Jerry Douglas' Blog

A Lagos-based oil magnate and the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas, Femi Otedola has floored the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and former Chairman House Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Probe Farouk Lawan in the N250 billion harassment, intimidation and business losses suit he instituted against the two lawmakers. An Abuja High Court on Thursday upheld Mr Otedola’s case against Messrs Tambuwal and Lawan ordering both men to file their defence immediately while dismissing their two separate objections to the legal action. Related Article:  $3 Million Bribe: Keyamo Files Charges Against Farouk Lawal The two lawmakers had objected to the hearing of Mr Otedola’s case on the ground that they are protected by House immunity and cannot be taken to court for either civil or criminal matters on any of their actions on the floor of the House. They had asked the court to dismiss the suit for being too hasty because the House had not adopted the report on the

Two-goal hero in the Super Eagles victory over Ethiopia, Victor Moses, and Villarreal striker Ike Uche say the quarterfinal match against Ivory Coast on Sunday will not be one-sided. They warned that having crossed the group stage, Nigeria will be hard to dismiss. They spoke just as the Nigerian camp remained in suspense over the exact official decision on Mikel Obi concerning his eligibility for the next game. The Confederation of African Football was yet to make a clear statement on Mikel by last night. On Ivory Coast, Moses said, “It’s going to be a big match that the whole Africa will look out for. Our game is not entirely low in this competition and gradually, we are coming into the game fully. “Our opponents have great players and good record in the first round. We did suffer a bit but that’s that. We are starting all over again and I can assure you that you can’t just dismiss Nigeria like that. We will respect them as great team but we are not behind them. It’s a qua

John Mikel Obi has revealed that he was set to take the two penalty kicks, in the Super Eagles last Group C game against Ethiopia, but his Chelsea team mate Victor Moses, pleaded to allow him take them. Obi had missed from the spot in the second game against Zambia, but Moses converted the two kicks to give Nigeria a much needed victory. The midfielder however said he will not run away from taking spot-kicks in future. He said: “I will not shy away from taking spots kicks because I missed one. After all, some of the best players in the world have at one time or the other missed spot kicks; so why should I be an exception.   “That I missed a spot kick does not mean that I would stop taking penalty kicks if called upon to do so. As a matter of fact, I wanted to take the kick against Ethiopia but when Moses begged me to allow him, I obliged and I am happy he scored both kicks. “I am not dampened by that miss against Zambia at all. I will take a spot kick if we have one i

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested twenty suspected internet fraudsters. The arrest, which was carried out in a joint operation with officers of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, followed intelligence report on their activities. They were nabbed in a surprise raid on their Cyber office tucked in an old building located on Siluko Road, Benin City. At the point of arrest, the fraudsters had in their possession forty five (45) laptops of different make, twenty eight (28) telephone sets, eight (8) internet mobile modems and one Nissan car with registration number USL 375 AG. The suspected fraudsters who are mostly in their twenties includes: Idehen Obabueki, Adesa Lucky, Usuagu Uche, Eloghosa Olikiabor, Larry Edomwonyi, Amowie Maike, Francis Ezegbede, Itua Samuel and Endurance John Egbeifo. Others are Amego Ovenseri, Iyen Ighodaro, Philip Agbodori, Lucky Robinson, Nnadi Obinna, Osabuohien Osahon, Chinenu Eze, Peter Sunday, Solomon Ogu, Niy

L.O.S return with riveting performances alongside Sarkodie and surprisingly a rapping Banky W. The ‘Bad Guy P’ remix, off their L.O.S Musik imprint, is full of hot bars for days. Listen to song below

