An Open Letter To D'banj

I am seated at a local restaurant here at the university town of Nsukka, in Enugu State, Nigeria, drinking a bottle of Fayrouz and listening to the sound of the generator, which is the only source of electricity around here.

I have watched your latest music video. I went through the rigour last night. It is the video of the song entitled “Don’t Tell Me Nonsense” and it was awfully disgusting, the song, I mean. Kaffy and the rest of the dancers didn’t disappoint in the video.

This is bad, I know, using awful and disgusting, in same sentence. But that is what I feel about what I saw. Brother, D’Banj, a lot has changed since you left your brother and hustle partner, Ajereh, Michael Collins AKA Don Jazzy. Truth. Your songs have been nothing but trash. I wonder if anyone has said anything nice to you since you started making songs outside Don Jazzy. If they have, it must have been for that singular hit song entitled ‘Oliver Twist.’ Kai! That song swept through Nigeria and the rest of the world. You would not believe that the ordinary child on the streets of Nsukka knows the lyrics of that song and the dance steps too.

In Nigeria, there are plenty factors that weigh us down. One is our inability to manage our weaknesses. I see you have been buying yourself expensive jewelleries. The other day, I saw on Olorisupergal’s blog that you wear a wristwatch worth my entire family and maybe inheritance. I commend your taste. You are a lucky and hardworking man. You deserve it, besides; ‘Oliver Twist’ made marks. It took the Nigerian music to a height that had never been seen in recent times. Its topping charts, downloads, Youtube views and itunes purchases are amongst the few things I can mention.

Dear, D’Banj, Don Jazzy may not be an ideal partner, I bet you, no one is an ideal partner! Perfect couples quarrel and make up. It is the joy of having such union. I believe misunderstanding is part of us, as humans. I will run to the zoo the day I see a union that agrees on almost everything.

Back to your music, I feel Don Jazzy was made to make good music with you. He may not only be your producer, but whatever input, from advice, to production, will go a long way. Besides, he has been miserable too, without you. I have seen his eyes in music videos. There is one he did with Tiwa Savage. Ah, Tiwa. She looked dazzling, while Don Jazzy looked wanting and dispirited. Tiwa may have a perfect voice but Don Jazzy has not been able to achieve what he did with you. The other boys, K-Switch, Wande Coal and the goody bag crooner, D’Prince are unfortunate learners. They must be stark illiterates to have taken sides when you guys parted. I understand their ignorance. But my concern here is, if you wish to stay relevant in the sight of Nigerians, making good music, and not caressing a stripper on stage on your birthday, then you have to make amends with Don Jazzy and understand that people argue because they are beneficial to themselves. Only dummies agree on everything.

I think tribalism had a lot to play in your split. It is a sad reality, if I am right. Tribalism will eventually destroy Nigeria. Our young people think they belong to a superior tribe and so make silly comments which sometimes bring about misconception and then crisis. I once had a boss, who is Igbo, who felt my tribe’s men were lazy, just because she came to my state and saw a job and was privileged to be a high ranking staff. I have had people who think those from the north should be gatekeepers and cobblers. Someone called me a militant once in Abuja, at the Sheraton, when he discovered I was from the Niger-Delta. I forgave his gross stupidity. I think we should drink a cup of water when ignorant people say rubbish about our personalities or flaws and relate it to tribe.

You are a great young man, D’Banj. Few people have attained the height you have. I am encouraged to pursue what I am currently pursuing because I know I will triumph. Your likes and that of 2Face Idibia, despite your weaknesses are heroes. And you must recall that Kanye West met you because he had heard good stuff from you. When nothing good manifests, he may be forced to give you a new job description at Good Music, which may be mopping of the floor of the studio. This evil will not befall you. If you believe it, type amen.

D’Banj, pride is the worst enemy of any man who wishes to last longer anywhere. A drop of arrogance may work, but pride is detrimental. You were called the ‘entertainer’ because you offered entertainment. Today, Inyanya, Kcee, Flavour, Wizkid and Davido are doing better. Imagine Burna-Boy, chai, that boy has some senses oh. His music, even when he is talking nonsense makes you want to sit and listen or dance to it, as the case may be. The only person that is yet to outshine you is my dearest sister, Tontolet Dike. That girl needs Jesus.

I have to go back to my drink. I paid for it and it is almost missing me. I enjoy your struggle or hustle, as you may choose to call it. I wish to hear something profound from you. While awaiting that miracle that only you can perform, I wish you the very best of life.

Your admirer,

Nwilo bura-Bari Vincent

“I Left Choc City Because Of Contract Breaches” - Brymo

Earlier this year, Chocolate City lost two of its very talented artistes, Jesse Jagz and Brymo.

And, while Jesse Jagz lets us know earlier that his reason for leaving was to set up for a solo career; we have been left with a sort of  void as to what complications led to Brymo‘s departure soon after him.

During a recent press conference, the ‘son of a kapenta’ explains his reason for leaving the record label.
He goes on to say that he had to ‘dump’ the contract because ‘he knows the Nigerian law system cannot save him’. In his words, ''Since I left Chocolate City, I've been working on my personal stuff and seeing if I can take myself farther from where they stopped.''

Four Cultists And Security Guard Rape Politechnic Student In Ekiti

Four suspected members of a cult group and a security man at a private polytechnic in Ekiti State have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a student of the institution.

The rape victim (name withheld), who is an ND 1 student of the polytechnic, told at the Ekiti State Police Command headquarters in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday that the suspects stormed her room, tied her up and took turn to rape her.

The four suspected rapists are Kunle Aralepo 20, Oluwaseun Akomolafe, 23, who are ND II students of Business Administration and Kehinde Adeyemi and Ayo Olomola, who are on the run.

The victims added that one of the boys had asked her out and she refused.

She also accused one of the security men in the polytechnic, Mr. Seyi Adanbioje, of raping her the same day at his residence.

The victim said the Chief Security Officer of the school directed Adanbioje to take her to police station to make an official report of the rape case.But after leaving the station, the security man took her to his residence and also forcefully had sex with her.

The security man, however, denied raping the female student. He explained that he granted the girl an “asylum” because she said she could not sleep alone in her house.

He said, “She could not sleep alone because she was afraid that those who had earlier raped her might come back again.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi, who paraded the suspects, said police investigation had shown that rape cases had been rampant at the institution.

Babayemi said the police would thoroughly investgate the fresh rape incident and allow justice to take its course.

