Money printing fraud: FG may extradite ex-Mint boss, Emmanuel Okomoyon to UK…Now in EFCC net

Okomoyon

The United Kingdom has requested the extradition of a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, Mr. Emmanuel Okomoyon, to face prosecution in relation to an alleged scam involving printing of polymer notes.

A source at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission confided in one of our correspondents that the process of extraditing Okomoyon to the UK was being facilitated by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation under a mutual agreement for legal assistance request by the British government.

The Head of Media and Publicity, EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed on Monday that the British government had contacted the Federal Government to have the former Mint MD extradited.

“There was an extradition request on him by the UK government,” he said.

Amaju Pinnick becomes new NFA President

R: Amaju being congratulated

Delta State Sports Association head Amaju Pinnick has emerged the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFA) after an election held in Warri on Tuesday afternoon.

His emergence is expected to bring an end to the rigmarole in the country’s football sector that has earned the ire of Fifa over the last four months.

Pinnick led the field with 32 votes, far ahead of the other candidates as Dominic Iorfa polled eight (8) votes and Taiwo Ogunjobi got four (4) votes.

Running on the campaign of reconciliation, Pinnick is expected to bring together the torn football house.

Baba Dee robbed in Berlin as he premieres Head Gone

Baba Dee

It is no longer news that multi-talented entertainer Dare Fasasi popularly known as Baba Dee recently premiered his star studded and wave making comedy film, Head Gone in Berlin, Germany.

The big and ugly news is that the musician cum filmmaker was actually robbed in broad daylight in Berlin, while the well applauded world premiere of the critically acclaimed satire he directed was going on, this SHOWBIZPLUSng can authoritatively report.

“The world premiere in Berlin, Germany, was very huge. The movie received critical acclaim from film critics over there. But painfully, I was robbed in Germany after the premiere. Pirates targeted Head Gone and stole my bag that contained several documents and materials from the film.

The attack happened at the hotel lobby and was reported to the German police who saw the footage on CCTV. They had already started investigation and also promised to unravel and arrest those behind the attack,” angry Baba Dee told SHOWBIZPLUSng.

Piracy: Nollywood producer floors NCC, MyTV in court

DG NCC, Afam Ezekude

The stage is now set for a fresh tussle involving Nollywood producer, Charles Uche Ayika,  the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and a cable television station, MyTV, following allegations of copyright infringements of the film, ‘Arrows of Love,’ by Ayika.

This is coming on the heels of a court judgment by Justice E. S Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja in favour of the producer, who was prosecuted by the NCC for ‘obstructing an officer of the commission from carrying out his duties’. The judge had in the ruling noted that NCC was on a vengeance mission by prosecuting the producer who had earlier written a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Attorney General of the Federation (Adoke Bello), when it appeared NCC was reluctant to prosecute MyTV for the violation.

MyTV had unethically acquired the film from Godson Uzor Nwosu of Guniks Investments, the current chairman of the Onitsha movie Marketers’ Association and Romanus Ibiam Eze of Romey Bright Productions.

Trending Photos: Big Brother Hotshots reveals last two Housemates +Their profiles

Frankie - Rwanda

Arthur - Rwanda

 Behold the two last men standing as BBA concludes the revelation of its Hotshots Housemates ahead of its launch in South Africa on Sunday, October 5.

Non stop excitement as Utere family wins Maltina Dance All Season 8...Grabs N10m + Other goodies

Utere family celebrating with their N10m cheque

  Nigerians have crowned the Utere family from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State the winners of the 2014 edition of family dance TV show, Maltina Dance All 8 (MDA), amid nonstop excitement and celebrations. After weeks of suspense, drama and excitement which kept millions of Nigerians glued to their television screens, the Utere’s gallantly went home with the star prize of a whopping N10 million after securing the largest number of votes in the keenly contested competition, this SHOWBIZPLUSng can authoritatively report.

Photo of the day: NB Plc big boy, Walter Drenth unveils family!

Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth and his family at the MDA8 grand finale...recently

How Geoffrey Oji won MTN Project Fame Season 7…Gets N5m, SUV, recording deal

L-R: Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, Corporate Services Executive of MTN, and Dr. Michael Onyia, NCC Commissioner, presenting the winning prize cheque of N5m and an SUV key to Geoffrey Oji.

An amazing evening filled with all the glitz of super TV reality show has produced a new musical superstar, Geoffrey Oji.  Very few would have guessed the electrifying stage-craft of Nigerian dance queen, Kaffy, and the legendary showing of Sir Shina Peters were a prelude to the crowning of the Benue-born Geoffrey. The big moment was mind-blowing as thousands of audience leaped to their feet in suspense when the exceptional winner was announced.

