Emmanuel Babatunde's Blog: January 2018

Wednesday, 31 January 2018

The Final Message This 11-Year-Old Girl Sent Her Mother Before Killing Herself Will Break Your Heart

Ursula Keogh

Ursula Keogh, a mere 11-year-old girl has killed herself.

The young girl who has a history of self-harm messaged her mum saying ‘I love you, but so sorry’ on the day she died, an inquest has heard.

According to Metro UK, Ursula Keogh was found in a river in Halifax, West Yorkshire, on January 22.

She had been reported missing by her mother, acclaimed novelist Nicola Harlow, who later had to identify her body. Bradford Coroner’s Court official Bernard Tate said: ‘Ursula Keogh lived with her mother and had a history of self-harm.

Tobi Bakre

Who is Tobi Bakre?

Tobi Bakre is one of the Big Brother Naija 2018 Housemates who became the very FIRST HEAD OF HOUSE on the show.

Tobi is a native from Ogun state, and he says he is passionate about photography and football. Tobi’s hobbies range from poetry, dancing, rapping, singing and drawing.

Raila Odinga

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, who boycotted the country's disputed election last year, swore himself in as the "people's president" at a mock inauguration ceremony Tuesday in protest against President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Thousands of opposition supporters gathered at Uhuru Park in central Nairobi to attend the "swearing-in" protest event, which was organized by Odinga's National Super Alliance (NASA). Police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse crowds pulling down signs near the park on Tuesday.

Authorities had earlier said they would put a stop to any illegal meetings, but Reuters reported that no uniformed police could be seen in the park and no anti-riot officers or vehicles were visible.

Kenyatta won a second presidential term with 98% of the vote following a controversial election re-run in November. The country's Supreme Court nullified the previous ballot, also won by Kenyatta, due to "illegalities and irregularities."

Pero Jelinic was shot dead while aiming at a lion in South Africa

Pero Jelenic is a 75-year-old big game hunter who was shot dead while hunting.

The old man was killed in what has been described as a freak accident while he was out hunting.

According to Metro UK, Pero Jelenic died in South Africa while aiming at a lion, according to reports, but a stray bullet hit and killed him.

Wozniacki In Tears After Winning Australian Open Title

Wozniacki wins Australian Open title

Dane Caroline Wozniacki burst into tears after winning the Australian Open for the first time on Saturday, edging out Romania’s Simona Halep, 7-6(7-2), 3-6 6-4.

It was also the first time that Wozniacki was joining the league of winners of tennis greatest event after 43 attempts. She had been in the finals of Grand slam events twice before, but the trophy has been elusive.

Lionel Messi received his new Nemeziz Cold Blooded Adidas boots at an event on Friday

These are the photos showing the moment Lionel Messi received his new Adidas boots in spectacular fashion on Friday as the stunning custom footwear was delivered by drone.

According to Daily Mail UK, Messi was presented the Nemeziz Cold Blooded boots at the Club Montjuic of the Palau Sant Jordi of Barcelona.

Saudi Arabia billionaire Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal

Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has been released from detention, family sources told Reuters.

His release on Saturday came more than two months after he was taken into custody in the kingdom’s sweeping crackdown on corruption.

His release came hours after he predicted his imminent release during an interview at Riyadh’s opulent Ritz-Carlton hotel. He said he expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing and be freed within days.

The terms of his release were not immediately clear, and Saudi officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Governor Yahaya Bello

The governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has pledged to make the state be the Holland of Nigeria in terms of dairy milk production and other livestock products.

Mr Bello made the promise at the Kogi State Agriculture Summit, tagged: “Moving Agriculture To The Next Level”, on Friday in Lokoja, as part of activities to mark his two years in office.

“In Holland, everyone knows that Holland produce more than a quarter of dairy milk and meat for Europe and America.

“Kogi will be the Holland of Nigeria where every other state in Nigeria will come and buy milk and other dairy products.

“They will also buy meat, hides and skin, bones, horns and even cow faeces for manure, which will translate into cash for our people.

Chinese tourist Qiaoyon Wang had to spend 15 hours in jail after driving too slowly on her way to visit friends in Hull

Qiaoyon Wang, a 39-year-old Chinese tourist ended up behind bars after driving thirty miles under the speed limit on a holiday to east Yorkshire in the United Kingdom.

