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Morocco, a north African country, has officially requested to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a full member.

According to APA, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation issued a statement on the plan to join the 15-member West African bloc.

The kingdom of Morocco has informed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, who is the current chair of ECOWAS of “its interest to join the regional grouping as a full member” a statement from the ministry said.

This request is in line with provisions of ECOWAS founding treaty and in full satisfaction of its membership criteria, it asserted.

According to Morocco, its move comes “to crown the strong political, human, historical, religious and economic ties at all levels with ECOWAS member countries”.

It said these links were reinforced over the last few years, through the king’s 23 visits to 11 countries in the region.
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The statement said these visits were crowned by the signing of several hundred agreements, which gave a “strong” impetus to bilateral cooperation with the 15 member countries of the regional bloc.

Morocco also maintains institutional relations with ECOWAS, through an observer status, which has been in place for several years.

Morocco has participated in several meetings of the organization and has contributed to its activities, particularly in areas relating to peace and stability, the statement added.

The desire to join ECOWAS is also part of the royal vision for regional integration, as a key to Africa’s economic take-off, and is in line with the African policy of King Mohammed VI, reflected by the return of the kingdom to the African Union (AU), the statement concluded.

The country was recently re-admitted into the African Union (AU) after decades of voluntary withdrawal from the continental body.

The country embarked on diplomatic shuttles to many African countries, including Nigeria and Senegal to mend sour relations and to seek support of the countries for its admittance into AU.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/morocco-seeks-to-join-ecowas-as-full.html

more photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/gov-femi-kayode-shares-photos-from-his.html#more

An alleged imposter who claimed to be Ernest Erowo with a facebook account opened in the name of Prophet Ernest Erowo Untouchable of City of Faith Ministries Int’l Inc., also known as The Untouchable Family, aimed at defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, has been arrested at Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspected internet fraudster, who opened an account with First Bank PLC in the name of Abada E. Best with account No. 3043867593, was linked to his facebook account in the name of Ernest Erowo, asking members of the public to pay money into his account with intent of providing spiritual providence, thereby defrauding them.

The suspect, while confessing to the crime at the Area Commander’s office of the Nigerian Police Force, Delta Central Command, Ughelli, said he is a pastor and intentionally opened the facebook and First Bank accounts to source for money to finance a programme he planned to execute. Meanwhile, huge and undisclosed amounts of money has been paid to him by unsuspecting members of the public.

Earlier, the Prophet, through his lawyer, A.E. Erakpofuke Esq. had appealed to the Area Commander, in a January 16, 2017 letter, to arrest and question the said impostor using the duplicate facebook account Ernest Erowo, to prevent him from carring out further acts of fraud and impersonation.

The cleric’s media director, Pastor Success I. E. Udogidi, also the Regional Head Pastor (South South region), City of Faith Ministry Int’l Inc, confirmed the arrest. He said the imposter had hacked into the facebook account name “Ernest Erowo” of the prophet and duplicated it with a changed picture.

“The fake duplicate account is what he used in defrauding the unsuspecting members of the public,” Udogidi stressed, urging members of the public to be vigilant and watchful as internet fraudsters are everywhere.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/alleged-facebook-fraudster-impersonator.html

Gionee Communication Equipment Co. Ltd, will launch a brand new smartphone A1, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC).

Mobile World Congress is the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry, organised annually by the Groupe Speciale Mobile Associatio (GSMA) in Barcelona, Spain.
Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) is an association of mobile operators and related companies devoted to support the standardization, deployment and promotion of the GSM mobile telephone system.

It represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem.

Speaking ahead of the February 27, world forum, the Marketing Director, Gionee Nigeria, Mr Somoye Habeeb, said the phone which has a long-life battery and equipped with sensational selfie camera, and dual cameras for enhanced photo quality will be in the class of high end devices tat will be officially launched in Spain.
According to Gionee’s research into consumer needs in India and Africa, Habeeb said: “Handsets with a better selfie performance and seamless user experience are becoming increasingly popular with local consumers.

Users expect to be able to take bright, beautiful and natural-looking selfies at any time of the day or night. The younger generation regard selfies as an expression of themselves and they tend to share their photos through various social channels whenever and wherever they are.”


Gionee, he said, has noticed this increasing popular trend and has devoted itself to the evolution of the selfie experience.

“At MWC 2017, we will launch a product which combines its traditional feature, its long-life battery, with outstanding selfie features and performance, that will enable users to capture their unique beauty through the camera. The new device will be equipped with a function that will allow users to tailor the lighting effects to that of a professional photography studio,” he said.

He added that the firm will continue to feature their long life battery and leverage integrated solutions to guarantee the super battery. “The large battery capacity combines an ultrafast charge through dual charging chips and excellent power-saving system.

“As a leading smartphone manufacturer in China, Gionee is always pursuing evolution and globalization. William Lu, President of Gionee, will be happy to share his insights into the global smartphone industry and future trends at Hall 8, NEXTech Theatre C on February 27 by 11:00 am.,” he said.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/gionee-to-launch-a1-at-mobile-world.html

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kola Awodein, has described as malicious, utterly ridiculous, and revolting the allegation that he gave Justice Niyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, currently standing trial for alleged corruption, N500, 000.00 as bribe.

