Final Euro 2012 squads

 Here are the final 23-man squads of the 16 teams competing in the European championships in Poland and Ukraine:

Group A
Czech Republic
Goalkeepers: Petr Cech (Chelsea/ENG), Jan Lastuvka (Dnepropetrovsk/UKR), Jaroslav Drobny (Hamburg/GER)
Defenders: Frantisek Rajtoral (Plzen), Roman Hubnik (Hertha/GER), Tomas Sivok (Besiktas/TUR), Michal Kadlec (Leverkusen/GER), Theodor Gebre Selassie (Liberec), David Limbersky (Plzen), Marek Suchy (Spartak Moscow/RUS)
Midfielders: Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal/ENG), Jaroslav Plasil (Bordeaux/FRA), Jan Rezek (Famagusta/CYP), Daniel Kolar (Plzen), Vladimir Darida (Plzen), Petr Jiracek (Wolfsburg/GER), Milan Petrzela (Plzen), Vaclav Pilar (Plzen), Tomas Hubschman (Donetsk/UKR)
Forwards: Milan Baros (Galatasaray/TUR), David Lafata (Jablonec), Tomas Pekhart (Nuremberg/GER), Tomas Necid (CSKA Moscow/RUS)
Greece
Goalkeepers: Costas Chalkias (PAOK), Michalis Sifakis (Aris), Alexandros Tzorvas (Palermo/ITA)
Defenders: Vasilis Torosidis (Olympiakos), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiakos), Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Schalke/GER), Stelios Malezas (PAOK), Jose Holebas (Olympiakos), Giorgos Tzavellas (Monaco/FRA), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Werder Bremen/GER)
Midfielders: Grigoris Makos (AEK), Giannis Maniatis (Olympiakos), Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Giorgos Fotakis (PAOK), Kostas Fortounis (Kaiserslautern/GER), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Giannis Fetfatzidis (Olympiakos)
Forwards: Giorgos Samaras (Celtic/SCO), Dimitris Salpigidis (PAOK), Fanis Gekas (Samsunspor/TUR), Nikos Limberopoulos (AEK), Kostas Mitroglou (Atromitos)
Poland
Goalkeepers: Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal/ENG), Przemyslaw Tyton (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Grzegorz Sandomierski (Genk/BEL)
Defenders: Sebastian Boenisch (Werder Bremen/GER), Marcin Kaminski (Lech Poznan), Damien Perquis (Sochaux/FRA), Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Marcin Wasilewski (Anderlecht/BEL), Jakub Wawrzyniak (Legia Warsaw), Grzegorz Wojtkowiak (Lech Poznan)
Midfielders: Kuba Blaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Dariusz Dudka (Auxerre/FRA), Kamil Grosicki (Sivasspor/TUR), Adam Matuszczyk (Fortuna Duesseldorf/GER), Adrian Mierzejewski (Trabzonspor/TUR), Rafal Murawski (Lech Poznan), Ludovic Obraniak (Bordeaux/FRA), Eugen Polanski (Mainz/GER), Maciej Rybus (Terek Grozny/RUS), Rafal Wolski (Legia Warsaw)
Forwards: Pawel Brozek (Celtic/SCO), Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Artur Sobiech (Hannover 96/GER)
Russia
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeyev (CSKA Moscow), Vyacheslav Malafeyev (Zenit St Petersburg), Anton Shinin (Dynamo Moscow)
Defenders: Alexander Anyukov (Zenit St Petersburg), Alexei Berezutsky, Sergei Ignashevich, Kirill Nababkin (all CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Granat (Dynamo Moscow), Yury Zhirkov (Anzhi Makhachkala), Dmitry Kombarov (Spartak Moscow), Roman Sharonov (Rubin Kazan)
Midfielders: Igor Denisov, Roman Shirokov, Konstantin Zyryanov (all Zenit St Petersburg), Denis Glushakov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Igor Semshov (Dynamo Moscow), Alan Dzagoyev (CSKA Moscow), Marat Izmailov (Sporting/POR)
Forwards: Andrei Arshavin, Alexander Kerzhakov (both Zenit St Petersburg), Alexander Kokorin (Dynamo Moscow), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Lokomotiv Moscow), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Fulham/ENG)
Group B
Denmark:
Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City/ENG), Stephan Andersen (Evian/FRA), Anders Lindegaard (Manchester United/ENG).
Defenders: Lars Jacobsen (FC Copenhagen), Simon Busk Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar/NED), Daniel Wass (Evian/FRA), Simon Kjaer (AS Roma/ITA), Daniel Agger (Liverpool/ENG), Andreas Bjelland (FC Nordsjaelland).
Midfielders: Michael Silberbauer (Young Boys Berne/SUI), William Kvist (VfB Stuttgart/GER), Christian Poulsen (Evian/FRA), Niki Zimling (Bruges/BEL), Jakob Poulsen (FC Midtjylland), Lasse Schone (NEC Nijmegen/NED), Christian Eriksen (Ajax/NED), Thomas Kahlenberg (Evian/FRA).
Forwards: Dennis Rommedahl (Brondby), Michael Krohn-Dehli (Brondby), Nicklas Bendtner (Sunderland/ENG), Tobias P. Mikkelsen (FC Nordsjaelland)
Germany
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hanover)
Defenders: Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal/ENG)
Midfielders: Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Oezil (Real Madrid/ESP), Andre Schuerrle (Bayer Leverkusen), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid/ESP), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund), Ilkay Guendogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Lazio/ITA), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal/ENG), Marco Reus (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
Netherlands
Goalkeepers: Tim Krul (Newcastle United/ENG), Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma/ITA), Michel Vorm (Swansea City/ENG)
Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart/GER), Wilfred Bouma (PSV Eindhoven), John Heitinga (Everton/ENG), Joris Mathijsen (Malaga/ESP), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Jetro Willems (PSV)
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (AC Milan/ITA), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City/ENG), Stijn Schaars (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan/ITA), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur/ENG)
Forwards: Ibrahim Afellay (Barcelona/ESP), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04/GER), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool/ENG), Luciano Narsingh (SC Heerenveen), Robin van Persie (Arsenal/ENG), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich/GER)
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon), Eduardo (Benfica), Beto (CFR-Cluj/ROM)
