Nigeria police did not rescue us, we paid N2m to secure our freedom from our abductors – Kidnapped couple

A couple abducted at Uso, along Akure-Owo expressway in Ondo State, last week, have denied that they were rescued by security agencies. They said they paid a ransom to secure their freedom.

Gbenga Ibikunle and his wife were returning from Ebonyi State last week when they were kidnapped by gunmen.

The police had promised to rescue then unhurt, while the abductors demanded a ransom of N10million.

But on Saturday, the couple regained their freedom after spending about four days in captivity.

The police quickly announced their release, claiming it was made possible by the efforts of the police, NSCDC, the military and Amotekun Corps.

”We heard they were asking for N20 million ransom, but we are not interested in that. We rescued the couple and we are going to get the perpetrators,” Leo Tee-Ikoro, the police spokesperson, said.

But Mr Ibikunke told journalists in Akure on Monday that no security agency was involved in securing their release.

He said N2 million was paid to their abductors before they were released.

“I am surprised with the claims that we were rescued by the police,” he said.

“This is nothing but a lie coming from the pit of hell.

“I can say it boldly that, no security agency came to our rescue. We were released around 1 a.m. after ransom was paid to them.

“They collected the ransom along the road without being jittery. In fact, they counted all the money before they released me to my brother, who brought the N2 million.

“We were in the bush with them for three good days without food. They treated us like criminals. They beat us with stick and cutlass. We met a man in their den, who was also released the same way we were. His own family parted with N10 million before he was released.

“At a point they wanted to rape my wife, but she tricked them that she was pregnant.”

Mr Ibikunle also said his abductors were Fulanis and lamented that “Nigeria is in a big mess.”

“We don’t have security in this country anymore. It is sad that our security agencies are not effective. The kidnappers carried out their operations with impunity. They boasted that they will kill any policeman that wanted to rescue us,” he added.

“I am weeping for this country because we are not safe. We can no longer travel.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/nigeria-police-did-not-rescue-us-we.html

Africa records over 3million covid-19 cases as second wave sweeps fast

The second wave of the coronavirus is spreading swiftly in Africa, a continent once perceived as one of the relatively safest places when speaking of the deadly virus.

Africa passed the milestone of 3 million confirmed cases Covid-19 on Sunday, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than 72, 000 people have also died of coronavirus infections in Africa since Egypt became the first country in the continent to confirm a coronavirus case about 11 months ago, data from the Africa CDC revealed Sunday.

The death toll includes the former president of the Republic of the Congo, Jacques Joachim Yhombi-Opango; Somalia’s former prime minister Nur Hassan Hussein and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff, Abba Kyari among a host of other prominent people.

Countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Libya, Kenya, Algeria and Nigeria are seeing a sharp rise in cases and are reporting near record levels of infection.

Quick measures, including travel restrictions and border closures, enabled countries in Africa to limit the spread when first cases were reported in March. But the economic impact of the measures prompted governments to ease them.

As people relax their guards and ditch social distancing measures, infections have spiked.

According to a Reuters analysis, Africa has reported over 500,000 new cases in the past one month, nearly 20 per cent of its reported total of over 3 million cases.

But despite crossing the grim milestone, Africa is the least affected region so far, accounting for only about 5 per cent of global cases.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/africa-records-over-3million-covid-19.html

Police, NYSC speak on female corps member who allegedly murdered man

The police in Akwa Ibom State have confirmed the arrest of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who reportedly killed a man she spent a night with.

Recall how a mob almost lynched the woman, identified as Odume Paschaline.

The incident happened in Uyo, Sunday night.

The police spokesperson in the state, Odiko MacDon, said Ms Paschaline is being treated as a murder suspect.

“She was arrested because she murdered (killed) one Akwaowo,” Mr MacDon, a superintendent of police, told Premium Times, Monday.

“We got a distress call, we responded to that distress call at 219 Abak Road, Uyo. When we got there they were at the verge of lynching her, so we had to rescue her. Preliminary investigation revealed that she and the guy went out to the guy’s house. She said that the guy, in his house, brought out a machete and said he wants to kill her. She said she acted in self-defence, picked up the machete and used it on him.

“The CP (commissioner of police) has ordered a very ‘discreet’ investigation. As I speak, we have her in custody and as soon as we are done with our investigation, that matter will be charged to court.”

Julius Amusan, the NYSC coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, confirmed that Ms Paschaline is a corps member serving in the state.

Mr Amusan said the incident was “very sad and unfortunate”.

“We cannot run away from the fact that she is a corps member, we owe her the obligation to ensure that thorough investigation is carried out into the matter. As it is, it is a criminal offence and beyond what NYSC can handle,” he said.

