Thursday, June 26, 2014

Exclusive Photos from 2014 City People Entertainment Awards


The City People Entertainment Awards held this past Sunday June 22nd in Lagos. Actress Eniola Badmus flanked by two ladies above. See more photos after the cut...



Rob Kardashian Hooked on Sizzurp, Weed; Family Hoping For Intervention, Rehab




Popular website TMZ is reporting that Rob Kardashian is hooked on lean and refusing to get help.The family is begging Rob to check himself into rehab but he is refusing to go.French Montana who is Khloe’s current boyfriend is known to also sip lean and may be a bad influence on Rob.Although he has not been mentioned in any of the articles it’s pretty obvious Rob might be influenced by the rappers lifestyle.

Rob Kardashian's family is deeply concerned about him, and for reasons beyond the well-documented weight problem that's made all kinds of headlines.
Family insiders say Rob has developed a very bad drug problem.
We're not sure what's worse, these TMZ photos of a drug-fueled party attended by Rob a few days ago, or the fact that his family is reportedly not surprised.
He wasn't just a bystander there to hang with the boys, either.
In the scandalous photos, Rob is seen puffing smoke, passing what looks like a blunt and holding a double cup, the container of choice for Sizzurp.
The cup in one picture actually has "Codeine Boys" emblazoned on it, too (in purple, natch). Not so subtle, fellas ... although Justin Bieber would be proud.
According to reports, the Kardashians have been calling various rehab facilities, but Rob refuses to go. In fact, he's totally ignoring Kim and Khloe.

The family is reportedly getting desperate because they don't know what to do and hope pictures like the ones on TMZ may change Rob's mind.

Beyoncé and Jay Z Kick Off Their On the Run Tour in Miami—Watch a Video and See the Concert Pics!

Miami's Sun Life Stadium was the place to be Wednesday night!
Music's reigning power couple Beyoncé and Jay Z selected the venue to kick off their On the Run tour, which will take the multiple Grammy winners across North America and to Europe through September.
The concert began with "'03 Bonnie and Clyde." Beyoncé wore a fishnet mask and a butt-baring leotard, while her husband looked trendy by sporting a blazer, a beanie and sunglasses for the opening number.
Beyoncé's black bodysuit was bespoke. The Atelier Versace design featured a plunging neckline, which was covered with black sequin netting and accented with a silver zipper. The R&B diva wore another custom-made Atelier Versace bodysuit later in the show. The second look featured a variety of brightly colored prints from the fashion label's Pre-Fall 2014 collection, including leopard print and Greek keys.
Jay-Z, BeyonceKevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood Entertainment
During one of his many costume changes, Jay Z sported a custom "99 Problems" jersey by Rodarte.
The pair performed a number of duets, and Beyoncé sang Justin Timberlake's "Holy Grail" verses.
BeyonceKevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood Entertainment
Beyoncé dug deep into her catalog of hits, singing classics like "Baby Boy," "Crazy in Love" and "Naughty Girl." She also performed fan favorites like "Diva," "Halo," "If I Were a Boy," "Ring the Alarm" and "Single Ladies," and introduced the audience to newer jams like "Drunk in Love," "Partition" and "Pretty Hurts."
Jay Z, meanwhile, launched into smashes like "Dirt Off Your Shoulder," "Hard Knock Life," "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," "Jigga," "No Church in the Wild," "Song Cry" and "Tom Ford." During "Young Forever," the musicians shared intimate wedding footage and pictures of their 2-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.
Jay-ZKevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood Entertainment
The first review is mixed. Billboard's Leila Cobo called it "a rather detached show," noting that Beyoncé and Jay Z stuck to the script. "If there was no room for error, there wasn't room either for spontaneity or audience interaction in this very finely tuned performance where one song bled seamlessly into the other, with brief musical interludes or snippets of film serving as transitions," Cobo wrote. According to her, the concert's high points were the duets and its stripped-down numbers, like Beyoncé's "Haunted."
BeyonceKevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood Entertainment
Cobo said that the show was about love, but its execution disappointed. "Clearly the idea was to show the real Mr. and Mrs. Carter," she concluded. "But of course, we know that they aren't like you or me."
The On the Run Tour next stops at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park on Saturday.

