-Sola Olugbenro, boss of Solkem Entertainment BY IFEOMA OBELU/MEDIA REPORTER, LAGOS
• 08/05/18: ‘NIGERIA’S Senate President, BUKOLA SARAKI maliciously Prosecuted by APC, I’m the Happiest Man that he’s back in PDP’-ATIKU ABUBAKAR, former Nigeria’s Vice president …Subjected to the most degrading treatment despite his status as the nation’s number three citizen * ‘If elected Nigeria’s President in 2019, I have vowed to devote 21% of the Federal budget to education’ BY YEKINI AHMED, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR, ABUJA
• 08/05/18: AMERICA’S WIRETAPE INVESTIGATION: NIGERIA’S Most Notorious Drug Supplier in New York, EDWARD AIGBOJIE, 31 Others Busted in Sting Operation…ICE, NYPD found them culpable for Narcotics & Gambling …Sells Narcotic to Undercover police officers on Poker House at 446 Avenue and 536 East 5th Street in the East Village * Police recovered a handgun, a shotgun, an air rifle, a kilogram of suspected cocaine (over two pounds), quantities of heroin, several pounds of marijuana and approximately 2,000 pills of suspected Xanax * Recovered during court authorized searches: $125,000 cash, multiple money counters, gambling records, thousands of poker chips and two vehicles *Investigation uncovered a large-scale cocaine and heroin distribution network BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 08/05/18: SHOCKING: FAKE AMERICA’S Marine Army Colonel, GARRICK SLACKS Arrested in Nigeria…For Defrauding vulnerable Nigerians seeking United States Visa *Engages in Fake Marriage promises to Nigerian ladies after sex with them * ‘I am GUILTY of the crime, please forgive me’-Garrick * ‘Forensic done using his fingerprints revealed that he is a wanted man in California. He ran to Nigeria to continue his heinous crimes’-INVESTIGATION * ‘Garrick would collect money from his victims, immediately relocate to another area where he would defraud other women. He was a serial fraudster who had used his position as a foreigner to defraud Nigerians, who are desperate to travel abroad, especially to the US. He is a serial and sophisticated fraudster’-Imo State Police BY SAMSON SHOAGA/MANAGING EDITOR, NIGERIA
• 08/05/18: FACEBOOK Connects NIGERIAN Lovers in 24hours, Married ONE WEEK Later *True LIFE Story of Chidinma Amedu, a furniture maker and Sophy Ijeoma, LG Mobile employee, a graduate of Enugu State University of Science and Technology * Wedding was planned in four days after medical compatibility tests *Ready to prove people claiming the pair rushed into marriage wrong, Ijeoma said: “I am happy that I married him. He is my kind of man” BY IWA FOLAKEMI/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER, LAGOS
• 08/01/18: ABOMINATION IN NIGERIA: Nigerian Man, JULIUS NWODE, already high on COCAINE Killed Father, 7-year old Sister using Cutlass, Axe….Attacked six other residents in Ebonyi state *Inflicted serious machete cuts on neighbors before he was later gunned down *25 year old burns color Candles, read 6 & 7 Book of Moses regularly *Earlier had altercation with his father who asked him where he had been * ‘“When he was attacking his father with machete, Julius’ sister came out and asked him why he was attacking their father. And he descended on her and clubbed her to death after killing the father’-Eye witness account * ‘Julius killed himself after killing his father and sister. He murdered Nwode Nwignoaka and 7-years-old sister at Ifelemenu community, Ekpaomaka in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state’-Loveth Odah, spokesperson of the police in Ebonyi BY EGOLI CHUKA/CRIME REPORTER
• 08/01/18: SENTENCED TO SEVEN AND HALF YEARS IN PRISON: NIGERIA’S Most Notorious Drug Trafficker in Britain, ADEWALE ADEROUNMU JAILED…For Supplying Cannabis worth N598 Million (£1.2million) *Worked as Postal delivery Driver, Conspired to supply drugs to North London *55 year old arrested after Border Force officers noticed unusually high number of intercepted drugs packages on his delivery route * Found to have couriered 100 parcels of drugs from Overseas at a street value of £1.2m within six years * Tells court at Old Bailey: ‘I am Guilty, I Committed the Crime’-Adewale * “The issue of corrupt insiders is taken extremely seriously by the NCA in its mission to protect the public. With their privileged access they are crucial enablers of a wide range of criminality. In this case, we worked closely with the Parcelforce Worldwide security team to secure an arrest”-Steve McIntyre, Senior Investigations manager, National Crime Agency BY IMODE ITOHAN/CRIME REPORTER, UNITED KINGDOM
• 07/28/18: Stella Obasanjo’s younger brother JOHN ABEBE Financially Broke, Goes to Ikoyi Prison…for Fraud, Forgery, Fabricated Evidence, Distortion of Facts *Suspect issued FAKE $4million to unsuspecting business partners *PLUS how he forged BP Exploration Nigeria Limited’s letter BY BOLA OPEYEMI/CRIME REPORTER, LAGOS
• 07/28/18: THE GREAT FALL: NIGERIAN Court orders Seizure of 56 Houses belonging to DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE worth £45million…Still facing Corruption Allegation * Expensive Penthouses, Flats in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, others in UK, USA * Properties bought through front companies linked to Diezani and her cousin, Donald Chidi Amamgbo *Investigators found documents at Amamgbo’s office that confirmed he owned 18 companies and properties in Britain and the United States * ‘We ordered a freeze on five upmarket properties in the British capital linked to Alison-Madueke and a number of her associates’-UK Court BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 07/28/18: ROYAL SHAME IN AMERICA: PRINCE of Nigeria’s Benin Kingdom, OSMOND EWEKA Defraud Americans of $54,000 in New York…Scam job seekers out of thousands of dollars promising non-existent offers, dragged before Manhattan Supreme Court *31 year old created bogus employment agency firms, advertised on Indeed.com * Interview victims, have them pay a fee ranging between $300 to $700 for uniforms, training, background checks and job placement *Married attorney Imade Igbinedion in an elaborate wedding in Nigeria in 2016 * ‘Relative, Royal Families, Great Descendants of late Aiguobasinwin Ovonramwe, Eweka II summon emergency meeting’-INVESTIGATION BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief in New York
• 07/28/18: DISGRACEFUL IN THE ‘HOUSE OF GOD’: JAMES ABIODUN ADENIYI, Apostolic Church in Christ General Overseer Arrested for N7.2million Fraud…Collect money from Innocent Victims for Immigrant jobs Abroad, Foreign Travels *Received N5.5 million cash from youths in his church for jobs placement Overseas * ‘It costs me the sum of N1.7million to obtain passports and visas for my church members’-Prophet James Abiodun Adeniyi BY ROLAND IGNATUS/BUSINESS REPORTER