The PPRO said, “A group of four young men namely, Aralepo Kunle, Akomolafe Oluwaseun (both ND II Business Administration students), Kehinde Adeyemi and Ayo Olomola, aka AY Bishop, who was expelled from the school in March for rape went to the house of a female student of the polytechnic, broke her door to gain entry, tied her hands and legs and gang-raped her.

“They also robbed her phone and the sum of N5,000.00. A security guard at the polytechnic, Seyi Adanbioje, 28, was also found to be part of the gangsters. He was told to take the girl to the police station and make a report but he took a detour to his house, where he also raped the victim.”

He said medical report confirmed that the victim was raped.

In a similar case, the police said the proprietor of a private primary school, Mr. Ibitoye Babatunde, who was arrested for allegedly raping an 11-year-old pupil of his school, had a case to answer.

Ajibade, who denied the accusation, said a man who saw him while entering into a bush to defecate demanded money from him and he threatened to deal with him if he refused.

He said he refused and the hoodlum raised the alarm which attracted a crowd.

But the PPRO said the medical report confirmed that the girl’s hymen had been broken.

The police also paraded two commercial motocyclists (okada riders), who were accused of raping a young lady.

The PPRO said the suspect – Babatope and Oluwasusi Tope – gave the girl a free ride and took her to another place where she was raped.

In a related development, the police also said that a 17-year-old boy had been arrested for defiling a three-year-old girl.

D'banj Acquires Suit Of Money Worth Over N3 Million

International superstar, entertainer and Oliver Twist crooner, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is always breaking new grounds in terms of his wardrobe and clothing items.
In a recent newspaper interview, he confirmed he wears the same wristwatch as American rapper Jay-Z, valued at $50,000.

He has been appointed as the Hennessy Artistry artiste for 2013 and also recently became the Goodwill ambassador for the Bank of Industry. D’banj has continued to rise in stardom despite his split from erstwhile partner and friend, Don Jazzy. He has continued to command huge sums of money in endorsements, appearances and performances thus still making him the highest earning Nigerian artiste of all time. His DKM concert being held on June 23rd 2013 at the Eko Hotel & Suites will feature International rapper, 2Chainz as well as another surprise guest.

This increasing earning power has also led to an increase in spending as D’banj just took delivery of what is known as the “Suit of Money”. Designed by Okunoren, Nigeria’s leading clothing brand, the Suit is made of actual One Hundred Dollar bills and cost a whopping $25,000, which is approximately N3.7 million. It was entirely sewn by hand in London but was then taken to Italy for the specialized Milanese buttonholes to be done at the same factory used by Tom Ford.
His new song titled Blame it on the Money”, featuring Snoop Lion and fellow Good Music act Big Sean goes further to emphasize his wealth where he states he is unapologetic for being rich, it is set to become one of the major anthems this summer.

Vector At War With His Record Label, YSG. Arrested Twice By His Label

The crisis between Vector and his label began a couple of months back after Vector made complaints about why his career is stalling and not been progressing and why the label has a nonchalant attitude towards their best artist's career and he simply suggested more professional hands to be employed to push his career to the next level

Celeb Super Star Nigerian rapper Vector Tha Viper real name Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, is currently fighting with his label, YSG Ent which is a division of popular Transportation company Young Shall Grow led by the first son of Chief Vincent Obianodo, Obiora Obianodo.

But the label took these views as threats and refused to impose these ideas so Vector decided himself to hire the profesionals and was paying them personally with no help from the label

He has been with the label for over four years and never asked to leave, all he asked for according to his camp was more work and results. Things actually got worse after Vector took a self-sponsored vacation to the US and returned to his record boss’ anger, claiming he went to the States to sign a record deal.

Weeks after, Vector received and invitation letter from the Commissioner of Police of Lagos state and was summoned to the Area-E command (Festac). On getting there, he was presented with a “breach of contract” petition, claiming that he has engaged external hands to work for him. His parents got involved (as his dad is a retired police officer), and it was settled amicably.

Feeling unsafe and threatened, Vector surrendered the car and apartment provided for him by the label and acquired a replacement for himself. Thinking this was over, Vector went about his daily life (as lawyers were already handling the case) till the 10th of June. He was to be shooting his scene of the Ghetto RMX video by Shank, at his childhood neighbourhood (Mcarthy Barracks, Obalende, Lagos), when men of the police force came to seize him and his personal manager (Michael Umoru) and took them all the way back to Festac, this time it was a proper arrest and they were detained from 3pm till 10pm when his lawyers came through.

According to sources close to Vector, he has been receiving series of personal threats from the label, and he hasn’t felt so safe and really did not want to talk to the press about it.

[PHOTO] Crazy Fan Points A Gun & Threatens To kill His Sister if Rapper Does Not Retweet Him

Some people are seriously crazy and out of their f**king minds. Rapper J.Cole was threatened by a crazy fan who tweeted a photo of a little girl with a gun to her head, claiming he would shot her if J.Cole refuses to retweet him.
The crazy fan tweeted
“@JColeNC retweet me and i’ll buy Born Sinner. Don’t retweet me and i’ll kill my lil sister.”
‘Born Sinner’ is J.Cole’s new album.
J.Cole who was frightened by the tweet, retweeted the message

20/06/2013 Share Boko Haram Resurgence: JTF Bans Use Of Thuraya Phones In Borno, Others

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Maiduguri, Borno State codenamed ‘Operation Restore Order, on Wednesday banned, indefinitely, the use of Thuraya mobile phones in all states under emergency rule.

Thuraya phones are based on satellite technology and do not rely on any of the existing GSM networks in Nigeria to function.

It was learnt that the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, have reportedly resorted to using the phones to co-ordinate attacks since telecommunication services was largely cut-off by the military authorities since they began a major offensive against the insurgents about five weeks ago.

The Spokesman of the Joint Task Force, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa, in a statement made available to journalists said that the ban on Thuraya became necessary as military intelligence revealed that terrorists now coordinate their attacks using the device.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the JTF has been drawn to the use of Thuraya phones by Boko Haram Terrorists to coordinate their recent assassination of civilians especially schools and some Imams”.

“Therefore, with effect from 19 June, 2013, the JTF impose ban on the use and sale of Thuraya phones and accessories including Thuraya recharge cards in Borno States, Anyone seen with Thuraya phones, recharge cards and accessories will be arrested.

“The JTF seeks for the continued cooperation and understanding of the public on this ban in order to enhance security of lives and property in Borno State.”

20/06/2013 Share (Photo)Ondo State female lawmaker suspended as Festish objects (Juju) are found in apartment

This is just like a movie, but it isn't. Fetish objects were found in a house occupied by a house of Assembly Rep in Ondo State. She has been suspended by the speaker of the house pending further investigations..(Someone sent it to me via email and I haven't been able to trace the correct source to credit the article to. When I do, would give due credit).