Lagos fire caused by fuel-laden tanker, not bomb explosion – Police

The Lagos State Police Command, Wednesday night, sought to dispel rumours suggesting that a bomb had exploded at the Apapa area of the state.
Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES via telephone, Ngozi Braide, the Lagos State Police Spokesperson, said that the explosion was caused by a tanker conveying petrol.
“There is nothing whatsoever suggesting that it was a bomb explosion, it was a tanker loaded with fuel that burst into flames,” Ms. Braide said.
“Policemen are on ground there now and we cannot yet ascertain the casualty figures. But everything is under control,” she added.
However, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, attributed the cause of the fire to a gas cylinder explosion.
Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA Spokesperson, South-West, said that the explosion occurred at 26, off Creek Road, Apapa at about 9:15 p.m.
“People were reported to be filling gas into the cylinder before it exploded,” Mr. Farinloye said in a text message.
“Fire service men from Federal and state are working to put out d fire that resulted from the explosion. Details will only come after the end of the operation.
“The incident happened within Folawiyo Energy Premises but they did not allow fire men into their premises at all,” Mr. Farinloye added.
Vanguard newspaper had reported that a car laden-bomb with explosives went off at Folawiyo Fuel depot at about 8.30pm.
According to the newspaper, the explosion ripped through four buildings, including two banks, resulting in the death of about four people.
The police said that report is false.

New Telegraph’s Managing Editor dies in Emab Plaza bomb blast


The Managing Editor (North) of the New Telegraph newspapers, Alhaji Suleiman Bisalla (pictured above) sadly was among the 21 people that died in yesterday's Emab Plaza bombing in Abuja.

Bisalla, 46, a native of Gindiri in Mangul LGA of Plateau State, had left the New Telegraph office in Abuja around 3.30pm to Emab Plaza to go and repair his phone. The bomb went off 30 minutes later.

His corpse was deposited at the Maitama General Hospital, where he and others killed in the blast were taken to. His younger brother, Mohammed, has confirmed his death.


Bisalla was a former Deputy Editor with the Daily Trust Newspaper in Abuja and joined the New Telegraph newspaper late last year. He was married with children. May his soul rest in peace...Amen.

Ritualists’ den owned by a pastor uncovered in Lagos, 8 kidnapped victims rescued


A ritualist den owned by one pastor Ernest Nwankwo, the General Overseer of Holy Family Ministry a.k.a House of Mercy was yesterday June 25th uncovered at Ogolonto area in Ikorodu, Lagos, with 8 victims rescued.

According to Vanguard, the den was discovered after a failed attempt by a woman identified as Mrs Rosemary Chukwu, a member of Pastor Nwankwo's church, to kidnap her neighbor's 7 year old son, Emeka Emmanuel to the den for rituals.

Sources in the area said around 6.30 am yesterday, Mrs Chukwu lured the little boy who was on his way to fetch water from a well down the road and took him to her house where she locked him in the toilet. To keep her neighbors from hearing the little boy's screams for help, Chukwu then instructed her own children to begin a prayer session which they did, shouting on top of their voices. Continue...
Trouble however started when the boy's mother who stays four buildings from Mrs Chukwu raised alarm after she could not find her son. A search for the young boy began which Mrs Chukwu also partook in. Minutes into the search, Mrs Chukwu was said to have excused herself, went into her house and then came out with a box on her head, saying she was travelling. Suspecting foul play, some of the area boys instructed her to put down the suitcase which was opened and the unconscious body of the 7 year old boy was discovered.

A resident of the area, Oyetoye Gbemi who spoke with Vanguard said the area boys descended on her and she confessed it was her pastor who sent her
"She told us she was travelling to the village. But one of the area boys who was among the search party, ordered his colleagues to search the box. Immediately she heard that, she flung the box away and took to her heels. We all suspected something was amiss. When the box was opened, Emmanuel was found inside, half dead. The area boys descended on her and stripped her naked. On interrogation, she said her pastor, the General Overseer of Holy Family Ministry a.k.a House of Mercy, asked her to bring the boy. The area boysfollowed her to 319, Lagos Road, Ikorodu, where the church is situated, where they saw her pastor waiting for her. But on sighting the crowd, he took to his heels. But for the arrival of Policemen from Owutu division, the woman would have been lynched. The angry mob also attempted to set the church ablaze but were also prevented by the policemen. They, however, succeeded in torching some parts of the property.” he said
In the process of chasing the fleeing Pastor and burning some part of the church building, area boys forced open a door to a building at 7, Oshodi Street, which was directly at the back of the church building and owned by Pastor Ernest. To everyone's amazement, men and women, eight in number, chained and looking frail were found in the building. The captives upon interrogation said they were kidnapped from various places like Ogun, Anambra, Bayelsa and Oyo states. One of the captives, a 50 year old woman said she was kidnapped while returning from a night vigil. One of the rescued victim, 52 year old man pictured above without a shirt said he was a commercial bus driver and was kidnapped two years ago.

