The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • WapTV sets Facebook record

    WapTV sets Facebook record

    WapTV, a 24-hour pidgin language TV channel, has become the first privately-owned Nigerian cable TV channel to have over 100,000 ‘Likes’ on the social network platform, Facebook.

    This also makes wapTV the fifth Nigerian TV channel overall (across Terrestrial and Cable Platforms) to cross the 100,000 ‘Likes’ mark via its Facebook page.

    Excited about the achievement, Wale Adenuga, Managing Director of wapTV, said: “We are excited at this milestone, as it is a clear testament that our viewers enjoy the channel’s contents, which we work very hard on. wapTV is less than two years old, but it has already received so much commendation from TV viewers and practitioners all over the world. We are grateful for this level of acceptance and we assure all our viewers that there is a lot more to come.”

    Adenuga expressed satisfaction at the fact that wapTV’s viewers regularly visit its Facebook page for updates on the “channel’s programme schedule, interactions with other viewers from all over the world, behind-the-scene pictures and videos, audition dates for chances to appear in wapTV programmes, opportunities to win fantastic prizes and lots more.”

    The TV station was established in 2012 by Wale Adenuga Productions Ltd., and is available to the Nigerian and African audience on Star Times, CONSAT and StarSat with ongoing plans to be available on even more cable TV platforms worldwide.

     

  • Timi Dakolo releases Iyawo Mi video

    Timi Dakolo releases Iyawo Mi video

    Nigerian soul singer, Timi Dakolo, has released the official video of his song, Iyawo Mi, off his forthcoming album, Love and Consequences.

    The 1970s -inspired video directed by Clarence Peters was shot in Ogun State, Nigeria, with a vintage Mercedes car, time – appropriate costumes, makeup and other props. The video shows the journey of a newlywed couple played by Timi Dakolo and his wife, Busola, through good and difficult times.

    “I’m really proud of this video. I have always wanted to do a vintage video that is fun and features my wife. Iyawo Mi was inspired by her, so it was just right that she played a part in it. We had an awesome time,” said Timi Dakolo.

    Timi Dakolo, 33, is an award-winning R&B/Soul music artiste from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. He grew up in the city of Port-Harcourt, where he started his singing career at 12.

    Following his victory at the first and only edition of West African Idol, he released his debut album titled Beautiful Noise in 2012, receiving great reviews for the work.  He later released another single titled Great Nation.

     

  • NDLEA seizes N322m drugs in oil filters

    NDLEA seizes N322m drugs in oil filters

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has impounded N322 million worth of drugs concealed in oil filters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.

    An auto parts dealer, Agbala Eze Cosmos (38), was arrested in connection with the consignment containing substances that tested positive for methamphetamine. The consignment was meant for export to Mozambique, NDLEA said.

    NDLEA Commander at the airport, Hamza Umar said the drugs were cleverly hidden inside oil filters. “The drugs were concealed in a manner that made it difficult to detect. We had to cut the filters open to recover the drugs. In all, a total quantity of 35.8kilogrammes of methamphetamine was found inside the oil filters,” he said.

    Hamza said that Agbala was assisting the agency to get the drug syndicate that allegedly hired him.

    The suspect, who said greed led him into drug trafficking, added: “I blame myself because I was greedy. They asked me to facilitate the exportation of the drug to Mozambique for N1 million. I was happy to do it because I needed money. It did not occur to me that there was so much risk involved because of the manner the drug was packed. I never knew the drug costs so much. I am married with three children and I sell auto parts,” Agbala, who hails from Enugu State, said.

    NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, said: “The agency will work very hard to arrest everyone that is involved in this case. We are prepared to go the full length in our investigations. The suspect has given us useful information that we are currently processing.”

  • Three held for alleged N10m theft

    Three held for alleged N10m theft

    Three men have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing valuables worth N10 million belonging to their employer.

    Benedict Abah (36); David Abah (26) and Asukwo Aniekpeno-Effiong (28), appeared before Magistrate O. Olanipekun for alleged conspiracy and stealing, punishable under Sections 409 and 285(10) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

    The prosecutor, Michael Kokoye, told the court that the offences were committed on July 26 at 2am, at 15, Prince Taiwo Sesanya Street at Parkview Estate in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Kokoye said the defendants stole four pieces of 42-inch plasma television, one internet machine and gold jewelry worth N10million, belonging to a woman,  Mrs. Adeleke.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted N500,000 bail each one responsible surety each in like sum.