Read Below
A former commissioner in Ondo State, Ogunbadejo Kolawole, has raised alarm following alleged discovery of fetish objects in the apartment of the state House of Assembly member, Hon. Fola Olasehinde.

Ogunbadejo said the scary items in the twin-duplex at No. 6, Olasehinde Lane, Ijapo Estate, Akure, was occupied by Olasehinde since 2009.Fetish objects allegedly found included amulets, snail shells, live snails, cow horns of different sizes wrapped in coloured cloth, miniature coffins, photo images of humans and animals, concoctions in black clay pots as well as bottles and cans containing all manner of liquids.




Others were charms in bottles labeled: Rasu, Aso Eegun, Eegun Ekun, Iye Agbe, Aluko, Irun ori omo tuntun (hair of a new born baby) and odidi osio. There were other bottles labelled Gbetugbetu, Ajatuka etc.

Some personal effects of the female lawmaker including House of Assembly vehicle plate number, campaign posters and hand bills were also said found in the apartment.

But Olasehinde, who represents Ose State Constituency, denied any knowledge of the fetish items, saying she had moved all her belongings to a new accommodation at GRA, Alagbaka, Akure, since October, 2012.

According to her, she gave the keys to her personal assistant for another co-tenant because the two duplexes share the same water system, adding that she expected the co-tenant to hand over the keys to the landlord.

The landlord had issued Hon. Olasehinde a quit notice last year, demanding that she vacate the apartment by October, 2012.

Ogunbadejo, said he went to court to get an injunction to force all the doors to the residence open since the lawmaker refused to quit or pay her rent.

He said he was therefore surprised to find stinking and bizarre fetish items in all the rooms in the house.

The landlord claimed that no one had access to the apartment since it was locked by the lawmaker who refused to hand over the keys.

Ogunbadejo said: “She happened to be from Idogun in Ose Local Government Area. She approached me asking for accommodation and I wanted to help because I know members of her family. The elder brother was my teacher at the Grade II Teachers Training College in 1961 and 1962.

“I gave her the accommodation in 2009. From then to 2012, she was my tenant. Aside this, she paid rent in the first year, but did not pay in the second year. Slater, she paid in two installments, claiming her husband was sick. Aside the first year, she never paid rents even when they were due, which led to disagreements between us.

“After appealing to her to pay the agreed sum of N850, 000, she then issued a cheque for N700, 000. I then asked for the outstanding N150, 000 but she said the roof in one of the rooms was leaking, claiming she invited a contractor to cost and fix the problem.

“I told her that I am living in Akure and since she is my tenant, it is my responsibility to fix the leaking roof. If you had told me, within 24 hours, I would have invited somebody to fix the problem. She said “I do not want anybody to enter my room”.

“I then instructed my lawyer to write and demand for the rent or I would eject her from the house. I told my lawyer to demand for N120, 000 from her and that she should use N30, 000 to carry out repairs on the alleged leaking roof. If I were to repair it, I would have used only one roofing sheet.

The landlord added: “After a lot of pressure, she paid up and I then gave her an eleven-month eviction notice. Before the expiration, the state government had offered her an accommodation. But on moving out, she locked the gate into the main building.

“We then went to court and the Magistrate asked her to appear but she did not come. Based on this, the court gave ruled that she should pay rent arrears of N498, 033, 33k for seven months.

“We expected her to obey the order but she never did. We again approached the court which gave us the order to force the doors open. The court gave us a staff and two policemen. When we forced the doors open, the police were surprised that the apartment was turned into a shrine.

“We were surprised that a woman could have fetish objects in her apartment. Since then, she has refused to come and collect the items, until I got someone to take me to the House officers. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emiola Dare, came here with 12 people to take pictures of the fetish items.
“They were shocked to see a legislator converting her residence to a shrine. Since then, I have started renovating the building because the whole compound has been overtaken by weeds.”

Secondary School Girls In Ghana Nabbed Having Gang Sèx With Nigerians

On the 17TH of February, 2006, webzine Ghanaweb published an article under the heading ‘SSS Girls Sacked For Engaging in Gang sèx’. In this story, ten girls of Mpraeso Secondary School (MPASS) were caught in a gang sèx at a hotel and were alleged to be having sèx with five Nigerians suspected to be drug dealers. Another interesting thing is that each girl received ¢150,000 for the endurance and sèx skills. Therefore, if these men are HIV positive and there was unprotected sèx between them, then each infection has been exchanged for ¢150,000.What a shame. Where is Ghana heading towards?

