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  • Tension, anxiety in Abeokuta as Abiodun, Akinlade await Tribunal verdict

    Tension on Saturday morning enveloped Isabo, Abeokuta, the location of the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as the three -member panel led by Justice Yusuf Halilu is set to deliver its judgment in the petition before it.

    The Petition was filed by Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade and his party, the Allied People’s Movement (APM), and they are asking the Tribunal to upturn the victory of Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Scores of armed fierce looking security men, Operatives of the Police Ordinance unit, Department of State Security(DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) took over the inside and outside of the court premises as well as adjoining roads and streets leading to it.

    Tens of people who arrived Isabo as 7am this morning and eager to enter the court premises were barred entry as at 9.20am … Armed men at heavily guarded court gate, turned them back.

    The Police Commissioner, Bashir Makama, who arrived few minutes inspected the security arrangement within and outside the court premises and left upon being satisfied with it.

    The Nation learnt the Police were under strict instruction to allow selected number of people because of inadequate space at the court and also prevent rowdiness from loyalists of the two feuding parties – All Progressives Congress (APC) and Allied People’s Movement (APM).

    The Governorship Petition was filed by Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade and his party, APM and they are asking the Tribunal to upturn the victory of Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Akinlade and his party filed the petition marked EPT /OG/ GOV/ 01/19, alleging that over-voting was carried out during the polls in favour of Abiodun.

    The APM’s candidate also alleged that Governor Abiodun lacked the qualification to contest for the Governorship seat of the Gateway State in the March 9 governorship election.

    The Tribunal had in its August 19 sitting, reserved its judgment shortly after all parties had adopted their respective final written addresses and promised to notify them when the judgment would be ready.

    Read Also: Abiodun begins upgrade of Ogun hospitals, housing scheme

    And while adopting his final written address, the petitioner – Akinlade, through his lead counsel, Mike Osuman, SAN, asked the court to disqualify Abiodun as a candidate of APC in the last Governorship election and nullify the declaration of Abiodun as winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

    The Petitioner also prayed the Tribunal to return him (Akinlade) as the governor.

    But Abiodun’s lead counsel, Prof Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, described the APM’s petition as one that lacks merit and dead on arrival, urging that it should be dismissed in its entirety.

    Who wins and who loses? The judges who just arrived the court, will commence sitting by 10am and in hours time, deliver their judgment.

  • Nigeria-born football stars who never played for Super Eagles

    Nigeria is blessed with many talented footballers who sadly never played for the Super Eagles- the national team.

    This was due to issue of dual nationalities, personal decision to represent other countries or lack of opportunity.

    Here is a list of such household football talents who never played for Nigeria:

     David Alaba

    David Olatokunbo Alaba was born in Vienna to a Filipino mother (a nurse) and a Nigerian father, a DJ and former rapper.  He is an Austrian professional footballer, who plays for Bayern Munich and the Austria national team.

    He holds Austria’s record as the youngest player in the senior national team, debuting in 2009 as a 17-year-old. He has played in a multitude of roles, including central midfield, central defence, right and left wing but has since blossomed as a left-back.

    Gabriel Agbonlahor

     Gabriel Imuetinyan “Gabby” Agbonlahor was born 13 October 1986. Agbonlahor was one of four children born to a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother in Birmingham. The English professional footballer plays as a striker for Championship club Aston Villa.

    Nedum Onuoah

    READ ALSO: I was asked to pay bribe before playing for Nigeria, says David Alaba

    Chinedum “Nedum” Onuoha plays for Real Salt Lake in the MLS. He is a defender, typically a centre back but he can also play at right back or left back. Born in Warri, Nigeria, Onuoha was brought up in Manchester, England.

    In March 2007, Onuoha received an international call up from Nigeria but announced he would like to play for England at full international level. Onuoha has never been capped by England at international level.

