Shahid Lawal, a 16-year-old boy has drowned while bathing in a pond at Bacharawa Ramin Kasa, Fagge Local Government Area in Kano.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Mr. Saidu Mohammed gave the information on Friday in Kano.

Mohammed said that the incident happened on Thursday evening when the deceased went to take his bath.

“We received a distress call from Rabiu Nasiru at about 6:23 p.m. that Lawal’s body has been found floating in a pond. On receiving the information, we quickly sent our rescue team to the scene at about 6:34 p.m.’’

The cause of the incident was still under investigation.

“Lawal was found dead and handed over to the Ward Head of Bachirawa Gabas, Alhaji Rabiu Bala,” he added.

A family of six—man, pregnant wife, his three children and a female relative— were found dead yesterday, in their apartment at 19 Olowora, Mafoloku area of Lagos State.

The family were said to have eaten jollof rice the previous (Tuesday) night.

However, one of the children, a twin, aged four, survived the attack, but was still undergoing treatment at press time.

Though there was no official report on the cause of the death, the family was suspected to have either been suffocated by an insecticide which was sprayed in their one-room apartment on Tuesday night, or died of food poisoning.

Identities of the deceased are Mr. Zakaria, popularly called Cool Money; pregnant wife, popularly called Iya Aliyah; Aliyah, 11; Firdaous, 9; Tawio, 4, and Wasilia, 17, a relative that came to spend the holiday with the family.

…late woman’s mother

Further information gathered that the mother of late Mrs Zakaria slumped and died when news of her daughter’s death was related to her.

The aged woman was said to have visited her daughter the previous day, but left for Badagry at night, turning down request by her pregnant daughter to pass the night with them.

It was learned that at about 9a.m. yesterday, curious neighbours discovered that no member of the Zakaria family had come out of their apartment, which was unusual.

After several attempts were made to wake them up by knocking on their door, the neighbours had to forcefully open it.

The family’s neighbour, Aina Adeleke, told Vanguard: “Immediately we forced the door open, we found seven of them lying down like they were asleep. On closer look, we observed that Mr. Zakaria a.k.a. Cool Money, was dead.

“Wasilia had foamy substance in her mouth, while the corpse of Firdaous and Taiwo (one of the twins) were very cold and stiff like they had died several hours ago.

“As soon as we discovered that Mrs Zakaria a.k.a. (Iya Aliyah), Kehinde and Aliyah were still breathing, we rushed them to the hospital. Unfortunately, only one of the twins, Kehinde, survived, while Aliyah and her mother died at the hospital.”

The emotional Adeleke added: “Sincerely, I can’t say for sure what happened to them or what killed them. But we found out that they ate jollof rice last (Tuesday) night. It is only God that can say what exactly happened to the family.”

It was learned that one of the twins, Kehinde, who survived at a private hospital was later referred to Lagos Teaching University Hospital, LUTH.

When journalists and investigators got to the scene of the incident, it was like a tourist centre, as people trooped in.

Policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Makinde Division, were sighted at the scene collecting items for forensic investigation, while the bodies were moved into the ambulance of Lagos respond unit by officials of Lagos State Emergency Agency, LASEMA.

Thereafter, the building was sealed off by health officials from the Oshodi Local Government Area, Bolade, Oshodi.

A staff of Bells Nursery and Primary School, where the children attended, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The children were so brilliant that the owner of the school had to award them scholarship.”

Another resident, Azeez, said: “I was in the bathroom when I heard shouts from neighbours that something had happened to the Zakarias. I didn’t know it was serious until I got to their room and saw the lifeless bodies.

“Cool Money was very jovial and popular because he was an electrician and helped people in the street repair electrical appliances. His wife, Iya Aliyah, sold shoes and bags at Ajibolu Market, in Mafoluku. That is why there is so much crowd here.”

It was gathered that late Cool Money was a contract staff at Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, IKEDC.

Lamenting, another resident, who simply gave his name as Lukmon, said: “If really the security officials who sealed the place, want to do a thorough investigation, they won’t have allowed any tenant or occupant in the building to take any item before sealing the entire building.

