Thugs kill okada rider, flee with his hand

Some cultists believed to be loyal to a political party invaded Adifase Street, Bariga, Lagos and hacked a motorcyclist, Segun Atupa, to death.

Not done, the hoodlums severed the 28-year-old victim’s hand and fled with it,the murder came less than two weeks after political thugs killed two youths and beheaded one of them in the Fadeyi area of the state.

Punch learnt that Atupa was attacked in the area around 8pm on October 24,He was said to have been ambushed and hacked with machetes repeatedly by the hoodlums while going about his evening business.Also heard that hoodlums dumped Atupa’s body beside a canal on the street as they left.

It was also learnt that the deceased, who lived on Olusoji Street, Bariga, was attacked because the hoodlums claimed that he was working as an informant for rival political gangs in the area.When PUNCH Metro visited Adifase Street on Tuesday, it was learnt that Atupa’s corpse had been removed from the canal by policemen attached to the Bariga Division, Somolu.

A resident who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal said the hoodlums pursued Atupa into the area and killed him,he said, “On Friday at about 8pm, we were all outside enjoying the evening until we began to hear noises. That is not strange in this area. But we also heard gunshots, and you could feel that some people were running towards our street.

“Everyone was afraid and quickly rushed inside, bolting their doors. From inside my house, I was hearing deep voices of ‘pursue him and kill him’, ‘pursue him and kill him’. But no one could come out to check who it was. When it was morning, we saw the corpse of a man already killed and dumped in the canal.”

It was learnt from a police source that the motorcyclist was not only killed, but one of his arms was also amputated, and taken away by the hoodlums, an act synonymous with a local gang known as the EFCCboys.

When PUNCH Metro got to Atupa’s rented apartment on Olusoji Street, it was learnt from a neighbour that the motorcyclist’s wife had died from an accident, only about two weeks ago, and he was still grieving her death.

It was further gathered that apart from the motorcyclist, another man was attacked and killed the following day by Bajulaiye canal, Bariga Road. The yet-to-be-identified victim was said to have been removed also by policemen from the Bariga Division.Another resident, Mr. Jamiu Oluyomi, said attacks on innocent lives in the area by thugs working for political parties had become commonplace, urging the police to intensify security in the Bariga and Somolu areas of the state.

He said, “These thugs are not ghosts. We know them, the police know them too. They use aliases such as Eyin Bouncing, Ologun, Sean Paul, and Tolu T-boy.”,other hoodlums in the area use the following aliases: Yusuf Omo West, Lateef Fibre, Ogun owo, Rasaki Osanle, and BJ Paul.

Defeating Boko Haram, Nigeria’s responsibility — Britain

The British government has said there is a limit to what assistance it can offer Nigeria as Boko Haram renews its attacks in the North-East.

While acknowledging the complex nature of the insurgency, the British government, through its Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Joyce Anelay, stated that her country was in constant discussion with the Federal Government.

The minister, who was fielding questions from the House of Lords on Thursday, however, said the British government was cautious of what it said about the ongoing insurgency in Nigeria.

She told the parliament, “Nigeria faces a serious threat from Boko Haram. We believe that more than 3,000 people have been killed by Boko Haram this year and more than 1.5 million people have been displaced. We are aware of reports that Nigerian authorities have agreed to a ceasefire with Boko Haram and are in ongoing negotiations. We are also aware of reports of Boko Haram attacks since the ceasefire announcement. We monitor events closely.

“Boko Haram deliberately targets the weak and vulnerable, causing suffering in communities of differing faiths and ethnicities. It has no regard for human life. We are in continual discussion with the Nigerian authorities to press exactly as the noble Baroness says, and we give as much support as we can in intelligence matters.”

During the question-and-answer session, a member of parliament, Caroline Cox, who had made visits to areas worst hit by current militants’ insurrection, urged the British government to put pressure on Nigeria to be more effective in tackling the insurgency.

“I thank the minister for that sympathetic reply. Is she aware that I have visited areas afflicted by Boko Haram and found that the scale of suffering to which she refers massively exceeds that reported by the media?

“Despite reports of a peace agreement with Boko Haram, to which the Minister refers, local people do not believe that the federal and state authorities are sufficiently willing or able to stop Boko Haram’s reign of terror. Therefore, will Her Majesty’s government make the strongest possible representation to the government of Nigeria to do much more to implement effective policies to protect all its citizens from this escalating terrorism?” Cox said.

Responding to her questions and those posed by other members of the parliament, Anelay pointed out that Britain would give Nigeria the strongest support it could, adding that a Sentinel and Tornado GR4 aircraft had already been deployed to assist in the fight against Boko Haram.

She noted, “We are therefore most cautious in what we say in these matters. What I will say is that it is for the Nigerian authorities to resolve the matter. We will give the strongest support we can.”

Police Arraign Three Men For Fingering

The Police in Abuja on Friday arraigned three men before a Zuba Upper Area Court for allegedly fingering a lady without her consent.

The prosecutor, Mr Kelechi Echendu, told the court that the accused persons, Enoch Adeojo, Hilary Elechi and Ebuka Precious committed the act on Oct. 27.He said the three, who were bar men at a hotel in Dawaki area of Abuja, conspired and broke into the private residence of the complainant (name witheld) in Dutsen-Alhaji, where they commited the offence.

The prosecutor explained that the complainant was asleep when the accused persons broke into the residence and assaulted her, adding that she was saved by her neighbours after she shouted for help.

Echendu told the court that the action of the three accused persons was contrary to provisions of section 79 and 284 of the Penal Code.

When their plea was taken, the three denied the charge, and the prosecutor sought for adjournment to enable the police complete investigation.

The presiding Judge, Alhaji Aminu Sa’ad, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody, and adjourned the case Nov. 5 for continuation of hearing.

Over 30 feared dead as three bombs rock bus station in Gombe

About 30 were reported dead after there explosions rocked the popular Gombe Line Transport Services Limited in Gombe State.

