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Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd. (EMTS) trading as Etisalat Nigeria on Tuesday informed its customers that the change of brand name will not affect its operations.

Mr Ibrahim Dikko, the Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, EMTS made this known in a statement.

Dikko said that EMTS was aware of recent news reports regarding Etisalat Group’s withdrawal of the right to the continued use of the Etisalat brand in Nigeria by EMTS.

He said that EMTS had a valid and subsisting agreement with the Etisalat Group.







According to him, the agreement entitles EMTS to use the Etisalat brand notwithstanding the recent changes within the company.

“Indeed, discussions are ongoing between EMTS and Etisalat Group pertaining to the continued use of the brand.

“EMTS will issue a formal statement once discussions are concluded.

“The final outcome on the use of the brand in no way affects the operations of the business as our full range of services remain available to our customers,’’ he said.





Dikko said that EMTS launched in Nigeria in 2008 with “0809ja’’ to affirm the “Nigerianness’’ of its origin and sphere of influence.

He said that in nine years of operation, the company remained a prime driver and avid supporter of the Nigerian spirit of excellence.

According to him, the telecommunications company will continue to stay true to its “Naijacentric identity’’.

“This notion is strongly reflected in our core messages and depicted in major projects and initiatives, which we have been known to support.

“All these initiatives have their foundation embedded in supporting key aspects of the Nigerian fabric: building Nigerian businesses and empowering Nigerians with a focus on the youth.

“Nigeria remains the soul of EMTS’ business and we have made the brand alluring to our teeming subscribers, who see a piece of the spirit and character of Nigeria in everything we do.

“EMTS is here to stay and we wish to assure our esteemed customers that our core values of youthfulness, customer-centricity and innovation will remain the pillars on which we operate.

“We thank our esteemed customers for their abiding faith in us,’’ Dikko said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports since the month of March, Etisalat Group has been having the issues with the consortium of 13 banks over the payment 1.2 billion dollar loan.

The group had on Monday given Etisalat Nigeria three weeks ultimatum to stop the usage of its brand name. (NAN)

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A 27-year-old Nigerian man, Fawaz Olanrewaju Animasaun, has been ordered to repay the sum of $930 million he obtained illegally.

The Nigerian national will spend the next two years behind bars for defrauding East Texans and others out of nearly $1 million.

Animasaun was arrested along with another on counts of aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, as well as aiding and abetting.

The suspect was arrested on his was to the United States from Ghana through Amsterdam at the New York airport last year November.



Animashaun who entered a plea which was finalized in May was ordered to serve three years in custody for the conspiracy charge.

Further to his sentence, the judge presiding over the case ordered him to pay the sum of $930,737.60 in restitution to three financial companies he defrauded.

Animasaun and his alleged accomplice, Idowu Temitope Omolade, also from Nigeria, are believed to have carried out at least 21 fraudulent wire transfers between April and August of 2012.

The men were alleged to have impersonated account holders with the financial institution to exchange mails, harvesting account information to perpetrate the act.



The financial institutions affected by the scam include Wells Fargo, UMB Bank, UMB Financial Corporation, Northern Trust and Northern Trust Corporation.



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The United Kingdom has witnessed its first ever gay Muslim wedding.

The wedding took place between Jahed Choudhury, 24, and Sean Rogan, 19, who have been dating for two years.

The grooms tied the knot clad in traditional golden Sherwanis and held their wedding in a civil ceremony at Walsall registry office.


The relationship between the duo started when Sean met Choudhury crying on a bench in Darlaston, the couple have reportedly been together since then.

Speaking to Express and Star, the groom, Choudhury said: “I’d not long overdosed and I was crying on a bench and Sean came over and asked if I was okay.”

Choudhury further admitted that being an openly-gay Muslim made him feel like a ‘black sheep’ compared to his peers adding that he ‘stood out like a sore thumb’ among other believers.


He further added that he often felt trapped between his sexuality and faith.

Choudhury’s family was however absent from the ceremony although he believes the wedding is a significant progress for the Muslim and LGBT communities alike.

Choudhury said: “My family doesn’t want to come on the day, they just don’t want to see it, it’s too embarrassing for them.” Choudhury says that some of his family members dismiss his sexuality and happy relationship with Sean as a ‘disease’ or a phase.I want to say to all people going through the same thing that’s it’s okay – we’re going to show the whole world that you can be gay and Muslim.”

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Nollywood actress cum producer, Sylvia Edem, has openly shunned the idea of ever settling for a Nigerian husband, saying, though, she has no problem with Nigerian men but believes they are not right for her.

The pretty actress, in an interview with Potpourii, opened up on infidelity in marriage and how love can stand the test of any situation.

“I don’t have a problem with Nigerian men but I just feel they are not right for me. I’ve been in one or two relationships with a Nigerian man, and I tried to make it work but it didn’t work, it didn’t favour me.

Right now, I’m single and just patiently waiting for the right man to come my way. Nigerian men are not faithful. I’ve actually said I wanted to marry a White man right from when I was growing up.



It’s not like Nigerian men are that bad but this is my own choice; it’s what I want; after trying two relationships with Nigerian men and it didn’t work for me, I gave up”, she said.

Asked what would be her reaction if she discovers that her husband cannot satisfy her in bed, she said; “Let me tell you something about marriage, it’s all about love; whether a man can satisfy me in bed or not, if I love him I will remain in the marriage because I didn’t marry him because of the size of his manhood or how much he can satisfy me in bed.

I married him because I love him so I should be able to stay in the marriage”, she said



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A former president of the country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed the shocking details surrounding the death of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

The former president at a program on Saturday revealed that a former leader of the country during the military regime, Gen. Sani Abacha wanted him, the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and the June 12 hero, the late Moshood Abiola, dead while in prison.

Obasanjo at the program said: “Two people had earlier told me Abacha promised that three of us would not come out of prison or detention alive. And two of them did not come out alive.”

The former president continued: “So, that I came out alive, maybe God has a purpose. Abacha claimed that I was plotting a coup. In Abacha’s plan, he left God out of it and that’s why his government eventually failed.



“There is God’s hand in the life of everybody and every institution.”

Obasanjo further added that he and Yar’Adua were detained in Jos and Port Harcourt prisons because they were the best prisons then.

“In Jos prison, before I was transferred to Yola prison, they had decided that Shehu Yar’Adua and myself should be poisoned. So, they took him from Port Harcourt prison to Abakaliki.

“In the process, he was injected with the virus that killed him. The same was supposed to be done to me. The man who came took me from the prison, said, ‘We know you have problem with cholesterol so I have to take your blood for a test.



“Then I said, ‘Not on your life, I don’t have any problem of cholesterol.’ So, I refused him (the man) touching me with anything. So, they took me to Yola and he said, ‘when you get to where you are going, we will come again.'”

Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that he was saved from the poison by a doctor and specialist in the prison. He explained, “the specialist turned out to be somebody from Okeogun in Oyo State. So, he looked at me and said, ‘Don’t let anybody touch you with anything.'”

He continued: “Within three weeks the man that came to me earlier returned again and said he wanted to take my blood. I said, ‘No, you have to get my doctor to come and take my blood for you.’.

“And my doctor came and he brought a syringe and he took my blood and gave it to him. He now asked the man, ‘When would we have the result?’ The man said, ‘Within 24 hours of my getting to Abuja.’ I haven’t heard the result till today.”



