EFCC grills Oduah for 5 hours

EFCC grills Oduah for 5 hours

FORMER Aviation Minister Stella Oduah was a guest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday.

She was grilled for about five and half hours over the N255million bulletproof cars’ scam, which led to her sack.
The ex-minister got a provisional bail following the need to re-invite her for more questioning. But it was unclear last night when Oduah will return to the commission.
A team is analysing the ex-minister’s response to identify areas for further clarification.
It was gathered that Oduah arrived quietly at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja at about 10am.
She was ushered into the Operations Department of the anti-graft agency where she was questioned till 3.30pm.
A source, who spoke in confidence, described Oduah’s mood as “pensive”.
The source said: “The team asked her to explain what led to the purchase of two bulletproof (armoured cars) for N255million; the purpose; and whether there was appropriation for it or not in the 2013 budget.
“She was asked for evidence of due process or concurrence/ approval by the Bureau of Public Procurement and whether her approval value was not above the limit of Ministerial Tenders Board or not.
“She was also asked to confirm if she was aware that the approved revised thresholds for service wide application (pursuant to Section 16(2) Public Procurement Act 2009 put a minister’s limit at N100million.”
Another source said: “We also isolated issues raised by former heads of agencies in the aviation industry when they appeared before EFCC. She was directed to make some clarifications.
“This interrogation is just the first in the series. We will study her statement on oath and definitely ask follow-up questions.”
Responding to a question, the source added that the EFCC was in receipt of the reports of an Administrative Committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan and House of Representatives Committee on Aviation on the car scam.”
Oduah got a “provisional bail”. This is the first time the EFCC has given a provisional bail. The agency is known for “administrative bail” system.
An official of the commission said: “The provisional bail is a temporary measure. If there is need to detain her subsequently, we will do so.
“She has been told that she might be re-invited soon by the commission.”
The President, on February 11, sacked Ms Oduah from the cabinet alongside three others.
Others are: Godswill Orubebe (Niger Delta), Caleb Olubolade (Police Affairs) and Yerima Ngama (State for Finance).
Prior to her sack, the President in October 2013, set up a three-man Administrative Panel of Inquiry into the car scandal.
The panel comprised a former Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Sali Bello, the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and Air Vice Marshal Dick Iruenebere (rtd.).
Also, the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation investigated the scandal.
The Committee listed 12 infractions against Oduah and made some recommendations.
The report said in part: “Based on the findings of the Committee and in line with its terms of reference, the following recommendations are made:
•Given the fact that the two BMW armoured vehicles procured in the process were not provided for in the 2013 Appropriation Law nor was due process followed in their procurement, the Ministry of Aviation and NCAA should terminate with immediate effect all transactions and loan agreement it entered into with First Bank Nigeria Plc and all contracts awarded thereto;
•That all monies so far spent on the entire transaction should be recovered and returned back to the Federation Account;
•The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria should review the continued engagement of the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, having contravened the Appropriation Act and Approved Revised Thresholds by exceeding her approval limit of N100m with the purchase of 54 vehicles value at N643m
•That EFCC and other relevant anti-corruption agencies should: (a) Further investigate the discrepancies in the chassis Number DW68032 of the vehicles on the one reported to be delivered and the one inspected by the committee; and (b) Further investigate and if found wanting, prosecute all persons/ institutions involved in the transaction
•The former Acting DG, Mr. Nkemakola Joyce and Director of Finance, Mr. S. Ozigi, should be sanctioned in accordance with the Civil Service Rules for deliberately breaching the 2013 Appropriation Act/ Extant Laws of the Federation
•That Coscharis Motors Nigeria Limited should be investigated on the issue of waiver, source and exact cost of the two BMW vehicles supplied to NCAA;
•Coscharis should be made to pay the value of the waiver into treasury account.

