FG recovers another $151m, N8bn loot through Whistleblower

Federal Government said it has recovered another $151m and N8bn looted funds from three sources through whistle-blowers.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, said actionable information given by whistle-blowers to the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation led to the recovery of the looted fund.

He said the looted funds do not include the $9.2m in cash allegedly owned by a former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, also a dividend of the whistle-blower policy.

He said,

Authorities arrest Nigerian who swallowed 90 capsules of cocaine in India airport

A Nigerian, Okonkwo M. Tony, has been arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi, India, for alleged drug trafficking.

Tony, upon his arrest by Narcotics Control Bureau sleuths had swallowed 90 capsules of cocaine.

The drugs were found in his stomach during a routine search.

Tony was apprehended after he landed at the airport from Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa and had been admitted to a hospital by the sleuths of the Delhi Zonal unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau.

A joint commissioner, crime, Ravindra Yadav, told The Hindu the suspect ejected 90 cocaine-filled capsules weighing 1.3kg in two days.

Senate to hold public hearing on 2017 Budget tomorrow

The Senate is holding a public hearing on the 2017 Appropriation Bill submitted to the legislature by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the public hearing is aimed at allowing stakeholders and members of the public to make contributions to the proposed legislation before passage by the National Assembly.

It said that over the past week, the Senate has suspended regular plenary sessions with a view to giving all committees an opportunity to conduct adequate oversight and for ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government to defend the allocations included in the estimates submitted to the legislature by President Buhari.

No plan to convert Arik to national carrier — FG

The Federal Government is not planning to convert Nigeria’s biggest and beleaguered airline, Arik Air, to a national carrier, contrary to speculations making the rounds since the takeover of the airline.

Some senior officials at the aviation arm of the Federal Ministry of Transportation disclosed this on Saturday.

This is as the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria revealed that if not for the Federal Government’s intervention in Arik Air, the airline would have stopped operations on Monday, February 13, due to its heavy debts.

Bouncers of Lagos marathon maltreat journalists

The journalists accredited to cover the second Access Bank Lagos City were yesterday maltreated by the bouncers engaged by the race organisers, preventing them from carrying out their duties.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the journalists were poorly treated by the bouncers at the VIP arena.

The journalists were accredited to have access to the VIP area, Work Station, Mixed Zone and Press Conference Rooms but the macho men prevented them from accessing the VIP.

In terms of disseminating information to the media, it was poorly handled by the organisers who did not provide a mixed zone.

Delta State | Suspected Fulani herdsmen rob travellers

Several transport vehicles travelling the East/West road, weekend, were robbed of their money and other valuable by suspected Fulani herdsmen, along Ohoror, Ughelli North local government area of Delta State.

The herdsmen numbering over 20, according to sources were seen in army camouflage uniform with sophisticated firearms and in a commando style robbing their victims who may have mistaken them for soldiers.

Bayelsa State | Fire guts store, destroys N300m worth of goods

Fire has gutted a multi-million naira Jico Electrical Store, one of the biggest stores in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, destroying goods and property worth about N300m.

The fire was said to have started in the early hours of Saturday before the owner and workers at the shop resumed for the day’s business.

It was learnt that efforts to put out the fire proved abortive as neighbours and passers-by watched helplessly as the fire burnt the entire goods and property in the big store.

It was gathered that men of state fire service, who though responded promptly to the emergency, could do nothing to quench the raging fire as they were said to have complained that their trucks had no chemicals.

Customs explain why they’ve not prosecuted importers of 661 pump-action rifles

The Nigeria Customs Service, on Saturday, explained why it had not prosecuted those arrested for their alleged involvement in the importation of 49 boxes of 661 pump-action rifles, stating that the service had yet to conclude investigations into the matter.

The Assistant Comptroller and acting spokesman for the NCS, Joseph Attah, told our correspondent during a telephone interview that no action could be taken on the matter now as investigations had not been concluded.

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the NCS had, on January 30, intercepted the 40-foot container containing the rifles along the Mile 2 Apapa Road in Lagos State.

Kano Power Tussle: We need each other, Ganduje tells Kwankwaso

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday in Kano declared that the political difference between him and his predecessor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, can be resolved if Kwankwaso can submit himself for peace talks.

Ganduje who spoke to reporters in his office said Kwankwaso and himself need each other in their political career, considering the long time relationship they have enjoyed.