In fact this Ghanaweb article revealed to us the kind of activities going on in our various schools and the fact that young people are now lacking sèx education or maybe there is not enough education on sèx for this young people. At least with the upsurge of HIV/AIDS, I would expect my fellow young people to think before engaging in such activities such as sèx.
I was told by a friend that teenage girls in Ghana take pride in the number of sèx rounds they can go and also the super skills they can exhibit. I hear they sometimes laugh at men who cannot provide ‘hard f**k’ and also endure long ‘distances’. We need to wake up. Our young people are going wayward. They are getting CRAZY each and every time.
I believe our parents need to do more than they are doing now in providing enough sèx education to their wards. I know it is not easy, but we need to save our young people, we need to have a better Ghana filled with morally upright youth who can take proper control of our motherland.
It this article, I want to highlight some issues for parents on sèx education and want to appeal to Ghanaweb as well as our media houses to constantly publish articles that will remind our youth on the dangers associated with sèx and also benefits of delaying early sèxual activities, these articles I believe would help them in their proper development.
The word S-E-X has been associated with social taboos and cultural mystery. Even though it contributes to the continuation of the human race, it is treated as if it is unnatural and even down right dirty. This and other stigma attached to sèx makes parents scared about discussing it with their children. sèx in the new millennium is filled with risks – both emotional and physical. Gone are the days when the only worry the sèxually active young person was unwanted pregnancy. Girls especially were more worried. This wonderful millennium ushered in a new revolution fueled by rampant STDs, high teenage pregnancy rates and the incurable AIDS virus.
AIDS is on the rise among teens and young people in general, and the fact is, if you are sèxually active, you can get it.
Even though I don’t have the exact figures, I believe a considerable number of Ghanaian young people of10-24 years are sèxually active and as such needs a kind of comprehensive sèx education so as to prevent pregnancies and sèxually transmitted diseases.
These young people should also have access to appropriate, comprehensive information about sèx, sèxuality and the consequences of bringing children into the world. This will build their decision-making skills to help protect them from pressure to have sèx, unintended pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sèxually transmitted diseases.
So Parents,
If talking with your child about sèx is difficult for you, admit it. Keep a sense of humor. Do not be shy about it.
Use TV, movies, articles, and real-life situations such as a friend’s pregnancy to begin talking about sèx. I quite remember when we were very young; my mum will always use television programmes and films to talk to us about sèx.Whenever there is a drama or issue on pregnancy being discussed, she would immediately start talking about it to us.
Share your values regarding sèx. If you believe a person should save having sèx until marriage, say so. Accept that your child may choose to have sèx despite your values.
Don’t assume that if your child asks questions about sèx, he or she is necessarily thinking about having sèx.
Ask your child what he or she wants to know about sèx. If you don’t know an answer, admit it. Find answers with your child in books or other resources.
Talk with your child about reasons to wait to have sèx. Remind your child that he or she can choose to wait (abstain) even if he or she has had sèx before.
Reassure your child that not everyone is having sèx and that it is okay to be a virgin. The decision to become sèxually active is too important to be based on what other people think or do.
Talk with your child about ways to handle pressure from others to have sèx. To feel comfortable talking openly with you, your child needs to know that you will not punish him or her for being honest. Let your child trust you.
Leave age-appropriate articles or books about teenage sèxuality around your home. Your child will pick them up on his/her own and read them.
You may also find resources such as books, videos etc., from a lot of good organizations and Youth Centres like the Young and Wise Center of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana. These centers have a lot of resources that would help in the proper development of your child’s sèxual and reproductive health. Visit them soon.
Finally, you should also remember to talk to your child often; your first talk with your child about sèx should not be your last! Talk with your child about sèx often. Let your child know that you are always willing to talk about any question, issue or concern he or she may have about sèx.
So Parents in Ghana, all the Parents in Africa, louder now, Come on – let’s talk about sèx!

20/06/2013 Share “Unbelievable:” United To Face Chelsea, Liverpool And City In Four Weeks.

The new Barclays Premier League fixture has been trending since its release on Tuesday morning as former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune has described United’s opening five fixtures as “unbelievable.”

Defending champions United travels to Swansea in the opening weekend of the new season, beginning August 17; followed by a mouthwatering clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford, the trip to Merseyside against Liverpool, a home game against newly-promoted Crystal Palace and the trip to Manchester City in the space of five weeks.

New manager David Moyes has got a tough line up of matches in these fixtures, which could as well culminate the beginning of the battle for Premier League supremacy.

However, former South Africa international Fortune believes Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho should be more worried about the second weekend showdown at Old Trafford than getting obsessed with Moyes.

“Mourinho has been boasting about his record against United,” Fortune told MUTV. “He always brings it up.

“But it is a different manager, with a different style of play. If David Moyes brings the same desire and fighting spirit that he had at Everton I am sure Mourinho will find it tough. He is playing a completely different United and I am sure he is worried about that.”

David Moyes Has Got a Tough Line Up of Fixtures in His First Five Weeks in Charge of Manchester United.

Swansea remains the only team not to have scored a single goal against Everton during Moyes’ reign at Goodison Park, but that cannot be said of Mourinho’s Chelsea, who has managed the most games against Moyes’ Everton in the Premier League not to have lost a single encounter.

Palace has lost both encounter with Everton under Moyes, but their return to the top tier could prove different. Against City, Moyes has a 55% win record over the boys from the Blue half of Manchester (W12, D4, L6), while the Merseyside Reds has rather been difficult for the Scot (W3, D6, L12).

20/06/2013 Share “Unbelievable:” United To Face Chelsea, Liverpool And City In Four Weeks.

The new Barclays Premier League fixture has been trending since its release on Tuesday morning as former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune has described United’s opening five fixtures as “unbelievable.”

Defending champions United travels to Swansea in the opening weekend of the new season, beginning August 17; followed by a mouthwatering clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford, the trip to Merseyside against Liverpool, a home game against newly-promoted Crystal Palace and the trip to Manchester City in the space of five weeks.

New manager David Moyes has got a tough line up of matches in these fixtures, which could as well culminate the beginning of the battle for Premier League supremacy.

However, former South Africa international Fortune believes Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho should be more worried about the second weekend showdown at Old Trafford than getting obsessed with Moyes.

“Mourinho has been boasting about his record against United,” Fortune told MUTV. “He always brings it up.

“But it is a different manager, with a different style of play. If David Moyes brings the same desire and fighting spirit that he had at Everton I am sure Mourinho will find it tough. He is playing a completely different United and I am sure he is worried about that.”

David Moyes Has Got a Tough Line Up of Fixtures in His First Five Weeks in Charge of Manchester United.

Swansea remains the only team not to have scored a single goal against Everton during Moyes’ reign at Goodison Park, but that cannot be said of Mourinho’s Chelsea, who has managed the most games against Moyes’ Everton in the Premier League not to have lost a single encounter.

Palace has lost both encounter with Everton under Moyes, but their return to the top tier could prove different. Against City, Moyes has a 55% win record over the boys from the Blue half of Manchester (W12, D4, L6), while the Merseyside Reds has rather been difficult for the Scot (W3, D6, L12).

20/06/2013 Share ''Boko Haram Is Getting Weaker'' - Nigerian Military

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Wednesday said the killings of scores of people in Borno and Yobe in the past few days are signs that the Boko Haram terrorists are losing the battle against government forces.

The military said the trend of sneaking in to carry out isolated attacks on soft targets as a way of seeking attention is a typical end-game strategy often employed by insurgents all over the world.

Seven secondary school students and two teachers were killed in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital when gunmen, believed to be Boko Haram, attacked a government school on Sunday. A day later, suspected Boko Haram gunmen attacked two different locations, a school and a fishing village, in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, killing nine students and 13 fishermen.

In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, the Nigerian military said the recent activities are signs of desperation of a decimated insurgent group attempting to hang on to public consciousness.

With the destruction of their operational bases and camps by the Special Forces, the group’s centre of gravity had been effectively dislocated, he said. He said this had made it impossible for the terrorists to have freedom of action to operate as they did previously.

The military also said eight of the suspected terrorists have been apprehended in the outskirts of Maiduguri.

The statement said Special Forces have stepped up the mop-up, cordon and search operations “to ensure that the vestiges of terrorism are effectively decimated.

“The DHQ has noted a number of attacks and killing of innocent citizens ostensibly carried out by terrorists in Yobe and Borno in the last couple of days.

