Thursday, October 25, 2012

Revealed: Why Femi Kuti shunned The Headies

Those who attended The Headies 2012 awards show on Saturday October 20, were surprised when the show ended without musician Femi Kuti gracing the stage.
It had been highly publicized that the respected Afrobeat singer-saxophonist was to perform at the prestigious awards show -his first ever. He was also to be inducted into the well respected ‘Hall of Fame‘.
But Femi never showed up, rather he stayed behind at the New Afrika Shrine where the recently concluded Felabration 2012 was going onNET placed a call to Yeni Kuti, Femi’s elder sister who didn’t divulge much information other than there was a ‘slight misunderstanding’.
But an inside source close to the Kuti family tells us it was more than a misunderstanding, allegedly having to do with the failure of the awards organizers and Kuti’s managers to reconcile last minute differences.
They were meant to pay Shoki shoki (Femi) some balance for logistics but as at Saturday evening we hadn’t received the money, so he stayed back at the Shrine for Felabration‘, a reliable source told us in anonymity. We could not immediately confirm this.
The Headies does not pay musicians for performances, and this is the first time a Hall of Fame inductee will stay away from the glamorous event.
No word yet from the organizers about why Femi was absent.

NETPod: M.I records tribute song ‘Ashes’ for ALUU 4

Rapper Jude ‘M.I‘ Abaga has released a tribute song titled ‘Ashes‘ to ALUU4, the four University of Port Harcourt students who lost their lives in Aluu community, Port Harcourt.
After publishing an article berating the act, M.I goes on to deliver some of the most touching lyrics he’s ever written on the four minute song.
The J Town rapper has in the past always condemned violence.
’4 young men died at the hands of a lynch mob on the 5th of October 2012. Whether or not their deaths will mean anything, or fade out of our minds as just another meaningless tragedy, is up to us and what we do from here on.
I hope this song captures that message. Nothing would be worse than for a death to mean nothing.
Nothing‘.
Listen to ‘Ashes’ below…

Aki and Pawpaw float movie production company

Chinedu ‘Aki’ Ikedieze and Osita ‘Paw Paw’ Iheme
Popular Nollywood actors, Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme have floated a movie production company called APEN (Aki and Pawpaw Entertainment Nigeria).
The duo who are popularly known by their stage names, Aki and Pawpaw, say the new business is based on their desire to contribute to the production sector of the industry as well as give opportunities to young talents who aspire to make a career in the industry.
The kick off of APEN coincides with the pair’s 10th career anniversary and we’re told they’re already commissioning their debut movie, due to be released later in the year.
Iheme, 30 and Ikedieze, 34, rose to fame in 2003, after featuring in the Amayo Uzo Philips directed movie, Aki na Ukwa, which also had the likes of Amaechi Muonagor, Frances Nsokwu and Oby Kechere as co-actors.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Kate Henshaw interview: ‘I want to love again’


Face of Onga, ex-Glo ambassador and now, a judge for Nigeria’s Got Talent reality show, actress Kate Henshaw can be rightly referred to as multi-faceted and successful.
In this exclusive chat with NET, Henshaw talks about her passion for acting and the many challenges she has dealt with, including her broken marriage.
It’s been a while, where have you been?
I’ve been around in Nigeria. You don’t have to come out all the time. I can’t do that because it will water down my brand and I want people to have an expectation when they see my face on posters. That ‘Oh I have not see Kate in a while, for her to be in the movie, I must see it’ feeling and that alone is enough for me.
You are an actress with an appeal that cuts across different generations. What do you think is responsible for your relevance after almost 20 years in the business?
I just try to be myself and I do a few other things; I don’t only act, I MC and I have business that I do on the side, because acting alone cannot sustain you. Again, I think my ability to smile and laugh at every situation. People tell me when I smile, it’s as though I don’t have any problems, some even ask if I ever get angry but I tell them I choose to be happy, and that is the most positive attitude to grow through life. Life is hard, especially in Nigeria, things are hard, [but there's] no need carrying it on our faces as though the world is on your shoulders. A lot is happening and I ought to be grateful.
Now that you are over 40 and have spent over 19 years in the industry, how many more years do you plan to continue acting?
If I can reach 100, it won’t be bad. Besides, 40 is a number and people say life begins at 40, which means I am only a baby, and life has just begun for me.