According to him, “I will make myself available for peace talks with him because I cannot have a political associate in the rest of my life like Kwankwaso and he too cannot also have a political associate like me (Ganduje) throughout the rest of his life.”

Ganduje served Kwankwaso as deputy governor for eight years, during which he displayed loyalty to him.

Why we took over Arik - AMCON

With just less than 72 hours after it took over Arik Air, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) said its intervention is aimed at providing assistance to the airline for smooth flight services.

This was contained in a statement yesterday.

Investigations revealed virtually all of Arik’s trade creditors are being owed staff salaries.

The airline workers have not been paid for between 4- 6 months.

It was also gathered that of the 28 aircraft in Arik’s fleet, only 10 are in operation.

Kaduna Residents Place Curses On Yakubu Andrew Over Alleged $9.7m loot

The embattled former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu has gone into the black book of his kinsmen following the recovery of an $9.7million and 74,000-pound sterling kept in a fireproof safe in his house in Sabon Tasha, a slum in Kaduna.

The residents who are apparently angry have placed curses of different dimensions on him for locking up equivalent of billions of naira in the community where many go to bed in hunger.

Yakubu remained in EFCC custody yesterday, battling for bail.

The residents gathered in twos and threes yesterday discussing the recovery which was widely published yesterday by the media.

Ubi Franklin Made Me Stop Watching Lilian Esoro’s Productions – Joel Amadi Reveals

Nigerian singer signed under the Kennis Music label, Joel Amadi has revealed that he is not ready to get married just yet.

The singer and 2face Idibia look alike in a chat with Subday Scoop disclosed that getting married will take a toll on the number of his female fans.

He further revealed that Tripple MG boss, Ubi Franklin stopped him from watching his wife, Lilian Esoro’s production.

These Are The People Who Betrayed Goodluck Jonathan – Ali Baba

King of Nigeria comedy, Ali Baba took to his social media page on Instagram to write on the former president Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and how he was betrayed.

Ali Baba wrote:

After going through all I could lay my hands on, I’m further convinced that the people who President Jonathan entrusted with authority in different sectors of the economy and government did him in.

I offered my virginity to Davido but he didn't acknowledge it – Singer, Adokiye

Nigerian singer, Adokiye who claims to be a virgin and has one time offered up her virginity to the Islamist-Jihadist sect, Boko Haram, in exchange for the kidnapped Chibok school girls, has opened up on her offer to give singer, Davido her first sex.

The singer, who had said: “I love Davido; I think he has a good heart and I’m guessing a lot of people don’t know that he’s nice and soft-hearted,” at that time revealed that she is yet to receive a reply from the self-styled Omo Baba Olowo.

Gospel Singer, Eric Arubayi dies after brief illness

According to several reports online, Arubayi died on Saturday, February 11 at the Delta State Teaching Hospital after battling a brief illness.

Late Eric is survived by a wife, Chinonso and a son. Eric and his wife had recently celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary.

Man seeking $47 million in damages after alleging that Uber ruin his marriage

It’s been a torrid couple of weeks for Uber with the recent happenings around and within the premier ride-sharing company.

First, the company came under fire for its questionable actions on the first weekend of Donald Trump’s immigration ban, and for CEO Travis Kalannick’s role on the president’s economic advisory board.

Now, Uber is being sued by a man claiming a bug in the app’s software is responsible for wrecking his marriage.

Why we knock before going Into the Mortuary – Mortician

The proprietor of Emeka Mortuary, Okunmi Community, Cross River State, Mr. Kalu Ben Chima, popularly called Emeka Ambulance, has revealed the spiritual combats that morticians, go through with occultists and members of some secret societies before their corpses were embalmed in his mortuary.

The Arochukwu-born mortician, whose mortuary is located along Ikom-Calabar highway, revealed that dead bodies, especially those of occultists and members of secret societies “do give us trouble while being embalmed because their bodies have been ‘fortified’ by the devil or some spiritual forces.”

PHOTONEWS: Borno Rally Organised In Support Of President Buhari

Following the nationwide ‘Enough is Enough’ protest which held on 6th February 2017 coinciding with the date the president, Muhammadu Buhari was expected back in the country from his original 10-day medical vacation in the United Kingdom, there have been rallies to show support for the president’s administration.

Recall that the #IStandWithBuhari support group had held a rally on the same day as the nationwide protest.