• 07/28/18: EXCLUSIVE! African Undocumented Immigrants’ Secret hiding busted in America…Challenge facing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services *How they deceived Custom and Border Control Protection officers to gain entry *Some natives of Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon complicit *Untold details of how they opened Bank accounts, engaged in Grocery shopping, attend churches, working unlawfully BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief in New York
• 07/22/18: Former Abia State Governor’s Son, MICHAEL UZOR KALU Strikes Gold in Money Spilling Game Application….Making waves in United Kingdom *Start-up Apps multiplayer game records over 30 million downloads worldwide * Mobile Apps called ‘Tuberush’ encapsulate features that generates money for players, Available on Apple Store and Google Play at http://onelink.to/263cgd *Apps show where people can purchase coins, bet against each other and winner takes all. The winner at any point in time is permitted to covert the win to physical cash through paypal BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 07/22/18: WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA: ‘We’re Prosecuting ORJI UZOR KALU for STEALING N7.6billion Abia State Funds’-EFCC ….As Governor between 2001 and September 2006 you procured Slok Nigeria Ltd, Retained N7.2billion in Inland Bank Plc account * ‘You collaborated with Udeh Jones Udeogu Slok Nigeria and Emeka Abone (at large) in concealing the genuine origin of an aggregate sum of N7, 197,871,208.70…’ * ‘I am Innocent, not GUILTY to the amended 39-count charge read to me before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos’-KALU * ‘The alleged offence violates Section 17(c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, and was liable to be punished under Section 16. It breached Section 427 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990’ BY CHINWE OBINAKA/CRIME WRITER, LAGOS
• 07/22/18: Nigeria’s ex-Finance Minister, NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA Reigns as Board Member of Twitter…Named alongside American lawyer Robert Zoellick *Harvard-educated economist Okonjo-Iweala has around 860,000 Twitter followers * Twitter possess over 336 million users, gaining widespread popularity among Africans who use it to amplify their concerns and create online communities * ‘As we strive to build a better world for tomorrow, Twitter can amplify messages and drive critical conversations around today’s most important issues’-Okonjo-Iweala *”We are confident they will be incredible assets to Twitter as we continue to focus on driving transparency and making Twitter a safer, healthier place for everyone who uses our service”- Twitter’s Executive Chairman Omid Kordestani BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 07/22/18: NIGERIA’S former INSPECTOR GENERAL OF Police, IBRAHIM COOMASSIE is Dead…Sardauna of Katsina died at General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital after battling an undisclosed ailment * ‘My brother his truly DEAD’-Ahmad Muntaqa Coomasie, deceased brother BY KAREEM IBRAHIM/CRIME REPORTER
• 07/22/18: TALENTED AFRICA’S TECHNOLOGY HERO AT 15 YEARS! Ghanaian Genius Boy, THOMAS OWUSU build Wooden Standing FANS…In just 48 hours (2Days) …’I am ready to make name for myself in technology, make my family and Ghana proud globally’ * ‘I cannot beg anyone for survival, but ready to put my special set of skills to ingenious use by making a standing fan out of wood and plastic materials that runs on electricity’ *Helps his parents in their cocoa farm after school hours. He is a class 5 pupil of the Bokabo D/A Primary School at Sefwi Bokabo, in the Bodi District of the Western Region of Ghana * “He is a genius, who believes in himself, very positive-minded and result oriented. We are looking for Funding and Sponsorship for him. We are also calling on Ghana government to help him”-Max Owusu, his class Teacher BY KWEKU JOSEPH/STAFF WRITER IN ACCRA, GHANA
• 07/15/18: EKITI GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: FAYEMI, APC party flagbearer gives Peoples Democratic Party a BLOODY NOSE, wins in FAYOSE’S LGA *Defeats Fayose’s protege, Kolapo Olusola in 12 Local Government Areas out of 16 * Fayemi polled 197,459 while Olusola scored 178,114 votes * Moneybags, vote-buyers, incidence of violence almost mar election * ‘Election was peaceful and to a large extent free and fair’-Dr Joe Okei Odumakin, President, Women Arise * ‘FAYEMI IN, the people of Ekiti have spoken against their Governor, outgoing governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose’-GARBA SHEHU, Senior Special Adviser to Nigerian President on Media & Publicity BY YINUSA IPADE/POLITICAL REPORTER, EKITI STATE, CHIME IKALU/STAFF WRITER POLITICS, LAGOS & LAURETTA IBONG, POLITICAL EDITOR, ABUJA
• 07/15/18: ASSASSINATION IN EDO STATE: 4 NIGERIAN Policemen Killed, Set Ablaze at a Checkpoint in Sabongidda Ora …Ambushed along Uzzebba road *Assailants hid in the bush, waited till law enforcement officers resumed duty *Two of the casualties identified as one Inspector S.E who was set to retire soon and one Sergeant Christian BRIDGET KALU/CRIME REPORTER, EDO STATE
• 07/15/18: ‘I Am Ready to Buy ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB in England’-ALIKO Dangote, Africa’s Richest Billionaire …’Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo inspired me into Cement business’ *Lament: ‘Though twice divorced with three grown-up daughters, I Need a New BRIDE to call my wife’ * Immortalized mother, MARIYA after Dangote’s yacht, a 108-foot vessel at a whooping cost of $43million-INVESTIGATION BY ANNA ORIBADE, STAFF WRITER, LAGOS & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 07/11/18: SHAMEFUL IN AMERICA: Two NIGERIANS in Texas Arrested for Internet Wire Fraud…ordered to federal prison * ‘Idowu Olugbenga Temetan aka David Cole, 30, and Adetilewa Olamigoke Afolabi Ikuejuyone aka Kuffour Duval, 36, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit three counts of wire fraud’-U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick * Temetan admitted to one count of passport forgery, handed 51-month sentence, while Ikuejuyone received a 45-month sentence *Both defendants, not American citizens held severally liable to pay $187,422.60 in restitution as they face deportation proceedings following their sentences BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES
• 07/11/18: AMERICAN Embassy arrests FAKE Nigerian Oil Mugul, AKINDIPE ADEDAYO…For possessing forged Documents to file for United States non-immigrant Visa *Notifies Nigerian Police Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi, Lagos *Suspect connived with others to submit FALSE documents such as Guaranty Trust Bank statement of account No: 0228560035 and introduction letter *Charged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos on four-count charge bordering on forgery, altering and impersonation * “In charge No:B/30/2018 that the accused committed the alleged crime on 12 April, 2018 at the United States Consulate General’s office at 2, Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos. The accused lied to the U.S. embassy officials that he was the Chief Executive Officer of Akmak Oil and Gas Ltd with the intent to obtain United States non-immigrant Visa before he was arrested. The offences the accused committed were punishable under sections 412, 365(1), 366(1) and 360(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015”-Police Counsel, Wewe Adegbayi BY TOLULOPE ADEKOLA/JUDICIAL REPORTER, LAGOS