According to the police and an eye witnesses the explosions were reported to have occurred around 9:30 am Friday leaving many dead.The Three bombs which were said to be concealed in bags went off during Friday morning rush hour, the latest in a series of attacks targeting commuters blamed on Boko Haram, police and witnesses said.

“We had explosions at the Gombe line motor park…As for the death toll, we are still working on that,” said area police chief Abdullahi Kudu.

An employee of the state-run bus park, Lawanti Aliyu, and other witnesses said three men left bags packed with explosives among the buses which went off at 9:00 am (0800 GMT).

Herdsman kills friend for sleeping with wife

A Magistrate’s Court sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday, remanded a herdsman, Mohammed Ibrahim, in prison custody for allegedly killing his friend, Abdullahi Saliu, for sleeping with his (Ibrahim) wife.

The prosecutor, Corporal Moshood Hammed, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on October 11 at Ojubu Village in Abeokuta.He said the accused killed his friend by hitting him with a stick on his head for sleeping with his wife.

He said: “The accused and the deceased were close friends and lived together in the same apartment.

“When the accused learned that the deceased slept with his wife while he was away from home, a fight ensued between the two men, which led to the murder of Saliu.”

Hammed said the offence contravened Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Laws of Ogun State.

The accused, who had no legal representation and whose plea was not taken by the court, is facing a charge of murder.

The magistrate, Mr. Martins Akinyemi, ordered that the accused be remanded in Oba Prison, while awaiting Director of Public Prosecution’s advice.He, thereafter, adjourned the case to February 11, 2015, for further hearing

Ashanti, 11 Year Old Girl With Alopecia

 The mother of a terminally ill 11-year-old with alopecia said her daughter was forced to remove a pink wig she wore to school as it might encourage others to dye their hair.Ashanti Elliott-Smith suffers from a rare disease which causes her body to age eight times faster than normal and means she is not expected to live past the age of 15.

The pupil at Oakmeeds Community College, West Sussex, was told to take the wig off by a teacher because it was 'not cold in the school' and she felt so humiliated that she has not wanted return.

Her mother, Phoebe Smith, said: 'She was devastated when they told her to take it off. Her little heart was broken. It's disgusting. It is bright but she should have the right to wear whatever colour hair she wants.''She was so proud of her hair but this has put her on a downer.

'When I took her into school three teachers by the office said she looked glamorous and beautiful and said how lovely her wig was.

Ashanti's rare condition, Hutchinson Gilford Progeria, causes symptoms including stunted growth, hair loss, weight loss, wrinkled skin, stiff joints, and heart disease.

The pink wig was donated by friends as Ashanti's family struggles to afford human hair wigs.

Ms Smith said: 'There is no rule about terminally ill children not being able to wear wigs.

'She looks a lot different to other children. We get a lot of bad comments about Ashanti and this knocked her right back.' 

A student, Kate Boyd, commenting on Facebook, said: 'She suffers with alopecia and I think she should be allowed to wear a wig to school if it makes her confident and... makes her feel like anyone else at school.' 

Colin Taylor, Headteacher Oakmeeds Community College, said: 'Ashanti attended school in a large purple wig which was the first time she had appeared in school wearing a wig or any form of head wear.

'Her Learning Mentor, who meets her every morning and supports her throughout the day along with a Learning Support Assistant, spoke to the Head of Year about it.

'At no time to our knowledge did she request special consideration about head wear but we would fully understand it if Ashanti was to need a hat or indeed a wig when the weather gets cold - even indoors.

'In the past other children have worn wigs following serious illness, but ones that were of a natural look - not large brightly coloured ones.

'We are more than happy to discuss this with Ashanti and her mum when College starts again next week after the half term break.'

In June this year it emerged that Ashanti's father stole £3,500 of charity money that was intended for her to go swimming with dolphins.She was given the donation by Sussex British Motorcycle Owners Club (SBMOC) in 2010 so she could go for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to America.

But her father Albi Elliott, 44, hid the money from the rest of the family and within two months had spent it - on trips to Tesco.Blasting his actions as 'callous and despicably devious', the judge at Chichester Crown Court jailed Elliott for three years.

Tim Cook: Apple CEO Comes Out As Gay

Apple CEO Tim Cook has courageously come out as gay. He opened up about his sexuality in a Oct. 30 personal essay for Bloomberg Businessweek.Tim Cook, 53, is now the first Fortune 500 CEO to publicly come out as gay. The Apple CEO revealed his sexuality in an inspiring and brave essay for Bloomberg Businessweek. Tim admits in the essay that he considers “being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.

Tim Cook Speaks Up

At the same time, I believe deeply in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, who said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ” I often challenge myself with that question, and I’ve come to realize that my desire for personal privacy has been holding me back from doing something more important. That’s what has led me to today.

For years, I’ve been open with many people about my sexual orientation. Plenty of colleagues at Apple know I’m gay, and it doesn’t seem to make a difference in the way they treat me. Of course, I’ve had the good fortune to work at a company that loves creativity and innovation and knows it can only flourish when you embrace people’s differences. Not everyone is so lucky.

While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven’t publicly acknowledged it either, until now. So let me be clear: I’m proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me

Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day. It’s made me more empathetic, which has led to a richer life. It’s been tough and uncomfortable at times, but it has given me the confidence to be myself, to follow my own path, and to rise above adversity and bigotry. It’s also given me the skin of a rhinoceros, which comes in handy when you’re the CEO of Apple.

The world has changed so much since I was a kid. America is moving toward marriage equality, and the public figures who have bravely come out have helped change perceptions and made our culture more tolerant. Still, there are laws on the books in a majority of states that allow employers to fire people based solely on their sexual orientation. There are many places where landlords can evict tenants for being gay, or where we can be barred from visiting sick partners and sharing in their legacies. Countless people, particularly kids, face fear and abuse every day because of their sexual orientation.

I don’t consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I’ve benefited from the sacrifice of others. So if hearing that the CEO of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it’s worth the trade-off with my own privacy.

