Thursday, 25 July 2019

Kidnapper, Evans’ arms supplier arrested in Delta

46-year-old arms dealer, Godwin Chinyere, believed to have sold the firearms, ammunition and rocket launchers used by suspected billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Owuamadike, alias Evans in his operations, has been arrested by the Nigerian police.Evans’ arms supplier
The arrest came 2 years after Evans confessed to using some rocket launchers and AK-47 rifles in his operation, during interrogation. The first manhunt to apprehend Chinyere was not successful, as he went into hiding after the billionaire kidnapper’s arrest.
He however came out of hiding when he thought the police had stopped looking for him, but was unaware that the hunt for him was still on – he was trailed to Asaba Delta State, where he was hiding and apprehended.
The native of Obingwa area of Abia State admitted selling five Ak-47 rifles to Evans – he also revealed that he began selling and making firearms in 1990, after he dropped out of primary school following his parents’ inability to pay his school fees.
Chinyere reportedly learnt how to make local guns from his boss, one late Chinaka Nnawakwo, who he said have been killed by security operatives for gun-running.
“I learned how to make locally made guns from a village known as Abala and I was one chinaka Nnawakwo and that thought me the job. I spent three years learning the job before I started making my own. I have several customers who were gun runners coming to buy guns from me in large quantities. I usually sell locally made double barrel guns for the sum of N10,000 and the single barrel was sold for N6,000, while the locally short guns were sold for N10,000.
“One of customers, Samuel Nwakpa, who was coming from the Kaduna State to buy guns from me, was the person who linked me to big arms dealers in Chad and Niger republic. They were the people supplied me the five Ak-47 rifles I sold to Evans which he used for his bank robbery and kidnapping activities. I met Evans when he came to my village to treat his bullet wound and his native doctor Eyinaya Hearth, linked him to me.
“I knew he was using it for armed robbery and for kidnapping. Evans paid me the sum of N1.7million for the five Ak-47 rifles after they were supplied to me in Chad. The rifles were concealed in bags of fish and I took my commissions and gave the rest of the money to Nwapka, who also supplied the rocket launchers to Evans.
“Before Evans was arrested, I have stopped doing the business and I and turned a new leaf, but I fled and went into hiding when he was arrested because I knew he was going to mention my name to the police and I don’t even know that the police still looking for me when I came out of hiding and I was arrested. I warned Evan to stop kidnapping when I turned a new leaf but he wouldn’t listen to me.” He lamented.

Most Nigerian marriages are illegal, as only 314 worship centres have licence to conduct weddings – FG

The Federal Government declared that most Nigerian marriages “illegal” as only 314 worship centres have licence to conduct weddings under the statutory Marriage Act.

peaking at a one-day stakeholders’ conference on conduct of statutory marriages in accordance with the Marriage Act cap, M6, LFN 2004 as amended, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Barr. Georgina E. Ehuriah, revealed that only about 4, 689 licensed places of worship in Nigeria have updated their records with the Ministry of Interior, of which only 314 have renewed their licenses.

She said “At present, only about 4, 689 licensed places of worship in Nigeria have updated their records with the Ministry of Interior, of which only 314 have renewed their licenses.
“The implication of this is that marriages conducted in unlicensed places of worship are not in line with the Marriage Act and cannot serve legal purposes when the need arises, and such unlicensed places of worship are operating contrary to Section 6(1) of the Marriage Act.”
.

Lady caught trying to throw away her baby in Lagos

There was pandemonium recently in a part of Lagos as a Lady was nabbed while trying to throw away her own baby in Lagos.

According to Wale Ilebiyi who shared the news on social media, the incidence took place at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos before she was arrested by the police.

He said;The baby here was about to be thrown inside a gully by her own mother (swipe to see the mother) in front of my office at Ile epo bus stop, after Iyana Ipaja, along the expressway, this morning at exactly 10:30, before she was apprehended and taken to Ile epo police station.”

