Pr!me Arman! zaman!'s Blog

Friday, 7 June 2013

Meet the 2013 Mr Ideal Nigeria - Chidubem Osugade

Chidubem Osugade beat 33 other contestants to win the 2013 edition of the Mr Ideal Nigeria contest which took place on the 16th of May in Lagos. He'll represent Nigeria at the Mr Africa International. Chibudem won a KIA Rio. More photos when you continue...

Clarifying Nigeria's debt position - Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

A statement from the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

There has recently been a lot of misinformation and misconception in our public debate on debt. My goal in this article is to shed some light on the public debt, to clarify the real state of Nigeria’s debt position, and hopefully, provide a knowledge platform for constructive debate.

Let me say at the outset that no one in government is supportive of a Nigeria that returns to a high state of indebtedness. On a personal note, having gone through tremendous stress during the quest for Paris Club debt relief, I am committed to a Nigerian economy that is fiscally prudent, balances its books and remains at a low state of indebtedness.

To begin, Nigeria’s overall debt is comprised of external and domestic debts. The external debt is typically owed to foreign creditors such as multilateral agencies (for example, the Africa Development Bank, the World Bank, or the Islamic Development Bank), to bilateral sources (such as the China Exim Bank, the French Development Bank or the Japanese Aid Agency), or to private creditors such as investors in our Eurobonds. The domestic debt, however, is contracted within Nigerian borders, usually through bond issues which are then purchased by Nigerian banks, local pension funds, and other domestic and foreign investors. The resources raised typically go to help fund the budget or other domestic expenditures, such as infrastructure projects. We also have some contractor arrears, and other local liabilities which are normally handled through the budget.

Both federal and state governments borrow domestically and externally. However, no state government can borrow externally unless guaranteed by the Federal Government. Similarly, state governments’ domestic borrowing is subject to federal government analysis and confirmation – based on clear criteria and guidelines that a state can repay based on their monthly FAAC allocations and internally generated revenues (IGR).

As a nation, we have had a difficult history with debt. As such, no one can forget the challenging times we went through from 2003 to 2005 trying, in the end, successfully to get relief on our large external debt. Neither the government nor any Nigerian wants a repeat of the country’s past history of large debts. That is why the current President Goodluck Jonathan administration, the Legislature, the Ministry of Finance, and the Debt Management Office, are very focused on a conservative and prudent approach to managing the national debt. Our current approach balances Nigeria’s needs for investment in physical and human infrastructure with a strong policy to limit overall indebtedness in relation to our ability to pay. Above all, any debts incurred must go for directly productive purposes which yield results that Nigerians can see.

First the numbers:

a. In 2004, prior to the Paris Club debt relief, Nigeria’s overall debt stock was very high. External debt stood at US$35.9 billion while the stock of the domestic debt amounted to US$10.3 billion resulting in a total of about US$46.2 billion or 64.3% of GDP excluding contractor and pension arrears.

b. After the successful debt relief initiative, Nigeria’s stock of foreign debt declined dramatically. Indeed, in August 2006, when I left office, Nigeria’s foreign and domestic debts amounted to US$3.5 billion and US$13.8 billion respectively – a total of US$17.3 billion or 11.8% of GDP.

c. By August 2011, when I resumed for the second time as Finance Minister, the domestic debt stock had grown substantially to US$42.23 billion, while the external debt was still a modest US$5.67 billion. This implied a total debt stock of US$47.9 billion or 21% of GDP. Note that while the debt stock grew, our national income also grew so that debt to GDP ratio (the parameter used globally to measure a country’s debt sustainability) remains modest and manageable.

d. Thus, the key noticeable change in Nigeria’s indebtedness in recent years has been the growth of domestic debt. There were two main reasons which resulted in this outcome. First, the initial growth of the domestic debt stock was because the federal government wanted to deepen the domestic debt markets and generate a yield curve for Nigeria which ultimately could help our corporate bodies to access the capital markets and borrow funds at more affordable rates. The DMO through its work has been successful in doing this.