I’ll admit that this wasn’t an easy choice. Privacy remains important to me, and I’d like to hold on to a small amount of it. I’ve made Apple my life’s work, and I will continue to spend virtually all of my waking time focused on being the best CEO I can be. That’s what our employees deserve—and our customers, developers, shareholders, and supplier partners deserve it, too. Part of social progress is understanding that a person is not defined only by one’s sexuality, race, or gender. I’m an engineer, an uncle, a nature lover, a fitness nut, a son of the South, a sports fanatic, and many other things. I hope that people will respect my desire to focus on the things I’m best suited for and the work that brings me joy.

The company I am so fortunate to lead has long advocated for human rights and equality for all. We’ve taken a strong stand in support of a workplace equality bill before Congress, just as we stood for marriage equality in our home state of California. And we spoke up in Arizona when that state’s legislature passed a discriminatory bill targeting the gay community. We’ll continue to fight for our values, and I believe that any CEO of this incredible company, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, would do the same. And I will personally continue to advocate for equality for all people until my toes point up.

When I arrive in my office each morning, I’m greeted by framed photos of Dr. King and Robert F. Kennedy. I don’t pretend that writing this puts me in their league. All it does is allow me to look at those pictures and know that I’m doing my part, however small, to help others. We pave the sunlit path toward justice together, brick by brick. This is my brick.

Man,commits suicide over N1,000 theft

A 32-year-old man, Mr. Simon Mbam, of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has committed suicide after he was tortured by some villagers for allegedly stealing N1,000 from a shop in the market.

The victim, who jumped into a pond in the area last weekend, found himself in the mess when he left his house in the evening of the fateful day to buy drinks with his friends. While late Simon and his friends were busy sipping their drinks, the owner of the shop raised an alarm over a missing N1,000 in his carton of drinks, but no customer admitted to haven taken the money.

The alarm raised by the shop owner attracted villagers who stormed the scene and gave the suspects till the following day to return the money or face the consequences.It was learned that the said missing money was found at the door step of the shop, but when the villagers who were determined to get to the root of the matter gathered, the owner of the shop insisted on knowing the person behind the act.

Vanguard further gathered that the suspect, who later confessed to the crime, was allegedly beaten by the irate villagers until he started bleeding and losing consciousness.

They demanded that he should be treated like a thief, even as he was fined two goats, two crates of beer and N5,000, which were immediately provided by the suspect’s mother (names withheld).

It was gathered that the village head rejected what the suspect’s mother brought, insisting that an additional N5,000 should be provided so that the matter would be completely resolved without involving the police.

This second demand by the villagers made the suspect, who felt humiliated by the entire process, escape from his captors and jumped into Aku Pond, which was not far from the market square.All efforts to rescue him on time proved abortive as he drowned before his body was retrieved by the villagers.

Meanwhile, four persons including the village head, had been arrested by the police after the mother of the victim reported the matter

44 cars, trucks vandalised as NURTW, drivers clash

About 27 cars and 17 trucks were vandalised during a clash between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and other unions at Express Quarry Nigeria Limited, Kilometre 15, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ekefa Village, Ibadan on Tuesday.

PUNCH correspondent learnt that the fight broke out over the payment of N2, 500 by each truck driver to the NURTW.Dangerous weapons were freely used in the fight which started around 9am. Eyewitnesses said many people were injured and taken to the hospital.

According to eyewitnesses, members of the Oluyole Ibadan Granites Sellers and Hauler Association; truck owners, as well as drivers had staged a protest on Monday against further payment to the NURTW office at the quarry.

This led to the visit of some NURTW leaders who promised to look into the issue. But the issue went out of hand on Tuesday, leading to a big fight.

Huge financial losses were incurred by some businessmen who had come to the quarry to purchase granite. A victim, Dada Oyebamiji, said he lost N1.4m while another businessman, Segun Adesina, said he lost N350, 000.

Adamawa on fire: Boko Haram sacks police station, prison

Fighting between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram insurgents escalated in Mubi, Mararaba Mubi and Uba in Adamawa State on Wednesday.

Casualty figures could not be obtained as of 8pm but the development forced the state government to impose 24-hour curfew on the affected communities. Mubi, the second largest town in the state and host of two high institutions, was the worst hit.

Sajoh, who is the director of Press and Public Affairs to the former Governor Murtala Nyako, added, “Mallam Iliyasu of the Bursary Department of the state university, who is trapped in the town said by 2pm, the Police Barracks in the GRA was overrun by the insurgents, the prison was blown open while fighting was going on at the army barracks. The IDP camp at Lamorde area was thrown into confusion.

Sajoh said He said, “This morning, I got a call from my daughter who is a 200-level student. She was hysterical. I was in Abuja for a meeting, but her information forced me to head back to Yola immediately,I ordered her to leave the hostel and join her cousins to escape the town. 

I called my father who confirmed the story. By the time I arrived at Yola airport, the town had fallen to the insurgents.“My parents are trapped while my daughter and her cousins are missing. We have lost contact for six hours.”

“The barracks are the least safe locations in the town. So far, there are no reported cases of killings or abductions. But fear and apprehension have taken over.”

A fleeing resident, Joshua Gajere, said   several people might have been killed during the shootings that lasted for almost two hours in Uba and other villages.

He said, ‘‘We are in serious trouble as these boys (Boko Haram) have taken over our towns, splitting into groups and advancing towards Mararaba, Mubi and Vintim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh. They made the   Nigerian troops to retreat to Mubi’’.

Gajere added, “As I am talking to you now, residents are scampering for safety, ‘Mubi has now become a ghost of itself as people in their hundreds are fleeing for their lives.

‘‘Even here in Maiha, we saw military vehicles zooming off towards Yola, the state capital.’’

Hong Kong Actress Falls To Her Death

Hong Kong actress Colleen Chan was found dead last Friday, after falling from a building in Tseung Kwan O.

As reported on HK Top Ten News, the actress, daughter of filmmaker Frankie Chan, was found dead at Po Lam Estate at about 11pm. Though an ambulance was called, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Colleen was known to have emotional disorder. However, the cause of death is still under investigation.

