El-Rufai was detained by SSS

The State Security Service detained former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Nasir el-Rufai yesterday at its headquarters in Abuja.

The SSS operatives detained el-Rufai, who is the interim Deputy Publicity Secretary of the opposition All Progressives Congress, when he reported at their office at about 9.20am in respect of the invitation he received for making "an inciting statement."

Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, accompanied by Senator Chris Ngige, drove el- Rufai to the SSS office.

Amaechi said he was mandated by the leadership of the APC to accompany the ex-minister. Other party chieftains, including the APC national secretary, Mr. Tijani Tumsah, who also accompanied el-Rufai, were barred from entering the SSS premises.

One of the ex-minister's wives and his lawyer were also part of the entourage that went with him to the Maitama office of the secret police.

Amaechi spent about one hour inside the SSS premises before he left. Ngige, who spent about four hours, left the SSS premises around 3pm. An attempt to speak with him by journalists was aborted by SSS operatives who asked everyone to leave the area.

The SSS had invited el-Rufai to its office last Friday over a statement in which he said there would be violence during the 2015 elections.

But the former minister declined to honour the invitation, saying he had instituted a suit against the service for detaining him during the governorship election in Anambra State. He asked the agency to either meet him in his office or produce a Warrant of Arrest.

El-Rufai, in an interview with journalists moments before he entered the SSS office on Monday, explained that he did not honour the invitation earlier as there was no warrant, adding that the SSS had no power to compel him to come to its office because of the statement he made.

He said, "The SSS has provided the Warrant of Arrest and shown it to my lawyer on Friday and I said to my lawyer that we will come here this morning (Monday).

"It is all about politics, it is all about 2015, this is just an attempt to intimidate and silence opposition for crying out that elections are likely to be rigged; I will continue to speak and they will continue to arrest me until we get free and fair election in Nigeria.

"There is nothing I have said that history has not shown. I said elections should be free and fair; if they are not free and fair, there is likelihood of violence. This has happened in our history in 1964, 1983, 1993 and 2011, so what is strange about that. Anybody that doesn't know that is either not reading history or just ignoring history,"

The SSS according to PUNCH has released him.

DvNsports: CHAN: Super Eagles to get $100,000 bonus if they win Ghana

Nigeria's minister of sports, Bolaji Abdullahi has offered a bonus of $100,000 (16 million Naira) to the Super Eagles if they defeat Ghana in Wednesday's semi final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

With a similar incentive in their quarter final game, Nigeria came from a 3-0 first half deficit to defeat Morocco 4-3 after extra time in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Eagles are expected to be paid their last bonus earnings before Wednesday's clash against rivals the Black Stars.

Abdullahi told media that if "the boys qualify for the final and go ahead to win the trophy, they can be confident that a grateful nation will remember for a long time to come that they, with typical Nigerian grit and determination, have extended our dominance of African football."

Nigeria are the defending champions of the more prestigious Africa Cup of Nations and look set to win the CHAN, that is open to only players based in their country's domestic leagues, in their debut appearance at the competition.

El-Rufai storms SSS headquarters with Governor Amaechi, Senator Ngige, Al- Mustapha and others

After armed men from the State Security Service, SSS, on friday, stormed former FCT Minister, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai's house to invite him to their headquarters but meet his absence, The former Minister today decided to honour their invitation by going to their Headquarters this morning, along with some APC chiefs, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, APC National Secretary, Treasurer, Senator Ngige and Al Mustpha.

El-Rufai took to twitter few minutes ago to reveal this. He also said the SSS refuse to let Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Ngige in. Read his tweets below...

Grammy Awards red carpet photos + Full list of winners

Grammy Awards held last night at The Staples Center in Los Angeles. More photos below...

