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Celebrities / Photos From Osaze Odemwingie's Wedding by ceomike(m): 10:16pm On May 26, 2012 |
More photos coming on this thread. The wedding was held in the UK. Osaze is now married to Sarah Michael [img]http://2.bp..com/-Z3aLbeJFyjg/T8Em6AfhCOI/AAAAAAAAH2U/QwVZQp9bmd4/s400/os4.jpg[/img] [img]http://2.bp..com/-KK20jyizICE/T8EiXpozqBI/AAAAAAAAH1c/lmdWd8cwFew/s400/OS1.jpg[/img] [img]http://3.bp..com/-Y9dab0cc3wg/T8ElHr4bqgI/AAAAAAAAH1s/75x_aEOnAME/s400/OS3.jpg[/img] [img]http://4.bp..com/-P-FpzYIYpq4/T8ElP8_lHKI/AAAAAAAAH10/M8wNfGWJ1_s/s1600/os9.jpg[/img] [img]http://2.bp..com/-ozNzzNgPtf0/T8EliWCSZlI/AAAAAAAAH18/YyCqoh5PRT0/s400/os11.jpg[/img] [img]http://1.bp..com/-RYoq6aSUT98/T8EmdWf3lpI/AAAAAAAAH2M/ixrVzEWFRl4/s400/os12.jpg[/img] 12 Likes |
Celebrities / Pictures Of PSquare's Private Jet by ceomike(m): 11:38am On May 24, 2012 |
News reaching us has it that the duo of Paul and Peter Okoye popularly called P-Square have acquired for themselves a private jets. Peter also made the announcement on Twitter!!! [img]http://api.plixi.com/api/tpapi.svc/imagefromurl?size=medium&url=http%3A%2F%2Flockerz.com%2Fs%2F211379017[/img] [img]http://api.plixi.com/api/tpapi.svc/imagefromurl?size=medium&url=http%3A%2F%2Flockerz.com%2Fs%2F211378455[/img] [img]http://api.plixi.com/api/tpapi.svc/imagefromurl?size=medium&url=http%3A%2F%2Flockerz.com%2Fs%2F211376567[/img] 7 Likes 1 Share
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Music/Radio / Wizkid, Sarkodie And Ice Prince Nominated For BET Awards 2012 by ceomike(m): 3:19am On May 23, 2012 |
Nigerian sensations, Wizkid and Ice Prince joins Sarkodie of Ghana as they get nominated under the Best International Act ( Male) for the BET 2012 awards to hold on July 1, 2012. Samuel L Jackson would be the host. Other nominees includes Beyonce, Rihanna, Chris Brown and Bruno Mars FULL NOMINEES LIST FOR THE BET AWARDS 2012 Best Male R&B Artist Chris Brown Bruno Mars Miguel Trey Songz Usher Best Female R&B Artist Marsha Ambrosius Beyoncé Mary J. Blige Melanie Fiona Rihanna Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Big Sean Drake J. Cole Lil Wayne Rick Ross Young Jeezy Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Nicki Minaj Diamond Trina Brianna Perry Best New Artist A$AP Rocky Big Sean Diggy Future Meek Mill Best Group Bad Meets Evil Diddy-Dirty Money Maybach Music Group Mindless Behavior The Throne Best Collaboration Beyoncé f/ J. Cole – “Party”” Big Sean f/ Kanye West & Roscoe Dash – “Marvin & Chardonnay” DJ Khaled f/ Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne – “I’m On One” Drake f/ Lil Wayne and Tyga – “The Motto” The Throne f/ Otis Redding – “Otis” Wale f/ Miguel – “Lotus Flower Bomb” Video of the Year Beyoncé – “Countdown” Beyoncé – “Love on Top” Jay-Z & Kanye West – “Ni**as in Paris” Jay-Z & Kanye West – “Otis” Usher – “Climax” Video Director of the Year Beyoncé and Alan Ferguson Benny Boom Chris Brown and Godfrey Tabarez Kanye West Hype Williams Best Gospel Yolanda Adams Kim Burrell James Fortune & FIYA Fred Hammond Trin-I-Tee 5:7 YoungStars Award Astro Diggy Jacob Latimore Keke Palmer Willow Smith Viewers’ Choice Award Drake f/ Lil Wayne & Tyga – “The Motto” Beyoncé – “Love onTop” Chris Brown – “Turn Up the Music” Mindless Behavior – “Hello” The Throne f/ Otis Redding – “Otis” Wale f/ Miguel – “Lotus Flower Bomb” Centric Award Common Estelle Robert Glasper Robin Thicke Tyrese Best International Act: U.K. Estelle Labrinth Emeli Sande Sway Wretch 32 Best International Act: Africa Camp Mulla (Kenya) Ice Prince (Nigeria) Lira (South Africa) Mokobe (Mali) Sarkodie (Ghana) Wizkid (Nigeria) Best Actress Angela Bassett Viola Davis Taraji P. Henson Regina King Zoe Saldana Best Actor Don Cheadle Common Idris Elba Kevin Hart Denzel Washington Best Movie Good Deeds Jumping the Broom Laugh at My Pain Red Tails The Help Sportswoman of the Year Skylar Diggins Candace Parker Brittney Griner Serena Williams Venus Williams Sportsman of the Year Carmelo Anthony Kobe Bryant LeBron James Victor Cruz Kevin Durant[sub][/sub] Source: http:///yqgwqm
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Politics / Goodluck Jonathan Features On Vogue Magazine Italia by ceomike(m): 2:55am On May 23, 2012 |
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is the face of the newest edition of Vogue Magazine Italia. Vogue Italia reads: It’s Thursday, January 5th when we land in Abuja, capital of Nigeria. Today the Muslim’s ultimatum to the Christians expires. We have a police and military escort to ensure total security. We’re headed to the presidential palace and don’t have much time. We have to take off by 6 pm at the latest. There’s no real danger, they assure us, but it’s best not to take chances. The streets are calm, with none of the confusion one might expect. Abuja is beautiful, with lots of greenery and imposing villas hidden behind high walls. The city has an air of wealth, and is spotlessly clean everywhere. We’re late for our appointment due to the flight before ours, as well as all the security checks. First stop for the car, second for document check, during which we’re photographed, and finally for surrendering all our cameras and cell phones. The situation is rather complicated in Nigeria right now, and everyone performs their job with attention to every detail. The fact that they won’t let us bring any photographic equipment is a real disappointment.They understand that this is a problem for us, so they offer us a book full of photos of the President. We can choose whichever ones we want, they tell us. "No", I reply politely, "we take our own photos. Vogue has its own style and we want to maintain it". I stand there with the book in my hand and everyone’s eyes on me, wondering what I might say or do next. "Ok, let me speak with the President and see what I can do". Between the disappointment of the photographer and cameraman and the lack of reassurance that the President would even be there, I feel like it’s all my fault. A guard and the Chief of Protocol come to lead us to the Oval Room where we were to meet the President. I turn and see my whole team looking vaguely defeated. "Smile, please. And that’s not a request!". Then Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria, elected on 16 April 2011, enters the room, returning our smiles with his own. Elegantly dressed in a blue suit composed of a tunic and trousers with a gold pocket chain and his signature wide-brimmed hat, he is followed by the Vice President, who is Muslim, while Jonathan is an evangelical Christian. We are also joined by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, a gorgeous and elegant woman – who also happens to be a princess – dressed in traditional robes, with a Master’s from Cambridge and the distinction of being the first woman to run Nigeria’s most important ministry, given that it is the world’s 8th largest oil exporter. Lastly, Edem Duke, Minister of Culture and Tourism, enters the room, with his authoritative bulk and wide-brimmed hat like the President’s. We all sit. I’m next to the President, who invites Alison-Madueke to say a few words. She offers a detailed illustration of our F4D project and our idea to dedicate a whole issue to Africa, but with a positive slant in order to convey an image of the continent that’s not all famine and death, but that is full of potential for growth and expansion toward new development initiatives. President Jonathan warmly supports both projects and he casts me a gentle look that needs no reply. "Your turn, and be convincing", his eyes seem to say. So I begin. "Mr. President, thank you for having granted our request for an interview.It is true that we are a magazine of images, but I think that there is a lot to do in terms of your country’s image, which at the moment does not come across as wealthy and stable, despite having oil and other great prospects". He interrupts me and informs me that the country’s motto at this time is ‘Rebranding Nigeria’. "I couldn’t agree more, truly. But I would like to revive your textile industry, which used to be strong but have been overshadowed, though not forgotten, since the discovery of oil. Why sell the tie-dye patent to the Chinese, who will end up producing it there? In the course of a couple of generations, knowledge of your tradition will disappear. At least if it were produced in Nigeria there would be work for the local population and your culture wouldn’t be lost. You have amazing potential – just look at what happened in Brazil, or at how many European and American companies make their goods in China. Why can’t all this be done in Nigeria?". He smiles and nods in agreement. I go on: "All the richest Nigerians spend their money abroad because there a no shops here, no hotels with a chic African flair, no hip restaurants or clubs. Why not build an African Rodeo Drive in Lagos or Abuja, with boutiques carrying both imported and Nigerian goods?". I stop, perhaps I’m going too far. He looks at me and says: "You know our designers. They’re talented and very creative". "Of course", I continue. "You have Duro Olowu, who is famous as Louboutin in America and Europe, and many others. There’s also Mercedes, which sponsors a lot of fashion weeks. We could talk about doing one here. In any case, there is no shortage of ideas, but we need to act, and quickly. In the northern part of the continent, Nigeria is the country with the greatest potential. Why not take advantage of it?". I stop. The President looks at his ministers with a satisfied smile and appears to agree with what I said. He then states that he will do everything to help us, and to make sure that all this isn’t just talk. "I agree, and this will serve as a basis for reflection. We have problems of various kinds, some of them very serious, but this will not impede our country from moving forward and changing our image. I thank you for having spoken openly and frankly. Is there something I can do for you, even if you’re only here for a few hours?». I laugh, relieved, without missing a beat: "Certainly – a photo, taken by us in the Vogue style. Give us the sign and they’ll bring in the equipment". He looks around with that shy, kind smile. "How can I say no?", he exclaims. As the Minister of Tourism leaves the room, he says: "It’s true that dynamite always comes in a small package". SOurce: http:///qzhckw http://www.vogue.it/en/uomo-vogue/people/2012/05/goodluck-jonathan
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Celebrities / Rihanna Celebrates With Didier Drogba And Chelsea Players by ceomike(m): 4:19pm On May 22, 2012 |
Rihanna who performed at the London O2 arena took time to celebrate with Chelsea players after their Champions League victory over Bayern Munich Rihanna danced with Didier Drogba and had fun with other Chelsea players like Salomon Kalou, Raul Meireless, Michael Essien and Jose Bosingwa. She later tweeted: “THEE DIDIER DROGBA #thereisaGod” Source: http:///aneerf
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Celebrities / Lady Gaga To Launch Her Social Networking Site by ceomike(m): 4:16pm On May 22, 2012 |
Lady Gaga is set to launch her own social networking sites The American star who has about 25 million followers on micro-blogging social network, Twitter and 47 million fans on her facebook page would be launching her own social network for her fans to and communicate with each other, share photos and videos. The project is managed by Backplane – a tech start-up company which is party founded by Gaga and her manager Troy Carter. Backplane CEO Matt Michelsen said: “Backplane is about bringing together communities and Gaga’s community just so happens to be the community we’re using to learn about proper functionality. We think we can really change the world.” Source: http:///jotxca
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Politics / Dele Momodu Is 52 Today by ceomike(m): 6:52am On May 16, 2012 |
Publisher, OVATION International magazine and former Presidential Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Nigeria, Dele Momodu turns 52 today. Happy Birthday Sir!!! http:///dcrmfb
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Celebrities / I'm Not Pregnant - Ini Edo by ceomike(m): 9:23am On May 15, 2012 |
Actress Ini Edo has denied been pregnant. She refutes such claims after rumours flying around recently in the country on her been pregnant. She announced: Heard some people want to send me on nine-month compulsory leave? Not true yet. Disregard the rumour. I will let you know when it happens. Meanwhile, there is something cooking I will let you know soon, lets keep our fingers crossed. Peace. http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/im-not-pregnant-ini-edo.html |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) / Arsenal Signs Deal With Malta Guinness Nigeria by ceomike(m): 3:18am On May 13, 2012 |
Malta Guinness is the official drink for the Gunners !!! Arsenal.com reports Arsenal Football Club has agreed a three-year partnership with Guinness Nigeria for Malta Guinness, Nigeria’s number one malt drink, to be the Official Malt Drink of the Club in Nigeria. The Gunners will work in tandem with Malta Guinness in Nigeria as well as in Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and Tanzania. The agreement has been reached following confirmation that the Arsenal first team is visiting Nigeria in August for the first time in their history as part of their pre-season build up. Arsène Wenger’s side will play at the 60,000 capacity Abuja National Stadium on Sunday, August 5, with the opposition likely to be a leading African national team. As part of this relationship, Malta Guinness Low Sugar will be the Official Malt Drink of Arsenal Football Club around Arsenal’s Nigeria tour. Arsenal’s Head of Global Partnerships, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “We have a huge following in Africa, and Nigeria in particular. By partnering with Guinness Nigeria and the Malta Guinness brand, we are delighted to be aligning ourselves with one of Nigeria’s foremost companies and most well known brands. We’re looking forward to working together to connect with our many millions of fans in the region during the tour and beyond.” http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/arsenal-signs-deal-with-malta-guinness.html