Davido Joins Nollywood

Davido Joins Nollywood

Davido has reportedly gotten himself a movie role courtesy of his cousin, Ikechukwu Ojeogwu, who is an actor and producer.
Davido would be working with directives from popular director, Teco Benson.
According to insiders, Davido’s role in the movie is expected to further strengthen its popularity.
Speaking on this, his cousin Ikechukwu said Davido who is delighted over the project can’t wait for it to begin and that he is taking it seriously like any other business as his image is at stake.
“This is Davido’s first movie appearance, I, as the producer, have been able to work out things in such a manner that it would be beneficial to us all. I’ve crafted out a role that I know would put him in a comfortable position and won’t make him either excessive or otherwise.
“I know how big Davido is and I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on him because of his busy schedule and it is his first appearance. Furthermore, the script is in such a way that he doesn’t over shadow the beauty of the script but to add his weight to the success of the project,” he said.

Six missing and 22 rescued from Lagos boat disaster

Six missing and 22 rescued from Lagos boat disaster

At least six passengers on board a boat were feared dead after it capsized in a lagoon in the Majidun area off Ikorodu in Lagos State on Wednesday evening.

However, 22 others, who also fell of the boat were rescued by local divers.
The development occurred barely two weeks after 13 people died at the 4th Avenue, 42 Road, Festac Town, Festac, Lagos State.
According to an anonymous source, the boat was filled with working class people who were headed home after the day’s job.
“I was told that a boat with about 28 passengers fell off a boat on Wednesday evening. Some of the victims were said to have been dressed formally and were returning after the day’s work,” he said.
Although details remained sketchy as of press time, rescue officials said members of the community confirmed the incident.
The spokesperson, National Emergency Management Agency, South-West zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, told our correspondent on the telephone 22 people had been recovered from the water while six remained unaccounted for
Farinloye, who spoke to our correspondent around 9.45pm, said, “We were told that a boat with 28 passengers capsized around 6pm in the Majidun River. Local divers were said to have jumped into the water and evacuated 22 people.
“We were told that the 22 people survived. However, six others are presently unaccounted for.
“NEMA officials along with men of the Nigerian Navy and the marine policemen officials of the National Inland Waterways Authority are patrolling the water in a bid to recover bodies.”