 SHOWBIZPLUSng can authoritatively report that with the emergence of Geoffrey as the winner of MTN Project Fame Season 7, he is now a member of the prestigious league of exceptional superstars that comprises Iyanya, Chidinma Praiz and more. As well, the N5m winning prize, an SUV and a recording contract, the journey to greatness lies assuredly within his grasp. Speaking shortly after he was unveiled, the young man was full of appreciation and projection.

Abuja in party mood as Jonathan decorates 313 Nigerians with national honours

Stephanie Okereke receiving her national honour from Jonathan few years ago

The city of Abuja was agog this morning as President Goodluck Jonathan today, Monday conferred different categories of national honours on 313 persons who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour.

Among those honoured at the ceremony which was held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja were a taxi driver, Mr. Imeh Usuah; a traffic warden, Cpl. Solomon Dauda; and a steward, Mr. Onuh Isaac, who have displayed exemplary performances.

The three of them got house gifts in the Federal Capital Territory from the President in addition to their national awards, Member of the Order of the Niger.

Jonathan also directed that the designer of the national flag, Pa Michael Akinkunmi, be placed on the salary of a Special Assistant to the President for life in addition to his national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic.

Nigeria’s flag designer now Jonathan’s adviser, gets lifetime salary

Jonathan decorating Pa Akinkunmi

President Goodluck Jonathan has placed Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian Flag, on the salary of a Special Assistant forever, according to a tweet by the Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Reno Omokri (@renoomokri).

Taiwo Akinkunmi is a Retired Nigerian civil servant (born May 10, 1936) and famous for designing the Flag of Nigeria, popular called Mr Flag Man.

The national flag is an adaptation of the winning entry from Taiwo Akinkunmi in a competition held in 1959. The original had a red sun with streaming rays placed at the top of the white stripe. This was removed by the judges and the flag has not been altered since.

The designer of the national flag was Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a twenty three-year-old student. He was studying at Norwich Technical College in England when he saw an advertisement in a newspaper that entries were being accepted for the design of a new National flag.

Trending Photos: Fun as Big Brother unveils second Nigerian, two other Hotshots Housemate + their Profiles

Tayo - Nigeria

Sipe - Malawi

Trezegah - Mozambique

SHOWBIZPLUSng presents you the new hottie Hotshots Housemates recently unveiled by Big Brother Africa, ahead of its season nine global launch in South Africa, this Sunday, October 5. Check them out below in pictures and profiles.

TB Joshua’s woes compounded as Lagos govt says it has technically taken over Synagogue

The collapsed Synagogue building that killed 115

General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun-Odunayo, in this interview, speaks on the recent collapsed building belonging to the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, the intricacies surrounding it, the next line of action by the state government, among others. Excerpts:

Emerging Nollywood diva and beauty queen, Ebinabor Potts-Johnson shares her intimate secrets + How she coped in a polygamous home

Ebinabor

Ebinabor

In this hearty chat monitored by SHOWBIZPLUSng, ex-beauty queen and emerging Nollywood actress Ebinabor Potts-Johnson speaks candidly on a wide range of issues affecting her public and private lives.

Jonathan bombs Tinubu, Fashola, says Ikimi’s defection, final blow to APC

L-R: Jonathan and Tinubu

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday described the defection of a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom IKmi, from All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party as spelling the end of the APC.

He also vowed that the Peoples Democratic Party would win Edo and Rivers states in the 2015 and 2016 general and governorship elections in the two states.

President Jonathan spoke during the PDP South-South unity rally held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, the Edo State capital.

While welcoming Tom Ikimi and other former members of the APC, including national and state assembly members, back to the party, he stated that the defection from the APC to the PDP, led by Ikimi, meant that “the last oxygen has been removed.”

Finally: Hollywood star, George Clooney marries lawyer lover in Venice

Clooney and new wife, Amal

Hollywood star George Clooney has married human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in Venice, in one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the showbusiness year.

A host of fellow stars descended on the city’s canals for the union between the film world’s most eligible bachelor, 53, and Ms Alamuddin, 36.

The ceremony was celebrated in a hotel overlooking the famous Grand Canal.

Clooney’s agent broke the news to journalists in a brief statement.

Finally: Oyedepo opens up at 60, tells the story of his life, wife, church, universities + controversies

Oyedepo and wife

The founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, is 60 years old today (Saturday). In a recent media chat with journalists in commemoration of his birthday and attended by Gbenro Adeoye, Oyedepo says he heartily welcomes being called Africa’s wealthiest pastor.