Guinness VIP Sponsors Beat of Lagos concert

Probably the hippest concert in Lagos is set to hit town. The annual Beat of Lagos concert; organized by Motbensonz solutions in conjunction with Beat FM 99.9 and powered by Guinness Foreign Extra Stout! A sneak peak at the talent on parade for that night shows that the event is a definite MUST-ATTEND event for lovers of music and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. This event is scheduled for Saturday, the 27th October 2012 at the Oriental hotel, off Ozumba Mbadiwe and true to form; Guinness is not leaving lovers of Guinness Foreign Extra Stout out of the picture. Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is giving out 10 VIP tickets and 20 regular tickets all on their Facebook page and their Guinness VIP platform.

 

Simply click on either links above, participate in the quiz competitions and you could be one of the lucky 30 winners attending this concert. Remember, “click, participate & win” it is just that simple. It promises to be fun and entertaining; you don’t want to miss it.

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout encourages everyone to Stay On-Side and enjoys their drinks responsibly:
    • Guinness is strictly not for sale to or consumption by persons under 18
    • Drink water between drinks to keep you refreshed
    • Eat a good meal before and after the big match
    • Captain your team - keep an eye on your friends and make sure they get home safely
    • Dont drink and drive
Want to stay in touch with everything football, lifestyle and entertainment? Just join Guinness VIP. SMS ‘Yes’ and your Date of Birth to ‘1759’ and you’re in.

Teacher flogs 12-year-old student to death in Anambra state

A 12-year-old student of a secondary school in Awka, Anambra State, Miss Chidimma Ukachukwu, has died after she was allegedly flogged by her teacher for failing to do her homework.
A reliable source in the school told the News Agency of Nigeria in Awka on Tuesday that the girl died on Thursday last week after she was flogged. The source explained that the girl fainted after being flogged severally by a female teacher and was subsequently rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where she died.
Haven't they banned corporal punishment in Nigerian schools? Why are some teachers still flogging? WTH? Please continue...

The source also told NAN that the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Uju Okeke, then ordered the closure of the school as a result of the incident.
A NAN correspondent, who visited the girl’s family home, soon after she was buried on Tuesday in Awka, reports that the family was in grief.
The girl’s father, Mr. Simeon Ukachukwu, confirmed the incident, saying it was a sad development. He added that it was an act of God.
But when Okeke was contacted, she denied ordering the closure of the school and said that the school was on midterm break.
NAN investigation, however, revealed that schools in the state were not on midterm break.
This fact was corroborated by an official of the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Akwa South Local Government Area.
The Chairperson of the union in the local government, Miss Buife Ndigwe, told NAN that primary and secondary schools in the state would go on midterm break next week.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Mr. Ralph Uzoigwe, said that the matter had not been reported to the police, but promised that it would be investigated.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

PHOTO: Yellow carpet special from The Headies 2012

By Osagie Alonge
The EME Crew
The Headies 2012 has come and gone but we have the opportunity to see so many Nigerian and even a number of African celebs grace the Yellow Carpet which made a return this year.
If it isn’t Annie Macaulay-Idibia’s stunning black gown that’s got you gasping then it should be Niyola short red dress that made her standout.
Check out the photos below