Soldier fires gun into his mouth to put test his bulletproof charm

An unidentified African soldier took to social media to show off the potency of his bulletproof charm as he fires different types of guns into his mouth without any fatal injury.
According to him, no gun on planet earth including AK 47 assault rifle can penetrate him
In the video which has gone viral on social media, the soldier fired three shots from three different guns into his mouth, one at a time. After each shot, he spits out the bullet unharmed, although the last gun fired was followed with a little blood but he seemed fine.
In the video, he was heard saying;
“Nobody can Bleep around us, you come close to kill, i Bleep you up.”
download video below:
https://www.yabaleftonline.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sold.mp4?_=1

Nigerian Lady calls herself a “Wife Material” after cooking a ‘rich’ pot of soup with only 850 Naira

A Nigerian Lady, Merit Eke Chiemerie has conferred on herself the title of “wife material” after alleging she cooked a thick okro soup  with only 850 Naira.
Nigerian Lady calls herself
In Nigerian, there’s a general philosophy that a Lady must be good in the kitchen and Merit might have been expecting praises for her action. However, some Facebook users did not believe her, rather, they accused her of lying to try to win the approval of men.
Below are reactions of Facebook users:Nigerian Lady calls herself

Nkechi Ikpeazu calls for speedy trial of persons accused of child rape, defilement

Wife of Abia State governor, Nkechi Ikpeazu, has called on the State Judiciary to immediately try all pending cases against persons accused of child rape, defilement or abused women in the state.
Ikpeazu’s call was contained in her address presented during a one day campaign and sensitisation programme organised by her office, in conjunction with the state chapter of National Council of Women Society (NCWS), in Umuahia, on Wednesday, has as its theme: “Together Against gender Based Violence.”
She further called on the state House of Assembly to the challenge and pass the following Bills into Law, which include a Bill for a Law to prohibit all forms of Violence against Persons’; A Bill for a law to Abolish harmful and Obnoxious Widowhood Practices in Abia and a Bill for a Law for equal rights and Opportunities for Men, Women and Special persons in Abia State.
She showed concern that in spite of the existence of laws at the Federal level such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015, as well as legislation at State level to protect the wellbeing of women and children, “perpetrators continue their despicable acts with impunity.
“On rare occasions when incidence of Rape are reported, victims are intimidated and shamed into silence. We sympathies with survivors of these sadistic acts and urged them to speak up and confronting the monster.”

EFCC speaks on Senator Okorocha’s sealed properties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that its Enugu Zonal Office traced and marked some properties linked to the former Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha as well as those of his family members and cronies.
According to a statement by Tony Orilade, Ag. Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, the marking of the properties is a fall-out of its painstaking investigation.
He said this was as a result of the failure of the suspects to honour the Commission’s invitation for questioning on the propriety of their acquisition.
The properties include: Dews of Hope Hospital traced to Dr. Paschal Obi, former Principal Secretary to ex-governor Okorocha; Market Square Super Market; All in One Shop; and premises belonging to Imo State Broadcasting Corporation now hosting Rochas Foundation College owned by Senator Okoroacha.
Other properties are: East High Academy and East High College, owned by Okorocha’s daughter, Uloma Okorocha-Nwosu; Royal Spring Palm Hotel and Apartment, a 16 block cum 96 flats and eight bungalow multi-million Naira estate traced to Okorocha’s wife.
It added that the Commission at no time “raided” nor “harassed” anyone in the course of marking the properties as its operatives, in line with international best practices, informed the occupants of the facilities in good time, before taking the action.
“It is also pertinent to state that the Commission has pictorial and video evidences which put a lie to the claim that Rochas Foundation College was allegedly raided by the EFCC while in session,” the statement read.
“This could not be so because the school was not in session and could not have had its students harassed as was fed some online media.
“The Commission would ordinarily not bother with any allegation coming from the camp of Senator Okorocha, having noted his penchant for frivolities and propaganda; but this refutal has become pertinent in other to clear doubts especially in these days of fake news.
“We urge all well meaning Nigerians to disregard the antics of some unscrupulous politicians and fraudsters who seek to distract the Commission from holding them accountable for their nefarious activities.”