• 07/07/18: BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIAN Data Base Genius, EMMANUEL ADEOLU ADEYEMO Wins Resolution LEADERSHIP AWARD in AMERICA…Governor of Georgia State, House of Representative host ceremony *British trained Software Expert, certified member of Google Application for Education Administrator is a renowned activist who uses technology as a foundation to change communities all around the world *Earlier worked in collaboration with the United Nations, Arab League, World Vision, UNESCO, USAID and the Peace Corp *Served in local, international organizations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for over 20 years *HE’S President of Jiltech Int.- a technology-based organization and remains Executive Director of an outreach community center in the USA, working on a vision of bringing technology and education for the youth in low-income communities * Remains USA Mission representative for World Outreach Mission, Oslo in Norway, Director of International Institute of Technology and Applications, Georgia, USA (Atlanta Regional Commission sponsored approved center that specialized in Database Management and Project Management); Advisory Board Member for Interactive Collect of Technology, CTAE Advisory Board for Clayton County Public Schools, Board member of United Education Institute in Georgia and Florida BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 07/02/18: BRAIN& BEAUTY IN AMERICA: NIGERIAN-AMERICAN Renowned Pediatrician, LANRE OMOJOKUN FALUSI is President, American Academy of Pediatrics DC chapter…Receives Award as Under 40 Leader in Health Medicine, Member-Diversity and Inclusion committee *Daily celebrated as a highly intelligent Genius in Pediatrics *Famous as Educational Programs Director at CCI Health and Wellness Services, a federally-qualified health center that serves over 50,000 individuals in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties *Focus on quality improvement, coordinating pediatric care, outreach to community organizations, educational seminars; programs for providers, students, and staff *Attended medical school at the University of Virginia, completed residency and chief residency at National Medical Center * Fluent in Yoruba, Spanish and English languages BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/24/18: DISGRACEFUL: I am guilty of STEALING over $900,000 being proceeds of Scam against Seven companies in United States and Abroad’-EMEKA NDUKWU, Nigerian born Naturalized American ….Confesses to U.S. District Court of Columbia: ‘I know I am guilty of Money Laundering’ *46 year old Nigerian Faces 57 months in prison and a fine of up to $200,000 *Agreed to forfeit his 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 and money judgment forfeiture in the amount of $429,848, Scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2018 * “Ndukwu participated in an ongoing conspiracy from 2013 through 2017 to receive and launder the proceeds of various cyber frauds, primarily arising from business e-mail compromise schemes”-Court document *INVESTIGATION conducted by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN Foreign Bureau Chief
• 06/24/18: NEW DEVELOPMENT: ‘LET No Harm befall our son, Senator ENYINNAYA ABARIBE’-Igbo Canadian Community Association …Warns BUHARI Government: ‘Enough of your intimidation towards Ndigbo’ *Condemns State Security Services for humiliating lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District * ‘We find the arrest of our senator few hours after he exposed an insertion of an illegal addition of N30billion into the budget of the power sector questionable, undemocratic and a criminal attempt to cover up the monumental corrupt acts perpetuated by the Presidency ‘-Chief Ugochukwu Okoro, President of the socio-cultural, political group in Toronto * ‘We are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Sen. Abaribe with no harm whatsoever befalling him. We’d like to use this medium to sound this warning to President Muhammadu Buhari’ * ‘The DSS had on Friday arrested Sen. Abaribe in of Abuja without disclosing the reason for his arrest. They also have sealed his home’-Ahaoma Kanu, Public Relations Officer, Igbo Canadian Community Association BY SAMSON SHOAGA/GROUP MANAGING EDITOR & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/24/18: TOTAL WAR AGAINST INTERNET SCAM IN OPERATION WIRE WIRE: American Govt, FBI Arraign NIGERIAN Man, TAIWO MUSILIUDEEN IDRIS for FRAUD…accused of conspiring with four other convicts to launder more than $411,000 in real estate proceeds *Apprehended on May 30 in Lagos by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission * Arrest is part of a six-month federal law enforcement effort that involved the Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury departments and the U.S. Postal Service *FACTS: “During a two-week period of “intensified” activity, there have been 74 arrests in the U.S., 29 in Nigeria, three in Canada, Mauritius and Poland”-U.S. attorney’s office in Pittsburgh BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, GINA OKOYE/CRIME EDITOR & TONY IDEMUDIA/ANTI-GRAFT REPORTER, ABUJA
• 06/24/18: INSIDE AMERICA DETENTION: Three NIGERIANS Arrested in Chicago for STEALING Maserati SUV Car, Carrying FAKE British Passports and Dud Drivers’ Licenses…Found to possess $53,000 Cash *Mayowa Balogun, Danteni Tijani and Dolapo Badmus, were picked up on January 23, in a car which came back stolen out of Ohio * Balogun and Badmus: charged only with possession of altered documents, a class 4 felony, Tijani’s bond fixed at $100,000 and placed on electronic monitoring * ‘All were carrying counterfeit passports and drivers’ licenses, mostly from Great Britain’-POLICE * ‘We found nearly $40,000 in the car’s glove compartment, and over $13,000 in a coat elsewhere in the car’-INVESTIGATORS BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/16/18: INSPIRING IN AMERICA: NIGERIAN Born OLUWADAMILOLA (DAMI) COKER wins FAA Flight Instructor of the YEAR in Arizona…Received award at the 44th annual Arizona Safety Awards Banquet *Celebrated by America’s Aviation Safety Advisory Group and Scottsdale Flight Standards District Office, Eligible for regional and national recognition *Awards Program: a cooperative effort for more than a dozen sponsoring organizations in the aviation industry *Serves as a Check Instructor and Assistant Safety Program Manager for Embry-Riddle Flight Department *His aspiration to becoming a pilot made