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The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Sunday attributed the power outage being experienced in some parts of Lagos metropolis to the damage of its equipment by flood.

Mr Godwin Idemudia, the General Manager, Corporate Communications of the company, made this known in a statement in Lagos.

According to him, areas affected include Lekki, Ikoyi, Ijora and Victoria Island.

Idemudia said that the flood was as a result of the heavy rains over the weekend.







He said that the flood had caused water outflow into some sensitive and vital equipment, which led to shutting down of some distribution substations and some 11/33KV injection substations.

Idemudia said that some low tension and high tension poles and lines were also destroyed by the flood.



He said that EKEDC technical experts have since swung into action to clear all the faults within the shortest possible time.

The EKEDC spokesman expressed optimism that all faults would be fixed soon.

He urged all consumers affected by the outage to bear with the company pending the period the restoration would last. (NAN)

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has backed out of the calls for restructuring the nation but insists that Nigerians need mind restructuring.



Olusegun Obasanjo was speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli.





According to him, the answer to most of the problems facing the country is in the mindset.

He added that those calling for separation are not in their right senses, stressing that the nation’s strength lies in her diversity.



“The answer to most of our problems is mindset change and change of mentality. If we need any restructuring, it is the restructuring of our mindset and mentality. How will anybody in his right senses believe separation in the way out?” Obasanjo asked.





“We have passed that stage. We have problems, there are many ways we can solve them. It is our diversity that make us a great country. I won’t want a Nigeria where we dance same juju, or wear same attire. Our strength is in our diversity.”



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The latest attack was as chilling as others before: men armed with grindstones in the dead of the night, surreptitiously scaled the fence of a church in the suburb of Ikorodu town and attacked two women and their children, fast asleep.

The cries of the victims awoke others who had come for vigil on 3 July at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ajegunle. The attackers squirreled away, the way they had come, not fully accomplishing their deadly mission. Now the women, hospitalized are battling to stay alive.

A few days earlier, a Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry (MFM) minister, Pastor Wale Solomon was killed. The Ikorodu-based cleric had his head smashed with a grinding stone, the killers’ trademark weapon.

The grisly attacks were just some of the bestial acts of the cult group known in Ikorodu and environs as the Badoo Boys, a group that now sends shivers down the spines of residents.





Despite attempts by the police authorities and various citizen actions manifesting in the setting up of vigilante groups, the Badoo gang are on the prowl, making residents live in palpable fear.

One resident summed up the mood of everyone: “We now sleep in Ikorodu with our eyes wide open”.



There appears no other option for residents of the ancient town and the surrounding settlements as the Badoo gangsters keep striking fear and keep piling up one grisly murder after another.

The Badoo Boys first came into public reckoning on June 5, 2016 when the suspected members of the group killed a 27-year-old Ghanaian identified as Obina in Oke-Ota Community in Ibeshe.





Their next prey was a 60 year-old woman. She was killed on July 9, 2016 in the same Ibeshe town, where the Ghanaian was killed. Her attackers, who appeared to victims naked, with bodies greased up, had hit her with a pestle and when they spilled blood out of her, they wiped it with a cloth and disappeared into the night. Her ten year-old child was also blinded by the predators.

On July 23, 2016, an 18-year-old lady was raped into coma right inside a church in Ikorodu. On October 23, 2016, the killer gang wiped out a family of five, including a pregnant woman, Afusat Yusuf, who was killed with a grinding stone.

Few days after that, the gang killed a 62-year-old widow. On Boxing Day last year, two siblings Azeezat and Abeeb Oriade were also killed. All the killings were attributed to the Badoo Boys.

On March 1, 2017, they wiped out another family of five: the father and mother and their three children on Mosafejo Street, Agbowa Ikorodu. The children were aged three, four and nine.





The group also hit a family of three in Ibeshe Tuntun Town on April 11. On May 4, members of the cult wiped out a family of six in Imota.

The serial killings, almost done with impunity, sooner put the residents on edge, as patience thinned out about police inaction in taming the menace. Some communities set up their own vigilante gangs to protect themselves, since the police had woefully failed in their duties.

The self-help culminated into recent lynching of suspected members of the gang. The first happened at Igbo Oluwo Estate in Ikorodu on 30 June. Three members of the gang arrested by the security team were burnt to death.

Last week, seven suspected members of the gang were set ablaze at Odogunyan and the police followed up, with the arrest of over 100 people, suspected to be linked with the bloodthirsty gang.





The latest lynching misfired as a comedian, Paul Chinedu, alias “MC Think Twice’’, was killed. Chinedu was apprehended by vigilance group along Oju-Emuren Street.

The popular comedian in the company of his friends was returning from a show around 1a.m. He was said to have told the local security men that he and his friend were going to tow his broken down SUV, but their accusers were not convinced.

The three men were lynched and burnt, while the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was also set ablaze. It turned out Chinedu was returning from a show, when he had a flat tyre. He had sought help from the other two victims, burnt with him.

Ikorodu, arguably,one of the fastest developing towns of Lagos metropolis, has suburbs such as Solomade Estate, Ikorodu Garage, Itowolo, Majidun, Agric, Ibeshe, Ladega and LASPOTECH among others.

From 2014, life in the city became unsafe because of the activities of criminals, mainly cultists, pipelinevandals, ritualists and kidnappers.

One of the criminal activities by outlaws in Ikorodu is Pipeline vandalism in the riverine areas of the community.

On September 1, 2015, there was an attack on a team of policemen in Owutu area by the pipeline vandals, euphemism for oil bandits. The attack left three policemen dead and others injured.

On August 15, 2016, the Lagos State Government shut a hotel in Ikorodu over criminal activities.

Also, on June 24, 2016, some vandals, said to be militants, invaded Ikorodu leaving 30 dead. The attacks were carried out in Abule Oba and Oke Oko, two hotspots notorious for oil theft and militancy, just like Arepo in Ogun state.

It took the intervention of the combined team of naval personnel and the Nigerian Air Force who launched air strikes to smoke out the hardened criminals out of the creeks.

The activities of the Badoo gang represent a different dimension to the climate of criminality in the Ikorodu area. The Lagos State Government and the police authorities are worried.

In response to the menace, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has promised the residents that he would wipe out the cult.

As part of his efforts at achieving that, he has directed the traditional rulers to ensure that the menace of ritual killings and kidnappings happening in the communities is stamped out.

He said that there were intelligence reports that the gang had the backing of some powerful persons in the state.

“As far as Badoo case is concerned, I don’t believe that rituals can be taking place without some people being behind it.

“So, I challenge all our Kabiyesis, Baales and traditional rulers to arrest this situation. We will support you,’’ Ambode said.

The Lagos State police command’s spokesperson, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the command had embarked on screening of the 138 suspects arrested to identify those directly involved in the criminal activities.

He also urged residents to always arm themselves with their identity cards to forestall cases of mistaken identity.

The Commandant of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency, retired DIG Israel Ajao, said the agency would adopt traditional methods to unravel the mystery behind the cult killings.

Ajao said the killings had a ritual undertone, adding that there was need for security operatives to go beyond the conventional approach in tackling the ritual killings. (NANFEATURES)

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The Nigeria Police Force says suspected kidnapp kinpin, Chukwuduneme Onwuamadike, alias Evans is still in its custody contrary to some media reports.

The Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday that Evans was in police custody hale and hearty.

“Evans is still in police custody; he is hale and healthy and he has been assisting the police further in their investigation.”