There is no truth in the story’ – Kemi Adetiba denies EFCC arrest

Popular TV host and video director Kemi Adetiba has denied the reports going around that she was recently arrested by the officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over her involvement in a N15m tussle with a Lagos based church.
In an exclusive correspondence with NET, Adetiba says there is ‘no truth in the story’ and that the article written by the Nigerian Enquirer magazine was made to ‘to tarnish her reputation’.
It has been brought to my attention that Nigerian Enquirer magazine published an article designed and calculated to tarnish my reputation. I want to say most emphatically that there is no truth in the story‘, Adetiba told NET.
I therefore serve notice to one and all, that no stone will be left unturned to seek justice from this clear case of libel. My lawyers have been instructed to institute legal action against all concerned. I thank friends and well wishers for their concern and support‘, she added.
The report had stated that Adetiba was taken in by the EFCC over ‘her involvement in a N15m belonging to a church in Gbagada area of Lagos’. The report also stated that she also had to ‘beg the officials of the EFCC to allow her host the show (Maltina DanceHall Season 6) promising she will sort out the debt as soon as she finished the show’.
Adetiba, a former OAP at Rhythm 93.7FM is the current host of Maltina DanceHall. She is also a video director credited for videos such as Bez’s ‘More you‘, TY Bello’s ‘The Future‘ and Omawumi’s ‘Today na today‘.
E-mails sent to the EFCC have not be responded to as at the time of filing this report.
Photo credit: www.kemiadetiba.com

Psquare, Wizkid, Vector emerge top winners at The Headies 2012

Wizkid at The Headies 2012
The 2012 edition of one of Africa’s most prestigious entertainment awards shows The Headies took place on Saturday, October 20, 2012, hosted by singer Omawumi and rapper M.I
The show, which took place at the expo hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites for the third time in a row, can be described as a mixture of sorts – depending on who and how you saw the show.
Rapper Vector might consider himself the biggest winner of the night; after receiving his first ever ‘Headie’ in the ‘Best Rap Single’ category for his hit ‘Angeli’ featuring 9ice, the lanky rapper also picked up the ‘Lyricist on the Roll’ award which was presented by the five-time winner of that category, Modenine.
The awards show saw Psquare return to the Headies’ honours list after a two-year hiatus. After receiving six nominations, the pop twin duo with their ‘Invasion’ album won not one, but two awards – in the ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best R&B-Pop Album’ categories. In addition, elder brother Jude Okoye also received the award for ‘Best Music Video,’ beating tough competition from Clarence Peters.
The biggest award of the night ‘Artiste of the Year’ went to EME signee Ayo ‘Wizkid’ Balogun. The 22-year-old, who was the third and final act to walk away with two awards was also awarded the ‘Revelation of the Year’ award. ‘I want to thank you all for supporting me‘, Wizzy said as he picked up his second award.

PHOTOS: Project Fame winners receive car prizes

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By Osagie Alonge

Project Fame winner Ayo poses in his new toy…
As promised the top three winners at the recently concluded fifth season of the MTN Project Fame talent show in addition to their prize money have also received their car prize.
Beaming with smiles AYO (winner), Marvelous (first runner up) and Adetoun (2nd runner up) were given a Toyota RAV4, Corrola and Yaris respectively.
Check out more photos below

Venus and Serena Williams in Lagos: Amstel Malta Breaks the Mould


Here’s another great reason to get excited over the Williams Sisters tour, coming to Lagos from 30th October to 2nd November – Amstel Malta becomes the Official Drink for Breaking the Mould Williams Sisters Tour. Now, fans of Venus and Serena Williams are guaranteed refreshing vitality as they enjoy the wonderful sport of Tennis with a companion that leaves them feeling renewed with every sip. 