It was reported that she had also posted a photo, believed to be fellow actress Pauline Chan, who herself jumped out of her 24th-floor apartment window to her death in 2002, four hours before her own untimely death.

In addition, Colleen posted a photo of herself at said building on Facebook with the caption, "To those who like me, or despise me, you will never see me again."

She was 40.

Tom Cruise & Lindsay Lohan Dating: She’s ‘Head Over Heels’

Tom Cruise and Lindsay Lohan are totally hooking up all over London, according to an explosive new report! Has Linds passed the Scientology test?

Tom Cruise, 52, and Lindsay Lohan 28, are both currently in London, and as they explore the city, they have been exploring each other, according to a shocking new report! Could Suri Cruise, 8, be getting a new mommy?!

Ini Edo’s Newly Acquired Luxurious N70m Naira Mansion

Nollywood actress,Ini Edo is not allowing scars from the past bother her, she has moved on to bigger and greater things. According to E24-7 Magazine, Ini has reportedly purchased a N70million home in Lekki, Lagos for herself and siblings……..See photos below:

Female Banker Arraigned In Court For Diverting LASTMA's N6.6m

Lagos State Magistrates’ Court, has arraigned a female banker, Bola Ogunlowo, for allegedly diverting N6.6m belonging to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, for her personal use.
 
Also charged with the 38-year old cashier working with a new generation bank was Omotayo Zachariah Adesola, 36, a resident of 22, Adetula Street, Mushin, Lagos State, alleged to have conspired with Ogunlowo to commit the offence.
 
The suspects were arrested by the police at the Bar Beach Division, Victoria Island, Lagos and after investigation, they were charged to court on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony to wit, fraud and conversion.
 
The police prosecutor, Sgt Babatope Julius, told the court that the banker and her accomplice committed the offence between April and September, 2014 at the LASTMA and VIO’s cash collection centre, Iponri branch of the bank, Lagos.
 
Julius said the management of the bank reported to the police that their cashier in charge of LASTMA and VIO’s cash collection centre collected the money as revenue and converted it to her personal use.
 
He said the bank management discovered the fraud when they audited the account of the Iponri branch office.He said the accused persons were charged to court when they could not give satisfactory account of the money during investigation.
 
Julius noted that the offences the accused committed are punishable under sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
 
The suspects pleaded not guilty to the offences in the open court.
 
The presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs F.O. Aigbokhaevbo, admitted them on bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
 
Aigbokhaevbo adjourned the matter till 7 November, 2014 for mention.
  

Ogunlowo and Adesola, were remanded in Kirikiri and Ikoyi prisons, Lagos, respectively pending when they will fulfill their bail conditions.

Task force seizes 30 bikes, raids Computer Village

Officials of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences have impounded 30 motorcycles in the Iju-Ishaga area of the state.The task force also dislodged traders selling their wares at the Computer Village, Ikeja in a bid to stop street trading. It arrested four of the traders.

The task force officials had on Monday swooped on commercial motorcycle riders plying the Iju-Ishaga Road, which is said to be a restricted route.The officials chased the okada riders and impounded their motorcycles.

It was learnt that the okada riders abandoned their bikes and took to their heels to avoid being arrested and prosecuted.

The task force Chairman, Bayo Sulaiman, said residents of the area had been complaining that okada riders were plying prohibited routes and obstructing traffic in the area.He said, “The task force wanted people to know that it had not relented in its enforcement activities, as being speculated in some quarters. Any motorcyclist arrested, will be charged to court and their bikes forfeited to government.”

Sulaiman added that the task force visited Computer Village to dislodge traders peddling their wares on the streets and warned that the enforcement officials would continue to monitor activities in the area on a daily basis to ensure that traders were off the streets.He said another raid on Monday evening revealed that many of the traders were back on the streets hawking their wares.

“The task force raided the village and arrested four traders while others fled,” he added.

According to Sulaiman, the task force will not relent in enforcing the ban on street trading. He said the four people arrested would be charged to court to serve as a deterrent to others.

He said, “We will ensure that the Computer Village is cleaned up and we don’t want trading on the streets at the village. We are warning them that if any of them comes to the road again to sell, we will seize their goods.

“A lot of people believe that we have relaxed in enforcement; but we have not. We will ensure that places like Oshodi and Obalende- that have been cleared of street trading and street urchins- are well policed so that the traders and area boys do not come back to turn these places to nuisance.”

Alibaba's Jack Ma tops China rich list: Forbes

Jack Ma, founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba, is China's richest person with a fortune of nearly $20 billion, as billionaires increase despite a slowdown in the country's economy, Forbes magazine said Tuesday.

The number of Chinese billionaires surged to 242 this year from 168 in 2013, Forbes said in its annual "China Rich List", which ranks the wealthy.

Ma's personal wealth ballooned to $19.5 billion from $7.1 billion last year after his company's record breaking initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange in September, according to the magazine.The entrepreneur also topped a similar list released last month by China-based luxury magazine publisher Hurun, which put his wealth at a much higher estimate of $25 billion.

Alibaba was founded 15 years ago with $60,000 pooled together from Ma's friends, and is now valued at more than $240 billion after listing in the United States.

Ma, the former English teacher turned Internet visionary, reaped more than $800 million from selling shares through the IPO, according to company filings.

Wang Jianlin, whose private conglomerate Wanda bought US cinema chain AMC, was knocked out of first place and slipped to fourth this year, the Forbes list showed.

A "challenging" year for the domestic real estate sector, the main source of Wang's wealth, has seen his fortune shrink to $13.2 billion from $14.1 billion last year, it said.

China's economy expanded 7.3 percent in the third quarter, its slowest pace in more than five years, in part because of government moves to rein in real estate prices.

The technology sector fared better than traditional industries amid China's economic slowdown, commanding the top three spots and taking up half of the top 10, according to Forbes.

"Entrepreneurship is still thriving in China," said Russell Flannery, Shanghai bureau chief for Forbes and compiler of the list.