You were rated by Forbes as the richest pastor in Africa, how do you feel about this considering that people often say that wealth and righteousness are not the best of friends?

May I say here that God owns the silver and the gold and he’s the most Holy God. If wealth and righteousness are not best of friends, there is no way God will be the wealthiest of all because of his fullness we have all received. I think there is no father who wishes his children poverty. I have children, is it okay to now say two of you should be poor, two of you should be fair, and one of you should be a beggar? If God is truly a father, he will not wish his children to be poor. The wealth of every parent is reflective in their children, so it’s not an issue. I believe wealth and righteousness are the best of friends. Abraham, the friend of God, was the wealthiest in his time. Job, the wealthiest, was God’s pride. There is none like him on the earth. How do you feel when they say you’re the richest? If you make first class in school, how do you feel? You feel good. You’re not the greatest thief. You’re the wealthiest, so I feel good about it. It’s better to be a wealthy pastor than to be a beggar.

Murder at the synagogue: Police may prosecute T.B. Joshua

Joshua

The Police may prosecute Pastor Temitope Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations over the collapse of a six-storey building in the church premises if he is found culpable by its investigative panel.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, who said this on Thursday in Abuja, said investigation into the cause of the collapsed building in the Synagogue Church of All Nations was progressing, noting that the outcome of the probe would determine whether Pastor Temitope Joshua, would be prosecuted or not.

Captain Hosa Okunbo battles Jeta Amata over failed multi-million dollar film project

L-R: Captain Okunbo and Jeta when the going was good

A serious cold war is currently brewing between oil magnate and billionaire business man, Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo and young filmmaker, Jeta Amata, over a multi-million dollar failed film project.

SHOWBIZPLUSng exclusively gathered that Okunbo is visibly pissed and hugely disappointed with Amata, who shuttles between Hollywood and Nigeria, for failing to deliver on the big budget film, Black Gold, (later renamed Black November), which the former had invested over $8m of his personal wealth in.

An insider, who spoke with SHOWBIZPLUSng on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the Edo State-born oil baron is very angry and disappointed with Jeta, for failing to complete work on the film and deliver to him based on their agreement.

Sudan clash: Keshi recalls Enyeama, Moses

Keshi

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi has recalled goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama, striker Victor Moses for next month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations must-win qualifying tango away and home to Sudan.

Both teams clash in Khartoum on Saturday, October 11, before trading tackles at the National Stadium, Abuja four days later.

N50bn debt: Court orders AMCON to seize Babalakin’s MMA 2

 

Babalakin docked

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has appointed Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, receiver manager of the assets of Bi-Courtney Limited, owned by Mr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, over an alleged N50billion debt.

AMCON through its counsel, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, had applied to the court for orders of possession and receivership over these assets as a result of the failure of the companies to pay a cumulative debt of about N50 bn owed to AMCON.

N603m fraud: More troubles for Ikuforiji as EFCC vows to appeal his controversial acquittal

Ikuforiji

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that it would appeal against the verdict of the Federal High Court which acquitted the Speaker of the Lagos State house of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and one of his aides, Oyebode Atoyebi on Friday.

The Lagos Speaker and Atoyebi had been facing prosecution on a 54 count of alleged money laundering to the tune of N603 million.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said in an electronic mail on Friday that the EFCC was not satisfied with the ruling of the court as it had proof of evidence that the accused persons committed acts in violation of the Money Laundering to the tune of N338.8.

Jonathan congratulates, celebrates Bishop Oyedepo at 60

L-R: Jonathan, Oyedepo

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday congratulated the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, who clocks 60 years on today.

Jonathan extolled what he described as Oyedepo’s massive accomplishments as a devoted servant of God and his immense contributions to the education of Nigerian children.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, which was made available to SHOWBIZPLUSng, the President in a congratulatory letter said the clergyman’s life was “truly worthy of celebration.”

He urged Oyedepo to continue to partner with him in his administration’s quest to reposition the country for peace, progress and prosperity.

Murder at the Synagogue: Fear grips TB Joshua as South African victims’ relations set to sue him

Joshua and his collapsed church hostel

There is palpable fear and tension as two South Africans who lost relatives when a church hostel in Lagos collapsed have told the BBC they intend to sue the General Overseer of Synagogue Church of All Nations, Pastor Temitope Joshua.

The BBC reported that the two men, who both lost sisters in the collapse, were appealing for more families to come together in bringing a case against the preacher. And this move, SHOWBIZPLUSng gathered is giving Joshua and leaders of his embattled and controversial church sleepless nights.

At least 115 people, including 84 South Africans, died when the multi-storey building fell down on September 12.

The authorities said it had more floors than its foundation could hold.