Full list of winners

Best New Artist:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
"Get Lucky" Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams and Nyle Rodgers
Best Rock Song:
"Cut Me Some Slack," Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear
Best Pop Solo Performance:
"Royals" Lorde
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
"Holy Grail" Jay Z ft. Justin Timberlake
Best Country Album:
Same Trailer Different Park, Kacey Musgraves
Song of the Year:
"Royals," Lorde
Best Pop Instrumental Album:
Stepping Out, Herb Albert
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album:
To Be Loved, Michael Buble
Best Reggae Album:
Ziggy Marley In Concert, Ziggy Marley
Best Spoken Word Album:
America Again: Re-becoming The Greatness We Never Weren't, Stephen Colbert
Best Remixed Recording, Non- Classical:
Summertime Sadness, Cedric Gervais, Remixer (Lana Del Rey)
Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance:
"Break Every Chain [Live]", Tasha Cobbs
Best Gospel Song:
"If He Did It Before... Same God [Live]" Tye Tribbett Follow her arrow: Kacey Musgraves also won two gongs
Best Gospel Album:
Greater Than [Live], Tye Tribbet,
Best Latin Pop Album:
Vida, Draco Rosa,
Best Song Written For Visual Media:
"Skyfall," Thomas Newman
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance:
Brady Wells and Roomful of Teeth, "Roomful of Teeth"
Best New Age Album:
"Love's River" Laura Sullivan
Best Jazz Vocal Album:
Liquid Spirit, Gregory Porter,
Best Jazz Instrumental Album:
Money Jungle: Provocative In Blue, Terri Lyne Carrington
Best Latin Jazz Album:
Song For Maura, Paquito D'Rivera And Trio Corrente
Best Compilation Soundtrack Album:
Sound City: Real To Reel, Butch Vig (Compilation Producer)
Best Musical Theater Album:
Kinky Boots, Cyndi Lauper
Best Americana Album:
Old Yellow Moon, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell
Best Folk Album:
My Favorite Picuture of You, Guy Clark
Best Dance Recording:
"Clarity" Zedd ft. Foxes
Best Dance/Electronica Album:
Random Access Memories, Daft Punk
Best Comedy Album:
Calm Down Gurrl, Kathy Griffin
Best Rap Performance:
"Thift Shop" Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Best Rap Song:
"Thift Shop" Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Best Rap Album:
"The Heist" Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Best R&B Performance:
"Something" Snarky Puppy With Lalah Hathaway
Best Traditional R&B Performance:
"Please Come Home" Gary Clark Jr.
Best R&B Song:
"Pusher Love Girl" Justin Timberlake
Best Urban Contemporary Album:
"Unapologetic" Rihanna
Best R&B Album:
Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys
Best Blues Album:
Get Up!, Ben Harper With Charlie Musselwhite
Best Music Film:
Live Kisses, Paul McCartney
Best Country Duo/Group Performance:
"From This Valley" The Civil Wars
Best Country Solo Performance:
"Wagon Wheel" Darius Rucker
Best Country Song:
"Merry Go Round" Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne
Best Rock Performance:
"Radioactive" Imagine Dragons
Best Alternative Music Album:
Modern Vampires of the City, Vampire Weekend
Producer of the Year, Non- Classical:
Pharrell Williams
Best Metal Performance:
"God Is Dead," Black Sabbath
Best Rock Album:
Celebration Day, Led Zeppelin

Photos: Peter Okoye visits Kaffy's new baby

Kaffy and hubby Joseph yesterday got a surprise visit from one of Psquare's duo, Peter Okoye. Peter who is Joseph's boss came to greet their new baby Eliana, and brought lots of gifts from him and his wife Lola.

Nadia Buari shares pictures of her mum

Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari shared this cute pictures of her and her mom.

DvNsports: Juan Mata officially becomes a Manchester United player

Manchester United have completed the signing of Juan Mata from Chelsea, the club have confirmed.

The Spain international missed first-team training with the west London outfit on Wednesday as he closed in on the club-record move to the reigning Premier League champions in a deal worth £37.1 million.

Jose Mourinho has already moved to secure a replacement for the Spaniard, as the Blues gazumped Liverpool to agree a fee with Basel for Mohamed Salah, a transfer which could cost up to £15m.

Speaking about the deal, Mata said he was delighted to have joined the reigning Premier League champions, describing Old Trafford as the 'perfect place for me'.

"I am thrilled to be joining United. I have enjoyed some very happy years at Chelsea but the time has come for a new challenge," he told the club's official website.

"United is the perfect place for me and I am excited at the chance I have to be part of the next phase in the club's history.