Cleavage-Baring Tiwa Savage Meets More American Stars At Pre-Grammy Event

Mavin queen, Tiwa Savage who signed a mouth watering deal with Roc Nation last year is enjoying her Pre-Grammy stay in Los Angeles as the artiste met with more American stars.

Tiwa Savage at the Roc Nation’s Pre-Grammy Brunch which held yesterday in Los Angeles met more American celebrities including P.Diddy and singer, Kelly Rowland after previously meeting with the likes of DJ Khaled, Emeli Sande.

More photos after the cut:

Rohr To Guardiola: Play Iheanacho Or Let Him Leave

Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has reiterated his call on Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola to either feature Kelechi Iheanacho regularly or leave him play elsewhere, saying out of favour Super Eagles forward has the quality to play for the Citizens.

Iheanacho has not made the matchday squad for the team in their last four games, a situation which many believed was triggered by the signing of Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus.

I will love to marry Nigerian – Kenyan female marathoner

The first female elite athlete to cross the finish line in Saturday’s 2nd Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Rhoda Jepkhorir of Kenya, said she would not hesitate to marry a Nigerian if approached.

Jepkhorir told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the finish point that she would not hesitate to marry somebody from the country due to the kind nature of Nigerians.

M.I to release his 8th studio Album in 2017

Brace yourself as 2017 is going to be a blessing as legendary Rapper M.I plans to drop another album.

The Chocolate City boss took to Twitter to make the announcement, and according to the rapper, this is his 8th studio album.

INFOGRAPH: What Andrew Yakubu’s N3.04billion loot can do for Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recently raided a building in Kaduna where millions of hard currencies were allegedly hidden in fireproof safe.

The money – $9.8million and 74,000 pounds – belongs to a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Andrew Yakubu, the EFCC said.

Seyi shay and celebrity stylist Swankyjerry rock matching dress

Pretty cool!

Photos: Tiwa Savage meets Brandy and Ray J in LA

Mavin Records Queenbee, Tiwa Savage who is currently in the United States for the pre-Grammy concepts has been hanging out with US hitmakers all week. 

The star singer met with America ace singer Brandy and her brother, Ray J. See another photo below.

Hoodlums overpowers Lagos Marathon part-officials carts away with drinks

The officials were defenceless at the Palmgroove end of the race along Ikorodu road, where they were stationed to hand over drinks to the marathoners.

The hoodlums from the area overpowered the officials on duty and forced them to part with all the drinks on the stand at the point close to the Plamgroove Bus Rapid Transport station.

The Head of the Seven Up Bottling Company team, who identified herself as Kike, said the hoodlums carted away about 500 cartons of drinks meant for the marathoners, while the police refused to help them.

Nigerians would have been eating from waste bins if Jonathan had continued – Minister

The Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs, Mr Usani Uguru Usani, has said that Nigerians have every reason to be grateful to God that President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over the administration of the country, maintaining that without the intervention that removed Goodluck Jonathan from power, Nigerians would have been “crawling to eat from the waste bins.”

The minister, who stated this in a chat with The SUN, added that the APC-led federal government has been true to the promises it made to Nigerians before the 2015 general elections.

Trump considering ‘brand new’ immigration order

US President Donald Trump said Friday he had no immediate plans to fight for his migrant ban at the Supreme Court and was considering a new executive order to overcome legal hurdles.

Insisting that he has the law on his side despite two defeats in federal court in quick succession Trump said security concerns may dictate a quicker response.

What we do with recovered loot - EFCC explains

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that recovered monies are paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government.

The Anti-graft agency stated this in response to a question via its twitter handle @OfficialEFCC on Saturday.

Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered the sums of $9.8m and £74, 000 in former group managing director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu's house in Kaduna.

Delta Pastor allegedly kills church member for rituals during prayer session

A Pentecostal church pastor identified as Jessiah (surname withheld) with his church in Ugbolu community near Asaba, Delta State is currently on the run after he allegedly killed one Ejiofor Ujah, a member of his church during prayer session for rituals.

It was gathered that the victim was allegedly invited by the pastor for the prayer session and never returned until two days after his whereabouts became unknown.

Police Public Relations Officers in the state, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka who confirmed the incident, disclosed the corpse of the victim after a search was conducted by Ugbolu villages, was found by a hunter in a soak-away few meters away from the church, adding the pastor and two of his cohorts had taken to their heels.