Two Pastors Jailed 10 Years For Operating Illegal Bank

Pastor Glory Abrefera and Rev. Vincent Okpogo, were yesterday sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each for operating an illegal bank in Warri, Delta State, thereby making innocent depositors lose their money.
An Abuja High Court, presided over by Justice Buba, found the accused persons and their company, Mustard Seed Micro Investment Limited guilty on a four-count charge of carrying out banking practice without licence.
The accused persons were said to have, between 2006 and 2007 in Warri, Delta State, engaged in illegal banking practice as they lacked the required banking licence, thereby committed an offence contrary to section 2(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, Cap B3, Vol 2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“That you, Pastor Glory Okeoghene Abrefera, Reverend Vincent Okpogo and Mrs. Nonye Abrefera (still at large) while being directors of Mustard Seed Micro Investment Limited, between 2006 and 2007 at Warri, Delta State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, knowingly consented to the carrying on of banking business without a valid licence by the company and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections (2) and 49(1)of the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act Cap B(3), Vol 2, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004,” the charge read.
The men were arrested following a petition by some of the depositors to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, detailing their dubious activities.
Following proper investigation on the activities of the fake bank, EFCC arraigned the suspects in 2011.
G. K. Latona, counsel to EFCC described the judgment as a milestone in Nigerian judiciary. He said it was the first time that persons were convicted for carrying out banking practice without licence. He said he’s confident the judgment would serve as a deterrent to others

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HORROR(PHOTO) :500 levels Female Student's Head Cut Off By Her Boyfriend

A 500 level student of the federal University of Technology Minna, named Godwin Edeko has been arrested by the Niger State Police for allegedly cutting off his girlfriend's head after having carnal knowledge of her for three days.
Some of the neighbours who spoke to Channels Television explained that they became suspicious when they heard the dead girl, simply identified as Hanatu, screaming and the suspect dashing out of his room.
They further mentioned that after some time without hearing any sound from the girl who had been with the suspect for three days without coming out, they forcefully opened the door of the room only to find the headless body of Hanatu with blood stains all over the room.
Niger State Police Public Relation Officer, Pious Edoko while confirming the incident explained that although the suspect had confessed to the crime, the command is yet to establish the motive of the crime.
He however said the investigation is ongoing with a view to crack down other people involved in the crime as the severed head was recovered from an uncompleted building in Bosso.
So please girls be very careful of the boys you follow, some guys are freaks!!!. not me sha

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Dana Air denies paying celebrities to board its inaugural flight

Dana Air have responded to the critics via their Facebook page about the celebrities that were on board their inaugural flight from Lagos to Abuja on Friday January 4th. See it below...

Our attention has been drawn to some online media reports suggesting that celebrities BasketMouth, DIPP, Harrysong, and Buchi, who were among guests on board the Dana Air inaugural flight of Friday, 4th January, 2013, boarded the airplane for financial gains.

We would like to state that these claims are completely untrue. Like all other esteemed guests of the airline, many of which are notable personalities from Nigeria’s entertainment scene, these celebrities have always been a part of the Dana Air family.
Their decision to be part of the airline’s re-launch was purely out of goodwill, having personally experienced the unrivalled hospitality and world-class services offered by the airline many times before.


We also want to use this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to all our guests, many of whom have sent congratulatory messages and best wishes on the airline’s return, while pledging our commitment to the provision of safe, reliable and world-class air transport services.

Dana Air Management

Read it on their Facebook page

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Man Catches His Cheating Daughter-In-Law Red-Handed In Hotel