Nigerian corporates can now raise money at reasonable rates at home and abroad, helping them secure resources to invest in the economy. Secondly, however, domestic debt was also raised to finance increased budget expenditures including consumption. For example, in 2010, the 53% salary increase for civil servants was financed by raising domestic bonds. Borrowing for recurrent expenditure or consumption, as was the case here is a practice that is less than ideal and one that we should endeavour not to repeat. We must learn that domestic debt should be incurred sparingly at modest and manageable rates so that government is able to service it and pay back domestic creditors. Failure to do so would severely undermine the finances of our private and institutional creditors to the detriment of the economy.

It is with this background in mind that we have put in place several measures to limit and manage the national debt. There are a number of specific policies we have introduced in the current administration to slow down the increase in our overall debt stock.

a. First, we have brought expenditures and revenues much more in line, through a low fiscal deficit of 1.81% GDP, to reduce the need for domestic borrowing. For example, we reduced annual domestic borrowing from N852 billion in 2011, to N744 billion in 2012, and to N577 billion in 2013. Our objective is to reduce government’s domestic borrowing to below N500 billion in the 2014 budget.

b. Second, for the first time, we have paid down part of our domestic debt rather than rolling all of it over. Beginning in February 2013, we successfully retired N75 billion worth of maturing domestic bonds. And we will continue with this practice in the coming years.

c. Third, we have established a sinking fund with an initial capitalisation of N25 billion. This fund will enable the government to retire maturing bond obligations in the future.

d. Fourth, we are working increasingly with states to get a clearer picture of domestic debts acquired by state governments, thanks to the comprehensive review recently completed by the DMO. Our particular concern is that state governments limit borrowings in line with their incomes and put any borrowings made to work on specific projects and programmes that bring direct beneficial results to their citizens.

[Please find attached the Debt-to-GDP ratio of selected economies]

e. Fifth, instead of the previous practice of contracting foreign loans in an ad hoc manner, we have streamlined the process for federal and state governments and made it transparent through the Medium Term Rolling External Borrowing Plan, which is reviewed and approved by the National Assembly. This plan presents the anticipated loans to be contracted by the government over a three-year time window, so that we can target funds to priority projects, and also make trade-offs where necessary. Notice that this covers planned foreign borrowing by both the federal and state governments for projects that will yield results in infrastructure, education, health, etc. Most loans contracted are on concessional or very favourable terms. For example, many of the multilateral loans are at zero interests, 40-year maturity, and 10 years grace. Others are at less than three per cent rate of interest.

f. And finally, we have put forward a Medium-Term Debt Strategy with a mix of limited external and domestic borrowing that is appropriate for the economy.

But let me repeat that we shall never be complacent about our national debt. We need to be constantly vigilant to limit the amount of debt and create room for the private sector instead to borrow. As such, we need to stay focused on three main priorities.
First, we should continue to monitor our external borrowing and ensure that we do not slip back to our high indebtedness prior to the debt relief programme. As I mentioned earlier, the External Borrowing Plan, helps to address this concern by ensuring that we always have a comprehensive, transparent view of our foreign borrowing. As at now, our external indebtedness is low at $6.67 billion or about three per cent of GDP.

Second, we should closely continue to monitor and limit our domestic debt, and ensure that it stays within a prudent and conservative range. We should pay off debt that is due to the extent of our ability.

And third, we should also continue to closely monitor borrowing by states to ensure that the debt burdens of our state governments remain within manageable levels and that borrowings are applied to specific projects that yield results for citizens of the state. In that regard, we enjoin banks and other lenders to be careful and prudent when lending to ensure that this is done within the existing rules, regulations and guidelines.

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said: “Information and knowledge are central to democracy – and they are the conditions for development.” That is precisely why I have gone to some length to throw light on the real facts and the real issues regarding our debt situation and what the federal government is doing to address them. We need to create the basis to have a healthy and constructive public conversation on this issue, not a distorted and partisan battle.

• Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance.

Africa’s First Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka To Lead Announcement Of The Future Awards 2013 Winners

Professor Wole Soyinka with the Executive Director of The Future Project, Chude Jideonwo

The Central Working Committee for The Future Awards, which is going Africa-wide this season, has formally announced the judges for 2013 awards, as well as the judges for Young Person of the Year - The Africa Prize.

