EFCC arrests Okorocha in Abuja

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday arrested former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

Okorocha was arrested in Abuja, but the EFCC has not yet given reason for his arrest.

EFCC‘s Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren confirmed Okorocha’s arrest to PM NEWS on phone on Tuesday evening.

When asked the reason for the former governor’s arrest, Uwujaren said the commission would not disclose the reason yet.

Okorocha’s arrest might not be unconnected with the raging feud between him and his successor, Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Uzodinma had accused his predecessor of fraudulently spending N106 billion on fictitious contracts.

The Justice Benjamin Iheka-led Commission of Inquiry on Contracts awarded between 2011 and 2019 in the state set up by Uzodinma indicted the former governor.

The commission submitted its report to the governor last year, indicting the Okorocha’s regime and saying it uncovered fraudulent contracts worth over N106 billion which the regime should be made to refund.

Uzodinma had said the commission’s investigation covered the award of contracts during the period of Okorocha’s administration from 2011 to 2019.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/efcc-arrests-okorocha-in-abuja.html

Many injured in Lagos gas explosion

There was a gas explosion in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State on Tuesday.

It was learnt that many people were injured in the incident that happened at Iyasoko Street Agboju, Amuwo-Odofin.

It was gathered that the incident happened a few minutes to 7 pm.

The Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Nosa Okunbor, confirmed the incident to The Punch.

He said, “Yes, it is true. Our team members are on their way. They are delayed by traffic. I cannot determine the magnitude of the incident at present.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/many-injured-in-lagos-gas-explosion.html

Chelsea into Champions League semis for first time since 2014

Chelsea reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2014 despite a 1-0 defeat against Porto in Tuesday’s quarter-final second leg in Seville.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will play Real Madrid or Liverpool for a place in the final after producing a masterclass in game management to win 2-1 on aggregate.

Real travel to Anfield on Wednesday looking to protect a 3-1 lead from the first leg.

They could do worse than copy Tuchel’s tactics as Chelsea smothered Porto with an intelligent defensive approach until Mehdi Taremi’s stunning bicycle kick in the last minute of stoppage-time.

That sublime strike was out of character with the rest of Porto’s display as they laboured to overturn the 2-0 first-leg deficit.

Chelsea have lost only once in 18 matches since Tuchel replaced the sacked Frank Lampard in January and this was another feather in the German’s cap.

Tuchel had admitted this week was a make or break period for Chelsea.

They passed the first test with ease and can now focus on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Premier League leaders Manchester City at Wembley.

The Blues are fifth in the Premier League as they chase a top-four finish, meaning they might need to win the Champions League for the first time since 2012 if they are to qualify for next season’s competition.

Led by the astute Tuchel, who took Paris Saint-Germain to the Champions League final last season, that lofty ambition can’t be ruled out.

Tuchel this week said he wouldn’t want to fight Antonio Rudiger or Cesar Azpilicueta, such is the ferocious will to win coursing through Chelsea’s most vocal players.

Both defenders lived up to Tuchel’s billing as they fought tooth and nail to keep Porto at bay in a niggly clash.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/chelsea-into-champions-league-semis-for.html

Fans REACT to actress, Fathia Balogun’s new photo

Nigerians have expressed worry over the recent looks of Nollywood actress and producer, Fathia Balogun Williams on social media.

Fathia Williams had taken to her Instagram page to share unedited and unfiltered photo and attached a caption where she wished her fans success in the new week.

''Good evening fam 🖤🤎💜💙💚💛🧡❤ .how are you doing..Happy new week''. she wrote.

However, whilst some fans expressed excitement seeing the 52-year-old actress, others expressed concern as they claimed she looks very old 

See some reactions below...

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/fans-react-to-actress-fathia-baloguns.html

Officers reject N500,000 bribe, arrest five suspects in Lagos

Lagos State Police operatives have arrested five suspects transporting stolen items after being allegedly offered a bribe of N500,000.

The suspects: Lawal Saheed, 40, Taofeek Adenigba, 43, Ope Olowolayemo, 28, Azeez Jamie, 41 and Omotayo Adewale, 34 were arrested on Sunday around 3 am in between Volks Bus Stop and Iyana Iba, Lagos State.

Daily Post gathered that the suspects in a Ford Bus with Reg. Number FST 679 XZ, was apprehended with some 25mm iron rods, property of China Construction Engineering Company (CCEC).