A father-in-law and his unfaithful daughter-in-law reportedly stumbled upon each other at a lodge. The daughter-in-law was said to be having a ‘nice time’ with her longtime married boyfriend, despite her being married too.
The incident reportedly took place in Waterfalls recently. Sharon Nomasonto (age not known), who resides in Waterfalls, was allegedly caught red-handed by her husband’s father whilst she was enjoying some quality time with her boyfriend, who was only identified as Peter.
Sharon stays together with her father-in-law at House No. 272 Fifth Avenue, Parkway, Waterfalls. Sharon’s mother also stays at the same house – as a tenant.
Sharon’s husband, Tendai Sambo, is said to be in South Africa where he is currently employed. The two, however, got married after Sharon’s mother had already become a tenant at this house.
Sources who spoke to our news crew revealed that after the incident, Sharon was forced to pack her belongings and leave her in-laws’ house. Interestingly, she only moved from one building to another, as she now stays with her mother, who stays at the same house.
Last week another publication had an interview with Sharon, her father-in-law as well as the mother of her husband who all CONFIRMED that she was caught red-handed in the company of her boyfriend.
Mr Sambo confirmed the incident after trying to persuade the news crew not to publish the story.
“It’s true but please don’t publish the story. If you want to publish it the make it a ‘feature story’ without revealing any names because my family and I are believers (Christians), so it will tarnish my reputation. My family and I are Methodist Church members. If we reveal this story, Sharon and Tendai will lose dignity, just like a thief who has been jailed,” said Mr Sambo.
He added: “Truly speaking, it took place but don’t publish the story, i beg you. My son, Tendai, should decide whether to divorce Sharon or not. I know you heard that my daughter-in-law was caught red-handed with her boyfriend, but she has been cheating on my son for about one year and six months. At one time we thought of meeting up with her married boyfriend since he stays with her parents and his wife but we decided to solve the issue in a better way without causing any fight. However, that man’s wife is the one who came here first. She told us to instruct our daughter-in-law to stop cheating with Peter.”
Mr Sambo said Sharon’s cellphone was put on loud speaker before they called Peter who was made to believe that the phone call was coming from his ‘small house’ Sharon. He revealed that when they made the phone call, his wife, Peter’s wife, Tendai and himself were all present. He added that Peter said everything as they were all listening. This is how they got all the evidence.
Mr Sambo said he once thought of getting Peter arrested but as a Christian, he controlled himself.
“Allegations that I went to the lodge are false because I received an sms and a phone call from my friend who told me that my daughter-in-law was at the lodge as he was calling. Some say I was also having a nice time at the lodge but it’s not true,” he said.
He said as he was on his way to the lodge, which is just a few metres away from his place of residence, he then stumbled upon his daughter-in-law, coming from the lodge, in the company of her boyfriend.
“The problem is that Sharon and her mother are tenants here, so if you publish the story we will have problems with staying together peacefully. Our son might decide to continue loving his wife, so we leave everything to him and God. But this incident really pained me. Some Fecbook messages revealed that they (Sharon and her married boyfriend) celebrated their 18-month anniversary recently,” he said.
When reached for comment, Sharon initially dismissed the claims as false, before she decided to tell the truth.
“Who told you that? Get the story from those people who told you,” she said.
However, after being notified that her in-laws and other sources had confirmed the story she then changed her mind.
“I used to get all this from the grapevine. I do not have a boyfriend. I broke up with their son long back. I only talk to him just because we have a child together. My father-in-law sent me to the Post Office, where I was seen greeting Peter who was once my boyfriend. The story is a family issue, but we are in the process of solving it.” she said.

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Housemaid Invites Boyfriend To Rob Boss, Feigns Kidnap

 

The police in Lagos State have arrested a 27-year-old housemaid, Mariam Acheme, and four others for allegedly robbing the housemaid’s boss.



“They vandalised the doors and also stole all the valuables. The housemaid then padlocked the gate from outside and fled with them.”
PUNCH Metro learnt that when the owner of the house arrived, she discovered that all her valuables were gone and Acheme was nowhere to be found.
The victim was said to have immediately reported the matter to the Bode Thomas Police Division.
Braide said a few days later, someone contacted the housemaid’s boss and informed her that Acheme had been kidnapped. She said the woman returned to the police and informed them of the development.
Braide said, “The madam told the police that some men called and said they had kidnapped the housemaid. The men asked for N5m and said if the money was not paid, they would not release her. The housemaid spoke to her ‘madam’ on the phone, crying and telling her that she was being tortured by the kidnappers and urged her boss to pay the ransom immediately.
“The Divisional Police Officer, Bode Ojajuni, immediately swung into action. Detectives at the station were able to establish contact with the kidnappers and urged them to collect N1m. The kidnappers then sent a bank account number which the money should be paid into.”
It was learnt that the account number belonged to one Prosper Tatou, a bricklayer.
Through the bank account number, policemen traced the owner to Agbara area of Ogun State and accosted him.
A close police source, who craved anonymity, said Tatou led the police to the hideout of the other suspects.
He said, “Tatou said he knew nothing about any kidnap but told us that a few days earlier, his brother, Jean Mari, had asked him to send his bank account number because he needed to receive some money from someone.
“Tatou then led us to a deserted building where his brother lives. At the house, we were able to arrest those who masterminded the purported kidnap.”
Detectives were however shocked when they saw the housemaid in the compound.
“That was when we discovered that she connived with her boyfriend to commit the crime,” the police source said.
Acheme however denied conniving with the kidnappers.
She said although she had invited her boyfriend to come and visit her when the incident occurred, she had no clue of his intentions.
“I invited my boyfriend (Dansu) to come and visit me at the house when my madam had gone out. When he arrived, he came with another guy and both of them pushed me into the toilet and locked me there. They stole all my madam’s things and then kidnapped me,” she said.
When asked why she did not escape from the purported kidnappers’ den when she had the chance, she said, “I could not escape because I did not know the terrain.”
She added, “My boss was very nice to me. She paid me N12, 000 a month and I had worked with her for seven months and she never maltreated me.
“She has two grown-up children and they even give me tip when I do their laundry. I could not have repaid their kindness with wickedness.”
Dansu also claimed to be innocent, saying it was his friend, Femi, who is now at large, that planned the whole thing.
The PPRO seized the opportunity to warn employers of domestic servants to be wary of the people they hire, noting that cases of crimes being committed by domestic servants seem to be on the rise.
The PPRO noted that the suspects were all nationals of Benin Republic and said it was necessary for employers to register their domestic servants at the nearest police stations.

