James Ibori’s brother-in-law sentenced to 2 & a half years in the UK for money laundering

Rowland Nakanda, a brother-in-law to former Delta State governor James Ibori has been sentenced to a UK prison for his involvement in money laundering. London Metropolitan reports below...

Nakanda had previously been found guilty of two counts of money laundering following a month-long trial at Southwark Crown Court and was sentenced on Friday, 24 July. The investigation into Nakanda commenced during the wider inquiry into the corrupt activities of the former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, between 1999 and 2007.

Nakanda, 54 (29.01.61) of Tyne Gardens, South Ockendon in Essex is the older brother of Teresa Ibori, James Ibori’s wife. James and Teresa Ibori were convicted of fraud and money laundering in 2012 and were sentenced to a total of 18 years’ imprisonment for corruption.

Following the conviction of the Iboris, the Nakandas became guardians of the Ibori’s three children. Police identified that the Ibori children, despite their parents’ convictions, were being educated at a private school and it was established that Nakanda had continued to pay the considerable school fees. Enquiries revealed that he had paid the fees to the school’s bank account in cash over the counter through his local Lloyd’s bank in Grays, Essex. CCTV revealed that on one day alone, Nakanda paid over £15,000 in cash for the school fees of two of the children.

A financial investigation was able to trace £350,000 in unexplained cash deposits going through Nakanda’s accounts following the convictions of the Iboris. The investigation was undertaken by the Met’s Proceeds of Corruption Unit, which has now transferred to the National Crime Agency (NCA) to become the International Corruption Unit. Rupert Broad, formerly a Detective Inspector in the Met’s Proceeds of Corruption Unit, said: “Rowland Nakanda previously worked for the Royal Mail and lived a modest lifestyle with his wife in Essex. I am pleased that we were able to demonstrate that Nakanda knew that the money he was dealing with was the proceeds of criminal conduct and had originated from James Ibori’s corrupt activity during his governorship of Delta State. This sentence should act as a warning that we will go after everyone involved in fraudulent activity, however complex and wide-reaching the fraud."

A total of nine individuals have now been convicted of money laundering offences in linked cases, and have received sentences totalling over 50 years.

Nakanda was acquitted of cheating the Revenue. Rowland Nakanda’s wife, Chifu Nakanda, was acquitted of all charges.

Nigeria Decides

Today, 28th Match, 2015 is a big day for Nigerians as they go to the polls to cast their votes in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

If you are single and want to find love, Stephanie Coker wants to help.

The producers and casting directors for this sure to be hit project are on the lookout for cast members ready to take a unique journey. This could be your chance of finding the love of your life or just a free meal. 

Stephanie Coker

Nigeria’s Richest Oil Blocks Owners Exposed: Names & Details

The oil block business is so lucrative that Danjuma’s Sapetro divested of its investment in Akpo condensate for $1billion dollars. The business is second to none in Nigeria. That is why any attempt to investigate the activities in this sector will always be futile. The money is so much that they give bribes in millions of dollars. A birthday gift or child naming gift from an oil block owner to a government official could be as paltry as $2million dollars, and if the official’s father died, the condolence gift could reach mere $3 million dollars.

OBJ tearing his PDP membership card - What is wrong with this act?

Former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday 16th February, at a press conference in Abeokuta, asked his ward chairman to publicly tear his PDP membership card while he looked on... I don't know about you but I find this act in itself very childish. I want to point out an infinitesimal yet most important thing that is wrong with this act - the spraying of the papers on the floor after tearing it. This might not make sense to the average Nigerian but these smallest things matter the most. It reflects who we are. It is a proof of indiscipline. A saying goes thus: "The way you behave in one thing is the way you behave in every other thing". What happened to the garbage can? Or better still, he could have arranged it on the table where it could be easier to pack. (more pics below)

So Nkiru Sylvanus never got married to Oge Okoye's ex-husband or what?

We all saw how it was all over the media earlier this January on how Nollywood actress, Nkiru Sylvanus had a traditional wedding with fellow actress, Oge Okoye's ex-husband, Stanley Duru. Well, in this exclusive interview posted on Linda Ikeji's blog a few days ago entitled "LIB Exclusive: Nkiru Sylvanus denies marrying Oge Okoye's ex in new interview", it seems it was only a fake rumour. She says it's all a lie. Seems the interview was conducted before the so-called wedding. Excerpts...