“Allowing them take things from the building would lead to loss of vital evidence.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Bosun Olukolade, Operational Head of LASEMA, who supervised the evacuation of the bodies, advised tenants of the building to restrain their movement into the deceaseds’ apartment, as fumigation would be carried out to prevent outbreak of diseases.

Contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Elkana Bala, said investigation into the incident had begun.

According to the Police spokesman, “when we got the distress call, we responded and found a 42-year-old man, his wife and three other persons dead. One of their children survived.”

Source: Vanguard NGR

Former Head of Service in Lagos State, Alhaji Rafiu Tinubu is dead. Tinubu died in Abuja on Wednesday at the age of 75, after a brief illness.

A statement signed by Mr Gboyega Akosile, Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Tinubu’s death as a huge loss to the state and the nation in general.

Sanwo-Olu sympathized with Tinubu’s family, the deceased’s friends and associates, saying: “Alhaji Tinubu’s demise came at a time the nation and Lagos in particular needed his wealth of experience the most.”

“As experienced administrator per excellence, we certainly will miss the late Alhaji Tinubu’s counsel on matters of importance in the state civil service.”

The Governor said people of the state would always remember the “laudable achievements” of the former top civil servant, who, he said, served the state meritoriously for 26 years before he rose to become the Head of Service.

Sanwo-Olu said: “We can’t forget the contributions of late Alhaji Rafiu Tinubu towards the professionalisation of Lagos civil service. His quest for excellence and exemplary leadership were a hallmark of his earthly sojourn.

“We condole the Tinubu family, especially our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wife and children of the deceased and the entire extended families of late elder statesman.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grant the late Alhaji Rafiu Tinubu Al-Janah Firdaus and grant members of the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

South African Foreign Affairs Minister, Naledi Pandor, has accused Nigerians of dealing on drugs, human trafficking and other related criminal activities in their country.

“I would appreciate them in helping us as well to address the belief our people have and the reality that there are many persons from Nigeria dealing in drugs in our country.

“I believe that Nigerian nationals are involved in human trafficking and other abusive practices.

“These kind of assistance of ensuring that such persons do not come to our country will be of great assistance to our nation,” TheCable quoted her as saying. Pandor who in an interview with ‘eNCA’, a South African news website, solicited for President Muhammadu Buhrai’s help in tackling different criminalities in the country averred, that Nigeria needs to help address the belief that its countrymen are involved in criminal activities.

The minister said government was aware of a resentment-driven “Afrophobia” and was working to restore calm. Recall that South Africans have been accused of killing foreigners in their country. But the recent one that triggered tension was the Fridays attack on foreigners which resulted to the death of three persons.

Reports equally have it that houses owned by some Nigerians and business shops were burnt down. Reacting on this, Nigerian Federal government pulled out of the ongoing World Economic Forum in Cape Town, and recalled it envoy back.

However, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Onyeama while briefing journalists said, “In the first place, we must address the issue of compensation.

There has to be accountability and there has to be responsibility for compensating all those Nigerians that have suffered loss and we are going to absolutely push forward.”

The attacks, looting and burning of businesses allegedly owned by Nigerians in South Africa had on Wednesday morning, sparked off protest in some Nigerian cities as some irate youths stormed a Shoprite mall in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu others to protest the attack on Nigerians in South Africa.

Super star Davido has shared plans to officially tie the knot with his long time girlfriend, Chioma Rowlands.

The 27-year-old singer had just concluded an introduction ceremony with his would be wife’s family on Monday.

On photos he shared on his social media handles, the celebrity said 2020 was the anticipated year for the big events, calling on friends and family to get ready.

He confirmed all pictures and information shared online recently in an interview with Beat FM, saying 2020 is the year for sure. “We have not started all that plans yet. 2020 is the year for sure”, the singer said. Meanwhile, he has also addressed rumours that his bride to be was pregnant asking Nigerians to be patient.

“Wait and see now,” he said. Despite all attempts on him to confirm or debunk the rumors, an excited Davido explained. This one is special”.

Just as many Nigerian entertainment stars have voiced their minds on the barbaric xenophobic attacks being unleashed on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, Nollywood leading lady, Genevieve has joined the party but instead of being intemperate like many others, the ‘Lionheart’ star has elected to go philosophical.

Speaking on the development, she stated that South Africans had shown Nigerians countless times who they were.