The coordinator said ”(as soon as) the NYSC authorities heard of the incident, they got in touch with the police to establish if the person involved was truly a corps member.

“We have met with the police and we have established that she is a corps member, and the police have assured us they are going to carry out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/police-nysc-speak-on-female-corps.html

Facebook suspends Ugandan government-linked accounts ahead of Thursday elections

Social media giant, Facebook, said it has closed several accounts linked to Uganda’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology ahead of the country’s presidential election on Thursday.

In a statement on Monday, the company said it took the action because the affected accounts were being used for “coordinated inauthentic behaviour”.

“This month, we removed a network of accounts and pages in Uganda that engaged in coordinated inauthentic behaviour to target public debate ahead of the election.

“We found this network to be linked to the Government Citizens Interaction Centre at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology in Uganda.

“People have used fake and duplicate accounts to manage pages, comment on other people’s content, impersonate users and re-share posts in groups to make them appear more popular than they were.

“Given the impending election in Uganda, we moved quickly to investigate and take down this network,” Facebook said.

Uganda’s long-time President Yoweri Museveni is seeking re-election in a charged political environment.

He faces 10 challengers, including music star, Robert Kyagulanyi, best known by his stage name, Bobi Wine, seen as a real threat to him.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/facebook-suspends-ugandan-government.html

10 internet fraud suspects arrested in Lagos

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, have arrested 10 persons for their alleged involvement in computer-related fraud.

The suspects are: Jonathan Daniel Adebayo, Lawal Waidi Seun, Adeosun Joseph, Taiwo Gbemileke, Oseni Omotayo, Emmanuel Fakiyesi, Rasheed Ogunlana, Oladunni Segun, Sowunmi Rotimi and Efetobore Prince Wilfred.

They were arrested on Saturday, January 9, 2021 during an early morning operation in the Alagbado area of Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the Commission about their alleged criminal activities.

Items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest are cars, mobile phones, laptop computers, passports, a digital video recorder and a chequebook.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/10-internet-fraud-suspects-arrested-in.html

Melania Trump breaks silence on US Capitol riot

First lady Melania Trump made her first comments Monday, 11 January, about the violence at the Capitol when pro-Trump rioters stormed the building last week.

In a lengthy written statement posted to the white house website, she said that her heart goes out to the six people who have died since the attack, including two Capitol police officers.

“I am disappointed and disheartened with what happened last week. I find it shameful that surrounding these tragic events there has been salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me – from people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda. This time is solely about healing our country and its citizens. It should not be used for personal gain,” she said.

The first lady added that: “Our Nation must heal in a civil manner. Make no mistake about it, I absolutely condemn the violence that has occurred on our Nation’s Capitol. Violence is never acceptable.

“As an American, I am proud of our freedom to express our viewpoints without persecution. It is one of the paramount ideals which America is fundamentally built on. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect that right. With that in mind, I would like to call on the citizens of this country to take a moment, pause, and look at things from all perspectives.

Melania, however, implored people to stop violence and never make assumptions based on the color of a person’s skin or use differing political ideologies as a basis for aggression and viciousness.

“We must listen to one another, focus on what unites us, and rise above what divides us,” Melania stated.

She added that it was inspiring to see that so many have found a passion and enthusiasm in participating in an election, “but we must not allow that passion to turn to violence. Our path forward is to come together, find our commonalities, and be the kind and strong people that I know we are.”

“Most importantly, I ask for healing, grace, understanding, and peace for our great Nation.”

However, Melania Trump made no mention of those who are responsible for inciting the violence last Wednesday.

The first lady also said nothing about the calls for vice president Mike Pence, with the help of Trump’s Cabinet, to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office or the plan by house democrats to possibly impeach him for a second time.

She said it’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the first lady.

While Melania has largely stayed quiet during her husband’s attempts to defy the election result, she has echoed the president’s misleading language of counting legal votes and has not publicly acknowledged Biden’s victory.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/melania-trump-breaks-silence-on-us.html

Oldest pro footballer, Kazuyoshi Miura who was playing when Messi was born signs new contract

The world's oldest professional footballer has signed a new contract with Yokohoma FC.

Kazuyoshi Miura, dubbed ‘King Kazu’ in Japan, celebrates his 54th birthday on February 26 - a day before the new J-League campaign gets underway.

And he will mark that milestone by preparing for his 36th season as a player after penning a 12-month extension.

Miura said: “Last season, I was feeling the joy of playing football at a time when the world was facing a tough situation because of the new coronavirus.”

This will be his 17th year at the club having signed for them in 2005.

