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Monday, April 30, 2012

‘Winnie’…the movie is an insult to me – Winnie Mandela


Winnie Mandela has revealed that she is not thrilled about an upcoming biopic of hers saying she was not consulted about the movie.

Popular U.S preacher Bishop T.D. Jakes, produced the movie, chronicling the love story of former South African president Nelson Mandela and his ex-wife, Winnie Mandela.

The movie  titled ‘Winnie’ stars Grammy and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson as Winnie, and acclaimed actor Terrence Howard as Mandela.

“I have absolutely nothing against Jennifer, but I have everything against the movie itself…I was not consulted. I am still alive, and I think that it is a total disrespect to come to South Africa, make a movie about my struggle and call that movie some translation of a romantic life of Winnie Mandela…is an insult…” She disclosed in an interview with CNN.


The “Winnie” screenplay is based on the 2005 book, Winnie Mandela: A Life, written by Anne Mare du Preez Bezdrob.

“Everyone has an opinion about Winnie Mandela, and usually a strong one. She has been adored, feared and hated more than any other woman in South African history,” the book description reads.

“This biography is an in-depth and intimate look at Winnie Mandela’s personal and political life, and takes the reader on a remarkable journey of understanding,” it adds.

Bishop Jakes who has also participated in the production of the upcoming films “A Million Colours,” “Jumping the Broom,” and “Sparkle,” which features Jennifer Hudson and the late singer Whitney Houston says “Stories like ‘Winnie’ and ‘A Million Colours’ are important historically and socially…collaborations like this offer us a unique ability to provide the global community a window into African culture through the creation of quality content”

VIDEO: Full documentary on Nigerians jailed in China

Channels Television’s correspondent, Deji Badamosi dissects the problem of Nigerians in prison in various Chinese prison. He spoke with the family of the inmates, Human Right Activist, Non-governmental Organisations and former inmates in Chinese prison.

Watch the full documentary below:

Killings at BUK: My regret, by son of lecturer who died in Boko Haram ambush


The son of the late Dr. (Mrs) Cordelia Ololobo yesterday gave insight into the last moment of the Chief Lecturer of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Kano. She was one of the 15 worshippers killed at Bayero University, Kano by Boko (BUK) Haram on Sunday.

Speaking to Daily Sun at the family residence inside the college, her first son, Mr Prince, described the death of his mother as traumatic to the entire family, adding that they were yet to believe it. Mr. Prince Ololobo, who works in Abuja, recalled that he was in a church service in Abuja when he was informed of the attack by phone. He said that he immediately proceeded to Kano.

The late BUK victim, Prof. Andrew Leo & The late BUK student, Samson Okoro 
 His greatest regret, however, was that he never met his mother alive because she had already been moved to the theatre for the surgery when he arrived at the hospital.

 But a woman, who identified herself as a friend of the deceased, told the Daily Sun that soon after the attack on the worshippers, some of the survivors phoned one of the deceased’s son to tell him that their mother had been shot.
 According to the woman, who begged not to be named for fear of being attacked, the late Mrs Ololobo was first admitted into the Intensive Care Unit of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, adding that , when I arrived the hospital, I met her. Her eyes were open, but she could not talk.”

 She disclosed that 54-year-old deceased was operated for five hours, but could not make it.
 The woman further gave an account of the last time they were together a few days back, saying that she was lively and normal, adding that they discussed extensively.


 She remembered that one of the things they discussed was the need to relocate from Kano State after over 30 years of service, adding that as if she knew,” we both talked about the need to seek transfer of service or another employment elsewhere, giving the increasing danger posed by the insurgency of the sect in the state.

 Meanwhile, the burial plans of the Delta State-born woman would be unveiled on Friday, when her widower, Dr. Ololobo, who works in Bayelsa State, is expected to arrive Kano .
 Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai and other dignitaries were among sympathizers who besieged BUK and FCE yesterday.
 The minister was received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof Muhamad Yahusa Bello and some top management staff of the university
 Prof Rufai, who toured the scene at the old campus of the university campus regretted the unfortunate incident and prayed against its reoccurrence.
 Speaking later at the Government House, Kano , the minister commiserated with the people of the state and said that security had been beefed up around the university to ensure that such a thing would never be repeated in the state.

 “We feel sad that such a thing is happening and our wish is that such a thing is never allowed to happen again”, she stressed.
 Also, the Bishop of the Kano Diocese of Catholic Church, Bishop John Namaza Niyiring, yesterday visited the victims in hospitals. The Bishop was at the homes of the victims, including residences of the two late professors, where he prayed for the repose of their souls and the quick recovery of the wounded.
 Another undetonated bomb was discovered at the Sociology Department of BUK yesterday. It had been defused.

Cry of Taraba Boko Haram victim: Please, don’t let me die...And the man died


A dying victim of Boko Haram bomb blast in Taraba State yesterday had just one request to NEMA officials attending to him: “Please, don’t let me die, do everything possible to save me” But as fate had its way, the man died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo before help could reach him.

 That was the pathetic fall-out from the attack by the Islamist sect in Jalingo which claimed 11 lives with scores injured. This is coming barely 24 hours after Boko Haram struck at churches within the Bayero University, Kano (BUK) when two profssors and 13 other worshippers were killed. Many people were injured in the attack.

 Last Thursday, the sect carried its war to the media when it bombed The Sun, THISDAY and Moment in Abuja and Kaduna. Five people lost their lives.
Boko Haram hit Jalingo yesterday for the first time when its suicide bomber ran into the convoy of the Commissioner of Police (CP) and denoted bombs which killed no fewer than 11 people. Until yesterday, Taraba remained the only state in the North East that had experienced relative peace since the beginning of the Islamic sect’s uprising in the North, but the early morning bomb explosion changed the situation.

 Daily Sun gathered that the police commissioner was in a convoy of vehicles and dispatch rider on his way to the office at the command headquarters at about 8.45am yesterday when the suicide bomber infiltrated the convoy. Sources said that the bomber might have waited for the CP’s convoy at the gate of the state Ministry of Finance building which is not far from the police headquarters from where he rammed his vehicle on the convoy. “From what we gathered, the bomber parked in front of the Ministry of Finance building and as soon as the convoy of the Commissioner of Police approached the area, the bomber started moving, drove into the convoy and detonated the explosive device,” a senior police officer, who would not want his name in print, disclosed.

Mike Ezuronye: My son and I...

Mike Ezuronye's son is growing up fast. And he's so so cute!

Wedding of Stéphanie OKEREKE & Linus IDAHOSA - PICTURES!

The Wedding of Stéphanie OKEREKE & Linus IDAHOSA took place in the magnificient venue of Abbaye de Cernay (Paris, FRANCE) on 21st April 2012. ENJOY!!!






Happy Birthday to you Zion Idibia; Tufac's son turns 4!




















Zion Idibia turned four today. His mum is ex-banker Sunmbo Ajaba. Sunmbo and 2face have another son together, 6yr old Nino. Happy birthday, Zion!

VIDEO: Chidi Mokeme finally got married to Jean




Enjoy the slide pics as soon as you click play...

AY Comedian involved in car accident in Abuja; he came out unhurt...


Top Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun better known as AY was on Sunday, April 29 involved in an car crash in Abuja.

AY was involved in the auto accident around the intersection between Thisday Dome and NITEL at Central Business District, Abuja.

We also learnt that he was unhurt in the car crash.

AY, who was reported to have just left a church event at Hilton Hotel, Abuja, had the Toyota Siena car he was sitting at the front seat involved in the auto accident with a 406 Peugeot car.