Moshood described those peddling the rumour as mischief makers who were only out to tarnish the image of the Nigeria police.







“The people are just mischievous. Evans did not vanish, Evans is still in police custody and we are making progress in the investigation,”he said.

He said that the police has a warrant from the court to keep him for three months.



NAN recalls that Evans was arrested on June 10 in Lagos by members of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).( NAN)
JPE/YAZ



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Leader of the secessionist group, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu said he has instructed his members to kill the former president Obasanjo if any evil should befall him.

Addressing elders and chieftains at his residence in Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State on yesterday, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), said his organization would kill the former President and wipe out his entire lineage if he attempts to harm the IPOB leader.

Mr Kanu’s threat came after former President Obasanjo commented that Nigerians must do everything possible to stop the campaigning for the secession of Biafra, a cause spearheaded by Mr Kanu.

Watch the video below,


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Nigerian man has been accused of battering a 5-year-old boy to death over the whereabouts of his trainers.

The five-year-old was reported to have been battered to death in a park by the Nigerian man who is a boyfriend to the son’s mother.

According to report, the Nigerian man,Marvyn Iheanacho, 39, felw into a rage at the park after the boy, Alex Malcolm, lost one of his trainers on 20 November, 2016 leading to fatal head and stomach injuries.

A witness told the court that the boy during the violent attack was heard pleading with his mother’s boyfriend.



Th witness recalled hearing the “child’s fearful voice saying sorry” followed by loud banging, and a man screaming about the loss of a shoe.

Prosecutors maintained that the loud banging which was heard may have been due to the repeated assaults on the boy which occurred in Mountsfield park, Catford, South-east London.

Prosecutor, Eleanor Laws QC said: “The prosecution say that he died at the hands of this defendant, a man who was looking after him, acting as his stepfather, but who on the afternoon/early evening of November 20 last year, lost his temper and violently assaulted the boy, causing him fatal head and stomach injures.”

On the jury panel for the case were seven men and five women. One of the witnesses, Sarah Strugnell, recalled that she saw Iheanacho bend down to the child and ask where his shoes were.



“The man was very angry indeed and Sarah Strugnell describes how he was raging at the child who was very quiet.”

Presiding over the case, Judge Mark Dennis QC noted that the trial will last between two and three weeks.



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A social media user identified as Akinrinlade Ayodeji has narrated his near death experience after he was mistaken for a notorious cult group, Badoo member.

The narration comes after a Lagos MC was killed and burnt to death by an irate mob over suspicions that he was a member of the cult group which had been terrorizing Lagos residents.

The social media user took to his page to write:

IKORODU’s BADOO BROUHAHA: MY STORY



The rate at which people are being wrongly accused and molested in this Ikorodu is becoming pathetic, one cant even walk peacefully at anything past 7pm. I got back from work at around 5:21pm, after putting off my wears i decided to take a nap on my bed, suddenly i felt into a deep sleep only to wake up at about 7:39pm, immediately i became conscious to the fact that i don’t have water in my gallon.

Then i quickly decided to go get some water at a nearby tank, i was with my hands free on, i was just hearing “hey hey! what are you coming here to do at this time”?, i replied the questionnaire; “sorry sir, i am actually here to fetch some water”, before i could finished explaining myself, i saw a very furious man and decided to just turn back ‘jejely’ to my house, before i could take three steps forward, i just felt a big and several bang on my face through the back.

At this point i was lost, wondering if the world is ending today. Immediately i saw people gathered, asking in Yoruba; “ki lo de, ki lo sele (what happened, whats going on)”? To cut the long story short, people attested that they know me, even asking the said BABA, don’t you know him? They all apologized after several slaps and molestation initially, then i just jejely carried my gallon that someone else has helped filled, obviously out of pity then walked towards my house, entered my room, put off my already tattered cloth, sat down and started imagining what just happened, hoping it was just a dream, behold! it wasn’t, it was REAL ‘mehn’!.

Some minutes later while i was still busy pondering on what just happened, i heard some elderly voices at my entrance, they knocked and i saw four elderly men (obviously the landlords of the area) alongside the man that ignorantly dealt with me and one of my neighbours (making six men).



They all said they were sorry for the ugly incident, with the man that punished me particularly holding me tight just to show his level of SORRY state, i almost shed tears
image: https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2.2.1/svg/1f622.svg

� at that point, but had to be a man. I told them they should just take things easy, that two wrongs can never make a RIGHT.

That i am ok now. But trust me the beating was not here ooo. Come and see slaps! Do i blame them? No! But people should apply wisdom. That was how one of our friends too was lynched to death last Sunday at Odongunyan but glory be to God mine was not beyond control.

[b][/b]

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Every woman looks forward to conceiving her own child, they say the gift of motherhood is the greatest joy any woman can ever feel. While some women view pregnancy as a burden they must carry, others view the changes that occur in their bodies with awe.

Pregnancy is not so easy, while carrying a child for nine months can be stressful, there are several perks attached that can help relieve the stress. You must have heard that sex during pregnancy should be avoided, bla, bla, bla, truth is sex during pregnancy might just be the best sex you will ever have.

Orgasms during pregnancy is extra amazing and extra fun. Having sex during pregnancy is good for your body, your heart rate, your relationship and believe it or not, it will also facilitate a safe delivery.

Although there are certain conditions that might prevent some pregnant women from having sex, sex during pregnancy is almost divine.



Here are Five Reasons Why Pregnant Women Should Have Sex Regularly.

Your Orgasms Are Out of This World

Some women experience multiple orgasm for the first time during pregnancy. Your sensations are heightened because the genital and pelvic regions are engorged with blood thus intensifying all kinds of stimulation. Orgasms also increases the contractions in the woman’s pelvic floor, which helps to strengthen the muscles she needs for labour and after delivery.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Sex during pregnancy helps to lower blood pressure. Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone released during sex is a good stress reliever. All the built up tension will simply go away and this keeps your blood pressure at a healthy level. Sex makes the woman feel calmer and lowers the risk of heart attack.

Enables Sound Sleep

During pregnancy, women often experience all kinds of discomfort, from back pain to frequent urination, sleeping hours just gets shorter as the fetus grows in the womb. Sex during pregnancy is a good way of getting sound sleep because the woman feels more relaxed after having an orgasm.



Increases Intimacy

The bond between husband and wife remains unbroken when they both have sex during pregnancy. Some live with the myth that women are very abrasive during this period, so they should be avoided.

Truth is during pregnancy, the release of oxytocin which is also referred to as the bonding hormone boosts emotional attachment and makes pregnant women more sympathetic, supportive and trusting. Both partners get closer to each other and this definitely helps their love life.

Reduces Pain

Certain hormones like prolactin, oestrogen and progesterone, which increase blood flow to the pelvic area, including the vagina, increasing lubrication and sensitivity. The increased blood flow to the Vagina can help reduce painful intercourse. Sex during pregnancy will also help ripen the floor of the cervix and this can reduce the pain of delivery.





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It seems that the sex of Beyonce’s twins have been revealed. A girl and boy. Though there are few details, TMZ reported that the twins are still in the hospital due to a “minor issue” but are expected to be fine.

U.S. singer, Beyonce, has given birth to twins in Los Angeles, several celebrity news websites reported on Saturday, citing unidentified sources.

Beyonce, 35, and rapper and music producer Jay Z, already have a five-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy.