    Ross Barkley

    Shockingly, Ross Barkley is of Nigerian decent. Conceived on December 5, 1993, Barkley is an English footballer who plays for Everton and English national group as a midfielder. Barkley was brought up in Liverpool, his paternal granddad was Nigerian and that makes him qualified to play for both England and Nigeria.

    He, at last, selected England and has played at U-16, U-17, U-19, U-20, U-21 and senior team.

    Emmanuel Adebayor

    Emmanuel Adebayor is a Togolese footballer who plays as a striker for Turkish club İstanbul Başakşehir. He previously played for English clubs Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace as well as French sides Metz and Monaco and Spanish team Real Madrid.

    He was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2008.

    Patrick Olukayode Owomoyela

    Patrick Olukayode Owomoyela

    Patrick Owomoyela was born to a German mother and a Nigerian father. Owomoyela plays as a right-sided defender/midfielder. He had been capped by Germany at international level and was a member of the squad at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. He has since retired into sports broadcasting.

     Angelo Ogbonna

    Nigerian-born Angelo Obinze Ogbonna is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for West Ham United and the Italian national team.

    Ogbonna was born to Nigerian parents who emigrated to Italy in 1983.

    Stefano Okaka Chuka

    Stefano Chuka Okaka was born in Castiglione del Lago, Perugia, Italy to Nigerian parents who later obtained Italian citizenship. Okaka joined the Roma youth system in 2004.

    The Italian played as a striker for Premier League club Watford and the national team. He is currently with Spezia Calcio on loan from Serie A club Parma.

    In April 2014, Okaka revealed he talked with the Nigeria Football Federation about the possibility of him playing with the Nigeria national football team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

    Dennis Aogo

    Born to a German mother and a Nigerian father, Dennis Aogo is a left wing-back or midfielder with Schalke 04. The 30-year old footballer once revealed in an interview that Nigeria once invited him to play for the national team which he turned down.

    ”When I heard Nigeria wanted me for the World Cup, I had to really think about it. But I hesitated because Nigerians won’t recognise me as a true African, it’s a totally different culture from what I am used to in Germany.

    “I know many Africans who were born in Europe are now playing for African teams but they are not regarded as locals. Nigeria is not well organised like what I am used to in Germany. I have been to Nigeria once for 14 days and so I knew what I wanted,” he said then.

  • Kogi 2019: INEC clear 52

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 52 candidates and their deputies to contest the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State.

    The names of the cleared candidates and their details have been made public in Lokoja by the INEC.

    Five of those cleared as governorship candidates are women.

    It was also observed that seven women were cleared to contest the election as deputy governors.

    Those cleared to contest the election against the incumbent Yahaya Bello  of the All Progressives Congress (APC) include:  Mr. Musa Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mrs. Justina Abanida od the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Also given the nod to contest the governorship election are: Miss Natadha Akppti of the SDP; Ibrahim Itodo of ZLP; Idris Abegunde of NNPP; Abu Omogani (UPC); Abdulahi Mohammed (Accord Party); Abdulmalik Mohammed of the HDP; Shaibu Sani Teidi (YDP) and Mr. Dele Bello-Williams of the GDPN.

    Read Also: Kogi PDP’s rubble after electoral storm

    Others are: Umar Zekeri (ABP); Chinga David (YPP); Ndako Tanko (ADP); Mr. Kabir Abdulwasiu (AAC); Mr. Abdulhamid Yusuf (AAP); Mrs Anne Oluwaseun (DPC); Mr. Danjuma Mohammed (MRDD); Mr. Mohammed Dangana (NCP); Mr. Alonge Methusela, (Mega Party of Nigeria; Mr. Niyi Ejibunu (AGAP); Mr. Abdulrazak Emeje (UDP) and Mr. Godwin Atawodi (DA).