The A-list comedian recently had a show in Lagos tagged AY Live in Lagos on Easter Sunday.

Gov Orji’s convoy involve in auto crash


The Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji narrowly escaped death when his convoy was involved in a multiple accident along Ogoja-Abakaliki Expressway. Ebonyi State. The accident took place at Ezza Ophu Izzi Local Government of Ebonyi State. Six vehicles in the convoy were involved.

 Though the governor escaped unhurt, some of his aides sustained various degrees of injury. The special adviser on security, it was learnt, had fractured waist.

 An eyewitness said the accident occurred at Igbagu Izzi Local Government Area of the State at about 6pm last Friday as he was returning from the burial ceremony of the mother-in-law of his Ebonyi State counterpart, Chief Martin Elechi, Madam Grace Nwagu Nwankwo.
 The eyewitness who was in the convoy however said the poor state of the road, which was still under construction by the Federal Government caused the accident. According to him, “Abia State governor arrived Ezza Ophu very late that Friday, to commiserate with the family and left immediately for Abakaliki to extend his condolence to Governor Martin Elechi at the Government House, Abakaliki.
 “On getting to Igbagu where a construction company was carrying out a reconstruction work on the Ogoja-Abakaliki Wxpressway, there was dust and potholes on that axis of the road, which made visibility poor for the drivers and since they didn’t know the road very well, on approaching one of the bad spots one of the drivers applied brake and six cars rammed into one another from the rear.”

 When our reporter visited the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, a senior doctor in the hospital who also pleaded anonymity said about six persons were brought to the hospital. Those who sustained injuries where immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital where they are receiving treatment but those who with minor injuries were allowed to go. One of them because of the level of fracture he sustained had a surgery performed on him immediately to avoid further complication.

 Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan had commiserated with the family of Senator Chris Nwankwo who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial zone at the National Assembly and Mrs. Josephine Elechi, wife of Ebonyi State governor over the demise of their mother, who died at the age of 102. The president who was represented by the leader of the Federal Government delegation and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, enjoined members of the family to stop complaining over the departure of their late mother but thank God for the life richly lived by the deceased.

 He described the late Madam Nwankwo as a woman of great virtues who “lived long enough to see her children become people of stature in society. Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State charged the deceased family to focus on God as the only comforter who would give succour to them in this time of loss. He described the deceased as an icon of womanhood.

Two profs, 13 others killed as Boko Haram attacks BUK worship centres


At least, 15 worshippers, including two professors and some non-academic staff of the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), were feared killed Sunday morning by suspected Boko Haram gunmen who besieged the institution’s church premises.
 BUK claimed only one professor died.

 The two dons believed to have died in the attack were Professors M .T. Ayodele of the Chemistry Department and Andrew Leo of the Library Department.
 Equally killed were Mr. Sylvester Ada, who is state president of an Idoma socio -cultural society within the Catholic church, known as “SS Peter and Paul”. A Chief lecturer in the Federal College of Education (FEC), Kano, Dr. (Mrs) Ololobo, also died in the attack.

 An Ogoja lady, who is married to an Idoma man that lectures at the FEC also died in the attack. The deceased, whose name could not be established by Press time, was performing her child’s dedication at the church, said a source, who noted that her child was picked up at the gate of the university after the incident.
 “Today was her child’s dedication. She went with the baby, but never came back”, he stressed.

 About 15 other persons, who are members of the university community or are living in neighbouring settlements and communities, were also injured. The wounded, have all been rushed to hospitals and clinics in the state capital, said a source, who offered that some of the injured were in life- threatening conditions, an indication that the death toll could rise.
 Head of Public Relations, BUK, Alhaji Mustapha Zaharadeen, however, confirmed the death of only seven persons, adding that some of the wounded were taken to the university’s clinic, while the deceased were moved to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital’s morgue.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Red Cross doctor found beheaded in Pakistan


QUETTA, Pakistan —The beheaded body of a kidnapped British doctor working for the International Committee of the Red Cross was found by the roadside on Sunday in the southwestern Pakistan city of Quetta, police and Red Cross officials said.

Khalil Rasjed Dale, 60, was abducted by suspected militants on Jan 5 while on his way home from work.

"The ICRC condemns in the strongest possible terms this barbaric act," ICRC Director-General Yves Daccord said in a statement. "All of us at the ICRC and at the British Red Cross share the grief and outrage of Khalil's family and friends."

British Foreign Secretary William Hague also condemned the killing.

"This was a senseless and cruel act, targeting someone whose role was to help the people of Pakistan, and causing immeasurable pain to those who knew Mr. Dale," Hague said in the statement.

A senior police officer said the Pakistan Taliban had claimed responsibility for the killing, saying a ransom had not been paid.

Police discovered Dale wrapped in plastic near a western bypass road. His name was written on the white plastic bag with black marker.

A sharp knife was used to sever his head from the body," said Safdar Hussain, the first doctor to examine the body. "He was killed about 12 hours ago."

Dale is only the third Westerner killed in such a fashion in Pakistan. The others include Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002 and Piotr Stanczak, a Polish geologist, in 2009.

The Pakistan Taliban has been fighting a bloody insurgency against the Pakistani state since its formation in 2007. It is close to al Qaida and it claimed credit for a failed car bomb attempt in New York's Times Square in May 2010.

Quetta is the capital of southwestern Baluchistan, Pakistan's biggest but poorest province, where Baluch separatist militants are fighting a protracted insurgency for more autonomy and control over the area's natural resources.

Pro-Taliban militants are also active in the province, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.

Dale had worked for the ICRC and the British Red Cross in Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq before coming to Pakistan. He had been managing a health program for Baluchistan for almost a year when he was abducted, the ICRC statement said.

"We are devastated," Daccord said. "Khalil was a trusted and very experienced Red Cross staff member who significantly contributed to the humanitarian cause."

Lawsuit: Employee fired after donating kidney to boss


Distressed: Debbie Stevens, a 47-year-old mother of two, offered her boss her kidney as she is 'a naturally kind and generous person'. But her generosity backfired when she was fired, she claims

Deborah Stevens donated a kidney so her boss could receive a transplant while she working at Atlantic Automotive Group and now the Long Island woman says she was fired soon after and is demanding satisfaction from a court.

 According to the NY Post, in papers filed with the New York state Human Rights commission, Stevens charges that she was clearly set up by Jackie Brucia, 61, her once-ailing boss at the billion-dollar Atlantic Automotive Group, which operates several new-car dealerships on Long Island.

Accused: Boss Jackie Brucia allegedly re-hired Debbie Stevens after she offered to donate her kidney
 The story is detailed and complex, but for the kidney donation, Stevens offered to help and became a link in a multiple-patient kidney chain, which resulted in a kidney for Brucia.

 "You have to give one kidney to get one," reveals CBS News.

 "Mine was donated on her behalf so that she could get another one, so she could get a good one that matched her perfectly," Stevens said

 According to Stevens, the only thanks she ever got from her boss came in the form of an email reading, "Thanks more than I can ever say."

Trouble at work after the operation...

 According to HuffPo, Stevens says she felt pressure on her to return to work soon after the procedure even though she didn’t feel well enough.

 Once Stevens came back to her job after the surgery for the kidney donation, the divorced mother says that she lost her overtime pay and was demoted to a dealership 50 miles from her home.

 Stevens said she had complications from the surgery, like nerve damage in her leg, but her boss, the recipient of another kidney thanks to the kindness of the now ailing employee, didn't seem to care.

