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November 29, 2018

FSARS officer who shot LASTMA official dead in Lagos, dies after being beaten by a mob for shooting the LASTMA official



Police Inspector Olukunle Olonade attached to FSARS Ikeja who was alleged to have shot a LASTMA official, Rotimi Adeyemi, dead in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos state yesterday November 28th, has died. He died shortly after arriving at the hospital. He had been beaten by a mob after he shot Adeyemi.
A statement from the spokesperson of the state police command, CSP Chike Oti, says the state commissioner of police, CP Edgal Imohimi, has ordered the FSARS officer be tried posthumously. Read the statement below
On 28/11/18, at about 1800hrs, the driver of a Toyota Highlander SUV, with registration number LSR 277 BJ, later identified as Police Inspector Olukunle Olonade attached to FSARS Ikeja while driving along Iyana-Ipaja road, was contravened for driving against traffic by a LASTMA official, one Rotimi Adeyemi, aged 46 years at Iyana-Ipaja roundabout.
The two men vehemently disagreed with each other. However, during the altercation, the said Inspector Olukunle Olonade allegedly shot the LASTMA officer to death.
Consequently, irate mob, who thought that the shooter was an armed hoodlum because he was in mufti, decended on him and beat him to stupor.
Although he was later rescued by teams of policemen drafted to the scene, he later gave up the ghost while being rushed to hospital for treatment.
The serial number of the pistol recovered at the scene was checked in the system and it revealed the bearer as Inspector Olukunle Olonade attached to FSARS Ikeja.
Corpses of the deceased have been evacuated to the morgue for autopsy.
The CP Lagos has directed that the late Inspector Olakunle Olonade be tried posthumously in Orderly room and be recommended for dismissal from the Force.

November 29, 2018

How Smartmicro MD stole N11 billion from FirstBank



More facts have emerged on how Mr. Michael Obasuyi Osasogie, Managing Director, Smartmicro Systems Limited defrauded FirstBank to the tune of N11 billion.
In 2012, Smartmicro Systems Limited had approached E-Tranzact for the deployment of bulk purchase solution called “Corporatepay” to facilitate payment of salaries of Delta State employees in microfinance banks. It was alleged that E-Tranzact also configured an additional outbound fund transfer solution called “Fundgate” in 2017, which required SmartMicro to maintain a pre-funded settlement account with FirstBank for settlement of account it had initiated.
FirstBank sometime in March 2018, raised an alarm that the settlement account was in debit to the tune of N11 billion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April arrested Osasogie for alleged offenses bordering on cybercrime and money laundering.
Consequently, Osasogie was arraigned alongside his firms, Platinum Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society, SmartMicro Systems Limited and Platinum Smart Cruise Motors Limited on May 24, 2018 before Justice Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja on a 14 charges bordering on stealing to the tune of N11 billion.

The Court Ruling
He pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against him and later entered into plea bargain.
Delivering her judgement, Justice Mojisola Dada convicted the defendant on all the counts and sentenced him to one-year imprisonment. The Judge also ordered the forfeiture of defendant’s 116 buses, 20 properties and monies in various accounts to FirstBank.
At the symbolic handover of the seized properties held in one of the forfeited houses at Osapa London, Lekki, Lagos, Kaina Garba, Head Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Management Unit of the EFCC, Lagos office, handed over the documents and keys to the forfeited properties to Gabriel Edobor, Head, Remedial and Classified Assets Management Department of FirstBank and Eme Godwin, Group Head, Legal Unit, E-transact.

November 29, 2018

Nigerian Army says 38 and not 118 soldiers died in Metele attacks



The Nigeriam army has put the figure of its officers that died in the various attacks carried out by Boko Haram this month at 39 and not 118.
In a statement issued on behalf of the chief of army staff, Sani Usman, a brigadier general, said the 53 soldiers were wounded in the various attacks that was carried out by members of the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA), a faction of the Boko Haram sect. Part of the statement reads
“In the recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists,” he said.
“Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops deployed at KUKAWA, NGOSHE, KARETO and GAJIRAM came under attack at different times within a 2 week period from 2 – 17th November 2018. Each of these incidents were successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists were killed. However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers were wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.
“As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, in the Republic of Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions (157 TF Bn), deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their Base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on 18th November 2018. During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State. The Nigerian Army commiserates with the MNJTF at this difficult time and wishes to state that all necessary support will be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko Haram Terrorists.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care.
“The incident of 18th November 2018, happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018 in Benin City, Edo State. On account of this incident, the Conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings as an Army.”

November 29, 2018

FG freezes bank accounts of suspects on ‘looters list’