This was said to be at the behest of President Muhammadu Buhari during the contrived certificate issue affecting the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement by Awodein yesterday said Nigerians know that President Buhari challenged the elections of 2003, 2007, and 2011, up to the Supreme Court, and not once was he named as trying to compromise any judge, though some of them were his schoolmates, or contemporary, at one time or the other.

It is in keeping with the president’s time-tested reputation as a man of truth and integrity. Any attempt to sully that reputation is bound to fail, inexorably, Awodein said in the statement signed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina.

The statement which Awodein said shows that the president was in no way linked with Justice Ademola at all reads in part : “Any link whatsoever with Mr. President, or any court case or cases, of my personal gift from my personal resources delivered to Justice Niyi Ademola by myself on that occasion or any suggestion whatsoever that it was anything but such a gift or that it ever came from Mr. President or at his instance or that I was acting, under any circumstances, on his behalf is most malicious, utterly ridiculous and in very poor and revolting taste and most undeserving of any further comments,” he said.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/buhari-did-not-bribe-justice-ademola.html#more

Emir of Kano, Muhammed Sanusi II, has counseled Local Government chairmen in the state to desist from actions that were likely to encourage disputes between herders and farmers.

Emir Sanusi, who gave the advice at a two- day workshop organised by the Kano State Ministry of Local Government, stressed that many Local Government Chairmen in the state were in the habit of selling grazing reserve areas to individuals.

Speaking at the workshop with the theme, “Managing Security at Local Government Level”, the Emir urged the state government to be proactive in addressing the situation so to prevent the looming crisis in the affected Councils.
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While urging the public to prioritize their personal security, the monarch also tasked the Local Government Chairmen and the district heads to unite against any security threat in their respective domains.

In his opening remarks, Kano State Commissioner for Local Government, Murtala Sule Garo, said the incessant attacks in Borno State and other parts of the North-east necessitated the workshop.

In response to the remarks of the monarch, the Commissioner pledged that the State Ministry of Land will identify such grazing reserve areas in Kano

He also used the opportunity to caution the affected Local Government Chairmen to desist from the habit of selling reserved areas to private individuals in their domain.

more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/emir-sanusi-warns-against-herders.html#more

Ekiti State Governor,Ayodele Fayose was seen eating Amala at the popular Iya Oyo Amala joint Wuye Abuja.He was seening eating with a few of his friends at popular amala joint.The meal consists of amala with gbegiri and Ewedu and goat meat,A delicacy which loved by a great deal of the Yoruba population of South Western Nigeria
More at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/gov-fayose-demolishes-plate-of-amala-at.html?m=1

A day after Epe farmers and community leaders staged a Save Our Soul (SOS) protest to the governor’s office against the continued abduction of their members, kidnappers, wielding sophisticated weapons, yesterday stormed Igbodu area of Epe, Lagos State, with ferocious anger and unleashed terror on the hapless residents.

But unlike previous invasions, the kidnappers met policemen resistance, who were patrolling the area in the mother of all battles. While some residents claimed the kidnappers were reacting to Monday’s protest, others claimed the bandits were fighting over sharing formula.

A resident said: “We heard they argued among themselves over money. The kidnappers withdrew money from an ATM gallery with the card of one of the victims. It was in the process of fighting that one of them was shot and killed. Apparently angry and mourning their slain colleague, five among them stormed Elysian Farm, hoping to abduct another set of victims.

“They, however, met policemen and immediately opened fire, riddling the police patrol van with bullets. The policemen scampered in different directions, leaving their vehicles. But the policemen later regrouped, called for reinforcement and returned fire for fire.”

It was gathered that the kidnappers were able to abduct five victims. For reasons yet unknown, the kidnappers left the victims in the custody of two of their colleagues in the bush. When the victims realized that only two kidnappers were keeping watch on them, they attacked and allegedly killed one of the kidnappers. Those who escaped returned from the bush to narrate their ordeal.

A farm manager claimed the kidnappers were more than 30, who stormed Elysian Farms yesterday. Elysian Farms was the farm where five farm workers and two members of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) were abducted last week. Yesterday’s attack was the third time the abductors will invade Elysian Farms this year.

The farm manager, who refused to disclose his name, said: “We can’t ascertain the number of farm workers abducted for now. We cannot go into the farm presently; those of us, who were around when they came, had to escape. We are going to have a head count later to know the number of workers kidnapped. There were gunshots everywhere. The community is under attack.”

The Baale of the community, Mr. Michael Shodipo, while speaking with The Guardian on the phone, screamed that the community was under intense attack.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/kidnappers-storm-epe-again-attack.html#more

A nine-year-old Sierra Leonean girl suffered serious beating in the hands of her guardian last week after she allegedly stole 12,000 SLL (N500).


According to Sierra Loaded, the girl is presently hospitalized at the Kambia Government Hospital while the perpetrator has been arrested by the police.
more photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/9-year-old-girl-beaten-mercilessly-for.html

The Presidency and the National Assembly tuesday in Abuja agreed to pass into law all executive bills seeking to remove all encumbrances which make doing business in Nigeria a nightmare.

The bills, which included the Credit Bureau Bills and the Collateral Transactions Security are to be passed within 60 days.


The agreement was reached after an expanded meeting of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council chaired by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja which had the Senate President, Bukola Sakari and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara in attendance.

Others in attendance were the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice; Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Trade and Investments, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah former Prime Minister of Georgia, among other relevant stakeholders

Osinbajo, who briefed State House Correspondents after the meeting said the leadership of the National Assembly was co opted into the meeting to get the support of law makers to pass the bills which are already pending before the National Assembly into law.