 "And she told me, it sounds like a personal problem and she wasn't interested," Stevens said.

 "And I said, well it's a personal problem because it's surgery. I've never had a kidney removed. And she said, 'Oh, are you throwing this up in my face?'"

 After lawyers wrote a letter to the company, Stevens was allegedly fired.

 Atlantic Automotive Group released a statement saying they did everything correctly.

 Part of the statement blames the employee for poor performance both before and after the surgery.

 "While we applaud Deborah Stevens for her selfless assistance to a fellow employee, the reality is that she was terminated from Atlantic Automotive Group for poor job performance over the course of many months.

 Reports that her dismissal is connected to her kidney donation are incorrect; but, her inability to meet the minimum standards for her job are well documented."

 Should the boss have fired the employee before the operation if her work failed to "meet the minimum standards for her job?"

Saudi Boy Shoots Dad In Head For Playstation: Will 4-Year-Old Be Charged With Murder?


An angry four-year-old Saudi boy shot and killed his father for refusing to buy him a PlayStation, Saudi media reported on Monday.

The Asharq daily, citing police in the southern Jizan area, said the child, aged four years and seven months, grabbed his father's pistol and shot him in the head.

According to the newspaper, the child had asked his father to buy him a PlayStation and the shooting took place after the man returned home without the desired object.

As he was undressing, the man put the weapon down, which the child then grabbed and fired at him from close range.

Ryan O'Neal: 'Farrah Fawcett died in my arms'


Actor Ryan O'Neal has told how he cradled his dying lover Farrah Fawcett for hours on her deathbed before she finally succumbed to cancer. The "Charlie's Angels" star was struck down with anal cancer in 2006 and O'Neal was a constant presence at her side as her condition deteriorated.

O'Neal, who is fighting stage 2 prostate cancer, detailed his heartbreak over Fawcett's failing health in his diaries, which have been made into a new book, "Both Of Us: My Life With Farrah," and serialized in Britain's Mail on Sunday.

In the book, O'Neal tells how he planned to marry Fawcett in St John's Hospital, but the priest who arrived to oversee the ceremony ended up administering the last rites instead.

He writes, "After the priest leaves, I lie down next to her, wrap my body around her to keep her warm, and then take her hand. I can feel a steady pulse... I caress her hand for hours. Her heart refuses to quit.

"I'm left alone with my love. I take her hand. I can still feel her pulse, but now it is fluttering. She's trying to let go. Her heartbeat slows, then disappears. On the morning of June 25, Farrah slips into eternal sleep."

O'Neal also shares his shame over the physical altercations he and Fawcett endured during their tumultuous relationship: "Neither of us possessed the emotional discipline to say: 'Wait a minute, this isn't normal, we need help.'

"You have to remember that I'm a trained boxer... If someone is coming at me with fists flailing, my instinct is to block the blows, which is what I did with Farrah... I didn't see my behavior as aberrant. In reality, most of the time it wasn't her I was lashing out at, it was my kids, the world, Hollywood, my agent, you name it. I'm a moody guy."

Jackson bodyguard: 'Michael was in love with Whitney Houston'

Michael Jackson's one-time bodyguard has sensationally revealed the King of Pop and Whitney Houston had a brief fling -- and the pop superstar dreamed of making the tragic R&B icon his wife.

Matt Fiddes, who is about to embark on a legal challenge for visitation rights to Jackson's youngest son Blanket -- claiming he's the boy's biological dad, insists his late pal was in love with Houston and never recovered after the famous pair split following a secret tryst at Neverland.

The martial arts master from Devon, England tells The Sun newspaper, "This affair will end all the myths that Michael was some kind of child molester. He was a straight man. One of the many stories that has never been told about Michael is that he had an ultra-secret affair with Whitney Houston that he never got over. He was furious when he heard she had also slept with (brother) Jermaine but this didn't stop him holding a candle for her his whole life."


Fiddes tells the publication Jackson and Houston met in 1991, when both were at the height of their careers.

He says, "They instantly connected as kindred spirits because they understood each other's massive fame. Whitney practically moved in to Michael's ranch and they had a fling like any other young couple. But Michael said later he had always hoped the relationship had gone further, and I know he dreamed of marrying her."

Fiddes claims the romance lasted just two weeks and came a year before Houston wed Bobby Brown.

Selena Gomez caught up in plagiarism lawsuit


Selena Gomez is at the center of a plagiarism battle amid allegations the chorus of her 2010 song "A Year Without Rain" was lifted from a little-known California band.

Search: Are Bieber and Gomez engaged?

Rockers Luce have filed a $1 million lawsuit claiming the pop singer's track features a chorus that is "virtually identical" to their 2005 single "Buy A Dog."

Check out msnNOW: The social trends people are talking about

"A Year Without Rain," co-written by Lindy Robbins and Toby Gad, became the title track of the teen star's second studio album with her band Selena Gomez & the Scene.

Gomez, Robbins and Gad have been named as co-defendants in the copyright infringement lawsuit, according to Courthouse News Service.

16 killed, many injured as explosions rock Bayero University Kano


Gunmen attacked church services in the Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Sunday, using small explosives to draw out and gun down panicking worshippers in an assault that killed at least 16 people, officials said.
Eyewitnesses said that the explosion started at about 8.30am this morning, when about seven attackers hit theatres 2 and 3 where Christians normally conduct their services.

Sporadic gun shots were also heard at the Kabuga junction close to the entrance of the University’s old campus.

“The elements came, used explosives and guns to attack them. We have repelled them and cordoned off the area,” Ikedichi Iweha, an army spokesman, told Reuters.

Andronicus Adeyemo, an official with the Nigerian Red Cross, said a canvas of local hospitals and morgues showed the attack killed at least 16 people.

A number of people suffered injuries, though the aid agency did not immediately have an exact figure, Adeyemo said.

“For over 30 minutes a series of bomb explosions and gun shots took over the old campus, around the academic blocks,” said Mohammed Suleiman, a history lecturer at the Bayero University.

“It started at about 8.30am this morning … our school security men had to run for their dear lives. You can see smoke all over,” Mr Suleiman said.
 The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris in a telephone interview with Channels Television said although eight people have been confirmed dead, the death toll might increase in the course of the day.

After the attack, police and soldiers cordoned off the campus as gunfire echoed in the surrounding streets. Abubakar Jibril, a spokesman for Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency, said security forces refused to allow rescuers to enter the campus. Soldiers also turned away journalists from the university.

Absence of defendant stalls Asa’s N700 million libel case


The case between soul singer, Bukola Elemide popularly known as Asa and Dockland Communications Services, publishers of News of the People, was stalled on Thursday due to the absence of the latter in court..

The singer had filed a N700 million suit against Dockland Communications Services over a story it published on December 14-22, 2009 edition of the magazine with the caption “Lesbianism trails Asa and Manager” which alleged that the two ladies were involved in a lesbian relationship.

The soul singer and her manager, in the suit, want the court to declare that the allegation of lesbianism against them was false, illegal and a violation of their rights. They also want the defendant restrained from further publication of malicious statements against them.

Justice A.J Coker had on Thursday, February 23, 2012 adjourned the case till Thursday April 26 after the claimants and her manager Janet Nwose were missing in court.

When the case came up before Justice Coker, the defendant’s counsel was not in court for the cross examination.

Lawyer to the singer expressed worry concerning the absence of the defendant’s counsel despite knowing that the claimants do not reside in the country.