Messy Details Of What Led To Funke Akindele's Marriage Break-up

According to E247mag, Funke Akindele, really went through hell in her marriage to Kehinde that, when the centre could no longer hold, it just had to give way.
Their marriage which suffered many hiccups shortly before it became known to the public, continually overwhelmed The Return of Jenifa star due to shocking and disturbing tales of extra-marital relationships that have led to not less than 10 love children traced to Kehinde.
The spate at which the estranged hubby’s sexcapades played out nearly turned the hitherto adored
actress to an object of ridicule and the topic of rile discussion among professional colleagues and fans. It worsens with caustic and cynical comments online.
 According to close family sources, the kitchen became too hot shortly after the marriage, as issues that did not surface prior to the wedding kept rearing their ugly heads and left unresolved.
Kehinde, reportedly showed no remorse though after much pressure and damning reports he later admitted one of his mistresses, Modinat, and then three months pregnant for him was actually carrying his baby.
 Earlier, the media was awash with the shocking revelation that his second wife at home, Fadeke, was equally pregnant.
Fadeke was forced to travel out during the wedding to Dubai, an indication that she did not support the union. In a typical Yoruba setting, the senior wife should receive the new bride into the family.
Checks revealed Fadeke too was not formally received by the evicted first wife, Toun. All these and more drew public odium to the hitherto much loved The Return of Jenifa star, especially women who believed she’s a home wrecker.
 Though her world nearly crashed, Funke gathered the bits and pieces of her life, shunned critics, naysayers and had the wedding with all the trappings of a celebrity. Like a blind lover, she was rushed into the marriage.
Even when it was obvious there was a crack in the marriage, she debunked all the reports, insisting that her husband has never been married. She was the woman he got married to and she was married properly.
Funke Akindele, observers argued , must really be in love and with that claim the inquisitive media kept off her trail but it was only a matter of time. The secret cannot be kept away forever.
As expected, Funke blinked first but she could not say it out. She knew it was over and ready to face it, not by defending herself but putting her struggles and triumphs behind her to face her career.
They kept each other at measured distance and it worsened with the fact that elderly family members, influential personalities cannot intervene. Both are fiercely independent adults. Kehinde had been to Funke’s dad once and hardly call her mum. Time, they believed will heal all the wounds.
 Her mum, just like her siblings have become such an intricate part of keeping her strong. The mother has since moved to her Ikeja home to give her strength. More evident that there was a crack in the marriage is each time Funke stepped out on the red carpet, Kehinde never showed. He was never with her at any public function. She however found company in her immediate elder sister, Ayo Ola Mohammed and shut her doors at some professional colleagues to avoid gossips.
 “While the trouble was brewing silently, sources claimed that Funke gave several breaks and chances. She would call him, begged him even when she was right but Kehinde just wanted to have his own way not minding the consequences or effect of his actions on her, her career and public perception. He cared less about her status, in fact, all those negative media never got to him. He’s fiercely independent.
 Surprisingly, he returned to Modinat Dada, who gave him a baby boy last October while he married Funke in May. It was a slap on Funke’s face.
In the heat of this, she lost her pregnancy though reliable sources hinted she was glad it happened as it prepared her for the imminent exit. The fact that both of them lived separately also worsened the situation. While Funke can be traced to her Ikeja home, her hubby is a ‘bed sharer’.
He shuttles between three known women- Funke, Fadekemi, Modinat, and strangely too, other harem.
Baffling too is the issue of complex and security. Kehinde, according to our source could not believe that Funke’s back-to- back endorsement comes so easy. He thinks those corporate guys who give those endorsements cannot really take their eyes off her.
Severally, he checked her phone and queried some names and the relationship she has with her callers.” Observers believe the fact that the marriage is broken was hurting enough but the decision of Kehinde to announce it on Facebook was heartbreaking and nasty. Not a few have lampooned him for his action considered to be childish and immature. His post did not give room for reconciliation. It went public and viral as soon as it was posted.
 His “Facebook divorce”, an observer said, confirmed the marriage has been through hell and he needed to pour his broken heart out to the world. At Funke’s home, mum is the word. Members of the family have resolved to keep mute, fold their arms and watch how events unfold.
It is such an unhappy ending.

Nollywood Actress On Why They Snatch People’s Husbands

Bose Arowosegbe

Nollywood has almost become an industry where actresses get married to men who have already been hooked by another woman. Even though there have not been any cogent reasons given for that, an actress seems to have now revealed why they do that.
Few Months Back Yoruba actress, Bose Arowosegbe, who herself picked a married man as husband, disclosed why they destroy peoples’ homes.
According to her, they engage in such because single men in Nigeria are not matured enough to handle actress. She explained that most single guys think actresses are harlot, unlike their married counterpart.
Hear her, “I am married to a married man too. I have not told anyone this before. Other journalists I have met were fed the story that my husband is abroad when he has always been in the country.
“Most single men out there are not matured enough to handle the fact that actresses are normal women. They believe we are harlots to be used and dumped. I believe they are too immature to handle the life around us. They are easily affected by things they read and hear about us, and also things they see on screen about us.
“But married men are matured to handle all this. They listen to us instead of listening to gist about us. They seem to understand women better. Besides, they are more caring, gentler and wiser.”

First Lady Patience Jonathan Calls For Partnership Between Nollywood And Bollywood

Patience Jonathan

Nigeria’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has said partnership between the movie industries in Nigeria and India would boost both countries' economies.
According to her, the turnover of the industry in terms of wealth creation and revenue generation is huge as both countries have population advantage.
“We look forward to the possibility of stakeholders in the film industries from Bollywood and Nollywood engaging in partnerships or exchanging programmes that will yield mutual benefits and promote better understanding between our two countries,'' Mama Peace, as the First Lady wishes to be addressed, said.
Mrs Jonathan said this at the opening ceremony of the first Indian Film Festival in Nigeria and the commemoration of Bollywood, the Indian film industry at 100.
She urged the two industries to form partnership, in order to bring the desired dividends to the people.
Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Ar Ghanashyam, expressed the wish that Nollywood would hold a similar festival in India.
''I'd like a Nigerian film festival to take place in India; I will discuss it with my counterpart and I recommend the showing of 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Adichie, that is my dream.''