him pursue his dream that eventually led him into Embry-Riddle academy where he completed his undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Science, as well as a graduate degree in Safety Science * “This honor left me short of words. It means a lot to me knowing that my effort is setting an example for many and motivating a lot of potential pilots to never give up their dreams in life”-Coker BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• 06/10/18: NIGERIA’S REGGAE LEGEND LAST INTERVIEW IN AMERICA: ‘My DREAM is to Play on same stage with STEPHEN MARLEY, a Multiple Grammy Award Winner’-Ras Kimono, Rub-A-Dub Master …’I have been working on a better Music Record deal in New York and Texas *Stages Music Concerts in Maryland, Atlanta, Massachusetts and New Port Richey Florida, Explains View of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie as a RASTAMAN * Receives Standing OVATION from African-Americans, Eulogized as one of Africa’s Evergreen Music Legends *Why PMAN can no longer organise Nigeria Music AWARD *HOW he continually use MUSIC to speak against Suppression, Injustice of the Government against the Masses BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF/UNITED STATES
• 06/09/18: NIGERIAN Daily TRUST Newspaper’s Editor, ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM wins 2018 Michael Elliott Award for Excellence…African story conveys the human toll of terrorism and displacement *Distinguished jury selected him from among 238 applicants for the prize *Story tells about the struggle of two women: one from Cameroon and one from Nigeria who find their loved ones * Received award plus cash prize at a reception in New York *Prestigious award given by the International Center for Journalists in partnership with ONE and the Elliott family BY DALHATU RILWAN/STAFF WRITER, ABUJA
• 06/09/18: NO MORE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: CANADA Will No Longer Permit Undocumented NIGERIAN Asylum Seekers’ Entry-AHMED Hussen, Canadian Federal Immigration Minister …Races to Nigeria to warn of no ‘free ticket’ into Canada *Echoes: ‘Entering Canada illegally is not a free pass into the country’ *Canada working closely with the United States over the abuse of American visas *After Haitians in 2017, it appears Nigerians armed with valid U.S. visitor visas are the latest group to come across at Roxham Road in Hemmingford, not far from the Lacolle border crossing at the Quebec-New York border * “They (lawful Immigrants) must prove they need Canada’s protection to keep them safe. Seeking asylum is not a shortcut to get around normal immigration rules and procedures”-Public Safety Minister, Ralph Goodale BY LAUREL IBHADE/IMMIGRATION CORRESPONDENT, QUEBEC & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES
• 06/09/18: DEVELOPING: GAMBIAN Undocumented Immigrant, BUBA JABI deported after 20 years in AMERICA…Faced tough times for lack of lawful papers *Process for his deportation set in motion eight years ago when a judge ruled that he had overstayed his lawful presence as issued by Custom & Border Control *Entered United States in 1995, Detained February 15 after checking in with federal authorities *41 year old, father of TWO girls weep after his removal from United States * “We have spent many years trying to rectify this situation. I will continue to fight and file waivers. We would move our family almost 5,000 miles to The Gambia, a nation of about two million people that is almost twice the size of Delaware, to be with my husband”-WIFE, Katrina Jabbi, a native of Wisconsin Rapids lament * “Buba Jabbi stay of removal was denied February 27, 2018”-Nicole Alberico, a public affairs officer with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 06/03/18: NOW ON SALE IN AMAZON: #Best Seller Book end Hackers’ attempt into AMERICA’S Mid-term Election, stabilize National Security…Eliminates intrusion, fraud in Nigeria’s 2019 Election *lead Law Enforcement agencies on how to track, identifies Cyber attackers, read Terror codes *145 page book Exposes FAKE NEWS STORIES on social media platforms *In hot demand by Government agencies, United Nations, Security analysts; Cyber experts, Researchers, Senators; Congress members, journalists, others *Also available in Spanish edition, place your order, click: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1720487758/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1528062348&sr=8-2&keywords=george+otumu
• 06/02/18: INSPIRING: 38 Year old NIGERIAN-American Biophysicist, JOHN OLUSEUN DABIRI is Professor of Aeronautics and Bioengineering at Stanford University, USA…Heads Civil & Environmental Engineering department *FAMOUS for his research on Hydrodynamics of Jellyfish propulsion and design of a vertical-axis wind farm adapted from schooling fish * Still the director of Biological Propulsion Laboratory which examines fluid transport with applications in aquatic locomotion, fluid dynamic energy conversion, and cardiac flows; Born to Nigerian immigrants’ parents who settled in Ohio *Worked earlier as Dean at the California Institute of Technology, Received MacArthur Fellowship for his theoretical engineering work *HONORS: Young Investigator Award from the Office of Naval Research, Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, Named one of the “Brilliant 10” scientists in 2008, Listed among 2012 Technology Innovators BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/30/18: JUSTICE AT LAST! NIGERIAN Woman, MARY SUNDAY Suffering Multiple Burns from Temperamental Police Fiancé wins N50million ($138,000) damages against Nigeria …Akwa Ibom lady faces Deformation and Incapacitation *ECOWAS Court orders Federal Government of Nigeria to pay the victim of domestic violence immediately * Her fiancé, a Nigerian Police Officer, Isaac Gbanwuan, now married to another woman, brutally beat her up, picked up a boiling pot of stew and poured it on her in Lagos following a heated argument * Still in Pains, extreme burns, lost ears, and has not been able work or walk freely on the streets, as a result of the burns on her body BY KELVIN OGBEICHE/CRIME REPORTER, ABUJA