“Although this isolated incidents were undertaken by relocating terrorists, the whole trend and development remains unfortunate and condemnable.

“Nevertheless, the public is hereby reassured that these incidences are by no means indicative of a relapse in the counter-insurgency operation aimed at curbing terrorists’ activities in the country.”

The military, however, urged the public to continue to report any suspicious movement to security agents.

Source: NAN

Wizkid Arrested Earlier today!

Wizkid and his manger Godwin Tom were invited by men of the Nigeria Police Force -  Zone 2 Command, Onikan, today June 19th after students of the University of Lagos reported the music star to the police.
The students claim that Wizkid collected N500, 000 from them as full payment for a show that was supposed to hold at UNILAG Sports Centre on May 24th tagged Concert of Life. They claim Wizkid didn’t show up for the show and didn’t return their money so they went to the police.
Wizkid was at Zone 2 for a few hours this afternoon with his team. He was bailed by his lawyer after he wrote a statement and was asked to report back to the station next week.
sources reached out to Wizkid’s camp but they kept mute on the matter. But someone privy to the case said they believe an impostor collected the money and not Wizkid. Hopefully, Wizkid’s camp will eventually release a statement clearing the air.

Mourinho Knew About Ferguson’s Retirement But Never Considered Taking His Job.

The 50-year-old former Real Madrid handler was earlier considered for the Old Trafford job before David Moyes made away with it, but he said he was always intent of returning to Stamford Bridge.

“I knew that Ferguson was retiring many months ago,” Maurinho said.

“I would have turned down every job in the world- the Manchester United job, every one- for Chelsea.”

Mourinho returned to Chelsea after taking charge at Madrid for three years and has signed a four-year deal with the West London outfit.

He insisted that a return to the club where he won two Premier League titles before leaving in 2007 was all that mattered to him at the trying period of his stay at the Bernabeu, regardless of his awareness of an impending Ferguson’s retirement.

“I am so happy with his (Ferguson’s) trust because it was big news for the world- I can imagine that just a very small circle around him knew that, and it was a big responsibility for me to know that.

“Why do I know that? Because we are friends, so I am his friend to know that he is going to retire, he is also my friend to know that the club I want to coach in England is Chelsea, Mourinho said.

“Of course I told him I want to come to Chelsea,” he added. “I would turn down every job in the world for Chelsea.”

how boko haram choose their camps

Man Hands His ‘Boko Haram’ Son over to JTF

A Maiduguri based businessman (name is not disclosed for security reasons) on Thursday turned in his biological son, a member of Boko Haram, to the Joint Task Force, JTF, with an order that he should be shot dead, witnesses said.

The son, according to close family sources, had once threatened to kill his father before he fled home and returned only recently; as security operatives continue to clamp down on the sect me. He was said to have returned as a prodigal son, seeking asylum in his father’s compound.

“After confessing all his crimes including how he participated in the killing of people and looting of banks to his father, the old man said he has no such conscience to keep a killer son in his home,” said the family member under anonymity.

The 60-year old Kanuri man who lives in Babban-Line Commercial Area, Maiduguri, simply approached the Sector Office of the JTF and told them about his son.

Witnesses quoted him as saying, “This boy is my son; he is a confirmed member of Boko Haram and has killed many people, he too should be killed too.”

In a dramatic twist, as the young man attempted to flee from the soldiers to whom his father handed him over, he was shot at and struck down by a bullet. He later died. His father, who was yet to completely leave the scene simply turned around, looked at the writhing body of his son on the ground and said, “Masha Allah” meaning, “To God be the glory.”

Before he was handed over to the soldiers, the young man was said to have revealed to his father and family members that he possessed two cars and had millions of naira buried somewhere near his family home. But the father said he had no interest in the ill-gotten assets and has no intentions of inheriting them according to Islamic laws as they are ‘haram’.

JTF Denies Circulation Of Boko Haram Threat Letters

The men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) a.k.a ‘Operation Restore Order’ in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital yesterday denied the purported letters/ leaflets being circulated by suspected Boko Haram sect threatening people, especially informants and those supporting security agencies that their lives will soon be endangered as the sect will visit them one by one and kill them in their houses soon.
This is even as some residents of Hausari, Gwange and other Boko Haram’s stronghold areas of Maiduguri metropolis have expressed fear on the circulated leaflets purportedly written by Boko Haram sect members, warning them that anyone who gives information on their Modus Operandi or reveals their identity to security agencies, will end up endangering their lives and their families as a whole.
The JTF said, the purported leaflets and letters claimed to have been written and being circulated by Boko Haram members in the state is not only fake, misleading, but untrue.
The JTF while reacting to the threatened leaflets noted that the said statement are aimed at discouraging the support and cooperation of the general public to the security agencies in their effort to nip in the bud the problem of killings, bombings and destruction of property by the sects.
In a widely circulated statement/release from the JTF Headquarters in Pompomari ward of the metropolis, which were pasted/distributed to strategic points on Sunday, including schools and hospital bill boards, a copy which was made available to our Correspondent, said, “the JTF wish to inform the public that such threatened letters are not authored truly by Boko Haram sect, but by those who do not want the relative peace being enjoyed in the state to be sustained, and therefore urged members of the public to disregard such threats as the JTF is working round the clock to ensure peace and unity return back to the troubled state”.
JTF however said, its men are ready to cooperate and continue to discharge their duties according to the ‘ Rules of Engagement’, so as to rid the state of Boko Haram insurgencies.
It also enjoined the general public to continue to give information to the JTF that will led to the arrest of any suspected member of Boko Haram sect in the state, stressing that any information given to the Task Force will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Trial of Lebanese Arms Dealers Stalled

The trial of three Lebanese nationals, Abdallah Thaini, Mustapha Fawaz and Talal Roda, accused of criminal conspiracy and unlawful importation of prohibited firearms, has been stalled following a mix-up in the trial date by the State Security Service.

The accused persons were arrested in connection with large cache of arms discovered at a residence in Kano.
At the resumed trial in Abuja, lawyer to the accused persons, Ahmed Raji told the magistrate that the State Security Service had in a counter affidavit filed before a Federal High Court by the counsel representing the State Security Service, trial of the accused persons was meant to commence on the 17th of June.
Chief Magistrate, Yemi Oyeyipo, after a careful study of the court’s records informed the defence counsel that the trial is slated to commence on Wednesday the 19th of June contrary to the counter affidavit filed by the counsel to the State Security Service, Mr Cliff Osagie.
The three accused persons were formally arraigned before the Karu Chief Magistrate Court on the 5th of May on the basis of a first information report on allegations of criminal conspiracy and unlawful importation of prohibited firearms.