A report by The Sun UK shows that Qiaoyon Wang blamed her fate on "cruel" police after she was pulled over for driving too slowly and erratically, the Hull Daily Mail reports.

The hapless tourist had been in the country for just four days before having to spend 15 hours in a police cell when she was unable to pay the on-the-spot £100 fine.

Brazilian police officers

Andre Costa, security secretary for the state of Ceara -- of which Fortaleza is the capital, has revealed that about 14 people were killed overnight in a shootout at a nightclub in Fortaleza, northeastern Brazil.

The incident has left many people in shock.

Etinosa reportedly killed a fellow Nigerian over money in Russia

Luck has ran out on a Nigerian man identified as Etinosa from Edo State after he was arrested for allegedly killing a fellow Nigerian in Russia.

The sad incident reportedly happened in the morning of yesterday during a fight over money in Moscow.

Massacre! At Least 40 Dead In Broad Daylight After Suicide Bomber Detonated Explosives At A Checkpoint

Afghan medical staff treat a wounded man after a car bomb exploded near the old Interior Ministry building, at Jamhuriat Hospital in Kabul (Picture: Getty)

It has been reported that at least 40 people are dead and 140 injured after a suicide bomber detonated a bomb inside an ambulance in Kabul.

According to Metro UK, the bomber used the emergency vehicle to get through a security checkpoint by telling police he was taking a patient to a nearby hospital.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is the two most followed African on the social media channels Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, according to the African Social Media Power Report: Top 50 Footballers and Entertainers.

The Power 50 has a combined following of almost 400million, a number that is more than half the population of Europe and twice the population of Nigeria, Africa’s most populated country.

The rating weighs the social media influence of African pop culture stars and football personalities was compiled by Lagos-based sports communication company, CampsBay Media.

EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says there is no connection between the detention of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s strongly-worded letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Acting Spokesman of the commission, Mr Samin Amaddin, said in Abuja on Friday that both incidents were coincidental and contrary to insinuation in some quarters.

Lawal was detained by the commission on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after Obasanjo issued a statement accusing the present administration of shielding its corrupt allies.

Rita Dominic

Nigerian actress, Rita Dominic shared a shot of her getting prepped up just before she hit the red carpet, with over 4 ladies on the movie star, powdering and style and fitting the movie star into her gown.

The multiple award winning filmmaker who is known for her stylish look to A-list events, revealed how tasking it gets to stay fabulous.

EFCC Staff And Girlfriend Arrested For Allegedly Demanding Bribe From A Suspect

Men of the EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, zonal office in Maiduguri have arrested two of its operatives for corrupt practices.

The two yet to be arraigned is being investigated for demanding for money to facilitate a case where they had special interests.

A statement from the spokesman of the Commission Jemilu Sale said that under the leadership of its Chief Executive Ibrahim Magu whose zero tolerance for corruption and continual drive to fight corruption both internally and externally they have been recording success in their operations by ensuring that such rotten eggs are thrown away.

Barr. Joseph Odok

Barr. Joseph Odok, a Lecturer in the department of Philosophy, University of Calabar (UNICAL) has been suspended again few months after his suspension over an alleged incitement of the public against the University was lifted, CalabarReporters has gathered.

The late Tatiana Strakhova

A heartless Russian student has confessed how he brutally strangled his ex-girlfriend, Tatiana Strakhova to death before sleeping with her corpse.

According to Dailymail, Artyom Iskhakov, 19, told Tatiana Strakhova's parents in the appalling online message how her heart was still beating, so he stabbed her and then slept with her corpse.

He then paused to eat sandwiches, boasting that several hours later he repeated the depraved act. it was gathered that Iskhakov executed the act after learning that his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend was in a relationship with another man. The talented IT student wrote that his actions were 'terrible - but I did what I wanted'.

Legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela has died at the age of 78 after a decade-long fight with cancer, according to a statement from his family on Tuesday (Jan. 23).

Often called the “Father of South African jazz,” Masekela died in Johannesburg after what his family said was a “protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer.”

The most prestigious award in the film industry, the Oscars have announced the full list of nominees for this year’s awards.
The 2018 Oscars which will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will hold on Sunday, March 3rd.

Check out the full list of nominees below:

Bolatito Sowunmi, who played the role of Miss Pepeye in the comedy series “Papa Ajasco” for over 8 years has once again reiterated why she left the comedy series at a time she did.
In the interview with City People, the actress talked about her experience and why she left the role, she stated that she was in her comfort zone, not moving forward and challenging herself.
See excerpts below:

The dismembered remains of Magdalena Aguilar Romero, 25, were discovered at her ex-husband's home.

