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.