Robin Li - founder of Baidu, China's version of Google - ranked second with wealth of $14.7 billion, while Pony Ma of Tencent, parent of China's most popular messaging app WeChat, sat in third place with $14.4 billion.

Lei Jun of rapidly rising mobile phone maker Xiaomi took eighth with $9.1 billion, and Richard Liu of e-commerce site JD.com - which competes with Alibaba - was in 10th position with $7.1 billion.

Completing the top 10, Li Hejun of renewable energy firm Hanergy was in fifth place with $13.0 billion, followed by beverage tycoon Zong Qinghou of Wahaha with $11.0 billion in sixth and nonferrous metals firm Amer's Wang Wenyin with $10.0 billion in seventh.

He Xiangjian, founder of home appliance maker Midea, took ninth with $7.5 billion

Ebola discrimination against Nigerians must stop, says President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday in Abuja restated Federal Government’s displeasure over the continued stigmatisation of Nigerians by some countries over the Ebola virus disease.

A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, quoted the president as making the remark when the Foreign Ministers of Germany and France visited him at the Presidential Villa.

Jonathan, according to the statement, said he expected that Nigerians would no longer suffer discriminatory checks and stigmatisation abroad now that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had certified the country Ebola-free.

He emphasised that there was no justifiable basis for the stigmatisation of Nigerians since Ebola was rapidly contained in the country and never attained epidemic level.

The statement quoted him as telling the French Foreign Minister, Mr Laurent Fabius, and his German counterpart, Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, that Nigeria would remain fully vigilant to prevent the re-entry of the virus.

This, according to him, is because the Federal Government recognised that the country will remain at risk as long as Ebola is active in other West African countries or any other part of the world.

“Jonathan assured the visiting ministers that Nigeria would cooperate fully with other concerned nations to stop the current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa as quickly as possible.

“The ministers told the president that they were in Nigeria to seek further cooperation with the federal government in the growing global effort to contain the outbreak and continued spread of the virus.

“They praised Nigeria’s successful containment of the virus and expressed the desire of France, Germany and the European Union to help other West African countries where the virus still remains active,” the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Nigeria was certified Ebola-free by the WHO on Oct. 20, three months after the virus entered the country through a Liberian-American traveler, late Mr Patrick Sawyer.

The country has won global acclaim for its successful control and containment of the virus, making it a global reference point in the management of the disease.

Stop Plumping Your Lips — You’re Already Beautiful

Kylie, you were and are an absolutely lovely-looking young woman. But in new selfies on your Instagram and Shots.com pages, it appears that your lips are getting bigger and bigger. Kylie, you’re gorgeous just the way you are!

Redknapp disagrees with Mourinho on Mikel

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has questioned Jose Mourinho’s decision to bring on John Obi Mikel against Manchester United on Sunday, insisting that the Chelsea boss should have learned his lesson from the game against Manchester City.

The Blues travelled to Old Trafford on Sunday looking to continue their unbeaten run this season and it seemed like that would be made even sweeter, as Didier Drogba gave them a second-half lead.

Mourinho decided to shut up shop with roughly 20 minutes left and sent on midfield enforcer Mikel to nullify United’s attacking threat. However, that move backfired and a stoppage-time goal from Robin van Persie stole a point for the hosts.

Mourinho did the exact thing at the Etihad last month when a late goal from Frank Lampard earned a point for City, which Redknapp believes Mourinho should have learned from.

The former Spurs man told Daily Mail, “That’s twice now – against City and United – Chelsea have been 1-0 up, brought on Jon Obi Mikel and conceded late on. It’s not him as a player, it’s the message of the manager.

“Jose is a safety first boss but when you make that switch, it tells the team to sit back and defend. Unfortunately for him, it’s not working.”

Wizkid Arrested For Smoking Weed In Nairobi

According to Nairobian website, Standardmedia, Wizkid was arrested in Nairobi for smoking weed. He was arrested from his Nairobi Crown Plaza hotel room on Saturday afternoon and quizzed by police only hours before his flight back to Lagos.

The arrest was in connection with allegations that he was caught smoking illegal substances. 

The incident happened at around 1pm just as the Caro singer was checking out of his hotel room where he had been staying for a week, since his concert which took place the previous week. According to standardmedia sources, Wizkid was caught smoking ‘weed’ inside the hotel in which smoking is prohibited. 

The hotel’s Front Officer asked him why he was smoking before the two got into a heated argument attracting security officers who ended up calling the police to arrest him. 

Before police officers cuffed him and drove him to Capital Hill police station where he was quizzed, the hotel had already charged him with Sh50, 000 smoking penalty, which he paid through his credit card. Coming to his rescue was his newly found Kenyan flame Victoria Kimani, who followed him to the police station shortly after he had been arrested. 

Victoria had been with the singer at the hotel the previous day. Wizkid was due to leave for Lagos at around 3pm and was forced to cancel the flight due to the drama.

Policeman turns blind after assault by naval rating

Having served in the Nigeria Police Force for about 30 years, the plan of ASP Emmanuel Mbilla was to retire in 2018 after which he would set up his own private security firm.

However, Emmanuel’s dream was cut short on February 22, 2014 after a life-changing encounter with a naval rating, Warrant officer Unaji Enejor, in the Kirikiri area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the 50-year-old victim was attacked in the eye by the naval rating, causing him to lose his sight completely.It was learnt that prior to the attack, Emmanuel’s left eye had already been damaged by Glaucoma.

The victim’s landlady, Mrs. Olasumbo Agunbiade, who witnessed the incident, told our correspondent that trouble started after Enejor drove recklessly and rammed into Emmanuel’s wife’s shop.

She said, “I am the landlady of the property at 25, Agunbiade Street, Kirikiri Town, Apapa. Emmanuel’s wife, Caroline, sells drinks right in front of the house. Around 3.30pm on February 22, Emmanuel and his wife were seated in front of the shop when a man in a red Honda car rammed into their shop.

