Koscielny wary of Nigeria threat (Yobo: I believe in this team)

While Didier Deschamps's France side garnered plaudits by sweeping past Honduras 3-0 and crushing Switzerland 5-2, a more cautious tone has been heard as they prepare for Monday's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 tie against Nigeria.  A much-changed team could only draw 0-0 in their final Group E fixture against Ecuador on Wednesday. Both Bacary Sagna and Morgan Schneiderlin suggested that France were potential champions after the stalemate at the Maracana, but centre-back Laurent Koscielny has since introduced a note of caution as Les Bleus prepare for Monday's game in Brasilia.It is only seven months since France had to overcome a 2-0 deficit to beat Ukraine in their qualifying play-off and the Arsenal defender says that it would be unwise to look too far ahead. "The first objective was to get through the group phase. Now it's to go as far as possible," he said."We are competitors and we are ambitious, but we know that we have opponents against us and that we might lose. We're aware of our qualities. Something changed after the Ukraine game, but anything is possible in a knockout match and for the moment we're only focusing on the last 16."Koscielny could line up in central defence alongside Raphael Varane at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium as Mamadou Sakho is doubtful due to a thigh injury. The Liverpool centre-back had to go off in the 61st minute of Wednesday's game and trained on his own on Saturday.Yohan Cabaye will come into the team in place of Schneiderlin after missing the Ecuador game due to suspension, but Paul Pogba's place is under threat from Moussa Sissoko.   After a laborious 0-0 draw with Iran in their opening game, Stephen Keshi's Nigeria side booked their place in the last 16 by edging Bosnia-Hercegovina 1-0 and then impressed in a 3-2 loss to Argentina. CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa twice produced immediate replies to goals from Lionel Messi, only for Argentina left-back Marcos Rojo to net a 50th-minute winner.

"We need to defend well, take our chances up front and learn from the Argentina game," Musa said. "In the second round, it's winner takes all. I know with hard work and God's support we shall make history. But prayers without hard work is nothing, so we need to be at our best against France to make it happen."

Chelsea forward Victor Moses missed the Argentina game due to a muscular complaint, but he trained with the squad in Brasilia on Saturday. Winger Michael Babatunde is out after his wrist was fractured by a shot from team-mate Ogenyi Onazi during the match against Argentina, but Keshi has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from. For Joseph Yobo, the pre-match ritual is as much a part of the game as the half-time team talk. In his 16 years as a professional, the Nigeria defender has always readied himself for action the same way, slipping on his shirt and then singing and praying before stepping on to the pitch. It is a routine he has gone through innumerable times – but on precisely 100 occasions for the Super Eagles. A sterling servant for his country, Yobo had the honour of bringing up his century of caps against Argentina in Nigeria's final Group F game at Brazil 2014.Although his side slipped to a 3-2 loss in that match, the 33-year-old came away with almost entirely positive memories. After all, not only did he hit a significant personal milestone, Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3-1 victory against Iran ensured that Nigeria tied down a berth in the Round of 16. "Qualifying for the knockout phase was our first objective," the Super Eagles' captain told FIFA.com. "We're very happy because that hadn't happened to us since 1998. This time, we did it with pride, by finishing second and trying to win first place against Argentina."

'I'm proud of our team'They gave the South Americans a genuine scare too, though Yobo feels they could have done even more. "We're disappointed because we didn't play that game to win it from the very first minute," explained the Fenerbahce stopper, who spent the last six months on loan at Norwich City. "We thought a draw would be a good result, but in the second half we came out even stronger to try and win the match. That's what we should have done from the very first minute."

Lionel Messi's early strike showed up the flaw in their conservative game plan, but Yobo took plenty of encouragement from how the match subsequently played out. "I'm proud of our team and our reaction after we fell behind," he said. "We're happy to have qualified but disappointed not to have got a better result."