    Olanipekun ordered that N100, 000 be deposited in the account of the Chief Registrar and adjourned the case till August 29 for mention.

  • Two toddlers die as fire razes Lagos building

    Two toddlers die as fire razes Lagos building

    Two toddlers were Monday night killed in a fire that razed a building in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.

    Daniel Monadi and Joel Chukwu were found dead in their room at 43, Salami Street, Mafoluku. The building comprised four flats and 10 other rooms.

    It was learnt that the fire, which started at 8pm at the apartment of Ada Patrick, was caused by a lit candle.

    One of the toddlers was Patrick’s, the other was her sister’s son who came on a visit. The kids were asleep when the fire started.

    The Director, State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, said the fire fighters were contacted at 8.47pm.

    “We met the house very alive with fire. The situation was very serious and the fire had even affected the roof of a nearby building. Immediately, we invited Isolo and Ilupeju fire trucks to complement Oshodi and each came with 10,000 litres of water.

    “It was in the cause of putting out the fire that we found the kids burnt beyond recognition in one of the bedrooms. The fire was caused by a candle that was lit and left unattended to.

    “I want to use this opportunity to urge the public to discontinue the use of candle. It is also important for landlords to discourage their tenants from using candles; rather, people should use lanterns,” he said.

     

  • Lawmakers move against arrest of motorcyclists

    Lawmakers move against arrest of motorcyclists

    Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday called on Governor Babatunde Fashola to prevail on the Commissioner of Police to ask his men to desist from indiscriminate arrest of commercial motorcycle riders, particularly outside the restricted areas.

    The House also resolved to revisit the list of restricted routes for commercial motor cycle operation so as to amend those routes that have engendered conflicts and or exploitation by some law-enforcement agents.

    The resolutions yesterday followed a motion co-sponsored by 10 lawmakers and moved by Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1).

    The House condemned any mode of enforcement which negates the provisions of the Lagos State Traffic Law, 2012, promising to take steps to forestall further abuse of the law by some law-enforcement agents and their collaborators.

  • Star The Winner Is: Applause for Rhema

    Star The Winner Is: Applause for Rhema

    As the quest to becoming the winner of N10million and a brand new car heightened, contestants face tougher time on the fourth episode of Star The Winner Is last weekend.

    In what can best be described as a night of glitz and fun, the show featured 10 performances with contestants desperately battling to outdo one another.

    23-year-old Rhema Osbourne emerged victorious, securing a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals. With good looks and an amazing vocal range to complement, Rhema impressively rendered Chris Brown’s Don’t Judge Me, Liquideep’s Fairy tale  and Lionel Richie’s Hello earning him the status of the jury’s favourite.

    Other contestants from the episode, Temisan Francis, Haitee Olajorin, Micheal Emeka, Uju Prince and Treasure Clement also rendered quality performances, but they couldn’t impress the 101-jury members.

    The last round of the episode was a particularly heated one with sultry singer, Treasure, and Rhema going head-to-head in the battle. Treasure, however, lost the round, thereby forfeiting an opportunity to walk away with N400, 000.

    Winning the episode propelled Rhema to join Philip, Brenda and Happiness from three previous episodes in the race for N10million and a brand new car.

    Star The Winner Is sponsored by Star Lager is a singing game show in which singing only seven songs could turn around the life of a lucky contestant.

     

  • I regret embracing robbery, says suspect

    I regret embracing robbery, says suspect

    A 22-year-old robbery and murder suspect has regretted taking to robbery instead of remaining a pick-pocket.

    The suspect, Akeem Adesina, is being interrogated by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Command, Ikeja.

    He was arrested after a member of his gang killed a man when they invaded his home.

    After the incident, they allegedly dispossessed  people going for early morning prayer.

    Adesina said: “My best friend, Abawon Kehinde, convinced me to join the gang. I regret going to rob with them. Had it been I knew that I would land here in SARS today, I would have continued with my pick-pocket job. At least, nobody would have arrested me.

    “Kehinde said that we should go to Jebba street in Oyingbo, Lagos. He told me that we were going for tigba bo operation. It means to kick and break down the door to gain entry. We had a gun and a machete. We were four that went for the operation, but that was the first time I would partake in robbery with a gun. My former job was pick-pocket. I used to cut open pockets of people sleeping to steal their money or phones.”

    Describing the mode of the gang’s operation, Adesina said: “Yes, we don’t have any target. We just move around and pick on any building at random. Kehinde is small and easily climbed up the balcony, to the first floor. He opened the curtain and said we would get money from that house.