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Over 16,000 Foreigners Deported from Nigeria for Various Crimes

 

comment

Federal Government has deported over 16,000 foreigners in connection with one criminal and terrorist offence or the other.

This is coming on the heels of the confirmation Sunday by the Zamfara State Police Command that about 10 persons were killed at the weekend by unknown gunmen during a raid on two neighbouring villages in the state.
While fielding questions from journalists in Abuja at the weekend, on the efforts to control our porous borders by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro said the success was achieved through the strenghtening of operational mechanism of the NIS and cooperation with other security agencies.
He said more efforts were being made to improve on the performance of the immigration service with a view to effectively screen and identify criminally-minded aliens that are willing tools in the hands of terrorists.
He noted that foreigners had exploited certain aspects of ECOWAS protocol that guarantees freedom of movement of people to penetrate the Nigerian borders.
Moro said: “Our major challenge is the presence of foreigners in our means who exploit the provisions of ECOWAS protocol providing free movement of people within member countries.
“The presence in our situation of suicide bombings and bomb blast attacks in our institutions made it imperative to take certain measures to forstall the contrived occurrence of these activities”.
“The NIS that is charged with the responsibility of containing our boarders will rise up to the occasion, set up the necessary machinery to identify, to screen and to profile aliens that are in the country with the view to identify those aliens that are criminally minded, those that are inimical to the establishment of the country.”
“In the process, about 16000 of such aliens have been repatriated as at the time that I am talking to you because efforts put in place to control our boarders”, he disclosed.
The minister also promised that with all the measures in place, Nigeria would enjoy a more stable and secure society in 2013.
“Given the efforts of the government compare to the consequences of the actions of the insurgents, given the determination of the government to acquire and procure the needed equipment and machinery to combat the sectarian crises we have in ours hands, I look at yhe 2013 with hope and with support of all Nigerians will enjoy better security,” he said.
He explained that the motive for the attack on the two villages, Makera and Usu, was not known, it said.
It was also unclear whether militant Islamist sect Boko Haram or a criminal gang were behind it.
“There was an attack in these villages in Zamfara and people were killed. I think the number is around 10,” Zamfara State police spokesman, Hassan Usman Talba, said on phone from the scene.
He said the prime suspects were gangs of Fulani herdsman but that police were still investigating.
The Fulani’s semi-nomadic, cattle-herding way of life has led to decades of conflict with farming communities across central and northern Nigeria that often erupts into violence.
The focus of Nigeria’s Islamist insurgency has been north-eastern Borno State and surrounding areas, but a military crackdown this year has pushed it into several states further south and west, including Zamfara.
Analysts say the insurgency has also brought a breakdown of law and order across the North, creating opportunities for armed gangs and ethnic militias with scores to settle.
Islamist militancy and associated insecurity are the biggest threats to stability in Africa’s main oil exporter.
Boko Haram, which is loosely based on the Afghan Taliban, killed hundreds last year in a campaign to impose Sharia or Islamic law.

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Students of Babcock University to Undergo Compulsory Drug Test

 

The administration of Babcock University Ileshan Remo has declared a new set of rules & regulations which includes a compulsory drug test on all students (male & female) as they resume the second semester of the 2012/2013 academic session. This test is now part of the registration requirements.

Last year, students who tested positive to codine & marijuana were given one year suspension.So, this year, the guess is the punishment will be double.

Well, I don't expect the students to complain.You know what you were signing up for right! Most parents will be overjoyed hearing  this news

 

source ; ayoola's blog

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PHOTOS Justin Bieber Fanatics Start #CuttingForBieber Trend So He’ll Stop Smoking Weed

 

Justin Bieber's notoriously furious fanbase have not taken the news of the pop star's recreational drug use lightly and have decided to get him to quit smoking weed or literally die trying.

Today on Twitter the hashtag #CuttingForBieber and #CutForBieber began to trend today and attached to those tweets were pictures of Justin's fans cutting themselves in an effort to get Bieber to kick the habit. "It hurts, but I do it for my Justin," one fan tweeted with a gruesome picture of her blood soaked arm.

Over New Year's weekend, a photographer died crossing the street in attempt to get a picture of Bieber who had been pulled over by the police. Sources reported that the photographer had proof that the Pop prince was smoking marijuana. He was also drinking champagne with YMCMB rapper and close friend, Lil Twist,in Mexico where the legal drinking age is 18.

According to TMZ, people close to Bieber are blaming Lil Twist as being a bad influence on the superstar after the week of rough press. After the jump, you can check out the photos of the Bieber fans cutting themselves. The photos are disturbing so please use discretion if you are squeamish to blood.

"those fans are freaks why will cut myself for someone aaah that can happen in 9ja"
–

Photos: Twitter

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Unbelievable: Woman Beats Boyfriend To Death Over Phone-Call

A woman has been arrested by the police after she brutally killed her boyfriend by hitting him with an empty beer bottle on the forehead several times.