The Africa Prize is presented in partnership with the youth office of the African Union Commission.

The awards are judged over a two-month period, supervised by a central working committee, a board of judges and an independent audit committee - an 8-year rigorous process with checks and balances that has produced many of Nigeria's most prominent young leaders in the past decade.

The Board of Judges is made up of the country's brightest young journalists across print, electronic and online media, and the independent audit committee is made up of distinguished Nigerians across sectors. The committee list is below:

INDEPENDENT AUDIT COMMITTEE

Prof. Uche Azikiwe (MFR), Professor, University of Nigeria Nsukka

Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman of the Editorial Board, Thisday

Betty Irabor, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher, Genevieve

Leke Alder, Principal Consultant, Alder

Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Head, Corporate Communication, Forte Oil

Biola Alabi, Managing Director, Mnet Africa

Mo Abudu, Chief Executive, Inspire Africa

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor, Trinity House

Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity

Fela Durotoye, Chief Executive, Visible Impact

Ndidi Nwuneli (MFR), Founder, LEAP Africa

Funmi Omogbenigun, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, MTN

Segun Odegbami (MON), Chairman, The International Sports Academy

Peace Anyiam Osigwe, Chief Executive, Africa Movie Academy Awards

Enitan Denloye, Director of Communications, Etisalat

Folake Ani-Mumuney, Head, Corporate Communication and Marketing, First Bank Nigeria

Hon. Jibrin Abdulmumuni, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance

Muhtar Bakare, Chief Executive, Farafina

Jimi Agbaje, Founder, Jaykay Pharmacy

Frank Nweke, Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group

Adeola Azeez, Chairperson, Executive Council, WimBiz

Bolanle Austen-Peters, Chief Executive, Terra Kulture

Detoun Ogwo, Executive Director, AfterSchool Graduate Development Centre

Toni Kan, Managing Partner, Radi8 Creative

Halleluyah Atuyota Akporobomeriere, Comedian & President, Ali Baba Hiccupuray3rd

Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Publisher, TW

Hafsat Abiola-Costello, Special Adviser, Millennium Development Goals, Ogun State

Jummai Umar-Ajijola, Executive Chair, The Business People

Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeia

JUDGES - THE AFRICA PRIZE

Elikem NutifafaKuenyehia, Managing Director, Oxford & Beaumont Ghana

Chichi Okonjo, Publisher, Ventures Africa

Victoria Trabosh, President, Ithafari Foundation Rwanda

Nude Pregnant Kim Kardashian Sculpture Unveiled in L.A! Artist Says The Media Should Stop Critizing Her For Gaining Weight During Pregnancy

A nude pregnant sculpture of Kim Kardashian is currently on display at LAB ART Gallery in Los Angeles. Artist Daniel Edwards has created the life-size sculpture titled "L.A. Fertility."

“I was inspired by the beauty of Kim Kardashian and felt quite put-off by the media’s criticism of her weight gain during pregnancy,” Edwards said in a statement. “Such criticism should be off limits.”

“We live in a media-absorbed culture where anyone can access and share a celebrity’s most intimate moments,” added Cory Allen.

The unveiling of Kardashian's sculpture took place on Wednesday in L.A. Visitors were also encouraged to rub the statue's belly for good luck.

No word yet on whether Kardashian will be one of the patrons to come by and check herself out.

29 Year Old Nigerian Woman Murdered In Spain By A Kung Fu Master

One of the most famous martial arts masters of Spain, Juan Carlos Aguilar, 47, has been arrested for the murder of a Nigerian prostitute in Spain.

The 29-year-old Nigerian woman, Maureen Ada, was allegedly beaten up by Kung Fu martial artist Juan Carlos Aguilar and left in coma after the assault. She was found by the police at Aguilar's gym after a passerby saw him drag a woman by the hair inside his Buddist temple and alerted the police who came and took the woman to the Basurto hospital in Bilbao where she died on Wednesday morning at about 12pm.

Late Maureen was taken to the hospital in a very serious condition after being found badly beaten all over her body and with her hands, neck and feet tied.

Investigation by the Spanish police revealed human remains of a Colombian woman in his house whom Juan Carlos admitted he had killed. Police said he may be a serial killer.