Chelsea To Sign 14-Year-Old Bristol City Teenager Jacob Maddox

Sky Sports understands Chelsea have won the race for Bristol City teenager Jacob Maddox.

Maddox is regarded as one of the brighest young talents in the country after emerging on the scene at Bristol City.
The 14-year-old was promoted from the Under-14 set-up last season to the Under-18 side and he is highly-regarded at Ashton Gate.
A host of the Premier League's top guns were monitoring Maddox's situation at Bristol City and Chelsea have moved to lure the youngster to Stamford Bridge.
Maddox is believed to have agreed a four-year deal at Chelsea with Bristol City due a compensation fee for his services.

Boko Haram Militants Regroup On Mountains North-east Of The Country

Hundreds of the Boko Haram fighters, who had been dislodged from their camps in northern and central parts of Borno State, have regrouped on the mountains that lie between Adamawa, Borno and the Republic of Cameroon in southern part of the state, have killed some people and sacked communities, locals and security sources said.
Locals living on Mandara Mountains and Gwoza hills near Nigeria's border with Cameroon said suspected Boko Haram assailants had between Thursday and Friday appeared with sophisticated weapons and sacked many villages, including Kunde, Hwa'a, Gathahure and Gjigga.
Mountain dwellers Tada Garuta, Samuel Pwa said Garuta said apart from killing retired Reverend Jacob Kwiza of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Hwa'a, the attackers also carted away livestock and grains in all the villages they visited.
They said in separate attacks, the district heads of Kurana Bassa and Damboa were also killed by the gunmen. Garuta said the principal of Government Day Secondary School, Izge was also trailed and killed.
It was gathered that the insurgents attacked the villages with guns and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), burnt four churches and killed a retired pastor. Mountain dwellers who escaped to safer locations said despite the grounding of mobile communication (GSM) in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, the Boko Haram fighters had during their operations used mobile phones and reached out to their colleagues.
Getting confirmation from the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Maiduguri is very difficult in recent times because of absence of GSM services.

A taxi driver hit the jackpot when he realized that about $220,000 was left in his car, but he returned it all.

The taxi driver’s honesty shone as bright as the lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Adam Woldemarim found nearly a quarter million dollars when cleaning his car and returned it.

A passenger who allegedly forgot his black laptop case filled with $221,510 in winnings from Wynn in Las Vegas. Woldemarim, 42, of Ethiopia, brought the money to the security office of the taxi company.

"That's not my money," he told the news media, explaining why he would not have felt justified keeping the money for himself. He continued to work for about an hour, when he was called back to the office.

A young man contacted the taxi company claiming the money. The man gave Woldemarim a $2,000 reward, reported the local newspaper. Although Woldemarim was happy he did not expect any bonus that night. His friends are not that impressed with what they see as a miserable reward.

"That's all?" asked a fellow driver. "How about 10 percent, at least? That's $20,000!" But another of Woldemarim’s friends, Alex Alebachew believes the decency of Woldemarim alone can help to challenge stereotypes about immigrants.

"A lot of people think foreign taxi drivers abuse tourists or are only here to cause problems and do not belong here," lamented Alebachew. "You never see the good side of us, the honest side."

17/06/2013 Share I Regret Not Doing A Song With Fatai Rolling Dollar - 2Face Idibia

The death of veteran musician, Fatai Rolling Dollar shocked some Nigerians even though he died at a ripe age of 86.

He was the oldest active musician in Nigeria. While he was alive, he helped many up and coming artistes in Nigeria.

One artiste that has reacted to the death of the late iconic artiste is 2Face Idibia, who is also heading to be a legend in the Nigerian music industry.

Reacting recently, 2Face reportedly regretted that he didn’t do a collaboration with Rolling Dollar before he died.

He said, “regrettably, I didn’t have the opportunity of recording with him but I was in a show where he performed too. I performed alongside him.”

17/06/2013 Share How Nigerian Celebrities Are Killing Themselves

Apparently basking in the euphoria of a new status, many Nigerians in showbiz throw caution in the wind in the process of “living it up”.

These days, hardly does a month end without news of someone in Nollywood or the Music industry, getting involved in car accident or public brawl...

This comes as no surprise, especially to those who are in the know of the background of today’s stars. Most of them, even in wildest dreams, never thought they would attain their current standing in the society. In fact, not only do they talk about the rise to fame in interviews, they also author books and record songs on it.

It is worrisome that the mints these guys stack in bank accounts have overwhelmed them, so much that some can no longer think properly. In 2013 alone, there have been at least a dozen auto crash involving celebrities. On the average, that is a scary 2 to 3 cases per month. Names like Samklef, Danagog, Maye Hunter, America, Nashville, Asa and others form the lot.

The most recent involving fabulously talented Ayo “Wizkid” Balogun, rattled virtually every music lover; this is because the young man is adored by the younger generation.

The 23-year old has everything going on well. Good looks, sold out concerts, record sales, endorsement for big-paying coys, successful international tours, connection to foreign superstars, huge fan base, that feminine attraction, houses and expensive cars, what is more? He now has his record label, StarBoy Entertainment, with three acts including Legendary Beatz signed on.

Weeks ago, the "I Love My Baby" and "Pakurumo" crooner posted a picture of his newly acquired Porsche Panamera. The car is priced at $80, 000 – $150, 000 (depending on the sub-model). As expected, the photo went viral on social media. But by 0400 hours of Saturday June 15, 2013, the same car had become a wreck. The gist – as always – is that a tyre of the automobile burst while on motion.

While we all thank God for sparing the lives of our stars, isn’t it time we ask some questions. Bearing in mind the busy schedules, why would someone driving a car worth N15million not take such for regular checks? Or are expensive cars immune from faults?

Uche Jombo Car Accicent

It is an open secret that our acts, and their entourage, sometimes use “active agents” before and after attending/performing at events. It is also an open secret these artistes or their friends sometimes get behind the wheels under the influence of alcohol. But nobody is saying anything, solely because of the blind love we have for them. I am not saying this happened in the case of Wizzy, but it does happen.

Some find the demise of celebrities too hard to bear. This is understandable, as despite harsh government policies and dwindling economy, they are able to make us happy; they put smile on our faces; they liven up our homes, streets, vehicles, clubs and parties and so on.

Our celebrities have a responsibility to look after themselves and not live life like there is a duplicate kept somewhere. They should for goodness sake be more careful while on the road; they should ensure those around them are the type that of positive influence; they should do away with hard drugs and excessive alcohol; they should reciprocate our affection by staying focused and do only the right things at all times. These crashes are becoming too many; we don’t want to pass through another agony please!