“The matter is on fast track and the claimants do not reside in Nigeria,” he said.

Justice Coker adjourned further hearing on the matter to Thursday May 3.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

D’Banj signs new record deal with Mercury Music/Island Def Jam


So it looks like while we were all embroiled in the Don Jazzy/DBanj beef and subsequent demise of their label Mo Hits…Daniel Banjo Dapo Oyebanjo was actually signing new label deals. This time with Mercury Records UK/Island Def Jam UK, and no Kanye’s G.O.O.D Music hasn’t dropped him. MR/IDJ UK will represent him in the UK.

D’Banj is in excellent company at the label some of his label mates are Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Elton John, Jay Z, Jennifer Lopez amongst many others.

Compared to when he and Don Jazzy signed with G.O.O.D Music a lot of noise hasn’t been made about this latest record deal, but the kokomaster has already confirmed the news by updating his twitter bio to read DB/Good Music/ Mercury/IDJ’ (IDJ – Island Def Jam).

D’Banj who has temporarily relocated to the US where he is working on new material, will officially be dropping Oliver Twist in the UK on May 13, and he’s also gearing up for major performance at the 2012 Barclaycard Wireless Festival taking place in London’s Hyde Park, July, 7 2012 and the BBC Hackney Weekend 2012 in London, June 23 – 24.

Congrats D’Banj

Ex-broadcaster raped a 16-yr old yam hawker


A 64-year-old man, Steven Sajewo, has appeared before an Ilorin Chief Magistrates' court presided over by Mr. Lekan Adegbite for allegedly raping a yam hawker.

Sajewo, a retired broadcaster, was alleged to have lured the 16-year-old girl to his residence at Oja Iya area of Ilorin, Kwara State, and forcibly had carnal knowledge of her.

According to the charge sheet obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, neigbours got wind of the incident as the girl kept on screaming.

The neighbours were said to have alerted the police who promptly arrested the accused.

Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke In Major New Movie


Work has started on a new movie, titled Doctor Bello, which will feature Isaiah Washington, Vivica A. Fox, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Bern Cohen, and Nollywood superstars, Genevieve Nnaji, and Stephanie Okereke. The movie is written and produced by award-winning producer, Tony Abulu.

The movie was announced at a press conference, which was held on April 21, 2012, at the iconic Radisson Blu Anchorage  Hotel in Lagos. Present at the press conference were Tony Abulu, Isaiah Washington, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Hakeem Rahman, Ebbe Bassey, Lynn Whitfield, and representatives of partnering brands. This historical crossover film has received brand support from MTN, M-Net/ DStv, Silverbird Cinemas, Sovereign Trust Insurance and African Artists Collaborative.

Scheduled for release in Summer 2012, Doctor Bello is positioned to showcase Nollywood’s cross-marketability within the international spectrum. It is the first movie project financed in part by the recently established Nigerian Intervention Fund for the arts and entertainment industry administered by NEXIM Bank.

Veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa needs N5m Hospital Bill - IS A BIG LIE!


Veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa has become the latest victim of fraud being experienced by some top Nigerian celebrities.

Some minutes ago, BlackBerry broadcasts went viral requesting about 5million naira for hospital bill of the actor, who was said to be in an Indian Hospital in Abuja.

We can confirm from reliable sources that the broadcast is false and it was intended to defraud unsuspecting fans of the actor.

Sources also confirmed that Enebeli is responding positively to treatment and nobody has asked for any money from anyone.

We also learnt that no hospital, medical institution or group of people responsible for the veteran actor's health and well being has requested for such an amount.

Please DO NOT pay any money to anyone and DO NOT deal with anyone asking for money for his well being.

You will recall that the actor was hit with partial stroke last year. He was first treated at St Nicolas Hospital, Yaba, Lagos before being taken to St Topaz Hospital, Surelere, Lagos.

He has since being discharged from the hospital.

Source: nigeriafilms

Happy birthday to you Adaora Ukoh


Yesterday was the birthday of popular actress, Adaora Ukoh. She is from Nimo in Anambra State (Nigeria). She attended ABC Nursery Land in Ilupeju, Lagos for her primary school education. She attended St John’s College for her secondary school education. She attended the University of Lagos, where she studied Law.

The first movie, which she appeared in was Evil Genius. Since then, she has gone on to star in a host of movies, some of which are Johnbull and Rosekate, Black Bra, Hot Money, House of Doom, and World of Commotion.

I killed my son & burned my wife with hot iron - Henry Nnadi

Henry Nnadi, the 38- year-old dry cleaner that killed his 1-year-old son, Ebuka, and burnt his wife, Mercy,36, with hot iron for allegedly sleeping with his 65-year-old father, has finally spoken on the circumstances that led to his beastly act from the confines of his prison cell at Kirikiri, Lagos.

Looking remorseless over the pains he inflicted on his wife of two years, the fair-skinned Henry only showed regrets when the issue of his dead son came up. “That was the worst thing I have ever done in my entire life. When he woke up crying for milk, I looked at him in anger and a voice came saying kill him, he is not your son. In obedience to that voice, I hit him hard on the neck several times.”

Insisting that he was unsure of the paternity of the boy, Henry gave vivid details of what transpired on the fateful Saturday, April 7, 2012. Excerpts:

“I am sure of what I am talking about. My wife, Mercy has been sleeping with my father. Before the incident, I have cautioned her to stop going to my father’s house because I suspected their moves . But she wouldn’t listen. Then one day, when she was about going out, I told her not to leave the house but she disobeyed me and went out. I waited for a while before going straight to my father’s place which is not far from where I live .

And to confirm my claim, immediately I arrived there, I knocked and my father opened the door with a towel round his waist. As I made to go in, he prevented me by blocking the entrance with his hand. I do not know how my wife managed to escape . But after waiting for a while, I left and immediately I got home, my wife had reached the house, I laughed and went to smoke to cool my temper. I was keeping all that in mind until that Saturday night.

“As I was ironing my customer’s clothes, I looked at my wife where she was sleeping on the bed and anger surged inside of me. I then heard a voice instructing me to go and ask her why she was sleeping with my father. By then, the iron was very hot and I thought I could use that to scare her.”

Burning her with the hot iron
 I woke her up and asked her to tell me the truth on how many times she had slept with my father. But she refused to talk. Then the voice came to me again to place the hot iron on her and I did. As I was placing it, she told me she had slept with my father three times.

Immediately she mentioned it, I lost my cool and placed it harder on her out of anger. At that point, the child cried, wanting to suck breast. I looked at him wondering if I was actually his father. I thought to myself that it could be possible my father was responsible for the pregnancy that resulted in his birth.

How I killed my son
At this point the suspect kept quiet, bowed his head, shaking it intermittently in self pity. And when he raised his head, his eyes were filled with tears. Thereafter, he rested his chin on his palm and looked at the sky, muttering. After a long pause, this reporter asked him if he actually killed his son.

In reply, he said, “ that is the worst thing I have ever done in my entire life. When Ebuka woke up from sleep that night, crying for breast milk as he always did, I looked at him in anger and the voice came again saying , ‘kill him, he is not your son!’. In obedience to the voice, I hit him hard in the neck several times.”

Asked to described exactly how he did it, he raised his right hand like a boxer, hitting it severally on his left arm, causing this reporter to move backward, for fear of the unknown.

Continuing, he said, “You know he is a baby and very fragile. When my fist landed on him the first time, he screamed. At that point, the mother lifted her hand to prevent my next fist from landing on the boy , but I planted the hot iron on her hand”. Henry, reportedly landed another fist on the little helpless creature . At the third hit, Ebuka, as gathered, could no longer cry. He was still .