China's foulest fortnight for air pollution in memory has rekindled a tongue-in-cheek campaign by a multimillionaire with a streak of showmanship who is selling canned fresh air. Chen Guangbiao, who made his fortune in the recycling business and is a high-profile philanthropist, on Wednesday handed out soda pop-sized cans of air, purportedly from far-flung, pristine regions of China such as Xinjiang in the northwest to Taiwan, the southeast coast. "I want to tell mayors, county chiefs and heads of big companies: don't just chase GDP growth, don't chase the biggest profits at the expense of our children and grandchildren and at the cost of sacrificing our ecological environment", Chen said. China's air quality is closely watched as it fluctuates dramatically from day to day but in recent weeks has registered far into the unhealthy zone. Air pollution is measured in terms of PM2.5, or particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which are abso

Seven occupants of three vehicles, in Ogun State, narrowly escaped death at Alagbole in Ifo Local Government Area of the state as a fully loaded truck crashed into the vehicles. A source at the scene of the ghastly accident, who is also an Assistant Inspector with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Phillips Chijioke told our correspondent that the truck marked Lagos FST 501 XA lost control and rolled backwards while ascending the Alagbole hills. He explained that the truck rolled backwards ramming into a long queue of vehicles in the evening traffic jam that is a usual occurrence in the area, noting that occupants of the three vehicles affected by the accident were immediately rushed to unidentified hospitals in the neighourhood. Another female survivor that drove a Honda Accord car with registration number Lagos KR 794 EKY trapped under the rear of the truck praised God for saving  her life and that of the other occupant of the car. The lady simply identif

No fewer than three armed robbers were yesterday killed on the Makurdi-Aliade-Otukpo expressway by men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) in the early hours of yesterday. They were carrying out a robbery operation when they were killed in exchange of gun fire. The robbers, as Leadership gathered, have been terrorising the Benue highways for long time, carting away belongings of commuters including monies and handsets. It was gathered that the robbers used tricycle, popularly called Keke NAPEP, to facilitate their action and that they claimed to be commuters who were journeying before their vehicle broke down which was actually a ploy they used in dispossessing passengers of their vital properties before the police arrived to the scene.

A provisions trader, Chukuma Ameh, has been arraigned before the Senior Magistrates’ Court, Mararaba for biting off the left ear of one Abdulaziz Saidu in a fight over N200. The pair were found fighting on the street by the police patrol team attached to Sani Abacha Road, Mararaba B, led by Inspector Mayibe Tube and were arrested. Both of them were treated at the Maraba Medical center before they were taken to court yesterday. Ameh who spoke with LEADERSHIP outside the court, said after the Nigeria-Ethiopia football march on Tuesday, he was at his shop at Abacha Road when Abdulaziz came into the shop and demanded to be paid N200 he claimed to be owed. He said he was eating at the time and had told Abudulaziz that he owed him no money, following which Abdulaziz went outside, picked a bottle and made to stab him with it but he had blocked it with his right hand, a move which almost cost him his right thumb which was almost severed by the bottle. “See my hand, I slept in t

A top security operative in Kaduna State has disclosed that the state’s body in charge of security matters has finally decided to ban commercial motorcycle riders in major urban areas as part of a new strategy to combat terrorist attacks. "The decision by the Kaduna State Security Council to outlaw 'Okada' motorcycle riders was taken as another measure to contain the kinds of terrorism and insurgency getting a foothold in Kaduna and Zaria towns," said the source. The source, a member of the Security Council, revealed that the council made the decision at yesterday’s session at Kaduna Government House. The meeting was chaired by Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna. The source revealed that the council was concerned that bandits and suspected terrorists were infiltrating Kaduna from neighboring states that had banned motorcycles as a form of commercial transport. He cited a rise in the number of attacks carried out by people riding bikes in Kaduna and

The Lagos Sate Election Appeal Tribunal has returned Adewale Adeniji, the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the Chairman of the Ikoyi-Obalende local council. The Appeal Tribunal reversed the decision of the Election Tribunal that declared Ibrahim Obanikoro of the Peoples Democratic Party the rightful winner of the election after the Lagos electoral commission had declared the ACN candidate winner. More details later...   READ RELATED ARTICLES: Tribunal Declares Obanikoro Winner Of Lagos LG Poll My Target Is The Presidency – Obanikoro Tribunal To Determine Obanikoro's Fate Today Source:  Premium Times