He explained why the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, attended the meeting.

Osinbajo said: “This is an expanded meeting of presidential enabling business environment council and we have had the pleasure and privilege of having the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The whole idea of course being to work together on trying to improve business environment in Nigeria.”

He said the meeting considered three broad areas that would help to improve ease of doing business.
There he said are: entry and exit of goods, entry and exit of persons into Nigeria and the whole general government transparency and efficiency in government agencies and parastatals.

According to him, the whole idea is to provide an enabling environment for those who want to do business (both local and foreign) in Nigeria.

He noted that a lot of work had already been done, adding that there are pieces of legislation that “we are also looking forward to seeing and we have been working with the National Assembly to ensure that these pieces of legislation were passed.”

The acting president also said there would be Improvements at seaports, airports and issuance of visas to immigrants.
“We have set time lines for ourselves to ensure that we are not just speaking about these things without necessarily tying ourselves down to specific time lines. So, we are looking forward to an improved business environment in the shortest possible time.”

Also speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, Saraki said their presence at the meeting was to ensure there was the synergy between the legislature and the executive for the realisation of the set objectives in the Nigerian business climate.

He said: “Seeing myself and the Speaker here as part of the expanded meeting of the Business Environment Council is to stress the importance of the meeting. It is a very good initiative. Some of the issues about addressing business environment are policy issues but there are some that need legislation and we have been talking about what is our own responsibility there.

“We have taken away today some of the bills that we need to address particularly looking at access to credit, credit bureau, transactions, a lot of SMEs that don’t have fixed assets, we need to see how it can be addressed so that they can have access to credit.”

Saraki said that meeting and working together with the executive wiould make it much easier to work on the laws
The meeting, he said, also sent a strong message to investors.

“We have given ourselves timelines. We have been given 60 days for some specific bills to be passed and we hope and promise that we will do that on our own part. It is a good initiative and it will go along way to improve business environment,” he added.

Fielding questions from journalists afterwards, Saraki dismissed the insinuation that the 60 days time line undermined the independence of the legislature.

He said: “No, no, no. Whether executive or legislature, we are all working for one government and for our people. You see, they are already doing things that we are already doing but this is to ensure there is no duplication. We are all setting for ourselves deadlines some of them have already been passed by the Senate and the House has passed but there are some they are interested in which we also have. We are not fighting here,” he said.

Reminded that one of the problems with enabling environment was unstable power supply, the Senate President said that they were working on that.

“The issue of power supply goes beyond enabling law. There are a lot of factors that go into that. You know we held a summit which was initiated by National Assembly with all stakeholders in the power sector, looking at distribution, generation.

“The problems are enormous, we have talked about that and we are waiting for the technical report to come, and then there will be a meeting with the minister and then we will begin to address that and then we will begin to see result.

“We did mention at that summit that we were at a crisis and we need to come out with some things. Things were done wrongly in the past but we cannot continue to cry over that we need to come up with some solutions and we will come up with those solutions,” Saraki stressed.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/presidency-mandates-nassembly-to-pass.html

Senator Bukola Saraki, Rt Honorable Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and leader of Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan paid a visit to President Buhari in Abuja House in London.
We were delighted to see that President Buhari is doing well, was cheerful and in good spirits.
The president I saw today is healthy, witty and himself.
The presiden’ts absence and imminent return shows that there is no vacuum in government and our system of democracy is working with all organs of government fulfilling their mandate. And let me use the time tested cliché, there is no cause for alarm!
Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki
President of Senate and Chairman National Assembly
More at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/saraki-buhari-is-healthy-no-cause-for.html?m=1

Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea, has insisted that he is “very happy” at the club, amid renewed speculations over a summer move to Real Madrid.

The Spain international was on the brink of signing for the La Liga giants in 2015, but the transfer collapsed at the last minute.


The 26-year-old returned to Old Trafford and signed a new contract that will run out in 2019.

Madrid are reportedly still following De Gea and are keen to land him at the end of this season.

“The future, no one knows,” De Gea told AS.

“The future is the future. I’m very happy here — it’s a great club. In England, football is much enjoyed.”


Asked about the potential of a summer move to Madrid, he said: “I will not talk about that. I will not talk about it anymore. Now we need to stay focused with my club.”

However, Madrid president, Florentino Perez, insisted on Thursday that they were happy with their current No. 1.

“We won’t work on transfers until the end of the season,” he told reporters.

“We are delighted with Keylor Navas.”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/de-gea-i-dont-want-to-talk-about-summer.html#more

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo last night met with heads of security and anti-graft agencies.‎

Those at the meeting were the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, the Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC),Ekpo Nta,‎ the Department of State Services (DSS), Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu and the DG Nigeria Processing Zone Authority (NIPZA).

The agenda of the meeting which lasted for over two hours was not made public at press time.Meanwhile, the heads of the anti-graft agencies had earlier met in a closed door with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari before proceeding to meet with Acting President Osinbajo.‎



Kyari had also separately met with the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), ‎Godwin Emefiele and the Minister of Trade and Investment Okechukwu Enelamah.

Speaking in a brief chat with State House correspondents after the closed door meeting, Magu attributed the biting recession in the country to the menace of high level corruption. ‎

Mangu said “I’m asking all Nigerians to join in the fight against corruption. Adults, children, men, women and including you journalists. Corruption is the greatest menace we are facing in the country.