E! News, citing multiple unidentified sources, reported the birth and that Jay Z and Blue Ivy were seen at a Los Angeles area hospital on Thursday.



Us Weekly, also citing multiple unidentified sources, reported that the couple welcomed twins earlier this week.

“Bey and Jay are thrilled and have started sharing the news with their family and closest friends,” one unidentified source told PEOPLE.

Reuters could not verify the reports. A representative for Beyonce did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

The celebrity news websites did not provide additional details, such as the date and time the twins were born or the sex of the infants.



The “Lemonade” singer, one of the most powerful women in the music business, announced the pregnancy on her Instagram account in February along with an image of her posed in lingerie and caressing a noticeable baby bump.





The announcement got more than 8 million “likes” in the first 24 hours to become the “most-liked” Instagram ever.

The R&B singer performed live at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles two weeks later, proudly displaying her swelling belly in a motherhood-themed show.

She has since posted numerous pictures of her bare baby bump on her social media accounts.

The birth of Blue Ivy caused a paparazzi storm in 2012, with New York’s Lenox Hill hospital shutting down part of its maternity wing to accommodate music’s royal couple.

News of the pregnancy came less than a year after the release of Beyonce’s 2016 album “Lemonade,” in which she appeared to address long-standing rumors of trouble in her eight-year marriage.

The lyrics of several songs spoke about being cheated on, and regretting being married. But Beyonce made clear in the final tracks of the album and in music videos featuring Jay-Z that she had decided to stay in the relationship.

The couple have never addressed the rumors publicly. (Reuters/NAN)



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A Massachusetts judge found Michelle Carter, 20, guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the 2014 death of her boyfriend, who poisoned himself by inhaling carbon monoxide in his pickup truck.

Roy’s body was found July 13, 2014, a day after his suicide in his parked truck in a Kmart parking lot in Fairhaven, nearly 40 miles from his home.

Prosecutors had said she sent Conrad Roy III, 18, numerous text messages urging him to commit suicide.

Bristol County Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz is explaining his decision in court before he announces how he’s ruled.



The case was built largely around Michelle Carter’s own words, in the form of hundreds of texts messages exchanged with a vulnerable young man who killed himself in July 2014 by inhaling carbon monoxide in his pickup truck.

The ruling could set legal precedent for whether it’s a crime to tell someone to commit suicide. It may also spur lawmakers to codify such behavior as criminal.

Friday’s ruling will be closely watched by legal experts.

“The wrinkle here is whether she coerced him or pressured him into doing something that he wasn’t in a position to rationally and autonomously decide to do because he was in such a depressive state,” said Daniel Medwed, professor of law and criminal justice at Northeastern University.



“It’s a square peg in a round hole,” he said. “It’s not a perfect fit for manslaughter.”

Based on court evidence, Carter had been alleged to have secretly nudged Roy toward suicide by sending him numerous text messages encouraging him to take his life, prosecutors said.

In closing arguments Tuesday, prosecutors said Carter berated her vulnerable boyfriend when he had second thoughts about killing himself, listened by phone to his last breaths and used his suicide to get from friends the attention that she desperately craved.

Carter went from offering “words of kindness and love” to aggressively encouraging Roy via text message to carry out longtime threats to commit suicide, Bristol Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn told the court.

“It got to the point that he was apologizing to her, … apologizing to her for not being dead yet,” Rayburn said in her closing argument.

Rayburn reminded the judge of text messages in which Carter encouraged Roy to get back in the truck, where he eventually died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In text messages to a friend, she described hearing his finals words and breaths on the phone.

Carter’s attorney had argued that she was a troubled, delusional young woman who was “dragged” into the suicidal journey of Roy, who has long been intent on killing himself.

“The evidence actually established that Conrad Roy caused his own death by his physical actions and by his own thoughts,” defense attorney Joseph Cataldo said. “You’re dealing with an individual who wanted to take his own life….He dragged Michelle Carter into this.”

Carter was “overwhelmed” by Roy’s talk of suicide while at the same time dealing “with all of her baggage,” including the side effects of medication for depression, Cataldo said.

“It’s sad, it’s tragic,” he said. “It’s just not a homicide.”

Earlier in the trial, a psychiatrist testified that Carter was delusional after becoming “involuntarily intoxicated” by antidepressants.

She was “unable to form intent” after switching to a new prescription drug months before Roy’s suicide, and she even texted his phone for weeks after he died, the psychiatrist testified.

Her fate now rests with Bristol County Juvenile Court Judge Lawrence Moniz, who heard the case after Carter waived her right to a jury trial. She’s being tried in juvenile court because she was 17 at the time of the alleged crime.


http://www.herald.ng/woman-found-guilty-manslaughter-texting-boyfriend-commit-suicide/

Following the arrest of criminal mastermind and billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudemeje George Onwamadike aka Evans who has terrorized several persons in several states fro seven years, more information regarding his operations has surfaced.

Recall that Evans whose father claimed his mother was the inspiration behind his criminal lifestyle was arrested last Saturday in Lagos at one of his mansions.

Following his arrest, several information including the discovery of three mansions, amongst other properties including his last N20 million transfer to his wife in Ghana has been revealed.

Speaking on his last job before he was arrested last Saturday after a police special squad led by Abba Kyari, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), arrested him at his No 3, Fred Shoboyede Street, Magodo, Lagos home, after a fierce gun battle which lasted several hours, TheNationonline reported:



On that day, which coincidentally was celebrated all over the world as St. Valentine’s Day otherwise known as lovers day, a pharmacist and the owner of Maydon Pharmaceutical Company, Ilupeju, Lagos, Mr. Donatus Dunu, was abducted by Evans’ gang.

Dunu had barely left his office in the evening when he was blocked by a vehicle. Before he knew it, Evans’ gun-wielding men had stepped out of the vehicle and bundled the pharmacist into their vehicle and sped off to No 21, Prophet Asaye Close, New Igando, a Lagos suburb where he was kept for three months.

Evans subsequently demanded the payment of a sum of one million euros as ransom. Despite efforts to make Evans see reason and reduce the money, he would have none of it, even after a sum of N100 million had been paid to him. It was either the money was paid or Dunu paid with his life.

While looking for the money, Dunu’s wife, who is also a director of the company, staff members organized prayers for the safe return of their boss. One of the workers said:



“We did not only pray but engaged in fasting too. Who will not pray and fast if his or her boss was in such condition? It was really traumatic for us.”

Unknown to Dunu’s wife and his workers, the person who gave the information leading to Dunu’s abduction was one of the staff members of the company, identified as Emeka, who was employed about five years ago.

At the gang’s den in New Igando, where Dunu was kept, he had given up hope on the possibility of regaining his freedom.

But he had a big break in the early hours of Friday, May 12, 2017, while his captors were deep in sleep. Despite losing his weight, Dunu managed to wriggle out of the leg-cuff he was held with. He was only wearing a pair of short and white singlet. A perimeter fence with broken bottles was to become a major obstacle to his escape, but the victim used his bare hand to manoeuvre the shattered bottles and climbed his way to freedom.

It was learnt that when he landed into an adjoining building, he was mistaken for a fleeing robber or cultist. Security guards raised the alarm which attracted neighbours to the scene and it was providence that saved him from being lynched by a mob.

One of the security guards who asked not to be named said:

“I just came to my duty post that day when I started hearing the shout of ‘thief! Thief!’ I came out and saw this fair-complexioned man running towards me. I stopped him near that mini- tanker (he pointed at a decrepit stationary tanker).