Every culture and society has its own customs and rituals. Some of these rituals are considered, weird, bizarre, insane and totally out of the screws, but not for those who practise them. For them, these strange rituals serve a special purpose. This contradiction in views is what makes the human civilization so diverse and beautiful. Below is my list of the top 5 strange rituals of the world. Strange Birth Ritual Sifudu (Africa) The birth of a baby is an important occasion in all cultures around the world. The occasion is marked by prayers and blessings to welcome the new member in the family. Sifudu is an important custom practised in different African tribes. On the third day of birth of the child, relatives gather at the hut, picking leaves from the Sifudu tree. A small fire is made at the centre of the hut and the Sifudu leaves are burnt to produce a thin pall of smoke. The leaves have an extremely pungent aroma that irritates mouth, nose and eyes. Then the baby is carr

AFTER SEEING THESE BIZARRE PHOTOS KINDLY DESCRIBE THIS DUDE IN ONE WORD? This is getting serious….What is really going on with this generation? More bizarre photos after the jump Love to hear what you think!  

The much anticipated video of Nollywood star turned musician, Tonto Dikeh‘s single 'Itz Ova' is finally here. The video was directed by Gbemi Phillips Productions. Watch video below

Bangkok's Supatra "Nat" Sasuphan is the world's hairiest teen - and she isn't trying to hide it. Teenage girls don't usually celebrate this much facial hair -- but clearly, Bangkok's Supatra "Nat" Sasuphan isn't your usual teen. She suffers from hypertrichosis, otherwise known as "Werewolf Syndrome," and was recently crowned hairiest teen on Guinness World Records' Italian TV show, Lo Show dei Record. "She's a remarkable little girl," said Guinness judge Marco Frigatti. "She's proud of who she is and wants to be treated just like everyone else. She's not the one with the problem; it's only those who treat her differently who've got the problem." As if to confirm that sentiment, Nat told Guinness: "Being hairy makes me special. This the happiest day of my life!"

Medusa isn't just any old python - at 25'2" long, she's the longest reticulated python in the world - and the longest ever held in captivity.   Just look at how many costumed people it takes just to show the thing off (don't count, it's 15). The 350-pound python, now a proud member of Guinness World Records, was recently put on display at the Edge of Hell haunted house attraction in Kansas City (thus all the costumes). "We try to keep Medusa well-fed and slightly out of reach as there have been instances with Reticulated Pythons where they've had to cut people out of them," Edge of Hell general manager Larry Edgar says on the haunted house's Web site. "We never underestimate that she does always have the upper-hand." Larry helps Medusa to shed - and if the snake has any trouble getting some of her skin off, he's been known to nudge him and let him know. Just don't get too close, Larry. The snake doesn't eat

France's defence minister has said he backs the idea of sending a UN peacekeeping force to Mali. Jean-Yves Le Drian's comments come as the French troops continue to secure the most northerly town of Kidal. France has deployed some 4,500 troops during the three-week offensive against militant Islamists in the north of Mali - an area the size of France. But is now preparing to hand over the towns it has captured to an African force, expected to number 7,700. So far about 2,000 African soldiers, mainly from Chad and Niger, are thought to be on the ground in Mali. Envoys believe it would easier to monitor and prevent human rights abuses if the UN could pick and choose which national contingents to use, he says. Officials in Kidal say French troops are now patrolling the town and had met no resistance. Earlier, Mr Le Drian said a sandstorm had delayed the troops from leaving the airport and entering the town. "They took the airport and then entered the t