Would Nollywood, Nigerian Music, Fashion, Comedy industries be where they are today if run by political leaders?

 

Our entertainment industry has grown from nothing to something over the years and it still waxes stronger and stronger. In that regard, Nigeria is getting to world class level that it competes with the bests in the World. That Nollywood is ranked number two in the world today is not a joke. That most of our music artistes and comedians are globally recognized today is not by accident. Our entertainment industry has been able to achieve this feat because talented young Nigerians stood up and took the bull by the horn and worked hard and persevered until success was achieved. They sure have carved a niche for themselves and for the country as a whole. Isn’t this example a good enough reason to tell us that nothing is unachievable provided we put hard work, determination, perseverance, focus and of course God (I mean, we’ve got to be alive to work) into it? Now, I’ve asked myself questions as to why the Nigerian economy seems not to be working if this simple logic applies. I came to the conclusion that it is because the people in charge (politicians) are either doing little or doing nothing. And I asked myself again, if the entertainment industry were run by the government, would it be where it is today? Without fear or favour, the answer is a big NO! I mean, the entertainers started with little or no money, in most cases (at least, I’ve been privileged to hear from some of the founding fathers of Nollywood on how some government stakeholders refused their requests for sponsorship then), yet they grew drastically within a short space of time WHEREAS our political leaders had all the money yet did so visibly little for the economy.

Me in a nutshell

I searched myself out using these apps. And guess what? It gave me who I really am! But it says I do crazy things all the time. That one is not entirely true. I do crazy things not always. I just have time for everything. 'creative' would have been the word. I am a creative person. I create atmospheres. Now how about that? Lol! Another version says I have exceptional ability to turn theories into realities. Hmmm... that's really me. To think I never thought about it until now. Check this...

What is change? Linda Ikeji shows change

Linda Ikeji

It seems the word 'change' is the trending word in Nigeria now. Everyone singing the change song everywhere. And I ask myself what this change is really about. What is change? Change is not words. Change is actions. You don't have change by mere words. Promises are not change. It's not what you will do but what you have done or started doing. Hey, don't get it twisted. This write-up is not politics based but was inspired by political campaigners. LOL! I had to think deep and ask myself what change really is. Change is kindness. Change is selflessness. Change is compassion. Change is generosity. Change is consideration. Again, change is ACTION not words or promises. Now, I found someone who is doing 'change'. Yes, Linda Ikeji is doing her bit. Apart from rewarding ten of her fans every month N25,000, she just started another project to financially support some of her female fans who have business ideas. This is what I call change. If half of all the wealthy people in this country could do this, this country would be greater. Corruption, which is the bane of the society would be reduced to the minimal. You know why? Because lack of money is the root of all evil... Read about Linda Ikeji's "I'd Rather be Self-made" project below. She shared that on Monday, 19th January, 2015 on her blog...

Photos: Jim Iyke, Gideon Okeke, Gbenro Ajibade, Tayo Faniran, others, made INEC Youth Ambassadors

Entertainers including Jim Iyke, Gideon Okeke, Gbenro Ajibade, Mr Kool, BBA Tayo Faniran and others were made INEC youth ambassadors at the INEC Youth Summit held in Abuja Monday morning 19th January, 2015.

More photos:

2015 Oscar nominations full list

The list of nominations for the 87th Academy Awards has been released. Birdman and The Grand Budapest Hotel lead with 9 nominations followed by The Imitation Game with 8, Boyhood, 6, American Sniper, 6, Whiplash, 5, Interstellar, 5 and Foxcatcher, 5.

The full list below:

BBA's Tayo gets an endorsement from Payporte

Big Brother Africa ex housemate, Tayo Faniran was recently endorsed by Payporte as their brand Ambassador. It seems everything has been going on well for the Nigerian dude since he came back from the reality show on December 7, 2014, as it has been from one recognition to another. Congratulations to him and more good things!