He was wearing only his boxer with his white singlet placed on his shoulder. There was fear in his eyes and he looked sick and traumatised. His body was blood-stained and there were injuries on his legs probably because he had been cuffed on his legs for a long time.

“Some people were unwilling to listen to him and they wanted to take him away. I said no, they should leave him here and instead call the elders of the community.

I took him to the front of that Foursquare Church and told him to sit at the entrance of the church. I then asked how much the kidnappers were demanding from him and how much he had paid and he said they were demanding N500m and he had paid about N100m. I was shocked.

We then took him to the Igando Divisional Police Station. Later that afternoon, the operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) returned with him to the street, but he was so tired and sick; he did not even come out of the vehicle. They broke into the compound but the kidnappers had escaped. So many things were discovered in the compound, including guns, a white bus and a power bike. I had never seen any power bike on this street before then.”

Home of the alleged kidnappers’ informant

Abductors’ den

Number 21 Prophet Asaye Close, where Dunu was kept, is at the end of a close facing the entrance to the street. The compound has only a single bungalow. The compound is covered with interlocking stones. It is a study in irony.

Carved on the gate is the sentence ‘Jesus is Alive.’ There is a doorbell on the left side of the gate. Observing the building closely, it is easy to see why the kidnappers settled for it.

It is a single bungalow, so no noisy neighbour or neighbours to snoop into their business. It has coconut trees at the back, but there were no high rise buildings from where anybody could monitor what they were doing.

Asked about the activities in the compound, our source said:

“They (abductors) kept to themselves. The guy there, whenever he was driving in from outside, the gate would have been opened before he got to the gate. In addition, loud music was always wafting from the bungalow. This always muffled every noise coming from there. This happened mostly in the day time. In the night, of course, the generating set would take over. So, we (neighbours) could never have known what went on there”.

With the escape of Dunu, he was able to make useful statements to the police about his kidnap. The next day, May 13, SARS operatives in four patrol vans stormed Franzaki Street, Bucknor Estate, off Isheri Osun Road.

It was the rented home of one of the workers of Maydon Pharmaceutical, identified as Emeka, a pharmacist. He is from Oguta, Imo State, and in his late 30s or early 40’s; he has a wife and a child, according to the residents, who were rattled by the early morning raid.

Emeka was whisked away from his house by the police. Since then, the residents said he has not returned.

It was on the basis of this breakthrough that the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, four days after Emeka’s arrest on May 16 declared a certain faceless Evans wanted. He said:

“We are encouraging Nigerians to blow the whistle on this kidnapper. Whoever blows the whistle will get N30 million rewards as stated by the Inspector General of Police…Evans has been on the wanted list of the Police in Anambra, Edo and Lagos states for years. The suspects arrested have given us valuable information, which the command is working on to ensure that he is apprehended by all means.”

Operatives of the Inspector General of Police’s anti-kidnapping team went into action and with the aid of high tech equipment, they were able to track key members of the kidnap syndicate, rounded them up and then set the stage for the final arrest of Evans. This came last Saturday when Evans was demystified by the police.

At the headquarters of Maydon Pharmaceutical Company Limited at 15 Wilmer Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, the atmosphere was subdued. The workers discussed in low tone. There were several innuendoes about a certain Emeka from Oguta. Both Mr. Donatus Dunu, the chairman of the company, and his wife, the managing director, were not on seat.

However, one of the male workers said they had been warned not to discuss their boss’ harrowing experience with pressmen and that it was only the boss or his wife that can speak on the matter.

Pressed further, he described his boss’ escape as miraculous. When shown the picture of the compound where Dunu was kept with the inscription ‘Jesus is alive’, he exclaimed ‘indeed, Jesus is alive!’



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The family of late Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya has reacted to the reports in the media crediting the actress’ death to poisoning.

Recall that the actress died a few weeks ago in Canada of heart attack after reportedly suffering post birth complications and was buried some days ago in Lagos.

In reaction to the report circulating, the actres’ family has released a statement thanking everyone -friends, fans and colleagues -for the show of love and support and also addressing the alleged poisioning report.

The statement issued by the family reads:



“The Olaiya Family appreciate the immense outpouring of love and affection the public showed the family since the sudden and untimely death of our beloved Sister, Moji Olaiya, and the huge support we received for her burial.

Her friends, fans, colleagues in the movie industry and the general public displayed an uncommon show of support and kindness towards the family in our grieving time.

We are grateful indeed for your condolence messages, visits, gifts and other forms of support, we are indeed very grateful to have such wonderful people. We also want to use this medium to specially thank the Burial committee and all those who were involved in helping to raise funds for the return of Moji’s remains to Nigeria, we are eternally grateful to you for rising above the grief to support the family.

This is also appreciating Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, erstwhile governor of Lagos State for his humane and philanthropic gesture in providing the required funds to transport Moji’s corpse back to Nigeria. Thank you, your Excellency. Indeed, Moji received burial befitting queens because of all your efforts.



We wish to use this opportunity to debunk claims circulating on social media that a friend in Canada poisoned Moji. An autopsy was conducted; the autopsy reports indicated that our dear sister died of a different cause that can be termed natural medical cause.

It is not the desire of the family to have anyone implicated in her death having seen the autopsy reports, therefore, we appeal to friends, fans and the general public to accept Moji’s death as an act of God though rather unfortunate.”

The statement comes after a member of the late actress’ burial committee, Yomi Fabiyi, revealed that the former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo facilitated the actress’ burial.



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The Health Minister has reportedly instructed doctors in Russia to being virginity tests on underage girls.

According to reports, the Russian Investigative Committee instructed the medical professionals to look into the sexual activity of girls under the age of 16.

The order has however sparked controversy from medical practitioners, gynecologists in particular and politicians who are of the opinion that the checks will dissuade young girls from seeing the doctor when they need to.

The Health Minister, Vladimir Shuldyakov, however noted that doctors must follow the order and “inform police about all cases when virginity was lost as well as about cases of pregnancies and abortions involving girls under 16 years old.”



The order further maintain that doctors must conduct the test to check the “integrity of the hymen” and look for signs of damage.

The new order comes just months after domestic violence was partially decriminalised in the country.



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With ever-developing tastes and a proliferation of available culinary options, Nigerian foodies no longer need to choose between luxury and necessity. Evolving from kitchens that fuse varying cultures and influences, street food ranges from basic sustenance to gastronomic adventure. Here are some of the best local dishes, both easy on the palate and pocket, that Lagos has to serve up.

Akara

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/akara.jpg



Akara is the breakfast of local champions. The fried bean cakes are liberally peppered and seasoned and make for a meal to warm the cockles during the rainy season of Harmattan, or provide fuel for the fiercely hot summers. You can find women all over the street with their big vats of oil, which give off delicious aromas while beckoning you with their sizzling goodness.



Puff Puff

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/puff-puff.jpg



As the queen of finger food, Puff Puffs have secured a place in the hearts of Lagosians and Nigerians. The doughy, sweet fried treats are a staple at weddings, anniversaries or any occasion that warrants a buffet, and have secured a place of honour among their peers.

Boli/Bole



image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/bole.jpg



For those in need of a quick and filling lunch, boli roasted plantain is the go-to street snack for hungry people on the move. It is sold with roasted groundnuts or fish depending on the area you’re travelling in.