If you think you are popular and then go about ‘feeling fly’, the day you die an avoidable death, your name will trend for a few days; news sites and blogs will as usual talk about it for, at most, two weeks. The rest of us will move on. Live continues. Shikena.

Ice Prince Launches New Website, Announces North American Tour

Ice Prince plans to release his second album this year but will be embarking on a North American tour before 'Fire of Zamani' drops.
The tour which kicks off this June is put together by US based company Royalty Lifestyle Group in collaboration with Nigerian based Delphino Entertainment and Chocolate City.
Ice Prince will be performing his biggest hits in Houston and Dallas, Texas, Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta and Toronto, Canada. According to info from his newly launched website, the June dates are set while July dates are yet to be finalized.
Check out the concert schedule dates below…
June 22, 2013
HOUSTON, TX
AVYA CENTRE
8PM
June 29, 2013​​
LOS ANGELES, CA
STAGE 22
9PM
July
DALLAS, TX
BOSTON, MA
TORONTO, CANADA
ATLANTA, GA

Top 10 Mics Hots Up

As the 23 December concert date for the Top 10 Mics draws closer, the momentum is gathering faster with the success of the pre-concert party held weekend at upscale celebrity hangout, Swe Bar, City Mall, Lagos.

Shina Peters and Wizkid

The pre-concert party had rave artiste Wizkid dazzling the crowd with the lounge of Swe Bar filled with favorite celebrities including the likes of former Big Brother Africa winner, Uti Nwachukwu, prolific filmmaker,  Kunle Afolayan and Lynxxx.
Put together by KOGA Entertainment, Top 10 Mics will feature 10 artistes who are billed to perform live on stage at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. The artistes are led by Afro Juju music star Sir Shina Peters, Femi Kuti, 2face Idibia and Abass Obesere.
Others are PSquare, ElDee, Mo’cheddah, Duncan Mighty, M.I and Wizkid. All will perform with live band.
The choice of artistes at the concert is akin to an eclectic collection of different genre of music ranging from hip-hop, rhythm and blues, fuji to afro juju and dancehall.
“We want to make a very big statement with this concert, we are doing an open air concert the way it should be done. And we would do everything humanly possible to make sure that the memory of the event lingers several months after,” Anu Awoseyi, an official of KOGA said.

Top 10 Mics Hots Up

As the 23 December concert date for the Top 10 Mics draws closer, the momentum is gathering faster with the success of the pre-concert party held weekend at upscale celebrity hangout, Swe Bar, City Mall, Lagos.

Shina Peters and Wizkid

The pre-concert party had rave artiste Wizkid dazzling the crowd with the lounge of Swe Bar filled with favorite celebrities including the likes of former Big Brother Africa winner, Uti Nwachukwu, prolific filmmaker,  Kunle Afolayan and Lynxxx.
Put together by KOGA Entertainment, Top 10 Mics will feature 10 artistes who are billed to perform live on stage at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. The artistes are led by Afro Juju music star Sir Shina Peters, Femi Kuti, 2face Idibia and Abass Obesere.
Others are PSquare, ElDee, Mo’cheddah, Duncan Mighty, M.I and Wizkid. All will perform with live band.
The choice of artistes at the concert is akin to an eclectic collection of different genre of music ranging from hip-hop, rhythm and blues, fuji to afro juju and dancehall.
“We want to make a very big statement with this concert, we are doing an open air concert the way it should be done. And we would do everything humanly possible to make sure that the memory of the event lingers several months after,” Anu Awoseyi, an official of KOGA said.

Chidinma Drops ‘Emi Ni Baller’ Video, Features IllBliss, Tha Suspect

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Popular ‘Kedike’ crooner, Chidinma has just released the music video for her song titled ‘Emi Ni Baller’ featuring rap lords, IllBliss and Tha Suspect.
In the video, we see Chidinma rapping in both English and Yoruba. The Lagos-bred singer exudes confidence larger than her petite frame as she raps to her hearts content.
Chidinma made the big time by emerging as the first ever female winner of the Project Fame competition previously won by Darey, Iyanya, Mike Anyasodo and others.
She sealed a niche in the music industry with her song Kedike and now Emi Ni Baller gives fans and critics much to talk about.
The newly released video was shot in London and directed by award-winning producer, Clarence Peters.

Rolling Dollar Buried

 

Published on June 13, 2013 by pmnews   ·   3 CommentsArrangements were in top gear this afternoon for the burial of the late Highlife music sage, Fatai Olagunju popularly known as Fatai Rolling Dollar at his uncompleted building site in Ikorodu, Lagos state, southwest Nigeria.
The Fidau (Muslims prayer for the dead) was conducted earlier today at his Millennium Estate, Oko-Oba residence.
Top musicians at the Fidau include former PMAN President, Admiral Dele Abiodun, Segun Adewale, Dayo Kujore, Champion Kunle Opio, Islamic scholars, music industry titans, fans and family members.
Veteran musicians, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Prince Adekunle and others were in his Oko-Oba Millennium Estate residence yesterday to receive the corpse from the hospital alongside family members.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the late Juju/highlife music maestro left behind sixteen children and wives. Some of the children are Jamiu, Funmi, Mojeed Nimota and Adewumi.
Rolling Dollar was one of the highlife musicians who made the genre popular in the 60s and 70s. He was famous for his evergreen classic, ‘Won Kere Si Number Wa’.
Rolling Dollar, 85, died at the Marritol Hospital, Surulere, Lagos on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, before his death, Rolling Dollar told his family members not to weep for him.
One of the daughters of the deceased, Nimota Olagunju, who spoke with P.M.NEWS in the musician’s residence at Millennium Housing Estate, Oko-Oba, stated that the late veteran juju act was always telling her not to shed tears over his death.
“Whenever we spoke, he told me not despair or shed tears if he eventually died. He always said his corpse and burial are for government to deal with. However, he was always telling us he was getting better to reassure us,” she narrated.