The super star, on her Instagram page, wrote “A life with us isn’t the worse thing. They need to see one without us. They’ve shown us countless times who they are. Let’s believe them.“It’s time to show them who we are.

But most importantly, it’s time we believed in ourselves. They see our potential; our greatness. We need to see it too.“It’s tough out here I know, but sooner than later we’ll have to realize it’s all we’ve got. We have to make sure our energy and resources are beneficial to all things here.“We can’t ignore the signs much longer. Change is inevitable. Let us stay ahead of it. Long live Nigeria.” Tiwa Savage in the same vein has also cancelled her musical show scheduled to hold in South Africa.

Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie was in high spirits yesterday when she released a photo splash on her Instagram page to celebrate the 8th birthday of her son, Chamberlain Kasiemobi, who she described as a miracle child, having been declared a stillborn by doctors.

Angela’s celebration of the little boy is coming amid death threat issued to him, by an unknown follower on social media who asked her to apologize to Mercy Johnson or face the danger of losing her son within seven days. The actress was said to have corroborated a story of an actress Sonia Ogiri, who shared her bitter experience with Mercy Johnson on her Instagram page. While Ogiri claimed that the mother of three repeatedly humiliated and talked down on her, Angela Okorie accused MJ of fighting her spiritually. However, following these allegations, the beautiful actress reportedly claimed that she received a death threat on her son, who celebrated his birthday yesterday in her DM on Instagram. Reacting to the death threat, Angela Okorie wrote, “You have to bite the wrong meat accusing Mercy Johnson of attacking you spiritually i give you seven days to go back and apologize for your lies or else your son will die.” The actress said their plans would not be established as she serves a bigger God.

“Only if you know how many alters I have raised for God. Only if you know who my son is. Before he was conceived God knew him. May death visit your full generation. Any gathering that is not of the lord they shall scatter. You evil spirit may you drink your own blood and eat your own flesh Any coven that my name and my son’s name have been mentioned Holy ghost fire destroy you all.” “Be destroyed and removed from the surface of the earth. Since you are wishing my son death, may your generation be closed.” Meanwhile, in her birthday message, Angela called the handsome boy, her future president, as she narrated the circumstances that rounded the birth of little Chamberlain. In her post, Angela Okorie wrote “Happy birthday to this Miracle child. When I gave birth to you You died and the doctor asked us to go. But God proved himself. He proved to me and to the world that it’s Him that gives life and takes life. You actually died when Christ died and resurrected when he resurrected. “Every evil eye monitoring your life Go blind In Jesus name.”

Source: VanguardNGR

Yet another Nigerian is at the receiving end of the excesses of SARS operatives. Rapper Ikechukwu took to Instagram Thursday morning to share his experience with some officers of the unit who didn’t bear any form of identification.

Ikechukwu visibly distraught narrated how the officers made him exhaust his bank account before asking questions that showed they actually know who he was.

He wrote: “was kidnapped by sars last night. Two mins away from my house, taken to Lagos island and made to exhaust my atm allowance or I would be killed and no one would know. “Not by armed robbers. But when you are robbed and they are armed fully, 5 AK-47’s. Blows to the head and bundled into a vehicle. Isn’t it the same thing. And then after you will now tell me our govt is working. Things are in place. Bla bla. Let me tell you now straight up. I don’t care who you are, if you are rolling solo in this town and sars get you, day or night. If they get your phone, it’s over for you. They don’t have names or numbers on their uniforms. They literally said to me ” na u burn this our Hilux here yesterday abii”, acting like they didn’t know who I was and were gonna rope me in anything they felt or do with me what they would. After collecting all the money in Lagos Island they start laughing telling me I’m too stubborn that when will I introduce them to Don Jazzy. Oh, so u know me. One even bragged about working a lot with Wazobia FM. Thanx for that info at least now I have a point to start my own investigation.