When Henry was asked why he was always beating his wife as claimed by neighbours, he admitted that they have had series of quarrel, most of which was caused by his wife’s alleged clandestine relationship with his father. He posited however that “there is no way a man and a woman would live under same roof without quarreling. It is impossible. Yes, we quarreled and settled” .

Asked if he had any regrets for his action, he replied, “sure , I do, mainly because of the death of my son. Why should a child be killed over an offense he knew nothing about? His death will continue to haunt me all the days of my life. I may not live to even atone for this sin but if by sheer providence I do, I will never forgive myself for taking the life of my innocent boy.

All this is the handiwork of the devil. If I had known, I would have not touched my son that night. I know I am going to die because I have killed my son. If it had been my wife, I would not have bothered much . But my son, ah! I have done the unimaginable” he stated in an emotion- laden tone.

When contacted for his reaction to his son’s claim, 65-year- old Theodore Nnadi described the allegation as baseless and unimaginable, wondering how a father could stoop so low as to sleep with his daughter in-law. The light skinned man swore with both visible and invisible substances, denying ever having any feeling of such towards a woman he considered as a daughter. The father of eight who said his name had been dragged in the mud following the allegation and wondered how on earth a son could mete such injustice on his father.

Recalling with pains how he tried all he could to give his son, Henry, a good future, Pa Nnadi revealed that signs of his present predicament reared its ugly head after Henry’s secondary school.

Hear him, “ After his secondary school , he began to move with irresponsible people and street urchins . In order to keep him busy, I took him to a school of engineering where he specialized in factory generator repairs. But before I knew it, that turned out to be my greatest undoing as he went into snatching of motorcycles from riders.

“He would mount a motorcycle, give the rider his destination. But midway, he would pour pepper into the rider’s eyes, causing him to loose balance and in the process make away with the motorbike and sell same at give -away price. He was arrested in one of the occasions and was imprisoned for eight years.

After he finished serving his jail term, I took him to a church where deliverance was carried out on him. Before everybody in the church, he promised never to go back to his past again. After that, he started the dry cleaning job.”


I warned his wife 
After the introduction ceremony and the wife moved in with him, I started getting series of report on how he was maltreating her. Several times, the matter was reported at Ago police station where he was made to write undertaken never to raise his hand on her again. But he never complied. When the beating became unbearable, I personally told his wife never to return to my son when she traveled to her village last year. She stayed for a while, only to come back because my son, as I later learnt, went to beg her.”

Asked if he actually slept with his daughter-in-law, Mr Theodore screamed in anger, “ how can that be? That is an abomination! Before God and man, I never did that. Ah! This child wants to take me to an unprepared grave. I reject that. It is not my portion .I can never try such disgusting thing in my life. Oh my God, at this age?His intention is to soil my name. Go and ask about me where I live, or even from the village I come from. This is unimaginable. Come to think of it, I have a wife.”

Also asked to clarify his son's claim that he met his wife in his house where the father blocked the entrance, Pa Nnadi replied, almost in tears, “Only God will judge this matter. This child is a bad child. The wife used to sell pap and she usually brings it to my house where she sold to my wife .

Whenever she is leaving my house, my wife would give her some ingredients because my son was not taking care of her and their baby. For instance, when she gave birth to my grandson , Ebuka, it was one of my daughters that brought out N120,000 for the delivery bill because she gave birth through caesarian. But do you know what happened, my son, Henry, stole out of that money from where it was kept and when asked, he argued that the money was too much, that it ought to have been given to him to buy a motorcycle.

He is a pain in the neck. In fact, he had beaten me before in public, simply because I reprimanded him for fighting with his cousin. Since that incident, my people vowed never to visit his house again. I swear to God, I never did that abominable act. I have passed such stage. Besides, I am a God fearing man. Come to think of it, (grins) I live in that apartment with my wife and my other children. How on earth would that happen”?

Emotions, promises, pour in for burnt housewife
Meanwhile, following Mercy's story published in Vanguard, some concerned Nigerians and groups have continued to call in, signifying their interest to assist Mercy with the medical bill and a possible transfer to another hospital. Among those that called were Zahara Women Foundation, CENTA For Organizational Development, Bimbo Odukoya Foundation and other individuals from different parts of the country and beyond. But none of them, as at Thursday morning, had made any monetary donations.

For Bimbo Odukoya's Foundation, it promised to visit mercy at the hospital on Thursday evening with a view to carrying out on the spot assessment and proffer possible medical solution.

Zahara Women Foundation on its part, promised to visit the victim yesterday, (Friday),where its co-ordinator who called in from Canada said the foundation would do all within its reach to give Mercy legal backing as well as playing a role on her medical expenses.

Dr Eze of New Revolution hospital located in Ago, Okota area of Lagos hinted that although Mercy was responding to treatment, there are fears that some sensitive parts of the affected area were still to get healed.

For instance, her breast and chest region and her thigh close to the vagina are part of the critical areas.

Vanguard Crime Guard observation revealed that fluid was still pouring out from under the breast , which seemed to be defiling treatment. The cause, as gathered, was because it was not exposed to air. As a result, the region is always damp with the burns causing sores. She is still going through excruciating pains, with serious anesthetics being administered to her on daily basis.

But the doctor assured that things would take its normal shape with time, disclosing that part of the burns on her back, stomach and hand were getting healed. The doctor also disclosed that as at Thursday evening, only N60,000.00 has been donated by a lady who pleaded anonymity.

But for Mercy to get back quickly on her feet again, she needs funds, first to clear the backlog of close to N600,000 which the hospital claimed was her medical bill. Out of this amount, the hospital said Mercy's father in-law was only able to pay the sum of N50,000. Presently , Pa Theodore who owns a mini boutique along Ago-Palace Way is finding it difficult to foot the bill.

Crime Guard reliably gathered that the 65-year-old man had resorted to borrowing from people in order to ensure Mercy gets back on her feet again. Plans, as gathered, is on the pipeline to open an account for Mercy where well- meaning Nigerians are enjoined to pay in their widow's mite, as this will, no doubt, go a long way in ensuring Mercy's speedy recovery.

And if this is not done on time, there are fears that the burns, particularly in the sensitive areas, could be affected, which unfortunately, can be disastrous for the helpless woman.

Meanwhile, her husband has been charged to the Ebute-Meta magistrate court,where he appeared last Tuesday. But the case could not be heard as his file with charge no G/23/2012 was referred to the Directorate of Public Defender (DPP) for advice.

However, while waiting for the account to be opened, concerned individuals can make their donations in person to the hospital- New Revolution hospital located in Ago, Okota, Lagos or reach Vanguard Crime Editor through: emmadozie@hotmail.com or 08023145281.

Nollywood’s vibrant actors, Ramsey Nouah quits acting

One of Nollywood’s vibrant actors, Ramsey Nouah has disclosed that he is quitting acting after being in the field for about two decades.

The actor said that he has reached his prime and wants to say a bye-bye to the movie industry.

“I think I’ve had my fair share,” he said.

“To my fans and loved ones, I know they’ll always want to see me on screen, but as they say, it’s best to leave when the ovation is loudest. I want to leave a very strong legacy.

“I believe I have left a very strong imprint in that line. There’s no possible way you can mention ‘Nollywood’ without mentioning Ramsey Nouah.