The bank accounts of suspects being tried in court over allegations of corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and whose names appear on the looters list released by the Federal government earlier this year, have been allegedly frozen on the orders of the Federal government. This is according to a report by TheCable.
The embargo placed on the accounts is part of the implementation of the Executive Order No. 6 on the “preservation of suspicious assets connected with corruption and other relevant offences” signed by President Buhari in October 2018.
A former Minister who confirmed this development, said he tried to withdraw money from his account recently but couldn't.
“I issued a cheque of N250,000 to a friend and it was turned down. When I called my account officer, he invited me for a meeting, where I was told there is a ‘post no debit’ instruction on all my accounts because of the executive order. They told me I am not the only one affected. All persons undergoing trial are affected.” a former Minister whose name is on the looters list told TheCable
Recall that on Tuesday November 27th, former PDP spokesperson, Olisa Metuh, told a court in Abuja that he has not been able to access his account as the EFCC has placed an embargo on it. Metuh is among the list of Nigerians  on the looters list.
On March 30th, Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, released the looters list following a challenge from Kola Ologbondiyan, spokesman of the PDP.
“The PDP has challenged us to name the looters under their watch. They said they did not loot the treasury. Well, I am sure they know that the treasury was looted dry under their watch. Yet they decided to grandstand. This shows the hollowness of their apology. This list is just a tip of the iceberg, and the PDP is aware of this. We did not make these cases up. Many of these cases are in court and the records are available.” Lai Mohammed had said shortly after releasing the list
Among those listed were Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser; Dieziani Alison-Madukwe, former minister of petroleum resources; Kenneth Minimah, former chief of army staff; Alex Badeh, former chief of defence staff; Inde Dikko, former comptroller-general of customs; and  Bala Mohammed, former minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
Others are Stella Oduah, a serving senator; Babangida Aliyu, former Niger State governor; Jonah Jang, former Plateau governor; Nenadi Usman, former minister of finance; Bashir Yuguda, former minister of state for finance; Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation; Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications and Uche Secondus, national chairman of the PDP.

November 29, 2018

Three Nigerian tier-1 banks get new Fitch Rating



Global Rating Agency, Fitch Ratings, has released its credit rating for three tier-1 banks in the country. The banks include United Bank for Africa (UBA), Access Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank).
Fitch Ratings upgraded United Bank for Africa Plc’s (UBA) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘B+’ from ‘B’, with a Stable outlook. Also, UBA’s Viability Rating (VR) was upgraded to ‘b+’ from ‘b’. According to Fitch, UBA’s IDRs are driven by its intrinsic creditworthiness, as defined by its VR.
“However, UBA’s VR is constrained by the operating environment in Nigeria (B+/Stable) where the fragile economic recovery restrains banks’ growth prospects and asset quality. The VR reflects UBA’s position as one of Nigeria’s largest banks, as well as its sound financial metrics and reasonable capital buffers. It controls an overall market share in Nigeria of approximately 10% and its well-established franchise is a rating strength.”

Access Bank Rating
Fitch Ratings affirmed Access Bank Plc’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’ with a Stable Outlook. The Viability Rating (VR) is affirmed at ‘b’.
According to the Fitch, Access Bank’s VR reflects adequate profitability, although this is weaker than its other immediate peers. Relative earnings weakness reflects a higher cost structure and a modest retail franchise, resulting in a higher cost of funding than its peers.
“Efforts to attract new retail depositors, particularly through digital channels continue. Liquidity ratios are sound, with cash holdings and government securities representing around 40% of total assets.”
Foreign currency refinancing risks for Access Bank have eased with the bank issuing a five-year USD300 million 10.5% Eurobond in October 2016 (issued by Access Finance BV), which partly refinanced a USD350 million 7.25% Eurobond bond maturing in July 2017.
GTBank Rating
Fitch Ratings revised the Outlook on Guaranty Trust Bank Plc’s (GTBank) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to Stable from Negative and affirmed the IDR at ‘B+’. Fitch also upgraded GTB’s Long-Term National Rating to ‘AA(nga) from ‘AA-(nga)’.
The rating noted that GTBank’s IDRs are driven by the bank’s intrinsic creditworthiness as defined by its Viability Rating (VR). GTBank’s VR is the highest assigned by Fitch to a Nigerian bank. The rating further noted that GTBank is one of Nigeria’s largest banks, controlling an overall domestic market share of approximately 11%.
Why the ratings are so important
Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. The investment grade and speculative grade have established themselves over time as shorthand to describe the categories ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB’ (investment grade) and ‘BB’ to ‘D’ (speculative grade). The Investment grade categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the speculative categories either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.
Fitch Ratings is a global provider of credit ratings and research. Founded in 1913, the company is part of the Fitch Group based in New York. It is one of the Big Three credit rating agencies in the world.