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Celebrities / Jennifer Hudson's Brother In Law Found Guilty Of Family Murders by ceomike(m): 12:07am On May 12, 2012 |
William Balfour, Jennifer Hudson’s brother-in-law has been found guilty of Hudson’s mother (Darnel Donerson), brother (Jason Hudson) and nephew(Julian King) and has been sentenced to life in prison Balfour was convicted of 1st degree murders after flying into a jealous rage in 2008,over a balloon gift for Julia Hudson, Balfour’s ex and Jennifer’s sister. http:///ozaufn
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Music/Radio / Serena Williams Debuts New Rap Song by ceomike(m): 10:19am On May 11, 2012 |
Tennis star, Serena Williams is now a rapper as she’s making her debut with a brand new song. The song ain't bad at all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D9kFgiaAaQ&feature=youtu.be Listen Here: Here
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Religion / TB Joshua Correctly Predicts Russian Plane Crash Of Wednesday by ceomike(m): 10:51pm On May 10, 2012 |
As news hit international media on Thursday Morning that the wreckage of the Russian aircraft that mysteriously went missing mid-flight in Indonesia yesterday had been seen, a YouTube video has been released from a controversial Nigerian pastor, claiming he predicted the calamity. “I’m seeing breaking news. They are looking for something that missed but it carried people – a plane that carried people and it was lost,” the video shows T.B. Joshua of ‘The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations’ saying. Giving a more detailed appraisal, he continued, “There is a plane coming to Indonesia, a big one that will carry passengers. I see a crash. The color of the plane – I see blue… I’m seeing Wednesday. What will happen on Wednesday?” The incident involving a Russian Sukhoi Superjet plane that crashed into mountains in Indonesia on Wednesday seems to confirm the prediction, blue being the predominant color in all Sukhoi-made plane designs. About 45 people are said to have been on board the aircraft, including eight Russian pilots and technicians, Indonesian airline representatives and journalists. The jet vanished from radar screens 50 minutes after taking off from Jakarta for a brief demonstration flight. The spokesman for the rescue effort, Gagah Prakoso, said a number of bodies had been found. "So far we haven't found any survivors, but we are still searching," he said. T.B. Joshua is a household name across Africa for his predictions, miracles and charitable endeavors. He recently caused a stir with media reports of his prophecy of the demise of Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika. “In April… we should pray for an African head of state against the sickness that will take life – sudden death,” Joshua told his congregation in February, stressing the event was close and specifying the president in question was from West Africa in a service just four days before Mutharika’s passing. He boasts of a 15,000 strong congregation and gives his ‘prophecies’ during live televised services on the Christian television station, Emmanuel TV which, according to a recent publication in The Times Newspaper, UK has a viewership measured in millions. Ghana’s president John Atta Mills, Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangarai and Malawi’s new head Joyce Banda are among the African politicians who regularly frequent his church. Joshua has close to 150,000 followers on Facebook and some of his YouTube clips have several millions of views. Among his recent reported predictions are Francoise Hollande’s victory in the French elections last week, Zambia’s historic triumph at the African Cup of Nations in 2011 and the death of pop legend Michael Jackson in 2009. http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/tb-joshua-predicted-russian-plane-crash.html http://news1.ghananation.com/latest-news/254832-nigerian-prophet-t-b-joshua-in-the-news-again-video.html |
Politics / Nigerian Makes Electric Car by ceomike(m): 10:32pm On May 10, 2012 |
As the issue of environmental pollution rages and nations are seeking alternative energy sources devoid of carbon emission, Nigeria, as a major oil-exporter, will be hard hit if nothing is done. To this end, Professor James Omoleye of the Department of Chemical Engineering and former Director, Centre for Research, Covenant University, Ota Ogun State, began a series of researches with his team which culminated in the making of an electric automobile and a power bike. In this chat with Vanguard Learning, Omoleye says Nigeria is far ahead of some nations in this area. For Professor James Omoleye: “Nigeria is an oil-exporting country and today, the green revolution which is trying to promote mobility without atmospheric pollution, is driving the whole world to look for alternative way of transportation and that has led to some research on electric automobile. “Electric automobile is not a new thing. In fact, somebody said it was there before fuel combustion engine came but was not efficient at that time. The use of petrol engine took over because it was more efficient. Now, because of pollution and electronic advancement which has made electric automobiles very efficient, there is a kind of shift. People want to look into electric automobile as a means of mobility.” Reducing pollution by 80 per cent: If you can reduce the amount of pollution in the air coming through automobiles, then you would have reduced pollution by almost 80 per cent and life on earth will be safer. So there is now a tendency to move towards electric mobility, not only automobiles, even boats and trains. In advanced countries, the number of electric automobiles in use is on the increase. Of course, many are now using what we call hybrid which is electric engine and fuel combustion engine together. This reduces the amount of fuel you burn. But the ultimate is electric automobile so that we can do away with pollution of the atmosphere. That is already gaining ground now in countries like the US and China. In China, electric bikes are common and a number of their taxis are electric. So very soon, electric mobility will take over from fuel combustion. Electric car and power bike “I started in 2005 to research into electric automobiles. Our electric automobile came on the road on July 1, 2010 and I have been using it but not continuously being the only one we have made, we don’t just use it any how. What we did was to buy a fuel combustion engine car, removed the engine and designed and assembled the electric engine inside it. We have also advanced in the sense that the first one we did, we brought in the parts but between then and now, we have worked on two of the three major components which are the speed regulator and the charging system because after running about 70km, you charge for six hours continuously. Today, we have successcfully designed and assembled our own speed controller. We have tested it by mounting it on a four-wheel cycle and it is moving very well. We have almost perfected the charging system. Of course, since September 2007, we have been able to come up with a charging system but it was not as efficient as what we have now. We are replacing the one we did in 2010 with the one we have now which is a lot faster and more reliable. The only component we have not started to do here is the electric motor itself. But that is not a big deal because there is no vehicle company that manufactures all the parts. You get some parts from one company and then you design some,” said the professor of chemical engineering. “We have gone very far and I think we are ahead of many other nations. We are ahead of Australia because they are not yet making those things and they are the ones in the forefront of electric automobile. An Indian man that came for business in Abuja saw my programme on television and came all the way to look for us here. He said he came because they also have interest in electric automobile and that his company was given approval by the Indian Government to start introducing electric mobility into their taxi system. By the time we talked, I found out that we are ahead of them. They don’t make any parts and yet, they have got to the point of changing their taxi system to electric automobiles but we have gone to the point of producing the controller and the charger,” he said. ...Power Bike What Nigeria must do “Even as an oil-exporting country, we cannot help encouraging something that will not consume fuel for two reasons: One, we are not making even the fuel combustion vehicles, we are importing them so if in the next five or six years the whole world is changing into electric automobile, you say ‘oh we are not going to go into that,’ you will be forced to import the electric automobiles they are making and good enough, petroleum is not only used for fuel combustion by automobiles, there are hundreds of products today that are made from petroleum just that Nigeria is only focusing on exporting crude. Our clothes are from petroleum. When you talk of petrochemicals, the basic raw material is petroleum. So all we need to do is for us to try to focus on petrochemicals and start to divert the crude we cannot export to produce other things that can be exported. Of course we will still be selling our crude but not as much as before. This is one reason why we should not say we are not going to encourage electric automobile production. Two, for now, we are only importing vehicles, when you join the race of electric automobiles manufacturing; you become one of the countries that will be earning revenue from exporting your own electric automobiles. So while the fuel is not used for fuelling cars again, generators for the charging the automobiles will still be using fuel . You will now join them in also exporting vehicles and so you can increase your revenue base more than what it was before. We have gone very far and I think we are among the top five countries,” he noted. Source:http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/nigerian-makes-electric-car-vanguard.html http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/05/research-devt-nigeria-makes-electric-car-power-bike/
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Celebrities / Tiwa Savage Signs Pepsi Endorsement Deal by ceomike(m): 1:30pm On May 09, 2012 |
R&B-Pop singer Tiwa Savage has landed a major endorsement deal with popular beverage company Pepsi, a deal we are told is worth a couple of millions of Naira. We are told that the endorsement deal was sealed with Tiwa’s current management323 Entertainment headed by Tunji ‘T-Billz’ Balogun about a month ago. The deal sees the 32-year-old follow the likes of pop singer Ashionye who was endorsed as the face of ‘Pepsi Light’ back in 2007. ‘Yea, the deal is true, I can confirm that but that’s all I can say for now’, Balogun told NET in a phone conversation. Balogun later explained he signed a non-disclosure agreement with the parties involved. ‘I’m still surprise how the news got out so soon‘, he added. There’s no announcement yet from Pepsi. But an insider tells us there’s the possibility that another Nigerian pop star will be joining Tiwa at Pepsi. Meanwhile it’s big things popping for Tiwa who just yesterday, was announced as a new signee under top notch producer Don Jazzy’s new label outfit, MAVINRecords. Source:http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/tiwa-savage-signs-endorsement-deal-with.html http://thenetng.com/2012/05/08/tiwa-savage-signs-pepsi-endorsement-deal/ |
Car Talk / Toyota Launches Latest All Electric SUV by ceomike(m): 5:53am On May 09, 2012 |
Toyota on Monday at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle in Sysmposium in Lod Angeles, Carlifornia announced the launch of an all- electric ic SUV. Its a new RAV-4 car that runs on battery power with a six-hour charge time that last for a 100 miles driving distance. Speaking to Phys.org, Toyota Motor Sales Executive, Bob Carter said: “It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV — in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market." This actually isn’t the first RAV-4 EV the Prius maker has put on the market. The company released a RAV-4 EV from 1997-2003, but now the EV market seems primed for more vehicles and Toyota’s latest version takes electric to a new level. This latest EV can reach a top speed of 100 m.p.h. and will be priced at $49,800. Toyota aims to sell around 2,600 of them during the next three years. The car will be for sale this summer in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Carter also told Phys.org that the vehicle will target a niche sector of the population who are interested in green technology. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance,” Carter said. Who you buy this RAV-4 EV? Which EVs currently on the market would you be interested in purchasing? Tell us in the comments. Watch Video Here: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/toyota-launches-latest-all-electric-suv.html Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/toyota-launches-latest-all-electric-suv.html |