"Chelsea is a top club and I have many friends there but you cannot turn down the chance to join Manchester United. I look forward to helping the manager and the team be successful in the coming years."

David Moyes, meanwhile, confirmed that Mata will make his United debut against Cardiff on Tuesday at Old Trafford.

"I have been impressed with the excitement he has shown to be part of the new Manchester United"; he added.

"I know our fans have admired Juan for some time now – he has always played well against us – and I know they will be delighted to see him in the red of United, starting on Tuesday.

"Juan is one of the finest playmakers in the game today and it's a real pleasure to have secured his signature," he added.

"He's been instrumental in Chelsea's recent success, with a notable 28 assists and 32 goals in his last two Premier League seasons."

Mata, twice named Chelsea's Player of the Season, struggled for regular football under Mourinho, with the Portuguese recently admitting his "door was open" should the playmaker seek an exit.

And United have jumped at the opportunity to bring the 25-year-old to Old Trafford, with David Moyes keen to boost his midfield options and strengthen the club's bid to claim Champions League qualification after the disappointment of crashing out of the Capital One Cup.

DvNsports: CHAN 2014: Nigeria beat Morocco 4-3 (Match Report)

The home-based Super Eagles came from three goals down to earn a dramatic victory over Morocco at the ongoing African Nations Championship in South Africa.

The Super Eagles conceded three goals within the space of seven minutes in the first half; first from Mohsine Moutaouali in the 33rd minute, the second goal was scored by Iajour Mouhssine in the 37th minute and Mohsine Moutauali scored his second and third in the 40th minutes.

The Super Eagles emerged stronger in the second half, scoring in the 49th minute courtesy Ugona Uzochukwu. Rabiu Ali added another for the Keshi led team in the 55th minute. The Nigerian team seems destined to leave the tournament before Ejike Uzoenyi netted the third in the 90th minutes.

The Super Eagles netted the winning goal in the extra minutes to make it to the semi final of the tournament.

HOW FAR DO YOU THINK THE TEAM CAN GO IN THE TOURNAMENT?

DvNsports: Manchester United confirm agreement to sign Juan Mata

Manchester United have announced they have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Juan Mata for a club record £37million.

The midfielder was expected to undergo a medical with the Premier League champions yesterday but things have been held up by the Blues' delay in the acquistion of Mohamed Salah, despite Jose Mourinho insisting the deal for the Egyptian was done.

However, it is thought there will be no hitches and that Mata will have his medical on Saturday (today) and agree personal terms in time to make his debut for David Moyes' side in Tuesday's game against Cardiff.

"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Chelsea Football Club for the transfer of Juan Mata for a club-record fee," said United in a statement.

"The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had already earlier confirmed the sale of Mata and said it would be a 'fantastic opportuntiy' for the 25-year-old.

Snoop Dogg smokes out hotel room, Firefighters race to scene

Snoop Dogg on Thursday night smoked out his Australian hotel room so intensely, firefighters RACED to the scene thinking there was a real fire!

Cops say "smoke from an unidentified source" triggered a fire alarm around 10am and firefighters who happened to be in the hotel rushed up to the scene to investigate the situation. But when they got to the room, the firefighters quickly realized there was no fire just a ton of smoke.

Though officials won't say if weed was involved. Once the situation calmed down, Snoop actually took some Instagram pics with the responders and talked about how he always wanted to be a firefighter.

Chelsea’s Michael Essien joins AC Milan

Chelsea's Ghanian international midfielder Michael Essien has joined AC Milan, the Italian Serie A side announced on Friday.

"Michael Essien will arrive in Milan this evening," AC Milan said in a statement, praising the "high level curriculum" of the player.

Essien, 31, arrives on a free transfer having signed an 18-month deal with the northern outfit placed 11th in Serie A, the Italian press reported.

Essien is the first recruit of new Milan coach Clarence Seedorf, and he could play in their Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid next month with two Milan midfielders suspended for the match – Riccardo Montolivo and Ghanian Sulley Muntari.

Islam believes Jesus will come again — Imam

The Imam of Federal College of Technology, Yaba Mosque, Imam Saeed Salmon has said that Islam also believes in the second coming of Jesus Christ, emphasising that any Muslim who does not believe in it is not a true follower of Prophet Muhammed.