30-year-old Winnet turned violent, accusing her late boyfriend, Simon (33) of infidelity after the deceased had received a phone call. The infuriated Winner was eager to know the identity of the caller but her boyfriend failed to answer her. This resulted in the bottle assault.
Police confirmed the murder which happened on December 22 at a bottle store in Chikanga.
Police spokesman said: “The couple was drinking beer at around 7.30 pm when Simon received a phone call from an unknown person. Winnet quizzed him over who had called but Simon could not give a satisfactory answer. A quarrel ensued and the accused picked an empty beer bottle and hit him several times on the forehead. She went on to assault him. He was ferried to Mutare General Hospital, Zimbabwe where he was admitted after he had lost a lot of blood.”
He was later released on December 26 after his health condition improved. However, the following day he started complaining of a headache.
“His condition deteriorated and he died on December 30. Winnet was arrested and is assisting police with investigations.”
“We urge couples to solve disputes amicably. The couple should have easily talked this issue over rather than resorting to fighting. We also advice partners not to be jealous since it may result into something nasty if not properly handled,” the police spokesman said.

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BRAVE :Mother Rescues Daughter From 6ft Python

A young mother woke to the hissing of her pet cat – and to her horror found a 6ft python wrapped around her baby daughter.

‘I thought I was having a nightmare, but then realised this was no bad dream,’ said 22-year-old Tess Guthrie from the town of Lismore in northern New South Wales.
‘It was only because the cat was hissing that I woke up and saw the snake with its body wrapped around my daughter Zara’s arm.’
Mrs Guthrie threw herself at the snake, grabbing it by the head and tried to pry it off her two-year-old daughter, who had been sleeping beside her mother.
But the snake fought back and sank its fangs three times into Zara’s hand.
Still, courageous Mrs Guthrie managed to pry the snake from her daughter and call for help, bringing an ambulance and a snake catcher racing to her home.
While Zara was being treated at the hospital for the snake bites – which weren’t venomous – snake expert Tex Tillis hunted down the python at Mrs Guthrie’s home.
He found it sleeping between the bedside table and the wall and suspects it had been in the bedroom for several days.
Mr Tillis said the coastal python, or carpet snake, was not trying to hurt the child.
‘It was trying to have a group hug,’ he told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. ‘Pythons, underneath their bottom jaw, they have a row of sensors which enable them to see the world in terms of infrared pictures.
‘So in the dark they’re going to see a baby as this warm spot.’
After her bites were treated with antiseptic at Lismore Base Hospital, Zara was allowed to return home with her mother.
Mrs Guthrie said she had noticed her cat behaving out of character in the days leading up to the python incident.
‘She’s a very resourceful lady,’ she said of the family cat. ‘She tried to grab the snake’s head, but got six inches down which left the head free to bite the baby.’
Mr Tillis said the python was between five and 10 years old – ‘by no means a big fellah. They grow much, much bigger,’ he said.
Mrs Guthrie insisted the snake should not be killed and at her request it was released into the wild about three miles from the house.
‘She’s courageous and gutsy – and also compassionate,’ Mr Tillis said in a reference to Mrs Guthrie

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boiz from 9ja - EFCC Arrests Eight “Yahoo Boys” In Lagos

Yahoo boys as we know in Nigeria are people that involve themselves in internet fraud, and a report reaching us is that 8 young men were apprehended at the 1004 Estate in Victoria Island on Friday 4th of January 2013. Wilson Uwujaren, Head of Media and Publicity for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed.
According to sources, EFCC acted on a tip-off from a resident of the estate. “A petition by a concerned group alerted the Commission about the activities of Olusegun and his co-travelers at the elite 1004 Housing Estate where the fraudsters engaged in fraudulent activities of obtaining money by false pretences and forgery.“
The EFCC press release states
“One of the undergraduates, Hope Olusegun, a 25 year-old from Okene in Kogi State, and claims to be a student of Computer Science at the Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University, Malaysia. He was arrested by operatives of EFCC over allegations of fraud and internet scam.
A search conducted by EFCC operatives at Olusegun’ s apartment led to the recovery of several items such as laptops, iPad phones, traveling documents, cheque books, flash drives, internet modem, and three exotic cars – a Mercedes Benz Jeep, One 4Matic Mercedes Benz Car and a Range Rover Sport SUV.
When asked how he came about the cars, Olusegun said the cars belonged to his sister who he claimed lives in the United Kingdom. Operatives of the EFCC also downloaded over 80 implicating documents from the laptops recovered from Olusegun.
However, the Commission is making effort to track down other members of Olusegun’s syndicate who are currently at large. Tunde Wasiu Sodiq, another undergraduate and member of another syndicate with close affinity to Olusegun’s gang was also nabbed by operatives of the EFCC at the Housing Estate.
Besides Sodiq, six other members of the syndicate were equally arrested. They are Badmus Akeem O, Ajijola Oluwatosin Emmanuel, Adebesin Olalekan, Raji Resaq O, Ajibola Adeniyi and Adeboye Lamidi.
Their arrest was sequel to a petition on their notorious activities at the Housing Estate. Sodiq (23) hails from Lagos and claimed to be an undergraduate of Brandry University, Malaysia.
The leader of the syndicate, Badmus Akeem, hails from Ayetoro, Ogun State and attended Oniwaya High School, Agege. He claimed to be a traveler who does odd jobs wherever he travels.”
Here is what the alleged leader of the syndicate Badmus Akeem is quoted to have said – “I decided to move to Malaysia to further my education while I do “Hot jobs” as well. I just got back a week ago before the festive period and also produce music and manage artistes.“
When asked why he chose to live in 1004 at the rate of N30,000 daily, he responded that it was to avoid the stress that friends and relations could bring to him – “I didn’t stay on the Mainland in Lagos because of stress of friends when you just get back from abroad.”
Sodiq claimed the Range Rover Sport car which was recovered from them belonged to his mother. This raised suspicions as the personalized number plate bears his nickname – “T.Wizzle”. In his statement, he claimed his mother “decided to customize the car plate number after the name of her first son.“
The representative of the EFCC confirmed that the suspects will be arraigned in court soon. In addition to the vehicles, other items seized include laptops, flash drives, internet modems and cheque books.