    Others are: Mr. Ephraim Medupin (AD), Musa Sadiq (APP), Victor Akubo (UPP), Mrs Harirat Yakibu (LP), Alfa Oboy (JMPP), Atiku Isah (ANP), Ayodele Ajibola, (PRP), Sheik Ibrahim Jibril, (APGA), Samuel Abolarin (ASD), Okpanachi Nichol (KOWA), Rev. Moses Dridu, (PPN), Ikwueje Samuel (PDC), and Mr. Jimoh Yusuf (MAJA).

    The INEC also cleared Mr. Orugun Emmanuel of the ANRP, Mrs Grace Adepoju, (MMN), Idris Isah (CAP), Sule Daniel (SNG), Mohammed Aliu (NPC), Noah Abiodun (PPA), Obagaye Raphael (BNPP), Yisuf Dantale (APM), Usman Imam (DP), Victor Akubo (GPN), Ukuwonu Joseph (PPN), Elegbe Amos (PDC), Usman Salifu, (ANDP) and Yusuf Nagari of (APA).

  • Police not after me, says Lagos NURTW chieftain

    A chieftain of the National Union of Road and Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State, Mustapha Adekunle a.k.a Sego on Friday denied being wanted by the police for any crime.

    He said he had no link with a recent attack on the new chairman of NURTW in Lagos State, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo who was stabbed in the neck during a rally organized by the All Progressive’ Congress(APC).

    Adekunle said some people orchestrated false news to discredit him following his recent appointment into the state executive council of NURTW.

    Read Also: NURTW crisis: MC Oluomo, predecessor settle rift

    “The news that I am being wanted by the police is fallacious and misleading. First, let me make it clear here that, I am not on the wanted list of the police. The issue they were referring to was the violence which occurred at an APC rally in which myself and Alhaji MC Oluomo were the targets of the aggressors. This issue was reported to the police by those who actually masterminded the attack with a view to implicate me. The police instead of carrying out due investigation on the matter decided to take side with the mastermind of the crisis.

    “They went over board to declare me wanted for an offence I never committed. Because of this, I confronted the police to clear my name. Alhaji MC Oluomo who was the prime victim of the organised attack also testified to exonerate me of any wrong doing. The police, sensing that they had goofed on the matter tactically withdrew their statement against me. And since then, I have been going about my legitimate activities as a law abiding citizen.

    “It is funny to hear now that I am being wanted by the police. The question to ask those who are sponsoring the malicious story is that, why is such story coming up now that I am being made a member of the caretaker committee of Lagos NURTW? If i am being wanted, how come the Nigeria police have not arrested me all this while that I have been moving freely about and carrying out my business activities? At least, it is in the public knowledge that, I don’t live a fugitive life as i go out to attend social functions, business engagements and religious activities without any fear.

    “Anyway, I know this is the handiwork of my enemies within Lagos NURTW who are not happy about my appointment as a member of the caretaker committee of the union. They were the ones who sponsored the malicious story,’’ he added.

  • ICPC seals Pinnick’s, Dikko’s homes

    The Abuja residence of Shehu Dikko, the second vice-president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has been sealed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Also, ICPC sealed the Parkview residence of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick hours after sealing the Abuja residence of the federation’s Vice President, Shehu Dikko.

    The commission launched an investigation into the NFF’s financial activities following allegations of corruption.

    Following the order of forfeiture of the property by a Federal High Court on Friday, according to The Cable, the ICPC sealed Dikko’s No. 1 River Benue, Maitama residence.

    Read Also: Pinnick removed as CAF First Vice-President

    This is following an order of forfeiture of the property by a federal high court, on Friday. The ICPC sealed Dikko’s No. 1 River Benue, Maitama residence. The house was sealed yesterday morning by the commission over a fresh corruption investigation on the federation.

    According to the ICPC, the investigation is to uncover financial malpractices in the football association, allegedly involving Dikko and other executives.

    Rasheedat Okoduwa, ICPC spokesperson, told TheCable that Dikko’s property was sealed following fresh corruption charges against him and some other executives of the NFF.