•Fatai Rolling Dollar’s remains being conveyed to his residence Wednesday

Contrary to earlier report, Rolling Dollars actually died in a hospital in Surulere.
“He did not die at Ahmadiyya Hospital. He was transfered from the hospital to another one in Surulere. Officials of De Deon Blood Tonic, whose product he advertised before his death, came to the hospital and said they were not satisfied with the state of his health hence he was transfered to another hospital in Surulere,” his promoter, Samson Raji said.
King Sunny Ade, Pastor Ebenezer Obey, President Association of Juju Musicians (AJUM), Queen Ayo Balogun and Sir Shina Peters were some of the earliest callers at the residence of the late musician on Wednesday.
According to family members, Sir Shina Peters was the first caller while KSA, Pastor Obey and Ayo Balogun came later.
King Sunny Ade eulogised him saying, “we will miss him because he is a legend of this game”.
Meanwhile, the promoter who took Rolling Dollar to a musical tour of the United States of America (USA), Sampson Raji, has disclosed that the late musician actually died of cancer of the lungs.
According to the Maryland, USA-based music promoter, the veteran musician fell sick during the tour and he was taken to a hospital and it was at the hospital that he was diagnosed to have lung cancer.
Raji said Rolling Dollar went through series of tests for four days while he was admitted in the hospital for 12 days.
“After 12 days, he was discharged because his health had improved considerably due to the treatment and the drugs administered on him,” the promoter narrated.
He stated further that the late musician insisted on coming back home, saying he would prefer traditional treatment for his health.
“I had to change the ticket when he insisted on coming back home but I want to tell you that as at the time he was coming back home, his health had improved. He was even distributing his CDs to fans at the airport,” Raji said.

London Terror: Police evecuate British Islamist’s family after threats of violence

Police have raced to the home of British hate preacher, Anjem Choudary and evacuated his family to protect them from attack, it emerged on Thursday.
Officers helped them flee their East London terraced house after threats from people wanting vengeance for the Woolwich murder of Lee Rigby.
Choudary, who believes that “war monger” David Cameron’s “crusade” in Afghanistan is turning young British Muslims to terrorism, allowed his wife and children to be rushed to a car and whisked away to a secret location at around 2.00 p.m Thursday.
Two Scotland Yard officers then stood guard at the property for several hours afterwards.
Choudary himself was not at home, with a neighbour saying he had left the property earlier that morning.
Scotland Yard on Thursday, refused to discuss the operation, but it is understood that it was linked to a threat of violence.
A group called Britain First posted a video message online calling on police to arrest Anjem Choudary by 6:00 pm or they would come to detain him themselves.
Members also claimed they knew where he lived and security sources confirmed they decision to move his wife and children was because of safety fears.
Choudary on Thursday blamed David Cameron for a crusade against Islam which is turning young British Muslims into potential terrorists.
 Aggressive foreign policy in Afghanistan and oppressive tactics employed by police and security organisations in Britain are responsible for isolating British Muslims and leading them to adopt the extreme ideology that results in violent attacks, according to Choudary, who admitted knowing Michael Adebolajo who butchered soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich last week.
“By ignoring the link between what took place in Woolwich, by blaming Muslims, by trying to silence voices who oppose him and by justifying his rotten foreign policy, David Cameron has foolishly and inadvertently become the biggest radicalising tool for Muslim youth both in the UK and abroad,” he said.
“For the war monger David Cameron and his lackeys to suggest that no one can make such a link is not only complete rubbish but also highly irresponsible.
“After all the British regime is supposedly charged with the security of the British people as opposed to being charged with engaging in some sort of Crusade against Islam and Muslims on the behest of the American regime around the world.”

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Nigeria not doing enough to tackle terrorism -US report

THE United States on Thursday released its Country Reports on Terrorism 2012, expressing concern over Nigeria’s “poor monitoring of non-profit organisations to prevent misuse and terrorist financing.”
It also expressed its worry over the emergence of the Boko Haram faction known as ‘Ansaru’, which it said has close ties to the Al Qaeda In the Magreb (AQIM) “and has prioritised targeting Westerners – including Americans – in Nigeria.”
According to the reports, officials of the United States last December met with government officials on how Washington could help Nigeria to tackle terrorism.
“In November, the Nigerian government formally requested assistance from the United States to develop an intelligence fusion centre that would be able to streamline coordination and information sharing on counterterrorism matters among key agencies, including the State Security Service (SSS), the intelligence agencies, the national police, and the military.
“An inaugural working group to develop Nigeria’s intelligence fusion capability, composed of embassy officials and staff of the office of the National Security Adviser, met on December 15 to determine how the United States can best support this initiative.”
The reports frowned on delays in freezing suspicious bank accounts that could be used for terrorist activities due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. “While Nigeria regularly froze the assets of individuals and entities designated under relevant UNSCRs, and others designated by the United States under U.S. domestic designation authorities only, delays sometimes occurred.
“All requests to freeze assets must first be sent to the National Security Adviser, who disseminates the information to relevant financial institutions and Nigerian government agencies. Consequently, delays of up to four weeks occasionally occurred before authorities would block assets. Nigeria did not monitor non-profit organisations to prevent misuse and terrorist financing.”
According to the reports, the U.S. has also provided counter-terrorism materials to Nigeria’s northern neighbour, Niger, in order to tackle Boko Haram and AQIM.
“The presence of the violent extremist group Boko Haram in northern Nigeria, just across Niger’s southern border, posed a threat – Boko Haram members have been arrested inside Niger. The government of Niger is committed to fighting AQIM and BH, but needs and welcomes external support and greater regional cooperation. The United States significantly increased its counterterrorism cooperation with Niger in 2012. U.S. Army personnel executed five separate training events with Nigerien Army forces in Tillia, Arlit, Dirkou, and Diffa. Niger took delivery of base radio stations, personnel protective gear, vehicle fuel, and Global Positioning System devices. In addition, over 150 Nigerien law enforcement and security forces received five Antiterrorism Assistance training courses and other training opportunities. Topics included joint terrorism task force operations, forensics, preventing attacks on soft targets, Critical Response Team Operations, and respect for human rights. Regional Security Initiative and MANPADS funding provided equipment including 4x4 pickup trucks, motorcycles, computers, and other items.”
The reports also indicted the Joint Task Force for using excessive and indiscriminate force, which led to killings of both civilians and Boko Haram suspects. It also thumbed down efforts by the federal government to address grievances in the North which sparked the insurgency in the first place, including high unemployment and a dearth of basic services.
“Most operations to counter Boko Haram were headed up by the military-led Joint Task Force, some members and units of which committed indiscriminate and extrajudicial use of force, including killings of civilians and Boko Haram suspects. The Nigerian government’s efforts to address grievances among Northern populations, which include high unemployment and a dearth of basic services, continued to fail, as did the security forces’ efforts to contain Boko Haram.”
It then called on the Nigerian government to employ “a comprehensive security strategy that is not predicated on the use of force, and that also addresses the economic and political exclusion of vulnerable communities in the North.”