“Corruption is responsible for the recession we are witnessing today. So all Nigerians must join in the fight against.”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/osinbajo-meets-with-igp.html#more

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, on Thursday dismissed claims by a former militant group, saying he called ex-President, Olusegun Obasanjo an ingrate.

A former militant group under the umbrella of National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, had accused Fani-Kayose of insulting the former President.


The group-led by one Israel Akpodoro alleged that Fani-Kayode called Obasanjo an ingrate for not supporting the presidential ambition of Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

According to the ex-militants, Fani-Kayode’s underlying reason for his persistent attack on President Muhammadu Buhari was to secure an appointment from the President’s cabinet.

The group claimed that the former Minister used the same strategy to secure the media director’s office during Jonathan’s campaign in 2015.

Reacting to the allegations,FFK described the allegation as false and baseless.


In a statement by his media aide, Jude Ndukwe, Fani-Kayode said he has never and will never be part of Buhari’s government.

Ndukwe said, “Chief Fani-Kayode has NEVER said that Obasanjo is an ingrate. We do not respond or join issues with faceless groups.

“The former minister has said it countless times that he would rather die one million times than be part of Buhari’s government.”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/fani-kayode-to-ex-niger-delta-militants.html

More photos at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/photos-adekunle-gold-win-wine-and-rose.html?m=1

The National Drug law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arraigned two brothers, Ifeanyichukwu and Chike Ananti of Ojibah lane, Inland Town Onitsha, before

Justice I.B. Gafia at the Federal High Court Awka, for alleged drug related offenses.
The duo aged forty- seven and fifty- six years respectively, were alleged to have been caught in August 2016 in possession of six point three grames of cocaine, an offense contrary to, and punishable under section nineteen of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency law of Nigeria 2004.
In their submissions, the defense counsels to the brothers, Barristers Godstime Okafor and Lawrence Nduka, prayed the court to allow them withdraw their preliminary objections to facilitate the bail of their clients.
The prosecuting counsel, Barrister Patrick Eshua on his part, prayed the court to grant the agency legal right to posses a vehicle belonging to one of the accused persons, Mr. Chike Ananti, saying that the said vehicle is gotten from proceeds of hard drugs.
The court presided over by Justice I.B Gafai which granted the withdraw plea, urged the prosecuting and defence counsels to prepare their cases for the adjourned dates so as to avoid delay in the dispensation of justice.
Ekwi Ajide reports that the case had been adjourned to Tuesday next week for hearing of the bail application while the trial holds on the seventh and fifteenth of next month respectively.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/two-brothers-arraigned-in-anambra-for.html#more

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Borno Command, on Tuesday intercepted two female suicide bombers, who tried to ram into motorists at the NNPC Mega Station along Damboa Road, Maiduguri.

The Commandant of the corps, Ibrahim Abdullahi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Tuesday that the incident occurred at about 6.45 a.m.

“Our personnel at the NNPC station intercepted two female suicide bombers, who were targeting motorists on the long queue at the NNPC mega petrol station at about 6.45 a.m.One of the bombers got scared and threw her bomb and was instantly arrested, while the other one started running after people with her explosive but luckily, she was shot on the leg by our personnel after he chased her to a safe place.



“We have deployed our Anti-Bomb Squad to the area,” Abdullahi said.

The commandant said that the few insurgents remaining were looking for soft targets where they could cause havoc and appealed to all residents in Borno to be on alert and vigilant.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/02/two-suspected-female-suicide-bombers.html

A commercial sex worker, Janet Etim, has been reported dead in Lagos State after she was allegedly attacked and beaten by her customer when she could not withstand a long drugged-induced sex.

The unnamed customer went into Etim’s room on Wednesday to have short time sex with her for a fee but when the romp started, he was taking too long to ‘cum’.

Etim, who could no longer bear the pain, reportedly withdrew and offered the customer his N500 fee but he refused.

According to the report, he said he had already prepared for the action and will complete it.

This, however, led to exchange of words and in the process he attacked and injured her on her head at a popular hotel, De Love located at Ilufumi street, Ejigbo area of the state.

She was rushed to a hospital by the hotel management where she eventually died.

The customer who allegedly assaulted and killed her is said to be at large and the remains of the deceased have been deposited at Isolo General Hospital for autopsy report.

The manager of the hotel, Prince Bassey has been arrested by operatives from the Ejigbo Police Division.

Confirming the incident, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, SP Folorunsho Afolabi said the police was waiting for autopsy report to determine whether Etim died as a result of the assault or something else.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/drunk-man-who-take-man-power-sex.html#more

Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday named former Senate leader Mohammed Ali Ndume as chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ndume was controversially removed as Senate leader on January 10.

The Borno South lawmaker described his removal as a “coup” against him and blamed his removal on his position on the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

President Muhammadu Buhari has re-nominated Magu for the same position following initial rejection of his nomination by the Senate.

Other fresh committee appointments Saraki made included Abba Kyari, Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence.


Kyari was former chairman, Senate Committee on INEC.

Magnus Abe (Rivers South East) was named chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and George Sekibo was named chairman, Senate Committee on Interior.