That in itself says much about the ambition in the Nigeria ranks, given that La Albicelesteboast a pair of World Cup titles and were able to bring a four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner to the party. "They're one of the best teams in the world and it was a huge test for us," added the former Everton stalwart, who hardly needed a second to think before naming the greatest forward he has faced in his long career. "Oh Messi – he's the best by far. I'd already played against him in 2010 and he caused us problems then, but we managed to stop him scoring. He's a really special player. You only have to look at how he made us suffer today."

In truth, the Barcelona star was the one real difference between the teams in Porto Alegre, where Stephen Keshi's men proved that they have made tangible progress since their campaign got under way. "Lots of people said that we started off too timidly against Iran (0-0), but they were a solid team and we've improved since our first game," said Yobo. "Our third match was probably our best since the tournament began, even if it ended in defeat."

Forward momentum
With 100 caps under his belt, the veteran is now able to adopt a more detached perspective on Nigeria's results, looking beyond the outcome for a more nuanced take on the performance. Even so, a study of their scorelines suggests that the Super Eagles have been resurgent since 2001. "I've played in this side for many years, so I've been able to see it evolve," Yobo noted, having previously graced the World Cup stage at Korea/Japan 2002. "We won the Africa Cup of Nations, booked our place in the World Cup without any trouble and now we've qualified for the second round. It's not often that I've experienced so many pieces of good news in a row. That shows you we're improving. This team is young, but it's growing fast and learning quickly. We're taking confidence from our campaign so that it can help us in our next match."   

That takes the African champions to Brasilia for a meeting with France, where Yobo spent the 2001/02 season during a brief spell at Marseille. Like Argentina, Les Bleus are sure to provide another probing examination, particularly with Karim Benzema in such keen form. "We've just played against the best forward in the world, so we're ready to measure ourselves against anybody," said Yobo, before adding with a grin: "I don't see what we should be afraid of. I believe in this team, and I think we can do it."

Yobo will collect his 101st cap in that encounter, and understandably he hopes to go through his pre-match ritual a few more times yet on Brazilian soil. "If we don't win the next game, there won't be a 102nd cap and so on. But what if I can make it to 104 in Brazil?"

photo:Another young Nigerian man marries old white woman

Boko Haram attacks villages near Chibok, bombs churches

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Suspected Boko Haram members have killed at least 10 people on Sunday in an attack on Kautikari village less than 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Chibok, the scene of a mass abduction of more than 200 school girls in April, survivors said.

And, in a separate assault on Friday evening, the insurgents killed seven soldiers in the village of Goniri, in Yobe state, a security source and witnesses said.

Other reports spoke of churches being attacked with bombs and guns.

Details later…

Amazing Retro Scam: ‘Wash-wash’ 419 trick still netting preys

Despite years of public education and warnings about Nigeria’s oldest 419 gimmick, the ‘wash-wash trick’, in which the fraudster tells his prey to wash black papers with special chemicals that will turn them into US dollars, people are still falling for the lie.

The Times of India has reported the arrest Friday of a Nigerian who had duped Indians of their money.

The Nigerian identified as Raymond HQ( what a funny name!) was arrested jointly by Barmer Kotwali police and their Jaipur counterparts.

According to the police, a trap was laid and the accused Nigerian, was called to Jaipur from Delhi.

Indian policemen at work

He was promptly arrested, with the Police launching an investigation to find out more about his crime and his accomplices.

The Times of India said Raymond defrauded his Indian victim, Swaroop Ram Suthar, a resident of Dani ki Hodi in Barmer, of Rs 21.69 lakh(about $49,000) by asking the victim to deposit the amount to get $9.4 million and become a foreign investment partner. The Nigerian reportedly told the victim that the money would be sent to him in black papers which would turn into American dollars after dipping in a special kind of spray.

Police recovered 54 packets of such black papers from Raymond when he was arrested, wrote The Times of India.