    “It is true that ICPC sealed Shehu Dikko’s Maitama residence this morning,” she said. “He is being investigated with others over fresh corruption charges. It has nothing to do with the cases of SPIP or EFCC.”

    The NFF has been on the watch-list of the anti-corruption agencies. The federation is also currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP).

    The executives of the federation have been accused of diverting funds meant for the association.

    • Sehu Dikko’s house.

  • Why do men prefer fair-skinned ladies to the dark-skinned?

    Omo pupa o, omo pupa lemi n fe, omo pupa o, jowo mo feran re o. Ti n ba de London, maa wa fowo oko ranse, omo pupa o, jowo mo feran re o (Oh! Fair-skinned lady, I am in love with fair-skinned lady and when I travel to London, I will send flight fare to the fair-skinned lady I love).

    History has shown that black people with lighter skin were treated better. The above popular number from the highlife maestro, Victor Olaiya, gives credence to this fact.

    In the days of slavery, the dark-skinned blacks worked on the fields while light-skinned blacks worked in the houses. Hence, the terms, field Negroes and house Negroes. It got so bad that not only did the slave owners, who were often responsible for the higher shade of brown slaves give lighter-skinned blacks more respect, but so did the dark-skinned blacks. This evolved into generations of blacks both consciously and subconsciously teaching themselves that one is better than the other which eventually led to billions of naira being made in fake or artificial hair industry.

    Obviously this, by every standard, is a very sensitive subject, but I need to get it off my mind because I have secretly nursed this thought in my head for long. I have always wondered why men prefer fair-skinned ladies to us, the dark-skinned. Just to buttress my view, I have met and known ladies who were once dark-skinned and suddenly became fair-skinned. They would spend fortune just to lighten their skins. Some even go overboard and become too light for their own good.

    From toning a bit, they graduate to full-blown bleaching; and when this cannot be maintained due to the huge financial implications attached, their skins become damaged and they end up with rashes different coloured skins all in an individual. Do the men even know the trouble some women take just to meet up with their expectations?

    Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against my fair-skinned sisters and friends. As a matter of fact, my childhood friends, Ayisat and Helen Egume, now in Abuja are all fair-skinned and we have been friends like for ever. We are closer than ever. At the risk of sounding a little jealous, even way back when we were in school, they had all the toasters in the world. For every 10 men that made passes at them, I had only one. Haba! Is it a crime to be dark-skinned? Must all of us be fair-skinned at all cost?

    After I had managed to put my school experiences behind me, I met and fell in love with my man. My man is dark-skinned like me, and we were just fine with each other. Until their office recruited a tall and fair-skinned lady to work directly with him, it is was fine by me because I knew that my man needed an experienced assistant who would help reduce his workload. Before his chairman recruited the lady in question, we actually discussed it over lunch one day and I was like, why not?

    When I ran into this lady, her beauty struck me. You know, for a lady, she was on the tall side, light-skinned, I am sorry, did I say she was light-skinned? No! I mean, she was dangerously fair-skinned! O’boy, I became uneasy with the realisation that they had to work and tour almost half of the country together, alone for that matter. It, therefore, came as little or no surprise to me when it filtered into my ears that they were having an… no I mean they were becoming too close for comfort. Without wasting much time, I did a quick check with my pastor and after ceaseless praying and fasting sessions, my bobo is safe back into my hands. But I tell you the truth, I almost lost him to that African oyibo.

    Anyway, the bitter truth is that research has shown that 70 percent of men would rather go for fair-skinned ladies rather than dark-skinned ones. Perhaps, it is because they are more notifiable or perhaps it is because the men want their kids to also be fair-skinned. I don’t know, I am not a man, but I do know that they go for them before they come for us. I once worked for a boss who swore never to date a skinny or slim lady. He said to me that no matter how pretty a lady is, he would never approach her for anything unless she is on the fleshy side.