November 29, 2018

Zenith Bank sells N14.5 billion shares in one day



peculations of a possible entry of a new investor, big enough to acquire a seat on the board of Zenith Bank Plc, became stronger yesterday, with another quantum of transactions executed on the shares of the bank.
Specifically, at the close of trading, transactions in the shares of Zenith Bank contributed 90.04 per cent of total volume traded for the day, leading the activity chart with 605.5 million shares valued at N14.5 billion.
This heavy transaction in the shares of Zenith Bank also lifted the overall volume of shares traded, as a turnover of 672 million shares valued at N15.2 billion changed hands in 2,436 deals, higher than the 237.75 million units, worth N3.50 billion recorded in 3,359 deals on Wednesday.
Recall that The Guardian had earlier reported such massive transactions in the shares of the bank on Wednesday, November 7, with a total of 288.27 million shares valued at N6.88 billion.
The amount of shares exchanged represent an increase of 200.79 per cent over a turnover of 149.65 million units valued at N2.79 billion transacted in 3,063 deals on the previous day.
Part of the speculation is that the buyer of the shares may either be angling for a seat on the bank’s board, or possibly trying to whittle the equity of the existing majority stakeholders.
The total volume of shares traded yesterday represents 182.8 per cent rise when compared to the 60.53 per cent growth achieved at the end of transactions on Wednesday.
A stock-broking firm familiar with the transaction executed on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 told The Guardian that such a big-ticket transaction in Zenith Bank shares is a strong indication that a strong contender interested in a seat on the bank’s board.
He said: “There was a large volume on Zenith transaction on Wednesday (November 7). There are speculations that someone wants to take a seat on the board of Zenith Bank, and that is why such huge transaction was executed.”
Further breakdown of yesterday’s transactions showed that Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), followed with the second highest volume traded with 9.34 million shares valued at N10.8 million, while FBN Holdings traded 7.29 million shares cost N55 million.
FCMB Groups traded 6.27 million shares valued at N9.48 million, while Africa Prudential sold 5.44 million shares worth N19.67 million.
Also, the All-share Index (ASI) gained 14.89 absolute points, representing a growth of 0.05 per cent to close at 31,984.60 points. Similarly, Market capitalisation rose by N6 billion to close at N11.677 trillion.
The upturn was significantly impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Flour Mills Nigeria, PZ Industries, Forte Oil, Guaranty Trust Bank, and Zenith Bank.
Analysts at APT Securities and Funds said: “We retain our optimism on a gradual recovery in currently depressed price levels on improved foreign investment.”
Market breadth closed positive with 16 gainers and 13 losers.
Flour Mills Nigeria recorded the highest price gain of 9.95 per cent, to close at N20.45 per share.
Consolidated Hallmark Insurance followed with a gain of 8.57 per cent to close at 38 kobo, while Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services gained eight per cent to close at 27 kobo per share.
PZ Industries rose 7.78 per cent to close at N9.70, while Prestige Assurance appreciated by 7.46 per cent to close at 72 kobo per share.
On the other hand, Ikeja Hotel led the losers’ chart by 9.76 per cent to close at N1.85, per share. Jaiz Bank followed with a loss of 8.89 per cent to close at 41 kobo, while Law Union and Rock Insurance declined by 8.77 per cent to close at 52 kobo, per share.
AG Leventis dipped by 8.33 per cent to close at 33 kobo, while Wema Bank shed 5.36 per cent to close at 53 kobo, per share.

November 29, 2018

Football legend Francesco Totti breaks down in tears as he's inducted into Hall of Fame



Footballer legend, Francesco Totti, broke down in tears as he was inducted into Roma's Hall of Fame in an emotional ceremony on Tuesday night.
The former Italy striker, who played for Roma for his entire 25-year career before retiring in 2017, was presented to fans before Roma's 2-0 Champions League defeat by Real Madrid.
Totti was inducted into their Hall of Fame when he retired at the end of last season, but Roma delayed the public ceremony to honour him.
He was paraded around the stadium's running track as supporters showed their gratitude to their most famous player
'It’s a landmark day, so special,' Totti said.
'I’m a Roman, a Roma fan, I only played for one club, I was the captain... it’s a privilege that is difficult to put into words.
'To stand here in front of the fans is always emotional for me. To be with them makes every day like the Hall of Fame for me.
'Like always we are united; we are all brothers, sisters - I truly love you all.'
Totti, who is now a club director, made his senior debut for the club back in 1992, at the age of 16.

November 29, 2018

Will Smith gets teary as he talks about his oldest son Trey, reveals they 'struggled' for years after he divorced his mother




Will Smith gets teary as he talks about his oldest son Trey, reveals they
American actor, Will Smith, has revealed he struggled to amend his relationship with his oldest son, Trey Smith, 26, after divorcing his mother, Sheree Fletcher.
The actor uploaded an emotional Instagram video of himself from his Abu Dhabi hotel room, where he spoke about his relationship with his oldest son.
In the caption, the father of three wrote, “It has not always been like this between Trey & I. We STRUGGLED FOR YEARS after my Divorce from his Mother. He felt betrayed & abandoned.”
He added, “It is a Wild Blessing to recover & restore a Loving Relationship with My Beautiful Son! @treysmith0011.”
In the video, Smith began explaining, “So I’m in Abu Dhabi at the F1. I brought my son Trey. We been hanging and usually I take my kids separately on stuff just so they have their individual daddy time,” Smith said.
He continued, “So we been doing this, me and him hanging out at the F1. And he just hit me with, ‘You know what dad? I just realized you’re not just my dad.’ He paused, and he said, ‘I’m pretty sure you’re my best friend.'”
The actor got emotional as he pursed his lips and said, “I was like, ‘Whoo. Yeah, man. Probably. Probably.”
Will Smith married Trey’s mother, Sheree Zampino, in 1992 before the two divorced in 1995. Despite splitting from her, the actor has remained friends with Zampino, including his current wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

November 26, 2018

Banks are worried they may lose customers to MTN


Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), according to industry sources, are nervous following the recent announcement by telco giant, MTN of its readiness to apply for a Payment Service Bank (PSB) licence and launch mobile banking in Nigeria by the second quarter of next year.
As other telecommunications are also billed to go into mobile banking, the banks are worried that the MTN announcement, which came in the wake of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) release of guidelines on PSBs, would make the business environment, which was already tough for lenders, even tougher.
A senior industry player said with a PSB licence, MTN’s subscriber base of over 50 million clearly gives the telco an edge over banks.
“In fact, most of the major telcos can easily provide most of the services being offered by banks.”
The industry player further stressed that compared to banks, the telcos have a bigger budget and better technical know-how to drive mobile banking.
Nairametrics had last week, reported the MTN Group’s plans to apply for payment banking license in Nigeria and launch a service in the country by the second quarter of 2019.
The success story of mobile money in East Africa, pioneered by Kenya’s Safaricom, has convinced investors and the industry that financial services are the next growth area for telecoms to offset falling prices for basic services.