Here is the rest of the story as reported by Times of India:

“Barmer SP Hemant Sharma said Suthar got an e-mail around two years ago from a foreigner. The mailer asked him to become a foreign investment partner and offered him $9.4 million dollars.

“The SP said the foreign national was in continuous touch with Suthar through e-mail and lured him to the extent that Suthar finally became a victim. Barmer Kotwali SHO Kailash Meena, who is investigating the case, said the fraud got a total Rs 21.69 lakh from Suthar deposited in several instalments in separate account numbers of ICICI bank.

“Interestingly, the victim did not become suspicious even though the Nigerian directed him through several e-mails to deposit amounts of Rs 1,63,874, Rs 3,35,659, Rs 2,64,000 in the bank accounts.

“Meena said Suthar got suspicious finally when packet of black dollars was not sent to him and on June 2, he lodged a case in Barmer. He, however, wanted to deposit Rs 5 lakh more in the bank account, but ICICI bank manager concerned did not deposit the amount in the account and informed the police.

“Meena said that based on the information, police took the case seriously and laid a trap to catch the cheat. They asked Suthar to contact the Nigerian and to tell him that he would give Rs 5 lakh in cash when he reached Jaipur from. On Friday, with the help of Ramganj police of Jaipur, they nabbed the person who got down from a bus at Transport Nagar bypass and brought him to Barmer late on Friday night.”

Rick Ross Arrested In North Carolina!

Rick Ross was reported taken into custody in Greensboro, North Carolina, according to sources at TMZ. The MMG boss was previously arrested for marijuana possession and was arrested again after he performed at 102 Jamz’s Super Jam 2014, for missing the court date for the marijuana possession. He is now out after posting bail

(Photos) Baller Alert: Floyd Mayweather Spent How Much On His Girlfriend This Weekend??

Floyd Mayweather is a big boy most definitely! His ballin’ seriously is out of control sometimes! The champ took his girlfriend on a 70,000 Pre-BET Awards shopping spree! Lucky woman, I’m sure she deserved it! You gotta check out the merchandise, and the mile long receipt…

Doralie Medina did some major work to Floyd’s credit card, dropping $30,000 at Saks Fifth Ave on things like Berkin bags (yes, two), a CÉLINE python (another handbag), some new shoes and a few pieces of jewelry.

But wait, there’s more! He then took her to a jewelry store in downtown Los Angeles and dropped ANOTHER $40,000 on jewelry in the diamond district.

Normally we’d be worried someone might try and snatch her new bling, but considering she’ll be standing next to the most lethal fighter on Earth … we think she’ll be fine.

FCT Minister Bans Use Of Power Bikes In Nigeria's Capital

Abuja Mall Blast Aftermath: 



Following the mall  bomb blast that killed at least 21 people in Abuja few days ago, the FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, has directed the FCT Police Commissioner to promptly arrest and prosecute any person illegally using power bikes and motorcycles within and around the nation’s capital.
The FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu, conveyed the message to the FCT Police Commissioner in a letter dated June 27, 2014, reminding residents that the ban on the use of power bikes and motorcycles in the FCT was still in force.
He stated that the reminder became imperative following the recent bombing at the EMAB Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja where a suspect was seen on a power bike.
Senator Mohammed further directed that all security personnel using motorcycles should obtain permits from the FCT Commissioner of Police and the FCT transportation secretariat. He said, in addition, the officer should be properly kitted in their uniform and helmet.
It was further disclosed that the administration will also embark on “Know Your Neighbour Campaign” as a veritable strategy to promote neighbourhood security awareness among residents.

Charly Boy halts Gov. Okorocha speech at his Father Justice Oputa’s Funeral

A funeral mass was held yesterday for the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, former Nigerian Supreme Court judge. 

However, according to reports, the service didn’t go too smoothly. Charles Oputa, a.k.a Charly Boy, the first son of the late Justice prevented Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State from paying tribute to his father,Vanguard reports.