The Committee on Interior was held by Oleka Nwogu, who was defeated by Abe in the December 10, 2016 senatorial election in Rivers State.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/saraki-names-ndume-inec-committee_27.html#more

The Police have arrested four persons over the kidnap of some teachers and pupils of the Nigeria Tulip College (NTIC) in Isheri north of Ogun State on January 23.

The suspects are Bekewei Agbojule, aka Prince Yellow, Are Philip Joel Kakadu, aka “General Kakadu,” a militant leader, Romeo Council, aka Raw and Totki Okoda.

A statement in Abuja yesterday, the Force Spokesman, Don Awunah, reads: “The IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT), working in synergy with the Tactical Intelligence Unit (TIU) of the Nigeria Police Force in a joint operation supervised by AIG Kayode Aderanti, AIG Zone 2, Lagos, successfully smashed a notorious kidnap gang and arrested four vicious kidnappers who are active members of the gang responsible for the kidnap for ransom of five Turkish school children and three members of staff of the school in Ogun State on January 13.

“In the course of investigation into the dastardly crime, three suspects namely Are Philip Joel Kakadu aka “General Kakadu” a militant leader; Romeo Council aka “Raw” and Totki Okoda who lives in the fishermen’s community behind the school and provided information about the victims to his gang, were trailed and arrested at different locations in Delta, Ogun and Lagos States respectively, for the criminal roles they played in the commission of the crime.

“Further investigation and sustained pursuit of the matter by the Intelligence Response Team, led to the arrest of Bekewei Agbojule aka “Prince Yellow”, a principal suspect and one of the key members of the gang on January 25, at about 7am. The suspect who is an Ijaw from Arogbo town in Ondo State was arrested after he came out of the creeks to enjoy his loot.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/how-we-got-turkish-school-kidnap.html#more

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has said the plethora of criminal activities in the Niger Delta threatens existence in the region. Also, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, has said the snail-paced criminal justice system in the country, among other issues, has ensured continuance of crimes in the maritime domain.
Osinbajo, who spoke yesterday in Abuja at the public presentation of the ‘Harmonised standard operating procedures on arrest, detention and prosecution of vessels and persons in Nigeria’s maritime environment 2016’, said that besides threatening national security, other crimes, which manifest in the form of sabotage, vandalism of national maritime infrastructure, crude oil theft, kidnapping, illegal bunkering and unregulated fishing and environmental degradation have to be treated as existential threats.
“People and resources of the Niger Delta region, including the adjoining waters of the Gulf of Guinea, have unfortunately suffered these unfortunately larger consequences of these maritime crimes and environmental degradation,” he said.Osinbajo noted that as a consequence, the area now hosts the most notorious of maritime criminal gangs, “fuelling terrorism” and other notable trans-border crimes.
He said the initiatives carried out by the Navy to strengthen security operations in the region were commendable, just as the most enduring step was the harmonisation of the operating procedure to combat maritime irregularities.
Ibas in his opening address said the Nigerian Navy (NN) in operational partnership with other Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies (MLEAs) has arrested several vessels and people in the past, but the criminal justice system in Nigeria has not helped matters and inter-agency rivalry was also an obstacle.
He added: “It might interest you to know that some of the arrested vessels have been in the custody of the NN for over 10 years with attendant drain on the NN logistic and financial resources for their maintenance. The delay in the prosecution is in most cases linked to inadequate synergy among agencies, which creates loopholes for the perpetrators to evade justice and sometimes drag the MLEAs into litigations that could otherwise have been avoided.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/osinbajo-maritime-crimes-threaten.html#more

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo yesterday called for probe of the alleged killing of protesting members of Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital last week.
Speaking to The Guardian, the President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo (Jnr) said that given the serious national security implications of the development, Ohanaeze would like the Federal Government to appoint an independent judicial panel of inquiry into the alleged killings.
Nwodo wondered: “Was the IPOB demonstration an unlawful assembly? Did IPOB require a police permit to demonstrate? Was IPOB violent in any manner that threatened public peace and order? Does possession of Biafran flags and coat of arms per se constitute conspiracy to commit treasonable felony?“Whereas some of these issues are subjudice, it is important in the public interest to note as follows: The correct position of the law in Nigeria is that any curtailment of the right of the citizens to freely associate and assemble for lawful purpose is unconstitutional. It is unnecessary for police permit to be first had and obtained, prior to any assembly, subject of course to section 70 of the Criminal Code (See IGP V ANPP (2008) WRN 65; Anambra V AG Federation (2005) NWLR (PT 572) 616 per UWAIS JSC. Any attempt to deal with demonstrations of IPOB in a manner different from treatment of Boko Haram members, Niger Delta Avengers, Fulani Herdsmen and Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) will be discriminatory and unfair.
Also, the National Chairman of United Peoples Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie urged President Muhammadu Buhari government to investigate all the unwarranted killing of Igbo men and women.
Okorie said: “Security agencies must be ordered to stop shooting unarmed, non-violent persons who are only exercising their inalienable right of freedom of association. This is the only way the palpable tension in the country today can be doused. There is only a tiny line between violence and non-violence. It may just require a little extra provocation to cross the Rubicon.
more details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/okorie-seek-probe-of-alleged-killing-of.html#more

President Buhari has once again reassured Nigerians that he will surely fulfill all his campaign promises.

Buhari said this while commissioning the Kuchigoro Primary Health Care Centre.

Read His Full Speech Below..