Salmon who made this known at a special lecture held at the Lagos Central Mosque, Tinubu, said, Jesus is a messenger of God and would still return to a mosque in Damascus.

"The second coming of Jesus Christ is a doctrine that every Muslim must believe. The teachings of prophet Muhammed talks extensively about this.

The Qua'ran Chapter 4:157-159 teaches this but the teachings of Islam does not support that Jesus was killed or resurrected, rather, he was raised by Almighty Allah to his majesty."

"Jesus is coming again to refute the claim of the Jews that he was crucified and to correct the doctrine of the Christians that he is the son of God.

Again, the second coming of Jesus is to establish that there is a close relationship between Prophet Muhammed and Jesus himself."

The Chief host and organiser of the lecture, Amir Ajala Kamardeen noted that he is under the obligation as a true Muslim to educate the public and to correct any misconception about Islam.

"Jesus is a prophet and messenger of Allah and as a true Muslim, we are bound to believe all prophets of Allah.

The holy book ,Qur'an points to the fact that the second coming of Jesus Christ is a sign of end time but there are some group of Muslims in Harvard University and in Cairo known as the fatimists and also Ahmadists who are saying otherwise, so, I have put it upon myself to correct them."

Pastor 'delivers' teenager from evil spirit by having sex with her

Pastor Kingsley General Overseer of Zion International Christian Church, Idah, Kogi State, may have landed in trouble for his alleged uncontrolled sexual appetite.

The pastor was alleged to have slept with one Mary, daughter of his sunday school teacher on the pretext that the lady was possessed with demons which could only be exorcised through sex thus having carnal knowledge of the 18-year old girl

After impregnating the girl, he attempted to abort the pregnancy by giving her some liquid substances mixed with olive oil which she refused to drink

Speaking with Crime Watch, the victim said she came to join her parent from the village around November last year when the pastor spotted her in the church on the pretext that she had 'a wild demonic spirit' in her and then ordered her to see him after the church service for deliverance.

Frightened, she said she went to meet the pastor immediately after the service. "He told me that my waist and private parts have been ravaged by demons and until deliverance was carried out, I may not be able to have any child in life."

The Man of God frightened me and said he would only cast out the demons from me through sexual intercourse but he warned me not to tell anybody on the mode of deliverance.

"After praying into an olive oil, he asked me to undress while he rubsed my waist and private parts with the anointing oil mixed with some substances, he then undressed himself and used the same oil on his private part before he descended on me and started to do the thing."

"But I discovered that I was pregnant last week when my mother noticed my conduct and I had to reveal everything to her even though he warned me not to tell anybody," She revealed.

However, the 37-year old pastor denied the allegation saying, that all he did was to cast out the demons in her, using the anointing oil

He said that some church members who were envious of his spiritual rise were the one who ganged up against him because his ministry was experiencing 'exponential growth'

The CP warned parents to put more attention on their female children even in religious centres, saying there are many fake pastors outside there.

I became an armed robber to pay my girlfriend's N1.5m bride price - Robber confesses

A robbery suspect, Mr Godwin Olukporibe, has confessed that he was forced to form a robbery gang when his father-in-law asked him to pay N1.5 million bride price before he could marry his pregnant girlfriend.

The suspect was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, of the Lagos State Police Command, following a tip-off that he was in a hotel with his girlfriend in Ibadan, Oyo State, western Nigeria.

Olukporibe allegedly claimed his father-in-law initially refused to give his daughter's hand in marriage despite the fact that he had impregnated her and wanted to marry her. The suspect said that it was after a lot of persuasion that he allow them marry but with the condition that he must give him N1.5 million as bride price.

The suspect said he could not afford the money but because he loved his wife and she was expecting his baby, he was forced to form an armed robbery gang to raise the money.

Olukporibe said he initially went into robbery just to raise the money, but he was encouraged to continue when he made N3 million in his first attempt.

He said he quickly paid the bride price and married his wife without his father- in-law knowing his source of money.

Olukporibe said because of the success of the first robbery operation, he decided to go into full time robbery and later graduated into kidnapping.