View this post on Instagram

was kidnapped by sars lastnight. Two mins away from my house, taken to lagos island and made to exhaust my atm allowance or i would be killed and no one would know.. Not by armed robbers. But when u are robbed and they are armed fully , 5 ak-47's . Blows to the head and bundled into a vehicle. Isnt it the same thing. And then after u will now tell me our govt is working. Things are in place. Bla bla. Let me tell u now straight up. I dont care who u are , if u are rolling solo in this town and sars get u. Day or night. If they get ur phone. Its over for u. They dont have names or numbers on their uniforms. They literally said to me " na u burn this our hilux here yesterday abii" . Acting like they didnt know who i was and were gonna rope me in anything they felt or do with me what they would. After collecting all the money in lagos island they start laughing telling me im too stubborn that when will i introduce them to don jazzy. Oh so u know me. One even bragged about working alot with wazobiafm. Thanx for that info at least now i have a point to start my own investigation. I couldve been shot and left in the dark space on thst dark road. No id no phone . Who would id me. Who would be looking for me for days? Afterall my people saw me enter uber heading home. On the island. Shey im safe . Good morning. Its a good day to be alive. I dont even know what hashtag to put sef. Its ok. I recorded a video initially from when I got home last night but it was too long and it made me cry again. So i just said lemme just yan straight no need for in the moment . Just the facts. We are not safe. End of story. Know as u dey take move. Shout out to @@chris_yaks who was with me thru the whole ordeal. I hope say u dey alright.

A post shared by Ikechukwu Onunaku (@official_ikechukwu) on Sep 4, 2019 at 11:51pm PDT

“I could’ve been shot and left in the dark space on that dark road. No id no phone. Who would id me? Who would be looking for me for days? Afterall my people saw me enter uber heading home. On the island. Shey, I’m safe. Good morning. It’s a good day to be alive. I don’t even know what hashtag to put sef. It’s ok. I recorded a video initially from when I got home last night but it was too long and it made me cry again. So I just said lemme just yan straight no need for in the moment. Just the facts. We are not safe. End of story. Know as you dey take move. Shout out to @@chris_yaks who was with me thru the whole ordeal. I hope say u dey alright.”

Nigerian youths between 13 and 50 years will jostle to win N15 million prize money in a talent hunt television reality show billed to take place across the country in December.

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Blessworld Foundation in partnership with Youth Cultural Association of Nigeria (Youth-CAN) has initiated a talent hunt and youth empowerment TV reality show to enable Nigerian showcase their talents and skills.

The reality show known as “Cradle to Fame” has been designed for participants between ages 13 and 50.

Project Manager, Mr Opeyemi Babatunde told newsmen in Abuja that the show was aimed at empowering Nigerian youths who have vocational skills and those who are into agriculture.

According to Babatunde, N15 million will be up for grabs in the show expected to begin in December in the six geopolitical zones, while the grand finale holds in Umuahia, Abia State.

He urged participants to visit www.cradletofame.com to register to guarantee their participation in the show.

“We are organising a television show called ‘Credit to Fame’ talent hunt and business TV reality show targeted at discovering young talents in Nigeria.

“We want to discover, nurture and promote young minds and entrepreneurs in Nigeria within the age range of 13 to 50 in areas such as music, acting, comedy and professional skills like agriculture, fashion, ICT, among others.

“For the winners, we have whopping some of N15 million prize money for grabs. The overall winner will get N5 million, endorsement deals and other accruing benefits.

“The first runner-up will get N2 million cash, an affirmation deal and other benefits, while the second runner-up gets N1 million cash with access to microcredit loan facilities.

“Other 120 finalists will go home with N50,000 cash reward,” Opeyemi said.

He noted that the organisers will work with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) and some Nigerian comedian and Nollywood actors and actresses to ensure a successful outing..

“We want to create employment, build capacity and alleviate poverty.

“We have reputable brand ambassadors like AY who is the chief host and MC of this event as well as Ebube Nwagbo, Nollywood actress.

“The show will take place in the six geopolitical zones of the country and this is not a show to reward one or two participants because up to 125 participants will be rewarded.

“Since SMEDAN will be sponsoring, every participant will be trained in their areas of talent. Certificate will equally be issued after the training,” he added.

So. My twins have discovered each other & I seriously can not take it...😩💕 pic.twitter.com/Fijbh7farL

— Rae 🌻🌱 (@raediancee) August 22, 2019

A video has surface online showing twin babies talking to each other to the amazement of their mother.

In the video, the babies are since facing each other and conversing in baby language.

Twitter user @raediancee who posted the video online said “So, my twins have discovered each other & I seriously can not take it.”