Politics / Dubai To Build World's First "Underwater"hotel by ceomike(m): 11:13pm On May 08, 2012 |
When it comes to tourism, Dubai stands out and they are not taking chances at all. Just days after the project by China to build the World's first underground hotel, the city of Dubai looks set to shock everyone as they plan to build the World's first underwater hotel. Building company Drydocks World and Swiss firm BIG InvestConsult are working together to develop underwater hotels, including the "Water Discus Hotel" in Dubai, reports news.au.com. The plans for the Water Discus Hotels include various components, ensuring all guests can explore underwater in luxury. There are two spherical buildings (they look like giant spaceships) - an underwater and above-water one - connected by three legs providing stabilization and a long, vertical shaft that contains a elevator and stairway. The elevator takes guests 32 feet below the surface of the ocean, where the 21 hotel rooms, dive center and a bar are located. It's being reported that each guest room will have special lighting so guests can photograph the sea life around them, and guests will be able to operate "miniature vehicles", designed by Deep Ocean Technology, that will take blown-up photographs of the surrounding sea creatures. “Today, the advent of new technology made the heart of the ocean a setting not only for diving, but also for luxurious holidays," a BIG InvestConsult spokesperson said. "Now the innovative concept of Water Discus Hotels makes it all possible.” Dubai is also home to the Burj Khalifa, which is the world’s tallest building. Your thoughts? SOurce: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/dubai-to-build-underwater-hotel.html
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Celebrities / Bracket To Sue Popular Ugandan Artiste, Ray by ceomike(m): 11:03pm On May 08, 2012 |
Popular Nigerian based singers, Bracket are very likely to sue fast rising Ugandan artiste Ray of the Big Tym Crew over copyright infringment. According to information reaching us from an online source, Ray’s song Kasenyanku, which has taken Kampala by storm, is a replication of their song. The duo incidentally landed on the Kasenyanku song on YouTube and upon listening to it, they realised it was a replication of their own song, Me & You. Source: http:///cdqwdo
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Celebrities / Uche Jombo, Van Vicker , Uduak Isong Arrested By Police by ceomike(m): 9:31am On May 04, 2012 |
Reports from an online source confirms that Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo, Ghanaian actor, Van Vicker, Uduak Isong and some others have been arrested by the police while they were on location in Surulere. According to the source, they are currently detained at the Bode Thomas Police Station. No concrete reports on why they have been arreste but according to what we gathered, unconfirmed sources believed that they were arrested because they might cause a false alert due to a robbery scene they were about to act as at the time of the arrest Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/uche-jombo-van-vicker-uduak-isong.html
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Politics / Adams Oshiomole's Personal Secretary Shot Dead by ceomike(m): 9:17am On May 04, 2012 |
Barely days after surviving a fatal car crash which claimed the lives of three journalist in Edo state, Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole has been hit but this time, his personal secretary was shot dead in the early hours of this morning at his home. http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/barely-days-after-surviving-fatal-car.html |
Phones / Photo: Samsung Announces The Arrival Of Galaxy S III by ceomike(m): 10:49pm On May 03, 2012 |
Finally its out. Samsung have announced the arrival of the Galaxy S III in London and already it is anticipated as the Android phone of the year. The phone has a 4.8-inch touchscreen, 8-megapixel rear-facing and 1.9-megapixel forward-facing camera, and comes running the latest version of Android — Ice Cream Sandwich. Much like the HTC One X, the camera has zero shutter lag so you can capture photos instantly. The camera is also capable of taking 20 photos at once in burst mode, and a feature called “Best Photo” will pick the best shot out of a group of eight. President and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung, JK Shin said: “With the GALAXY S III, Samsung has maximized the consumer benefits by integrating superior hardware with enhanced smartphone usability,” “Designed to be both effortlessly smart and intuitively simple, the GALAXY S III has been created with our human needs and capabilities in mind. What makes me most proud is that it enables one of the most seamless, natural and human-centric mobile experiences, opening up a new horizon that allows you to live a life extraordinary.” Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/samsung-announces-arrival-of-samsung.html
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Business / Linkedin Purchases Slideshare For $119 Million by ceomike(m): 10:33pm On May 03, 2012 |
Social Networking giants, Linkedin have just acquired SlideShare, a content sharing platform for $119 million in cash and stock. Slideshare is an online content sharing platform where users can share and download business documents,videos and presentations. It also serves as a social discovery platform for users to find relevant content and connect with other members who share similar interests. The company also has a huge enterprise following, and companies like IBM and others use the platform to curate content from all of their employees and partners on a branded page. http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/linkedin-purchases-slideshare-for-119.html |
Politics / Australian Billionaire, Clive Palmer Set To Build Titanic II by ceomike(m): 3:28pm On May 03, 2012 |
Australian billionaire and businessman, Mr Clive Palmer is set to build a replica of the Titanic ship named Titanic II. The features of the ship would be almost the same with 9 decks, 840 rooms, gymnasiums,libraries, swimming pools and restaurants. Palmer said: ‘Titanic II will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury with on-board gymnasiums and swimming pools, libraries, high class restaurants and luxury cabins.’ The only differences will be below the water line - the ship will be powered by diesel rather than coal and will include a bulbous bow for greater fuel efficiency, plus an enlarged rudder and bow thrusters for improved manoeuvrability. It will have four smoke stacks like the coal-powered original, but they will be purely decorative. When asked if the ship could sink, Palmer responded, "Of course it will sink if you put a hole in it." He then added, "It is going to be designed so it won't sink." http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/australian-billionaire-clive-palmer-set.html
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Politics / Re: Henry Okah's Full Affidavit To South African Court by ceomike(m): 9:38am On May 03, 2012 |
You think so..let seeee |
Politics / Camerounian Government Bans TB Joshua by ceomike(m): 12:26am On May 03, 2012 |
Need your opinion on this Culled from Zambia Watchdog Cameroonian government has blacklisted Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations , saying that he is an agent of Satan hoodwinking unsuspecting members of the public with “diabolical miracles”. Cameroon Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Henri Eyebe Ayissi, in an official communiqué he issued this week titled “The Devil Is In the House”, described T.B. Joshua as a “son of the devil” pretending to be “a man of God”. The Minister warned hundreds of Cameroonians trooping to Lagos, South West Nigeria, for miracles in Joshua’s church, to desist from taking the trip or face the consequences as the country will not stand by them. The communiqué written in French reads in part “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns those who by naivety or deception of Emmanuel TV’s captivating images, or even those who by hopelessness, envisage taking the pilgrimage to Pastor T.B. Joshua’s Synagogue Church Of All Nations in Lagos, that they will do so at their own risk. “The Cameroonian Government warns these pilgrims that they will face the consequences alone. This is motivated by the painful and shameful fact that Cameroonian men and women, in search of deliverance and blessings, once in that church, find themselves in bestial and pitiable conditions. “Women are raped; pilgrims dispossessed of their belongings by armed robbers and left to sleep in the streets at the mercy of gangs. Many cases of assassinations have even been recorded. And this is without other cases that are not recorded at the Cameroonian Embassy in Lagos with the victims too ashamed to narrate their infernal odysseys once they are out of Hell,” the Minister said. The Minister said that while the bible asks us to be discreet with gifts and donations to the poor, T.B. Joshua is seen daily dolling out bags of rice to indigent people. Cameroonian newspapers which published the communiqué this week tell tales of hundreds of Cameroonians who sold their properties or borrowed money in the hope of getting miracles in T.B. Joshua’s Church, only to be disappointed in Lagos. The newspapers report that Joshua’s TV station has gained popularity in Cameroon and many people are tempted to take the trip and receive healings and sudden blessings. It says that Joshua is now in many households in Cameroon and many people believe the flashy images they watch on television. One newspaper writes in French “witnesses who come back from that pandemonium reveal that to secure an appointment with this Jesus-Christ-reincarnate, they had to spend 150, 000 FCFA (about N50, 000) and the amount keeps going up, depending on the treatment and the case. “This has led to confusion and disillusionment from Cameroonians, who on their way to Damascus, now find themselves refugees at the Cameroonian Embassy in Lagos.” The newspaper report says further: “There are many here in Cameroon, convinced of the power and the blessings of this “man of God”. However, they forget that Jesus Christ is in our hearts through faith and with our practice of the Ten Commandments and our relationship with one another. Before the publication of the communiqué by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bible said over 2000 years ago, ‘And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceives you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many’.” When contacted this morning, T.B. Joshua denied that he has been blacklisted in Cameroon. He said that Cameroonians who come to his church only heard about him in Cameroon and started trooping to the church in Ikotun, with most of them without accommodation. He said that had he been aware of their presence around his church, he would have provided accommodation for them. He invited P.M.NEWS to visit his church for detailed information over the matter. Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/camerounian-government-bans-tb-joshua.html http://www.zambianwatchdog.com/?p=34304&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter |
Politics / Henry Okah's Full Affidavit To South African Court by ceomike(m): 12:11am On May 03, 2012 |
IN THE SOUTH GAUTENG HIGH COURT, JOHANNESBURG Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/full-statement-of-henry-okah-to-south.html (REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA) CASE NO: A570/10 In the matter between: - OKAH, HENRY EMOMOTIMI Applicant And THE STATE Respondent FOUNDING AFFIDAVIT I, the undersiqned, HENRY EMOMOTIMI OKAH do hereby make oath and state as follows: - 1. I am an adult male person, the Applicant herein, currently incarcerated at the Johannesburg Prison, since my arrest on the 2nd of October 2010. 2. The content of this affidavit falls within my own personal knowledge, except where it is expressly stated otherwise, and are both true and correct", Page 2 3. I am charged with certain offences in terms of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, Act 33 of 2004 (lithe Terrorist Act". I have further been advised and reconfirm that the offences referred to in the Terrorist Act are referred to in Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977 and that I am obliged as such to adduce evidence, having been afforded a reasonable opportunity to do so, that exceptional circumstances exist which in the interest of justice permit my release on bail. INTRODUCTION: HISTORICAL CHRONOLOGY 4. I was arrested on the 2nd of October 2010 and appeared in Court 12 in the Regional Court, Johannesburg for the first time on the 4th of October 2010, ()"e approximately...bllro and a half years ago. 5. I applied for and was denied bail in a judgment by the learned Regional Court Magistrate H Louw on the 19thof November 2010. 6. ·1 appealed the judgment of the learned Regional Court Magistrate to the South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg under appeal case number CA340/2010. My appeal was heard by His Lordship Hattingh AJ and dismissed on the ih of January 2011. A copy of the judgment of the High Court is annexed hereto as Annexure "HEO 1". 7. An application was made on my behalf for leave to appeal, to the Supreme· Court of Appeal of South Africa, which application was dismissed by the Page 3 learned Hattingh AJ on the 1ih of June 2011. I attach hereto a copy of the order dated the 1ih of June 2011 as Annexure "HEO 2". 