₦airaland Forum

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

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/

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You think so..let seeee

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

Scoops from online sources indicates that Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole escaped death by whiskers when his convoy collided with an oncoming lorry.


The accident I got occurred around Afuze - Auchi road in Edo State while he was returning from a party function in Afuze where some thousand of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members were being received into his party, Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN).


According to source, Oshiomole is okay except they lost three people as a resukt if the accident.


According to what we gathered, a lorry coming from an opposite direction rammed into the governor's convoy.

The driver then tried escaping but was caught by nearby sympathisers.

More: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/oshiomole-escapes-death.html

Another record is about to be set as a Mexican is pregnant with 9 babies already in her belly Perez, a Mexican whose age is not disclosed, is currently pregnant with 6 girls and 3 boys as a scan on her revealed. The delivery of the nonuplets would be one of the highest multiple births ever recorded

More: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/woman-pregnant-with-9-babies.html

A woman who was seen on CCTV kicking a boy in the head after he was fatally stabbed in a Tube station has been jailed for 12 years for the killing.

Sofyen Belamouadden, 15, was stabbed nine times after being chased by a crowd of youths into Victoria Tube station in March 2010.

Victoria Osoteku, 20, of Deptford, south London, was found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey.



Three teenagers have been detained for life for the murder.

Judge Christopher Moss said Osoteku must share part of the responsibility for the death because she assisted in buying a set of knives during her lunch hour.

Osoteku was one of 20 defendants from south London.

She was the only female charged in connection with the incident and spent 19 days in the witness box.

Read More:http://gog.li/gxd

Heard ‘gloating’

Judge Moss ordered Osoteku, who was 18 at the time of the incident, be detained for eight years for conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm to run concurrently.

A witness said she had been “gloating” about what happened the following day at her sixth-form college.

Judge Moss added: “You were seen to deliver the final kick to Sofyen as you were the last of the group to run away.”

Sofyen’s mother Naina Ghailan reacted angrily to the sentence.

She said: “I’m disgusted. She’s got 12 years and she’ll only serve half. She’s an adult and she should have got life. She planned the whole thing.”

Eight teenagers, all from south London, have been found guilty in connection with the death during a series of trials.

(Clockwise from left) Adonis Akra, Enoch Amoah, Obi Nwokeh, Samsom Odegbune, Samuel Roberts, Tyrone Richards, Christopher Omoregie and Femi Oderinwale were sentenced on 20 April
Obi Nwokeh, 19, Christopher Omoregie, 18, and Samsom Odegbune, 18, were convicted of murder.

On 20 April they were ordered to life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years, and eight years to run concurrently for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

Adonis Akra, 18, Samuel Roberts, 19, and Femi Oderinwale, 18, were found guilty of manslaughter and given 12 years detention each.

Tyrone Richards, 17, and Enoch Amoah, 19, were convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and sentenced to seven years detention.

The “ferocious and merciless” attack was the end of a minor confrontation between pupils from two west London schools the day before in the fast food area of Victoria mainline station.

Osoteku was one of the teenagers responsible for setting up the fight.

The A-level student sent messages by phone and on Facebook arranging the clash between pupils from the rival schools.

Machetes and screwdrivers

Sofyen died after being chased by about 20 pupils across the Terminus Way concourse and into the London Underground station.

Osoteku was behind a youth who led the charge with a Samurai sword. Other youths were armed with a flick knife and a Swiss army knife, machetes and screwdrivers.

She denied the charges during a five-month trial and was found guilty in February.

She said she did not kick the victim and sobbed: “I nudged him with my foot to see if he was OK.”

Four youths, were sentenced on 14 October last year to two years’ detention after admitting violent disorder.

Legal restrictions in identifying them have been lifted.

They are Lewis Sinclair, 18 of Claribel Road, Stockwell; Olewale Olaribigbe, 18 of Portland Grove, Vauxhall; Selassie Ahiaku of Marcella Road, Stockwell and Melvin Mensah of Vauxhall Street, Kennington.

http://gog.li/gxd
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17850995

okooooooooooooooooooo

Tracking down this ‘Nollywood’ A-lister was an experience in itself, so much so that by the time I got to meet him, I felt like a soldier who had survived a very long and arduous campaign. The journey coupled with leads from e-mails, text messages and phone calls to well-known industry contacts, finally took me to the ancient city of Ibadan in Oyo state where he was in the process of shooting an epic movie.


However, because we were pressed for time, the following interview was not as all encompassing as i had hope but i had extracted a promise for him for a sequel. In this interview which revealed Ramsey as one who is very guarded about his privacy, the award winning actor talks about the industry, his humble beginnings and projection for the future after ‘Nollywood’. Enjoy…

How would you assess the industry now, after almost 20 years on the scene?

In the beginning, nobody knew that it was going to be this big. Back then, when we started off, we had good content, storyline, production, and acting. You would actually think that with time it would get better, but unfortunately there are so many obstacles with anything good. The changes in policy [and in] government, etc has affected the industry. Also there was a huge break out of piracy, which of course affected it adversely.