The ex-Japan striker last scored against Thespakusatsu Gunma in 2017 in the second tier.

That strike made him the oldest player to score in a Japanese professional league game at 50 years and 14 days.

Miura started his career with Santos in Brazil in 1986 and was playing when Barcelona legend Lionel Messi was born.

He was the poster boy of his nation’s football boom in the early 90s when the J-League was launched.

The veteran fired Verdy Kawasaki to title glory in 93 and 94 before heading to Italy’s Serie A with Genoa.

He also had stints in both Croatia and Australia as well as other Japanese sides.

Miura helped Japan to Asian Cup glory in 1992 but heartbreakingly missed out on representing them in their first World Cup appearance in 98.

He scored 55 goals in 89 games for his country.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/oldest-pro-footballer-kazuyoshi-miura.html

'NIN registration may be suspended to avoid Covid-19'

Doctor Olorunnimbe Mamora, Minister of State for Health, Monday said that the ongoing registration and National Identification Number enrolment may be suspended due to the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country. 

As at yesterday, 100,087 cases have been confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). 1358 are reported dead since Coronavirus stormed Nigeria on February, 2020. Also, about 80,030 persons have been treated and discharged.

On Sunday 10, 2021, NCDC confirmed 1,544 new infections of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. This however is a wake-up call to all Nigerian that Covid-19 is real.

 In other to stem the spread, Mamora while playing host on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme today, said it would be wise if NIN enrolment and registration is suspended.

His words: “I don’t feel good looking at the picture where people are gathered in multitude; it’s like a super-spreader event which we don’t like. 

But I’m also aware that the relevant ministry which is the communications and digital economy is looking at this. 

“My understanding is that the whole process may be suspended so as to reorder the whole process in terms of management of the crowd because it was never intended that it would become a rowdy process like that. “We have a duty as government to ensure that people are protected; we also have a duty to ensure people comply within the limit of what is good for the society at large.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/nin-registration-may-be-suspended-to.html

Temporary mortuary holding 170 bodies as Covid-hit hospitals run out of space

Bodies are being stored at a temporary facility in Surrey after the county's hospital mortuaries reached capacity amid rising Covid-19 case rates.

Around 170 bodies are being kept at the site in Leatherhead, which first opened in April to alleviate pressure during the first wave of the pandemic.

The pressure at the temporary mortuary at Headley Court comes as record-high deaths and infection rates are being recorded across England, pressuring the government to step up its vaccinations drive.

More than half of those kept at the facility died with coronavirus, a Surrey Local Resilience Forum spokesman said. 

The county's hospital mortuaries have the capacity to store 600 bodies but are currently full, while the temporary facility has room for 800.

The Surrey Local Resilience Forum spokesman said the county would be left in "real difficulty" if the 1,400 capacity is exceeded in the coming weeks.

He said: "To put some perspective on this, during the first wave, they had 700 bodies go through that (temporary) facility.

"The first wave lasted approximately 12 weeks from mid-March to mid-May.

"Since December 21, after just two-and-a-half weeks, they have had 300 bodies go through it."

The number of patients with Covid-19 in hospital has reached a record high in England, while the official coronavirus death toll for the UK passed 80,000 at the weekend and lab-confirmed cases hit more than three million.

As of Sunday, a further 563 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, bringing the UK total to 81,431.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/temporary-mortuary-holding-170-bodies.html

“Borrow airtime to avoid your sim getting blocked” – Erigga advises Nigerians

Lmaooo... Indigenous singer, Erigga has advised Nigerians without National Identity Number, NIN, to borrow correct amount of money now on their sims to avoid it getting blocked.

He is of the opinion that if a correct amount of money is borrowed, there is a tendency that the sim wont get blocked. You know, owing the network provider might just leave you at their mercy, lol.

“To prevent your sim from being blocked because of NIN registration, borrow better money with the sim. Must king paper tell you everything?” he wrote in a tweet.

To prevent your sim from being blocked because of NIN registration, borrow better money with the sim.

Must king paper tell you everything?

— 𝙴𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚊 (@erigganewmoney) January 11, 2021

Some reactions below …

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/borrow-airtime-to-avoid-your-sim.html

Family whatsapp group are the worst - Toke Makinwa rants

Toke Makinwa is regretting joining her family whatsapp group and asking how she got there.

Lol, the media personality took to twitter to rant about not being comfortable anymore and unfortunately can't exit the group, lol.

She says if she leaves they will think she is priding and well she has to stay.

Her worry? They talk too much, lol.