8. The proceedings of the hearing of the application for bail, in the Regional Court Johannesburg, as well as the transcripts of the record of the appeal before Hattingh AJ, will be made available to the above Honourable Court at the hearing of this application. 9. I have further been advised by my legal representatives that since appeared in the South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg on the 31st of January 2012, the abovementioned Court is therefore seized with this application by virtue of the provisions of Section 60(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977 and that the above Honourable Court should hear this application. NEW FACTS 10. I have been advised by my legal representatives that should new facts arise, subsequent to the historical application and appeal referred to hereinabove, I am entitled to apply to the above Honourable Court to take any and all of the new facts into consideration together with the original application and consider whether I should be released on bail. 11. The trial is set down to commence in the South Gauteng High Court on 1 October 2012 and I am advised that the trial is projected both by the State and by my legal representatives on a conservative estimate to last at least Page 4 18 months. 12. I have been furnished with an indictment dated 23 August 2011 under the hand of Advocate AR Ackermann SC, confirming that the trial will be conducted in the South Gauteng High Court. 13. In anticipation of the upcoming trial, I have been furnished with the content of the police docket containing the statements and evidence procured by the investigating officer. 14. The information contained in the police docket was not made available to me or my previous legal representatives before the previous bail application and the bail appeal. 15. As I will demonstrate hereinunder, my allegation set out in my previous affidavits in support of my bail application before the learned Regional Court Magistrate wherein I dealt extensively with the weakness and defects in the State case is now apparent when a proper and detailed analysis and comparison is made and drawn between the averments made under oath by the· investigating officer during the previous bail application and the evidence, or the lack thereof, which is contained in the police docket. 16. My legal representative in the bail application presented oral argument to the learned Regional Court Magistrate and favoured him with heads of argument in support of his submissions that I should be released on bail. Thereafter, during the address by counsel for the State, the learned _ ...• Page 5 Regional Court Magistrate indicated to counsel on behalf of the State that there was no evidential material placed before the Court, directly linking me with the crimes allegedly committed in Nigeria, which were set out in the charge sheet. In this regard I beg leave to refer the Court to pp 301 to 303 of the record. I deem it prudent to quote some exchanges between the Court and counsel for the State at p 302:- "COURT: That is not evidence. PROSECUTOR: I also have evidence that the accused had ... (intervenes). COURT: I am going to interrupt you there. There is no evidential material before the Court. You cannot say mero motu that you have evidence. You cannot testify, that is not evidence before this Court, and I will not accept it as such. It is a mere statement from yourself If you have evidential material by means of a statement under oath, or evidence that was presented somehow, maybe an answer from the accused ... (intervenes) PROSECUTOR: Yes. COURT: Presented to me, but you are arguing that a mere statement from the State's side is somehow elevated to evidence, that is not, it is certainly not. .. Page 6 But if you are not going to give me evidential material that links the accused with the planting of this, I must accept his version, despite the fact that my impressions upon him in the witness box, which you can allude to ... (intervenes) PROSECUTOR: Test. COURT: That is my opinion at this stage." 17. As a result of the aforegoing, the State's legal representative requested that the matter stand down and thereafter applied to re-open the State's case. (at pp 306 to 307). My legal representative opposed the application, but the Court ruled that the State be given an opportunity to re-open its case (record, pp 308 to 309). 18. The State then presented exhibit UN", a further affidavit by the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Zeeman, which affidavit was read into the record at pp 311 to 316 (exhibit UN", pp 954 to 958). 19. In response to exhibit UN", I filed an affidavit in terms of Section 60(11) of the Criminal Procedure Act, seeking certain information to be furnished to me to be able to adequately deal with exhibit UN". In this regard I refer the Honourable Court to exhibit "P" (pp 959 to 966). 20. The learned Magistrate thereafter ordered the South African Police Service to make a mirror copy image of the hard drive of the computer seized from ----~------------------------------------------------------ Page 7 my residence and all cellular phone hard drives as well as memories and the affidavits underlying the application for the warrant of my arrest, the search and seizure order issued by the Magistrate, be disclosed. I refer to the Court Order at pp 359 to 360 of the record. 21. Despite the aforegoing, the State failed to comply with the aforesaid Court Order. My legal representative then furnished the Court with a second replying affidavit of myself in response to the State's failure to have complied with the Court Order (see record, pp 364 to 388, exhibit "Q", my second replying affidavit, pp 967 to 993). The learned Magistrate thereupon held an enquiry as to why the State failed to comply with his Order and heard the evidence of three witnesses, Zeeman, Mofamadi and Makusa (record pp 394 to 412). 22. The learned Magistrate then made a ruling finding that there was an unreasonable delay caused by the State and ordered the State that the relevant copies as ordered by him, be presented to my legal team. I refer to pp 422 to 423. 23. By virtue of the fact that I was at that stage detained for over a month, my legal adviser advised me to proceed with my bail application and presented argument that I be released on bail (see record, p 423, lines 10 to 16). 24. From a perusal of exhibit "N", as well as the judgment of the learned Magistrate and the judgment of the High Court in dismissing my appeal, both Courts relied heavily on the contents of exhibit "N". I have been Page 8 advised that it is prudent to annex exhibit "N" hereto since it played a pivotal role in both Courts denying me bail. I attach exhibit "N" hereto as Annexure "HEO 3". 25. I have now been furnished with a copy of the police docket which I have been advised by my legal representatives contains all the evidential material which the State intends to use in my trial. I have studied the police docket and state categorically that exhibit "N" is false and misleading with regard to various issues contained therein. 26. The State alleged in Exhibit 'N' that prior to the detonation of the two motor vehicles improvised explosive devices in Abuja, Nigeria on 1 October 2010, two vehicles namely a Honda and a Mazda 626 were purchased in Lagos, Nigeria, on the instruction of a person complicit in the crime. 27. The explosions took place under the supervision of one Chima Orlu a Nigerian national. It is alleged that Chima Orlu acted on my instructions. The State has not furnished any evidence to substantiate this allegation in the police docket. 28. It was further alleged by the State that Chima Orlu's telephone records revealed that he had been in contact with me on numerous occasions leading up to 1 October 2010. The telephone records contained in the police docket do not in any way SUbstantiate these allegations made by the State in exhibit "N". Page 9 29. The State also alleged that Chima Orlu sent an SMS message to me at precisely 10h58:59 on 1 October 2010. The SMS was allegedly followed by another SMS from Chima Orlu at 13h13:01 and again at 13h29:59 the same day. It is suggested that the replying SMS's were sent by me to Chima Orlu at the times given. The police docket does not contain evidence substantiating these allegations made by the State. 30. The State also alleged that on 1 October 2010 Chima Orlu made a total of 43 voice calls and had sent 27 SMS messages to co-perpetrators and coconspirators. The police docket does not contain any evidence substantiating these allegations made by the State. 31. The State further alleged that Ben Ebere, a Nigerian national who is also known as Ben Jessy or Justin Malcolm Umejesi assisted Chima Orlu in the detonation of the said explosions. Ebere had allegedly been in telephonic and SMS contact with me right up to 29 September 2010. The police docket does not contain evidence substantiating these allegations made by the State. 32. There were allegedly 1 126 calls from me to Ben Ebere during the period 7 August 2010 to 29 September 2010. The telephone records contained in the police docket do not in any way substantiate these allegations made by the State. 33. There were allegedly 59 SMS's sent from me to Ben Ebere during the period 1 July 2010 to 28 September 2010. The telephone records Page 10 contained in the police docket does not in any way substantiate these allegations made by the State. 34. Ben Ebere is a wanted person in Nigeria. I attach hereto a newspaper article as Annexure "HEO 4". 35. Exhibit UN" stated that Ben Jessy was in Nigeria during the time of the bombing. There is no evidence contained in the police docket to substantiate these allegations. 36. A copy of a photo, the original of which will be made available by my legal representatives at the hearing hereof, of Ben Jessy and President Jacob Zuma is attached hereto as Annexure "HEO 5". 37. An e-mail was also allegedly forwarded to me on 1 October 2010 at 16:25 by two people arrested in Nigeria relating to the bombing which stated:- "Done, tell them to leave now." 38. The police docket does not contain evidence substantiating these allegations made by the State. 39. I propose to deal with the allegations surrounding Chima Orlu in more detail hereunder. 40. The allegations contained above in respect of the alleged cell phone calls and SMS messages between me and Chima Orlu are not substantiated by Page 11 my cell phone records contained in the police docket. 41. The e-mail from the perpetrators of the bombing of 1 October 2010 purported by the State to be in its possession, simply does not exist in the police docket, nor does it exist on the computers or cell phones seized in the search of my residence. 42. As stated hereinbefore, the learned Magistrate ordered that the State gave me access to a disc containing the relevant cellphone records pertaining to the cellphones allegedly confiscated during the search and seizure of my residence. The relevant disc contains only two records of cellphones that belong to my wife and/or children. I respectfully state that no incriminating evidence was retrieved from these records. I attach the said report pertaining thereto as "HEO _". 43. I refer to Annexure "HEO 4" above, the newspaper article which appeared in a Nigerian newspaper and in which the public relations official of the Nigerian Police Force is quoted as having made available photographs of the two suspected masterminds behind the bomb blasts. It is significant to note that no information regarding these individuals is provided other than their names and their photographs. 44. In Annexure "HEO 4" Ben Jessy is depicted on the photograph on the right hand side and Chima Orlu on the left hand side. 45. I can now categorically state that the allegations contained in exhibit "N" in -- ------------------------------------ JOHANNESBURG Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/full-statement-of-henry-okah-to-south.html Page 12 particular are not substantiated by any independent evidence. I therefore respectfully state that the so-called evidential material relied on by the learned Regional Court Magistrate and the High Court does not exist. I therefore respectfully state that the State's case against me is extremely weak and it is unlikely that the State will be successful in a criminal prosecution against me. I respectfully state that had the Regional Court and the High Court been appraised of the true facts pertaining to the so-called "evidence" referred to in exhibit "N", both Courts in all probability would have granted me bail. 46. For the aforegoing reasons, I respectfully state that these factors constitute new facts, which were previously not presented to either the Regional Court Magistrate or to the High Court and these new facts and circumstances entitle me to be released on bail on such conditions and in such amount as the above Honourable Court may deem fit. 47. Although my trial has been set down for hearing in the above Honourable Court to commence on the 1st of October 2012, I respectfully state that it is extremely unlikely that this case will be finalised during the last term of 2012. A perusal of the police docket clearly indicates that in order for the State to prove the allegations contained in the charge sheet, the State will have to call close to 50 witnesses. The list of witnesses attached to the indictment contains' almost in its entirety witnesses who are in Nigeria. I can only imagine that it will be a logistical nightmare for the State to secure the attendance of all these witnesses in South Africa, and that delays in this Page 13 regard will be unavoidable. Should the matter go on trial, I intend calling in excess of 100 witnesses from Nigeria in defence of my case. 48. I am not certain as to whether the State will apply to the Trial Court that certain of the witnesses' evidence be taken on commission. This in itself will result in the trial being protracted for a very lengthy period of time. Moreover, this trial will be extremely costly and I cannot envisage at this stage whether I will even be able to afford legal representation for such a lengthy period of time, let alone whether it would be viable for such a procedure to be followed. 