Juan Carlos was a star on TV and he was fond of walking on coals, breaking bottles with his fingers, defying gravity in spectacular positions and passing his tongue on a hot iron without burning.

Initial press report states that Aguilar had won a number of competitions and championships for his martial arts skills but the Spanish Karate Federation has issued a statement clarifying that it has never had any association with Aguilar and that he never won any Kung fu competition in Spain and the Shaolin Temple Spain, the only center in Spain that is recognized by the Shaolin Temple in China, also confirmed that Aguilar is not a Shaolin master and nor is he a monk.

Thursday, 6 June 2013

33 Year Old Woman Strangled To Death In Lekki By Her 27 Year Old Lover

Homicide detectives of the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos have launched a man-hunt for 27-year-old Victor Chukwuemeka Udenze from Urunebo village, Enugu-Ukwu, Anambra State over the murder of his 35-year-old lover, Ms Bianca Ndidi Okoye.

Victor was alleged to have killed his Sugar Mummy, Ms Bianca, during a hot argument inside her apartment in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, over "money related" fight...

Elder brother of Ms Bianca, Emeka Okoye, told Crime Alert that in a desperate move to cover his act, the suspect, Victor, went away with her phones, laptop, documents and disconnected every link between him and Bianca on the social media, facebook.

Narrating the circumstances that surrounded the death of their sister Emeka Okoye said, “that fateful night on the 10th of May, 2013, our sister, a mother of two from Ogidi, Anambra state, returned to her apartment in the company of Victor, a male friend whom she had been seeing for some time before the incident. Both of them went into the deceased bedroom.

"Before she slept off that night, the deceased teenage daughter identified as Onyinye said she heard noise and exchange of threats between her mother and Victor but did not enter the bedroom, as she thought it was some private matter that would be resolved amicably, after which she slept off. Their neighbours also reported that they heard Bianca’s shouts at night but did not enter her apartment as they equally did not envisage it would lead to her death.

“It was in the morning of the next day 11th of May, 2013, that one of the neighbours asked the deceased children after their mother, to which the children said she was still asleep. The fact of Bianca’s death however dawned on them, when her children were begging their neighbours for money to enable them eat."

Begging for money
"Their neighbour’s suspicion was compounded when the children further told them that they were begging for money because their mother had been sleeping since morning. This prompted them to go over to the deceased apartment, and opened her door, only to see Bianca lying on the bed, stone dead.

"The neighbours said they tried contacting us but apart from her children living with her, they did not know any of us. However, one of them identified as Philiper saved the day because she has the GSM number of one of Bianca’s friends identified as Chioma. She contacted her and she in turn was asked to contact any of us to come and carry her body.
"That was how we were able to know what happened and when we came, we discovered that her killer was on the run.”

Speaking with Crime Alert, Chioma, late Bianca's friend, said she could not believe what she heard, because it sounded like a rude joke. This made her to place a call across to the suspect, Victor, as she has his phone number.
According to Chioma, immediately the suspect picked her call, he hurriedly asked her if any of her friends had called her. She reportedly asked him why he was asking such question and he said it had to do with the deceased, Bianca, whom he had problems with. In shock, Chioma shouted, “so it is true you have killed Bianca, you will pay for it”, and immediately, Victor switched off his phone.

Crime Alert learnt that the case was reported at Elemero police station, and policemen came from the station and took the remains of the deceased away. Autopsy carried out on Bianca’s remains revealed that she died as a result of strangulation.

The family of the deceased told the Police that a few days after the incident, the deceased documents were seen littered on a street in Enugu, Enugu State, and they don't know how the documents got there.

You may wish to know that the late Bianca Ndidi Okoye was married, but separated from her husband, and was having an affair with Victor, until the time she was killed.

Photo: Is Sasha P Pregnant?

She was spotted at Tuface campus tour which held in Unilag. I didn't notice it, but my readers did and called my attention to it. To be honest, that can't be just a tummy, and the face. oh well, congrats Sasha....Congrats.