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Black Iceberg Photo Goes Viral On Reddit

black iceberg

It’s not every day you see a black iceberg; in fact, it may never be seen throughout a generation. So when one witness snapped a flick of such rarity, the post went bonkers on social news and entertainment website, Reddit.
CBS News reports the photo was posted by user Rundboll on Friday (Jan. 4) receiving over 1,000 comments and featured on the front page.
According to The Canada Encyclopedia, the odd-coloured iceberg is a result of density differences.
“Others may appear green, brown or black, or combinations of these colours. These icebergs have usually rolled over, exposing basal ice, or have emerged from below water level. The various colorations are caused by differences in density, air-bubble content and impurities. For example, black ice is of high density and bubble free; dark layers indicate the presence of rock materials derived from the base of the parent glacier. Occasionally, rocks may be found on the original upper surface of the iceberg. As the iceberg melts, these materials precipitate into marine or lake sediments.” [VN]

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Photos from Tonto Dikeh's music video shoot

I got these exclusive photos from linda ikeji's blog. The actress turned singer shot the video for one of her singles, Itz Ova, at Koga Studio in Oregun today.

 

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Inside Nigeria's Secret Gay Club - A BBC Report

 

Written by Tomi Oladipo for BBC News

About 50 people, mostly men, crowd around the front porch of a social club in Nigeria's biggest city, Lagos, cheering on a shy-looking young man, who proceeds to sing a ballad.

Backstage, another man puts on his wig and takes a quick glance at his pocket mirror, before adjusting his tight-fitting red dress.

Five other men also dressed in drag outfits appear, checking on each other's make-up as they wait for their turn to perform for the crowd.

"A friend invited me here a few months ago," one chatty spectator says excitedly. "I love this place because it makes me feel at home".

 

Rashidi Williams is one of Nigeria's few openly gay human rights activists

This gathering of members of the gay and lesbian community in Lagos is held regularly, albeit discreetly, but it could soon be illegal.

The vast majority of gay Nigerians may not be interested in this kind of event but they still have to hide their sexuality in this conservative society.

Whilst already illegal, homosexuality is widely frowned upon across Nigeria and has been the subject of several bills in the National Assembly.

The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill specifically outlaws same-sex unions.
It also bans gatherings of homosexuals or any other support for gay clubs, organisations, unions or amorous expressions, whether in secret or in public.

'Repulsive' 
The bill has been passed by Nigeria's Senate - the highest chamber - and is now being reviewed by the lower chamber, the House of Representatives.


If approved, it will be sent to the president to sign it into law, after which same-sex couples could face up to 14 years in prison.

But Nigerian homosexuals complain that the stigma they face is already enough punishment for their way of life.

Kunle (not his real name), a gay man living in Lagos, is outraged by the proposed law: "How does a government think that sending someone to prison would change his or her sexual orientation?

"How logical is that?"

One of Nigeria's few openly gay human rights activists, Rashidi Williams, notes that the bill seeks to ban something which is already illegal and which no-one is publicly advocating.
"All we are asking for is to repeal the repressive laws in this country," he says.
The bill has been condemned abroad - most recently by Australian lawmakers - making its proponents see this piece of legislation as a way of protecting Nigerian society from foreign influences.

"Ours is to weigh the aggregate of opinion - what the majority of Nigerians want," says Abike Dabiri, a member of the House of Representatives.

"If majority of Nigerians want same-sex marriage, then why not?"

She adds: "You have a right to your sexual preference but by trying to turn it into marriage do you realise you could be infringing on the human rights of the other person who finds it repulsive?"
 
In hiding
This view is echoed on the streets of this country, where religious influences, particularly from Christianity and Islam, are heavy.

"How do you even become gay, not to mention wanting to get married to another man?" asks Okechukwu Ikenna, a 33-year-old software engineer, visibly irritated by the topic.

Friends and family members of gay people could get implicated if they do not report cases of same-sex unions because they could be seen as being in support of them.