 

The organizers have also announced a special 10% discount on all Classic and VIP tickets purchased, as long as this promo code (WS102012) is presented at the online point of purchase. Tickets are still available at selected Chicken Republic outlets and www.afritickets.com
The sisters are scheduled to pitch their skills against one another in an exhibition match scheduled for the 2nd of November at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club; host a special tennis clinic for kids between the ages of 8 and 14; and dazzle at a glamorous gala night put together in their honor at Federal Palace Hotel. To find out how you can be a part of this, please log on to www.nigeria.africabtm.com or www.facebook.com/nigeriaBTM . You can also get official updates; participate in games to win tickets, autographs and much more by following @nigeriaBTM via www.twitter.com/nigeriaBTM
Event Schedule:
  • 30th October  - ARRIVAL
  • 31st  October - PRESS CONFERENCE & TENNIS CLINIC- IKOYI CLUB
  • 1st  November - GALA DINNER 
  • 2nd  November - EXHIBITION MATCH- LAGOS LAWN TENNIS CLUB

Venus and Serena Williams in Lagos: Amstel Malta Breaks the Mould


Here’s another great reason to get excited over the Williams Sisters tour, coming to Lagos from 30th October to 2nd November – Amstel Malta becomes the Official Drink for Breaking the Mould Williams Sisters Tour. Now, fans of Venus and Serena Williams are guaranteed refreshing vitality as they enjoy the wonderful sport of Tennis with a companion that leaves them feeling renewed with every sip. 

 

The organizers have also announced a special 10% discount on all Classic and VIP tickets purchased, as long as this promo code (WS102012) is presented at the online point of purchase. Tickets are still available at selected Chicken Republic outlets and www.afritickets.com
The sisters are scheduled to pitch their skills against one another in an exhibition match scheduled for the 2nd of November at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club; host a special tennis clinic for kids between the ages of 8 and 14; and dazzle at a glamorous gala night put together in their honor at Federal Palace Hotel. To find out how you can be a part of this, please log on to www.nigeria.africabtm.com or www.facebook.com/nigeriaBTM . You can also get official updates; participate in games to win tickets, autographs and much more by following @nigeriaBTM via www.twitter.com/nigeriaBTM
Event Schedule:
  • 30th October  - ARRIVAL
  • 31st  October - PRESS CONFERENCE & TENNIS CLINIC- IKOYI CLUB
  • 1st  November - GALA DINNER 
  • 2nd  November - EXHIBITION MATCH- LAGOS LAWN TENNIS CLUB

Saturday, October 20, 2012

The Headies 2012: And The Nominees Are…

The official list of nominations for this year’s HEADIES (formerly known as HipHop World Awards) has been released. There are no real surprises considering the time-frame used to determine the list (March 2011 – February 2012). See the full list below.
*O.O*


ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Best album (solo or group) in year under review, that meets judges requirements of excellence (in every realms: songwriting, production, rendition and promotion) and acceptability (sales, popularity)
Everybody Loves Ice Prince – Ice Prince
The Invasion – P-Square
Superstar – Wizkid
Super C Season – Naeto C

Contestants for face of Sylvia Hair

         Chinazom Sandra Mbagwu                 Rita Onyemaechi                        Chinyere Dick
                    Tope Senbanjo                            Pamela Efa Eteng                           Joy Oya

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Davido, Ice Prince, Iyanya, Terry G rock The Headies 2012 nominees party

By Osagie Alonge
Davido, Phyno, Ice Prince, Iceberg Slim, Sound Sultan, Iyanya, Jay Sleek, Flowssick, Chidinma
 The 2012 edition of The Headies will hold on Saturday, October 20, 2o12, but the excitement has been on for weeks.
Last Saturday, a nominees party was held at the Cool World retail shop, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was attended by a host of celebs, especially those nominated for this year’s awards.
Guests included Sound Sultan, Ice Prince, Davido, Terry G, Iyanya, Vector, Chidinma, Dammy Krane, Flowssick, Phyno, DJ Spinall and a host of others. The event was hosted by Toke Makinwa and Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere.

30 feared dead in Ogun as Coaster bus plunges into River

No fewer than 33 passengers were feared  dead yesterday  when a coaster bus loaded with passengers skidded-off  a dual carriage bridge and plunged into a river at J4, Ogbere -Ijebu stretch of the Sagamu – Ore expressway, in Ijebu East Local government area of Ogun state.

It was gathered that the bus sank immediately it plunged into the river and was reportedly swept away from the point of entry to the river.