In a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, he said that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has opened an investigation into the matter and the suspects would be charged to court as soon as possible.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/officers-reject-n500000-bribe-arrest.html

Former Zimbabwean First Lady, Grace Mugabe's son arrested for theft

Former first lady Grace Mugabe’s firstborn son Russell Goreraza is currently in police custody after he was arrested for the alleged theft of mining equipment.

37-year-old Goreraza, who is the former first lady’s son from her first marriage, appeared before Concession magistrate Moreblessing Makati together with his 3 alleged accomplices on Monday. Gorereza’s three accomplices are Paul Sithole (45), Aaron Muchenje (31) and Trymore Madzitire (36).

The four had to spend another night in custody after the magistrate postponed the bail ruling to Tuesday.

According to the state’s case, Goreraza ordered Muchenje, Madzitire and Sithole to “dismantle the processing plant” belonging to Tian Bao Mineral Industry (Pvt) Ltd. Tian Bao is currently engaged in mining activities at Smithfield Farm in Mazowe which is owned by the Mugabe family.

As instructed, the three men allegedly arrived at the mining site early in the morning and dismantled the processing plant, before loading components of it into a truck. The state’s papers read,

“the accused loaded a gold smelter, ball mill, electric motor, 200 ball mill metal balls, 50 ball mill liners, 20 slay pumps, and 15 angle iron bars into a Mercedes Benz truck using a crane,”

However, the three’s luck ran out when they were intercepted by the Mazowe police. Upon being questioned over the posession of the stolen mining equipment, the three implicated Goreraza. Following this information, the police apprehended the former first lady’s son and charged him together with Muchenje, Madzitire and Sithole.

Over the years, Goreraza has been involved in a number of controversies dating back to the period when former President Robert Mugabe was in power. He has been accused of grabbing mines and grabbing properties.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/ex-zimbabwean-first-lady-grace-mugabes.html

Speeding driver kills boy in Anambra accident [photos]

A speeding driver has killed a male child who was crossing Uli-Ihiala road in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

Mr Andrew Kumapayi, Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Awka.

 Kumapayi said the accident, which occurred at about 2.p.m., was caused by speeding and loss of control. 

“According to eyewitnesses, an unidentified driver of Toyota Sienna Space wagon with registration number LSR748GN, was on top speed when he lost control of the vehicle and knocked down a male child crossing the expressway. 

“The driver of the vehicle was later arrested and handed over to the police by FRSC rescue team from Ihiala command. 

“The knocked down child was taken to God’s Favour Specialist Hospital by the FRSC rescue team and was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. His body was deposited at the mortuary, ” he said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/speeding-driver-kills-boy-in-anambra.html

Actor, Afeez Owo shares new photos as he turns a year older

Nollywood actor, Afeez Abiodun-Owo is a year older today.

To celebrate his new age, he shared new photos of himself on his Instagram page to the delight of his fans.

More photos below...

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/actor-afeez-owo-releases-new-photos-as.html

4 years after, OAU moves to reinstate students’ union activities

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced plans to reinstate the insitution’s Students’ Union.

This was made known in a statement by the institution’s Dean, Division of Student Affairs, Isiaka Aransi, on Monday.

The university’s statement was a reaction to the ultimatum recently issued by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D (southwest) chapter, to schools that union activities suspended across the region be reinstated or face “stiff resistance.”

But OAU said on Monday that the proposed demonstration by NANS was needless.

“It has come to the knowledge of the University Management that the National Association of Nigerian students Zone D is planning to stage a protest in respect of “resuscitation of Students’ Union in OAU,” Mr Aransi said.

“The university management wishes to inform all students that prior to the commencement of COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, OAU had taken steps to ensure that Students’ Union was resuscitated on two different occassions but the processes were truncated due to the activities of some group of students on our university campus.

“Meanwhile, protest or no protest, the university management has already determined to reinstate the suspended Students’ Union before the end of this current 2019/2020 academic session.

“In recognition of the right of freedom of association and assembly as well as the right to ensure that students play their roles actively in decision-making processes as one of the major stakeholders in the university, the management, through the Dean of Student Affairs, took another step in January this year 2021 to present another proposal to the university senate with a view to ensuring that the students union was resuscitated.

“Accordingly, the University Senate considered the proposal at its virtual meeting in January 2021, and in its wisdom advised that resuscitation of students union being an exclusive preserve of students should not be executed virtually while the students were not on ground in the university.