Kate Henshaw, Uti Nwachukwu, Chioma Chukwuka endorse IfooAfrica launch in Nigeria

IfooAfrica is a brand new audio based online platform bringing back the African art form of storytelling. It allows users registered on the site to share their originally created audio story with the IfooAfrica community

A statement sent to SHOWBIZPLUSng, by the promoters of the new initiative, stated that stories could be anything the storyteller wants to share like dramas, folktales, comedy, fiction, spoken word, poetry, narratives etc. IfooAfrica is proudly birthed in Nigeria and made for Africa in African voices. If you can voice it, we want to hear it.

Trending Photos: Big Brother unveils three Hotshots ladies + Their profiles

Sheila - Botswana

Samantha - South Africa

Sabina - Kenya

SHOWBIZPLUSng brings you the sexy ladies Big Brother Africa Hotshots unveiled today ahead of its hugely anticipated Sunday, October 5 launch in Johannesburg, South Africa.

2015: Jonathan assures int'l community elections will conform with global best practices

Jonathan

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured the international community  that next year's general elections in Nigeria will be conducted in accordance with global best practices to further strengthen the country's democratic institutions.

A statement signed and sent to SHOWBIZPLUSng by Presidential Spokesman, Reuben Abati, stated that at separate meetings with the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon and the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron before leaving New York late Wednesday, President Jonathan reaffirmed his personal commitment to making elections in Nigeria progressively better, freer and more credible.

Real reasons Desmond Elliott is going into politics + Why he wants to represent Surulere Constituency 1

It is no longer news that Desmond Elliott, the multiple award winning actor, producer and director has joined the long list of famous entertainers going into politics in order to contribute their own quota to the development of their immediate constituency.

SHOWBIZPLUSng can authoritatively report that what is perhaps news and currently trending is the fact that the thespian made it clear that he joined partisan politics with the intention of empowering his people, especially the less privileged in his constituency.

$ 9.3m scandal: APC condemns attempt to cover up probe

Mohammed

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the obvious attempt
by the PDP-led Federal Government, working with some members of the
National Assembly, to cover up the smuggling of 9.3 million US dollars
to South Africa on a private plane, saying the cover-up plans will
fail because the issues involve transcend Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its National Publicity
Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and sent to SHOWBIZPLUSng, the party said the cover-up attempt
manifested clearly at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, when a top PDP lawmaker curiously refused to entertain a debate
on a motion seeking a probe of the issue that has further ridiculed
Nigeria in the global community.

Revealed: All you need to know about the Nigerian female housemate rocking Big Brother Africa Hotshots

Sexyleelee

 Another twist has been introduced to this season’s Big Brother Africa, which will hit the screens on October 5, 2014. It is appropriately termed Hotshots and Big Brother has commenced teasing its teeming fans by revealing three Hotshots from the various participating countries, daily.

The Nigerian Housemate has also been revealed, and her name is Lilian. Known as ‘SexyLeeLee’ to her friends, Lillian is a model, actor, presenter, and tax collector! She entered Big Brother Hotshots for ‘the platform it provides and the publicity that comes with it, and of course the winning prize - the money’, this SHOWBIZPLUSng can authoritatively report. 

Randy man gets life imprisonment for raping pregnant mum

Osun Gov, Aregbesola

For not being able to control his libido and unbridled lust for the opposite sex, an Osun State High Court has sentenced one Kolawole Obafemi to life imprisonment for raping a pregnant woman.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by an information official of the state, Mr. Opeyemi Bello.

The statement said Justice A. B. Abdulkareem ordered that the convict should also be whipped.

The judge convicted Obafemi of one count charge preferred against him in the court.

The victim had told the court that on September 15, 2007, Obafemi came to her residence at about 7.30pm.

Shame as fraud allegations trail Customs e-clearance system

Customs boss, Dikko

An electronic system that is meant to facilitate easier clearance of cargoes at the nation’s seaports is currently giving agents headache, Comfort Oseghale writes.

This is not the best of times for Mike Okorie, a licensed customs agent. The licence of his agency, Chimbudike Nigeria Limited, was three months ago blocked by the Tincan Customs Command on the excuse that the company allegedly cleared a consignment and failed to pay the duty amounting to N16,278,679. Okorie has since been in a dilemma over how to prove his innocence that his agency was never involved in such a transaction.

Although he had written a petition to the Tincan Customs Command, attaching documents to show that another agency had done the clearing, he claims he has yet to get any form of reprieve.

Tears as illegal train passengers kill journalist in Lagos

Some illegal train passengers, who were hanging on a moving train at the Ikeja Along bus stop, Lagos have attacked two journalists, causing the death of one of them.