''Family WhatsApp groups are the worst…. especially extended family ones, how did I get here??? If I leave they’ll think I’m priding but dammmmmnnnnnn these people talk too much!'', she wrote.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/family-whatsapp-group-are-worst-toke.html

Naira Marley’s younger sister shares a photo of their mother

Naira Marley's younger sister, Shubomi has shared a photo of their mom.

This comes after one of her followers asked her to show a pic/video of her favourite person. She then declared it's her mother and then shared a photo.

Naira Marley and Shubomi are of the same parents.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/naira-marleys-younger-sister-shares.html

Gunmen assassinate Saudi-based oil expert at his Kogi home

Gunmen have killed a Saudi Arabia-based oil expert, Ogacheko Atanu, in his Idah residence, Kogi State.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Saturday around 11pm when the deceased was about retiring to bed.

It was learnt that when the assassins stormed the compound, Ogacheko was asked to say his last prayers before he was shot several times.

His elder brother, Mr Ukubile Atanu, who is a lecturer in the Art and Design Department, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, confirmed the incident.

Ukubile, who could not hold back his tears while speaking to a Punch correspondent on the incident, charged security agencies to bring his brother’s killers to justice.

He stated, “When they (gunmen) entered his compound around 11pm on Saturday, they told Ogacheko to say his last prayers before they would kill him. He told them that he would give them money if they spared his life, but they refused. That was how he was shot repeatedly. They didn’t touch the gateman.

“After he was killed, his gateman went straight to the police station to report the incident. This is a black day in our family. Those behind this evil act must be brought to justice.”

It was further learnt that the deceased, who is survived by four children and an 80-year-old mother, was billed to travel to Abuja on Sunday, where he was expected to connect a flight to Saudi Arabia.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/gunmen-assassinate-saudi-based-oil.html

Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote loses $900m in 24 hours

Aliko Dangote, saw his total net worth drop by $900m on Friday as his flagship company emerged the biggest loser at the end of trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which is a ranking of the world’s 500 richest people, showed that his wealth fell from $18.4bn on Thursday to $17.5bn on Friday, making him the 114th wealthiest man in the world, down from 106th the previous day.

Dangote’s net worth had risen from $15.5bn on December 13 to close the year 2020 at $17.8bn. It further gained $600m in the first seven days of 2021, but lost all of it and more last Friday.

The share price of Dangote Cement Plc, the country’s biggest listed company and Africa’s largest cement producer, tumbled by 8.13 per cent to close at N225 on Friday from N244.90 on Thursday.

Dangote was the only Nigerian on the list of 500 billionaires and retained his position as Africa’s richest person as of Friday.

“The majority of Dangote’s fortune is derived from his 86 per cent stake in publicly traded Dangote Cement. He holds the shares in the company directly and through his conglomerate, Dangote Industries,” Bloomberg said.

His most valuable closely held asset is a fertiliser plant with capacity to produce up to 2.8 million tonnes of urea annually, according to the international news agency.

“A $12bn oil refinery that is currently being developed in Nigeria isn’t included in the valuation because it’s not yet operational and construction costs are calculated to outweigh its current value,” it said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/africas-richest-man-aliko-dangote-loses.html

Regina Daniels’ ex, Somadina threatens to block anyone who mentions her on his page again

Aww Somadina Adinma, the former boyfriend of Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels has had enough of people mocking him over the actress abandoning him for a billionaire. 

He is also tired of people talking about him and his ex, despite she is married at any slightest opportunity.

He wants to know why he should post a picture and some people will still mention Regina's name on HIS OWN PERSONAL page.

Anyway, he shared a photo of himself and people still went that way again. Some spoke about Regina in the comment section, and Somadina decided to end that ASAP.

Thanking his fans for the show of love, he quickly then dropped a warning saying anyone who mentions Regina in the comment section will get blocked.

Talk about having it to the brim!!!

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/regina-daniels-ex-somadina-threatens-to.html

Fans call DJ Cuppy a teletubby, as they slam her dress sense

Fans of DJ Cuppy on twitter have slammed her referring to her as a teletubby.

This comes after one of them raise the alarm of Cuppy not being able to dress to save her life.

The fan had tweeted: "This Cuppy girl no sabi dress at all."

Another added: "She's always looking like a f**king teletubby."

And then the slamming began. But then Cuppy who was tagged in some of the attack, replied them and asked them to put some respect to it by adding ''rich''.

She responded: "A RICH teletubbie." Then another replied to are, ''you are not rich''. TF??

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/fans-call-dj-cuppy-teletubby-as-they.html

Sexiest man alive, Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey make their relationship public

The sexiest man alive is now off the market.

Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey got their 2021 off to a steamy start, as both stars made their relationship Instagram official on Sunday, Jan. 10. 