Critics of the bill also worry that health workers who provide HIV counselling and treatment to homosexuals could be committing an offence as well.

However, some of these doctors say they hardly ever know the sexual orientation of those they attend to because it is not a requirement for treatment and counselling, and even if the patients were to reveal that they were homosexuals, it would not affect the quality of healthcare offered.

Some lawmakers have condemned violence against homosexuals but this has done little to prevent the growing anxiety among those the bill would target as its likely adoption, in whatever form, approaches.

Mr Williams says some gay Nigerians may seek asylum in countries where homosexual people are accepted, while others will have to go underground.

At the gay club, despite the jovial atmosphere, there is heightened caution, and no-one is allowed to take any photos.

The thought of being identified as being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in a country where the public still turns to mob justice haunts some here.

And that is a huge concern for Richard (not his real name): "If you don't become discreet and try to hide yourself, even the man on the street will want to also act on the bill because it has been passed.
"If you're walking on the street and he stones you, he knows the law would stand for him because the law is against you."

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10 Natural Remedies For Swollen Feet And Ankles

Swelling in your feet and ankles is called edema (or oedema), and there are a lot of things that can cause the problem, from high blood pressure to pregnancy. What’s happening is your body is having trouble fighting gravity to move blood and fluids back up your legs, so your ankles, feet, and even your legs can begin to swell.
Edema on its own is not harmful, but it is uncomfortable. If you are seeing one foot or leg swelling a lot more than the other, or you face is swelling, you do want to call your doctor, because the cause could be a blood clot, and you don’t want to wait to address that problem.
That uncomfortable swelling is not actually a disorder, just a symptom, and the best way to treat it is to treat the root cause. If you’re swelling because of pregnancy, it should go down not long after you deliver. Talk to your doctor to see what could be causing your swelling.
Whatever the reason, these remedies can help give you some relief while you sort out the cause of your edema.
Here are 10 Natural Remedies for Swollen Feet and Ankles
1. Try a magnesium supplement
Magnesium deficiency can contribute to edema, and taking a supplement can help give you some relief. Most of the recommendations I’ve seen are for 200mg twice a day, but if you’re pregnant you’ll want to talk to your doctor about that first. The RDA for magnesium is 350mg per day, and your doctor might not want you taking an extra 400mg, since you’re also probably getting magnesium in your prenatal vitamin and your diet.
At six months pregnant, I started taking 250mg of magnesium in the evenings, and the difference in my swelling was dramatic without changing anything else.
2. Do a Little Yoga
Exercise can help improve your circulation, and yoga is a great way to get moving and really focus on that circulatory system.
Of course, you’ll want to talk to your doctor before staring up with yoga, especially if you haven’t been doing it before. If you’re totally new to yoga, I highly recommend taking a class. A yoga instructor can not only help you overcome any hesitations you have about yoga, but she or he will make sure you are doing the poses properly and might even be able to suggest additional postures to help with your edema! Once you have a swing of how the poses feel, you can practice at home.
3. Soak in Tonic Water
This one might sound a little odd, but soaking in room temperature – or cold, if it’s not too uncomfortable – tonic water can help with swelling. The quinine and the bubbles can help reduce inflammation, and frankly just soaking your poor, swollen feet feels great!
4. Grab Some Grapefruit Essential Oil
A warm bath can also help with swelling, and you can give that water a boost with a few drops of grapefruit essential oil! You can also just fill a bucket with nice, warm water to soak in.
If baths aren’t your thing, you can also mix a few drops of grapefruit oil with a carrier oil like olive or sweet almond oil and give yourself a little foot and leg massage. As you rub your feet, ankles, and calves, focus your pressure upward, rather than downward or in a circular motion.
5. Do a Salt Water Soak
Adding a healthy dose of Epsom salts to the tub is another way to boost that bath. Like the grapefruit oil, you can also just use a bucket, if you’re only having swelling in your feet and ankles. If your calves are swollen, too, a bath is probably your best bet.
Epsom salts are like magic for swelling. Even before I was pregnant, I took occasional salt baths after super long runs to help my muscles relax.
6. Treat Yourself to a Massage
A massage therapist can do wonders for swollen feet and ankles! Don’t be shy about mentioning the problem when you get to your appointment, so she or he can focus on getting things moving in your lower extremities.
If you are pregnant, I’d recommending finding a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage. A prenatal massage therapist will be much more knowledgeable about how to make you comfortable. Seriously, I have never had so many pillows around me in my life, but all of that really does help make it a more beneficial experience.
7. Get Some Support Hose
Support hose or compression gear can prevent swelling, especially from being on your feet. You can find compression socks that come knee- or thigh-high or full-on compression stockings. These suckers are hard to get on, because they’re meant to be pretty tight on your legs, but they can really make a difference.
I have read a lot of great experiences with compression socks, but I’ve found that they start out feeling amazing, and after about four hours they start to make my feet cramp. You can find footless compression stockings, so if you experience the same problem, that might be a good solution for you.
8. Elevate Those Feet
Gravity is not your friend when it comes to edema, so elevate your feet every chance you get! When you’re relaxing in the evening, prop your legs up on some pillows. Ideally, you want your feet above your heart. Take THAT, gravity!
If you work a day job, try to find a way to prop your feet up under your desk. Even elevating a bit can make a big difference in your swelling as the day goes on.
9. Make a Splash
Swimming or even floating in water can help with swollen feet and ankles. The pressure from the water can help get things moving in your legs, and floating gives your circulatory system a break from gravity’s constant pull. If you don’t have a pool, check out local gyms to see what they offer.
10. Drink Up!
Excess salt is a big contributor to swelling, and upping your fluid intake can help dilute the salt in your system. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day to flush things out. Even better? Try making cucumber-lemon water! Just drop a couple of cucumber and lemon slices in your glass, and enjoy! Both of these fruits have anti-inflammatory properties, so if gives that water an extra swelling-fighting punch! [Care2]