We shall focus more on the people living in the rural areas and the vulnerable population in our society such as women, children under 5years of age and the elderly in collaboration with national and international partners.

Let me state clearly, that this revitalization programme is in alignment with the agenda of our party, the All Progressive Congress (APC). We did promise to provide succor to the poor while at the same time providing for all other segments of the society. I am aware that out of pocket payment for health constitute over 70% of total health expenditure. This is more than the globally recommended 30-40%. However, only less than 5% of the total population is covered by any kind of health insurance or risk protection mechanism which is against the recommended 90% coverage by the World Health Organisation. Our vision is to reverse this unsatisfactory situation and better care for the poor and needy.

Our Administration in recognition of this promised to revitalize one Primary Health Care Centre in each of the political wards in the country. So far, we have commenced the revitalization of one Primary Health Care in each senatorial zone in the country. Our vision is to revitalize 10,000 Primary Health Care Facilities in Nigeria using a phased approach. The first phase of this approach is what we are flagging off today. It will signal the revitalization of the first 109 Primary Health Care facilities across the 36 states and the FCT.

Kuchigoro Primary Health Care Centre has been renovated as a model primary health care center where quality health care services will be obtained at little or no cost to the beneficiaries. This is through the collaboration of Government (Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Federal Capital Development Administration and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital) and Partners such as General Electric and Sterling Bank.
Read full detail at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/buhari-am-man-of-my-word-i-will-fulfill.html

A renowned musician, Mr Sunny Nneji, on Monday urged the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) to be more unified in decision making processes for maximum results in 2017.
Nneji made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
The popular pop highlife star said that it was only when the ‘movers and shakers’ of the music industry cooperated among themselves, that meaningful progress could be achieved.This is a new year and I welcome everybody into it. However, it is necessary for the leaders in the music industry to be unified in making decisions.
“It is only when we can speak with one voice that progressive steps can be attained and our goals can be reached,’’ Nneji said.
The music maestro said that unification in the association would affect the quality of music being produced by upcoming and existing musicians in the industry.
According to him, it will be easier to set a standard and enforce such standards for the production of quality songs that can preserve Nigerian culture across the world.
“When there is unity in any sphere of life, only the best can be expected from such venture,’’ he said.
Nneji said that 2017 would be a good year for music to thrive and expressed confidence in the new crop of artistes being discovered in the industry.
Full details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/sunny-nneji-urges-pman-to-promote-unity.html#more

MMM Nigeria says it has introduced Bitcoin, said to be the world’s best performing currency in 2016, as part of its mode of payment in its comeback plans

The Ponzi scheme, which froze accounts of its three million participants on December 13, 2016, is preparing to return, and it is throwing up a number of plans to get its community active again.

Last week, MMM promoters issued instructions to its participants whose accounts were frozen, to perform “Promo Tasks: A New Tool for MMM Community Development.”

In the MMM message, subscribers were told to perform tasks, both online and offline, to promote the scheme and drive “traffic and participation” by the time the restriction on the account is lifted.

“Being an MMM member implies not only opportunities, but also a responsibility for the state and development of the MMM Community”, the message said.

Now it has come up with Bitcoin, the increasingly popular cryptocurrency or digital currency.

It was said to be the best performing currency in 2016, appreciating by more than 100 percent , from about $400 per bitcoin to over $1,000 per bitcoin. The currency has now fallen to $887 as at last Friday, with China tightening rules to curb capital outflows.

Prior to the freeze of MMM, participants were allowed to provide help in bitcoin, but they were paid back in naira.

However, MMM new plan allows participants to receive payment in bitcoin, and watch their monies grow in bitcoin.

In a statement to participants, MMM said “due to the recent sharp price fluctuations of Bitcoin, MAVRO-BTC is being introduced in the system.

“So far, we have only had Mavro-Naira in the system. Even though you provided help via Bitcoin, your Bitcoins, anyway, were recalculated into the Naira at the exchange rate at the moment of providing help, and you were credited with Mavro-Naira in your PO.

“It was the naira amount that grew. In other words, you received 30 percent a month specifically in naira (not in Bitcoins, although you originally provided help using Bitcoins).

“Now, you have a chance to have 30 percent growth of the Bitcoin amount, not the naira amount. So, acquire MAVRO-BTC which will be credited in your PO and will grow at a 30 percent monthly growth rate.

“In a month not only 30 percent will be added to your initial amount, but, it can increase itself due to Bitcoin price growth.

“And, what if Bitcoin price is going to fall? In case Bitcoin price might go down, you will be able to return to naira at any time — instantly convert your MAVRO-BTC into Mavro-Naira (and vice versa, if Bitcoin price might increase again).
More at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/mmm-dumps-naira-for-bitcoin.html?m=1