    “One of us, Lucky, held the machete. He climbed and followed Kehinde. Sule, who held another gun, gave it to me and climbed up. They opened the window and attempted to open the gate. But the owner heard the sound of the gate and started shouting! Sule ordered him to stop. But the man started struggling with Sule in a bid to collect the gun.

    “Sule opened fire. The man fell down. Neighbours started shouting as they threw things at us. My friends rushed down from the balcony and we left the place,” he added.

    After the incident Adesina said: “We started robbing people going to early morning prayers of their money and phone sets. The time was about 4am. We saw a guy carrying a bag and another driving a car. Sule showed them his gun and we collected their phones and money. While we were collecting these items, we saw a police van with its headlights on.

    “We all started running; Sule ran and seemed to disappear. Lucky, Kehinde and I kept running. Kehinde was the person in the front, Lucky second, I was last. I heard “stop there or I’ll shoot.” It was the policemen. Kehinde and Lucky knew that area very well. They disappeared, but the police got me and took me to their station.”

    The suspect added: “The police were taking my statement when someone came into the station to report that some men came to their compound and shot their neighbour without collecting anything. They said the man had died in the hospital. The policemen asked me if it was my gang that did it; I denied it. I told them that we were doing ‘Stop and Search.’”

    After further interrogation, Adesina was transferred to SARS, where he promised to cooperate with the operatives to arrest his fleeing accomplices. But Adesina fingered innocent people.

    “I later told the truth that those people I mentioned were innocent. It was Sule that shot and killed that man,” Adesina said.

  • Cleric remanded for allegedly assaulting minor

    Cleric remanded for allegedly assaulting minor

    For allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl, a prophet has been arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    The defendant, Sunday Akintayo (51), who claimed he was a cleric with the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ajelogo, Mile 12, was brought before Magistrate A. A. Demi-Ajayi on a two-count charge of unlawful sexual assault and shaving the eyebrows of the minor.

    Prosecuting Inspector Moses Uadevmbo said the alleged offence was committed on July 11, at 11, Werugbara, Railway Line, Ilupeju, Mushin.

    He alleged that the defendant raped the minor by severally dipping his finger into her private part, adding that the alleged offence contravened Sections 261(2) and 135(2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

    Although the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, Uadevmbo objected an oral bail application made on his behalf by his lawyer, Alli Aba, on grounds that rape of minors was prevalent.

    He also claimed that the defendant’s medical report showed that the minor was infected with Staphylococcus following which she was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital, adding that granting the defendant bail might jeopardize the victim’s case.

    Magistrate Demi-Ajayi, who ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending a formal bail application, adjourned the case till September 24.

  • Two docked for ‘invading’ RCCG, others

    Two docked for ‘invading’ RCCG, others

    •As Magistrate sends reporters out of court

    For allegedly invading a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); Jesus Headstone Evangelical Ministry and threatening a lawyer’s life, two men were yesterday brought before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court at Igbosere.

    The defendants, Akindele Afolabi (48) and Adio Kazeem (79), were arraigned for conspiracy, breach of peace, forceful possession and threat to life before Magistrate O.O. Martins.

    They were alleged to have invaded the churches located in Mushin and demanding ransom from them, as well as threatening the life of a lawyer, Wale Okediran.

    It was alleged that the defendants sent a threat message to the lawyer, demanding properties located at 91, Agege Motor Road and 3, Eniola Street, Idioro, Mushin.

    According to the police, the defendants forcefully entered buildings belonging to Otunba Taiwo and Adebola Adegbuyi in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace. They also allegedly mobilised some persons, now at large, to do same.

    The defendants on June 6, it was also alleged, threatened the complainant, Okediran, forcefully entered the RCCG (Holiness Temple Parish) located at 16, Kobiti Street, Alakara, and Jesus Head Stone Evangelical Ministry, located, Olaniyi Close, Idioro, during church service, demanding ransom.

    They were said to have committed the alleged offence which contravened Sections 410, 52, 166(d) between July 6 and June this year.

    The defendants were granted bail in N100, 000 with two responsible sureties in like sum after pleading not guilty. The matter was adjourned till October 14.

    Meanwhile a mild drama ensued before the commencement of the day’s proceeding as the Magistrate walked reporters out of the courtroom.

    Mrs Martins, who had last year ordered reporters out of her court because a media organisation “published what she did not say,” yesterday came out, shouting: “Where are the pressmen? Out … out… out!”