49. I have been arrested on the 2nd of October 2010 and at the commencement of the trial, I would have been in custody for two years. I have been advised that this in itself is also another factor warranting my release on bail, as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that any person accused of having committed a criminal offence must be afforded the right to a speedy trial. I submit that these factors also constitute new facts which should be considered by the above Honourable Court. 50. In order not to prolix this application unnecessarily, I wish to refer to the judgment of the High Court on appeal to it in terms of Section 65 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977. With respect to the learned Judge, it is clear that he attached a lot of weight to the affidavit by the investigating officer, Colonel Zeeman (exhibit UN"(see judgment on appeal, pp 6 to . 51. Although Section 60(11)(a) provides that I should satisfy the Court that Page 14 exceptional circumstances exist which in the interest of justice permit my release, I respectfully state that the new facts and circumstances set out hereinbefore cumulatively constitute exceptional circumstances which warrant my release on bail on such conditions as the above Honourable Court may deem fit. Legal argument will be addressed to the above Honourable Court at the hearing of this application in respect of the aforegoing issues. 52. I deny the allegations contained in the indictment and will plead not guilty to the charges proffered against me by the State. 53. In the indictment it is alleged by the State that I visited Port Harcourt in Nigeria during February 2010 to carry out certain acts in Nigeria (indictment, paragraphs 9 to 17). 54. On the day of the bombing of 1 October 2010, I received a call from Mr Moses Jituboh, the Head of Personal Security to President Jonathan, who solicited my assistance and continued cooperation with President Goodluck Jonathan towards shifting blame for the bombings to the North of Nigeria. 55. The State attempts to substantiate this theory with contradictory statements from its witnesses and detainees held by the Nigerian Government. 56. One of its witnesses Mr Emmanuel Allison claims his two blackberry phones to which I sent incrirninatinq SMS'es were destroyed or lost. 57. His reason for destroying the phone, being threatening text messages he Page 15 alleges to have received from "my boys." It is absurd to destroy a cell phone on account of harassing or threatening text massage when the sim card can easily be replaced. 58. Mr Allison also claims to know nothing about the bombings of 1 October 2010 but his claim of ignorance is disputed by detainee Mr Obi Nwabueze who asserts that the State witness Mr Emmanuel Allison, in fact coordinated the bombing of 1 October 2010. 59. The purpose of my visit to Nigeria between February and March 2010 was to market a South African manufactured brick making machine to the Niger Delta Development Corporation ("NDDC" and the Ministry of Niger Delta. This product, I believe could drastically reduce building cost in Niger Delta. A copy of the relevant documents substantiating the abovementioned is attached hereto marked Annexure "HEO 6". 60. In order to give the above Honourable Court certain background facts, I wish to allude to the following. 61. The Niger Delta where I come from, is an impoverished part of Nigeria that accounts for close to Four Billion Rand of the daily revenue of the Nigeria Government, yet it can best be described as one big "squatter camp" due to it being without electricity, running water, proper roads, schools, hospitals, sewerage etc. 62. Introducing this brick making machine was my contribution towards Page 16 alleviating the suffering of the people of the Niger Delta. 63. During my visit to Nigeria, I attended a meeting with the Minister for the Niger Delta, Mr Godsday Orubebe who promised to examine my proposal when the Government of President Goodluck Jonathan was firmly rooted. 64. Mr Goodluck Jonathan was then the acting president of Nigeria. 65. In Port Harcourt, I was schedule to meet with the Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr Chibuzor Ugwoha. This meeting was arranged by Messrs Rogers Nda and Larry Ogbomo. A copy of an affidavit by Larry Ogbomo confirming same is attached hereto marked Annexure "HEO 7". 66. I stayed at the Novotel hotel where I usually stayed whilst visiting Port Harcourt. 67. During my stay at the Novotel hotel, I was visited by numerous people as is the usual with me and most of these visitors were seeking some form of assistance from me. 68. One such person was Mr Raphael Damfebo who had during 2009 been introduced to me by Mr Zion Amada whom I had known for many years. Mr Damfebo claimed to be unemployed and caring for a terminally ill fiance. Mr Damfebo also made mention about previously working for a former militia commander from the Niger Delta who had abandoned him in the pursuit of securing lucrative contracts from the Nigerian Government. Page 17 69. I have since 2009 assisted Mr Damfebo financially as far as it was possible, believing him to be jobless and caring for a terminally ill fiance. 70. Upon my arrival in Port Harcourt, I was informed by Mr Larry Ogbomon that Mr Ugwoha was unavailable for our meeting. 71. I waited a few days and decided to leave Port Harcourt when Mr Ugwoha had still not returned and Mr Ogbomon and Mr Nda refused to assume responsibility for the cost of my stay at the Novotel hotel. I departed Port Harcourt for Lagos where I spent a few days. 72. The State attempts, in the police docket, to give the impression that my relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan is very bad, but the contrary is true, my relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan is very good and I have known President Goodluck Jonathan since about 1999 from when he was Deputy Governor of the 8ayelsa State. 73. Since December 2009 when he sought my support towards his campaign ·for presidency of Nigeria, we had kept in constant touch. 74. President Goodluck Jonathan used his closest advisor Mr Oronto Douglas or the Minister for Niger Delta Mr Godsday Orubebe to keep in touch with me. 75. Mr Oronto Douglas' numbers are known to me being +2348055077077 and +2348033003890 while Mr Godsday Orubebe used the numbers +2348037178432 and +2348055296693. Page 18 76. During March 2010, the then acting President Goodluck Jonathan informed me that he was sending Mr Oronto Douglas to the Republic of South Africa to discuss certain issues with me. I attach hereto marked Annexure "HEO 8" a handwritten note he wrote whilst visiting Republic of South Africa. 77. Mr Oronto Douglas arrived on 31 March 2010 and departed 1 April 2010. 78. During my meeting with Mr Douglas, he informed me that the Northern region of Nigeria was attempting to prevent President Goodluck Jonathan from becoming the president of Nigeria and required my assistance. 79. During the evening of 4 April 2010, I received a call from Mr Douglas who informed me that a certain Ms Diezani Allison-Madueke desperately required speaking to me and requested him for my phone number. 80. Mr Douglas explained to me that she required my assistance in persuading President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint her as Minister for Petroleum. 81. At Mr Oronto Douglas' prompting, I reluctantly accepted. 82. During the evening of 4 April 2012 and the morning of 5 April 2010, I received approximately twenty calls from Ms Madueke explaining that she was competing for the post of Minister of Petroleum with the now Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Odien Ajumogobia and required my assistance to tip the scales in her favour. Page 19 83. Ms Madueke requested that I put in a good word for her with President Goodluck Jonathan whom she said had asked to speak to me. 84. At the time of her first call, President Goodluck Jonathan was busy and she continuously called or sent text messages to update me on the Mr Jonathan's availability. 85. During the calls he used two different telephone numbers. 86. One of these numbers was +2347034039944, which she informed me was her number and another, which I did not save, which she had said belonged to her personal assistant. 87. I finally spoke to President Goodluck Jonathan during the early hours of 5 April 2010. 88. During the course of our telephone conversation, he informed me that he was sending Mr Godsday Orubebe the Minister of Niger Delta to get my response to the meeting with Mr Oronto Douglas and to brief me on other matters. 89. The last call I received from Ms Madueke was at 6:41 :35 on 4 April 2010 during which she thanked me for my contribution in influencing her appointment as Minister of Petroleum. 90. Tension between the Muslim North and Christian South in Nigeria has been running high and I was/am conscious of inflaming an already volatile Page 20 situation still apparent in Nigeria. 91. Mr Godsday Orubebe informed me that President Goodluck Jonathan was disturbed about rumours of me routing for General Babangida from the North and wanted me to place an advert in the Nigerian newspapers in support of him. 92. Mr Orubebe further said that President Goodluck Jonathan was upset with General Babangida for contesting the election and was going to stop him, one way or another. 93. They intended to use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest General Babangida on charges relating to an alleged embezzlement of public funds during his tenure in office if all attempts to discourage him from participating in the elections failed. 94. Mr Orubebe also explained to me that the North appeared to have lost respect for former militia leaders from the Niger Delta that appeared as . illiterate thugs going around ministries in Abuja and making threats in the bid to secure government contracts. He went on to suggest that since I still had credibility and commanded the respect of most fighters, I should appear publicly as the leader of these former fighters. 95. He assured me in this meeting that President Goodluck Jonathan was determined to ensure that political power never returned to the North which Mr Orubebe described as parasites. Page 21 96. To achieve this, President Goodluck Jonathan would pretend to do only one term in office and once entrenched, he would insist on a second term. 97. Mr Orubebe in that meeting said the North had their chance and they put forward a very ill and ailing candidate for President. 98. Before his departure, the Minister of Niger Delta asked one of his aides, Mr Rodney Ambaowei to attend a demonstration of the brick machine I had previously tried to market to his ministry. This is confirmed in the documents attached above marked Annexure "HEO 9" 99. Mr Ambaowei and I attended the demonstration at the premises of the company in North Riding, Johannesburg. 100. Approximately one month after Mr Godsday Orubebe's departure from the Republic of South Africa, I received a call from him informing me they (President Goodluck Jonathan and Mr Orubebe) were sending someone to discuss confidential issues with me. 101. The person delegated was Mr Abraham Gillow and aide to Mr Godsday Orubebe. 102. It is usual for the Nigerian Government to send representative to discuss issues capable of causing them embarrassment, if exposes and such issues are never discussed over the telephone. 103. On his arrival, Mr Gillow informed me that the Nigerian Government wanted Page 22 me to supply weapons to the Nigerian Military and I replied that I was not interested. 104. He then asked if I knew where weapons could be purchased in the Republic of South Africa. 105. He explained to me that the Nigerian Government had obtained quotes from China and former Eastern Block Countries and wished to compare these quotes with the Republic of South Africa. 106. I then proceeded in his presence to call Dave Sheer Firearms. 107. The telephone call was placed on speaker for his benefit and he heard from a representative of Dave Sheer Firearms, the conditions attached to exporting weapons out of the Republic of South Africa. 108. In hindsight, I believe that Mr Gillow was sent on a mission by President Goodluck Jonathan to verify rumours making the round in Nigeria that I was importing weapons to Nigeria. 109. President Jonathan, I believe was at this point in time plotting my arrest to prevent my participation in the Nigerian elections. 110. I was in constant touch with President Goodluck Jonathan through his Ministers and Advisors until my arrest on 2 October 2010 and at all this time wrongly believing my relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan IS good. Page 23 111. For instance I spoke at length with Mr Oronto Douglas on 29 and 30 September 2010. 112. Mr Douglas' telephone number during these calls was +2348055077077. 113. It has come to my knowledge that Mr Bassey Umoren and others confirmed by the State as its witnesses have been detained for more than a year without access to lawyers. Their freedom has been tied to them giving false testimony against me at any cost during my trial. 