OJB Jezreel Suffers Kidney Failure

Popular music producer, OJB Jezreel has been diagnosed with a kidney problem. The music producer is currently at LUTH where he is receiving treatment. Even though he has the money to pay for his treatment, he urgently needs a donor to save him, a source said.

Who Is The First Guy In The Picture Below?

Only clue: He is an actor.

It's Getting Hot! Munachi Abi Also Shares Her No Makeup Photo

First it was Genevieve Nnaji, then Rita Dominic and alot of others also joined in posting their no makeup pictures. Now its ex beauty queen turned rapper, Munachi Abi. You like?

Charly Boy's daughter Adaeze opens up about life as an Oputa

You have been introduced to Dominique Oputa, this is her immediate elder sister, Adaeze Oputa. Adaeze graduated with magna cum laude from South Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business relations (public marketing and advertising concentration) and an MBA in Management Information Systems. Currently, she works in Education Management (for profit educational sector) as an Associate Director on the Admissions Board. Ada also hosts and produces an entertainment TV show on Fuxion Television in Atlanta, called The Entertainment Scoop.

Ada is obviously a contrast of the Charlyboy’s personal. In this interview, Ada bares her mind on who she is and the effect of the Charlyboy brand on her. Find the interview after the cut...

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I’m Adaeze Oputa… daughter of Charles and Diane Oputa. I graduated with magna cum laude from South Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business relations (public marketing and advertising concentration) and an MBA in Management Information Systems. Currently, I work in education management (for profit educational sector) as an associate director on the admissions board. I love working in education especially with young adults, providing structure is my calling. I also host and produce an entertainment television show on Fuxion Television, Atlanta called The Entertainment Scoop. The show details mainly current events in the African Entertainment industry.

Do you imagine yourself wearing tattoos and piercings? What is your own take on it?

I have a small tattoo, which I got out of peer pressure when I was much-much younger. I’m not opposed to tattoos or piercings. I feel that these things are subjective means of expression actualized in art and it just happens to be on the body. Some paint on canvas, some on buildings, and others on their skin – to each, its own.

From what you said earlier, your educational background differs from your professional background. Why didn’t you study something more related to what you are practicing now? Do you enjoy what you are doing and is it what you have always aspired to do?

My educational background actually makes me versatile professionally and doesn’t necessarily box me into a specific profession. In regards to my television show – it’s something I have always dreamed of doing, but was only afraid to venture into it because of my father’s success in that area. I always felt like I needed something that was my own and in so doing, I tried hard to stifle my creative aspirations. It took a lot of convincing and grooming from my managers to have reached this point.

I enjoy my professional life and get fulfillment from what I do. I also love producing and being in front of the camera. Although, I don’t have formal training, I’ve learnt a lot in the little amount of time I have been with Fuxion Television and I am grateful for the experience. I work with a great team of professionals and I cannot wait for the world to see what we have to offer.

Tell us about your television show and any other projects you may be working on

. Fuxion Television is head quartered in Atlanta Georgia and is a multicultural television station. We started airing officially in January of 2013 and we hit the ground running. Currently we are airing a wide variety of shows and one of them is The Entertainment Scoop hosted and produced by yours truly. We also have an online app that we just launched which allows our audience to watch our shows from any part of the world on your cell phone, laptop, ipad and so on. All you have to do is log on to our website www.myfuxiontv.comto watch our station live or look for our app on Google market place. Also follow us on twitter @fuxion TV ATL and find us on face book as well.

Are you happy with whom your father is, especially his persona? If yes or no; why?

We don't choose our family, I'm glad I was born into the legacy that is Oputa. Mr. Oputa is my father, not Charlyboy.

Could you say you are proud of your family name? Has being Charlyboy’s daughter helped you?

Of course, I am proud of my family. We have a proud and rich legacy and I hope I am able to continue that. I wouldn't say my father’s name has helped or hindered my knowledge in anyway. I operate as an individual and I always have.

What are your reactions when people speak negatively about the brand/ your father.

The brand is in the public eye and anything/ anyone in the public eye is subject to scrutiny. So I'm indifferent about it, to answer your question.

The brand has been rumored to being gay, illuminati, or a voodist among other weird stuff. What is your take on that?

What Charlyboy puts out and who my father is are two different things.