While Okorocha was giving his tribute speech, Charly Boy allegedly stopped him midway into the speech.

“He walked up angrily to the altar and snatched the microphone from the governor,” states reports. 

The Bishop presiding over the event reportedly tried to intervene, however; Charles was irate and reportedly stated that he wouldn’t allow any politician to use his father’s burial to “score cheap political goals.”

The Governor and his entourage were said to have left the church service abruptly after the incident.

Sources reportedly revealed that Charly Boy’s actions stemmed from a recent statement by Government House, Owerri, to the effect that the Oputa family was given N20 million to help with burial arrangements. 

Sources however revealed that “the family never received a dime from either Okorocha or the state government, not to talk of the alleged N20 million said to have been made available to them.”

In the aftermath of the incident, Sam Onwuemodo, Senior Special Assistant,  to Governor Okorocha released the following statement (excerpts as reported by Vanguard):

“It is highly regrettable that the son of the late Justice, Mr Charles Emeka Oputa, aka, Charly Boy, threw caution to the wind and turned the church service into a political theatre that saw him acting or playing out the script he drafted in Abuja with some Imo politicians, who have remained cowed by the overwhelming popularity of Governor Rochas Okorocha…

We condemn that ugly incident and also wish to advise politicians from the state to stop heating up the polity over power since God is the giver of power. In 2015, God will decide who will be governor of Imo State and when God decides that, there is nothing anybody can do about it…”

The statement is also said to contain assertions that the Imo State government gave “a substantial financial input” into the burial.

Photo Credit: Vanguard

Music: Burna Boy – Don Gorgon

We brought you the teaser to a new Burna Boy video yesterday and now the Aristokrat Recorsd act has released the full track titled Don Gorgon produced by Spellz.

Download Burna Boy – Don Gorgon

Burna-Boy-Don-Gorgon.mp3 DOWNLOAD

Davido in LA (BET Weekend)

Here are some photos of Davido hanging out with celebrities and fans in LA in the run up to the BET Awards taking place today Sunday 29th June. See more photos after the cut...

10 Killed, 14 Injured At Bauchi Soccer Viewing Center Bomb Blast

At least 10 people have been killed while 14 others sustained injuries from a bomb blast at People's Hotel brothel in Bayangarin area of Bauchi township on Friday night.

An eyewitness told Source that five men in military uniform perpetrated the heinous act.

The witness said he was at a viewing centre close to the hotel when the men arrived, detonating explosives and then shooting at random to  kill those trying to escape.

“Those of us who saw them thought they were soldiers who wanted to come and enjoy replays of the World Cup goals that we were all watching," he said.

“All we noticed was that when they entered, four of them took positions each at the four corners of the wall. After the explosion, these people began to shoot at those who did not die immediately and were trying to escape."

Spokesman of the Bauchi State Police Command, Mr. Haruna Mohammed, also confirmed   news of the attack.

He said the entire building had been cordoned off, and the scene secured while  investigations has commenced to ascertain the cause, even though no one has been arrested yet.

The corpses of the bombing victims have been deposited at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, while 14 persons who sustained injuries are also receiving treatment there.

France-Nigeria:Referee designations for matches 53 and 54 (Benzema expects tough Nigeria test)

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FIFA has announced the referees for FIFA World Cup™ matches 53 and 54. France-Nigeria in the Round of 16 will be officiated by Mark Geiger. For the 39-year-old American, it will be his third match in this competition after Colombia-Greece and Spain-Chile. Geiger has been an international referee since 2008 and he oversaw the finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2011 and the CONCACAF U-20 Championship that same year. In 2012, he was in charge of two matches at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament and in 2013, he refereed at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Sandro Ricci, 39 and from Brazil, will oversee the Germany-Algeria. The referee from the host country has already officiated France-Honduras and Germany-Ghana at this tournament. In his career so far, he has been in charge of four matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2013 and two at the FIFA Club World Cup of the same year, including the final between Bayern Munich and Raja Casablanca.