114. The police docket provides no evidence of the construction of compartments in the motor vehicles utilised in the bombings of 14 March 2010 and 1 October 2010 nor are there any fingerprint or any other evidence from the recovered motor vehicles to link anyone. I attach hereto marked Annexures "HEO 9" and "HEO 10" an e-mail from Mr Bassey Umoren dated 31 March 2010 requesting me for assistance in setting up a welding business and an e-mail dated 8 April 2012 thanking me for helping him. 115. A study of the police docket further reveals the following: The evidence supplied by the State in the police docket in the form of photographs of alleged victims of the bombings of 1 October 2010 and 14 March 2010 provides proof of tampering with a possible crime scene by the Nigerian Authorities. 116. In order to influence the proceedings against me in South Africa, the Nigerian Government presented staged photographs showing alleged - ~-~----~- --- ---- Page 24 victims being in various stages of being undressed. 117. The bodies in the photographs are intact showing no signs of trauma associated with a bombing and they appear in underwear in some cases. 118. With reference to the photographs of alleged victims of the bombing of 1 October 2010 provided by the State in the police docket, great effort has been made to conceal the identities of the corpses positioned by the Nigerian Government. The reason for this being is that these individuals are not victims of any bombing but corpses taken from a local mortuary for a photo shoot. 119. The victims have been placed facing downwards to render them unrecognizable. Those surrounded by the remnants of burnt out motor vehicles are spotless with no sign of soot or burns even as the tarred road beneath these bodies appears to be damaged by fire. 120. The Nigerian government claimed in a statement issued by the spokesperson for its State Security Services (SSS) that 6 motor vehicles were purchased for use in the bombings. The State provided 2 documents which the State claims to be purchase receipts for the motor vehicles were purchased for use in the bombings. The State provided 2 documents which the State claims to be purchase receipts for the motor vehicles used in the bombings of 1 October 2010. No further receipts of any were provided. 121. The purchase receipts provided are clearly printed from the same computer by two different individuals approximately 35 kilometres apart. Page 25 122. There are no purchasers' signatures on the purchase receipts and a deliberate misspelling of my brother's surname in other to present the impression that both motor vehicles were purchased by him. 123. In addition, both documents are dated 17 September 2010 but on one, the seller also dates it 17 October 2010 which is most likely the month in which the documents were generated. 124. The State has as at dated hereof, not provided any photographs of the autopsies of alleged victims of the bombings. 125. On examination of the pathology documentation relating to an alleged victim of 1 October 2010 reveals inter alia the following: - 125.1. Mr Bala is reported to have passed away on 1 October 2010, at the Kings Care Hospital Zn (zone) 4 Abuja. Evidence provided by the State indicates that Mr Bala's corpse was transferred to the Maitama General Hospital Mortuary on the same day of his death, 1 October 2010. 125.2. This corpse was escorted to the Maitama General Hospital by police Corporal Akor Emmanuel, though it is not indicated where this police corporal found this corpse. An order for post mortem examination as is required by Nigerian law in cases of unnatural death, was served on the C.M.D (Chief Medical Director) of the Maitama General Hospital Abuja on 6 October 2010, and the post mortem examination - -------------------------------- Page 26 from evidence provided by the State indicates to have been conducted on 6 October 2010 at the Maitama General Hospital as per the order for post mortem examination. 125.3. The post mortem examination of Mr Verty Bala from the report of this examination was witnessed by a C.S.P. (Chief Superintendent of Police) whose identity is not indicated. 125.4. On conclusion of the post mortem examination of Mr Verty Bala, a warrant to bury was issued on the same day of the autopsy, 6 October 2010. A warrant to bury indicates the conclusion of post mortem examinations and all investigation requiring the presence of the corpse. 125.5. Contradicting the evidence supplied by the State on Mr Verty Bala, is the Report of Medical Practitioner attached to Mr Bala's file, which was stamped by a hospital more than 50 kilometres away from the Maitama General Hospital where Mr Verty Bala's corpse is reported to have been kept since 1 October 2010. 125.6. Mr Verty Bala's Report of Medical Practitioner was stamped and signed by a medical practitioner at the National Hospital, Abuja, 2 days after Mr Bala's reported post mortem examination at the Maitama General Hospital, and possibly released the corpse to the family for burial as per warrant to bury. Page 27 125.7. The medical practitioner at the National Hospital, Abuja who had access to Mr Verty Bala's corpse, describes the corpse 8 days after the death and 2 days after a post mortem examination as fresh and neatly dressed with only a 1 mm puncture wound. This, contradicting a police report which recorded cuts on the body of Mr Bala on 1 October 2010. 125.8. The Maitama General Hospital and the National Hospital, Abuja are two entirely different, unaffiliated hospitals approximately 50 kilometres apart. A doctor in one hospital cannot attend to patients or victims of another hospital. Such discrepancies apply to all forensic pathology reports provided by the State for the bombings of 15 March 2010 and 1 October 2010. 126. The police docket states the following in respect of the alleged victims of the 1 October 2010 bombing:- 126.1. All 7 alleged victims were escorted by the same policeman Corporal Akor Emmanuel to three different hospitals namely the National Hospital Abuja, Maitama General Hospital and the Asokoro General Hospital, all of them being remarkable distances apart. 126.2. The same Corporal Akor Emmanuel is again indicated to have escorted the corpse of Mr Verty Bala reported not to have died on the scene but at the Kings Care Hospital Zone 4, Abuja. Page 28 126.3. The same medical practitioner confirmed with a stamp from the National Hospital Abuja to have examined the bodies from 3 different hospitals without being in possession of an authorisation to do so. 126.4. This medical practitioner claimed to have conducted investigations and determined the cause of death of all victims, days after the post mortem examinations and the issuing of the warrants to bury. 126.5. The post mortem reports are not signed by the pathologists who conducted the autopsy, most probably an indication that the pathologists at the Maitama General Hospital, Asokoro General Hospital and the National Hospital Abuja refused to be co-opted. These post mortem examinations may in fact never have taken place. 126.6. In all 7 post mortem examinations of alleged victims of the 1 October 2010 bombing, the same C.S.P. (Chief Superintendent of Police) is a witness even though some autopsies were indicated to have been conducted the same day in three different hospitals approximately 60 kilometres apart. 126.7. Autopsies in Nigerian Government hospitals are conducted within normal working hours between 9 am and 5 pm. 126.8. No death certificates were issued for any of the alleged victims of 1 October 2010 in spite of the fact that Nigerian law forbids the burial or Page 29 issuing of a warrant to bury, without possession of a death certificate. 126.9. There is no evidence that the crime scene was secured for investigators which the police docket indicates only arrived at the crime scene 2 day after the bombing of 1 October 2010. 126.10. The only available explanation for the corpses and evidence photographed at the scene of bombing is that the bodies were brought to the scene 2 days later when the investigators arrived on the scene. 126.11. The corpses were turned face down and in different positions with an attempt to conceal their identities. 126.12. The poor picture quality is deliberate and renders it impossible to identify any of the victims. 126.13. With regards to the alleged victim of the 15 March 2010 bombing the death certificate was issued 8 months after the alleged death and burial. 126.14. The Nigerian Coroner's Act forbids burial in the case of unnatural deaths without an autopsy, death certificate and warrant to bury. 127. The issuing of Mr Igbe's death certificate 8 months after his burial is preposterous. The death certificate of Mr Igbe an alleged victim of the bombing of 15 March, 2010, indicates that he was last seen alive by a - - - - ----------------- Page 30 witness on the day the death certificate was issued 8 months after his death. 128. The indictment alleges in the summary of substantial facts that I was a leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta ("MEND". The State also levelled certain allegations against MEND. See Summary of Substantial Facts, paras 2 to 9 - pp 21 to 22 of the indictment. 129. An insight into the workings of MEND will assist in providing a better understanding of the bombings of 1 October 2010 and the involvement of President Goodluck Jonathan's Government in these bombings. MEND is an amalgam of independent groups in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which groups struggled to get their land back. This has been going on for approximately 40 years. 130. It is my belief that President Goodluck Jonathan's Government working with a faction of MEND planned and execute the bombings of 14 March 2010 and 1 October 2010. 131. The purpose of the 14 March 2010 bombing in my opinion was to create an atmosphere of insecurity in Niger Delta where President Goodluck Jonathan at that time, was fighting to oust the governor Mr Emmanuel Uduaghan whom President Goodluck Jonathan intended to replace with his Minister for Niger Delta, Mr Godsday Orubebe. 132. The bombing on 1 October 2010 was a platform for the elimination of - -------------------------------------------------- Page 31 political opposition from the North in the form of General Ibrahim 8abangida. The bombings of 1 October 2010 was also intended by the President Goodluck Jonathan Government to create anti North sentiments nationwide in order to galvanize support from other sections of Nigeria against other Northern candidates in the Presidential elections. 133. Under the arrangement, MEND I believe was not to claim responsibility for the bombings which the Nigerian government hoped to pin on General 8abangida and other Northern elements. 134. The claim of responsibility by the central group for a bombing possibly carried out by the a faction of MEND punctured the plans of President Goodluck Jonathan to round up his opposition and hold them in custody until after the elections. 135. After the bombings of 1 October 2010, the Government of President Goodluck Jonathan solicited my cooperation in getting the central group to retract their claim of responsibility. In this regard, I was contacted by amongst others, Mr Moses Jituboh, a senior police officer and Head of Personal Security for the Nigerian president and Mr Tony Uranta, a close ally of President Goodluck Jonathan who caters for "dirty tasks". 136. Mr Jituboh is always with the President and would not dare attempt to facilitate such an arrangement, without authorization from the President. 137. Mr Jituboh called me from his cell with number +234807703333 at 7:20:42 Page 32 pm on 1 October 2010. In anticipation of my success in extracting a retraction, the Nigerian Government began the process of rounding up opposition politicians. Amongst those arrested was the Campaign manager of General Babangida, Dr Raymond Dokpesi. 138. My refusal to cooperate in this scheme resulted in President Goodluck Jonathan placing a call to President Jacob Zuma during the evening of 1 October 2010, requesting for President Zuma's personal assistance in securing my arrest. My noncooperation was interpreted by President Goodluck Jonathan as support for the Northern politicians. The South African Government's direct interference was responsible for securing search and arrest warrants against me. 139. Mr Jituboh's post bombing call to me was widely publicised in the Nigerian media. If he made these call without the approval of the Nigerian President to someone whom the Nigerian Government labels a terrorist, Mr Jituboh would not only have lost his job but would have immediately been arrested. 140. Subsequent to Mr Jituboh's call, I ignored 4 calls from the Minister for the Niger Delta, Mr Orubebe and 2 calls from an aide to the Minister, Mr Abraham Gillow. I assumed they were also calling to solicit my assistance in diverting blame for the bombings of 1 October 2010. 141. During the morning of 2 October 2010, I received two SMS'es from Mr Tony Uranta. As earlier stated, Mr Uranata is acknowledged by Nigerians to be responsible for "dirty tasks" President Goodluck Jonathan would not wish to Page 33 be traced to him. 142. The SMS'es were sent from Mr Uranta's number +2348075407801. 143. The first of the two SMS'es sent by Mr Uranta at 10h23:05am stated; - "Ask J.G to withdraw statement." (J.G being Jomo Gbomo the spokesperson for MEND). 144. The final SMS sent at 10h28:32 am states; - "The government will blame on Northern elements." 145. When confronted by the Nigerian media about these claims, Mr Uranta's defence was that his phone was stolen on the day in question and the thief must have sent me the SMS'es. 146. President Jonathan's earlier exoneration of MEND and me in the bombings of 1 October 2010 was done with the belief that MEND would retract its statement paving the way for President Jonathan's planned persecution of political opposition. I attached hereto marked Annexure "HEO 11" several press articles published on the internet in this regard. 