Do you think there is any trait you have taken from your father, whether good or bad?

I'm his daughter, and like him, I am head strong, focused, determined about my dream, and I celebrate my individuality.

The brand is very controversial, how does that affect you as a young lady?

Ask Charlyboy. However, when issues like that arise, we address them and move on.

How did you feel growing up as a child, hearing different rumours about your dad?

Growing up, my household was the norm, so I saw nothing wrong with it. As I got older and heard some of the rumours, it helped me understand that people may not exactly understand the brand, and it’s something that I’ve grown to understand and accept. Everyone walks their own path in life, my dad is walking his, and we all are doing the same and rumours cannot change that.

Has there been any difference between the message of the brand and your philosophy?

Well, not exactly. The same message of individuality, tenacity, focus and chasing your dreams as typical of the brand, all form the bedrock of my philosophy . Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life….

Would you have preferred a quiet life for the brand?

You use the term "The Brand" and I'm not sure if you are referring to My father or his profession. At any rate, I don't think I have a preference. Its the life he /the brand chose and it works for him/ the brand. Quiet is relative, I think he is low key in his personal life but some people may beg to differ from afar.

Apart from being your father, what are the benefits you think the brand can give to the society?

He has encouraged young people to imbibe creative freedom and that of expression, inspiring them to look inwards, while chasing their dreams tenaciously.

Who is Lady D?

My beautiful mother.

It appears you have been on your own for a very long time, how has your mom contributed in the journey so far?

My mom and I are best friends, so we lean on each other for advice, especially in this stage of my life. I think that relationship is extremely important. She visits me very often (maybe too often) laughs. When she visits we, talk about every possible thing under the sun, and to me, that’s essential – communication is the key to every relationship.

Are you aware of the reality TV show? What’s your take on it? Don’t you think everyone is doing something like it right now, and this is just one of those things?

I am aware, in fact we are currently working on revamping the present concept that features the entire family. I know a short reel was leaked earlier on in the year, and since then, we have restructured the script and we will be giving our viewers something very fresh – something you have never seen before. The show will provide a realistic insight on the family, our struggles, triumphs, trials and so much more, a real view on what family life is about. Everyone has always been interested in our family structure and how things really go down in the house that punk built. So, this show is long overdue.

Your parents have stayed together, for over thirty-five years. What do you think is responsible for that and is there anything to learn from what they share? If so, what?

Love, Patience, Understanding and God.

Since you come from a rich heritage, what do you think you have to do to top that?

A lot, and I feel as though I'm well on my way by Gods Grace.

Chika Ike shares photos of herself as a teenager on Instagram

The last photo on the right is the actress all grown up!

Davido balling! Pictured in a strip club in Atlanta

He shared the photo on Instagram. This should be in every young man's to do list! At least once!Hehe

Olamide shows off his boo of life!

That's Olamide's long time lady love. He shared the photos on his Instagram page...

'I chose to be with Peter Okoye, ring or no ring' Lola Omotayo Tweets

This is a reaction to all the online comments following her recent interview...

Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Man Who Sells Human Head For N1000 Arrested

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a grandfather, Mr. Segun Kayode, for allegedly exhuming and selling human parts.

According to the police, the suspect, who works at a cemetery in Epe area of the state, sold human parts for a living, adding that he had become notorious in the area for selling human parts.

It was learnt that the suspect was arrested following a report by a resident who saw him displaying a skull for sale.

The grandfather, who could not give his exact age, said he started selling human parts because he was poor and jobless.

He said:

“I live at 2,Tungbehin Street, Epe. I have two children and I am a grandfather. I have always been poor all my life because I had no formal or informal education. I used to be a fisherman but when there were no longer fishes in rivers in my area, I became a gardener at Epe Local Government Secretariat.

“About four years ago, the LG said they no longer needed my services so I started trimming grass at a cemetery in the area.”

The suspect, who did not deny the allegations, said there was nothing wrong in selling dead people’s parts since the dead never used them.

He said one day, while he was clearing weeds in the cemetery, he noticed a human skull which had been dug up.

He said, “Most times, when a corpse is not buried with a coffin, the possibility of the corpse resurfacing is very high. So, what workers at the cemetery do is to gather some of the corpses and burn them instead of burying them again.