How have the lack of effective regulatory bodies affected the industry?

Regulatory bodies are needed in any industry in the world, not just in film. Indeed, we do not have that, and you can blame that on many factors. It is a chain reaction that’s affecting us on many fronts. Our guilds, for instance, are not very effective in making these things work. Also, we are not unified; there is no unity among most of the actors, unlike in the music sector. If we all come together as one and find a unifying front, we will make it happen.

How true is it that some film makers have become more determined to make good movies?
Everybody is talking about having fantastic productions. For instance, here in Ibadan, we are shooting a very strong movie about the assassination of Murtala Mohammed, [which] is a very sensitive issue. We’ve been planning this since 2001, but we didn’t get permission from the military, which stalled it. However, we finally have the approval and we are getting on board. A very good movie will stand the test of time, the type we can keep in the archives and people will refer to it later and commend it. The type my grand-children will see and [say] ‘yeah that’s my granddad, they revolutionised the industry’.

Did you model yourself after any particular actor when starting out?

Not exactly. When I got into acting, there was nobody to really model myself after, I mean I grew up with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone. But you know we don’t do action films, so I couldn’t possibly tell you that I was looking up to these actors.

What about others like al pacino, robert de niro…

Well, I wasn’t privy to those films at the time. I grew up not having a lot. Television was like a huge luxury at the time. It was when I bumped into people watching movies outside that I got the opportunity to see some films. James Bond was one of the very popular ones at the time. But I didn’t even think I was going to act. Back then, most of the people who were acting in Nigeria were Theatre arts graduates or students who were fantastic actors. Before then, there were soaps like ‘Ripples’, ‘Checkmate’ and the like. It was after I got into acting that I could actually say ‘Oh yeah, I like Al Pacino’.

Source: http://gog.li/gxc

At what point did you realize you were no longer a ‘regular’ guy?

After ‘Fortunes’, people, when they saw me would go wild and start calling me ‘Jeff Akin Thomas’, which was the character I played on ‘Fortunes’. I used to get upset, and I couldn’t handle it. I didn’t know that that was what followed fame, but I didn’t understand it at the time, I didn’t understand what it was to be famous.

Was it because you were a recluse?

No, on the contrary, I was the boisterous type. It ‘s just that I didn’t have the privilege of seeing the things of life from an early age because I grew up not having [a lot], and for me, it’s a fantastic balance because it made me grounded and focused. But I like that, [because] seeing both sides of the coin has helped me.

How has your experience helped in your kids upbringing?

It’s about personal training. Of course I wouldn’t want a situation where I wouldn’t be able to provide for my kid, but I wouldn’t just provide everything he asks for, because it would be silly for me to just let him have anything he wants at his beck and call.

What if your kid wants to go into acting?

I don’t have any reservations about that. I’m a very free and liberal minded person. But I wouldn’t really want them to go into the movie industry.

Nigerian movie industry you mean?

Well, to me, there is only one movie industry, and that is the Nigerian one. That’s my opinion, of course, because I know a whole lot of people are targeting Hollywood. But for me, I’m not keen on getting into Hollywood. I’m of the opinion that ‘Nollywood’ will get to a point where it will be very big sometime soon. Don’t forget, most of the people targeting Hollywood are doing so because of the pay, and then maybe the fame on a much bigger stage. For me, however, I think the fame I already have on the platform of ‘Nollywood’ suffices.

Are you quitting acting?

I think I’ve had my fair share. To my fans and loved ones, I know they’ll always want to see me on screen, but as they say, it’s best to leave when the ovation is loudest. I want to leave a very strong legacy. I believe I have left a very strong imprint in that line. There’s no possible way you can mention ‘Nollywood’ without mentioning Ramsey Nouah.

So what’s next for you?

Well, I’ll be going behind the scenes. I’ll still be acting a bit here and there, but it will phase out for directing eventually. For a while now, I’ve not really been on the screen, and that’s because I don’t want to act just because I want to be on TV. I only want to be associated with the kind of movies that are poised to take the industry to another level, which is were we are headed now. Plus, I want to focus on working behind the scenes.

How do you find time to unwind?

Well, I don’t normally get to have that family time which I really crave, and when I do take my family on vacation, it usually turns out not to be the way I had hoped. Sometimes, you’re just relaxing with family in a nice, quiet place, and next thing you know, someone wants to have a picture with you. I kindly tell them ‘if I oblige you, I can’t turn the other down, so it’s best not to start at all.’ Then of course you know Nigerians, they are quick to jump to conclusions, and say you’re not being considerate and all. It has to be about them all the time, and once it doesn’t favour them, it becomes an issue.

Is that why people think you are snobbish?

Yeah. But you can’t please everybody. Being a star or role model doesn’t mean I’m not human too. I’m not Jesus Christ, I’m a human being like everybody else, I have blood flowing in my veins. Some people however don’t understand it, it’s only what they want that counts, not what you want.