Karim Benzema believes France are in for another thorough examination of their qualities against Nigeria in the Round of 16, after their rugged encounter with Ecuador.

Les Bleus had been free-scoring in their opening two games of the FIFA World Cup™ but had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, a result that also guaranteed top spot in the group for Didier Deschamps' side.

Benzema had three goals before the match but missed a number chances to keep pace with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Thomas Muller as the leading scorers at the tournament so far. The Real Madrid striker insisted, however, that was not important and that the French team must now focus on their next challenge.

"We have qualified, so one must be happy about that," said Benzema. "It was a tough, tough match, and although we had a lot of success in front of goal in our previous games this time we came across a team who caused up problems on a physical level.

"We had some good chances to score, we had opportunities but we came across a keeper who played out of his skin.

"Now we have to rest, recover and get 100 per cent ready for the knock-out match against Nigeria, who are a good, strong team, but we must do everything to win."

BET Considers Chris Brown Reality TV Series; Singer Denies Potential Show

UPDATE: BET has reportedly held focus groups to see if a Chris Brown reality series would appeal to viewers. Brown says it's not for him.

BET is looking into airing a Chris Brown reality television series, according to TMZ.

The network has reportedly held focus groups to see if the show appeals to viewers. 

BET is willing to air the Chris Brown series, which would chronicle Brown's life and daily events after his time in jail, according to the publication's sources. 

Production companies are reportedly trying to work out different deals with Brown. 

On Tuesday (June 24), a focus group was held in California, according to the report. Participants in the group were asked if they would tune in to a Brown reality show. TMZ says the focus group was comprised of African American women and that they were split. Nevertheless, the report says a majority would view the show to see if Brown would make mistakes on his journey to stay free from drugs and violence. 

BET has not addressed the potential series. 

Chris Brown was released from prison earlier this month. This year, he was involved in an altercation in Washington D.C. while the singer was on parole. Brown and his bodyguard allegedly punched a person outside of their hotel. This year, Brown was also in rehab, however he was later kicked out of the rehabilitation facility for breaking its rules. The singer-rapper was reportedly asked to leave the facility after throwing a rock at his mother's car when she visited him.  

(June 27, 2014)

UPDATE: Chris Brown denies a potential reality series. 

When asked about this by TMZ, Brown responded: "Nah, not for me, man." 

  Chris Brown -- Sorry BET, I'm Not Doing Reality TV

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R. Kelly Addresses Transgender Child, Jay

R. Kelly says the public should be wary of what is being reported about his transgender child, Jay.

Singer R. Kelly's 13-year-old child Jay came out as being a transgender individual earlier this month via social media but since, Jay's father been silent on the matter.

Recently sitting down with Chicago's WGCI 107.5, Kells broke his silence about his family.

“You don’t really want to open it up by saying my daughter is becoming my son,” R. Kelly said. “You gotta know there’s a back story. There’s a background. That’s why you can’t judge nobody.”

When asked about reports via "the blogs" about Jay becoming a male, Kelly said not to trust them and only "believe what you see."

“Don’t even give the blogs that kind of credit. You know what I’m saying? Real talk,” he said. “As far as that is concerned, always believe what you see with your own eyes that is. Always believe what you see. That is the best way to go about this business... I’ve heard a lot of things about a lot of people and it was never true.”

Jay has not been as shy about expressing his gender status. Born Jaya, Jay recently took to Instagram to reveal what he looks like as a teenage boy. Also, in a Ask.fm Q&A session, Jay said he's identified as being a boy since he was "six or seven" years old and is eager to undergo gender reassignment surgery.

3m360 recently reported R. Kelly's ex-wife, Andrea Kelly, believed her ex-husband hasn't been as accepting of their transgender child, saying he still refers to Jay as his daughter.