The 33-year-old Just Mercy actor shared a pair of pics that appeared to show them together at night in front of twinkly lights. In one of the pics, they seem about to kiss.

A handful of minutes later, Lori shared a post featuring two different Polaroids of the twosome. One of the images shows People's 2020 Sexiest Man Alive about to kiss his girlfriend's cheek as she has a huge smile on her face. 

Michael did not include a caption for his post, while the model and daughter of Steve Harvey's wife Marjorie added a heart emoji for hers.

This is the first time either Michael or Lori have publicly posted about the romance, but they certainly have been enjoying plenty of quality time together recently.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lori Harvey (@loriharvey)

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/michael-b-jordan-and-lori-harvey.html

Trump is 'worst president ever'- Arnold Schwarzenegger

Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has called President Donald Trump a failed leader who "will go down in history as the worst president ever."

In a video posted on Twitter, Schwarzenegger, a Republican, took solace that the Trump presidency was coming to an end and "would soon be as irrelevant as an old tweet".

He called for national unity in the wake of last week's attack on the US Capitol and vowed to support president-elect Joe Biden.

"We need to heal, together, from the drama of what has just happened," Schwarzenegger said in a seven-and-a-half minute video posted on Sunday.

"We need to heal, not as Republicans or as Democrats, but as Americans."

Schwarzenegger accused Mr Trump of orchestrating a coup, comparing the President's supporters to his own father, a member of the Nazi Party during World War II.

"Being from Europe, I've seen first hand how things can spin out of control," he said.

"President Trump sought to overturn the results of an election, of a fair election … he sought a coup by misleading people with lies.

"President Trump is a failed leader. He will go down in history as the worst President ever."

Schwarzenegger also blasted Republican officials who showed "spinelessness" by loyally supporting Mr Trump's "lies and his treachery".

"They're complicit with those who carried the flag of self-righteous insurrection into the Capitol, but it did not work ... our democracy held firm."

Schwarzenegger called on all Americans to support president-elect Joe Biden.

"President-elect Biden, we wish you great success as our president," he said.

My message to my fellow Americans and friends around the world following this week's attack on the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/blOy35LWJ5

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 10, 2021

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/trump-is-worst-president-ever-arnold.html

Why I’m hiding my American husband’s identity –Gifty Powers

A former Big Brother Naija contestant, Gifty Powers, has continued to keep her fans guessing about not only the identity of her baby’s father but also her marital status.

In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Gifty, however, stated that she was married to an American man. She said, “I am married and the reason I still have not revealed his (husband’s) identity is that my personal life is extremely priceless and not for sale. 

My husband is an American and a month after we got married, he suggested that since I am a Nigerian, he would love for us to live in my country. 

But I declined, due to personal reasons. However, I still have my house and businesses in Lagos and Abuja. The world is deep and for one to have a long-lasting relationship, one must keep it off social media.

“Also, I deliberately kept the birth of my second child a secret for two reasons. One, because I am proud of my two kids and two, I am full of surprises. Not every part of my life is meant for the media. 

A mother should always be able to protect her children at any cost because the world we live in is delicate. It is better to be safe than to say ‘had I known’.”

Speaking on celebrities who had been accused of snatching people’s spouses, Powers said, “On the issue of celebrities who have been accused of having relationships with other people’s spouses or snatching other women’s husbands, I feel life is full of issues. Everyone has got their stories, so who am I to judge them? As much as it is a sin, there is a story behind every situation. One just has to hear the other side of the story.

“Also, as shocking as it may seem, I am proud of all the mistakes I have made. I have no regrets. But, there is one mistake I am not so proud of. I cannot give many details but it happened in October 2019.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/why-im-hiding-my-american-husbands.html

Atiku Abubakar’s son, Ahmed ties the knot with his lover

Ahmed Abubakar son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has walked down the aisle with his heartthrob Sa’adatu Hamidu.

The excited father took to his twitter page to express his appreciation and delight to see his son tie the knot with his lover writing;

'' On behalf of my family, I express my deepest appreciation to friends and associates who graced the wedding Fatiha of my son, Ahmed Atiku Abubakar, to Sa’adatu Hamidu. May their union be blessed and may the Almighty Allah grant you all journey mercies to your various destinations''.

On behalf of my family, I express my deepest appreciation to friends and associates who graced the wedding Fatiha of my son, Ahmed Atiku Abubakar, to Sa’adatu Hamidu. May their union be blessed and may the Almighty Allah grant you all journey mercies to your various destinations. pic.twitter.com/bAos6iNZ3Q

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) January 10, 2021

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/01/atiku-abubakars-son-ahmed-ties-knot.html