• 05/30/18: BREAKING NEWS: U. S. Govt Revokes American Citizenship of Nigerian, EMMANUEL OLUGBENGA OMOPARIOLA…Rapes 7-year old Girl before Naturalization *61 year old Deported Nigerian placed under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Escort to Nigeria via JFK International Airport in New York City *Sexual Predator Commits second-degree Felony offense, arrived Ikeja, Lagos about 2:20 p.m. local time (9:20 a.m. CDT) *Earlier legally entered the U. S on March 25, 1983 at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on a non-immigrant student visa, Ordered to five years of community supervision, placed on the sex offender registry *Naturalized as an American citizen July 1, 2004, withholds he unlawfully engaged in sexual contact during naturalization proceedings * “This deportation ends this U.S. chapter for Omopariola who sabotaged his own future and opportunities through his heinous crimes against a child, and his lies on his naturalization application and in interviews”-Simona L. Flores, field office director of ERO Dallas BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/27/18: SHOCKING IN AMERICA: White AMERICAN Woman, RACHEL DOLEZAL Adopts Nigerian Name, NKECHI DIALLO to Defraud United States Govt in the sum of $8,747…Illegally Received FOOD STAMPS for over TWO Years and $100 in child care assistance *Arrested, Charged with theft by Welfare Fraud, Perjury and False Verification for Public Assistance *Lied on Records, Report income as usually less than $500 per month * Subpoena for her self-employment records, including financial institutions showed Diallo deposited nearly $84,000 into her bank account between August 2015 and September 2017 without reporting it to the Department of Social and Health Services BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES
• 05/27/18: REGRETTABLE & SAD FOR AFRICA: Nigeria’s Music Star WIZKID, Band boys Deny AMERICAN P VISA for Open Air Concert in California…Missed Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival April 14, April 21 *Unable to obtain U.S. Work Visa due to issues in Band boys’ documentation * Missed performance as first Nigerian act on Coachella world stage * Angry crowd ridicules Wizkid asking if he’s banned from entering USA * ‘BAND had some visa issues…I’m upset but see y’all next week. #GhettoboyStory #Coachella’-Whizkid  *INDIO POLICE report fewer arrests at this year’s Coachella festival * “WE officially announced that Nigerian musician Wizkid would not be able to make it to the United States to perform”-Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival MANAGEMENT BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF in California
• 05/20/18: GREAT ABILITY IN DISABILITY: NIGERIAN-American 9 year old Girl, ANAYA ELLICK, Born without hands, WINS National Awards for Exceptional Hand Writing Skills in AMERICA *Inspiring Story of an outstanding feat after she received two national awards *Third-grader in Chesapeake area of Virginia beat hundred of others in competition despite her physical challenges * Named WINNER of the 2018 Nicholas Maxim Award, part of the 2018 Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest, on Thursday, April 26 *Previously won the Nicholas Maxim Award for Excellence in Manuscript Penmanship as a first grader in 2016 *QUOTE: “Believe in yourself, and the rest will fall into place. Have faith in your own abilities, work hard, and there is nothing you cannot accomplish”-Brad Henry BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/20/18: SHAME: Two NIGERIANS, Emmanuel Mmaduike, Olawale Kashimawo JAILED for £1Million Cyber FRAUD and Money laundering in United Kingdom *Suspects hired Helicopters, drive Flashy vehicles, posted pictures of cash, costly watches and consuming champagne on social media *Runs SCAM from South-east London after acquiring hundreds of enterprise email addresses and passwords been used to divert funds away from official firms to themselves * Mmaduike jailed SIX years and 10 months after he admitted money laundering and fraud. His accomplice, Kashimawo jailed for SIX years and nine months after admitting to two counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering BY NNENA UGOCHUKWU, CRIME CORRESPONDENT, LONDON & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU, AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/20/18: BREAKING NEWS: CANADA Immortalizes Prince HARRY and MEGHAN Markle Marriage…Rolls out ROYAL Canadian Mint at Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health * Duke of Sussex mother, DIANA late Princess of Wales toured the facility in 1991 *Possess long tradition of celebrating Canada’s ties to the monarchy and will be making a charitable donation of $25,000 * Silver coin had engraved portrait of the couple edged in Canadian maple leaves, English roses and escallop shells from Prince Harry’s coat of arms * “The Mint has a proud history of celebrating royal milestones and crafting a silver collector coin to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their marriage is our latest expression of Canada’s special attachment to the Royal family”- Sandra Hanington, president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/20/18: DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX IN TRAILBLAZING WEDDING: ROMANTIC Marriage of Prince HARRY & MEGHAN MARKLE Shake the WORLD…’Princess DIANA Resurrects’ in Power of LOVE *Couple reflects Class, Honor, Splendor, Simplicity, Honesty and Elegance *Ceremony Demonstrates Unification in Diversity, Blend of American/British Culture *Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, David Beckham, Elton John, George Clooney, barrister wife, Amal Clooney, actor Idris Elba, other top celebrities identifies with lovely couple *1.9 Billion audience watched on Television, TWO Receptions and Behind the scenes gist *”HE who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord”-Proverbs 16 verse 22 BY YVONNE ARAMIDE/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER Reporting LIVE from Windsor, ENGLAND
• 05/13/18: The LOOTING OF AKWA IBOM STATE:NIGERIA’S Senate Minority Leader, BASSEY AKPAN faces Ban from entering United Kingdom…as Nigerian authorities request Britain to freeze all bank accounts and assets linked to lawmaker *Acquires stupendous wealth with taxpayers’ money to fraudulently purchase properties in the UK and other countries *Served as immediate past finance commissioner in Akwa Ibom during the administration of Godswill Akpabio *Purchased landed properties in Britain through Barclays Bank of London financed mortgage to the tune of £1million *Presently under investigation in Nigeria by presidential investigation panel for recovery of public properties on illicit acquisition of assets and money laundering * “I am writing to bring to the notice of the Home Office Secretary, the fraudulent acts of Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan which include money laundering activities, assets stealing, forgery, tax evasion and extortion. It is kindly requested for the Right Honourable Home Office Secretary to use her powers to issue an Exclusion Decision on Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan from the United Kingdom and its territory pursuant to the Home Office”-Okoi Obono-Obla, chairman of the special, presidential investigation panel for the recovery of public properties BY RICHARD IYARE/CRIME REPORTER, ABUJA & GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 05/13/18: LIVING THE LIFE OF A GOOD LEADER: NIGERIA’S A-LIST Comedian, FRANCIS AGODA, alias I-GO DYE Shells Millions of Naira to build a World Class Hospital for his Community freely…Imports, Equip Hospital with State-of-the-Arts Medical Equipment from Europe *HIS Net Worth stands at ‎$6.6 Million Dollars *Still remains a Motivational Speaker, Social Crusader, Philanthropist * ‘The challenges facing most people in Nigeria are the same, irrespective of our religious, political, ethnic backgrounds. We can make life more beautiful than we met it’-I Go dye BY IRENE IBADE/ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER
• 05/13/18: FUN GOES SOUR INSIDE NIGHT CLUB! NIGERIA’S Anti-Graft Agency, EFCC Bust CLUB57 in Lagos…Handcuff 12 Yahoo Yahoo Boys spraying money, Popping Champagne on Girls * Round-up Cyber criminals on Intelligence Report * 10 exotic cars recovered during the raid, few others escape from scene * ‘The Arrested suspects are Internet Fraudsters in Ikoyi area of Lagos’-EFCC BY CHUKS ILEKA/ENTERTAINMENT WRITER, LAGOS
• 05/06/18: BREAKING NEWS: United States Court Dismissed NIGERIAN STUDENTS’ suit against ALABAMA State University…30 students in trouble over Nigerian Government School Funds *U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama ruled in favor of Varsity *Judgement: ‘Plaintiff have adduced no evidence to show that they were treated differently than other similarly situated students’ *Nigerian Students claimed Alabama State University absorbed finances allocated to the students by the Nigerian Government * “Alabama State University is pleased with the Court’s ruling and the dismissal of the lawsuit brought by the students who were seeking to obtain monies that the University contended belong solely to the government of Nigeria and not the individual students”-Kenneth L. Thomas, general counsel for Alabama State University BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & TIM OGUCHI/CORRESPONDENT, ABUJA
• 05/06/18: INSPIRING: NIGERIAN Born Arsenal Player, ALEX IWOBI wins ‘Philanthropic Endeavour Community Action’ Award at Best of Africa Competition *Featured for Arsenal in UEFA Europa League second leg clash against the Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano *21-year-old Nigeria international played 35 games for Arsenal scoring just two goals *BOA Award is an an event to honour, celebrate the philanthropic endeavors and achievements of African football players *Moved to England at the age of FOUR, still nephew of former Nigerian Super Eagles super star Jay-Jay Okocha * ‘Great Night At The Best Of Africa Awards. I am Blessed To Have My Family and Friends There With Me’- Iwobi BY SEUN OLAPADE/SPORTS REPORTER, ENGLAND
• 05/06/18: SHOCKING & SHAMEFUL: TWO NIGERIANS Falsely Claiming to be Sudanese Asylum Seekers Dupe U.S. Govt to the tune of $4 million tax refund in Tax Scam…Arrested in Dallas, Texas *STEALS Medical patient forms, personal documents to file FAKE tax returns for refunds and obtain credit cards * ’36-year-old Ibrahim Alu and 40-year-old George Ismail were sentenced Friday in Austin for their roles in an identity theft ring’-Investigators * ‘We are GUILTY, we really commit crimes of Fraud and Identity Theft’-Nigerian suspects * Alu sentenced to eight years in prison, Ismail received seven years jail term, to repay over $1.3 million BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• 05/05/18: TRENDING: NIGERIAN Born British Poet, THERESA LOLA Wins Brunel International African Poetry Prize…Named joint winner of the prestigious 2018 competition *Defeats over 1000 International candidates, Receive top prize of £1000 *Organisers ask each poet submit a pamphlet of their best 10 pieces of work *Launched in 2012 by Brunel University London, judged by a panel of writers and academics * “Winning the Brunel International African Poetry Prize feels surreal, it is an unwavering highlight”-LOLA BY OLAWUNMI OYEGOKE/ARTS REPORTER, UNITED KINGDOM
• 05/05/18: BREAKING NEWS: U.S. Based NIGERIAN Investigative Journalist, GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU Authors First Cyber-Security Technology to Expose FAKE News, Identifies Hackers/Stop Voting Fraud…Book hits World Stage on AMAZON Publication *Historic book Decode, Detect Cyber threat before any ELECTION, Cyber Attackers’ Hideout *Shows how Hackers collude, hides in the dark web, how they commit cyber crimes *Reveals how unsuspecting electorates’ voting rights are being violated *Prominent journalists from United States, Britain, African-American community and top African reporters write book’s FORWARD, PREFACE and Comments BY SAMSON SHOAGA/Group Managing Editor, Abuja
• 05/02/18: INSPIRING: Ebenezer Obey’s former Drummer, SIKIRU ADEPOJU Wins GRAMMY AWARD in AMERICA…earlier Toured, Record several albums with Inter-Reformers Band *He’s Nigerian top percussionist and recording artist in the genres of traditional African music and world music, playing variety of instruments and styles *Arrived AMERICA in 1985, played with O. J. Ekemode’s Nigerian All-Stars, and three months later met Babatunde Olatunji *He’s Master of the talking drum, his father Chief Ayanleke Adepoju, whose very name, Ayan, means ‘descendant from drummers’ *Recorded albums with these artists: Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Airto Moreira, Bola Abimbola, The String Cheese Incident, Zakir Hussain BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• 05/02/18: TRADE-PARTNERSHIP: ‘I Will be Visiting NIGERIA, a Beautiful & Amazing Country’-President TRUMP of United States …Says ‘There is No Country More Beautiful in the world than Nigeria’ * ‘Our aim is to diversify our economy by focusing on agriculture and food security; power and infrastructure. We have cut the importation of rice by about 90% thereby saving a significant amount of money’-President BUHARI * ‘Trump’s Proposed visit to Nigeria may take 12 months to Plan’-Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama *AMERICA concludes plans to return over $500m (about 190 billion Naira) looted funds to Nigeria BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES
• 04/22/18: BREAKING NEWS: NIGERIAN Born Media Expert, CHINEDU MOGHALU Appointed into UNITED NATIONS World Food Programme…Heads Communication & Advocacy for Africa *African Risk Capacity is a Specialised Agency of African Union that provides African sovereigns with capacity building services for early warning, contingency planning and risk finance *Task to lead efforts in ensuring that work of ARC in responding to challenges of climate change, natural disaster risk management is strategically communicated to the Member States *Earlier worked served as Regional Head of Nigerian Export-Import Bank for the Southeast, Delta states in Nigeria; Head of Corporate Communication Division at its headquarters in Abuja *Holds Masters degree in Communications for Development, other degrees in Political Science and Law from University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Lagos *HE’S an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, International Public Relations Association and sits on the Board of Chigari Foundation BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 04/22/18: CRIMINALITY IN GOD’S NAME IN AMERICA: Malawian Born Famous AFRICAN Prophet, SHEPHERD BUSHIRI Arrested with 10Kilogram COCAINE at JFK International Airport, New York…Baggage Carousel contains drug with a street market value of $1.5 million *Traveled on First Flight ticket from Johannesburg to New York * Deceived South African Immigration officials, Neatly checked in bag from Johannesburg being identical to regular bags carried by prophet * Forensic Tests proved connection, Fingerprints not found on Cocaine *Investigated, Detained, Released on BAIL in the sum of $100,000 Cash BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, Reporting from New York