How the mobile money works

MTN Mobile Money is a service that enables users to send and receive money with their mobile phone. The intended recipient must have an MTN Mobile Money account, which is an electronic account linked to their MTN mobile number. Once a mobile money transfer has been made, the recipient can use their mobile wallet to pay for goods, public transport costs and even household bills. Importantly, they can also withdraw the money as cash.
November 26, 2018

'Tekno's vocal box is temporarily damaged and can't sing or perform due to strain from overtime performances' - Ubi Franklin reveals


Tekno's management has just revealed that the artiste can no longer sing or perform for now after a temporal damage to his vocal box due to strain from overtime performances.
Music executive Ubi Franklin revealed this on Instagram and asked fans to pray for him during this hard time. 
This comes weeks after the singer took to Instagram to ask fans to pray for him that he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
November 26, 2018

President Buhari approves enhanced salary structure for the police




President Buhari has assured that his administration will continue to give attention to the welfare and operational needs of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with a view to restoring its lost primacy in the internal security framework of the country.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja with members of the Nigeria Police Service Commission and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force on a “Thank You” visit following his approval of Rank Salary Structure Adjustment, by which salary, allowances and pension of policemen will be increased, President Buhari regretted that the inability of the police in their constitutional role as the frontline force in the prevention of crime, had led to military involvement in the maintenance of law and order throughout the country.
According to the President, “From Taraba to Sokoto, to the South-South, people don’t feel secure until they see the military. I am pleased to make the increase in salary and allowances in the hope that it will increase the performance index of the police and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security system.”
President Buhari observed that the more efficient the police is, the more confident the government and citizens will be.
According to him, “The military should be reserved for higher tasks. The police should be able to cope well with the challenges of armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom and such crimes. In every town and village, there is the presence of the police. From all these places, they should be able to forward first class intelligence to you on which to act.”
“There is a need to amplify the question of more men of the police, especially given the condition we are in – emergency in the North-East, pervasive insecurity and abduction for ransom and banditry in many parts of the country. I congratulate you on the success you recorded against criminals taxing people and stopping them from their farms. We are expecting more from you,” the President told the police.
Full-time Commissioner in the Nigeria Police Service Commission, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi (rtd), who represented the chairman, Musiliu Smith, had informed the President that the Rank Salary Structure Adjustment would enhance police welfare and morale.
The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, also assured that the police would redouble efforts to ensure free, fair and credible elections throughout the country next year.
November 26, 2018

Read Diddy's emotional eulogy to Kim Porter


Rapper, Diddy, paid tribute to his ex Kim Porter in an emotional eulogy at her funeral which took place on Saturday in Columbus, Georgia.
The former model was found dead on Nov. 15 at age 47. She died after suffering from a bout of pneumonia but her exact cause of death is unknown
In an audio recording obtained by TMZ, Combs described his relationship with Porter and made a promise to their children: Christian, D’Lila Star and Jessie James his kids with Porter), Quincy (Porter’s son from a previous relationship whom Combs helped raise) and Justin and Chance (Combs’ children from other relationships).
Read the eulogy below
“I just want to say to my kids, Justin, Christian, D’Lila, Jessie, Chance and the other man in the house, Quincy: Your mother instilled in me this, and I pledge in front of everybody right now that I will always be there for you,” said Combs, 49, as the audience applauded at the public funeral inside Cascade Hills Church. “I will always take care of you.”
Combs added, “To the girls especially, we about to enter some different type of times. I want you to be able to talk to me about everything, and I mean everything, and I mean everything.”
“Some people in your life that’s gonna be irreplaceable,” Combs said. “Kim, we gonna miss you so much. But I ain’t gonna miss you too much because I’m not gonna let your voice inside of me stop talking. I know you like to talk to me a lot once you get on those rants, and I just want you to know I’m gonna be listening.”
Beginning the speech, Combs said, “Anybody who knows Kim, she’s just a person that you vibe with, you know? I can’t put our relationship into a certain box. She always told me, seriously, she felt like God sent … her here to help me out. I’d be like, ‘Girl, what are you talking about?'”
“I didn’t really understand how to love and, you know, we went through some circumstances, my mother and my family, where we didn’t have a big family and all of that,” Combs continued. “She just really started breaking down the exterior of any shell that I put up.”
Combs credited Porter with helping him shake off a stretch of depression. “There’s something important I need to say,” he started. “From the top of the year, I was going through a real dark time, and I was really depressed. And I don’t know why. I was getting older and … I just went through a dark, dark time.”
“And she would come over and make sure — even though we wasn’t together like that,” he added. “She was that type of person. It’s hard to love somebody when you ain’t with them. … She was just like, ‘Come on, Puff, you got to get up. You got to get up. You got to get up out of the bed. You got to get moving. You got to get up.'”
He then led the mourners in a call-and-response recitation of the word “up.” “So whenever you feeling down, you have to remember that,” Combs said. “As time went on, our relationship took so many different changes, from being boyfriend and girlfriend to being lovers to being best friends to being just straight-up homies, like somebody that you know you can count on. Somebody that has your back, you have their back.”
After making the pledge to their children, Combs concluded, “And we just love y’all, we appreciate y’all, appreciate the family. To all the words that I’m forgetting, to anything I’m forgetting to say, we love you, Kim. Thank you.”
November 26, 2018