SHOWBIZPLUSng learnt that the miscreants had jumped off the train on Tuesday at about 9am and attacked the journalists.

The miscreants were said to have accused the journalists of filming them with the intention of exposing their antics through their medium.

It was learnt that the pressmen had fled for their lives, but the attackers gave them a chase, causing one of the journalists to run into the path of an oncoming commercial bus.

Dimgba Igwe: Victor Osuagwu, AGN Executives visit Entertainment Express Newspapers

Victor Osuagwu (m), with his excos in a group photograph wih Azuh Amatus (3rd right), editor, Entertainment Express and Sunday Express Newspapers during their condolence visit to our Okota head office...recently.

Lagos State chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) recently paid a condolence visit to Entertainment Express and Sunday Express Newspapers on the recent demise of its Associate Publisher, Pastor Dimgba Igwe.

Speaking during the solemn visit, popular actor and chairman of the chapter, Victor Osuagwu, who described the late Igwe as one of his favourite columnists, said the sad news hit them like a thunder bolt.

$9.3m private jet scandal: Angry entertainers condemn FG, berate Oritsejafor

Banky W

For failing to tell Nigerians the truth behind the recent seizure of the sum of $ 9.3m cash that was smuggled into South Africa in a private jet belonging to the President of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor  by two Nigerians and an Israeli, the Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government and CAN leader have come under heavy attacks from angry and disappointed entertainers.

The entertainers in their reactions, which was obtained by SHOWBIZPLUSng, while hailing the South African government for seizing and exposing the illicit funds, also urged them to prosecute those found wanting in the dirty deal that has brought global embarrassment to Nigeria.

Banky W (Musician)

Lawlessness and corruption have become our bane to the extent that we can extend it to other countries without expecting sanctions. I wonder why any reasonable person will carry so much cash all in the name of going to procure arms. I thought international purchases are done through banks using transfer instruments like letter of credit and the likes?

Big Brother unveils three fresh Hotshots Housemates with their profiles

Permithias - Namibia

Resa - Zambia

Nhlanhla - South Africa

SHOWBIZPLUSng brings you the three new Hotshots housemates that Big Brother Africa unveiled today ahead of its Sunday, October 5 launch in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Jonathan storms UN, rallies global support against terrorism

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Wednesday in New York that the world must act immediately to stop the troubling new phenomenon of terrorists and foreign fighters attacking and trying to hold parts of sovereign nations.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council High-Level Meeting on the Threat of Terrorism to Global Peace and Security, President Jonathan said that the international community must also do more to support countries like Nigeria which are in the frontline of the war against terrorism.

Meet Victoria Michaels, the Nigerian-born super model rocking Ghana runways

 

Victoria Michaels

Victoria Michaels

It came as a huge surprise to many, especially family members and friends three years ago, when Victoria Michaels, quit her job with a leading bank after five years of working with them to be a full time model and entrepreneur.

The Nigerian-born model, whose dad hails from Anambra State, is blessed with a Ghana mum and lives permanently in Ghana, where she is revered and celebrated as a super model.

In this chat with SHOWBIZPLUSng, Michaels tells us why she’s passionate about modeling and many more.

Excitement as Glo launches high end product

Adenuga

  Glo is promising exciting times for customers as the company prepares to launch a unique product, which offers mouth- watering benefits to its premium subscribers.

Globacom in a statement sent to SHOWBIZPLUSng,  stated that the new product, called Glo Prive, will accord premium recognition and offer special privileges to high value subscribers on the Glo network.

Collapsed Synagogue building: ‘Don’t give Joshua visa,’ angry ANC youths tell Zuma

 

Joshua and his collapsed church

The African National Congress Youth League has called on the Jacob Zuma-led South African government not to issue a visa to the General Overseer of the Synagogue of All Nations, Pastor Temitope Joshua.

Joshua had expressed on Sunday his desire to visit South Africa to commiserate with the families of 84 citizens of the country who lost their lives when a building of the church collapsed in Lagos on September 12.

About 115 people died in the tragedy and Joshua had described those who lost their lives as martyrs to the consternation of South Africans.

But reacting to Joshua’s desire to visit South Africa, the spokesperson for the ANC Youth League, Bandile Masuku, said, “TB Joshua should not be allowed to come to South Africa until we know what happened to our fellow countrymen at his church.

Trending Photos: Excitement as BBA reveals three more Hotshots housemates

Mr. 265 - Malawi

Mira - Mozambique

Macky2 - Zambia

Below are the profiles of Big Brother Hotshots Housemates as obtained by SHOWBIZPLUSng.