“I only want to be associated with the kind of movies that are poised to take the industry to another level, which is where we are headed now. Plus, I want to focus on working behind the scenes.

“I started a project at one point in time, but due to circumstances I wasn’t able to see it through, so it didn’t see the light of day, but I’m working on that now and getting the resources together.

Like I said, I grew up not having much, so I know the pains. Sometimes you want to help, but greedy people hijack it and in the end, the people who really need the help don’t get it.”

Ramsey has starred in several movies such as Private Storm, Dangerous Twins, Figurine which won him an award as best actor in a leading role at the AMAA 2010.

He said that he is not abandoning the movie industry entirely.

Friday, April 27, 2012

How soldier battered my only son to death - He won’t go scot-free, Army vows


This year’s Good Friday has come and gone but for the family of Mr. Okechukwu Ifedi of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, nothing was good about that Good Friday. It was for them, a most tragic Friday. It was on that day, April 6, that their only son, Chukwunonso Ifedi, 29, was killed in the most callous and crude manner.

 Nonso, as he was fondly called, lived at 51, Hospital Road, Aba, Abia State, before he met his untimely death. After returning from the market on the evening of the said day, he prepared food, which he shared with his cousins. He then decided to go to the nearby Princess Hotel, situated at No. 81 of the same Hospital Road for a drink. He never returned home alive.

 With tears running down his cheeks, Nonso’s dad, Mr. Ifedi, gave a gory account of how his only son was brutally killed by a heartless soldier.
 Hear him: “It was on April 7 at about 6.00 am when I received a call. And when I picked up my phone, it was the voice of a lady, telling me to come to Hospital/Mosque Street, that my son, Nonso, was dead.

 “At first, I couldn’t understand what she was talking about as my son was not sick. Nonetheless, I had to rush out immediately. On getting to the place, I called the lady, who had given me the information and she told me she would be with me in the next 30 minutes.

 “Within that period, my phone rang and before I could pick it, I saw the lady and waved at her to come. When she came, I asked her to tell me exactly what happened since she had told me on phone that she witnessed how my son was killed.
 “She told me that my son and others were drinking at Princess Hotel when someone in an army uniform, who rode to the place on a bike, came into the bar. She equally told me that when the soldier came in, he was staggering as he walked in and in the process, stepped on my son’s toes.

 “My son demanded to know why his killer should step on him without the simple courtesy of apologising. The soldier was then said to have picked offence with my son for questioning him and retorted, ‘I don swim many rivers, swim ocean, na you?” Then with the above assertive words, Nonso’s journey of no return began just immediately. The sadist soldier reportedly locked the only entrance into the hotel. He then allegedly picked up a rod from a corner of the bar and scared people away before descending on Nonso. 

 The soldier (names withheld) is said to be serving at the Ngwa High School, Aba Forward Base (FOB) of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army. He was said to have battered Nonso continuously with the rod for over 30 minutes until his victim became unconscious. People watched the torture of the deceased in awe from afar; nobody dared to venture close because they were afraid that the soldier had a gun on him. The manager of the hotel, whose name was simply given as Jaru, was said to have challenged him. And for that, the manager reportedly got a big cut on the head.

 After beating the victim to stupor, the soldier allegedly left the hotel on the bike he came with and returned to his base at Ngwa High School. An eyewitness said Nonso did not die immediately. The girl, who gave her name as Chinenyenwa, said the soldier hit Nonso with the rod for more than 30 minutes. She said: “The atmosphere in the hotel was calm until the soldier entered. He immediately picked up a quarrel with Nonso and the next thing he did was to go for a rod, which was kept inside the bar. With it, he forced everyone except Nonso out of the bar but I did not go out like the others. I hid myself in an obscure place to be able to see what the soldier would do to the young man.

 “From my position, I was able to see how for over 30 minutes the soldier subjected the deceased to a lot of punishment by beating him with the rod. At a point that the deceased became weak and could no longer talk or move any part of his body, the soldier searched Nonso’s pocket and collected some money with which he ordered for bottled water.“When the bottled water was brought to him, he poured it on the deceased. And when Nonso wanted to open his month, the soldier mockingly asked: ‘Aha! You wan drink water?’ He opened Nonso’s mouth and forced the bottle into it and left on his bike.

 “When the soldier had gone, I beckoned to another man at the hotel to help me bring out Nonso from the gutter into which the soldier had him. It was in the process of doing this that the deceased told me that he was not sure he would survive the ordeal he went through in the hands of the soldier and gave me his father’ s phone number to contact him. And that was what I did.” Chinenyenwa said it would be easy to identify the assailant, stressing that she was ready to identify the soldier in the case of any identification parade. She also said one of those arrested by the police over the incident should be in a good position to identify the culprit.

 “I will like the Army in Abia to do an identification parade and I will come and point at the soldier, who killed Nonso. But in the alternative, if they actually want to know who killed the young man, they should thoroughly interrogate a lady that was arrested by the police. She is the girlfriend of the manager of the hotel and a friend of the soldier too.” Chinenyenwa said.
 Like the blood of Abel in the Bible that cried to God when he was killed, that of Nonso is equally protesting, said the sad dad.

 “The night that my son was killed, I did not sleep and I couldn’t know why. I was restless, moving from one room to another. At a point, I became afraid,” he noted. The old man wondered why soldiers should continue to remain on the streets since they now turned their guns on defenceless citizens. “I thought that soldiers were drafted to Aba to stem the tide of violent crimes, including kidnapping. Why have they now become terror to the civilians they are supposed to protect? I learnt that the soldier said after killing my son that nothing would happen, but God is watching.”

 When Daily Sun visited the area command of the Nigeria Police in Aba where those arrested in connection with the incident were first detained, the commander, Mr. Rabiu Dayi, was said to be out of the state on official assignment. However, a senior police officer, who did not want his name in print, confirmed the incident. He said the matter had been transferred to Umuahia for further investigations. On why the accused soldier was not arrested before the matter was transferred to Umuahia, the police officer said the suspect would be arrested after the state Commissioner of Police had discussed the matter with the Commander, 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army at Ohafia, also in the state.

 Commander, 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Jibril Tanko Abubakar, admitted that the matter had been reported to him. Abubakar, who spoke through the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Lt. Olabisi Ayeni, however, said he was not sure if it was a soldier that was involved in the act.“The police are still investigating and their investigation will tell us what to do. If at the end of their investigation it is established that the person involved in that condemnable act was a soldier, we are going to deal with him in a military way,” he said.

 “Such a thing should not be happening now that the Chief of Army Staff is trying to establish and sustain a cordial relationship with the civilian population in the country.”

Why we attacked ThisDay – Boko Haram

Boko Haram on Thursday said that it attacked ThisDay Newspaper offices in Abuja and Kaduna over alleged misrepresentation of its position and perceived bias reporting of the feud between the sect and the government of Nigeria.

Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers had attacked ThisDay’s Abuja office as well as a complex housing ThisDay, Sun and Moment newspapers in Kaduna, leaving at least five people dead and many more injured.

The sect also known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad said in an interview with Premium Times, an online news blog, that it was targeting local and foreign journalists.
 In the interview by a member who claimed to be Abul Qaqa, Boko Haram said the attacks were meant to send a message to the media that it was fed up with alleged misrepresentations of its position by journalists.

“We have repeatedly cautioned reporters and media houses to be professional and objective in their reports. This is a war between us and the government of Nigeria; unfortunately the media have not been objective and fair in their reports of the ongoing war; they chose to take side,” Mr Qaqa said.