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa tasks Nass on new education qualification for president

Lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has tasked the 9th National Assembly to as a matter of urgency, review the education qualification for would-be Nigerian presidents from its current secondary school to at least a First Degree with minimum of Diploma in Law or Diploma in Political Science.
This, he said, will help equip them with requisite capacity to pilot modern societies like Nigeria is growing into.
Adegboruwa was speaking in Benin City as a guest lecturer during the Law Week organised by the Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, also tasked the members of the bar and civil society to always hold government accountable for breaches of the rule of law.
Speaking on Advancing the Nigerian democratic outlook: The Role of Law, Adegboruwa said: “There is the urgent need to tinker with the electoral laws and the Constitution, to firmly entrench the deployment of technology in the electoral process. Besides, it is a joke that in this 21st Century, all that is needed to be President of Nigeria is a school certificate or its equivalent. Lawmakers in the 9th Assembly must as a matter of urgency, initiate amendments in this regard to a minimum of a university degree with a minimum diploma in law or political science. This is to equip the leader with the requisite intellect to manage a modern society such as ours.”
He urged the Nigerian judiciary to “remain fearless and bold in holding governments accountable when it flouts the laws of the land. The court must assist the Nigerian people through innovative and inspiring judgments, in defence and advancement of the judiciary. “The Nigerian state must continue to build the capacities of democratic institutions through amendments of obsolete legislations, proper funding and appointment of competent officials to head such institutions.
“A vibrant bar, civil society and populace willing to hold government accountable for acts which undermine and jeopardize democracy. Lawyers must remain the obstacle to every dictatorship, rise up to protect the judiciary when under unprovoked attack and when the lawyers rise up, the judges must find courage to decide the law according to their conscience, no matter whose ox is gored, as happened in Kogi State recently, the maxim being, Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum, (let justice be done, though the heavens fall).”

Betty Akeredolu leads sensitisation walk against rape

Ondo State Governor’s wife Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu in Akure, the state capital led women on a sensitisation walk against alarming rate of rape in the state.
She called for legislations that would ensure stiffer penalties for rapists, child abusers and predators.
The walk is coming on the heels of the high rate of rape and child defilement incidence in Ondo State, which has been a concern to Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu.
The walk, which started at the palace of Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, spanned through to Oke Eda area of the town and it was reportedly done in all other 17 local government areas of the state.
Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu had a fortnight ago chaired a stakeholders’ meeting, where she frowned at how minors were being subjected to trauma in the hands of rapists and solutions were proffered on how rape could be nipped in the bud.
The First Lady, who was represented by the Commissioner for Woman Affairs, Mrs. Titilayo Adeyemi, said the women were in palace to seek the monarch’s support and inform him that the menace of rape cases was worrisome to womenfolk.
“Kabiyesi, we are here to inform the palace that the issue of rape is a great concern to everybody. We are tired of it and we are here to solicit the help of the palace.
“When a minor is raped, it may cause premature death, sickness and trauma.
“There is high tendency for rape victims to develop unnecessary hatred to men, making such victims difficult to have good homes,” she said.
She added that rape menace should be condemned by all and sundry, asking traditional institution to expose suspected rapists for proper punishment.
Oba Aladetoyinbo applauded Mrs. Ayanwu-Akeredolu for taking the initiative to stop the menace of rape.
The monarch, who condemned the menace, advocated life punishment for rapists.
He added that all morally human beings should support the initiative and contribute to it.

Wednesday, 24 July 2019

Why I Dumped Lecturing For Photography —Tosin King-Adebayo

Tosin King-Adebayo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lydrol Photography, has worked as a broadcaster and academics before venturing into photography. In this interview by Olasunkanmi Oso, she speaks about her passion for photography.King-Adebayo

You seem to have explored different career paths; broadcasting, academics and now photography. What birth the change?
I wanted a profession that is close to life and photography seems to be the best option for me. It tells me about the yesterday, today and tomorrow. It is the best history teacher.

Which of this career path do you derive pleasure from the most and why?
Photography is my best bet any day because it preserves our times (moments) in images. Just as the snake slither through the rocks without any mark, so also is a man who comes to this world without any memories of him captured in images.