Tayo, Mr Eyo Bassey(CEO Payporte) and Tarmar(Tayo's manager)

Soldiers torture journalist for taking pictures

It was on the News this morning on Channels TV of a female journalist who was tortured by some Nigeria Soldiers for taking pictures of arms and ammunition (which were suspected to have been newly purchased) being carried in a lorry by the soldiers... I thought I would see the story on Channels TV sites but it is nowhere to be found. Why? Was it not a confirmed story or what? I think this kind of stories shouldn't be taken lightly. Why would some soldiers torture a woman for that matter, for doing her job and they go free with it? What happened to Human Rights? Is there any law that says journalists shouldn't take pictures of soldiers with arms? Even if the weapons were not meant for the eyes of the public, wasn't it the responsibility of the military to ensure they were transported in during the nights when no unwanted eye would see them, or cover them properly or something?

Photos: PDP vs APC, sharing hugs

I think this is a clear message to all the Nigerians arguing, fighting and killing people for the sake of politics and politicians, especially, PDP and APC. After all the fracas and what not and irrespective of who wins the elections, they will remain loyal to one another and you the follow follow masses will be and always be at the receiving end. If they could genuinely work together in peace for the interest of the citizens and not for selfish interests, the sky would be the limit for Nigeria. I think peace is the change we need in this country and not empty promises for selfish aims.

See photos of the faces of PDP and APC hugging at the 2015 election sensitization workshop on non-violence in Abuja this morning:

President Jonathan and APC Presidential candidate, Gen. Buhari

Buhari can't win election with cabals surrounding him - Gov. Lamido

Lamido

Jigawa State Governor of Sule Lamido has said that the cabals surrounding the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammad Buhari would not allow him win next month’s general elections in the country. Lamido said that the ‘’cabals are capitalizing on Buhari’s so call popularity to seek elective positions,’’ saying, however, that ‘’Buhari cannot get the mandate of Nigerians’’ at the polls.

The governor spoke while addressing a large crowd of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, supporters in Magatari town in the state during a political rally in the area, Sunday,

“Frankly, even my party, the PDP  has agreed that General Buhari is an incorruptible person but those sounding him are selfish, they are misleading him on the present realities in the country,’’ he said.

'Is there anything change in APC?' - Anonymous

From an anonymous writer:

Nonsense oozing all over the place: Is there anything 'CHANGE' in APC?
APC consistently say PDP has ruled Nigeria for 16 disastrous years in which corruption, impunity, insurgency, armed robbery and several ills of society held sway.
But a closer look at APC, here is what I see:

Terrorism: Defence HQ puts death toll from Baga attack at 150 at the most

 

 

Defence Headquarters, yesterday, said that contrary to reports in foreign media that over 2,000 persons were killed by Boko Haram terrorists when they attacked the headquarters of the multinational Joint Task Force in Baga, Borno State, not more than 150 persons were killed.

Gunmen storm APC chairman, John Oyegun's home in Abuja

Unknown gunmen today January 12, broke into the home of the Chairman of the APC, John Oyegun.

According to a statement by the party, two men suspected to be assassins broke into Mr Oyegun's Abuja home around 1.3am and went straight into his bedroom to ransack it. The men met Oyegun's wife as he was not at home when they came:

Photos: Fire outbreak at Balogun market Lagos; bank, houses and plazas razed

The popular Balogun market on Lagos Island was gutted by fire this morning January 12th. Four houses, five plazas and a Diamond Bank building on the street were razed by fire. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Fire service men later came to quench the fire. Thankfully no life was lost.

See photos below:

3rd Mainland bridge neighborhood on fire at the moment

The neighborhood of Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos is currently being ravaged by fire. According to an eyewitness, people are wailing and crying and car owners on the bridge say they can feel the heat from the fire. Emergency service is urgently needed.

APC Secretariat in Okrika - Rivers state, bombed

Unknown men earlier today January 11th bombed the APC secretariat in Abam Ama in Okrika Local government area in Rivers state, leaving three party members seriously injured. They are currently on admission at an undisclosed hospital.

Re: 7-yr-old girl reveals Nigerian pastors that will not make heaven - My advice to bloggers on such news

The story was originally posted by NigeriaBreakingNews, on December 29, 2014, and had since been circulated by most Nigerian bloggers;

Excerpts of the story:

Cardinal Okogie reacts to Fr Mbaka's recent outburst, says Mbaka was under the influence of another spirit

Fr Mbaka

Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the retired Archbishop of Lagos state has reacted to the recent statements made by Fr. Ejike Mbaka on President Jonathan's led administration. In an interview with Vanguard, Cardinal Okogie said the statements made by Fr Mbaka were abnormal and certainly not one influenced by God's spirit but by another spirit. According to the respected clergyman, Mbaka's attitude is unbecoming. He says if he had his way he would have closed down the Enugu diocese as Fr. Mbaka has repeatedly been involved in controversial things which the leadership of the diocese has not deemed fit to call him to order. Excerpts of his interview below...