“When Emmanuel accosted the driver, the man alighted from the vehicle and identified himself as a navy man and Emmanuel in turn, identified himself as a police officer. The man wanted to leave but Emmanuel told him that he could not leave without at least apologising and the navy man just used his car key to poke Emmanuel in the eye.

“Emmanuel fell to the floor and started screaming, ‘I have lost my sight’. When the navy man saw the severity of the injury he had inflicted on Emmanuel, he jumped into his car and sped off. However, as residents were chasing him, he drove into a gutter and we arrested him.”

We learnt that as residents were attempting to take Enejor to the Kirikiri Police Station, two of his colleagues on a motorcycle, arrived the scene and started beating the residents in a bid to rescue their colleague.

It was learnt that a few minutes later, the crowd was able to overwhelm the navy men and the suspect was taken to the Kirikiri Police Division but was later released.

However, there was no respite for Emmanuel who was taken to about four hospitals where he was told that he may never see again.

A medical report issued by the Eye Foundation Hospital and signed by Dr. Olufemi Oderinlo, the Consultant Opthalmic surgeon/Vitereoretinal specialist on March 3, stated that the victim would need to be flown abroad for treatment for any hope of regaining his sight.

The report read in part, “At his (Emmanuel’s) first visit, visual acuity in the right eye was light perception with poor projection and no perception of light in the left eye. Examination of the ocular adnexae revealed severe lid oedema, moderate ptosis, severe sub-conjuctiva haemorrhage and chemosis with sustured multiple scleral lacerations.

Patience said her husband, who is attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, required 24-hour monitoring and this had affected the family.

She called on well-meaning Nigerians and the government to come to their aid.

She said, “I am asking Nigerians, the government, and especially that of Abia State to come to our aid. We are asking Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who represents Abia-North, to help us. We have been seriously affected and we have spent so much on my husband’s treatment. Also, we are demanding for justice for my husband.

One German killed, one abducted in Sagamu

Gunmen have opened fire on two vehicles carrying German nationals in southwest Nigeria, with one killed at the scene and another abducted, police and the construction firm Julius Berger said Monday.

“About four armed men emerged from the bush near Sagamu (in Ogun state) on Friday morning and attacked,” police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi told AFP. “A bullet hit one German and he was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while the hoodlums abducted another German.”

A Julius Berger spokeswoman in Nigeria said the two were travelling in two separate vehicles, without their security escort.

Man, 28, sentenced to 6 days community service for stealing pot of soup

A Somolu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Monday sentenced a 28- year-old man, Abiodun Ojedokun,  to six days of community service for stealing a large pot of soup.

The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, sentenced the convict to 48 hours of community service  for each of the three-count charge, after he had pleaded guilty to them.“Based on the facts of this case before this court, the confirmed report and your plea of leniency, I hereby sentence you to 48 hours community service on each of the counts of the charge,” Osunsanmi said.

The convict, arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing, pleaded guilty to all the charges preferred against him.

The prosecutor, ASP Akinlabi Adegoke, told the court that the convict, who was a casual worker and whose address was unknown, committed the offences on Sept. 20 at 2:00 a.m. at the Onipanu Model Market in Somolu, Lagos State.“The accused connived with some others, now at large, to break into one Mrs Gbadamosi Sanni’s shop at 2:00 a.m.

“They broke the locks and stole her large pot of soup, valued at N8,000,” Adegoke said.

The prosecutor told the court that the offences contravened Sections 285, 308 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Ojedokun pleaded guilty to the charges and asked for leniency, claiming that he committed the offence because he was starving. (NAN)

Mob hacks suspected thief in Calabar

An unidentified suspected burglar was on Sunday inflicted with deep machete cuts after he was caught attempting to steal wine and alcoholic beverages from a shop along the Atu Street intersection of Goldie Street in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The burglar was said to have broken into the shop in the early hours of the day with three other accomplices who managed to escape from the scene of the incident.

PUNCH correspondent, who visited the scene around 8.30am observed that the man was stripped of his shirt, but still wore a black pair of jeans.

The suspect, who was lying on his back had severe machete wounds all over his body but was still breathing and his eyes were open.He was later conveyed by the police to the General Hospital, Calabar, at about 8.45 am.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Hogan Bassey, confirmed the incident, saying some items were retrieved from the burglar.

While appreciating the gesture by members of the public in tackling crime, Bassey warned that suspects should be handed over to the police instead of attempting to kill them.

He said, “The facts are correct. Wine and other stolen items were recovered from the suspect who is responding to treatment at the hospital. We have not verified his name.

“We appreciate members of the public for their cooperation but we do not encourage them to beat suspects to a coma as it will impede the process of investigation.”

Robbers write Lagos residents, demand end-of-year gifts

Residents of Onimaba, College Bus stop, Ikotun Road, Igando, Lagos have been living in fear since last week Thursday when a letter purportedly written by armed robbers circulated their streets.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the letter, which was typed on an A4 paper and scattered on the streets, was noticed by residents as they woke up on Thursday morning.About 20 copies of the letter were said to have been picked up from streets such as Lateef Bello, Ogunbewon, Taiwo Adediran, and Alhaji Hamzat.

PUNCH correspondent learnt that the people called the attention of landlords to the document, and the landlords association was said to have reported at the Igando Police Division.

During a visit to the area on Friday afternoon, PUNCH Metro obtained a copy of the letter.

In the paper, the robbers wrote that residents should be prepared to ‘entertain’ them as they were coming for their end-of-the-year packages. The robbers added that they could strike the area at any time they deemed fit.

The letter reads, “Be prepared, be prepared, be prepared. Our dues must be paid this festive season. Nobody can stop us as we can strike at any time. Only enough money can save your life.“To be forewarned is to be fore-harmed. We have warned you in this area, and if you have ears, you ought to hear.”

Speaking with PUNCH Metro, one of the landlords, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said the robbers also dispatched the letter to neighbouring areas such as Pako and Irepodun.