 Your move from academics to photography would come as a shock to many, what prompted the action?
One of the things that triggered my action was the rot in the academic sector. I could not stand the rot and the mess. I wanted something more for myself beyond bagging more degrees or being a Ph.D holder. I found joy conceptualising images and bringing them to life. It is as easy for me as the air I breathe. Porting from academics to photography wasn’t as easy as I thought. I faced a lot of criticism here and there and I remember vividly the reaction I got from the dean of  my Faculty. He asked me  why I wanted to  dump lecturing for photography, considering the fact that lecturing gives me more “time” and opportunities. The decision was tough but I was determined to leave for a future I wanted. Photography wasn’t my dream profession despite the fact that I love taking pictures right from my childhood. Who would even consider it then? It’s either you want to be a lawyer, doctor, engineer, accountant and  so on. Growing up, I wanted to be an accountant, photography wasn’t part of the options to consider then.
What was your husband’s reaction to tow this career path?
My husband initially thought it was a joke when I told him about my resignation plans. It took me almost a year before I could convince him. When he saw my determination to leave, he grudgingly accepted it. He wanted me to be a Doctor of Philosophy in my field as opposed to my decision to be a “photographer” and I remember telling him then that what gives us fulfillment in life differs. Being a carpenter may be more fulfilling than being a bank manager. The story is different today, as he is my number one fan.

What is your definition of photography?
Photography means so many things to me. Photography like I said earlier is the best history teacher, because at the end of it all, whatever we do today becomes history (memories) tomorrow (future) so the best bet is to document your future now! Photography is like writing your own autobiography.

 Photography has different spheres. Which one of them is your specialization?
I am in love with child photography and portrait photography. I love taking pictures of children because it teaches me patience and makes me appreciate growth at every stage. To be a child photographer, you have to come down to their level, you have to exercise a lot of patience and sometimes you take up the job of a clown, among other things. Above all, understand the child you are photographing per time as every child is unique. Portraiture photography on the other hand helps me understand the personality in front of the camera.

How have you been coping with competition?
The answer is not farfetched; I do not see anyone as my competitor. I have colleagues who we work together on a regular basis to achieve a common goal. The sky is big enough for everyone.

 Which branch of photography will you not venture into?
Nude photography. It’s out of my scope of interest/belief system as an African.

What were the challenges you faced?
Truth be told, it wasn’t easy at all. At the early stage, remembering all the words of my dean and those who kicked against my decision. I remembered a particular month when the whole income was less than N2,000  amidst NEPA bills, studio bills and so on. I suddenly realised my reality of the uncertain world compared to the certain,  steady and well paying job I had. I remember a family member telling me to re-apply in the state civil service before things got worse since the income wasn’t stable. In her words, government job will give you more time and steady income. I discarded the advice because I didn’t see a future in it. Today, I am certain of what the future holds, even when it looks uncertain to the ordinary eyes. The ‘certain’ jobs are not even certain these days.
Where do you normally get inspiration from?
Everything around me especially nature. And sometimes, the personality involved may also determine the totality of the set design.

Who are your role models?
Mide Photography, TY Bello, Alade Photos (our family photographer who captured my early moments and more…before I ventured into photography), Aisha Augie-Kuta, Johnson Donatus Okhai Ojeikere (late) and Barbara Davidson.

 Where do you see your business in five years?
I see Lydrol Photography evolve to Lydrol Studios. There are so many untold stories (both still and motion) the world is waiting to see. I see us completing our photography training for the physically impaired children across the six Geo-political zones in Nigeria. I am glad photography is now seen as a profession that is noble and not just a roadside business. It has a strong tie with history and as we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words, beyond what words would say, pictures would explain more, little wonder politicians now engage the services of photographers more than ever before.

Do you have any regret going into phography?
No regrets.

How do you handle difficult customer?
You must have the sixth sense as a business owner, implementation of agreement policies, contract terms etc. This saves you from a lot of trouble and more importantly ,always have it in mind that patience can boil the hardest stone. I have come across some very saucy clients, even in the midst of tension, I try to keep my calm and use peaceful dialogue in whatever form. And when it’s beyond me, I switch to the “silence is golden” mode. Nobody can use what you have not said or written against you.