“The University management hereby wishes to inform all students (and other stakeholders) that as soon as all students return to campus fully during the Rain Semester of the current academic session, machinery will be put in place to set the ball rolling concerning the resuscitation ofthe students union in OAU.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/four-years-after-oau-moves-to-reinstate.html

Kanye seeks joint custody of kids in Kim Kardashian divorce

Kanye West is seeking joint legal and physical custody of his four children with Kim Kardashian, TMZ reported Monday.

The rapper’s response to Kardashian’s February divorce filing is “basically a mirror image” of his estranged wife’s petition, according to the site, which noted that the joint custody doesn’t necessarily mean a 50/50 split of North, 7, Saint, 5, Chicago, 3, and Psalm, 1.

Kardashian, 40, and West, 43, are not seeking spousal support from each other — an interesting if not entirely unexpected development given the Grammy winner’s spending habits and the fact that the reality star was recently recognized as a billionaire.

In addition, West wants them to be responsible for their own legal fees.

Page Six reported in March that while the couple are co-parenting their children, they are no longer on speaking terms. West has requested that Kardashian not be at the couple’s home whenever he visits the children, and “even before Kim filed for divorce, Kanye changed his numbers and said, ‘You can contact me through my security,'” per a source.

West and Kardashian had a prenup in place, making their split “an easy case of ‘You keep your money and I’ll keep mine,'” the source added.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/kanye-west-seeks-joint-custody-of.html

Bauchi to conduct headcount of commercial s.e.x workers

The Bauchi State Government says it will conduct a headcount of commercial s.e.x workers in the state with a view to having accurate data on them.

Aminu Balarabe-Isah, Permanent Commissioner in charge of Hisbah and Sharia implementation, made this known in Bauchi on Monday during a sensitisation workshop organised for commercial s.e.x workers.

He said the information generated from the exercise would help the commission in taking measures aimed at discouraging them from continuing with their ‘dangerous’ trade.

Mr Isah disclosed plans by the state government to organise empowerment programmes for them, as well as provide them with capital to start small scale businesses.

He explained that investigations conducted by his agency indicated that most of the s.e.x workers took to prostitution as a result of illiteracy, poverty or maltreatment meted on them by their step-mothers.

He said that minor family squabbles also contributed to their decision to take to prostitution, assuring that government would make efforts to reunite them with their parents.

The commissioner expressed the readiness of the state government to organise mass marriages for those of them who were lucky to get serious suitors.

Hafsatu Azare, who spoke on behalf of the s.e.x workers, assured that they were willing to quit the trade if the government would empower them economically, describing their condition as pathetic.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/bauchi-to-conduct-headcount-of.html

Makinde’s candidate, Arapaja emerges PDP S/W Chairman

The candidate backed by the camp of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja has emerged as the new South-West Zonal Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party on Monday.

Arapaja polled 343 votes to defeat Dr Eddy Olafeso, who scored 330.

Olafeso is of the camp of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Earlier during the exercise, Fayose reconciled with his main rival, Makinde, acknowledging that the Oyo State Governor is the PDP leader in the southwest region.

His reaction comes after months of leadership tussle for the control of the party among the duo.

Reacting to the zonal congress, Governor Makinde said the PDP is ready to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He explained that the internal wrangling that has rocked the zone has now come to an end.

“We will take it in the spirit of a family contest. We don’t want to defeat ourselves, we want to defeat the APC,” he said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/makindes-candidate-arapaja-emerges-pdp.html

Fire consumes 30 shops in Oro Central Market, Kwara

A fire incident, on Monday, ravaged 30 shops in Oro town, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Daily Post reports that the incident, which occurred in the afternoon at about 15.12 hours, at the Oro Central Market, was reportedly caused by careless refuse burning by unknown persons.

The burning refuse, according to the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, “spread to a shop and later engulfed other shops within the vicinity area.”

“Out of the 354 shops in the market area, 30 shops were burnt by the fire, while the remaining shops were rescued by the fire service team,” the statement added.

The fire service team was alerted to the scene by one ASP Yusuf through a telephone call, Daily Post gathered.