  R. Kelly -- Refuses To Accept His Daughter Is Now His Son

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Meet Ernest Nwankwo, the pastor who owned a ritualists' den in Lagos

The above photos shows the face of Ernest Chukwuemeka Nwankwo. He's the kidnapper and ritualist masquerading as a pastor and General Overseer of Holy Family Ministry a.k.a House of Mercy. Ernest Nwankwo went on the run on Wednesday 25th June 2014 from his Ogolonto den in Ikorodu, Lagos after 8 kidnapped victims were rescued from him and his gang. (read story here).

Continue to read more about him and an update on the story...

More about the pastor/ritualist

Ernest Chukwuemeka Nwankwo is an indigene of Nsugbe in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. He was born at Onitsha on 3rd of November 1964 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Nwankwo Egbunike. He is the General Overseer of Holy Family Happy Family Ministry also known as House of Mercy (Formally Jesus Divine Healing and Deliverance Catholic Ministry), Lagos, Nigeria. He commenced his scamming work in July 1997 to be precise according to the instruction of satan.

He manages two kidnap centres called Happy Family Home Foundation International at both Ikorodu Lagos State and Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. 

Ernest C. Nwankwo is married to Mr Odelia Anulika Nwankwo. Read about here

Below is an update on the story from Punch

Woman who stole co-tenant’s child is a ‘prayer warrior’ –Neighbours of kidnap suspect

Rosemary Chukwu is a member of the ritualist church that kidnapped a neigbour's 6 year old child and locked him in her toilet.

Rosemary Chukwu had become a sort of nuisance to her neighbours. Many times, they had complained about her praying habit.

“She would shout and scream and make noise while praying. She makes everybody uncomfortable. That is what everybody knows about her here. This is why we are still in shock about what she did,” said one of her neighbours at 33, Omo Ologede area in Majidun, Lagos.

But what Chukwu is currently embroiled in is simply shocking for the neighbours.

The woman allegedly stole the seven-year-old child of her neighbour, Mrs. Gloria Emeka. In fact, our correspondent learnt from neighbours who caught her in the act that the timely intervention of security agents saved her from being lynched.

When our correspondent visited Omo Ologede on Wednesday, it was noticed that Chukwu and parents of the kidnapped child were co-tenants.

Another neighbour in the same compound, Biola Odunsin, narrated how he, in conjunction with other neighbours, caught Chukwu.

He said, “It was around 6.30am today (Wednesday), when the mother of the child raised the alarm that she could not find her son, Emmanuel.

“We all rallied around her to find out what happened. She informed us that she had sent him to fetch water from the well in the compound. She raised the alarm because her son took too long and when she went to the well, she only saw the empty bucket the boy took there.

“While we were looking for the child, Rosemary (Chukwu) even came out to join in searching for the child as well. She was pitying her mother, showing concern and asking us to check some other parts of the compound.”

One of the neighbours who also took part in the search for the child, told Saturday PUNCHthat Chukwu even asked him to see whether the child was in another compound not far from the house.

Two other neighbours named Yakubu and Vincent told our correspondent that they entered the well where the child was sent to fetch water.

“We entered the well to see if the boy fell inside but we found nothing,” they said.

But while the search for the child was going on, Chukwu was said to have gone inside her apartment and came out with a large luggage.

“She carried the luggage on her head and passed by us as we searched for the child. She said she needed to drop the bag somewhere and that she would come to join the search later,” Odunsin said.

But a suspicious woman, the wife of the landlord of the house, alerted the search party, telling them to search the bag Chukwu had on her head before she was allowed to leave.

When the residents called after her to tell her to bring the bag for a check, she reportedly began to run. But a moment later, she was caught.

“We immediately opened the bag and inside was Emmanuel with a cloth used to gag him. The child would have died because he could not speak again. We tried hard before we could resuscitate him,” Odunsi explained.

However, the infuriated neighbours descended on Chukwu and while they were beating her, she screamed out that they should spare her because she was only a messenger.