Linda Ikeji asks fans if she should accept political ads

Blogger, Linda Ikeji, took to her blog today to ask her readers if she should accept to place political adverts on her blog since she has been getting the offer from different political parties for the past few months. And I ask, what is the need for asking? Has she ever sincerely taken any advice from fans? Will this one be any different?

See what she wrote:

'APC planned to hack into INEC database' - DSS

The Department of State Services, DSS, said today that its investigations indicates that the APC had plans to hack into the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

From NAN

I won't betray Keshi - Amokachi

Nigeria assistant coach Daniel Amokachi insists Stephen Keshi remains in charge of the Super Eagles, despite his contract having expired last year.

Keshi’s deal with the Super Eagles came to an end after the 2014 World Cup, although the tactician maintained the reins throughout their failed AFCON qualifying campaign, where they finished third in Group A.

7-year-old girl survives U.S plane crash

A disoriented seven-year-old United States girl has walked to a home in the U.S state of Kentucky to report that her plane had crashed, police say.
The plane was later found with four bodies inside in Lyon County, about 30 miles (50km) east of Paducah city.

Former Enyimba defender dies in his Enugu home

Former Enyimba defender, Romanus Orjinta was found dead in his Enugu home on New Year eve.

The player’s remains was discovered by neighbours who became curious after the 33 year-old Orjinta was not seen in the public for several days. The cause of his death has not been known.

APGA presents Maku as guber candidate in Nasarawa

The All Progressives Grand Allaince (APGA) on Saturday presented the immediate past Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, as its governorship candidate in Nasarawa State.
The party also presented Mr Ibrahim Abu as Maku’s running mate in February’s governorship election.
The Chairman of the party in the state, Chief John Amako, presented Maku and his running mate in Lafia to the party’s officials and supporters from the 13 local government areas of the state.
”By this pronouncement, all rumours making the rounds that Maku is not the governorship candidate of APGA in the state should be disregarded,” Amako said.

Wizkid buys himself a Bentley GT Convertible for New Year

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known by his stage name Wizkid, has just blessed himself with a new car – a Bentley Continental GT Convertible estimated at a whopping $210,000 (N38.5 million).
The 24-year-old singer posted the photo and captioned it: “New year whip! Thankful to God: we been grinding son!”
This is a big addition to his growing collection of luxury cars which includes a Porsche Panamera.

See photo below:

Vincent Enyeama voted 'best' goalkeeper again

Nigeria international goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has been selected as the best shot stopper in Ligue 1 for 2014 by prestigious French Newspaper, L’Equipe.
The 32-year-old was selected as the league’s best goalkeeper for 2014 despite Lille’s stuttering start to the 2014-15 season that sees them languishing in place in 13th place in the 20-team standings.
Enyeama has played in every minute of Lille’s 56 league matches since he returned from his loan spell at Israeli club, Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2013.
This is the second successive year that Enyeama has been selected as Ligue’s 1’s most outstanding goalkeeping talent by L’Equipe.

Fashola, others usher in 2015 with Lagos Countdown

Fashola

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos , Billionaire Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Nigerian Breweries boss, Kufre Ekanem, among others ushered in the new year with a countdown in Lagos.

Fashola, who described the programme as a huge success, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to the corporate organizations who partnered with the state government to organise the 2014 Lagos Countdown.

Fashola's wife welcomes First Baby of the Year

From left: Dame Abimbola Fashola first Lady of Lagos state, carry First Baby of the Year 2015 in Lagos state, Baby of Mr and Mrs. Ogunnaike, deliver by Caesarean operation around 12:01 am. Female, Weight 2.3Kg, at Lagos Island Maternity with her Dr. Jide Idris, commissioner of Health and Dr. Yewande Adesina, Special adviser to governor on Public health, during the First Baby of the Year 2015 with Dame Abimbola Fashola, first Lady of Lagos state, in Lagos. on. 01/01/2015. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Lagos—Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, yesterday urged health professionals in Nigeria to work as a team, to improve and strengthen the health sector.