147. President Jonathan's only concern after the bombings of 1 October 2010 was my unwillingness to assist them in directing blame for the bombings at opposition candidates from the North of Nigeria. 148. The embarrassment caused to Mr Goodluck Jonathan by the continued insistence in its claim of responsibility by MEND provoked President Page 34 Jonathan's relentless pursuit and persecution of me with the assistance of the South African Government. 149. The State has made a desperate attempt to construct its fictional case against me based on its vague knowledge of my itinerary whilst in Nigeria, my relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan and other members of the Nigerian Government. 150. There are daily attacks against oil installations and workers in the Niger Delta which the Nigerian Government with the assistance of the oil companies cover-up. The cover-up is necessary to stabilise global oil prices and increase investor confidence in Nigeria. Oil companies are unable to hide such attacks only when forced to declare force majeure. Small attacks are declared to be industrial accident and abductions by militia groups raising funds for logistics are termed to be random and rare acts of piracy. I attached hereto marked Annexure "HEO 12" press articles published on the internet substantiating same. 151. It is now clear that the State possesses no such evidence and is now forced to rely entirely on untrustworthy statements. 152. The State was very reluctant to bring forward these untrustworthy statements at my previous bail hearing. 153. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other Non Government Organisations have clearly documented the ruthlessness, cruelty and Page 35 mercilessness of the Nigerian Security Services in the bid to extract confessions. A copy of their report will be made available to the above Honourable Court and the hearing of this matter, if requested, and is not attached hereto in order not to unnecessary attach to many supporting documents to my affidavit. 154. I attach hereto and statement by Obi Nwabueze marked Annexure "HEO 13" in which it is stated that he has been interrogated by the SSS in respect of this matter and has been offered freedom and money in exchange for false testimony against me. 155. I believe that they are denied access to lawyers sometimes for months until the interrogators are satisfied with their statement. I myself was a victim of this process while in custody of the State Security Services of Nigeria during 2008. 156. The State's analysis of items allegedly confiscated in a questionable search of my home had no connection with the items recovered from the scene of the bombings or suspects in Nigeria. 157. In addition no links have been established between me and the cell phones allegedly recovered by the Nigerian investigators from the scene of the bombings of 1 October 2010. 158. Mr Timi Alaibe is a very fraudulent politician in Nigeria known for amassing great wealth through the theft of public funds. He has been a civil servant all Page 36 his life but is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He based his claims of my involvement on a gut feeling and was trying to curry favour with President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the governorship elections in the Bayelsa State. 159. Mr Frances Osuwo (also spelled Osuvwo) through his lawyer complained that he was forced to sign a statement prepared by Mr Raphael Damfebo and the SSS. Mr Osuwo is completely illiterate and disputes everything contained in the statement he signed which was later explained to him by his lawyer. 160. Mr Francis Osuwo was denied access to a lawyer until he signed the statement required by the Nigerian interrogators. 161. There has been reports in the Media that Mr Osuwo has since passed away whilst in custody and I attach hereto marked Annexure "HEO 14" proof thereof. 162. In my case, the Nigerian Government attempted to obtain confessions from one of its informants in South Africa Mr Justin Malcolm Umejesi (aka Ben Jessy) whom they had declared wanted under the name Ben Ebere. 163. Mr Justin Malcolm Umejesi (aka Ben Jessy) is well known to the Nigerian High Commission in Johannesburg and has survived by feeding his handler Mr Ado at the High Commission with false information for several years. 164. The High Commission only found out during my previous bail hearing that Page 37 Mr Justin Umejesi has had no contact with me since early 2007. 165. The Nigerian Government had intended to obtain a confession statement from Mr Umejesi who was to have admitted to seeing me in possession of items he now believed to be used in the of bombs. 166. The revelation at my previous bail hearing that Mr Umejesi had been scamming the High Commission for years and the High Commission's later discovery of a photograph that Mr Umejesi had taken with the South African President Mr Jacob Zuma making the rounds within the Nigerian community and have rendered Mr Umejesi useless to the Nigerian Government. 167. Contrad iction in the statements of the State's witnesses and detainees in Nigeria comes from the Nigerian State Security Services and its ballistics and/or explosives experts. 168. The spokesperson for the State Security Services of Nigeria, Ms Marylyn agar, in a statement to the media, a copy of which is attached hereto marked Annexure "HEO 15" and following question and answer session with the Nigerian media, made the following assertions: - 168.1. Six motor vehicles were purchased by the alleged perpetrators of the 1 October 2010 bombing for use in the bombing which is contrary to the statement obtained from one of the detainees in Nigeria who states that four motor vehicles were purchased for this. The State has supplied 2 purchase receipts in support of the purchase for 2 of Page 38 the alleged 6 motor vehicles. 168.2. Ms Marilyn Ogar of the SSS further confirms that her department foiled a bombing by MEND using two of the six motor vehicles. 168.3. This bombing according to Ms Marilyn Ogar was planned for 29 September 2010, the SSS claimed to be in possession of the car bombs. 168.4. None of the statements presented by the State supports this claim of such possession by the SSS. 169. The press release by the SSS highlights measures taken to counter the threat posed by the warnings of MEND of its intention to detonate the car bombs at the independence anniversary celebration of 1 October 2010. 170. Of great importance to the SSS was the use of cell phone jammers which the SSS claims was credited for preventing the detonation of these bombs closer to Eagle Square where the celebrations were held. 171. The SSS without a doubt confirms that the bombs were detonated by the use of cellular telephones. 172. There is no mention in any of the statements provided by the State witnesses of the use of cellular phones in the detonation of the bombs. 173. The State's witnesses claim rather that it was timers that were used. Page 39 174. In a report submitted to the Court and produced by the State at my earlier bail application, the Nigerian bomb experts reported to have recovered fragments of two cellular phones at the scene of the bombings of 1 October 2010. 175. These phones were linked to the bombings by the unique alterations peculiar to its use for detonating bombs. 176. Such alterations include multi core cables attached to both phones. 177. The Nigerian bomb expert confirms an earlier claim made by Ms Marilyn Ogar of the State Security Services that cell phones were indeed used in detonating the bombs. 178. No timers or fragments of such were recovered at the bomb scene or present in the states docket. 179. Contradicting the findings of the Nigerian experts are the statements of State witnesses and Nigerian detainees who refer to a timer and there is no mention of the use of cell phones. 180. The statement of Warrant Officer L.A Smith of the Forensic Science Laboratory of the S.A.P.S, infers in paragraph 4 that the Nigerian analysis of the scene of the bombings of 1 October 2010, yielded evidence pointing to the use of nitro-glycerine based explosive used in the twin bombings. 181. This evidence is at odds with the statements of its witnesses, the Nigerian Page 40 detainees and claims of the State that dynamite was used in the bombings. 182. Dynamite available in Nigeria is originally imported for commercial use in solid mineral mining and oil exploration. 183. The use of nitro-glycerine in commercial explosive such as dynamite has been discontinued for decades due to the unstable nature of nitro-glycerine. 184. Used in dynamite decades ago, nitro-glycerine was known to "weep" out of the mixture and cause explosions and death just by transporting this deadly compound. 185. Modern day dynamite has its active agent, ammonium nitrate and not nitroglycerine. 186. Upon the recent arrest in Nigeria of Mr Segun 1I0ri, Mr Nonso Nwosu (A banker) and Mr Chima Orlu, the spokesperson for the State Security Services of Nigeria, Ms Marilyn Ogar described the contributions of the belowmentioned individuals in the bombings of 15 March 2010 and 1 October 2010 as follows: - SEGUN ILORI 186.1. Arms trafficker who supplied weapons used in the bombing of 1 October 2010. Mr 1I0ri was also alleged to have supplied other components of the bombs of 1 October 2010. The components were never named. The allegations against Mr Ilori are outrageous as -- -- ---------------------------- Page 41 there has never been any mention of firearms in either bombing of 15 March or 1 October 2010. 186.2. There is no mention in any of the witness statements of any activity relating to any bombing which Mr IIori was engaged in. 186.3. The State desires to tie Mr IIori to both bombings with the hope that an innocent SMS sent to him by me during February 2010, be construed as part of a conspiracy to commit a horrendous crime. 186.4. This SMS which sought Mr IIori's assistance in paying monies to certain accounts was provided to the Nigerian authorities by the SAP11 |
Celebrities / I Would Like Man United Players Dance To My "Oliver Twist" - Dbanj by ceomike(m): 10:22pm On May 02, 2012 |
Dbanj is wishing all Manchester United players dance to his hit single "Oliver Twist". In an interview with Sky Sports, Dbanj spoke of his love for Manchester United, David Beckham,Rio Ferdinand been his fan and more. Enjoy! I live in Nigeria and I've always been a Man United fan. In Nigeria, football is our thing. On Saturdays and Sundays, there's no traffic, you see people sitting down, everyone is in their house, watching a Premiership match or a Championship match. My family are actually divided; we have Manchester United, which is me, then you have Arsenal fans and Chelsea fans. It's very interesting on match days, that's why every Saturday we're watching a game - either to support someone or to not support someone. Either way you're watching the match. I was just saying a couple of weeks back, I was in the States and I saw a Tweet from Rio Ferdinand,saying he was a big fan. He's actually been to Nigeria and he said 'Oliver Twist', my single, was actually his favourite Afrobeat song. I was like, get on the phone to Sir Alex Ferguson, get me to that locker room and I'll perform it for him before he goes out for his next match. It was so inspiring, because it's my first single coming out, and for Rio Ferdinand to say that, I know that's like me getting the stamp of approval. Tom Cleverley also gave props to 'Oliver Twist' on Twitter. I know he's injured so a speedy recovery to him. I would be honoured to have players do my 'Oliver Twist' dance. I would actually come to the locker room - any one - and actually do it with them. I know Sir Alex Ferguson could do it, he needs to just move, move his shoulders. You don't have to be a professional dancer, you can even do it with the ball. That's the mission - get the players doing that. Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/i-would-like-man-united-players-dance.html A lot of young players have grown up and been taken to the Premiership to play for different clubs from the local Nigerian teams. At home I support Enyimba FC who are from the Eastern side of Nigeria. They're good, loads of players from the past who have gotten into the Premiership or Championship have played at this club before. It's a very good starter club. They're getting huge now - huge support and backing. There's also Sunshine Stars FC, who are also very good. I'm not always in Nigeria, I've been on the road for a couple of years now, so I'm always on Sky Sports, catching up with my Premiership and my Championship. When I was growing up, I just wanted to be like David Beckham. Not just for the football part of it but because of the way he was such a brand. When it comes to the football, I respect the likes of Ryan Giggs, who has been there for ages, andPaul Scholes. I'd been hearing the name Giggs when I was just 10 or 11, he's a veteran, and I'd like to have a picture with Paul Scholes. It would be like having a picture with a superhero. It takes a lot of experience, a lot of skills and a lot of patience for someone to be that way, and also loyalty. I feel people like them show that sport isn't just about one person and make you know that this is a team. And of course I can't not mention Wayne Rooney. Rooney plays like he's in a gladiator match, he's such an intelligent player. In terms of Nigerian players, people like Nwankwo Kanu, Yakubu, these people came from the streets and made it. They've taken on the language barrier and not let anything hold them back. Today, they're being celebrated as the world's best, some are retired but some are still actively playing, like Victor Moses right now. Before when your child was growing up, the parents wanted you to be a doctor or a lawyer or an engineer but now everybody wants their child to be in the Premiership and be like David Beckham. I give a lot of kudos to the sport and the people that support the sport Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/i-would-like-man-united-players-dance.html |