The suspect, who hails from Etsako Local Government in Edo State, said he was not really doing any work before he formed the gang and became their leader.

He said the gang used his father's car to rob people on the highway before they bought the cars they used for their other operations.

Oluporibe confessed that he was involved in several robbery operations on Benin-Lagos, Ibadan-Lagos expressways and Kwara State among others.

On how they operate, Olukporibe said some of the members of the gang usually board buses as passengers and would be communicating with others through phone calls to keep them informed about their progress on the journey.

He said when the targeted bus approaches the destination they have planned to operate, they will block the road and force the driver of the bus to stop.

"If the driver tries to resist, those inside the bus will force him to comply. We will rob the passengers of the bus and carry their belongings to our waiting cars and drive off," he said.

Olukporibe said he had been a political thug for so many years and went into armed robbery and kidnapping five years ago before he was arrested by the police.

He confessed that he was a political thug for prominent politicians who armed him with weapons such as AK47 rifles to attack their opponents.

He said most times before the operation, the politicians will give him some money and promise to buy good things for him but after the operation, they will distance themselves from him. Oluporibe said he did not return most of the weapons, which the gang later used for their robbery and kidnapping operations.

He said he regretted to be an armed robber and if given a chance, he would turn a new leaf. He is still in the custody of SARS where he is undergoing interrogation. Olukporibe has been detained by SARS and would be charged to court soon

DvNsports: Juan Mata set to join Manchester United

Juan Mata will arrive at Manchester Uniteds' Carrington training base by helicopter this morning to complete his move to the Premier League champions.

The Red Devils agreed a £37 million fee with Chelsea for the World Cup and European Championship winner on Wednesday night.

The move is set to be finalised after the completion of a medical, which will take place at the new £10m medical facility inside Carrington's grounds, with doctors already on site.

There was a breakthrough in talks between the two clubs on Wednesday, with the London club giving the 25-year-old permission to miss first-team training in the morning.

Mata is expected to make his debut for David Moyes' side in their Premier League clash against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Cardiff City next Tuesday.

DvNsports: Man United close to signing Juan Mata

Manchester United is closing in on a deal to sign Juan Mata from Chelsea after the playmaker missed training on Wednesday AFP reports.

Mata was absent from the Blues first-team training session in the morning as the clubs hold talks over a £40m deal for the Spain international.

The 25-year-old's representatives are in England and United hopes to agree a deal in the next few days as David Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield and boost his side's chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Mata is desperate for regular football having found himself out of favour at Chelsea this season, starting just 11 of Chelsea's 22 Premier League matches.

Chelsea initially demanded £45m to sell Mata to a domestic rival but the club is prepared to accept an offer worth around £40m for a player who cost £23.5m when he signed from Valencia in 2011.

A deal for Mata could also improve relations between the clubs as Chelsea continues with its attempts to sign United striker Wayne Rooney.

Mata is keen on a move to Old Trafford to boost his chances of playing for Spain at next summer's World Cup, and the Premier League champion can offer a significant increase on his £70,000-a-week salary.

DvNsports: Man U reject fresh Chelsea approach for Rooney

Manchester United have rejected a fresh approach from Chelsea to sign Wayne Rooney.

The Londoners made a new move to capture England's talisman earlier this month but the Premier League champions dismissed it out of hand.

Chelsea's latest attempt to land Rooney comes as United step up their attempt to prise €49 million-rated Juan Mata from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have told United officials they are willing to pay €36.5m for Rooney in the January window.

Jose Mourinho's team submitted two offers for Rooney last summer after being told that the 28-year-old wanted to move to Stamford Bridge, with the second believed to be around the €30.5m mark.

Chelsea's renewed attempt to capture England's talisman is the latest twist in their lengthy pursuit of the player. It is understood the approach was made before they beat United 3-1 last Sunday, when Samuel Eto'o scored a hat-trick.

Privately, United are adamant that they will not sell Rooney this month to Chelsea, who they regard as rivals for a Champions League place, or any other club.

But David Moyes' side are struggling to hold on to a player who has rejected all attempts from the Premier League champions to sit down for talks about extending his €305,000-a- week contract, which expires in 18 months.