Robert Mugabe is 'sick' and 'unable to walk' - President Emmerson Mnangagwa


President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has said his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, 94, is sick and unable to walk because of ill health adding that Mugabe has been in Singapore for treatment for an undisclosed illness for the past two months.
Mnangagwa became head of state a year ago after Mugabe was ousted following the intervention of the army. Mugabe had been in power for 37 years, first as prime minister, then as president. He led the movement for Zimbabwean independence from white minority rule.
President Mnangagwa was addressing a rally in his predecessor's home town when he talked about the former leader's health saying "he is now old. Of course, he now is unable to walk but whatever he asks for we will provide," the AFP news agency quotes him as saying.  
Despite being unable to walk, Mr Mnangagwa said the former leader was feeling better and would be back in the country next week. "We are looking after him. He is the founding father of the nation of Zimbabwe. He is our founding father of free Zimbabwe," the president said.
The government is paying for Mr Mugabe's treatment. After taking over from him last year, Mnangagwa won a disputed presidential election in July.
November 26, 2018

Nigerian Army vows to come after anyone spreading false video of Boko Haram's attack in Melete, says viral video was doctored to create fear


The Nigerian Army says the video making the rounds on social media of sodiers allegedly killed in Melete, Borno state by Boko Haram members on November 18th, was doctored. 
In a statement shared on its Facebook page this evening, the Army warns that spreading fake news and videos is an offence and that anyone found guilty would be charged to court. Read the statement below

PRESS STATEMENT ON SPURIOUS DISSEMINATION OF FAKE VIDEOS PURPORTING BHT ATTACKS ON MILITARY LOCATIONS
1. The NA has continued to observe with great dismay the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms by different caliber of persons. It is indeed shocking to see how these well doctored propaganda materials from enemies of the State has succeeded in creating fear and unrest in the polity. These doctored materials are obviously serving the purposes intended by the terrorists to misinform the populace, spread panic, hatred, religious intolerance and above all to undermine national security.
2. The NA wants to categorically state that the videos and images making rounds as the purported attack on Metele base are false and do not in any way portray the reality of the situation on the ground. Unfortunately, many do not know that indiscretional posts and comments from a citizen that is supposed to be solidly behind its military in these trying times could have a way of dampening the morale of the troops. However, the NA’s resolve in protecting the territorial integrity and sanctity of the Nigerian State would not be undermined by detractors or tacit supporters of the enemies of our beloved country.
3. Whilst appreciating the concerns of well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely care for the well-being of its military, the NA wants to draw the attention of its detractors to the fact that spreading of fake news is an offense and violates the provisions of Section 24(1)(a),(b) and (2)(a),(b),(c)(i),(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention etc) Act, 2015.
4.In view of this, please note that the NA would henceforth report these infractions and file cases against individuals or groups who deliberately spread fake news that aims to undermine national security, in courts of competent jurisdictions. Equally, the NA wishes to inform the public of its iReport channels on the NA website, Android and iOS platforms via which the public can forward meaningful advice, criticism or observations that would enable the NA better serve the good people of Nigeria. You are to please note this and kindly disseminate through your various channels.
November 23, 2018

Nigerian Army reacts to viral video showing how Boko Haram killed several soldiers in Borno State


The Nigerian Army has issued an official statement to address the viral video making rounds on social media that shows soldiers complaining bitterly about their obsolete weapons as Boko Haram killed 100 of their colleagues.

While the Army didn't specify the number of soldiers that died in the attack, the statement said, 'publications have been brandishing false casualty figures as well as circulating various footages of old and inaccurate BHT propaganda videos and alluding same to be the attack on 157 Task Force Battalion'.

See the full statement below...
1. The attention of the NA has been drawn to several social media, print, electronic and online publications about the recent attack on 157 Task Force Battalion at Metele. Whilst it is true that there was an attack on the location on 18 November 2018, it has however, become necessary to correct several misinformation being circulated with regards to this unfortunate event.

2. It is important for the public to note that the NA has laid down procedures for reporting incidents that involve its personnel who fall casualty in action. Out of respect for the families of our gallant troops, the NOKs are first notified before any form of public information so as to avoid exacerbating the grief family members would bear, were they to discover such from unofficial sources.

3. Furthermore, it suffices to observe that several social media, print and online publications have been brandishing false casualty figures as well as circulating various footages of old and inaccurate BHT propaganda videos and alluding same to be the attack on 157 Task Force Battalion. Whilst it is understandable how such misinformation can spread in this era of social media frenzy, the spurious circulation of some of these videos only contribute to further propagate the propaganda intent of the terrorists; to misinform the populace and portray themselves as what they are not. So far, the situation is that the location is under control as reinforcing units have been able to repel the terrorists and stabilize the situation.

4. The NA sincerely, wishes to thank the various arms of government, MDAs and sister security agencies that have stood with her in these trying times; by commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes who have paid the supreme price for the defence of our dearly beloved country. The necessary support being given the NA by the Federal Government and the goodwill of the Nigerian populace will undoubtedly continue to spur the NA towards the ultimate defeat of the highly degraded BHTs.