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Zenit Saint-Petersburg/RUS), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid/ESP), Joao Pereira (Sporting Lisbon), Pepe (Real Madrid/ESP), Ricardo Costa (Valencia/ESP), Rolando (FC Porto), Miguel Lopes (Sporting Braga)
Midfielders: Carlos Martins (Granada/ESP), Joao Moutinho (FC Porto), Custodio (Sporting Braga), Miguel Veloso (Genoa/ITA), Raul Meireles (Chelsea/ENG), Ruben Micael (Real Zaragoza/ESP)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas/TUR), Helder Postiga (Real Zaragoza/ESP), Nani (Manchester United/ENG), Nelson Oliveira (Benfica), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas/TUR), Silvestre Varela (FC Porto)
Group C
Croatia
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov/RUS), Danijel Subasic (Monaco/FRA), Ivan Kelava (Dinamo Zagreb)
Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Jurica Buljat (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Domagoj Vida (Dinamo Zagreb), Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivan Strinic (Dnepropetrovsk/UKR), Gordon Schildenfeld (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)
Midfielders: Danijel Pranjic (Bayern Munich/GER), Tomislav Dujmovic (Real Zaragoza/ESP), Niko Kranjcar (Tottenham/ENG), Luka Modric (Tottenham/ENG), Milan Badelj (Dinamo Zagreb), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Ivo Ilicevic (Hamburg/GER), Ivan Perisic (Borussia Dortmund/GER), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla/ESP)
Strikers: Mario Mandzukic (Wolfsburg/GER), Ivica Olic (Bayern Munich/GER), Eduardo da Silva (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), Nikica Jelavic (Everton/ENG)
Ireland
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall)
Defenders: John O'Shea (Sunderland), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St Ledger (Leicester City), Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Paul McShane (Hull City), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Darren O'Dea (Celtic)
Midfielders: Keith Andrews (West Bromwich Albion), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City), Darron Gibson (Everton), Damien Duff (Fulham), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Stephen Hunt (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Paul Green (Derby County) James McClean (Sunderland)
Forwards: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Simon Cox (West Bromwich Albion), Jonathan Walters (Stoke City), Shane Long (West Bromwich Albion)
Italy
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli)
Defenders: Cristian Maggio (Napoli), Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino)
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna)
Strikers: Antonio Cassano (AC Milan), Mario Balotelli (Manchester City/ENG), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Fabio Borini (Roma)
Spain
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool/ENG), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
Defenders: Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos (all Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Malaga), Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets (all Barcelona).
Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo (both Sevilla), Fernando Torres, Juan Mata (both Chelsea/ENG), Pedro (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)
Group D
England
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), Jack Butland (Birmingham)
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man United), John Terry (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man United), James Milner (Man City)
Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man United), Danny Welbeck (Man United), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
France
Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
Defenders: Gael Clichy (Manchester City/ENG), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal/ENG), Philippe Mexes (AC Milan/ITA), Adil Rami (Valencia/ESP), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon)
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United/ENG), Alou Diarra (Marseille), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Marvin Martin (Sochaux), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Yann M'vila (Rennes), Samir Nasri (Manchester City/ENG)
Forwards: Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle United/ENG), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/ESP), Olivier Giroud (Montpellier), Jeremy Menez (Paris Saint-Germain), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/GER), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)
Sweden
Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Johan Wiland (FC Copenhagen/DEN), Par Hansson (Helsingborg)
Defenders: Mikael Antonsson (Bologna/ITA), Andreas Granqvist (Genoa/ITA), Mikael Lustig (Celtic/SCO), Olof Mellberg (Olympiakos/GRE), Jonas Olsson (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers/ENG), Behrang Safari (Anderlecht/BEL)
Midfielders: Emir Bajrami (Twente/NED), Rasmus Elm (AZ Alkmaar/NED), Samuel Holmen (Istanbul BB/TUR), Kim Kallstrom (Lyon/FRA), Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland/ENG), Anders Svensson (IF Elfsborg), Pontus Wernbloom (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Christian Wilhelmsson (Al-Hilal/KSA)
Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan/ITA), Johan Elmander (Galatasaray/TUR), Tobias Hysen (Gothenburg), Ola Toivonen (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Marcus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen/GER)
Ukraine
Goalkeepers: Andrei Pyatov (Shakhtar Donetsk), Alexander Goryainov (Metalist Kharkiv), Maxim Koval (Dynamo Kiev)
Defenders: Taras Mykhalik, Yevgeny Khacheridi (both Dynamo Kiev), Yaroslav Rakytsky, Alexander Kucher, Vyacheslav Shevchuk (all Shakhtar Donetsk), Yevgeny Selin (Vorskla Poltava), Bogdan Butko (Mariupol)
Midfielders: Anatoly Tymoshchuk (Bayern/GER), Oleg Gusev, Denis Garmash, Alexander Aliev, Andrei Yarmolenko (all Dynamo Kiev), Ruslan Rotan, Yevgeny Konoplyanka (both Dnepropetrovsk), Sergei Nazarenko (Tavria Simferopol)
Forwards: Andrei Shevchenko, Artem Milevsky (both Dynamo Kiev), Andrei Voronin (Dynamo Moscow/RUS), Yevgeny Seleznov, Marko Devic (both Shakhtar Donetsk)