The Director of the state fire service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, charged citizens of the State to be conscious of fire safety culture in order to drastically reduce the incessant fire outbreaks happening in the State.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/fire-consumes-30-shops-in-oro-central.html

There is an attempt at sabotaging Buhari’s presidency -Orji Kalu

Amid the myriads of security challenges in the country, the Senate Minority Leader and senator representing Abia North in the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised an alarm over an attempt at sabotaging the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday said the Federal Government is not responding as it should.

Kalu, who was also ex-governor of Abia State, called on the Federal Government to collaborate more with governors in nipping in the bud the various security challenges in the country.

“Anywhere you have no police to police the society, it means the society is failed because the major job of a government is to protect lives and properties of the citizens. Once that kind of aspect fails, we are in trouble,” he said.

“I believe there is sabotage to the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari. A lot of sabotage, things are on duty to sabotage him, the society.

“The Federal Government should cooperate with the state governments. We have done well as a party in many areas but security is key and we need to address this issue, come together.”

On the way forward, he asked President Buhari to tackle the numerous security challenges in the country to convey a security summit with the service chiefs, governors, selected ex-governors and former military personnel.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/there-is-attempt-at-sabotaging-buharis.html

BBNaija Nengi shows off her flawless skin in hot bikini photo

Dripping hot!

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/bbnaija-nengi-shares-super-hot-bikini.html

You are my leader, Fayose tells Makinde at PDP South-West zonal congress, begs for forgiveness

Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Monday, stunned all stalwarts and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the South-West zonal congress in Osogbo, Osun State, when he declared that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State remains his leader in the party.

Fayose, in his remarks before the commencement of the congress, affirmed that “Seyi Makinde is my leader. He is our leader and remains our leader. Enemies should not come in between us because we are one.

“The burning issue in PDP is circumstantial. Who is our leader? Seyi Makinde is our leader. Prince Olavunsoye Oyinlola is our leader. Segun Oni is our leader and whatever the outcome of the elections may be, I will accept it in good manner.

“If I have offended anybody in the party, I beg for forgiveness and whosoever that might have offended me, I have forgiven them also. If Arapaja wins the election, I will be the first person to go to him and congratulate him on his victory.

“Though, he had tonguelashed me time without numbers but despite that, I will still rejoice, dine and wine with him if he wins. We are one family and our unity should be paramount in our minds.”

In his own remark, Governor Makinde described the exercise as a family affair and charged all party members to take the outcome of the election without causing problems.

“We are to reposition the party and whatever the outcome, it will be taken as family affairs. At the end of the exercise, there will be no victor, no loser and whoever that wins will have my support and I will work with him.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/you-are-my-leader-fayose-tells-makinde.html

We have not increased cement price in 15 months - Dangote

The Group Executive Director, Strategy, Portfolio Development & Capital Projects, of Dangote Group Devakumar Edwin, said the company has not increased the price of cement per bag since December 2019 (15 months) despite the rising cost of other materials and commodities in the country. 

Briefing editors at the headquarters of the company in Lagos on Monday, the executive director pointed out that sudden surge in demand for cement by operators in the real estate/ construction industry, volatile forex, sliding Naira against dollar, high transportation cost coupled with other logistics were responsible for low supply of cement, leading to shortage in the market and high price by retailers. 

According to him, when cement supply gap is bridged, the price impact will be minimized. He clarified that the price of a bag of cement from its factories and plants across Nigeria is N2,450 in Obajana and Gboko, and N2,510 in Ibese inclusive of VAT Market survey by Nigerian Tribune shows that a bag of cement is selling for between N3,200 and N4,000 in Nigerian cities, depending on locations. 

Debunking the rumour doing the rounds on the social media that a bag of 50-killogramme of cement was selling for N1,800 in Zambia and N3,500 in Nigeria, Edwin said it was not true, saying the price of cement in other countries across Africa is higher than the cost in Nigeria. 

According to his analysis, when the price per ton of cement is $119 in Zambia, $145 in Ghana, $159 in Cameroun and $122 in Sierra Leone, it is $101 in Nigeria. He said that anybody peddling the rumour was just out to discredit the company. 

He shared some invoices of various sales transactions of Dangote Cement in Zambia, Ghana and Nigeria as at March 26, 2021. 

He said: “While the price of cement per bag is 131 Kwacha in Zambia, which is actually an exchange of 22 kwacha per dollar, comes to $5.90 per bag, which is $119 per ton. “Invoice of sale transaction in Ghana on 26 of March and the selling price per bag comes to 41.9 cedis, and that’s 5.78 cedis per dollar in exchange rate. If you look at that, it comes to $7.25 cent per bag, which is $145 per ton in Ghana. In Sierra Leone, we have $122 per ton and Cameroun $159 per ton. 