He said, “On Thursday morning, around 4.30am when people normally start to go to work, we noticed the papers scattered on our streets. Some unknown persons, no doubt, had dumped the letter overnight in the area.“We have about 18 streets in the area. When we saw it, we called on our CDA chairman, Alhaji Sarumi, who in turn called on the police at Igando.”

“We are calling on the police to intensify efforts in securing our area. We want the Area Commander, Area M Idimu, and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad to beam their searchlight on our areas.”

The Lagos State Police spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, however said the residents had yet to report to the police. He added that the public should always avail the police of relevant information to enable them ensure security of lives and property.

Gunmen kill 300-level UNIBEN student on campus

There was pandemonium at the Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin on Friday when a 300-level student of the Department of Chemistry, Gbenedio Ejyroghene, was gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen.

Ejyroghene, popularly called “Kazito,” was taking part in a jeans carnival organised for final-year students of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at the 1000-Lecture Theatre field of the faculty when he was shot in the head by the assailants around 7pm.

His body has been deposited at the Benin Teaching Hospital morgue. The matter is now being handled by the police at the Ugbowo Police station.

Some students say they suspect it might have been as a result of a fallout between rival cult groups.  

Photo credit: Punch

60 children killed in Syrian air raids

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian regime airstrikes have killed 182 people, including 60 children under the age of 18, over the past week.

Rami Abdel-Rahman, Observatory Director, said on Monday in Beirut that they have been able to document the martyrdom of 182 civilians, including 60 children, 38 women and 84 men, as a result of strikes by warplanes and helicopters during the past seven days.

He added that 300 other civilians were also wounded.

Abdel-Rahman said Syrian government forces have carried out 602 air raids on rebel-held areas since last Sunday,he said elsewhere, members of the al-Qaeda affiliated al-Nusra Front launched a major assault on the northern city of Idlib.

“The attack was carried out by some rebels inside the city and others from al-Nusra Front who were positioned outside Idlib, mainly on its outskirts,” he said.

Abdel-Rahman said four suicide bombers blew themselves up at on army checkpoint at the outskirts of the city, a regime hold-out in the rebel-dominated north-western province, killing at least 10 troops.

Mrs Carter-Beyonce Pays Homage to Jay Z

 A day after it was revealed they renewed their wedding vows in Paris, Beyonce stepped out with a new look and a jacket which had "Mrs Carter" inscribed on the back..Beyonce always has a way of responding to news about her via pictures.I guess this outfit confirms she is indeed dedicated to Jay Z as his wife..

A mother poisoned herself and her two young daughters

A mother poisoned herself and her two young daughters by drinking acid after falling out with her live-in mother and father-in-law, an inquest has heard.

Heena Solanki, 34, was found dead in her bed alongside Jasmine, nine, and Prisha, four, by her widower at their home in Ruislip, west London.The biochemist had forced her two girls to drink the toxic substance and had strangled them before taking the poison and strangling herself.Her husband said..

‘Prior to her death I believed that Heena was happy and content,’ he said. ‘We lived a nice life with our two children, Jasmine and Prisha…
‘The only thing that I was aware of that made her unhappy was that we lived with my parents. This issue got her down at times but it’s the only issue I can think of.’There were obviously things she didn’t talk to me about which I didn’t know. I’m aware of that now.’

He added that they had decided to move out but had not yet told his parents.

According to Dailymail ,Mrs Solanki’s friend, Branali Chambhare, who said she had confided in her that ‘her father-in-law was a bit cranky and a bit problematic’.

She added that she had cried about her problems with him on one occasion but did not think she was depressed.
Mrs Chambhare said her friend had also clashed with her husband and his parents about their daughters’ studies as ‘she pressurized her children’.She said Mrs Solanki never spoke of being depressed or harming herself but used to say she wanted to go and live in India with her children.

Pastor, son, 28 others killed in Adamawa State

At least one pastor, his son and 28 other Christians were killed last Sunday in the villages of Gindin Waya and Sondi in Wukari Local Government Council of Adamawa State by suspected Hausa-Fulani insurgents.

Confirming the development in a protest letter addressed to the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, president of Christian Reformed Church, Nigeria, CRC-N, Rev. Caleb Ahima with heavy heart drew the attention of the CAN president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor alleged carnage and genocide by Islamic insurgents in the Wukari LGA, since February 2014.

“I am appealing to the CAN national president, Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor, to present their continued plight before the Federal Government wade in to the bloodshed in southern Taraba. The Hausa-Fulani North seems determined to wipe southern Taraba off the map of this country. What is happening? How come that one local government area has been attacked seven times now and it seems as if the country has no good security intelligence gathering network, or that security reports are not being used?” the CRC-N president appealed.

According to Pastor Ahima, the predominantly Christian southern part of the state, precisely the Wukari LGA, came under attack again on Sunday, adding that the villages of Gindin Waya and Sondi were attacked while Christians had gathered to worship their Creator.

“This is the third time that the Muslims have attacked Christians on Sunday in the area. The attack of Sunday led to the death of four persons in Gindin Waya, and 27 persons in Sondi.

“Among the dead are the pastor of the Sondi Church and his only male child. The huge army of insurgents that attacked Sondi were dressed in Nigeria Army uniform. What is happening in Nigeria?” the CRC-N president stated.

Continuing, he said reports reaching the headquarters of the CRC-N Church in Takum, southern Taraba State, also confirmed that another pastor, Nuhu Useni, was killed by the Hausa-Fulani as he went to see his farm, noting that the body of the fallen pastor was expected in Wukari, the capital of the LGA on Monday for burial.

“When I contacted the chairman of the Christian Association of Wukari, he confirmed all that is stated above. Besides, he also informed me that Sunday’s attacks and destruction of human lives and property was because security tips were ignored by the security agents as expected,” he added.

He alleged that the state government which has the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens as provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, appears to have interest in these killings and displacement of people, with attendant sufferings by women and children especially.

He therefore appealed to the CAN President, Pastor Oritsejafor, to intervene by letting the Federal Government wade in to the bloodshed in southern Taraba, observing that the Hausa-Fulani north seems determined to wipe southern Taraba off the map of this country.