“I realised that this was not a smart thing to do since it would be better to make money from it. The families of these dead people never care about them once they are buried and weeds had taken over the cemetery.”

The suspect said he sold only two corpses while he had on numerous occasions given them out for free.

He said, “I have sold only two human heads. I sold the first one for N1, 000 while I sold the second one for N1, 500. Last week, a resident approached me saying an herbalist needed the head so I got a decomposed head, for him, washed it and put it on a fence to dry.

“A resident saw me and raised the alarm and that was how I was arrested.”

PUNCH Metro had reported last week that five people, including an herbalist, were arrested for selling human parts.

A police source told one of our correspondents that the trend was common in areas where public cemeteries were situated.

“Areas which are not located in the metropolis and have cemeteries have become the hideout for cartels which specialise in sale of human parts. We (police) have reason to believe that some of these human parts dealers also engage in ritual killing,” he said.

The source added that efforts were going on to arrest other human parts sellers in the area.

When contacted on the telephone, the spokesperson for the state police command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed Kayode’s arrest. She said he had been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba.

Source: Punch

Peter Okoye's baby mama Lola Omotayo talks about the challenges of dating a celebrity

The mother of two tells PM News:

Having a relationship with a musician is one of the most challenging situations to be in. There are things you have to deal with; a lot of women, intruders, fans. You have to appreciate and respect the fans, but you also have some of them who are thinking of other things. I think it’s one of the most challenging relationships one can have.

You won’t even spend much time with your partner because he’s on the road most of the time doing shows and concerts; even during holidays like Christmas, Easter and New Year, they are not around. So I’m not really enjoying that part. But I thank God that we are managing it very well.

On what attracted her to Peter Okoye...find her answer after the cut...

Peter has drive. He has vision and pursues it. He doesn’t let anybody distract him from that vision and that I saw in him, which a lot of people didn’t see. Some people were like, ‘what are you doing with a musician? Are you crazy?’ but I saw something very different and unique about Peter.

I saw the goals he set for himself and how he accomplished those goals step by step, and I was very impressed with that. I also saw that he wasn’t a selfish person.

He was a generous person from the outset, even though he didn’t have much then, he was always generous. I like a man who is generous, not for the financial reason, but also to see how he can add value to other people’s lives; that is very important to me. He is also a good listener; he listens to people, listens to me…those are the things that attracted me to Peter. He’s an amazing guy.

US places $23m reward for Boko Haram leader, Shekau, 4 others

The US today Monday June 3rd posted up to $23 million in rewards to help track down five leaders of militant groups accused of spreading terror in west Africa.

The highest reward of $7 million is offered for the Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, who last week called on Islamists in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq to join the bloody fight to create an Islamic state in Nigeria.

The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program also targeted Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), offering its first ever bounties for wanted militants in west Africa.

Up to $5 million was posted for Al-Qaeda veteran Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the one-eyed Islamist behind the devastating attack on an Algerian gas plant in January in which 37 foreigners, including three Americans, were killed.

A further $5 million was offered for top AQIM leader Yahya Abou Al-Hammam, reportedly involved in the 2010 murder of an elderly French hostage in Niger.

Malik Abou Abdelkarim, a senior fighter with AQIM, and Oumar Ould Hamaha, the spokesman for Mali’s Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), were also targeted by the rewards program, which will give up to $3 million each for information leading to their arrests.

Source: AFP

I Am At War With The Nigerian National Assembly- Kemi Olunloyo

I am at WAR with the Nigerian National Assembly! I DARE them to order my arrest for Educating Gays with their clueless law. I want everyone … to write their lawmakers that I am encouraging gays and supporting their activities underground. The Gay law is FRAUD!! We did not vote for it, they passed it on our behalf stating that God doesn't want it for the people. You put that kind of SHIT on the fucking ballot and we will be satisfied. The Gay law should be repealed and put on the 2015 ballot like any developed country would.

It is not in the 1999 Constitution and considered fraudulent. When the ppl vote against it, I will be convinced.
Watch me on CNN, CTV and SNN next week.

The WAR begins.

KOO

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Sweet!