Residents in the area said the building owned by the pastor had always been under suspicion as no one ever saw anyone coming out or going in during the day. They said most of the activities carried out in the building is usually done at night.
Police sources confirmed the arrest of Mrs Chukwu while her pastor is currently on the run.

Nigeria through despite Messi-inspired defeat (Nigeria-Argentina: A rivalry that keeps on running)


Argentina secured top spot in Group F and preserved their unblemished record at Brazil 2014 with a 3-2 win over Nigeria illuminated by braces for Lionel Messi and Ahmed Musa. Alejandro Sabella's side will be joined in the Round of 16 by the Super Eagles, who contributed greatly to this enthralling match and progress due to Iran's defeat to already-eliminated Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Even in a World Cup packed full of thrilling games, this was one of the best yet, and the tone was set as early as the third minute. That was when Messi opened the scoring in some style, crashing a first-time shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards after Vincent Enyeama had tipped Angel Di Maria's initial effort on to the post.
Nigeria, though, weren't content to allow Argentina's captain to again hog the headlines, and they drew level with the next attack of the game. The impressive Ahmed Musa was the player responsible, exploiting a one-on-one with Pablo Zabaleta to cut inside from the left and curl an inch-perfect right-foot shot just inside the far post.
It was a terrific goal from a player who would continue to cause problems, although it was Argentina who carved out the better of the game's opportunities.
Di Maria was again prominent, and on 25 minutes he measured an inviting low pass across goal that Messi - sliding in - missed out on converting by a matter of inches. Soon after, the Real Madrid winger went directly for goal, unleashing a 35-yard drive that was flying into the bottom corner until Enyeama got across to tip it wide.
It wasn't long, though, before Messi again took centre stage. A minute into first-half injury time, and having forced a brilliant save from the keeper with an earlier free-kick, he re-established La Albiceleste's lead from an almost-identical position. This time, there was no chance for Enyeama, with the Barcelona star curling a left-foot shot from 25 yards that cleared the wall and dropped just inside the right-hand post.
But once again, Nigeria wasted little time in responding to Messi's brilliance. Just a couple of minutes into the second half, Musa emulated the Argentina skipper by completing a double of his own, racing through and wrong-footing Sergio Romero with a low shot into the bottom-left corner.
Argentina would not be a denied a third straight win, though, and they secured the points just three minutes later. It was the scrappiest of all five goals, with Marcos Rojo bundling a corner home with his knee, but that didn't matter to the Albiceleste fans or to the scorer, who had never before found the target for his national team








Since coming face-to-face at the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™, Argentina and Nigeria have played each other time and again in major tournaments, crossing swords with such frequency that meetings between the two sides are almost to be expected now.
“It’s become a classic rivalry because we always, always, always play them,” joked Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi following last December’s draw for Brazil 2014. A look at the record books shows that he's not far wrong.
Their back catalogue features two finals in the Olympic Games – in 1996 and 2008 – three FIFA World Cup clashes and the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005. Along the way the two sides have treated the world to some unforgettable moments, which FIFA.com has decided to relive as an appetiser for their latest coming together in Porto Alegre on Wednesday.
The highlights include Diego Maradona’s last FIFA World Cup appearance, a dazzling display by a fresh-faced Lionel Messi in the final at Netherlands 2005, Gabriel Batistuta’s goal against the Super Eagles at Korea/Japan 2002, and their most recent duel, at South Africa 2010.






Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Update on Emab Plaza bombing, 21 confirmed dead, 17 injured


The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, has confirmed that 21 people died this afternoon when a bomb went off at the very busy Emab Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja. He also confirmed that 17 people were seriously injured and have been taken to Maitama District Hospital,  Gwarimpa hospital, Wuse hospital, Garki hospital and National hospital. 

Mr Mba said one suspect has been arrested and investigations have already started. The bomb is said to have gone off in a car as it passed through the gate of the mall around 4 this afternoon. The fire that followed the explosion is said to have engulfed most of the cars parked around the mall.  

Security Forces have condoned off the scene of the blast, while the Police Bomb Disposal Squad has commenced post-blast analysis as part of the general investigative process, according to a statement.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber though there are other conflicting reports from some eye-witnesses that a man on a bike threw the explosive and sped off. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, we all can kinda guess. See more photos after the cut..



BREAKING: Explosion rocks Abuja, many feared dead


The explosion occurred at about 4pm‎.
——————————–
An explosion has occurred at a major shopping mall, Emab Plaza, in Wuse 2, Abuja.
A witness said the explosion ‎occurred at about 4p.m.
Emab Plaza is a busy shopping mall in the highbrow area of Nigeria’s capital city, on Aminu Kano Crescent.
The explosion apparently occurred at the gate of the busy plaza.
This is the third deadly explosion in the Nigerian capital in two months. The extremist Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the two explosions in April and May in Nyanya, a suburb of the capital.