“What is happening? How come that one local government area has been attacked seven times now and it seems as if the country has no good security intelligence gathering network, or that security reports are not being used?” He lamented.

My boobs brought me to limelight—Ronke Ojo

You have big boobs, have they caused you any embarrassment?

Before now, I get ashamed of them. But I later began to see the beautiful side and stopped hiding them because they fit me. People appreciate my boobs and I also love it. My boobs are one of the things that brought me to limelight in the movie industry.

Is your boobs your selling point?

Yes, it is and apart from that it is one part of my body I cherish most.

Pirates kill four policemen, abduct six in Bayelsa

There was apprehension in Bayelsa State on Saturday as gunmen said to sea pirates allegedly killed four policemen and abducted six persons.

The killing of the policemen and the abduction of the six persons were said to have been carried out in two separate operations in the state.While the killing of the policemen took place along the Santa Barbara waterways, the six were abducted along the Nembe waterways in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

SUNDAY PUNCH learnt the gunmen also seized a gunboat belonging to the Nigeria Police in an incident that occurred about 1:30pm on Friday.It was learnt the gunboat was escorting a barge owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company when the pirates attacked it.

It was further learnt that the pirates, who operated on a speedboat, laid ambush for the gunboat and opened fire on the policemen.They were said to have killed the policemen, who were taken unawares. They subsequently took away the gunboat and their arms.

The incident was also said to have delayed the movement of prominent personalities travelling to Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area for the funeral of an uncle to former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said he was in Abuja for a programme.Also, in response to an enquiry, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu, sent a message that he was in a meeting.

FG to ban commercial motorcycles nationwide

The use of motorcycles as commercial means of transport in Nigeria, popularly known as ‘Okada’ or ‘Achaba’ may soon be banned throughout the country.The proposal for the ban was made by the National Council on Transport after its annual conference in Enugu State and endorsed by the Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Transport on Saturday evening stated that the ban of commercial motorcycle was one of the measures proposed towards adequate provision of safety and secure transportation in Nigeria.

It said the recommendation was contained in a statement of the week long meeting which had in attendance all the state commissioners of transport, permanent secretaries, directors and officials in the federal and state ministries of transport across the country.

The council advised all states in the federation to henceforth discourage the use of commercial motorcycles as a means of public transportation.

“All states and the Federal Capital Territory have therefore been advised to establish a public transport system that ensure strict regulation of the operation of public passenger transportation system through a well-articulated management system for enhanced safety, security, effective and efficient service delivery,” the statement said.

It added, “The states are to also develop master plans for the development of intelligent transport system to facilitate the development and management of their transport operations in line with emerging trends and global best practices.”

The statement noted that the council also agreed that all commercial vehicles should be properly registered in each state while their enumeration should be carried out periodically to enhance safety and security.

Soldiers allegedly shoots two persons on Environmental Day in Ondo

It was a bloody weekend at Igbotako in Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State as two persons were allegedly shot by soldiers attached to Okitipupa Local Government Council, while several others were badly injured.

The deceased simply identified as Sunday Adejuwon and Yomi Akinyemi were said to have been shot through a stray bullet following a clash between the Okitipupa local government Chairman, Niyi Gbirinsola and people of Igbotako.

Eyewitnesses told DailyPost that crisis broke out when the council boss stormed the community to arrest violators of environmental sanitation exercise.

It was gathered that the people shunned the Sanitation exercise on the grounds that the this month environmental day fell on their Market Day and that they couldn’t abandon their businesses for the exercise.

The people’s reactions, was said to have provoked Gbirinsola, who allegedly invited soldiers at the Okitipupa Barrack to the community in an attempt to scare the residents, but in that process, two people were allegedly shot dead by stray bullets, while several others got injured.

Speaking on the matter, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Wale Ogodo said he could not give details on the incident.

He added that the State Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke was on his way to the community as at the time of filing this report to access the level of the incident.

But a Legal Practitioner, Bode Famakin condemned the actions of the soldiers, with a warning that they must avoid being used by politicians.Famakin, who is an indigene of the community described the incident as barbaric, stressing that he does not know when the law of Nigeria allows killings of environmental offenders.

He charged the State Commissioner of Police to bring the perpetrators to book.

Aguero: I miss having Balotelli at Manchester City

Balotelli spent two of his three years at City alongside Aguero, with the pair famously combining for the last-minute goal against QPR that sealed the club's first Premier League title win in dramatic fashion in May 2012.

Since then the fortunes of the two men have gone in contrasting directions. Balotelli departed first City and then AC Milan in acrimonious circumstances and is currently being widely criticised for failing to live up to his £16 million price tag at Liverpool, scoring just once in his first 10 appearances in all competitions and causing controversy by swapping shirts with Pepe at half-time of Wednesday's 3-0 humbling by Real Madrid at Anfield.

"I still miss Mario Balotelli being at City," Aguero reveals in his new autobiography, 'Born to rise: My story', serialised by the Daily Mirror. "Even though he used to drive us all nuts."We all knew Mario was a little crazy. The thing was, Mario was crazy when he wanted to be. He’d do daft things whenever he felt like it because he thought he could.

"We’d go out on the training pitch and he’d kick the balls away in different directions just to be silly, or he’d throw cheese over people when he was sat in the dining room."I couldn’t help but wind him up, calling him silly names and toying with him. But he knew it was because I loved Mario – everyone loved him."

Aguero also revealed that the rest of the City squad were kept in the dark about Balotelli's now infamous 'Why always me?' t-shirt celebration during City's 6-1 mauling of Manchester United at Old Trafford in October 2011."Nobody knew he had that t-shirt on when we played United at Old Trafford – he must have hidden it beneath a vest," the Argentine insisted. "If we'd known we'd have told him to take it off.

"But later when I looked at the ‘Why Always Me?’ message on the front, I told him that if he was calmer and didn’t do so many things, it probably wouldn’t always be him."