The dismembered remains of a woman who vanished from a town in southern Mexico were discovered inside pots atop a stove in her ex-husband’s home.

Magdalena Aguilar Romero, 25, was last seen leaving her home in the city of Taxco the morning of Jan. 13, after saying she was going to pick up her children from her ex-husband’s home, police said.

State security spokesman Roberto Alvarez said the woman’s remains were found Monday in the home of her ex-husband, who local media identified as Cesar Gomez Arciniega.

“It is presumed that she was cooked,” he said.

Lucas Moura

Unai Emery has declared that Lucas Moura’s time at Paris Saint-Germain is up.

The Brazil international winger has struggled for game time this season – playing only 79 minutes of competitive football – and has been told by his coach that he is no longer in his plans.

Arsenal and Tottenham will have taken particular not of the Spaniard’s words, as they are both reputedly interested in making a move for him.

“I’ve told Lucas that he will no longer have the chance to play with PSG and that he needs to find another club,” Emery told the media.

Even Neymar’s absence due to a thigh issue did not allow the 25-year-old an opening to play during the 2-1 defeat at Lyon on Sunday, and Emery is not convinced the world’s most expensive player will return in time to face Guingamp in Wednesday’s Coupe de France match.

Sardar Reuben Singh

A Facebook user identified as Varinder Ghuman, has taken to the social networking platform to share several pictures of a London-based millionaire, Sardar Reuben Singh who matches his turban and sometimes his jacket with the colour of his Rolls Royce each time he steps out every day of the week.

Simon Barnes

Popular Hollywood actor, Simon Shelton Barnes, who is best known for playing Tinky Winky in the BBC children’s TV show, Teletubbies, has died just four days after his 52nd birthday.

According to reports, the father-of-three from Ampthill, Bedfordshire, who was married to actress Emma Robbins, had found fame after replacing original Tinky Winky actor, Dave Thompson on the show.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday said that his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari was not connected with the critical statement issued by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Buhari’s presidency.

Mr Tunde Rahman of Tinubu’s Media Office said the visit by Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun State, to the Presidential Villa was scheduled since last week.

”President Buhari periodically schedules talks with Asiwaju Tinubu and Baba Akande, as he does with other Nigerians and APC figures, to discuss substantive issues pertaining to the governance of the country and matters concerning the party.

”This visit was one of such meetings. As such, the meeting had nothing to do with the statement of former President Obasanjo.

Mr. Adebayo Fabiyi

With a 4.88 Cumulative Grade Points Average in Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mr. Adebayo Fabiyi emerged the Overall Best Graduating Student at the National Open University of Nigeria last Saturday. He shares his experience in this interview with Olaleye Aluko.

Excerpts:

Tell us about your family and educational background

Herdsmen Set Olu Falae's Farm On Fire

Some people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on Sunday reportedly attacked the farm of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.

The farm is located at Ilado Village in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

It was gathered that the hoodlums did not steal anything on the farm but burnt down five hectares of the farm which, according to a source, was the oil palm plantation.

Falae was kidnapped in September 2015 by the herdsmen but was released three days later following the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari who ordered the then Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomom Arase (rtd) to secure his release.

Student Paulina Sobierajska, 20, (left) said Sanchez made no mention of his actress girlfriend Mayte Rodriquez, 28, (right) during their five-month fling

Want-away Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has hit the headlines lately with his transfer which is expected to materialize any time soon, with Manchester United being the most probable destination. However, there is a new development on the Chilean’s social life and this time it is about a s*x scandal story that has been broken by a British media outlet, the Sun.

The media outlet has alleged that the former Barcelona man had offered to pay for s*x, and surprisingly, her alleged target was a school girl. A student who has so far been identified as Paulina Sobierajska is said to have opened up the lid on how Sanchez fell attracted to her and offered to pay her £1,000 for sexual encounter. Sanchez is said to have invited Sobierajska for a party and a drink at one of the apartments in London.

An excerpt of the article penned down by the Sun reads in part:

Cristiano Ronaldo

LaLiga giants, Real Madrid have told star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo they will allow him to negotiate a summer move with either Manchester United or Paris Saint Germain, according to reports.