    Jokingly, we asked him to consider a situation where he was trapped with a slim lady on an isolated island. Again, he said never, he would not go for her. For him, to win his heart, a lady must have lots and lots of flesh on those bones. Thereafter, we had a client we had to handle a brief for, and the client had a very slim, very pretty and yes, very fair-skinned daughter. Before we could say Alhaji! Our boss found himself spending hours conversing with this lady.

    I don’t know how his fiancé then now his wife, got wind of it and to prove to his finace that he had nothing to do with our clients daughter, he brought her to formally introduce to the lady. After the introductions and exchange of pleasantries, they decided to call it a day and drove home. What jolted my boss to reality was when he asked his finacee what she thought of his platonic friendship with the lady, the finacee said: “Alhaji forget this lady, I know say she dey lim side, but this one yellow o”.

    Need I say more?

  • Beautiful Nubia cries over his alma mater

    Contemporary folk and roots music artiste, Segun Akinlolu, popularly known as Beautiful Nubia, is saddened over the state of his alma mater in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Beautiful Nubia, after a courtesy visit to the primary school, said he could not hold back tears over the anomaly of the school.

    “I paid a visit to my old school the other day, St. James’ Primary School, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, the school I attended from 1974-1980. I took my children and friends with me, proud to show off the places and people who produced me. Roofs blown off, waterlogged floors, over-populated classrooms, overwhelmed teachers; poor, unimaginative curriculum. No, that was not the way it was when I was a student there,” the Jangbalajugbu crooner narrated.

    The 51-year-old singer, however, charged the present administration to prioritise education and healthcare in the state as many public schools are in dire need of renovations and curriculum overhauling.

    He opined that every nation that wants to survive, develop and make progress must invest positively in its children and youths, irrespective of their origin, social class, gender or faith.

    “We need to raise a clear vision of what we wish to see in 10-20 years and then develop innovative educational programmes that guide the children towards that. Out of the present crisis, we can build something outstanding by evolving creative scientific, artistic, sports and educational programmes that enrich the children and prepare them adequately for the challenges of the future.

    “Ennoble the young with the values of hard work, honesty, perseverance, patience, selflessness and contentment. Teach them bravery and courage; equip them to become masters of this environment. To emerge as a world-beater, the African child must be a perfect amalgam of traditional wisdom and modern knowledge.”

    Composer and bandleader, Beautiful Nubia was born in Ibadan, Oyo State in 1968. He studied veterinary medicine at the University of Ibadan and worked for eight years in that field before becoming a full time artist. In 1997, he adopted his curious stage name in homage to the exploits and glory of ancient Nubia.

    A year later, he formed a backing group of young musicians, which he named The Roots Renaissance Band. In 2010, he founded the EniObanke Music Festival (EMUfest), a multi-city annual festival of folk and roots music. In October 2016, he was conferred with the award of Doctorate in Science (Honoris Causa) in Art’ by ESEP Le Berger University, the Republic of Benin for his body of work.

    Some of his hit songs include Ikoko Akufo, What a Feelings, Table Turn, Ololufe, Ire-Ogo.

  • Celebs who dumped wigs & gowns for showbiz

    This week’s array of celebs belong to a special class of superstars who straddle two special worlds with ease. We are talking about showbiz personalities who are very well known for their voices, acting, lifestyle, fashion and so on. But only a few people know that these famous actors, musicians and OAPs also have another profession in common besides showbiz. They all attended Nigeria Law School and earned the right to don the wig and gown. Some of them studied Law before they were famous, while others did during the peak of their careers. Here is a list of famous Nigerian celebrities you probably didn’t know studied Law.

    Tunji Bamishigbin

    Veteran actor and filmmaker, Tunji Bamishigbin’s life reads like a good movie. He trained as a lawyer, worked for years in a bank and then left the two lucrative professions for acting. After his call to bar, he actually practised for a while in a law firm but left to follow his passion. “I was working with my friend, Prince Adetimoye, but I was so convinced that I wasn’t cut out for that profession. It was almost the same time that I was directing Fortunes with my colleagues, Charles Owoyemi and Ralph Nwadike,” he told NollywoodReel in an interview.