Why do you rarely attend red carpet events?

I consciously hide away. I also hardly grant interviews, except to renowned and dignified media channels; the types that don’t carry stories just to sell their paper. I try as much as possible to avoid public events, and that has helped me keep my head above water over time.

What else will you be doing once you step away from the screen?

Humanitarian activities and charitable ventures. I started a project at one point in time, but due to circumstances I wasn’t able to see it through, so it didn’t see the light of day, but I’m working on that now and getting the resources together. Like I said, I grew up not having much, so I know the pains. Sometimes you want to help, but greedy people hijack it and in the end, the people who really need the help don’t get it.

Source: http://gog.li/gxc

A new survey conducted by Gallup in the US, suggests that about 13 per cent of the world’s adults – or over 640 million people -would like to emigrate with roughly 150 million, including ten million Indians wishing to settle in America.



Would-be migrants who express desires to relocate to the US most likely come from populous nations such as China (22 million), India (10 million), Brazil (7 million), Nigeria (15 million) or Bangladesh (8 million).


In addition to the almost 1 in 30 adults globally who would like to permanently settle in the US, vast numbers are attracted to the UK (45 million), to Canada (42 million), to France (32 million), and to Saudi Arabia (31 million).
Despite large numbers of people in China, Nigeria, and India who want to migrate permanently to the US, these countries are not necessarily the places where the US is the most desired destination.
Potential migrants aspire to move to countries all over the world for the simple reason that they are in search of opportunity, Gallup said.

http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/about-15-million-nigerians-wants-to.html

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola seems to be saying goodbye to Barca after loosing out of the Champions League to Chelsea and the Laliga to Real Madrid

The guy now wants to run abi? To where?

Guardiola has notified club officials of his decision and will hold a press conference with Barcelona President Sandro Rosell tomorrow, Sky said, citing sources it didn’t identify.

Guardiola has led Barcelona to two Champions League titles and three Spanish league championships since replacing Frank Rijkaard in June 2008.
Barcelona was knocked out of the Champions League semifinals by Chelsea two days ago.

Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/pep-guardiola-set-to-quit-barca.html

Truly the colour is blue. Chelsea made the day after dealing with "Barcheaterloners" yesterday in the "New" Camp. I say a big congratulations to chelsea fans for qualifying despite UEFA tricks in that match.

It was a match that had a lot of twist and turns and alomst looked like Barca would win it.Thanks to the ever impressive Ramires and the FIFTY CENT man, Fernando Torres. I am not a Chelsea fan but really, the blues did England proud and we all have to be proud of them.

The not too good news is that lives were lost due to the celebrations last night. You know the ever supportive "agbero" minded Chelsea fans went wild in the streets of Lagos celebrating.

Three are confirmed dead already and they are all Chelsea fans. One died in Abule Egba after he was hit by a vehicle and the other died while drinking in Orisumibare area of Lagos

Really, why kill yourselves over any team?

Source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/chelsea-qualifies-manififtycentorres.html

Robin Van Persie has won the Football Writers Association Player of the year.

Just yesterday, he was named PFA player of the year.

Van Persie won the award ahead of Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes

source: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/rvp-is-fwa-player-of-year.html

I read a story on Linda Ikeji's blog about one unknown radio presenter or TV host, Toke Makinwa saying she ain't a role model on air. Just like Linda, I don't know this lady cos I hardly even listen to radio stations in the first place. I have decided to go with Linda Ikeji on this and also make sure the likes of those who just want to talk keep their mouths shut.

Now, lets even reason. Who is a role model?

The term role model generally means any "person who serves as an example, whose behavior is emulated by others"

If the behaviour isn't emulated then its the achievements.

From the definition above, it is sure that Linda Ikeji is a role model whether you like it or not.

WHY?

- Linda has made over 300 Nigerian youths go into blogging to generate income. Therefore, she has automatically employed over 300 Nigerian youths to be their own bosses.

Read More : http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/what-toke-makinwa-must-know-about-linda.html

There is a VERY good chance Tupac Shakur is alive and well … and hiding … this according to the man who was with him during the supposedly fatal shooting in Vegas, Suge Knight.

Knight just appeared on 93.5 KDay in L.A. with Tattoo and Cee Cee … and pumped some major fuel into the biggest urban legend in hip hop … that Tupac FAKED his own death.

Knight says his theory explains why cops never found his murderer — because there was no murder.

“Maybe the question is … Pac’s not really dead … pac’s somewhere else,” Knight says.

When asked if he ever saw Tupac’s body following the 1996 shooting, he adds, “Nobody seen Tupac dead. ”

Knight explains, “The person who supposedly cremated Tupac … this guy got about 3 million dollars .. personally from me … cash … and next thing I know I never heard from the guy or seen him again … he retired and left.”

SOurce: http://www.michaelokeje.com/2012/04/breaking-2pac-is-not-be-dead.html
http://www.tmz.com/2012/04/20/suge-knight-tupac-death-fakes/