An insider at the Santiago Bernabeu told Yahoo Sports that the Portuguese superstar has grown frustrated with life at the club for two reasons for failing to support him over his tax case last summer, and the refusal to offer him a new contract at Barcelona’s Lionel Messi’s level.

Photo used for illustrative purposes only

A video of a marriage proposal which turned sour went viral on social media last week. This video sparked a lot of controversies on social media. For those who didn’t see the video, this is the gist. A young lady proposed to her boyfriend at Ikeja shopping mall but the boyfriend rejected her marriage proposal and the lady became hysterical.

However, let us hear what Joromi and Kamilu have to say about this issue. They have been at each other’s throat over this discussion for days now and I am really helpless.

Joromi: That girl fall my hand no be small oh! How can she be desperate to ask a man to marry her?

Kamilu: Desperate? She asked her man to marry her and you call her desperate? Why should she wait for him to propose, after all you are into a relationship with the intention of getting married? So whoever is ready should ask.

Cancer: Scientists Make Breakthrough In Early Detection, Cure

Scientists have revealed that cancer can now be detected earlier by a new and revolutionary blood test that could spot eight different types of the disease.

The blood test could detect the eight types of cancer at a point where they are more curable, the researchers claimed in a report by The Associated Press.

The test, known as CancerSEEK, was developed by a team at the Johns Hopkins University, United States, which trialled a method that detected eight common forms of the disease identified as ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreatic, oesophageal, colorectal, lung and breast cancers.

The test looks for mutations in 16 genes that regularly arise in cancer and eight proteins that are often released.

The victims

Hoodlums unleashed terror on residents of Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, during a fracas at an event organised by a white garment church on Sunday January 14, 2018.

According to The Nation, pandemonium broke out between 7pm and 9.30 pm, following a fight between some youths during a ceremony organised by Fogofoluwa Cherubim and Seraphim Church on Gbadamosi Close, Pako area of Baruwa, Ipaja.

Some eye-witnesses disclosed that the church was celebrating one of their members who had just returned from trance, when a disagreement between two youths over a girl led to a scuffle.

One of the youths at the event was said to have attacked a boy for dancing suggestively with his girlfriend.

On January 14, 2018, at about 11.52pm, a Max Air plane with registration number 5N- HMM, landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers state with the third batch of 560 Nigerian returnees from Libya. Among them were 20 infants. In recent time, the print and electronic media have been awash with news of Nigerian returnees from Libya and their horrific tales during their sojourn.

Nigerians, especially youths , leave the shores of the country in search of better living condition, owing mostly to unemployment .

In their desperation to achieve their aim, they fall prey to agents who sweet talked and cajoled them into believing that they could get to their dream country, if they could raise between N150,000 and N400,000. Some youths , resorted to several criminal means of raising this amount , only to realise at the end that this decision was their greatest undoing.

A monarch in Taraba State and 28 others were killed during the week in fresh attacks by Fulani herdsmen, The Nation reports.

The attacks, which took place between Tuesday and Wednesday, occurred while the dust was yet to settle on herdsmen attacks on some Benue communities early in the year, which resulted in the death of about 70 residents.

Many other people were said to have been injured in the Taraba incidents while scores of other people were displaced after their homes were torched by the invaders.

At least four gunmen have launched an attack on Kabul’s Intercontinental Hotel. Special forces tried to repel the gunmen, interior ministry spokesman, Najib Danish, told the BBC.

Femi Adesina and President Buhari

These are very difficult times in our country. Sad, mournful and dolorous times, as the New Year opened with killings in Rivers, Kaduna, Taraba, and Benue states, among others. Of course, there had been gruesome carnage on the Mambilla plateau mid last year, and bloodletting in Numan, Adamawa State, as well as in other places. Hell suddenly seemed to have enlarged itself against Nigeria. Sincere condolences to those who are grieving and mourning the loss of loved ones.

But instead of finding solutions, and joining to chart the way forward, some people are making political capital out of the killings. They are trying to use the orgy of bloodshed to advance their political interests, wanting to make it appear that it is a failure of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The victim

A lady identified as Amarachi Azubuike, has giving graphic details of her experience in their hands of an armed robber in Lagos while she was returning from school in December, 2017.

Narrating how it happened, Amarachi said: “I was on my way back from school as at 21st December, at oshodi express way.

The rescued foreigners

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in the early hours of Saturday, rescued American and Canadian citizens who were kidnapped in Kaduna State last Tuesday.