“Pastor Ernest sent me! Please don’t kill me, Pastor Ernest sent me o!” she was reported to have told the party of residents.

Then Chukwu took the party to the church of the pastor who she claimed sent her, which turned out to be Pastor Ernest Nwankwo of the Holy Family Happy Family Ministry (House of Mercy), Majidun.

One of the residents who took Chukwu to the church said by the time they got there, the pastor was nowhere to be found. She was later handed over to the police who took her away.

A photograph of Chukwu obtained by our correspondent showed a plump, fair complexioned woman with a motherly face. She is said to have four children – two boys and two girls.

Neighbours said they had not seen her husband, as he was usually away from home even though they are still together.

When our correspondent visited the church on Wednesday, a crowd of residents had besieged the place, barely kept at bay by some sternly looking policemen who were said to have prevented the church from being burnt down earlier by angry residents.

Despite this, some youths had succeeded in entering the church before the police came and seized hundreds of audio CDs of an album recorded by the pastor.

The youths publicly and excitedly sold the CDs on the Ikorodu Road to motorists and passers-by for N50 each.

The policemen rebuffed every attempt to gain access to the empty church, while residents of houses nearby could not provide any information about the whereabouts of the pastor.

Some residents who pleaded anonymity informed Saturday PUNCH that the church was not a conventional one.

“They don’t hold service on Sundays, only on Tuesday and Thursday. The pastor claims to treat mad men,” one of them told our correspondent.

An eyewitness, who entered the church before police intervention, said when they stormed the church earlier, they met a man with his hands and legs shackled in chains.

“I am not a mad man. Please help me! I was taken from around Redeemed Church Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Pastor Ernest kept me here. There were many of us but they usually come to take away,” the man, who gave his name as Onuora Okeke, was reported to have said. The man also revealed to the people that he was from Anambra State and had been locked up in the church since 2012. Our correspondent learnt the man was taken away by the police.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said the Chukwu would soon be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba for investigation.

She also confirmed that the pastor of the church has not been found.

Bomb explosion kills 10 in Bauchi

10 people have been confirmed dead with 14 others seriously injured after a bomb exploded at a brothel in Bayangari in Bauchi state yesterday night around 9.45pm.

The Bauchi State Police Command spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the incident in a statement and said investigations has commenced but no arrest has been made so far.

"The entire surrounding has been cordoned and scene secure. No arrest has been made yet and investigation has commenced to ascertain the cause” Mr. Mohammed said in a statement late Friday night.

He said all 10 corpses were evacuated to the mortuary while the injured were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for treatment.

Super Eagles boycott training over bonus money

World Cup 2014: 

Super Eagles players reportedly missed a scheduled training session yesterday after a disagreement with officials of the National Football Federation over bonus money.

BBC Sports reports that the players believe they are each $15,000 (£8,800) short of what they were expecting for reaching the last 16 in Brazil.

The players refused to train in Campinas on Thursday and NFF officials later confirmed the session had been cancelled. Continue...

From BBC

BBC Sport has learned the problem lies in the interpretation of the bonus structure, with the players believing they will only receive $10,000 for their win 1-0 over Bosnia-Hercegovina and $5,000 for the 0-0 draw with Iran.

The players' understanding was they would receive a $30,000 payment for qualifying from the group.

However, it is believed the Nigerian Football Federation's offer to the players includes the agreed win and draw bonuses plus 30% of the prize money due from Fifa for reaching the knockout stage.

This is understood to rise to 40% of the prize money from Fifa if Nigeria were to win their round of 16 match, 50% for a quarter-final victory, 60% for a win in the semi-final stage and 70% for lifting the trophy.

While all parties work to find a resolution to the misunderstanding, coach Stephen Keshi has insisted it will not affect the team's performance.

And it has been confirmed to the BBC that the players will travel to Brasilia on Friday as scheduled and will train in the evening and over the weekend.