Kilishi

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/kilishi.jpg



A delight of Northern origins, kilishi is jerky that is a variation on the famous suya shish kebab. Instead of being spiced, roasted and skewered, the meat (from beef, lamb or goat) is marinated so it easily separates from the bone, before being cut into razor-thin slices and sun-dried.

Dambu Nama

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/danbu-nama.jpg



Another creation from the North, ‘Dambu’ uses traditional spiced meat and chicken and is grounded down until the fluffy shreds can be scooped into soft handfuls. The soft crumbs melt then solidify in your mouth, providing a taste explosion with each bite.

Roasted Corn

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/corn.jpg



A seasonal street food hit, roasted corn is a roadside staple that goes well with avocados and pears. If the charcoal-seasoned variety isn’t your style, opt for the boiled version.

Fried Yam

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/yam.jpg



The yin to puff puff’s yang, fried yam and salt makes the perfect accompaniment to the dough balls or even akara. Nothing is more Lagosian than these delicious staples wrapped in old newspaper.

Dabino/Ofio

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/990802343_27fc55828c_o.jpg



A dried fruit mix containing dates or tiger nuts, these sweet street food snacks go perfectly with a glass of wine after work. They are a favourite among Northerners, or anyone with a sweet tooth really.

Ewa Aganyin

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ewa.jpg



These Togolese beans, which have been embraced and adapted into new forms by Nigerians, are simple to prepare. One easy method to make your colleagues salivate is to boil the beans and combine them with pepper stew, tomatoes and onions.

Abacha

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/abacha.jpg



The feast from the East is also colloquially referred to as African salad and is a mix of garden eggs and green vegetables, all dressed with palm oil. Abacha will agree with your stomach, but may tickle the nose hairs, so be sure to eat it outside the office.

Lagos contains many more street food options, and this selection is guaranteed to make you come back to find more new and exciting ways to tantalise your taste buds. So if you’re ever in town, dig in and enjoy!



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Zimbabwean police say they are investigating the sexual assault of two men by seven women after they were offered lifts in two separate incidents in Harare.

The first victim was held up with a gun, forced into the bush, raped and then drugged while the other was knocked out by a drink and abused while unconscious, Herald Zimbabwe reports.

Paul Nyathi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said a car with two women and a man gave one of the two recent victims, aged 37, a lift in Harare on May 27.

Another woman who appeared at the same time pointed what seemed to be a pistol at the man after the driver had taken the car on a detour, Nyathi said.



He said the woman forced the man into the bush, adding that: “One of the females forced the complainant to have sexual intercourse with him without his consent while another female accused forced the complainant to drink an unknown liquid which left the complainant unconscious.”

The other man was also offered a lift in Harare with five women. One of the women offered him a drink in the process which made him unconscious.

Nyathi said: “When the complainant gained consciousness he discovered that he had been abused.”

Last year police were on the lookout for four women alleged to have sexually abused a 29-year-old man after offering him a lift in the Zimbabwean capital.



In 2015, another man also aged 29 was allegedly raped at gunpoint after being given a ride from Magunje Growth Point.



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A Jos Upper Area Court on Thursday dissolved the marriage between 27-year-old Rukayat Ahmed, an NYSC member, and Alkasim Ahmed, following a petition filed by the former.

Rukayat, a resident of Jos, had approached the court seeking the dissolution of the marriage on the grounds that she was no more in love with Alkasim.

The woman, who filed a direct complaint to the court, argued that such separation was permissible in Islamic law, “if the partners are no more in love and therefore unwilling to live together”.

When the case was mentioned on May 25, the husband did not object to Rukayat’s demand.







At the resumption of hearing on the matter on Thursday, the Judge, Yahaya Ahmed, endorsed the separation of the couple and ordered the petitioner to refund the N80,000 paid as dowry by her husband, as applicable in Islamic law.

Rukayat promptly paid the money and walked away a free woman. (NAN)
OIZ /ECN/ETS



============



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The coalition of Northern groups which issued a 3-month quit notice to the Igbo living in the Northern region of the country has reiterated its commitment to seeing the Igbo out of the region.

The group in its recent statement noted that the call for Igbo to quit northern Nigeria is not aimed at causing violence but to achieve their ambition of having a country of their own.

The group further in the statement issued today, Thursday, 6th June, 2017 in Kaduna and signed by Abdulazeez Suleiman, the spokesman of the group noted that the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and Kashim Shettima of Borno State’s arrest orders are driven by their ambitions to become the vice president of the country.

The group’s spokesman further added that the group was “nauseated” by the comments attributed to El Rufai and Shettima who described them as “disgruntled northern political power Mongers.”



The statement reads in part: “We restate that we have never called anybody to violence and that people should discountenance the elements of fear and threat introduced by the distortions of merchants of mischief.

“We wholeheartedly endorse the moves made variously by our leaders to allay those fears and urge people to be peaceful and law-abiding while at the same time resolutely insisting on having the right thing done by allowing the Igbo to have and move to their dream country in accordance with the universal fundamental right to self-determination.

“We restate our determination and commitment to ensuring that the North will never partake in any contrived arrangement that would still have the Biafran Igbo as a component.

“We reiterate our call on Nigerian authorities and recognized international bodies such as the ECOWAS, AU and UN to hasten the initiation of the process for the final actualization of the Biafran nation and with it the excision of the Igbo out of the present federation.”



Mr Abdulazzez Suleiman further claimed that the message the group sent earlier was recieved well by peace loving Nigerians “who have been tormented and menaced by the irredentist proclivities of the Igbos and are overwhelmingly desirous to put an end to it.”

He added that the groups “are particularly disappointed by the treacherous positions assumed by Nasir Ahmed Elrufai and Kashim Shettima who in pursuit of their blind ambition for the vice presidency, chose to side with the secessionist Igbos against the interest of peace-loving Nigerians.

“Elrufai and Shettima are openly known to be waiting in the wings for Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari to die so they can further their plots to seek the presidency. “It appears that characters like elrufai have no limit on how low they can fall in their inordinate desire to achieve their long held dream of power grab at the expense of the peace, well being and stability of our country.

“We would like to assure elrufai and his ilks that we shall continue to expose their recalcitrant treachery and opportunistic proclivities. We also assure them that the drive for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria in which the Igbo are not partners, will continue unabated.”



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Nigerian Businessman, Ezeoma Chigozie Obioha will be getting life imprisonment after killing a lady he owed a thousand dollars.

The tragedy started with a crush and a business deal with Mr Obioha having a crush on his victim, named Carrie Melvin, 30, who had done social media work for his business in 2015.

But she turned him down and eventually notified state officials that he owed her more than $1,000 for work she had done to promote his company, prosecutors said.

Weeks later, Carrie was killed by a man who fired a shotgun blast at her face as she walked with her boyfriend to a Thai restaurant in Hollywood.



A shotgun on the beach and a bounced check are key clues to the murder, prosecutor says.

The morning after the killing, a boy playing on the beach in Malibu found Obioha’s Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun under a rock.

Lying nearby was an unusual shotgun shell, identical to an expended shell found at the crime scene: a white Rio Royal Grand 12-gauge, 00 buck shell with the head stamp “globalshot.com,” prosecutors said.

On Monday, Obioha, who was convicted last year of first-degree murder, sat showing no emotion.



image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/obioha2.jpg



Jurors deliberated about a day before convicting Obioha and finding true the special-circumstance allegation that he committed the murder for financial gain.