A twenty-four-year-old driver accused of stealing his former employer’s car, television set and a pet dog, has confessed that the Christmas needs of his siblings pushed him into the stealing.
The decoy team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command arrested the suspect, Abass Ope, from Ogun State at Ojuelegba area of Lagos, on Boxing Day. He was rounded up by the police while trying to sell off his ex-boss’ Toyota Avensis 2013 model with Registration Number AGL 734 AR for N2 million.
Arrested along with him were three of his friends, Balogun Oluwaseun, 23; Sanni, 23 and Stephen Ewiele, 22. Abass had during Christmas period stormed his former boss Magodo home while he and his family were holidaying in Delta State, with a conspirator to move a 100 inches LCD TV, another 42 inches LCD TV, a dog, a suitcase, 2 DSTV decoders and a Toyota Avensis, from the home.According to Abass, “I took the car because I had no money to take care of myself and younger ones. They had no clothes, no shoes and this is Yuletide season.
They look up to me to take care of their expenses. It was about three months now that I left Mr. Ekinodo (his former boss). I had worked for him for four years before leaving in August 2016. I left because he had a little challenge and things were pretty tough for him.”
He continued: “He was a very nice boss to work with. He enrolled me into university but I couldn’t continue when I left him. While he had this challenge, he owed me eight months salary. This prompted me to take his property and the vehicle.”
It was learnt that the suspect invaded the home of his ex–boss after learning that he had travelled to Delta State for the Christmas holiday, and that the gatekeeper had also gone to church. A source said the suspect was aware of where his boss usually kept keys to his rooms, which made it easy for him to commit the crime.
It was revealed that his former boss, on getting report of the missing vehicle and property, called the suspect on more than two occasions to intimate him of the development, but he denied knowledge of the incidence. The source further added that the boss had to cut short his holiday with his family to report the incident at Magodo Police Station.
Ekinodo Ifoghale said: “I am still in shock. This is a guy I treated like a son. Apart from my wife, he was the closest person to me. This is a guy that did my shopping for me. Even before I would buy anything for myself, I bought for him first. How can I owe him eight months salary when he never worked for me during those periods? He was never in my house in the periods he claimed.”
read more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/i-robbed-my-ex-boss-to-buy-christmas.html#more

GENERAL Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye recently revealed how God used a witch to stop him from eating kola nut which would have lead to his death if he did not stop the act.

Narrating his experience while delivering a sermon tiled: “God Loves Me” during the annual thanksgiving service and prophetic declaration at the church national headquarters, Throne of Grace parish in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye attributed his continued survival to God’s faithfulness, and love, saying those whom God loves are more than conquerors.

In his words: “I was telling my children that whenever we wanted to study at night while we were young, we used kola nut as our own coffee as we did not have money to buy coffee. We ate the kola nut to stay awake.

“One day, the number one self confessed witch in our compound, called me and said: “Dejare, why won’t you stop eating kola nut? The witch warned me to desist from what can lead to my death. I think God spoke through the witch and I can say God loves me,” Adeboye stated.

Continuing, the cleric said: “You are alive today not because you are clever, wise or know how to do it but simply because God loves you. There are lots of people who are in the prison who are free. I was at the Kirikiri Prison where I heard testimonies that brought tears to my eyes. Some of them said they were in prison but they are free men because they have Jesus; they were incarcerated but they are free. And there are people who are outside the prison who are prisoners.

“It is because God loves you that you are able to conquer all that the devil threw at you last year. Left for the enemy you, will not be here today but because God loves you, you are more than conqueror,” Daddy G.O. said.

Adeboye then admonished Christians that God expects those He loves to respond by honouring Him with their tithes and first fruits and love their neighours, noting that the greatest gift Christians can give their neighbours is introducing them to Christ.

Also speaking, the Assistant General Overseer to G.O. on Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said it was high time government did something to ameliorate the incessant orgy of violence in southern Kaduna often leading to killing of innocent citizens and destruction of properties before it escalates to the type of Boko Haram problem the nation is nursing today.
Read more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/adeboye-god-used-witch-to-save-my-life.html?m=1

Mariah Carey and James Packer: Mariah Carey and James Packer have reportedly split. The duo got engaged in September, but the Australian billionaire called off their wedding – that was supposed to take place in early 2017. Mariah, who was previously married to Nick Canon, asked the father of her twins to finalise their divorce so she could marry James. The America’s Got Talent presenter didn’t want to stand in the way of the newly engaged couple and singed the pending papers in September, shortly before the wedding was called off. The short-lived engagement involved a 35-carat diamond and platinum blinder, bigger than Kim Kardashian’s and Beyoncé’s stones… combined.

Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart Jennifer Lopez relationship with backup dancer Casper Smart, recently came to an end. The couple had been together on-and-off for 5 years, after having publicly split in 2014, they made things work for another two years. Apparently, the 29-year-old prioritising his friends and social life over J-Lo was a constant problem. The last straw came when Smart didn’t accompany the beauty to an important Hamptons charity event, and went to an UFC 202 fight with his friends in Las Vegas. The couple ended the relationship in good terms.

Justin Bieber and Sofia Ritchie Justin Bieber and Sofia Richie have reportedly split. The couple, who was recently on a romantic vacation in Mexico, had a rough start after Justin posted photos with Sofia on social media that were not well received by his fans.The posts led to a little Insta-feud with his ex, Selena Gomez, who asked the singer not to be mad at his fans: “If you can’t handle the hate, then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol- It should be special between you two only. Don’t be mad at your fans. They love you.” After threatening to delete his account, Justin decided to quit Instagram. This duo’s short-lived relationship was certainly full of drama!

Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga After nearly one and half years of engagement, Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney broke up. The singer was seen performing in a Mexican orphanage without her engagement ring, and shortly after was seen alone on Taylor’s birthday. The Chicago Fire actor proposed on Valentine’s day last year, with a gorgeous heart-shaped rock. Gaga just released her new single called “Perfect Illusion”, making fans question if the heartbreaking lyrics are about Taylor. Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman After 12 years together,

Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman have reportedly called it quits. According to reports, the couple has been struggling with marital issues for quite some time. On October 25, Wiseman filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne After 33 years of tumultuous marriage, the Osbournes split amid reports that he had an affair. Whether it’s truly over remains to be seen . . . Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman Hearts sank when everyone’s imaginary best friend filed for divorce from her husband and the father of her two young daughters. “Sadly our family is separating legally, although we do not feel this takes away from us being a family,” they said.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Breaking the internet with the news of their divorce, fans were sad to see one of their favourite Hollywood couples, Brad and Angelina, splitting. Angelina filed for divorce stating “irreconcilable differences”, reportedly on the way they raise their 6 children. Many infidelity rumours went viral involving French actress Marion Cotillard and even Gwyneth Paltrow. Brad released a statement asking the media to preserve their family’s privacy and saying he is very saddened by the event. Brad and Angelina have been together since 2004, but only got married in 2014, having recently celebrated their 2-year anniversary. Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber Just when we were trying our best to get our heads around Brangelina’s split, another long-term Hollywood couple has announced the end of their relationship.

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber have confirmed their breakup after eleven years together. In a joint statement, the pair said: “Over the past few months we’ve come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple… It is with great love, respect, and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship.”

Calvin Harris & Taylor Swift Taylor Swift, 26, and Calvin Harris, 32, went their separate ways after 15 months of dating. It was reported that it was Calvin who called off the romance, but Taylor will surely have the last laugh with an epic revenge song. An insider has claimed there was no incident which had triggered the break-up. The romance had merely fizzled out. “Taylor and Adam had no big blowout fight, but the romance just was not there anymore for them. Adam is the one that ended it. It was all done in a very mature fashion. Taylor is pretty upset but they are still in communication. Taylor was there for Adam with his accident and supportive.” Demi Lovato and Wilmer Velderrama After nearly 6 years together

Demi Lovato and Wilmer Velderama have reportedly split. The couple has never pondered on being romantic towards each other, sharing lovey-dovey posts on social media, and always being very public about their relationship. The break up, that came as shocking news to their fans was also publicaly announced. The singer and the actor posted the same statement on social media, saying: “This was an incredibly difficult decision for both of us, but we have realised more than anything that we are better as best friends.”
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/world-celebrity-breakups-in-2016.html#more

The Organisers of one of the most memorable events in Anambra State in 2016, The Unizik Fashion Show and Awards is back in 2017 with an even more interesting style and momentum. The Unizik Fashion Show and Awards or UFSA as it was popularly called has been as of this date January 6th 2017 changed to The Anambra Fashion Show and Awards which will conventionally be an annual event without compromise.The sole aim of this major change was to move past the shores of Unizik and to revitalize the essence and importance of Fashion events in Anambra State.The event is basically set to promote and celebrate Fashion Enterprise inside and outside the state. The AFSA organization was also established to celebrate fashion in a diversified and ecstatic way. This therefore will give the organization hope and also give Fashion Enterprise in Anambra State a reputable name and a platform to stand solidly for investors (Local and Foreign) to see the Light in the Business of Fashion in Anambra State.
The Anambra Fashion Show and Awards 2017 is scheduled for May/June 2017 and promises to be bigger and better than what was witnessed with the UFSA in 2016.

Signed.

AFSA management.
http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/anambra-fashion-show-and-awards-2017.html#more

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Saturday attend the inauguration ceremony of Ghana’s President-elect, Nana Akufo-Addo, in Accra.

Buhari, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, will join other Heads of State and Government to witness the swearing-in of the President-elect and Vice President–elect, Mahamudu Bawumia.

“President Buhari once again congratulates Ghanaians on the peaceful elections and orderly transfer of power from an incumbent to an opposition candidate, and commends outgoing President John Dramani Mahama for his maturity and statesmanship,” the statement said

President Buhari will return to Abuja at the end of the inauguration ceremony.
more at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/buhari-to-attend-ghanas-president.html#more

The price of cooking gas has risen by about 30 per cent in Lagos and other parts of the country, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
A 12.5kg cylinder, which previously sold for N3,500, now goes for N4,500 in most parts of the metropolis.
Some domestic gas users told NAN that they were irked by the sudden price increase, which they said, was arbitrary and thoughtless.Mrs. Rebecca Aleshinloye, a resident in Surulere, complained that gas sellers every year exploit users by increasing price of the product during festive periods.
“I filled my cylinder with gas at N3,500 in December, but surprisingly, I was told the price has been changed to N4,500.
“In annoyance, I went to a gas plant inside a filling station thinking that it would be cheaper, but was told it is N5,000.
“I had no choice but to go back to the first gas plant to fill my cylinder. This practice of gas sellers is highly unfair to users considering the economic situation in the country,” she said.
Also, Mrs. Jennifer Eluko, a resident of Abule-Egba, said that cooking gas price rose on December 24 at most of the sale points in the area.
“I usually filled two cylinders ahead of the festive period because I know that sellers would sometimes create artificial scarcity and inflate the price,” Eluko said.
Mr. Ben Nwabueze, a retailer at Ikorodu, said that the price increase was a local problem, which would phase out as more plants restock the product.
“Yearly, because of the heavy cooking that takes place during Christmas period, there is usually high demand for gas.
More details at http://www.akelicious.com/2017/01/cooking-gas-price-rises-to-n4500-per.html?m=1