Recall that the kidnapped foreigners who were two Americans and two Canadians, were ambushed by their abductors while traveling from Kaduna State to Abuja.

Akwa Ibom Doctor Sacked For Stealing Beds

A doctor

Dr Nwaopara A.U, a Consultant and Medical Superintendent, Psychiatric Hospital, Eket, has been sacked by the Akwa Ibom Government for allegedly stealing six hospital beds and converting them to personal use.

According to PM News, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Dominic Ukpong made the disclosure while addressing the management and staff of the hospital in Eket on Friday. He alleged that the doctor stole the beds in October last year and converted them to use in his private hospital in Marina area of Eket.

But Dr Nwaopara stated that the matter was in court.

File Photo

Mrs Marie Ebikake, a former Commissioner for Transport in Bayelsa State abducted by gunmen on the same day (Sunday) with a soldier in separate incidents in the state, has regained freedom.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ebikake was freed at about 3am on Friday, but the fate of the soldier remained unknown.

Bayelsa Police Spokesman, DSP Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development to NAN on Friday in Yenagoa.

Vladimir Putin (Photo: Kremlin Press Service)

Following a Russian Orthodox Christian tradition, President Vladimir Putin took a dip in freezing water at a monastery on the Feast of the Epiphany on Thursday night.

The Epiphany Bath, as it is known, is celebrated on January 19, the day when the infant Jesus is believed to have been visited by the Three Wise Men, thus revealing Himself to humankind. The practice is said to relate to the symbolic baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.

Gov Ortom

Speaking while receiving northern and All Progressive Congress (APC) governors led by the chairman of governors forum, Shetima Kashim, at the new banquet hall in Makurdi, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, on Friday, said that people of the state live in fear and still under siege of Fulani herdsmen.

Governor Ortom said that the fear of the people stemmed from continuous threat by the herdsmen who despite the killings still issued threat on daily basis to take over Benue land.

File photo used only for illustrative purpose

Lateef Saka, a transporter, has been arraigned before the Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stabbing his wife with a kitchen knife, NAN reports.

The 36-year-old is facing a charge of assault for stabbing his wife on her head.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Omisakin, told the court, that the accused committed the offence on Jan. 18, about 11.00 p.m at his residence: No. 27, Jebba St., Ebute Meta, Lagos.

A woman prepares to be lashed in Indonesia for getting 'too close' to her partner

This is the shocking moment an Indonesian woman is publicly whipped for getting ‘too close’ to her partner in the days before their wedding.

Closeness is seen as a prelude to pre-marital sex in the far eastern nation which strongly adheres to Sharia Law.

The woman and her partner both received 20 lashes each, as crowds gathered to watch their flogging.

Germany Pays People In The Country To Use Electricity

On Christmas Eve and early into the next day, Germany’s power trading exchange, EPEX Spot, had to pay companies and other large energy consumers up to $60 per megawatt-hour to use energy.

The company bills consumers negative rates when too much power is generated from renewables and there’s a low demand for it.

In general, experts say, solar and wind generation is wildly inconsistent, with a lot of it based on the season.

The online publication, Green Matters, reports that, for example, Germany expects wind turbines to produce around 12 percent of overall power, but that the number can significantly rise if there’s major winds.

Martin Luther King

Social Activist and Humanitarian, Martins Luther King Jr. is no doubt one of the most important figures in the American Civil Rights Movement.

A Baptist minister inspired by other advocates of nonviolence, King encouraged oppressed and socially disadvantaged African-Americans to fight for equality through peaceful protest.

He helped to organize the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, and played a pivotal role in other significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

1. Martins Luther played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's family has officially grown!The famous couple have welcomed their third child via surrogate, and the family is over the moon.

"Kanye and I are happy to announce the arrival of our healthy, beautiful baby girl," Kim announced on her app today.

A middle-aged man, identified as Mbiti Munyao in Kangundo constituency, Machakos area of Kenya has been arrested for allegedly raping two goats to death.

Jumoke Akinjide

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide, for allegedly laundering a sum of N650m.

Akinjide was arraigned alongside Senator Ayo Adeseun and Chief Olanrewaju Otiti before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Wednesday, 31 January 2018

Sunday, 28 January 2018

Saturday, 27 January 2018

Wednesday, 24 January 2018

Monday, 22 January 2018

Sunday, 21 January 2018

Saturday, 20 January 2018

Wednesday, 17 January 2018