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3 Missing As Car Plunges Into River In Delta state

An Audi 80 saloon car at the weekend plunged into Agbarho River, on East-West Road in Delta State, killing three out of the five persons on board, believed to be workers of an oil servicing company in Enerhen, Warri, Delta State.
One of the victims was said to be married with four children. Although no one knew for sure the cause of the accident, but it was learnt it could have been due to the foggy weather on Saturday morning.
According to a source, the straightforward plunge of vehicles into the river in recent times was due to the failure of the contractor handling that section of the East-West Road to provide a barrier after the initial iron barrier was broken down. The victims were said to be going to work when the accident occurred.
An eyewitness said that the car plunged into the river at 5.30 am, and that only two out of the five occupants came out alive, while the three others were still missing, six hours after.
Mr. Taiye Akinmola, who claimed to be a brother to one of the victims, said: “My brother was a staff of Python Engineering Company at Enerhen. He left with four staff in his car. I was later called on the phone by one of the survivors that their car plunged into the river.
“As I talk to you, my brother is missing with two others. The caller who is one of the workers said he swam out of the river with another worker, but my brother and two other workers were trapped in the vehicle.”
Divers located the car and brought it ashore at 1:49 pm, but unfortunately, the three others were not in it.

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OBJ Has No Choice But To Back GEJ In 2015 – Presidency

Despite the constant denials and dodgy response of the presidency to talks on whether President Goodluck Jonathan will run for a second term, the body language of the president, his aides and even close confidants, suggest he will run. Whats more? The Presidency is very optimistic that should President Goodluck Jonathan decide to run for a second term in 2015, no individual or group can stop him from exercising that right; including former President Olusegun Obasanjo who they say, has no choice than to support Jonathan for a second term in office.
This view and others was given on Saturday in Abuja, when Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Barrister Ahmed Ali Gulak, said the constitutional right of President Jonathan to contest the 2015 presidential election is non-negotiable, even as he expressed confidence that in the event the president decides to run, he would perform better in the North than recorded in 2011.
Gulak, while speaking on the Obasanjo factor said, “Nobody is God, nobody should play God, no one is indispensable. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, no doubt, is a well-respected leader who has played his part in developing the nation; he is a well-respected man who is like a father. But the truth is that just as people say he is a benefactor of the president, others have been his benefactors, too.
“You know you come you go. When your time comes and goes, so be it; only he cannot pick a leader for this nation because Nigerians have not conferred on him the right to pick their leaders for them. This is more so when Nigerians are right-thinking people whose brains work. So, when people continue to express certain views as if the president and the former leader are at war to the extent that such can affect his chances of returning for a second term should he decide, it baffles me.
“There is no war at all, and in fact, there are many individuals who can play roles, not a single person making it work. There is no doubt the former president has influence, but it is limited to a certain level. The truth is that as a member of the PDP, as a former president under the party, as a former chairman of the party’s BoT, and as a member of the same body, former President Olusegun Obasanjo will eventually have no choice than to support a second term should Mr. President decide to run both before the primary and after the primary.”
In what might come as a rude shock to some governors of northern extraction who are rumored to be eyeing the Aso Villa – the seat of power, Gulak says: “Northern governors can’t stop Jonathan. Most of the governors making statements are serving out their second terms, and what do you expect?
“Most of them are aspiring to be president and they cannot stop Jonathan if he decides to contest. How many governors stood for election and failed? They can challenge, yes, but cannot defeat him. Everybody has the right to contest. They can challenge President Goodluck Jonathan, but defeating him? I would say no. None of the governors has the potency to defeat President Jonathan, both within and outside the party, if he decides to contest.”