“If you look at our prices here today, in Obajana, the, export rate price is N2,150. In Gboko, the export rate price is N2,450 including all VAT and taxes; and in Ibeshe, it is N2,110. So if you take our cement price at naira to a dollar today it comes to $101,” the group executive director said. 

Besides, the group executive director of Dangote cement said there was no basis for comparing the price of the product when looking at the cost of input, cost of manufacturing and everything from country to country. 

“Nobody is comparing the price of rice, or maize or diesel or petroleum to the price in Zambia. But just because somebody wanted to discredit us, they went to say oh! this is the price,” he said. 

He also attributed high exchange rate, high cost of diesel to rising cost of cement, adding that the company does not have enough capacity to transport cement to different locations in the country. 

According to him, most of the trucks have been trapped in Apapa port, saying they always spent average of two weeks to go in and out of Apapa. 

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/we-have-not-increased-cement-price-in.html

Why I wept at my daughter’s Nikkah - Pasuma reveals

Pasuma, may have performed at concerts and thrilled many lovers of his music without being emotionally bothered with personalities involved, but on Thursday, April 8, during the Nikkah ceremony of his second daughter, Barakat, the singer betrayed his emotions as he gave her hand out in marriage.

The quick intervention of friends who were with Pasuma on the dance floor could not stop him from shedding what he would later described as tears of joy when as he was serenaded by Wasiu Ayinde, otherwise known as K1.

While there had bad blood between K1 and Pasuma for some years, many people were surprised at Pasuma’s choice of k1 for his daughter’s wedding ceremony but information gathered by R suggested that the two Fuji musicians decided to put the past behind them as they now embrace each other and smile.

At the Nikkah that attracted big names from different walks of life, Pasuma, clad in white and red traditional attire held his daughter as they walked into the venue amid the noise of congratulations from the crowd. The Fuji star would later change into a brown agbada for the reception ceremony with K1 on the band stand.

Pasuma, who wept as he stepped into the venue to dance was quickly surrounded by his friends who tried to console him but the singer was moved by K1’s music as and could not control his tears.

Speaking with R about the joy of seeing his second daughter get married, Pasuma said he was over the moon to witness the big day despite the challenges he has faced in life, adding that “People see the glory today but they don’t know the struggle but I am grateful to God for this privilege and I wish my daughter and husband a beautiful union filled with love and blessings”, he said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/why-i-wept-at-my-daughters-nikkah.html

Meghan Markle reportedly spoke with the Queen to share condolences for Prince Philip

Meghan Markle will not be attending Prince Philip's funeral in person this Saturday, as her doctor didn't clear her to fly because of her pregnancy. 

But the Duchess of Sussex did reach out to the Queen to share her condolences over the loss of the Queen's husband and Harry's grandfather, Us Weekly reports.

On Saturday, a source told the outlet that “Meghan and Harry have already spoken to the Queen to express their sympathies.”

Publicly, the couple dedicated the homepage of their non-profit Archewell to Prince Philip on Friday. They shared a brief tribute to him which read,

 “In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021. Thank you for your service... You will be greatly missed.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/meghan-markle-reportedly-spoke-with.html

6-year-girl whose genital was mutilated in Bauchi recovers, discharged from hospital

A six-year-old-girl, Hawa’u, whose genital was mutilated by two young men four months ago in Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi State has recovered.

She was discharged from hospital and reunited with her family.

Daily Trust reports last December how the suspects, 20-year-old Adamu Abdul Ra’uf and 19-year-old Abdukadir Wada Haladu of Gandu area in Jama’are town, lured the little Hawa’u to an uncompleted building where they cut off her female genital for ritual purposes.

She was rushed to Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital in Kano for treatment at the instance of the State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

The little Hawa’u was handed over to the Bauchi State Governor Mohammed at the Government House by State Commissioner of Health, Dr Aliyu Mohammed Maigoro in company of her parents.

Mohammed, who stated that communities must stand up to stop this “dehumanising act of savagery”, said the government cannot do it alone.

He advised the parents to make sure that they don’t allow little Hawa’u to be alone or to be sent on errands or to be out of school”.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2021/04/6-year-girl-whose-genital-was-mutilated.html