He identified three instances where he claimed his group was deliberately misrepresented by the media. The first, according to him, was the rumour of his capture by the |State Security Service (SSS).

“Some reporters are aware that I am Abul Qaqa. They know my voice through our long interactions and they also know the role of Abu Darda who heads the enlightenment committee and sometimes facilitates interviews; yet they (media) go by the unsubstantiated view of government that Abul Qaqa is in custody and I am the new spokesman or number two.

“Another issue was the recent kidnappings in the North; we were clear with our position as a group during a teleconference with reporters but we were shocked the next day when newspaper headlines added a lot of things which I never said during that interview.”

“Another example is the recent video posted on YouTube by our Imam. I challenge every Nigerian to watch that video again. There is no place our imam either said he will crush President Jonathan or issued an ultimatum to the government in Nigeria; but nearly all papers carried very wrong and mischievous headlines.”

When asked why ThisDay appeared specifically chosen for the attack, Qaqa replied, “It is not only ThisDay that has been engaged in negative media campaign, fictional stories and constantly promoting fake stories by the JTF to give an impression that they are making headway against us; yet there is no time the media investigated further as an objective and responsible bystander in this war. But the sins of ThisDay are more.

“They once insulted the Prophet Mohammed in 2001 and we have not forgotten. They recently said our Imam executed me which is false. Here I am speaking to you, I am alive and healthy.”

According to the blog, the purported Boko Haram spokesman threatened that the group would launch more attacks against the media.

You Are A Bad Seed - J.J.C Tells D'Banj


JJC (Skillz) has responded to Dbanj’s allegations that he cheated Don Jazzy while both of them were with the 419 Squad calling the “Koko master” a 419er (a name for fraudsters which was coined from section 419 of the Nigeria constitution dealing with laws on advance fee fraud and related matter).

Skillz who disclosed this in an interview with Nigezie (Video of the interview was published on social media site – Youtube) said that he was the brain behind the career of both Dbanj and Don Jazzy.

“Within my team, were people like Dbanj and … whatever other names were 419ers. And I didn’t accept it, that was why we had so many clashes,” he said.

He said the reason why the JJC and the 419 Squad wrote the ‘mobolowo’ was because at that time Dbanj “was running from the police.”

Thursday, April 26, 2012

‘World’s most beautiful woman 2012′ is Beyonce - People Magazine


The 16-time Grammy-winning pop star and actress, Beyonce Knowles, has been named as the ‘Most Beautiful Woman in the World by an international People Magazine’s poll.

 Although a mother,  Beyonce made it to the top of the coveted list, the magazine reported.  The 30-year-old singer, while reacting to the title said she delivered her first child, daughter Blue Ivy, in a private executive suite at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital on January 7 and according to her  “I feel more beautiful than I’ve ever felt because I’ve given birth…I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth.”
 Beyonce who has been married to Jay-Z for four years now, joins the ranks of other stars who have topped the most beautiful woman list, including Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez, who won last year.

 The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, who celebrates her first wedding anniversary to Prince William this weekend, is named the 10th most beautiful woman in the world.

 Below is a full list:
 1. Beyonce Knowles
 2. Sofia Vergara
 3. Charlize Theron
 4. Lily Collins
 5. Madeleine Stowe
 6. Christina Hendricks
 7. Michelle Williams
 8. Paula Patton
 9. Miranda Lambert
 10. Kate Middleton

700,000 Nigerian youth are HIV/AIDS positive – UNAIDS


It has been disclosed that over 700,000 youth are living with HIV/AIDS in Nigerian.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Michel Sidibe, who disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday said that “an estimated 700,000 young people aged 15 to 32 are living with HIV—a number nearly one-fifth of the total population of HIV-positive people in Nigeria.

According to data from the UN body, Nigeria is at the risk of the danger of new HIV infections if its youths are not properly educated about the effects of the virus.”

Mr. Sidibe, who spoke during the event in Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory, advocated the quick passage of the HIV/AIDS anti-stigmatisation and discrimination bill.

He also called on the Federal Government to speed up the passage of the bill prohibiting stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

He said, “People are suffering more from stigma, discrimination and exclusion than even from the disease.”

‘I don't know who wants me dead’ - Daddy Showkey


With KATE HALIM katehalim@ymail.com 07042146485
Like the proverbial cat with nine lives, Daddy Showkey has stayed alive after four attempts on his life in recent times. The Ghetto soldier as he's fondly called escaped the last attempt in a dramatic manner as he chased his assailants after miraculously surviving a close range shot.

 Daddy Showkey whose real name is John Asiemo told Daily Sun that his only concern is the safety of his family who are being traumatized by these incessant attacks and not the speculations that he might be involved in shady businesses.

 Excerpts:
 It’s been four attempts on your life in recent times, why are people shooting at you?
 I don’t know at all, if I tell you that I have one person that I suspect, I would be lying to you. Recently, I left my house in search of fuel, somebody told me to go to the filling station in Agidingbi, Ikeja opposite Cadbury. I went there at once because I have always been patronizing them; I was on the queue there, I waited for my turn.

 When it got to my turn to buy fuel, somebody tapped my car, I even thought I had a flat tyre, on coming down from the car, the person said ‘’shebi iwo ni’’ (so it’s you right?), the next thing I heard was gunshots directed at my chest. After he shot at me, I pretended as if I was falling to the ground and I punched him. I tried holding onto the guy that shot me but another guy came from nowhere and also shot at me in the head. I give glory to God for his deliverance, the bullets didn’t penetrate my body because of divine intervention.

 Did you catch any of them?
 No, we would have caught them had it been the people at the filling station were brave enough but when they heard the sound of the gun, everybody dispersed and ran for their lives. Some people were glued inside their cars and couldn’t come out because they witnessed everything that happened.

 Are you sure it wasn't your vehicle that attracted them?
 I went out with my land rover jeep (LR3) but I don’t think so. If they were robbers who wanted my SUV, they would have taken it. Besides, there were other vehicles there like a murano that would have attracted them also. I wasn’t dressed extravagantly either. I wore a Chelsea jersey and had my rings and necklaces on me. Had it been they asked me for my keys I would have handed it to them without stress. Would I fight with a man with a gun? He didn’t ask for any of my personal effects. He just shot at me.

 So you believe it’s an assassination attempt?
 Yes I do. I also reported the incident at Alausa police station, Ikeja.

 That’s the fourth attempt on your life, so can you recall the last three attempts?
 The only one I can recall was the one which I just left my house not more than 30 minutes, they came around and my gateman was shot in the process. There was another incident where they wanted to come into my house, I was at home that day, and the security guards in my estate engaged them in a gun battle, they ran away that day. While that was going on, I called my boys from Ajegunle who arrived three hours later, I told them on phone that they should also come to my rescue because some people wanted to kill me.

 Those people escaped through the swamp not far from the area. After that incident, I had to leave Lagos for Delta. I came back to Lagos afterwards and proceeded to the US. I haven’t been around for a while; maybe they just got information that I was in town that’s why they trailed me to the filling station. People have been calling to tell me to relocate but I will not. I must get to the root of this matter, I must find out who is trying to kill me. I can’t relocate from my country just because somebody wants to kill me. I can only move my family because I can't afford to lose my wife or children for any reason.

 But are you not scared?
 There is nobody that won’t be scared, but if I know the person who is trying to kill me, I won’t be scared. I am a street boy, I grew up in the street, ‘’if say I know am, I go just siddon, make we dey play tape for ourself, make we know person wey go dance pass’’. It has not been easy for me and my family, I know the trauma they are going through now just because of me. The other time they came to my house, they killed a man in front of my son, can you imagine what my son went through when he experienced that incident? I am hopeful that one day one of them will be caught.