How do you normally relax?
I listen to good music and I also dedicate a part of me to catch up with gist of the day with children.

Even attack

Shi’ites’ protest: NYSC mourns death of corps member

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mourned the death of a corps member attached to the Channels Television, Precious Owolabi, during the Shi’ites’ protest in Abuja on Monday.
A statement by Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, Director of Press and Public Relations, NYSC, the corpse of the deceased has been retrieved from the morgue of the National Hospital, Garki, Abuja, and dispatched to to his family in Zaria.
“NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, led other management staff to the morgue of the National Hospital, Garki, on Tuesday morning to retrieve the corpse.
”It was retrieved and sent by an official ambulance to his parents in Zaria, Kaduna State,” Adeyemi stated.
She added that the NYSC was saddened by the unfortunate death of the corps member.
“The management is deeply saddened with the sudden and unfortunate death of Owolabi, FC/18C/5226, while on an official assignment during the Shi’ites’ and Police clash in Abuja.
“We join the entire Owolabi family in this moment of grief and pray that the Almighty God console them and repose the soul of the departed,” Adeyemi said.
She said the director-general was said to have described the incident as “a sad day for the NYSC family.”
Newsmen report that another corps member serving with the Leadership Newspapers, was also hit by a stray bullet during the protests and is currently recuperating at the National Hospital.

AAU student dies after being released from EFCC custody

A student of Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo state, has died shortly after his release after spending two months in EFCC custody.
The 22-year-old Austin Isaiah was allegedly arrested for something he “knew nothing about”. He was detained for two months before being released after he fell sick in custody, friends said on Facebook.
Upon his release, he died due to ill health.
Austin’s friends have taken to Facebook to mourn him while calling out EFCC for his “wrongful arrest”.
Benson Ikponmwosa wrote ;
It’s hard to say Goodbye brother.
This was not the plan, you would have still been alive if not for EFCC.
Those behind your death will never go unpunished, you died for something you know nothing about.
Rest on Austin Isaiah!!

Nigerian female pilot averted tragedy in Muritala Mohammed Airport, Lagos

Captain Simisola Ajibola, a female Nigerian pilot averted the near tragedy on Air Peace aircraft that occurred at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos yesterday, July 23rd, 2019.


The Air Peace Boeing 737 plane lost its tyres after crash-landing at the Airport facility. According to eyewitness accounts, the incident was brought under control, thanks to the expertise of Captain Simi who handled the near-fatal incident professionally.

One of the eyewitnesses who experienced the dreadful ordeal, shared on her Instagram page;

Today… Was a confirmation of His anointing upon my life. For the 2nd time this year, I had near death experience. First na Okada, now na Plane… ✈️✈️✈️🙏🙏🙏🙏 .
As we arrived Lagos on @flyairpeace , the pilot (she was a woman, I was so proud) announced that we will be landing at international tarmac because of visibility issues. The sleep wey bin dey my eyes, auto cleared.😕😕😕😑😑😑
Some minutes later, seems the plane started nose diving on a fast track. And she in her expertise applied control. Then… Next… It picked up a speed and bang!!! bang!!!!!!✈️✈️😖😖😖
We dropped from the sky to the hard ground. And the ceiling of the plan dropped. Children crying. People screaming Blood of Jesus! Some screaming my Mummy. It was hard! My life flashed before me….😖🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Then the pilot informed that she can’t estimate the damage, however, that the plane lost its both tyres. That she had signaled for an evacuation. She kept working hard, though unsuccessfully, to calm agitated😑
They said they are awaiting tow truck to tow us from international tarmac to local 😳😳😳😳😳😳
I got my bag, had my inhaler handy… And we awaited emergency rescue.
TheY came 52 MINUTES Later!😳😳😠🥶🥵 (Nigeria’s emergency response time)… We for don burn finish if not for God! . . . .
Praise God for Us… He averted what could have been a tragic plane crash.

17-year-old girl sets herself ablaze over dowry

A 17-year-old girl, Aisha living in Albarkawa area in Gusau metropolis in Zamfara state has set herself ablaze owing to her fiance’s inabil...