• 04/22/18: NIGERIAN MILITARY IN SEX SCANDAL INSIDE REFUGEE CAMP: ‘NIGERIA’S Under-age GIRLS Flee Boko Haram, RAPED BRUTALLY by Security Forces’-NEW YORK Times *Victims narrate graphic ordeals: ‘I was Abducted from our home by Boko Haram fighters, Raped repeatedly for three years. As I settled into Refugee Camp of hope, I heard footsteps outside our tent. A security officer’s voice instructed me to come out. Frightened, I obeyed. He took her me his quarters and raped me”-Falmata, 14-year-old girl * ‘Nigerian soldiers would come to the Camp, hold me so tight, beat me and take me with them against my will. I had been raped about 10 times this year at a camp in Maiduguri, the city at the center of the fight against Boko Haram, before running away for my own safety. They (the soldiers) were old enough to be my parents’-Amina, a 13-year-old girl *Revealing: ‘At night, the camps are dimly lit. Aid workers come during the day, but typically not after sunset because of wartime curfews. Security forces tightly control who goes in and out of the camps, sometimes coercing women and girls to trade sex for food. I have been Raped, Injured, kept low profile. I must confess that I had been raped as many as 20 times in the camp’-Hadiza, an 18 year old girl *Allegations against our soldiers at the Refugee Camps were unfounded’-Army Special Board of Inquiry * ‘At least 7,000 Women and Girls have endured Boko Haram’s Sexual Violence’-United Nations BY HARUNA HABEEB, UNDERCOVER REPORTER, MAIDUGURI
• 04/22/18: REAPING WHAT HE SOWS IN UNITED KINGDOM: NIGERIAN Pipe Engineering Graduate, KUFRE UWEM Sentenced to SEVEN YEARS in Prison for Raping a British Teenager in Scotland…Convicted of intent to rape a second woman in her flat *34-Year-old twicely married Nigerian in JAIL after 3 months of Lavish Wedding * Court Records: ‘Uwem, of 6 Waterton Lawn, Stoneywood, Aberdeen, who was a sub-sea project engineer, detained the woman against her will in his flat and then removed her clothing and raped her’ * ‘RAPE had a monumental impact on my life’-Victim one impact statement * ‘I was Attacked in my own home. Uwem restrained me, removed my lower clothing with intent to RAPE Me’-Second Victim narrate in tears *“This was a course of violent and predatory sexual offending, notwithstanding the four years between the two offences. We heard that Uwem’s first victim was a first-year student who Uwem met by chance and invited her to his flat. Once there he raped her. The consequences are truly catastrophic for you”-Judge Lord Arthurson, High Court in Glasgow BY BRAINT CHINEDU/CRIME & INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER, GLASGOW
• 04/22/18: INSPIRATIONAL IN AMERICA: NIGERIA’S 7-Year-old Comedienne, EMMANUELLA SAMUEL starred in Hollywood DISNEY Project…Received YouTube Gold award, FreshYo Ambassador *Appeared in Advert for Wikipedia, hosted Nickeledeon’s Nick Fest show *Featured as one of the characters in a hugely successful comedy channel on YouTube, Mark Angel Comedy *Awarded Best New Comedienne and Princess of Comedy at the Afro-Australia Music and Movie Awards in Australia *Mark Angel Comedy won Best Sub-Saharan Channel at the YouTube Awards in 2017 *Received Endorsement from Nigeria’s Senate President: “Your story is an inspiration. Come by the @NGRSenate sometime, let’s discuss how we can develop the potential of our young talents in the creative industry”-Bukola Saraki BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• 04/22/18: DEVELOPING STORY: ‘I Am Appealing against my Conviction in United Kingdom, British Police Stinks of Corruption’-JAMES IBORI, Nigeria’s millionaire politician …Argue: ‘I Want my 90 million pounds ($130 million) of assets, earlier confiscated, frozen for years, released to me by British authorities’ * ‘True, we confiscate James Ibori’s assets, plan to return them to the Nigerian state, but if his conviction were overturned he would regain control of them immediately. At the time of his arrest he was in the process of buying a $20 million private jet’-British Government * ‘ONE of the British police officers who investigated him took bribes in 2007 from a private detective, hired by a British law firm working for Ibori, in return for inside information about the police investigation’-Ibori’s lawyers in UK * Ibori gives evidence via video-link from Nigeria, and he appeared briefly on a screen in court, but the connection was lost and could not be restored. The court was told a power cut in Nigeria was the reason for the glitch BY STELLA IBADE/STAFF WRITER, UNITED KINGDOM
• 04/22/18: MANSLAUGHTER CONVICTION IN BRITAIN: ‘We Have Donated over £200,000 to Help Nigerian Doctor, DR. HADIZA BAWA-GARBA Appeal Manslaughter Conviction’-BRITISH MEDICS …’We are practitioners coming from diverse areas of the profession saying that the case of UK-based Nigerian doctor, Dr. Hadiza Bawa-Garba, is an exception’ *She needs to Appeal the decision of the UK’s General Medical Council to strike her name out of the medical register * Earlier found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence in 2015 over the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock *Friends set up crowdfunding campaign which attracts over £200,000. The fund was set up to help Hadiza cover the huge expenses she would need to incur to effectively fight her case * ‘I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I am planning to employ a top legal team to reassess the GMC’s decision and also the criminal conviction’-HADIZA BY STELLA IBADE/STAFF WRITER, UNITED KINGDOM
• 04/17/18: MUTUAL-COOPERATION BETWEEN NIGERIA & AMERICA: DONALD Trump Invites Nigeria’s President, MUHAMMADU BUHARI to WASHINGTON April 30…Meeting to be on ways of enhancing strategic partnership and advance shared priorities * Boko Haram in Trouble, as discussion focus mainly on fighting terrorism, threats to peace and security, building on Nigeria’s role as a democratic leader * “The relationship of the United States with Nigeria is deep and strong, and Nigeria’s economic growth, security, and leadership in Africa will advance our mutual prosperity”-WHITE HOUSE BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, UNITED STATES