It was learnt that, there were  three survivors who include  a pregnant woman who were said to have been   hung between a tree branch.

Confirming the incident, the Unit Commander, Ijebu – Ode Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Seidu Isah Osilama, said the FRSC  opera-tives   arrived at the scene of the accident few minutes after it occurred.

He however said  that  they were able to rescue the three survivors because, according to him, they fell off the bus and landed on a tree.

According to him, the  rescue effort would require crane and divers to ascertain the location of the bus and the passengers inside the water.
He said  no one knows  the exact number of passengers in the bus or the casualty figure as they are still in the water.

The survivors have been taken to hospital in Ore in Ondo state.

The Head of Operation of the FRSC in Ogun, Mrs Cecilia Alao also, said  that the accident occurred at about 12 noon when the driver of the 36-seater coastal bus slept off.

Alao said that the exact number of passengers and the registration number of the vehicle were yet to be ascertained.

She said that all the victims, apart from the driver, were women travelling from Lagos to Benin to attend a burial ceremony.

The FRSC head of operations, who described the rescue operation as difficult, said that the command engaged the services of local divers who helped to rescued three of the passengers.

‘’We also hired a crane to pull the vehicle from the driver but after trying from 12 p.m to 6 p.m, we could not find the bus and other victims apart from the three.

‘’All other efforts to locate the vehicle and the victims proved abortive, the operation will continue over the night as we are not going to relent in our efforts,” she said.

Source: Vanguard

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Our First Lady Returns Home

Dame Patience Jonathan returned to Nigeria from Germany this afternoon. The presidential jet which conveyed her touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport about four this afternoon.

And I'm sorry for being MIA since morning. These South African people are begging me to come to their country...so I just went to collect their Visa be be...lol.

VIDEO: Trybe Records’ Aramide cover eLDee’s ‘Today today’


Trybe Records are gradually showcasing the newly signed acts off the Da Trybe 2.0 roaster.
After singer-producer K9 and singer Sojay’s studio performances, soul singer Aramide debuts with a rendition of eLDee‘s ‘Today today‘.
It’s a beautiful cover…

Photo: At Last Debtor Who Set Up Aluu 4 Victims Arrested

“I want to announce that we have made a breakthrough in the Aluu killings. The two main suspects in the case have been arrested and they will be prosecuted.”

The police on Tuesday announced a major breakthrough in their investigation into the lynching of four University of Port Harcourt students. The Inspector General of Police disclosed the arrest during a security meeting with Chief Executive Officers and security officers of banks at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The arrest brings the number of suspects arrested by the police to 23 in the videotaped lynching of the four innocent students which sparked outrage nationwide after the clip of the killings went viral on the Internet.

The police has named Coxson Lucky, alias Bright, as the mastermind of the lynching. Lucky, who owe one of the students an undisclosed sum of money, reportedly raised the alarm that the students were robbers when they went to his house to demand for the money. The mob, which converged on the venue of the altercation, then beat and burn the students to death.

However, two of the suspects, who admitted taking part in the mob action, claimed that their involvement was “minimal”. While the first suspect, David Chinasa Ugbaje, said he only hit the students twice, another suspect, Ikechukwu Loius Amadi, claimed that he only beat the students once with a small stick.

NETPod: Dr SID joins MusikMaestro for ‘Disco girl’

 MusikMaestro is a London based East African duo signed to the independent record label Soulitary Entertainment.
Based on their mutual admiration for UK urban music and taking influences from a variety of East African music genres, MusikMaestro are currently working on an experimental fusion sound for their EP (Electric Afreeca) which will be released in late 2012.
Listen to their new single ‘Disco girl‘ featuring MAVIN Records hit-maker Dr SID.