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PHOTOS: World’s Former Fattest Man Loses An Incredible 45 Stone

World’s former fattest man loses an incredible 45 stone – but now needs an operation to shed eight stone of excess skin. Paul Mason, from Ipswich, Suffolk, once weighed an incredible 70 stone

The former fattest man in the world has lost almost two thirds of his weight – but now wants an operation to remove his excess skin.
Paul Mason, 51, once weighed an incredible 70 stone – almost half a ton – and firefighters had to demolish the front of his house so he could be removed using a fork lift truck and taken to hospital.
But after NHS surgery two years ago, the former postman from Ipswich, Suffolk, has slimmed to only 25 stone.
Former world’s fattest man Paul Mason has shed almost two thirds of his weight after NHS surgery to reduce his stomach size
Mr Mason, who once ate about 20,000 calories a day, says he is now desperate to lose more weight but has been told by the NHS he cannot have the surgery until his weight is at a ‘stable level’ for at least two years.
He said the excess skin was hampering his efforts to walk, which would help him lose even more weight.
He added: ‘My skin splits. The skin behind my knee tears because of the weight of the excess skin.’
Mr Mason is now writing a book about his experience and looking into the prospect of consultancy work, talking to people about eating disorders.
He has also started his own jewellery business and says he wants to work towards a life where he can learn to drive, go on holiday and settle down with a partner.
Mr Mason said: ‘I’ve always been interested in the jewellery.
‘Eventually, when I’m a lot more mobile and don’t need the wheelchair, I will have a proper work shed and a kiln and will melt down scrap silver – and make my own custom-made silver.’
‘He hopes to sell his work online and at a stall in Ipswich town centre.
Paul Mason says he hopes to eventually lead a normal life and is trying to start up a business making jewellery
Mr Mason ballooned to his incredible size by eating ten times the amount needed by a normal man due to a compulsive eating disorder.
He claimed his binge eating began in his 20s at the time of his father’s death and a deterioration in his mother’s health.
Mr Mason quit his job as a postman when his weight prevented him from completing his deliveries.
As his weight soared he was left unable to stand or walk before finally becoming bed-ridden and being looked after full time by council carers.
Firefighters had to demolish the front wall of his former home so they could drive a fork lift truck inside to lift him out and put him into an ambulance when he needed a hernia operation in 2002.
Mr Mason was later given a purpose-built housing association home with extra wide doorways so he could move around.
His care bill cost taxpayers an estimated £100,000 a year and is believed to have topped £1million.
At the height of his food addiction, he was gorging an entire packet of bacon, four sausages and four eggs complete with bread and hash browns for breakfast.
He would then eat quadruple portions of fish and chips along with two kebabs for lunch followed by a roast dinner, curries or pizza and more chips in the evening.Mr Mason would also eat up to 40 packets of crisps, sausage rolls and pasties as snacks during the day.
His weight loss has meant he is able to go out and about again in his motorised wheelchair, and can walk short distances.

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PHOTO: Image Of Samsung Galaxy S IV Leaked

An image claiming to show the new Samsung Galaxy S IV has been leaked online, showing only minor cosmetic differences to the Galaxy S III.


The biggest change shown on the leaked image is the absence of physical buttons from the the front of the device and a taller screen.

SamMobile.com, who published the image, claim it originated from an insider at Samsung, but could not confirm the specifications of the device or any further details.

While its validity is far from certain, the photo is the first purported image of Samsung's next iPhone-challenger, the successor to last year's best-selling Galaxy S III.

Samsung became the top selling phone handset maker in the world in 2012, with sales of the Galaxy range of smartphones leading the companies net profit up 91 per cent year-on-year at the end of its third quarter. Over the course of the year Samsung added two new phones to the Galaxy S line, the S III and S III mini. The Galaxy S III sold more than 30 million handsets in just seven months.

The strength of the Galaxy S line is expected to continue Samsung's mobile phone growth through 2013 according to analysts, with the gap between it and Apple, their nearest competitor in the smartphone marketplace, expected to grow.

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'Kelvin Lakoju did not kill himself" close friends of Kelvin respond

 

Friends and family of Kelvin Lakoju, the 28-year-old Nigerian student in India who allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the second floor of his rented accommodation, don't believe the suicide story. Close friends of the photography student said Kevin had absolutely no reason to commit suicide and he wasn't suffering from depression as it's being alleged by the Indian police.

A friend living in India said "Kelvin was killed, we know it, the Indian police knows it, they have confirmed it". Although investigations are still going on, it is believed that the possibility of suicide has been ruled out.
Kelvin was said to have received death threats from his landlord and on several occasions he had reported to his parents. Unconfirmed reports say that new findings will be sent out soon.



In the main time it has been sadness, pain and tears for friends of Kelvin.

Another longtime friend of his Kofo who also schooled in India said
"He had lots of plans mapped out, he was going to tour the world, hungary to India and his next stop was either canada or U.S. He was so full of life, ideas, plans... which is why i don't believe that suicide rubbish. I pray whoever did this will suffer for it"

Another friend who pleaded anonymous said amidst tears "how come they were quick to conclude that it was a suicide case, just days before the incident he was very bubbly and the last set of people he spoke with said there were no signs of depression"

He was a great guy, humble, friendly and calm, he'll be greatly missed by his Family and Friends.

His friends are hereby appealing to the authority and the embassy in India to take up the case, his friends and neighbors should be questioned, everybody around should be called.

Kelvin couldn't have killed himself, he wouldn't do such a thing. Was the response of an old school friend of his.

 

source ; linda ikeji's blog

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