    Richard Mofe-damijo

    Former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, Richard Mofe Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is one of Nigeria’s most famous and accomplished thespians. He actually started his fairy-tale career at the Midwest College, Warri and Anglican Grammar School, where he was a member of the Drama Club. He enrolled into the University of Benin to continue his education and studied Theatre Arts. After school, he worked as a journalist before moving into acting full time. He returned to the University of Lagos to study Law and graduated in 2004.

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    Lawyer and media personality, Ebuka Obi- Uchendu, who is best known for hosting the reality TV show-Big Brother Naija, the long running Rubbin’ Minds talk show on Channels TV as well as co-hosting The Spot and Men’s Corner on Ebonylife Television, is one of the most successful showbiz personalities of his generation. Suave and debonair, he often appears on the list of the country’s best-dressed men. He studied law for his first degree at the University of Abuja, and then moved to the Washington College of Law of the American University Washington DC where he bagged a Master of Laws degree with specialisations in Intellectual Property.

    Lepacious Bose

    Bose Ogunboye, popularly known as Lepacious Bose, was called to the bar in 2010. Before then, she had first studied Theater Arts. She studied Law at the University of Ibadan but she never actually practised. Lepacious Bose is one of the country’s most successful female comedians. Her weight loss story has inspired a lot of females who are on the weight- loss journey. She reportedly lost 70kg and emerged from her time off with a stunning figure.

    Lolo 1

    Comedienne and actress, Omotunde Adebowale-David, better known as Lolo 1, studied Law at the Lagos State University, after which she went to Law Schoolchool and practised Law for three years before going back to her first love-broadcasting. Lolo has been quite successful in her profession and is one of the nation’s top OAPs.

    Funke Akindele

    Funke Akindele, popularly known as Jenifa, is a Nigerian actress, director and producer. Funke first studied Mass Communication, a course she abandoned after obtaining an Ordinary National Diploma in it from the Moshood Abiola Polytechnics, Ogun State. She later went to University of Lagos to study Law.  She has, however, never really practised Law.

    Tosin Martins

    Inspirational singer, Tosin Martins’ name may not have featured on the Top 10 list in a while but not many will forget his evergreen hit, Olo mi. Martins’ hit song, and a few of his other love ballads still rule the airwaves. He went to the Federal Government College, Abuja, after which he attended the University of Lagos to study Law.

    Falz

    It will surprise no one that Falz started his professional life as a lawyer. Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor. His father, Femi Falana, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)and Nigeria’s foremost human rights activist. Falz began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called “The School Boys” with his friend before his professional career as a music artist began in 2009. Perhaps Falz probably studied Law to make his lawyer parents happy, because he dropped the wig and gown immediately after graduation to pursue his passion.

    Femi Adebayo

    Femi Adebayo, the son of the veteran actor, Adebayo Salami, is a Nigerian lawyer, film actor, director and producer. He attended the University of Ilorin where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law, and earned a master’s degree in Law at the University of Ibadan. But like others, he never practised the profession before plunging headlong into acting in which he is an A-list star.

    Chinko Ekun-able God

    Oladipo Olamide Emmanuel, better known as Chinko Ekun-the Able God crooner, is a Nigerian singer, artist and rapper. He actually studied Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife (OAU).

    Samuel Olasehinde

    Actor and screenwriter, Samuel Olasehinde, son of Pa James (Ajirebi Kayode Olasehinde) also studied Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

    Kanayo O. Kanayo

    Leading actor, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, better known as Kanayo O. Kanayo or as KOK, studied Law at the zenith of his movie career. He recently bagged a Law degree from the University of Abuja. By the way, the law degree happens to be his fifth degree.

    Wale Adebayo – Sango

    Wale Adebayo, whose first role as lead character in the epic film “Sango” produced by Femi Lasode shot him into limelight, read Law at the Obafemi Awolowo University.