5. This is for your information please.
November 23, 2018

Football Leaks claim Real Madrid captain Ramos 'failed a drugs test after 2017 Champions League final but the results were covered up by UEFA'


According to the latest batch of Football Leaks reports, Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos failed a drugs test in the aftermath of his team's 2017 Champions League final, which they won 4-1 victory over Juventus.
German newspaper Der Spiegel reports that Ramos' urine sample contained traces of dexamethasone, and that the results were covered up by UEFA.
The cortisone preparation is on the list kept by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of substances that are prohibited in competition. 
Administration of dexamethasone prior to a match is permitted, but a team doctor must report its use on doping control forms, but this was missing.
The Real Madrid doctor has admitted to giving Ramos two injections of dexamethasone the day before the final in June last year, one in his shoulder and another in his knee.
He then noted in his doping report that Ramos had received treatment with another anti-inflammatory drug containing betamethasone, which is also on WADA's list of banned substances in competition.
UEFA accepted the doctor's reasoning and claim it was made 'in compliance' with WADA code.
Football Leaks claim that when they contacted Real Madrid and Ramos they had no comment to make.
The Football Leaks revelations also claim that Ramos' former team-mate Ronaldo 'complained that he was always selected' for testing when UEFA arrived at the club's training ground for random testing in February 2017.
Real Madrid accused the UEFA testers of inadequacy, and claimed the anti-doping officer stuck Ronaldo twice with a needle without finding a vein. 
UEFA, Real Madrid and Ronaldo all withheld comment when asked by Der Spiegel about the incident. 
November 21, 2018

Nigeria set to benefit from TAAT $120 million agric fund


The Coordinator of Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) project,  Krishan Bheenick has disclosed that Nigeria is among other African countries that have been programmed to benefit from a $120 million African Development Bank (AfDB) TAAT agricultural support cash.
Bheenick made this known during a Capacity Development and Technology Outreachprogramme organised by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in partnership with the AfDB and TAAT in Abuja.
According to Bheenick, the seed fund which will be made available in tranches of $40,000, is meant to support 40,000 farmers in Africa including Nigeria’s seven major agricultural commodities listed to benefit in the intervention.

The Coordinator stressed that AfDB is planning to mobilise a total of $800 million to implement the project across the three years of execution.

Nairametrics had reported that Nigeria and other African countries’ economies were about to receive a boost, as the Board of Directors of the AfDB approved an equity investment of $40 million for African economies.
In a statement made available to the public, the AfDB revealed that the $40 million investment would be ploughed in the African Infrastructure Investment Fund, with a focus on acquiring positions of significant influence in roads, airports, rail links, bridges, ports, logistics, power generation, utility distribution, as well as telecommunications assets.

About AfDB

The African Development Bank Group or Banque Africaine de Développement is a multilateral development finance institution. The AfDB comprises three entities: The African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Nigeria Trust Fund.
The institution’s mission is to fight poverty and improve living conditions on the continent through promoting the investment of public and private capital in projects and programs that are likely to contribute to the economic and social development of the region.
November 21, 2018

Alleged $3m Bribe: Femi Otedola appears In court, Insists Senator Farouk Lawan demanded money


On Wednesday, founder of Zenon Oil, Femi Otedola appeared before an Abuja High Court to testify in the trial of a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan for alleged fraud.  
Otedola who is a prosecution witness in the trial was allegedly pressured by Lawan to part with a three-million-dollar bribe while Lawan was chairing a subcommittee investigating a multi-billion-dollar fraud associated with government fuel subsidy during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.  
Otedola entered the witness box after he was introduced by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo after which a video where Lawan was seen receiving $500 000 from the Zenon oil boss, was played. According to Otedola, the accused had indicted his company in the alleged fraud and demanded three million dollars to exonerate him. He added that after the initial deposit of $500,000 was paid into his account, Lawan declared Zenon Oil and Gas free of the initial indictment.  
When asked by the prosecution counsel about the claim by Lawan that the witness forced him to take the money, Otedola denied it. Otedola also denied a claim by Lawan that Zenon Oil and Gas was exonerated on the basis of documents later provided by the company.  
The defence counsel was, however, unable to cross-examine Otedola as he requested for an adjournment to enable his principal to attend the next trial and conduct the cross-examination. Lawan was first arraigned in February 2013 along with another accused, Boniface Emenalo, for allegedly receiving $620,000 of the alleged bribe from Otedola and his company.
November 21, 2018

Goodluck Jonathan reveals those behind his defeat In 2015, accuses Obama of meddling in the election


Former Pesident Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed those behind his defeat in the 2015 presidential election.
In his newly released book, titled: “My Transition Hours” which is being launched today Tuesday November 20th to commemorate his 61st birthday, Jonathan stated that former governors of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who defected to the then opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) because they were “blinded by ambition” and a barrage of “fake news,” cost him his bid to be reelected for a second term in office.
“This time around, there were governors who were rounding off their eight years tenure and were blinded by ambition,” he wrote about his re-election bid in 2015 having been overwhelmingly voted for in the 2011 election. Some governors wanted to be Vice President whilst others strived to be the President. If I contested none could realise his ambition. This muffled implosion would fully manifest in the buildup to the 2015, which each ship-jumper calculating how much he or she would take from the PDP or the most opportune moment to cause maximum damage and based on that, plot their exit.
“As they jumped ship in preparation for the 2015 elections, only very few of this lots, if any at all, bothered about what the PDP did or did not do in terms of delivering our campaign promises. Their opposition to my re-election was principally driven by personal ambition. They therefore played up the issue of where I come from and the faith, I professed to fuel their burning ambition. My performance mattered quite little, if it mattered at all,” he wrote.
The Former president said that in a twist of fate, most of the governors and other prominent members of the former ruling party who plotted against him are now being victimised in the APC.
The Former president in his book, accused ex-US President, Barack Obama, of interfering in Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election. According to Jonathan, Obama during the heat of the election, sent his secretary of state, John Kerry, and made a video broadcast to Nigerians in ways designed to influence the outcome of the election against him. He described the actions of Obama as “humiliating”.
“I can recall that President Obama sent his Secretary of State to Nigeria, a sovereign nationto protest the rescheduling of the election. John Kerry arrived in Nigeria on Sunday January 25, 2015 and said ‘it’s imperative that these elections happen on time as scheduled’. How can the US Secretary of State know what is more important for Nigeria than Nigeria’s own government? How could they have expected us to conduct elections when Boko Haram controlled part of the North East and were killing and maiming Nigerians? Not even the assurance of the sanctity of the May 29, 2015 handover date could calm them down. In Nigeria, the constitution is very clear. No President can extend his tenure by one day.
“On March 23, 2015, President Obama himself took the unusual step of releasing a video message directly to Nigerians all but telling them how to vote. In that video, Obama urged Nigerians to open the ‘next chapter’ by their votes. Those who understood subliminal language deciphered that he was prodding the electorate to vote for the opposition to form a new government. The message was so condescending, it was as if Nigerians did not know what to do and needed an Obama to direct them.
“In his message, he said ‘all Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear,’ yet his government was vehemently and publicly against the postponement of the elections to enable our military defeat Boko Haram and prevent them from intimidating voters. This was the height of hypocrisy!”
November 21, 2018