Actress Eniola Badmus Says African Men Are Violent And Harsh

Eniola Badmus

Violence against women is one act that has ceased to stop in Africa and many has spoken,written, acted about the stop of this act, but yet it has ceased to be totally taken away. Many women are victims to this wicked act but what can they do? Here’s what Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus said when she spoke about violence against women to YES Magazine;
"African men are too harsh! They are too harsh. African men are harsh and violent.
An English man would never beat his wife because their law forbids it. Then, I must say that if there is a penalty for it, stating that whoever beats his wife would be jailed, I’m sure this will reduce. But since there is no law and no one is preaching against it, everybody feels it is a normal thing. Even if we say there is a law, it is not being implemented as it should, because if it had, all these won’t happen. I think there should be a capital punishment for it because to me, it is a terrible act.

Court Orders The Federal Government To Return Sanusi’s Passport, Pay Him N50m And Tender A Public Apology!

Lamido Sanusi

The Federal High court in Lagos today has declared the seizure of suspended CBN Governor, Mr Lamido Sanusi’s passport unlawful.  The court asked the Federal Government to return the document and tender a public apology to Sanusi, stressing that the intelligence agents broke the law when they seized his passport.  It also asked that N50m be paid to him for damages.
The court further restrained the Federal Government through its agents or representatives from arresting and detaining Mr Sanusi without following due process of law, and restrained the government from interfering with Mr Sanusi’s freedom of movement.

Ice Prince: "I Was Raped By An Aunty When I Was 13 "

Ice Prince

The rapper revealed during an interactive interview with Pulse that he started early. He told them of how his neighbour molested him and how horrible the experience was! Read his words below;
 'I had my first sexual encounter. I would not say it was a good thing at all. It's something I regret, whatever it was. It wasn't a sweet experience at all.
I had this aunty, though we were not related, she was just a neighbour who was living close to us, who came into my room and slept with me.' 'It wasn't a good experience at all. I was scared, very scared. I saw hell. It was a terrible experience. I am not excited talking about it at all. Sex is not that good.
I think sex is over-rated. I don't know. 'She just came into my room and just forced me to do it with her… Oh, let's not talk about it. I was so young and innocent. But she made me lose my innocence. The woman is still  alive. I don't think I have even seen her since then.

UNIBEN Stampede Kills One Person

UNIBEN Stampede

A few weeks after at least 19 people died in stampedes in stadia across the country during a recruitment exercise into Nigerian Immigrations Service, there was another heavy stampede Wednesday morning at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), during screening of fresh students.
It was gathered that scores of students sustained  injuries in the stampede, just as one of them was said to have died. However, there was no official confirmation about whether someone died.
Students trying to enter into the hall
Students trying to enter into the hall
Eye witnesses said the stampede occurred when the students were attempting to force their way into the hall where the screening exercise was taking place, and UNIBEN security personnel closed the gate against them, forcing the surging students to fall, and hundreds of them stepping on those on the ground.
When P.M.NEWS visited the university Wednesday morning, it was observed that thousands of the applicants who besieged the Akin Deko auditorium-venue of the screening were still at the two gates leading to the premises.
It was observed that the iron barricade of the western gate was broken and students still held on to it as they tried to force their way into the hall.
One of the applicants who gave her name simply as Osas, described what happened as “horrible and hellish.”
“It was a terrible thing and so serious. It began when the students were attempting to enter into the hall and the security men disallowed them. It was then that some of the students attempted to force their way into the place and the security men forcefully closed the gates against them. That was how hundreds of them fell.
“Those who got up stepped on those still on the ground. Several people who were injured were rushed to the hospital, but I am not sure anyone died, though many of them were seriously injured,” Osas said.
Efforts to reach the University’s Public Relations Officer, Barr. Harrison Osarenren, for comments were unsuccessful as calls made to his mobile phone failed to connect as it was said to be switched off.