However, Obioha’s defense attorneys had argued that the shotgun shells, as well as the gun, were planted.

They also claimed that a blast from a Rio Royal shell would have caused more wounds to the victim’s face, they argued.

In phone calls from jail, Obioha gave his family different explanations about what happened to his gun.

First, he said that it had been stolen. Then, that Melvin’s boyfriend had taken it to set him up.

Lastly, he said it had been planted by an ocean photographer who wanted his Instagram and Facebook accounts featured on the news, the prosecutor said.

In court, the victim’s father said that after sitting through the trial and hearing the evidence, he’s convinced that Obioha was the person who killed his daughter. He urged Obioha to accept the sentence.



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The Agriculture Minister, Audu Ogbeh who is also the chairman of the presidential task force on soaring prices of foodstuffs has disclosed that food prices will drop within the next two weeks.

The Agric Minister made this known dueing an interview with Leadership.

Audu Ogbeh during the interview noted that the prices of rice and other food stuffs would fall while stating the efforts of the federal government in easing life for the citizens.

He said: “The federal government will intervene on the prices of rice and other commodities in the next two weeks. Details of the intervention would be spelt out for all Nigerians.

“We are talking to farmers to ensure that the prices are drastically reduced. Government has also put in place different measures aimed at making farming encouraging. Although the high price is bad for non-farmers, it is good for the country because more and more people will rush to agriculture.

“At the end of it all, production will increase and prices will necessarily fall.”

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Professor of Entomology at the University of Ilorin, Adeolu Ande, has decried killing mosquitoes, saying the insects are friends to humans that deserved to be properly managed.

Ande made the statement on Monday in Ilorin in a paper he presented at a public seminar organised by the university.

In his paper with the title “Consider the ways of Ants and be Wise,” the entomologist described insects as the “most successful and influential group’’ of organisms in the biosphere.

He said that humans had a lot to learn from insects in order to be wise.



“Human life is beset with inevitable associations with insects that have over the years influenced human destiny positively and negatively.

“Negative influences, such as disease transmission, crop losses, food spoilage, economic losses and nuisance value caused by less than 5 per cent of insect species have been exaggerated by man.

He said that positive influences of insects are not unappreciated and downplayed.

He listed some of them to include: pollination of flowers, waste recycling and sustenance of the ecosystem.

Others, he said, include source of silk, shellac, cochineal, therapeutic agents, aesthetics, biological control agents and food source.

The don said that man deliberately misunderstood the role of mosquitoes and frequently described them as causing the diseases they transmit.

He said, “In the actual sense, mosquitoes are equally sick but inadvertently and unwillingly convey pathogens that are the real causal agents of these diseases.

“The female mosquito could be described as an example of a true mother who is forced to undertake suicide mission in its bid to provide for its unborn children.

“The adult female mosquitoes have exceptional value for child raising hence the level of commitment and risk they take on the mission that entails decision between life and death.

“The after-effect of this commitment is a well thought out plan that forestalls most of the factors that may stand in the way of raising good children.

“I am sure most human females will not take comparable decision in the face of similar attendant risks.

“It is however certain that children born after well thought out and risky conditions are better posited for quality living than those produced carelessly.

Ande said that mosquitoes had proved over the years that they are our friends and allies, adding that if we like them or not, they would exist and continue to source blood from humans.

The professor called for improvement in Zoology curriculum to ensure better focus on organisms that feature prominently around man.

He said that zoologists were expected to be the foster parents of animals in the Zoo, adding that they should be familiar with their needs and their health status.

(NAN)

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A federal high court sitting in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of the discovered sums of money in an Ikoyi apartment to the federal government.

Muslim Hassan, the presiding judge, ordered the final forfeiture of the monies – $43m, £27, 000 and NN23m after they were temporary forfeited to the government.

In April, the EFCC discovered the sums, following a tip-off from a whistle-blower in one of the flats in Osborne towers, which was owned by a former Chairman of National People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu.

It was then subsequent followed by allegations as to who actually owned the stash of money as government officials and politicians pointed accusatory fingers at eah other.



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The Christ Apostolic Church, Sanctuary of Blessing, in the Iju Ishaga area of Lagos State was thrown into mourning when the Pastor in charge, Pastor Ibukun Adeyinka was murdered by a gang of four around 3 am on the 30th of May, 2017.

The gang murdered the Pastor after they had broken into his house which was situated in the church premises.

They, however, did not leave with any property of the church as they immediately scaled the fence of the church and fled.

The cleric’s wife of 20 years, Mrs. Olasunbo Adeyinka, said the hoodlums struck around 3am on May 30, 2017, adding that they did not say anything throughout the period of the attack.



She said, “We were asleep when they entered the church. They came to our house and we didn’t know anything was happening until we heard a sound like something was falling. There was a power outage, so we couldn’t see clearly. My husband was the first to wake up. They broke into the house through the front door.

“They didn’t say anything to us even as we asked what they wanted from us. I just heard my husband shouting, ‘In Jesus name’. I also re-echoed it, saying ‘Amen, in Jesus name.’ I never knew they had stabbed him in the chest.

“They left by scaling the church’s fence. I saw that my husband had become weak. That was when I knew that they had stabbed him. There was a lot of blood in the room.”

She said together with some relatives and church members, Ibukun was rushed to a private hospital in the community, from where the Ile-Ife, Osun State indigene was referred to LASUTH, Ikeja, where he was pronounced dead.

Olasumbo said although she gathered that her husband died around 7am, she was not informed until around 2pm.

Asked if the men were robbers or assassins, the mother of three said she could not tell because the suspects did not say anything.

“They didn’t take anything. Up till now, I can’t say who they are and why they did what they did. He had a lot of ministerial assignments in June, which will now be on hold. It is painful,” she added.

However, a nurse, Amah Eze, who posted about the incident on Facebook, alleged that the hoodlums were absconding after a robbery operation when they took the church as an escape route.

She said, “He was always ringing a bell at 12 midnight for prayers. So humble that whenever he greeted a small girl like me, he always bowed down. Only for absconding thieves to run into his church while he was praying as usual, and cut him with a machete. That’s how he met his death; but God knows best.”

Our correspondent was told that the case had been reported at the Iju Police Division.

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Meet Heidy Pandora, the glamorous woman who jets all over the world on travel dates with married men and other total strangers, but insists she is not a gold digger.

The 24-year-old, who is currently unemployed and describes herself as a “full-time traveler,” has visited more than 20 countries during her three years on dating site Miss Travel.

Former masseuse Heidy, who lives in Orlando, Florida, told Sun Online: “Some of the guys on the site are married.

“I don’t see it as such a big deal to have sex with married men. If they’re married and looking somewhere else, they’re not happy. Some of them don’t have any sexual relationship with their wives anymore.”



She added that she has never been pressured into sex, instead, she says: “If we connect, things happen, but if we don’t connect then we just have fun on the trip or I just come back.

She also added that she pefers dating married men because there is using no emotional attachment and she rarely has to pay for anything.

Heidy, who says travel dating saved her life, added: “I suffered from depression for two years straight and I got to the point where I didn’t want to live anymore.

“So I told myself, ‘If today was my last day, what would I want to do?’ My dream was to travel but I could never afford it. It’s too expensive.”










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Strong couples can weather any storm, but some things are just insurmountable.

A happy marriage is created by two people who can truly know themselves and work towards happiness.