Rooney has been one of United's few shining lights in what has been a disastrous season but he is believed to be keen to seek a fresh challenge at an established Champions League club, where his status as the team's principal centre-forward would be unquestioned.

He has not spoken publicly about his future since last October, when he offered only a flicker of encouragement to United that he would sign a new deal.

Asked directly if he would like to stay at United, Rooney said: "You can see I'm playing and I'm happy in my football. I'll have more discussions with the club and we'll see what happens from there."

United would prefer to sell Rooney abroad than to another English club, but it is believed that the player's preference is to remain in the Premier League, with Chelsea his current favoured destination.

Photos: Victoria Kimani & Yvonne Ekwere turn actress

Chocolate City's first lady, Victoria Kimani and Yvonne Ekwere who is a presenter with STV have gone into acting. The two ladies were seen on set of the new movie, 7 Inch Curve, they will be starring in. See more photos below...

20 out of 24 PDP Kwara lawmakers defect to APC

20 out of the 24 lawmakers that make up the Kwara State House of Assembly have all defected to All Progressive Congress, APC. The lawmakers who came into the house on the platform of the PDP announced their defection this morning.

Principal officers of the house including the Speaker of the House Mr Rasaq Atunwa, his deputy, Prof Yisa Mohammed were part of those that defected. The lawmakers said they decided to move to the APC due to the factions in the PDP.

Kwara State governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has already defected to APC.

'Not having sex for 2 years feels good' - Dencia

Singer and businesswoman, Dencia in a recent interview with Encomium magazine says she not having sex for 2 years feels good, adding that she is saving her energy. Read Below..

"Sex is overrated and sex is for lovers who are trying to make babies. I am not trying to do so, it is not in my agenda. Not having sex for two years feels good. I am saving energy and mileage. I have better things to waste energy on. I want to wait till after marriage because I am not in a rush. Marriage is a commitment. I just don't see myself falling inlove, having sex and being both heart broken. I have never been heartbroken. I can't take a heartbreak..and men these days expect anything from them. To avoid heartbreak, if I meet any serious man we will meet the families, no sex for over six months, so in the process they might find out they don't like me so I can quit easily."

Davido says he won't drop an album this year

Davido, yesterday told his fans on twitter not to expect much from him this year as he won't be releasing an album this year, thou he will release singles. Davido says he will be focusing more on other HKN artists, adding "No be only me go blow".

President Jonathan appoints former PDP chairman Bamanga Tukur as Chairman of Railway Corporation

President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed the immediate past chairman of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Bamanga Tukur as Chairman Board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

His appointment was contained in a statement released by Special Assistant (Media) to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sam Nwaobasi.

Tukur resigned last week as chairman of PDP and has being replaced by the former Governor of Bauchi State, Adamu Muazu.

Kate Henshaw escapes death after almost being crushed by BRT Bus

Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw narrowly escaped an auto accident yesterday in Lagos after an ugly encounter with a BRT Bus. See her tweet below...

Father impregnates 14-year-old daughter

Thirty six-year-old Aminu Ajao has been arraigned before an Ebute Meta magistrate's court for allegedly raping and impregnating his 14-year-old primary school daughter (name withheld).

Ajao was arraigned on Monday on two counts of rape.

The police said the incident happened on Wale Azeez Street, Ajasa, Lagos State.

The magistrate, Ms S.O Solebo, called the victim's mother and her stepmother to court to give an account of how the event unfolded.

The victim's mother, who did not disclose her name in court, said she had separated from Ajao and had remarried.

She said, "After our separation, I took my daughter to live with my mother. But in October, 2013, he went to my mother's house and took her from there.

"It was from that time that he started pressuring the girl before sleeping with her and impregnating her."

Ajao's new wife, who was nursing a baby, said she was not aware of the incident until the matter got to the police.

"It was in October last year that he brought the girl to be staying with us. While I slept in the room, she stayed in the parlour and I didn't know anything was going on," she said.

The magistrate became angry when the victim's mother told the court she had taken her daughter back to the grandmother, adding, "My sisters will take care of her ante-natal."

Solebo said, "You sound so irresponsible. She is your own child and you are saying your sisters will take her for ante- natal care at her grandmother's place. If they had exercised due diligence and care, maybe she would not have been taken away by her father."