 How deep are you in politics in Ajegunle and at the national level?
 Every individual in Nigeria is a politician because our opinion on any issue counts, once you have a voters’ card, you have become a politician. If I say I'm not a politician, I would be lying because I do vote. So, in my neighborhood, I like to know what goes on there and I get to advise too.

 How easy was it for you to reconcile the picture of Ajegunle with where you are today?
 First of all, check the environment that I live now, it’s not better than Ajegunle. The impression most people have about Ajegunle is very wrong, many people see it as a slum. To me, we grew up there and I dare say that many important people in this country also come from there. Ajegunle has produced several doctors, generals in the army and let’s not even talk of musicians. My mother was a teacher while my father was a banker, I grew up behind a police station.

 Growing up, the only negative thing that was prevalent then was crime. The only reason why I was determined to be successful in music was to prove to people that something good indeed can also come out of an area that people had already written off. I am a grass root person, I can afford to start a foundation in Ajegunle but if I approach some established people in the society to become members of the board of trustees, they would say no because of the location of the area. I do things in my own little way for that community but I won’t mention it because I am not trying to impress anybody. I give scholarships to students in my area, I do a lot of things here but I don’t like talking about it.

 How easy is it to picture the days of small beginnings compared to this level of comfort?
 It wasn’t easy at all, I was in entertainment then and I had people who were managing me. They were really exploiting me at that time but I didn’t mind because I knew I was destined for greater things in life. To me, I felt even though they were cheating me, they were building me up for greater challenges in life. My life today and my life yesterday are two different things, I had a very rough beginning and today, I thank God for where I am. Today, I am very happy and I see my success as my children and my family, at least I can afford to give them three square meals. I value my gifts and they are my children.

 How was growing up like?
 I lost my father when I was eight years old, that was 1978, I lost my elder brother in 1983, I was the last child of my mum. My father had three wives, my mother was the eldest, and we were four boys. My late brother was killed by a canon in the village during a burial, it entered into his head and he died and I lost my father in a car accident. My mother was a teacher and she tried all she could, my grandmother was a big business woman but as for me I decided that my gift was entertainment in general, not just music. My friends and I would leave the house to go and play at night clubs like Gongola, Paradiso and Face 2 in those days. We also go scavenging, we did this during the day and we still played at night clubs. At the end of the day, I thank God that I have a positive story to tell now.

 What led you into scavenging, were you trying to help your mother?
 My mother did not even know I was scavenging. The day she found out, it was not funny at all, she felt very bad. My uncles had to come around and they dealt with me seriously. I made them realize that it was the in thing then in the neighborhood and that the kids in Ajegunle don’t depend on anybody. We didn’t have much options then, very few companies employed people for holiday jobs at that time, so we opted for scavenging for the fear of being the odd one out. At that time, we used to pick objects from the slum and then take it to the recycle center, these days we no longer have recycle centers anymore.

 So when did you start music?
 The first time I went to a stage was in 1977, that was in FESTAC. After then, I did the bar beach show, I took part in the village headmaster too, animal games and a host of other shows like the Kuramo lodge, Eko holiday inn and Paradiso. Paradiso was one of the biggest clubs then, so was club 22, and wazobia, we used to have a lot of them those days. Those days, people used to call me ‘’show’’, some call me ‘’baba pako’’. We formed a group in 1987 called the pretty busy boys, on that platform we did our first album, but later the group went solo.

 How many people were with you in the group?
 Daddy Fresh, Sexy Pretty and I. Later, Cashman Davies and Roland joined after Sexy Pretty left the group. Eventually, everybody had to go their separate ways because it was our idea that when we get to a certain stage in life that we would try it out on our own. Pretty left the group even before we did our first album. I also went into the Defense Academy, but it wasn’t because I got admission into the school that the group went apart, it’s just one of those things.

 Some say that was the genesis of your problems with Daddy Fresh, is it true?
 How can they say that when Daddy Fresh was the first to release an album, he released his album in 1993 while I did mine in 1994? He had problems with me but I didn’t have problems with him. If you go to the archives and check or try and ask the pretty busy boys, they are all alive, they will tell you that I was the one who did his best in order to make sure that the group didn’t fall apart. My success as a musician today is because God loves me, it is not because I am one spectacular singer, it is God. I still keep tabs on the group, I hang out with them when time permits except for Daddy Fresh. He has his own reasons but I don’t have problems with anybody.

 Don't you think you and Daddy Fresh should have sat down and resolved your issues like men instead of allowing it get messy?
 It is this simple, I don’t force myself on people. If you are ready to work with me, I will work with you, otherwise I will lose my respect. There must be mutual understanding between two people for something of this magnitude to happen. Let’s talk about the industry now, I am ready to work with anybody, a tree does not make a forest.

 So when do you think this acrimony between you and Daddy Fresh will end?
 Like I said, I don’t have problems with him.

 Why did you go to Delta and what were you doing in Delta?
 I am from Delta state. When I came back, I had to fall back home just to get a new environment so that I can think of how to rearrange myself and my business because I had lost a lot then. I thank God for my state government at that time, they supported me and stood by me.

 How did you pick up the pieces of your life? Did all your business crumble that time?
 “You know, water cannot finish inside coconut” by the grace of God, so we thank God. It was a lot of support from people back home and Ajegunle that brought me back, so many of my friends and elder brother were all there for me. Even PMAN didn't support me.

 What business do you do now?
 I don’t want to say anything about my business. It is my private issue.

 Looking at your many properties and the quality of your house, won't people think you are cutting corners or be curious about the kind of business you do?
 Let them talk, people will always talk. For me, this is hard work, I will not say music didn’t contribute to it, it contributed a lot to it, if not for music, maybe the connection that got me all these will not be there. I will not like you to know I am the owner of this and that, but one day when those businesses become big, then people will know.

 How will you describe your marital life seeing you have been with your wife since 1992?
 Yes, we have being together for a long time, boyfriend and girlfriend relationship then courtship and later, we got married and we have four children.

 Which would you choose between being an army officer and a musician?
 I thank God for where I am now, I thank God for the decision I took, and I am happy with where I am now. I have no regrets. At the end of the day, I also became a ghetto soldier and I still relate with the army. There was a time I played for the chief of army staff in Benin and I saw so many Generals around, I was so happy.

 So, will you go back to music?
 This year, it’s all these attack that has being delaying me, a lot of people have being calling me. Even my brothers have being calling me, and they want me to leave the country, if I leave the country, what will I be doing? Music is my gift and no matter what, I will continue to do music.

 What do you think of today’s music?
 Today’s music is what is feeding a lot of people. It is providing for a lot of mothers, music is the only company that is giving people job without application. Music can change a person’s life.

 Will you do a music that will go with today’s trend?
 As a musician, you listen to tunes and you build your own style.

 Which artiste would you like to feature?
 I like a lot of artistes, right now I can’t say which one I will like to feature, I like a lot of them.

 What were you doing to sustain yourself outside music?
 I have a lot of friends that have businesses. I invest my money in their businesses, and when they make profit, they give me my money and my own profit. I also have stocks and shares in many companies, and sometimes I buy some and later sell them before the stocks crashes. I have Banker friends who always advise me on what to do with the money I get and even some stockbrokers who assist me to invest my money. They made me business inclined and that has helped me a lot.