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/secrets-of-marriage-6.jpg



Sadly, the more you need love, the more hurt you’ve been and the more unfulfilled you are, the more you buy into the lie that it is your partner’s job to keep you happy. This lie can kill your marriage. Of course, there are many more lies that can creep into a marriage and cause damage: the lies we tell ourselves, the lies we tell because of shame, and the lies that hide basic betrayals that make rebuilding trust feel impossible.



“I married the wrong person.”

Many people tend to believe that when things go wrong with their partners, it simply means they married the wrong person, even when the marital challenges are minor issues that could be resolved with love and understanding.

Some people go as far as demanding for a divorce with the excuse that he/she married an unbeliever, whom they thought would become a Christian but that didn’t happen. They recall that it was a mistake but married anyways hoping it would work out. Others claim they married someone who wasn’t a good match, someone who wasn’t a good soulmate

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/most-common-problems-couples-face-in-marriage.jpg





A wrong start in marriage does not justify another wrong step. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good,” says Romans 8:28, “to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

God tells us not to be poured into the world’s mold. Instead we are to be transformed and that begins in our minds. By doing this, God will give us exactly what we need for our lives. God’s will for us is good, acceptable, and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).

Here’s the key for those who are now married:Try to love, understand your spouse and work towards building a happy home without giving room for excuses and lies that can destroy your home.

“My spouse and I are incompatible.”

Incompatibility in marriage wrecks your mental peace. Your day-to-day relationship with your spouse becomes boring and uninteresting.
A lot of husbands and wives are not truly compatible when they get married but they both work towards building a happy home.

If one will respond correctly to his/her spouse’s weaknesses, then they can learn forgiveness, grace, unconditional love, mercy, humility, and brokenness.

In marriage, one should learn to be developed by responses to not only happy things, but also to difficulties. And those very difficulties include weaknesses.

If I will respond to my spouse’s shortcomings with unconditional acceptance, my love won’t be based on performance. I won’t say, “You need to live up to these expectations.” I will be able to accept my spouse, weaknesses and all. And that acceptance will swing open the door of change for not only my spouse, but also for me.

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/sexless-marriage.png



“There’s no hope for my marriage—it can’t be fixed.”
This may be the most devastating lie of all. A lot of couples end their marriages without trying harder to resolve their challenges. They believe the marriage can never be fixed.

There are many homes that couples have sat down to talk about their challenges and put effort to making it work and today they have the best marriages. There are difficult times in relationships and marriage and the way you manage the situation is an important phase because often times issues might arise that would need careful handling.

Don’t be in a haste to pack up that marriage,you can visit marriage counselors who can help you both to identify your weakness, challenges and help with ideas to overcome them.

If you begin to think there is no hope for my marriage, remember that all things are possible with God but you must learn to trace the root of the problems and resolve them.

We must combat the lies about marriage because most problems can be fixed.





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Kidneys are the organs that filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body.

Kidneys are one of the vital organs in the body. They maintain a balance of bodily fluids and control the formation of urine to excrete toxins. The right kidney is situated a little lower than the left one. They are placed in the upper abdominal cavity touching the back muscles as support.

Kidneys play an important role in waste excretion, blood pressure regulation, water level balancing, acid regulation and the formation of red blood cells.

Symptoms of kidney failure are due to the build-up of waste products and excess fluid in the body that may cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, swelling, and confusion. Inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death.



There are numerous causes of kidney failure, and treatment of the underlying disease may be the first step in correcting the kidney abnormality.

Some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.

How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Water helps in detoxifying the body and flushes out toxins. Excess calcium in the body may lead to the formation of stones. Apple cider vinegar is good for your kidneys

Therefore, it is very important to keep our kidneys clean and healthy so that all these functions can be performed smoothly. Here are few things you can ensure to help your kidneys function well:



1. Drink lots of water

Water helps in detoxifying the body and flushes out toxins. It is also one of the simplest ways to keep the kidneys clean. It dilutes the minerals that can cause harm and helps in their excretion. Drinking water with baking soda may help in relieving discomfort caused due to infections in the urinary tract.

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/water.jpg





2. Have less salt, sugar and soy

The sodium in salt increases the calcium content in the body which has a negative effect on the kidneys. Excess calcium in the body may lead to the formation of stones. Similarly, too much sugar absorbs more calcium and magnesium which also contributes to kidney stones. Soy and soy-related products may have a high content of oxalate that can be harmful for the kidneys.

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/salt.jpg


Salt
3. Have a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar early morning

Apple cider vinegar is known for its antioxidant properties that fight oxidative stress and it also helps in controlling your blood pressure and sugar levels in the body.

Apple cider vinegar increases the antioxidant

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/fruit-tea-benefits.jpg



4. Exercise regularly

Any form of exercise is good for you as it it keeps the heart healthy, burns unwanted fat and helps with the flow of blood to other organs which includes the kidneys. Dr. Deepak Kalra from the Nephrology Department at Fortis Hospital stresses on maintaining your weight, “It’s important to eat healthy, drink healthy and maintain a healthy body weight for your kidneys to be able to function well.”



image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/exercise1.jpg


jogging
5. Cut caffeine

Coffee has its benefits, but excess intake of caffeine can harm your health. Caffeine tends to dehydrate your body and absorb all the moisture which can lead to kidney stones.

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Tea-Benefits.jpg





6. Eat green vegetables and avoid meat

The minerals present in green vegetables reduce the oxalate levels in the body that can have a damaging effect on your kidney. One should also avoid consuming too much meat and shellfish as they may contain harmful uric acid that can affect the functioning of the kidneys.

image: http://www.herald.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fruits-and-vegetables-e1486185856908.jpg





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The only biological son of late boxing legend, Muhammad Ali Jnr., claims he is facing homelessness, a year after his father’s death.

He accuses other family members of allegedly stopping him getting an equal share of the boxing legend’s £62million fortune.

Muhammad Ali Junior, 45, says he has only received three “measly payments” of £2,000 in the last two months and is sleeping on a friend’s floor in Florida, just days away from living on the streets because he can’t afford to pay any rent.

Ali Jnr said an equal slice of the ­inheritance had been agreed at a meeting in California with his seven sisters, adopted brother Asaad, and the will executor – Ali’s fourth wife of 30 years, Lonnie, 59.



But his son told Daily Mirror: “It looks like I’ve just been cut off completely. I don’t have a bank account, so they’ve had to wire money to me. It’s been a rough year. This isn’t what my dad would have wanted.

“He would have wanted me to be OK, have a place to stay, have my money. I’m going to live off water now, as that’s all I can afford. Getting food is hard, as I don’t have a cent to my name. I just find a way somehow to get food each day.”

I’ve got nowhere I call home any more.” He said he has begged other family members for help. For the last 20 years, Ali Jnr says he has been ostracized by the family, having little contact with his famous father.

He lived on Chicago’s notorious gangland south side with his wife Shakira and daughters Ameera and Shakera, struggling to make ends meet cleaning people’s yards and doing odd jobs.



But his marriage fell apart just a month after his famous father died, amid accusations that he ran out on his wife. He insists she dumped him and forced him out of their marital home.

Ali Jnr told Daily Mirror: “I stayed with the marriage to see if things can work out, but I had 11 years of complete unhappiness. I love my daughters and I would do anything in the world to be with them. You can ask anybody that know me and they would tell you Muhammad is the kindest, sweetest man they have ever known.”



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