The magistrate thereafter called the Office of the Public Defender for custody of the girl.

"She is 14 and she is pregnant. Her body is not developed to carry the pregnancy. I am very interested in how the girl fares," she added.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odige told the court that the crime was punishable under sections 135(1)(2) and 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.

Odige thereafter applied that the matter be transferred to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

However, the defence counsel, Ola Ogunbiyi, pleaded with the court to admit Ajao to bail in liberal terms.

Ogunbiyi said Ajao had emaciated because he had been in detention for a long time.

Reacting, Solebo said, "The punishment for the offence is life imprisonment. Already, a medical report from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has indicated that she was pregnant as of November, 2013. The police, who investigated the matter said she was pregnant for her father. So, what do you want me to do?

"In view of Section 115(2) and in view of the offence and the nature of the punishment, bail is hereby refused the defendant. The defendant is to be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the DPP."

The matter was adjourned till February 19, 2014.

Anti-Gay Law: US threatens to withdraw help from Nigeria

Following President Goodluck Jonathan's signing of the Same-Sex Prohibition Act 2014, the United States of America, has threatened that it will scale down its support for HIV/AIDS and anti-malaria programmes in response to the Federal Government's position on the gay rights issue.

This came as a former Nigerian Ambassador to US, Dahiru Suleiman, yesterday, described homosexuality and lesbianism as "animalistic and degrading to humanity."

Speaking to news men in Abuja, yesterday, the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle said his interpretation of the new law was that "it could negatively affect the nation's fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic". Although the US envoy denied that his country plans to impose sanctions on Nigeria, he said: "We and other donors are looking at the issue of funding for HIV/AIDS. As you know, we put millions of dollars in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

"Although I am not a lawyer, I read the bill and it seems to me that it may put some restrictions on what we can do to help fight HIV/AIDS in this country. These are the issues we are looking at as we consider the law."

The signing of the Same sex Prohibition Act by President Jonathan on January 7, 2014 has provoked negative reactions from member countries of EU, Canada and now the United States all of whom have alleged that the law is a violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians with same sex orientation.

Ambassador Entwistle said he was aware that "the issue of same-sex marriage was very controversial all over the world, including within the United States where 17 states out of 50 had endorsed it, but others still reject its legality". According to him, "the issue that we see and I am speaking as a friend of Nigeria is that as I read the bill, it looks to me that it puts significant restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression; in my opinion which applies especially in advanced democracies, once government begins to say something in these areas, freedom no longer applies. It seems to me that this is a very worrisome precedent."

Nigeria will start exporting cars soon - President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan said that with the new National Automotive Industry Policy introduced by his administration, Nigeria will soon be exporting cars to other countries. The president said this while speaking with a delegation of business owners from Anambra State led by the state governor, Peter Obi, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

"If any country will be great, we must industrialise. If Nigeria must be a great country, we must industrialise. To this end, we will continue to encourage industrialists in Anambra. We are totally committed to creating jobs. Nigeria is a country with huge population of youths. If jobs are not created, there will be crisis. The housing, agriculture and power sectors are also receiving attention. In the next few years, Nigeria will begin to export cars to other countries. We are encouraging government to support local manufacturers" President Jonathan said.

The National Automotive Policy seeks to address the issue of lowgrade cars being dumped in Nigeria as well as create mass employment and increase human capacity in automotive technology in Nigeria.

Former Bauchi State Governor, Adamu Muazu emerges new PDP chairman

Former Bauchi State Governor, Adamu Muazu has been elected as the new National Chairman of PDP.

Adamu was nominated by Bauchi state Governor Isa Yiguda at the meeting held in Abuja this afternoon, his nomination was seconded by Sen Ndoma Egba. There was no opposition to his nomination.

Man serving life jail term in kirikiri graduates from National Open University of Nigeria with Bachelors degree

A middle aged man, Tuwanse Kabiru who is serving life sentence in kirikiri, on Saturday graduated with 4,308 students at the 3rd convocation of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), in Lagos.

Kabiru was sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of murder. The prisoner who came in company of the prison officials was awarded a Bachelors degree (BA) in Human Resource Management.