Residents of Idimu and its environs in Lagos State have insisted that the incessant harassment and extortion by policemen attached to the Idimu Police Division have not abated. PUNCH Metro had on October 22, 2012 published the alleged activities of the policemen, who under the guise of arresting advance fee fraudsters, would hang around banks on the Egbeda-Idimu Road and made false accusations against young men coming out of the banks. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, had said she was not aware of such activities. But the residents insisted on Tuesday that rather than reducing, the harassment had continued. One of the latest victims, a dispatch clerk with a law firm at Ikeja, Solomon Emmanuel narrated his ordeal to PUNCH Metro. You claimed you were extorted by some policemen? Yes I was. It happened two weeks ago, January 19, on a Saturday at Sobo Bus Stop, Akowonjo. Earlier that day, I had gone to the office. At about 1pm, I left the offi

The Kano State Police Command has arrested an undergraduate student of Bayero University, Kano (BUK) in connection with an abandoned polythene bag containing wheat flour mixed with guinea corn with a remote controlled bomb inside. A statement signed by the force spokesman, ASP Magaji Musa Majia, said the bag was seen abandoned on January 23 at bout 220hrs at a popular GSM market junction at Farm Centre by some men riding tricycle. “A Good Samaritan alerted the police through our emergency telephone line. On receiving the information, the command’s Anti Bomb Disposal Unit was mobilized to the scene, where they confirmed the object concealed was a remote controlled bomb. The scene was safely secured and the bomb was detonated without any injury or damage,” according to the statement. The statement also said upon investigation, the police arrested Mohammed Kabir, an indigene of Auchi in Edo State who is 400 level student of Business Administration at the university as the one

The embattled leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, who has been convicted on 13 counts of terrorist activities, said on Thursday he has not lost faith in the South African justice system. "I do not think anything funny has happened. I just believe that the judge arrived at his conclusion based on the information that was placed before him," he said. "I still haven’t lost faith in the South African justice system, so I will continue to test it." He was speaking to journalists in the High Court in Johannesburg before the start of sentencing procedures. On January 21, Judge Neels Claassen found Mr Okah guilty of engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in terrorist activity, and delivering, placing, and detonating an explosive device. He said the State had proved Mr Okah’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge said Mr Okah’s failure to testify meant the evidence against him remained unco

Love is in the air and Nollywood actress, Ini Edo is no exception in displaying how much she loves her husband. Not many can go on social media to pour their lovers or husbands with sweet and romantic words that could melt even the hardest or stone-hearted guy on earth. For Ini Edo, nothing can stop her from telling her hubby, Philip Ehiagwina how much she loves him and what the Edo State US-based businessman means to her. The Akwa-Ibom actress went on twitter to flaunt her love for her husband, Philip and left a romantic message most men could struggle to get from their love partners. "Happy birthday to my soulmate, my hero, the love of my life, my husband Philip Ehiagwina. I pray that long life and good health be yours now and forever. I love you," Ini Edo tweeted.

A Kogi State Polytechnic lecturer who was alleged to have driven under the influence of alcohol on Monday, had reported crushed three student of the school to death. The lecturer, who according to eye witnesses was on high speed, knocked down one Miss Taiwo Edilola Omolola, a HND 1 student as she was about to board a commercial motorcycle from the campus and two others waiting to board a cab. According to the eye witness, the slain student got stock under the lecturer’s car wheel as he dragged her along the expressway. Miss Taiwo’s disfigured body was later pulled out.  In an attempt to escape being killed by the angry mob, he hit and killed two other students who were waiting to board a cab at the opposite direction. However, the State Police Spokesperson, ASP Ajayi Akansanmi, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), said he was yet to confirm the incident.