NETPod: Wizkid drops two new freestyles – ‘Ole’ and ‘Turn on the lights’

By Osagie Alonge
Going hard – Wizkid isn’t slowing down…
Those close to Wizkid will tell you he has spent most of the last few months mostly in two places – on stage and in the studio.
Wizkid’s work rate is practically insane, he keeps recording, whether it’s freestyles of new songs‘, one close associate tells us. Well, we’ve got evidence for you – two recent freestyles from the EME star which as usual have found their way to the web.
The first is titled ‘Ole‘; a cover of Hakym the Dream‘s ‘Lamba’ and the other ‘Turn on the lights; a cover of US act Future‘s single.
Listen to ‘Ole’…

Listen to Turn on the lights

NETPod: Tonto Dike autotunes her way through her new singles

Despite critics’ disapproval, Tonto Dike has gone ahead to release her debut singles; kicking off her music career.
The controversy magnet announced her interest in music a while ago, promising to release singles, despite pleas from concerned fans and pundits. And it’s what we feared it would turn out to be – full of crap.
Ms Dike should know where her strength lies – whatever it is, it’s certainly not singing with a cracked, croaky and coarse voice.
Both songs ‘Get high’ and ‘Itz ova’ featuring dancehall act Synpo certainly don’t cut it, making a struggling Omotola (and even One logo logo line Genevieve!) sound like Beyonce.
The almighty auto-tune voice enhancer only worsens Miss Dike’s disastrous attempt.
This attempt (if it could) scores a minus…
Listen to both tracks below… 

Tiwa Savage and manager in public display of affection…Are they officially dating?

Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz
Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz          photo: punchng.com
Tiwa Savage is one of Nigeria’s most talented singers and songwriters.
That she is beautiful is no news. She is an embodiment of sexiness and has a captivating aura and personality.
Until recently Tiwa Savage had not been linked romantically with anyone, except if you count the rumoured-but -vehemently-denied relationship with Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy.
Is that is about to change?
The Mavin first lady was seen at the Elite Model Look 2012 recently held in Lagos in company of her beau Manager Tee Billz, and the pair looked like an Item – eye witnesses say they both stepped on the red carpet in style as they posed for photographs.
Tiwa is usually alone on the red carpet so it really was a big deal this time, since she had company, as all attention quickly shifted to the couple, and the cameramen kept clicking away.
Tiwa Savage and her manger Tee Billz seemed to enjoy all the attention, and he may have used that opportunity to pass on a message as she planted a soft kiss on Tiwa’s cheek, whose face lit up instantly.
We’re told they did not spend a moment away from each other during the event and the after party.
Is this a confirmation of what many have been suspecting? Or just an innocent PDA between two people who work very closely and are fond of each other?
We’re eager to find out!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

PHOTOS: Chidinma stuns in ‘Cat Suit’ photoshoot


Stunning! Did someone call Catwoman?
At 23, Pop darling Chidinma Ekile is steadily shedding away that baby look and turning into a woman (or so the guys feel).
Her recent photoshoot with popular photographer Obi Somto shows a more matured side of the talented singer who’s been knocking shows in and out of the country.
From rocking the black shinny cat suit to blending the baseball jacket on trad wears, Chidinma scores a high one from us.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Ayuba, Salawa Abeni, Awero, Baba Gboin lead the stars to Gbenga Adeyinka’s ‘Gbamu Gbamu’


Gbenga Adeyinka and DJ Jimmy JATT on the set of ‘Gbamu Gbamu’
Seasoned comedian and TV host Gbenga Adeyinka has launched a new TV show.
The contemporary Yoruba TV programme called ‘Gbamu Gbamu’, according to producers will air on terrestrial and cable channels.
Already, a series of recordings have been made, featuring celebs from music, comedy, Nollywood and beyond; including LKT, DJ Jimmy JATT, DJ Gosporella, DJ Tee, Biodun Okeowo, and Ope Olusanya. Others are Moji Olaiya, Aremu Afolayan, Sukanmi Omobolanle, Lanre Hassan, Abbey Lanre, Sunny Alli, Foluke Daramola, Doris Simeon and Jaywon.
Adeyinka is also the host for the popular STAR Millionaire game show.