''Don't hand over Nigeria to hooligans and thieves'' - Obasanjo tells Nigerians


Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised Nigerians not to hand over the nation and democracy to people he described as 'thieves and hooligans'. The former president said this when he spoke at the launch of Goodluck Jonathan's book in Abuja, on Tuesday November 20th. Speaking at the event, Obasanjo said
“There is still no substitute for democracy when all is said and done. It fosters peace. It builds and does not destroy. It unifies, rather than divides. But all these can only happen if democracy is in the hands of democrats. If it is in the hands of thieves and hooligans, they can use it as a weapon. We should ensure hooligans don’t get it.”
The former president has since asked Nigerians to vote out the Buhari-led administration in 2019 and has openly declared his support for Atiku Abubakar, who is running as the PDP presidential candidate in next year's election.
November 21, 2018

Endorse Buhari now, get presidency in 2023- SGF Boss Mustapha tells Igbos


Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has reitereated the  presidency's promise to hand over power to the Igbos in 2023 if they support the second term ambition of President Buhari.
Mustapha stated this today when President Buhari met with a delegation of South East leaders in the state house in Abuja.
Speaking to state house correspondents after the meeting, Mustapha said that the fastest way for the Igbos to acqualize their dream of occupying the seat of power, is for the region to support the Buhari re-election bid in 2019 and then by 2023, the Igbo presidency can now become a reality.
“This obviously might not be most appropriate time. You remember there was a programme in the south-east where Mr. President asked me to represent him and I flew the kite by telling the south-eastern states that their quickest and easiest means to presidency is to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term. Meaning that they can short circuit the period in terms of only having him there for another four years and whatever they do in 2019 will determine what will happen thereafter because politics is a game of numbers and it is like a cooperative society.
“Whatever you bring as an investment when dividends are going to be shared, you will get proportionate with your investment and your investment in politics is what you bring to the table and I urge the Southeast to look at this matter seriously that every time we have a presidency in Nigeria, it is negotiated in several ways. Either negotiated by votes or what you bring to the table and you must negotiate from the position of strength.
Speaking further, he said
You can’t negotiate from the point of weakness and I believe that that message resonated with the people and their response now is attributable to the fact that even before the flag-off of the campaigns, we have laid it bare on the table for Southeastern states to consider the prospect of working with us to ensure that at least by the time President Buhari finishes his second tenure, they can make a shot at the presidency depending on what they bring to the table'' he said
November 21, 2018

Mark Zuckerberg says he won't step down as Facebook chairman


Facebook Chief Executive, Mark Zuckerberg is pushing back against calls for him to step down as chairman and hopes to continue working with his longtime chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg.  
Zuckerberg made the comments in a recent interview with CNN where he addressed the controversies pertaining to the social-media giant. He said stepping down as chairman in the near term is “not the plan” after some big shareholders proposed to push him out of that role following a string of management missteps.
According to Facebook’s latest proxy, his share of the voting power among Facebook investors was 59.9%, meaning shareholders can’t force him out, according to Dow Jones Newswires. Zuckerberg called Sandberg an “important partner” who is overseeing Facebook’s efforts to tackle some of the biggest problems the company is facing.  “I hope that we work together for decades more to come,” he said.  
He and Sandberg have come under fire for Facebook’s slow response to uncovering evidence of Russian manipulation during the U.S. presidential race in 2016 and stopping the spread of misinformation on the platform. They have also faced scrutiny for Facebook’s privacy practices and its role in inflaming violence in countries like Myanmar.
November 21, 2018

Actor Robert De Niro, 75, splits with his wife Grace Hightower, 63, after more than 20 years of marriage


Hollywood actor and co-owner of the Nobu restaurant empire, Robert De Niro and his wife Grace Hightowerof more than 20 years have split.
According to Page Six, the 75-year-old Casino star and his 63-year-old wife  'are no longer living together'.
The couple are expected to 'announce their breakup publicly in the coming weeks,' the publication reported.
De Niro and Grace share two children together, 20-year-old Elliot and six-year-old Helen.
This is couple's second split since they got married in 1997. Two years into their union, The actor filed for divorce, but it was never finalized. The couple settled their differences and renewed their marriage vows in 2004. 
November 19, 2018