Kabiru has been in Kirikiri for 11years out of his life in jail sentence. Big congrats to him.

I'm afraid I might still die after my successful surgery - OJB + Why other wives couldn’t donate their kidneys + Photos from his Thanksgiving

OJB Jezreel and his family had a family thanksgiving yesterday in church where they thanked God for sparing his life. Two of his wives also explained why they could not donate their kidney, allowing the first wife donate her kidney to save OJB.

Second wife Mrs. June Okungbowa said; "Going through the process is scary but words cannot express how thankful we are to God for the final result".

Third wife Mrs. Korede Okungbowa said; "I just had a baby when the issue came up so it wasn't possible for me to have done another surgery, if I had the chance to, I would have donated my kidney without thinking about it, he is my husband. We are here to thank God for the success of everything".

OJB in an interview at the thanksgiving revealed that he is afraid he might still die after my successful surgery.

"The only thing I will tell is it is understandable and normal to be afraid. I think the real tension starts when you are trying to prove that you aren't afraid but, you are! I'm afraid, I mean I am afraid of dying even as I've come out of this. At least, I've seen people come out of this and still die so, I'm afraid! I wouldn't lie to myself but I'm afraid so I do everything with consciousness but at the same time, I believed that with God everything is possible,"

Why I cried inside the church
It got to a point where I thought I might not make it out alive (during the surgery) and that was why I cried inside church. On the surgery table, three to four times they had to try and revive me. After the surgery, the same thing happened twice again. So, for being here today is enough for me to be happy. That joy means a lot to me than any other thing.

DvNsports: Ronaldo does not deserve Ballon d'Or, I deserved it - Ribery

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery has slammed the outcome of the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or and feels Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo did not deserve to win the award as the Portugal international did not collect any trophies last year.

Ribery initially reacted calmly after last week's Fifa gala in Zurich as he had to settle for third spot in the election behind Ronaldo and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, stating that the prestigious individual award was not one of his goals.

However, the Frenchman has now voiced his frustration after all as he believes he should have won the award following his successful 2013 with the Bavarians.

"I won everything I could win with Bayern and individually. Ronaldo on the other hand did not win anything," Ribery told AZ.

"I am not sad that I missed out, but it does hurt a bit. I deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.

"It was clear that Ronaldo would win it. The voting deadline was extended by two weeks. This had never happened before. It wasn't about football. It was a political decision."

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Ribery and Benzema to go on trial in paris for alleged sex with underage

Photos: Timi Dakolo’s wife steps out barely 4 weeks after giving birth

Timi Dakolo's wife, Busola stepped out yesterday with her husband at attend the Style and Fashion Day Out event barely 4 weeks after giving birth to their 3rd child. Busola gave birth on the 25th of December, last year.

DvNsports: Ribery and Benzema to go on trial in paris for alleged sex with underage

The trial of French footballers Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema, charged with having sex with an underage prostitute, is due to begin in Paris.

Bayern Munich winger Ribery, 30, and Real Madrid striker Benzema, 26, deny knowingly paying for sex with Zahia Dehar while she was under 18.

They each face up to three years in prison and fines of up to 45,000 euros ($55,000).

The two players are accused of paying for sex with Ms Dehar when she was 16, in Mr Benzema's case, and 17, in Mr Ribery's.

The age of consent is 15 in France, but paying for sex with anyone under 18 is a crime.

The trial is going ahead after France's highest court ruled that only those aware that a prostitute was underage can be found guilty of breaking the law.

Mr Ribery's brother-in-law is also charged with soliciting a minor for sex, and five other accused face maximum prison terms of 10 years on charges relating to the case, including "aggravated pimping".

Mr Ribery has admitted having sex with Ms Dehar after she was flown to Munich in 2009 as a "present" for his 26th birthday, but maintains he could not have known she was not 18 at the time.

Mr Benzema, who is accused of paying for sex with Ms Dehar in a Paris hotel, denies that any encounter took place.

Ms Dehar, now 21, became a celebrity following the scandal and has since established herself as a designer of luxury lingerie, thanks partly to being befriended and promoted by Lagerfeld.

She has testified that she had sex with both players for money after lying to them about her age.