Police shoot sales girl dead, injure 3 others

A 20-year old sales girl identified simply as Lucy, was on Friday was shot dead by policemen in the Apo area of Abuja. The girl was hit in the chest by bullets fired into a photography shop where she worked as a sales girl. Three other people sustained gunshot injuries when policemen from the FCT Police Command fired bullets indiscriminately in an attempt to enforce the demolition order of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.

The policemen had stormed the area around 7 am with officials of Development Control Department, who had come to demolish illegal structures. But residents and indigenes, who felt that the government had no right to demolish their houses when they were yet to be resettled, resisted the operation.



They claimed that the case was still in court and that their leaders had advised them to continue to live in the area pending the determination of the suit. As the policemen shot indiscriminately to control the residents, bullets penetrated into one of the shops and Lucy was hit in the chest. She was rushed to Garki Hospital, but she was confirmed dead on arrival. Her body has been deposited in the mortuary. Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, met the House of Representatives representing

AMAC/Bwari constituency of the FCT, Zephaniah Jisalo, at the hospital when he visited. Inalegwu, who was in tears, assured the lawmaker that the case would be investigated. “We are not sure what took our men there or what led to the shooting, it’s still a matter for investigation,” he said. Emeka Ani, owner of the photo shop, where the deceased worked, said that his sales boy also sustained gunshot injuries during the incident. He said, “From morning, the police surrounded our area. They said they came for demolition. All of a sudden, they started shooting sporadically. They shot into my shop and killed my sales girl. My boy also sustained injuries. Lucy has been with me for about one month. Her sister brought her for me from Cross River.” The National Coordinator, Greater Gbyagi Initiative, Mr. Gimba Baiza, described the incident as wicked.

Source: Punch

2 Nigerian students to die by firing squad for stealing

Please read the story below and tell us if you think these students' crime deserve the firing squad sentence!
Justice Theresa Igoche of the Makurdi High Court, on Tuesday sentenced two students, Vershima Kaachi and Akaazua Akpen, to death by firing squad for armed robbery.
The convicts were arrested on the eve of Christmas in 2007 for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, contrary to Sections 5(b) and 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.
Is this another barbaric judgement? Politicians steal billions and get a slap on the wrist. *tears for our people* Please continue...

In his testimony, the victim of the offence, Jonathan Usenge, told the court that five armed men came to his house, attacked and robbed him of some valuable items on that day.

He stated that the robbers collected his Nokia 1600 phone valued N12,700.00, two torch lights valued N350.00 and a sum of N16,500.

He said the convicts were armed with guns and a hacksaw, and that the clothes they wore on the day of the robbery, his stolen phone and the hacksaw were recovered from them during police investigation.
The prosecution called three witnesses while the accused persons testified for themselves and also called three witnesses.

In his submission, counsel to the convicts, Mr Cletus Ujah, argued that the prosecuting counsel had not proved the allegation against his clients beyond reasonable doubt.

Ujah insisted that the victim was inconsistent in his testimony, arguing that the prosecution's evidence could not be said to be overwhelming to nail his clients.

He further argued that the prosecution failed to tender the hacksaw claimed to have been recovered from his clients before the court which, he said, amounted to withholding evidence.

But the prosecuting counsel, Mr Obande Idikwu, argued that the prosecution had made a case to warrant the conviction of the accused persons.

Idikwu submitted that from the evidence, it could be deduced that there was an agreement to commit an illegal act, which was pursued to a logical conclusion.
Delivering judgment, Igoche held that the prosecution had proved its case against the convicts and found them guilty as charged.

In an allocutus, Ujah pleaded for leniency for the accused persons, pointing out that they were each the only sons of their parents and young boys with a promising future ahead of them, noting that they had no records of previous conviction and were looking very remorseful, and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
But the judge said the punishment prescribed for offenders under Section 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms Act was death by either hanging or firing squad, pointing out that it was subject to the governor's discretion.