Liveblog


17.59
The scene of the blast have now been completely cordoned off by the Nigerian Army. Traffic is also diverted and the shops around that area all on lock-down. The authorities are yet to announce casualty figures from the blast.
17.52
Also at the National Hospital, Seven bodies were brought to the mortuary, most of them burnt beyond recognition. But the hospital was only admitted five of bodies, for lack of body space. The other two have been sent to other hospitals.
17.47
At the National Hospital in the Central Business District, six victims are currently receiving treatment in the Emergency unit. The hospital management is unable to declare their stability at the moment.
17.36
At the scene of the blast, Frank Mba confirms it was a bomb explosion. 'Our most important assignment now is to secure lives, secure crime scene," he said.
He said the nature and type of explosive used, or the casualty figure cannot be confirmed now.
He appealed to Abuja residents to stay away from explosion area.
He said the police is working with other security and emergency officials at the scene.
17.25
‎Emab Plaza, where the explosion occurred, is opposite the Banex mosque. The mosque and other nearby buildings were not affected. Some traders at the plaza say some of those affected were petty traders who sell fruits at the entrance. The explosion occurred just by the plaza gate. Another witness said worshippers were just about to say the Asr (quarter-to-four) prayer in the mosque when the bomb exploded. He said some worshippers were also affected. Apart from the several deaths and injuries (figure not yet confirmed), over 11 cars and some shops at the EMAB plaza (those close to the gate) were affected by the explosion. The cars inside the plaza were not affected.
17.21
At the Maitama General Hospital, officials are now referring new victims to the National hospital, in the Central Business Distric, few kilometres away. At least nine victims have been referred. But Four ambulances are waiting outside the hospital, apparently rendering first aid. The hospital is flooded with victims and sympathizers causing another security scare. But armed soldier arrived moments ago are are trying to disperse the hospital of the crowd that have now gathered.
17.13
At the scene of the blast in Wuse 2, more senior police officials arrive. Frank Mba, Nigeria Police spokesperson, arrives scene, promises to brief journalists in next few minutes. Asks journalists to leave cordon area.Emab bomb blast.jpg11
17.07
At the Maitama General Hospital, officials have confirmed at least 30 casualties with three bodies completely dismembered. The hospital is full, our reporter said. Some victims are receiving treatment outside. Our reporter counted seven victims receiving treatments outside the hospital premises.
17.03
Our reporter counted 11 cars completely burnt in the explosion while some others suffered various damages.
Emergency officials say more ambulances are needed at Maitama District hospital "to transfer victims to other hospitals."Emab bomb blast.jpg10
16.54
Emergency workers are still evacuating the injured and bodies to Maitama District Hospital and other hospitals.
A police officer laments that the plaza made no security provisions.
"Nothing, they don't search cars, booths, anybody can just drive in," he said.
16.50
‎The fire service officials put out the fire at about 4:40 pm. They arrived about 23 minutes before then.
‎Fire service and emergency officials are still searching shops to see if anyone is trapped within. Injured are still being evacuated.Emab bomb blast.jpg9
16.47
National Emergency Management Agency say they are unable to confirm the casualty rate just yet. Sani Batti, the agency's information officer said emergency workers are still conducting search and rescue.
16.44
The fire has been put out. Rescue workers are now searching the shops. Witnesses say some traders are trapped in their shops.
16.40
Emab bomb blastEmab bomb blast.jpg1Emab bomb blast.jpg2Emab bomb blast.jpg3Emab bomb blast.jpg4Emab bomb blast.jpg5Emab bomb blast.jpg6
16.38
Soldiers block off the area. More fire service officials arrive. More ambulances too. Traders say the explosion was a car bomb at the gate of the plaza. Bodies of injured are being taken to hospitals.
16.34
Emergency officials are evacuating victims to the nearby Maitama District Hospital.
Our reporter at the Maitama general hospital said at least six  victims have been confirmed dead and taken to the morgue. She has also counted about 17 injured victims that have so far been brought in, including a white man with a broken leg.
16.30
Emergency officials arrived without adequate material. "Tell Joseph to come with enough dead body bags," an emergency official tells colleagues. Soldiers arrived in large numbers. Clearing the place. Traders in tears.
16.25
Fire Service have arrived the scene of the blast. There are frantic attempts to extinguish the burning cars. Traders in the plaza said the blast apparently went off in a car that was driving into the mall.
16.23
Emab bomb blast
Details later‎…

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