Banks’ non-performing loans hit N2.36 trillion


The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) revealed in its annual report and statement of accounts for 2017 that Nigerian banks Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in 2017 was N2.36 trillion. This represents a 13.46 per cent decrease compared to N2.08 trillion in 2016.
According to the corporation, the rising NPLs led to a deterioration in banks’ asset quality in 2017.
The report stated that
“The banking industry was exposed to high credit risk as the asset quality, which is depicted by the NPLs to Total Loans Ratio, further deteriorated from 12.80% in 2016 to 14.84% in 2017.
“That compared unfavourably with the maximum prudential threshold of 5%. Furthermore, the NPLs to Shareholders’ Fund Ratio significantly increased from 43.84% in 2016 to 69.21% in 2017.”
It may not be erroneous to say banks’ challenges with NPLs had a negative impact on the economy, as the NDIC report shows that the industry’s total loans to the domestic economy stood at N15.91 trillion in 2017, which was a 2.33 per cent decline from the N16.29 trillion recorded in 2016.
Non-performing loan according to the report has increased from N35 billion in 2014 to N2.36 trillion in 2017. NPLs in 2014 stood at N35 billion and increased by 4.88 per cent to N65 billion in 2015. In 2016, NPLs stood at N2 trillion, a figure that represented a 12.80 per cent increase.
Bad loans bought by AMCON had risen to N6.6 trillion. This was after the Corporation bought banks’ bad loans worth N3.3 trillion and paid N1.7 trillion for the loans.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had called on all stakeholders in the country’s financial space to unite against the rising level of Non-Performing Loans NPL in the system.
Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Abdulhaziz Barawu speaking at an event on credit reporting in the financial system noted that Credit and liquidity work concurrently and have an economic meaningful reciprocal relationship.
November 19, 2018

'Are you better off than four years ago?'' Atiku Abubakar asks Nigerians as he launches his campaign on social media


The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, this morning presented his ideas of moving Nigeria forward if elected in 2019, saying that the most important question before Nigerians in the 2019 election is whether they are better off now than they were in 2015.
Addressing his followers on his Facebook page, Atiku who beat Senate President Bukola Saraki, Sokoto state governor Aminu Tambuwal and a host of others to win the PDP presidential ticket on October 7th, said under this present administration, Nigeria has become more divided than it has ever been and that the fabric of the society is breaking down.
He pledged to work with Nigerians to get Nigeria working again if elected.
“On October 6, 2018, I sought and obtained the mandate of the Peoples Democratic Party to fly their flag as a candidate for the office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, I’m formally presenting myself to you as the presidential candidate not just of the PDP but of the hopes and aspirations of all Nigerians. The sad fact today, as you know, is that too many of our people are not working and are leaving in poverty and insecurity.
The very fabric of our society is breaking down. We have never been so divided as a nation. The most important question in this election is are you better off than you were four years ago? Are you richer or poorer? That is why our primary focus is to get Nigeria working again. However, I’m not here to tell you how we can get Nigeria working again. Instead, I will tell you how we will get Nigeria working again working together. I’m strongly of the view that I’m just one Nigerian and one Nigerian cannot be as wise as all Nigerians.” Atiku said
November 19, 2018

Nigerian Army discovers new terrorist group in North-East


The Nigerian Army has uncovered a new terrorist group, Jama’atu Nus’ratul-Islami Wal-Muslimina, believed to be operating in the North-East of the country, and vowed to fight the group with “advanced technologies.”  
The army in a statement said it had also identified the leader of the new group as Abul-Fadl Iyad Gali, adding that the existence of the group “portends grave danger to Nigeria’s national security.”
The Army also said its troops also killed an Islamic State of West Africa Province media chief, Sale Ahmad, also known as Baban Hassan, in a joint operation with the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the army, ISWAP is a faction of Boko Haram, directly affiliated to the Islamic State and has attacked military troops and civilians in recent times.  
The statement read in part, “The new leader of Jama’atu Nus’ratul-Islami Wal Muslimina, Abdul-Fadl Lyad Gali, has been identified. The group is a new terrorist group which Ansaru is affiliated to. In the same vein, the identification of the leader of the group would enable the army to target the group effectively using advanced technologies in its arsenal. This is as the existence of group portends grave danger to Nigeria’s national security.
Reports available reveal that one Sale Ahmad Sale, the leader of Al-Barnawi media group, a faction of Boko Haram, was killed by a joint operation conducted by the army and the air force. The killing of the media leader is indicative of efforts by the army to eliminate key members of the sect. It is worthy to note that the sect is directly affiliated to the Islamic State and has carried out several attacks against troops and civilians in the past.”
November 19, 2018

''The best decision I have made in my adult life was to wait until I found my wife'' Banky W says as he celebrates wedding anniversary with Adesua


Banky W and his stunning wife, Adesua, are celebrating their first traditional wedding anniversary today November 19th.
In a post shared on his Instagram page, Banky said the best decision he has made so far in his adult life was waiting to find the right person as a wife.
In his post, he advised that people should endeavour not to give in to pressures when on the journey to finding a life partner. Happy anniversary to them. Read what he wrote below
By far the best decision I have made in my adult life, was to wait until I found my wife. People will pressure you and try to make you feel inadequate or incomplete.. all because you're not living according to their own mental timetable. Ignore them.

Focus on your journey, your happiness, and on making yourself a better person. My prayer is that you will discover, like I did, that the right person is worth waiting for.
Mrs W... I'm still amazed that I get to call you mine. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for building with me. Thank you for believing in me and for inspiring me to be a better man. My purpose partner, my rock, my destiny, my Shug, my wife, my life... Happy tradiversary Skuu. Love you SCATTER.  #BAAD2017 #BAAD2018