Beyonce’s diva-like behavior is making headlines again.    This time the 31-year-old “Countdown” singer is in the news due to her ridiculous dressing room demands that’s causing “difficulties” for organisers of the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans. It’s been reported that Super Bowl officials emailed Beyonce’s laundry list of demands to their friends in the media for a good laugh. The officials responded to Bey’s list with a list of their own — detailing exactly what “production costs” they plan to cover under the usual $600,000 budget cap for Super Bowl performers. Beyonce was also informed that she will not receive special treatment apart from the usual amenities that are extended to any superstar halftime performer. Most amusing to the Super Bowl officials were Bey’s list of requests for her pampered 13-month-old infant daughter, Blue Ivy, who isn’t even performing in the Super Bowl halftime spectacle. The Daily Star reports that Beyonce asked for Blue

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has opened lounges in Lagos and Abuja, designed to provide priority services, comfort, security, luxury, as well as access to financial advisory services to customers. The Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, said in Lagos on Wednesday that the premium lounge was an exclusive location for privileged banking, adding that “the lounge comprises a large seating area with leather sofas, private meeting room/office with Wi-Fi hotspot for premium customers to stay connected to other businesses, while enjoying the ease of priority service.” According to the bank, a designated relationship manager is always available to attend to queries, resolve complaints and provide services required at all times. Like every thing premium, the bank said the lounge services were extended to First Bank customers by invitation only “Qualified customers will be invited by their relationship manager and then a premium card w

An X-rated TV prank has left the prime minister of Serbia feeling a little overexposed after he was flashed by a glamorous presenter during an interview.   The country's Socialist party leader Ivica Dačić was midway through a discussion about Balkan politics when the young woman, wearing a particularly short mini dress, uncrossed her legs to reveal she wasn't wearing any underwear. The YouTube video, a clear copy of the famous scene starring Sharon Stone in the 1992 film Basic Instinct, has already had more than 1.2million hits.   The stunt was a clear attempt to recreate the famous scene starring Sharon Stone in the 1991 film Basic Instinct The stunt was a set up by a candid camera show called Nemoguca Misija - which translates as 'Mission Impossible'. It begins with producers discussing the best way to embarrass Mr Dačić before he arrives for the interview. As he walks into the building, the presenter is seen removing her underwear, off camera in

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has warned students who are applying for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, slated for April 27, 2013 to register only at cybercafes accredited by the board. JAMB Executive Registrar, Professor Dibu Ojerinde who gave this warning at a media briefing in Lagos disclosed that between November last year and January 2013, one million and one hundred students have registered for the examination. He said out of this number, only 4,000 candidates have registered for the Computer-Based Test, CBT, thereby dismissing insinuations that students could not register online because of conjectures. According to him, “students should only register at cybercafes that are accredited by JAMB. We did this because of the cheating tendency of some of these cybercafe operators who collect money from students and never register them appropriately, especially those who drop their data with them and go home to collect confirmation slips t

Popular Ghanaian actress, Nana Ama McBrown was yesterday, January 30, 2013 involved in a car accident. The accident took place along George Walker Bush Highway in Accra, while she was returning from a movie location. Also with her at the time of the accident was her boyfriend, Maxwell Mensah.  The actress is currently in hospital receiving medical attention.  Friends of the actress have said that she is doing well. See more photos below

TRANSFER GOSSIP QPR manager Harry Redknapp has made a shock swoop for David Bentley, 28, with Tottenham midfielders Jermaine Jenas, 29, and Andros Townsend, 21, also in his radar. Full story: the Sun   Anzhi Makhachkala defender Christopher Samba, 28, is set for a £100,000-a-week wage at QPR if a deal goes through. Full story: Independent   Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is prepared to send defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto, 28, to Inter Milan in a swap deal which would bring his former Porto defender Alvaro Pereira, 27, to White Hart Lane. Full story: Metro   Samba However, Villas-Boas has admitted that the club is unlikely to buy a striker before the transfer window closes. Full story: Sky Sports   Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is mulling over a move for Kenwyne Jones, 28, after the Stoke striker priced himself out of a move to Swansea. Full story: Daily Mirror   Tottenham have made an inquiry for Lyon forward Bafetimbi Gomis, 27. Full story: Daily