Mrs Fashola made the remark during her goodwill visit to public hospitals to welcome the First Baby of the Year, organised by the state government.

Cameroon recruits 20,000 to fight Boko Haram

*As 2 suicide bombers, 7 others die in Yobe, Gombe explosions

LAGOS — Cameroon has said it is recruiting 20,000 more defence and security forces to fight Boko Haram following reports that the terrorist group, based in Nigeria, is recruiting young Cameroonians to fight for them.

This is just as nine persons were killed, including two suicide bombers, as multiple bomb explosions rocked Yobe and Gombe states on the eve and New Year day, while 10 others were injured.

Senator Haman Paul, who hails from northern Cameroon, told VOA about Boko Haram’s recruitment of young Cameroonians to fight for the creation of an Islamist caliphate in northern Nigeria.

Nigerian Army dismisses 203 soldiers after secret night trial

 

 

The Nigerian Army has dismissed 203 soldiers after a secret court martial held in the dead of the night, for allegedly disobeying a direct order from their commanding officer.

 According to an online journal, Premium Times, one of the sacked soldiers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the soldiers were dismissed for asking for support equipment, following the army’s plan to convey them in a tipper for an operation in Bama and Gwoza, two strongholds of Boko Haram insurgents.

Full Text of President Jonathan's New Year Broadcast

President Jonathan addressing the Nation at the State House in Abuja

Dear Great People of our nation,

1.         I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the New Year today. As we mark the beginning of this New Year, 2015, a new nation is being born.  A new nation is being born because of the foundations we have all laid, working together for the good and progress of our dear fatherland.

AirAsia Indonesia pilot fails drug test

AirAsia Indonesia said Thursday it had suspended a pilot after he failed a random drugs test, days after 162 people were killed when one of the airline’s planes crashed into the sea off the island of Borneo.

“I would like to clarify that one of our pilots in a random preliminary drug test was found to be positive,” airline president director Sunu Widyatmoko said, responding to media reports that the pilot tested positive for morphine after flying from Jakarta to Bali.

Jazeera urges quick Egypt release of jailed reporters

Al-Jazeera called for the swift release of three of its journalists detained in Egypt for more than a year, after the top appeal court on Thursday ordered a retrial.

The Qatar-based television news channel said that prolongation of the custody of its three staffers while legal proceedings dragged on could only do further damage to Egypt’s international standing.

Polio: Nigeria to be certified polio-free this January - Minister

The Minister of Health, Dr Halliru Alhassan on Thursday says Nigeria will be certified polio-free this January.

Alhassan disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto while reviewing some of the activities of his ministry in 2014.

According to him, no case of polio has been recorded in the country in the last six months, and this qualifies the country to be declared polio-free in line with global requirements.

Jonathan is the best President - Maku

Maku

Lafia – Mr Labaran Maku, the immediate past Minister of Information, on Thursday, said that his ambition to contest in the 2015 governorship election in Nasarawa State is intact.

The former minister said this while delivering his New Year Message at St. Williams Cathedral, Lafia.

Maku said that in spite of what happened recently at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election, he was still moving on with his ambition to contest in the 2015 governorship election.

Suicide bombing outside church, several injured - witnesses

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside an evangelist church in northeast Nigeria on Thursday, injuring several people, witnesses and a rescue worker said.

“There was an explosion outside the ECWA church this morning. A suicide bomber who was restrained from getting into the church blew himself up,” said Abubakar Yakubu, who heads the Nigeria Red Cross in Gombe.

“Luckily no one was killed but some people were mildly injured.”

Don't start in a group - Presh tells upcoming artistes

 

 

It would appear Presh is not having fond memories of his association with Kcee when the duo hooked up as a group known as KC-Presh. The singer in an encounter with WG spoke his mind about artistes starting out in groups.

New Year Predictions: Insurgency will be weakened worldwide - Adeboye

Lagos— GENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has predicted that insurgency worldwide will be weakened in the new year and the dreaded Ebola virus which have killed thousands of people especially in West African sub-region will finally be defeated. This came as the General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi predicted a glorious year for Nigeria.