Foreign Affairs / "Osama Bin Laden" Is Not Dead And Concept Behind 9/11 by ceomike(m): 9:29am On May 02, 2012 |
How did you enjoy the break. I did not blog yesterday as I was having serious fun at the Lagos Shift at the cricket pitch in Onikan, Lagos. I came about this article this morning online and decided to share. Its quite lengthy though and please note, I have no input to this.I just saw it online.: More: www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/osama-bin-laden-is-not-dead-and-concept.html Pakistan Tribune blog "During a discussion with some fellow medical students, I was astounded to observe that they thought 9/11 was a Jewish conspiracy and that al Qaeda is just a figment of some people’s imagination. I found it surprising how most of them did not know the origins and genesis of al Qaeda, one of the largest terrorist organizations in the world. The aim of writing this post is not to launch a tirade against the conspiracy theory culture prevalent in our society. It is to discuss a couple of popular controversies and try to provide some answers to the much debated questions. The authors I have mentioned are the ones whose work is considered best by several independent bodies. 1. Osama bin Laden was not killed in the Abbottabad operation It has been a whole year since the operation that killed bin Laden in Abbottabad, and a majority of Pakistanis still do not believe it ever happened. Nicholas Schmidle, winner of 2008 Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism, wrote a detailed article named “Getting Bin Laden: What happened that night in Abbottabad“ in The New Yorker on August 8, 2011. That article is one of the most comprehensive accounts of the Abbottabad operation till date. Regarding the planning of the operation, the article mentions: In late 2010, Obama ordered Panetta to begin exploring options for a military strike on the compound. Panetta contacted Vice-Admiral Bill McRaven, the SEAL in charge of JSOC. In January, 2011, McRaven asked a JSOC official named Brian, who had previously been a DEVGRU (Naval Special Warfare Development Group) deputy commander, to present a raid plan. On March 14th, 2011, Obama called his national-security advisers into the White House Situation Room and reviewed a spreadsheet listing possible courses of action against the Abbottabad compound. Most were variations of either a JSOC raid or an airstrike. At the end of the meeting, Obama instructed McRaven to proceed with planning the raid. About the SEAL team, the article states: During the ninety-minute helicopter flight, James and his teammates rehearsed the operation in their heads. Since the autumn of 2001, they had rotated through Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and the Horn of Africa, at a brutal pace. The Abbottabad raid was not DEVGRU’s maiden venture into Pakistan, either. The team had surreptitiously entered the country on ten to twelve previous occasions. Most of those missions were forays into North and South Waziristan, where many military and intelligence analysts had thought that bin Laden and other al Qaeda leaders were hiding. (Only one such operation—the September, 2008, raid of Angoor Ada, a village in South Waziristan—has been widely reported.) Abbottabad was, by far, the farthest that DEVGRU had ventured into Pakistani territory. It also represented the team’s first serious attempt since late 2001 at killing “Crankshaft”—the target name that the Joint Special Operations Command, or JSOC, had given bin Laden. Regrading the Killing of Osama bin Laden, it says: The Americans hurried toward the bedroom door. The first SEAL pushed it open. Two of bin Laden’s wives had placed themselves in front of him. Amal al-Fatah, bin Laden’s fifth wife, was screaming in Arabic. She motioned as if she were going to charge; the SEAL lowered his sights and shot her once, in the calf. Fearing that one or both women were wearing suicide jackets, he stepped forward, wrapped them in a bear hug, and drove them aside. A second SEAL stepped into the room and trained the infrared laser of his M4 on bin Laden’s chest. The al Qaeda chief, who was wearing a tan shalwar kameez and a prayer cap on his head, froze; he was unarmed. “There was never any question of detaining or capturing him—it wasn’t a split-second decision. No one wanted detainees,” the special-operations officer told me. Nine years, seven months, and twenty days after September 11th, an American was a trigger pull from ending bin Laden’s life. The first round, a 5.56-mm. bullet, struck bin Laden in the chest. As he fell backward, the SEAL fired a second round into his head, just above his left eye. On his radio, he reported, “enemy killed in action.” Hearing this at the White House, Obama pursed his lips, and said solemnly, to no one in particular, “We got him”. 2. Al Qaeda is a “western propaganda” Lawrence Wright, in his 2007 Pulitzer-prize winning book, The Looming Tower: al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 has described the genesis and evolution of al Qaeda and the ideas upon which it was formed along with its operations around the world – including 9/11. Lawrence Wright has given detailed biographies of Sayyid Qutb, the ideological father of al Qaeda, Sheikh Abdullah Azzam, the founder of al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, the face of al Qaeda, Muhammed Atta, the pilot of one of the 9/11 planes and Ayman al Zawahiri, the current head of al Qaeda operations. Some important points mentioned in the book include: Sayyid Qutb in his book Milestones had openly announced that he considered Muslims living under democracy as belonging to “Jahiliyya”, the tribal pagan society that existed in Arab Peninsula before the advent of Islam. This was a clear message of Takfeer. (one Muslim declaring another Muslim a disbeliever) Sheikh Abdullah Azzam and other Saudi fighters had not participated as such in the war and still claimed to have “defeated a super power”. Their contribution to the war was negligible. Ayman al Zawahiri was an adherent of Sayyid Qutb’s philosophy and his previous organization namely “al Jihad” was involved in the assassination of Anwar Saadat. Later, al Jihad was merged into al Qaeda and was involved in murder of both Abdullah Azzam and Ahmad Shah Massoud. Al Qaeda was formed in Pakistan in August 1988. The book noted: The mentioned al Qaeda is basically an organised Islamic faction, its goal is to “lift the word of God, to make His religion victorious,” the secretary recorded in his minutes of the first meeting. The founders divided the military work, as they termed it, into two parts: “limited duration,” in which the Arabs would be trained and placed with Afghan mujahideen for the remainder of the war; and “open duration,” in which “they enter a testing camp and the best brothers of them are chosen.” The graduates of this second camp would become members of the new entity, al Qaeda 3. The 9/11 twin towers attack Jason Burke, author of On the Road to Kandahar and 9/11 Wars said that after 9/11, history of the last 30 years can be divided into a “pre-9/11” and a “post-9/11” world. The planes flown by al Qaeda members not only hit the twin towers killing thousands of innocent people, they also dug the goldmine for conspiracy theorists around the world. A science and technology magazine named Popular Mechanics published a report based on the most famous conspiracy theories about 9/11 in March 2005 and debunked them using critical analysis and interviews with experts. The report is named “Debunking the 9/11 Myths”. There are also various documentaries about the incident, apart from the infamous “Loose Change” whose first part was popularised in Pakistan, but the others were never discussed. 4. Jews are planning the downfall of Muslims Tarek Fatah in his book, The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths that Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism tried to trace the roots of the widespread anti-Semitism in Muslim countries, especially Pakistan. He noted that anti-Semitism gained roots in the Islamic world after the conquest of European territories by Muslim Conquerors. The Christians who converted to Islam brought with them anti-Semitism rooted in the history of Christianity. The book also examines how anti-Semitism was used by people such as the aforementioned Sayyid Qutb to harness their anti-Shia sentiments. Sadly, the problem facing our society is not just a widespread belief in conspiracy theories, it is also the way educated people embrace these theories and add twists to them. After every national disaster, a new conspiracy theory emerges; the most recent example being of Zaid Hamid, who following the Siachen tragedy, posted a video alleging Indians of deliberately causing an avalanche. This ignorance is not a novel phenomenon. When Osama bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEAL Team Six, it was considered a “drama” by 66% of Pakistanis. Pakistanis in general are more willing to believe in conspiracy theories as opposed to facts. This may be because these theories provide a feasible explanation of events in a narrow frame of reference." More: www.michaelokeje.com/2012/05/osama-bin-laden-is-not-dead-and-concept.html Ref: http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/11410/bin-laden-is-not-dead-and-other-conspiracy-theories/
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Celebrities / Olu Maintain Opens Up On "Nawti" by ceomike(m): 9:13am On May 02, 2012 |
Nigerian music veteran OLU MAINTAIN recently re-emerged on the Afrobeats scene after a short hiatus with the excellent new single “NAWTi” and eye-catching video which features Natalie Nunn from hit reality TV show Bad Girls Club to huge fan and critical acclaim. While on a promotional tour of the single and his hugely anticipated and long-awaited forthcoming album, Olu Maintainstopped over in London for a chat with Gidiculture TV. We spoke about a wide array of subjects including his time away from the game, why he chose Natalie Nunn for his video and in this exclusive clip, Mr. Olu Maintain aka Mr. Yahooze aka Mr. NAWTi finally breaks down the acronym for “NAWTi” and the true inspiration behind the acronym and the new single… Watch Video Here: http://gog.li/gxk |
Celebrities / Popular Comedian, AY, Survives Auto Crash In Abuja by ceomike(m): 12:23am On Apr 30, 2012 |
Popular comedian, AY, was involved in an auto crash some hours ago. The accident occurred in Central Business District, Abuja. AY travelled to Abuja for a comedy show. Fortunately no one was hurt http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/popular-comedian-ay-survives-auto-crash.html
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Celebrities / Bella Naija Boss, Uchenna Weds Bode Pedro, Son Of Femi Pedro by ceomike(m): 11:59pm On Apr 29, 2012 |
Bode Adegboyega Pedro , son of Femi Pedro (former Lagos State Deputy Governor) is set to wed Uchenna Eze on May 19,2012 at the Lagos Cathedral Church, Marina while reception will hold at the Banquet Hall of the Eko Hotel & Suites. Bode is a graduate of the University of Maryland, US, and Founder/CEO of VEDA Technologies while Uchenna Eze is the founder of popular entertainment blog, Bella Naija. http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/femi-pedros-sonbode-to-marry-owner.html
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Celebrities / “i’ve Always Dreamt Of A Fairytale Wedding - Stephanie Okereke by ceomike(m): 9:54pm On Apr 29, 2012 |
Stephanie and Linus Idahosa's wedding definitely was off the hook. The wedding took place in Paris, France and had over 100 guest flown from Nigeria to France. Stephanie took time to talk to journalist about the wedding, Linus and her choice of Paris. “We thank God and our families for standing by us throughout the period of this wedding. We are also grateful to all of you that came from far and wide to honour us with your presence.” On why they settled for Paris, France, as venue for the very expensive nuptials that was reeking in opulence, the cerebral screen goddess had this to say: “I’ve always dreamt of a fairytale wedding, especially as a child growing up. I’ve always imagined a fairytale wedding with my prince charming in a castle on an Island. And thank God that my husband finally made that possible inside this 16th century castle in Cernay, Paris, France. It was a fairytale dream come true. It’s the ambience fairy-tale like. It is reminiscent of culture, of peace and love; something away from the chaos we get used, something fresh, new and different It’s a beautiful feeling to be in love and be with the one person you wish to spend the rest of your life withshe gushed with smiles. Stephanie concluded by telling what women really want in marriage"Love, peace, security. A man to share your dreams with. One who truly respects you and sees beyond just your beauty but your true essence. A real man with real values" More: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/ive-always-dreamt-of-fairytale-wedding.html#more
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