    Kemi Adetiba

    Kemi is a Nigerian music video director, film make and television director whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Soundcity TV, BET and Netflix. Kemi started out professionally as a radio presenter with Rhythm 93.7 FM while studying Law at the University of Lagos, which she later abandoned after discovering her talents in entertainment and went on to study Film Making in New York Film Academy.

    Kenneth Okonkwo

    Nigerian famous actor Kenneth Okonkwo is a multi-talented personality – lawyer, diplomat, actor, politician, entrepreneur and film producer. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State and later studied Law at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

    Kelechi Amadi-Obi

    Renowned Nigerian creative photographer, painter, artist and the publisher of Mania Magazine, Kelechi Amadi-Obi also studied Law and was called to the bar in 1993.

    Omawumi Megbele

    Known by her stage name, Omawumi, she’s a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress who gained fame as the 2007 runner-up on West African Idols, a reality TV show part of the Idols franchise. She graduated from Ambrose Alli University with a Law degree in 2005, before moving to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where she worked with her family’s law firm, O.S Megbele & Associates.

    Funke Bucknor-Obruthe

    Nigerian entrepreneur, lawyer and the founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events- Funke Obruthe is regarded as one of Nigeria’s pioneering event planners. She studied Law at the University of Lagos and was called to bar after attending the Nigerian Law School in Abuja. She practised briefly before her love for event planning made her start Zapphaire Event. She is one of the biggest forces to be reckoned with in the event planning industry.

    Kemi Afolabi

    Nigerian actress, film producer and scriptwriter proceeded to the University of Lagos where she bagged a bachelor’s degree in Law after her secondary school education at Our Lady of Apostles School, Lagos.

    Folake Akindele-Coker

    Founder and creative director of the notable fashion house, Tiffany Ambe, and the beautiful daughter of Ibadan billionaire, Chief Akindele, Folake Akindele-Coker, is a qualified lawyer with a Masters degree in Petroleum Law.

  • Two ministers suspected as moles in $9.6bn P&ID judgment debt

    Insinuations in some quarters that the $9.6bn damages secured by P&ID against the federal government in respect of the latter’s purported failure to honour a contractual agreement it had with the former was arranged by some interests to defraud the government may not be far from the truth if feelers from the inner circles of the Presidential Villa are anything to go by.

    Sentry gathered during the week that some suspected moles in the President’s cabinet are urging the federal government to pay the $9.6bn ordered by the courts for purportedly breaching its contractual agreement with the Irish firm.

    At a session held in Aso Rock between President Buhari and some members of his cabinet on how to tackle the debt overhang, two ministers suspected to be serving other interests were said to have been adamant that the Federal Government should initiate “necessary action” to pay the foreign company the sum specified by the courts.

    The ministers in question were even said to have recommended two people who should meet with the representatives of P&ID to negotiate the terms for the payment of the debt.

    But President Buhari was said to have put his foot down, saying that the federal government was prepared for a fight to the finish with P&ID on the matter.

    The President’s declaration of his resolve was said to have put the two ministers in very uncomfortable positions and they are now doing everything they can to regain the President’s confidence.

  • Suspected burglar trapped, dies in Lagos church

    A suspected burglar met his tragic end on Tuesday after he was trapped by burglar proofs at God’s Prestige Church, Arepo Street, Awori area of Abule Egba, Lagos.

    The church, according to sources, had been burgled twice this year before the latest incident.

    When The Nation visited the scene, the body of the unnamed robber was still trapped in between the burglar proof made of iron bars.

    Read Also: Two burglars arrested by IRT operatives

    Sources said the robber must have gained access into the church on Monday night and got trapped before he could cart away items kept there.

    “The first time the church was burgled early this year, the robbers carted away equipment such as keyboard among other music instruments.

    “They came back a second time and stole electrical appliances, hence, the burglar proof was put in place by the church’s management.’’