• 04/15/18: BREAKING NEWS: 25 Years old NIGERIAN Lady, MOTILEWA DEBORAH BOLANLE Emerges Youngest PhD Degree holder in Bishop Oyedepo’s Covenant University…Remains one of the youngest-ever from any Nigerian Varsity *Graduates as Doctor of Philosophy having satisfied all requirements for the Award *Professor Samuel Wara, Registrar awards her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Senate 140th Meeting * “This journey tested me mentally, spiritually and physically. It was absolutely worth it. At 25, I am the youngest PhD holder produced from @CUHEBRON and one of the youngest from any Nigerian University #scholars”-Motilewa BY TOMIWA OLUWABUKOLA/EDUCATION REPORTER, LAGOS
• 04/15/18: TURMOIL INSIDE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD IN USA: NIGERIAN Man, KEN OGBEMUDIA Arrested, Charged for Terrorism, Unlawful Entry in GEORGIA…Threatens to Blow up Church, Shoot up Congregation Parishioners inside ‘House-of-God’, Under Investigation by Department of Homeland Security *Sends dangerous Texts, Voicemails to several people with a promise to kill them *Booked into Cobb County Jail without bond, How Church’s pastor turned him in * ‘I Confessed to RCCG, Heaven’s Gate’s pastor, others that Ogbemudia compelled me to purchase two AK-47’s and 600 rounds of ammunition’-Karen James, female friend of Ogbemudia * “The messages said he was going to shoot up the church and kill many of the members inside. We have not located the weapons, but we have to assume they exist. We have to assume this could have turned into a mass shooting at a church. James declined connection with gun”-Marietta Police Officer Chuck McPhilamy BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF, Live in Georgia
• 04/15/18: BUSTED: ‘NIGERIAN Man, SAMSON OTUEDON Apprehended, Caught with FAKE $400,000 counterfeit bills’-Nigeria’s Anti-graft agency, EFCC ….Suspect confessed: ‘I operate a Syndicate group that used fake dollar bills to scam unsuspecting clients’ * Investigators launched into Otuedon’s activities in Nasarawa, Nigeria’s north central state after it received reports the group was producing fake dollar bills * “Those conversant with currency trading in Nigeria know that most legal and illegal bureau de change operators come from the north”-Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission * “$100 bill is the most frequently counterfeited denomination of United States currency outside the United States due to its broad circulation overseas”-United States official BY KEN EGBAGU/ANTI-GRAFT REPORTER, ABUJA
• 04/15/18: DISGRACEFUL IN AMERICA: NIGERIA’S Senator, ANDY UBA Dragged to Court for OWING $35,448.55 in Water And Power Bill in California Apartment…Los Angeles Department of Water and Power provides amenities to Building 7014 LaTijera Boulevard, Westchester, CA90045 * ‘No Withdrawal Funds in Uba’s Bank Account Numbers: 6594661000, 7594661000 and 8594661000, opened on March 25, 2002, April 11, 2013 and May 17, 2013’ * Unlimited Civil Case with number BC644243 assigned to the Honourable Rita Miller sitting at Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles * Becomes Indebted from March 26, 2002 through November 23, 2016 to February 2, 2018 after he agreed to settle his indebtedness out of court pursuant to a document tagged ‘Stipulated Settlement’ * Summon served on Andy Uba by publication in The Metropolitan News, being a newspaper of general circulation at Los Angeles * Judge Ready to Pass Judgement against Uba if he fails in his ‘Stipulated Settlement’ on before April 30, 2018 BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICA’S FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF & SAMSON SHOAGA, GROUP MANAGING EDITOR, LAGOS, NIGERIA
• 04/15/18: DEVELOPING STORY IN NIGERIA: ‘I Am Contesting for Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential Election, Only If I emerge All Progressives Congress Party Candidate’-Muhammadu BUHARI …Says: ‘By then I Will Determine If Yemi Osinbajo will still be My Vice President or Someone else’ * ‘President Buhari is not officially a candidate yet, he’s an aspirant. He has just signified his intention to seek party nomination’-Presidency * “It is after winning the ticket that you will expect him to name his running mate for the contest. That’s the requirement, he can’t run alone. My view is that it is not the norm that you name a running mate when you are not a candidate”-Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity BY KAYODE OYEBADE/POLITICAL WRITER, ABUJA
• 04/09/18: TRENDING NEWS ON NIGERIAN MOVIE ABROAD: OSUN THE goddess movie BREAKS into AMERICA’S Hollywood Market…Red Carpets slated 5pm for April 15, 2018 at Citiplex-Newark, 360-394 Springfield Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103 * Nollywood Yoruba Epic to be only US showing till the Nigerian version premieres later this Spring, Movie in Yoruba subtitled in English language * Osun the goddess is an allegory showing the power of Osun in the struggle against rape, abuse and violence against women. Osun stands for female empowerment and the upliftment of women *This film gives a unique glimpse into the proverb-filled traditional Yoruba culture which has had profound influence throughout * Cast features Nollywood stars as: Murphy Afolabi, Faithia Balogun, Femi Branch, Ade Edetunde and Florence Trautman among others * * Executive Producer is FLOXY BEE, the Queen of Hikosso Music, Nigerian singer who also acted, composed and performed music in the film *Author of these books in USA: ‘Importance of Greetings in the Yoruba Culture,’ Who’s Osun the goddess?’ BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/AMERICAN FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF
• 04/09/18: CRUEL & SHOCKING: NIGERIAN FAMOUS Musician, ZAINAB NIELSEN (Alizee), 4 year old Daughter Killed by European Husband in Banana Island Apartment, Lagos…Over Misunderstanding, Jealousy *Police discovers marks of violence on bodies, homicide unit is investigating * 29 year old Deceased musician billed to perform April 29 in the southern city of Warri * Danish Husband, Peter Schau Nielsen blames the Devil for action * Last year she signed a lucrative deal with Japan-based Petra Entertainment BY JOYCE NWACHUKWU/ENTERTAINMENT WRITER, LAGOS
• 04/09/18: END OF THE ROAD: Hardened Gunmen Raid Vaults of Banks in daylight Robbery…Attack Police Station in Kwara state *17 people Killed including EIGHT police officers shot dead at the station * Three other died at Offa’s general hospital *Flee scene in their convoy with an undisclosed haul of cash * ‘We are offering 5 million Nigerian naira cash for information leading to the arrest of the culprits’-Kwara State Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed * ‘SEVEN people had been arrested so far for their suspected involvement in the attack’-Kwara State Police spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi Jeffrey *’Incident was savage attack on unsuspecting citizens and establishments. No stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are caught”-Senate President, Bukola Saraki BY DAYO ELEMODE/REPORTER, KWARA STATE
• 04/09/18: CONFESSION: ‘I AM Guil