Comedian, Actor, Musician, Entrepreneur & Now TV Host! Nigerian Humorist Julius Agwu to Launch TV Show “Jokes Apart” Soon

 

Comedian of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Julius Agwu is one man who isn’t shy of trying out new career options. The musi-comedian has announced that he will be launching his TV show “Jokes Apart” which is billed to air in a couple of weeks.

According to his rep, Jokes Apart with Julius Agwu will be a satirical thrust on political, social, cultural and economical issues across Nigeria, Africa and the World. We will treat topical issues in a didactic but humorous way so that all viewers can be entertained and still get the message we are passing.

Bishop Oyedepo Denies Slapping Church Member, Says He Cannot Be Sued-PREMIUM TIMES

 "We submit that slapping being an act of assault an item outside the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 constitution and the African Charter, this court therefore lacks jurisdiction over same."

The multi billionaire founder of the Living Faith Christian Church International, Bishop David Oyedepo, has denied slapping a young member of his congregation; stating that neither he nor his church could be sued.
In a notice of preliminary objection filed at the High Court of Ogun State and made available to PREMIUM TIMES; Bishop Oyedepo maintained that he and his church are "non juristic persons" and therefore asked the court to strike out the suit as it lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter.
Robert Igbinedion, a Lagos based lawyer, had in April, filed a suit on behalf of the young lady, who was slapped during a church service, for the enforcement of the lady's fundamental rights to freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment, human dignity, fair hearing, and freedom from discrimination.
Mr. Igbinedion prayed the court to award the sum of N2bn as 'general and exemplary damages' against the bishop as well as compel him to publish a public apology in two national dailies and one international satellite television.
In a counter affidavit deposed by Olugbenga Adegboye, the church's senior legal officer, Bishop Oyedepo stated that "his ministry is a ministry where the holy bible is preached and people are prayed for without coercion."
The church also said that there is no record of anyone called Miss Justice - a sobriquet given to the young lady for the purpose of the suit - in any of its services organized in the past.
A written address to support the preliminary objection signed by F. B Agbanwu, the church's Solicitor, insisted that the matter is not within the Nigeria constitution or the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.
Furthermore, the church urged the court to determine whether Mr. Igbinedion is capable of "bringing this kind of application" before it and whether "it is proper to bring this application against the 1st and 2nd respondents (Bishop Oyedepo and his church respectively).
Arguing that both Mr. Igbinedion and the respondents cannot sue and be sued, Bishop Oyedepo's lawyers noted that the cause of action must centre on clear infringement of a fundamental right.
"The cause of action or principal claim in this application centres merely on slapping one Miss Justice by the 1st respondent.
"The slapping of Miss Justice is an act that could be described as an assault which is a criminal offence punishable under the criminal code...
"We submit that slapping being an act of assault an item outside the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 constitution and the African Charter, this court therefore lacks jurisdiction over same."
The court sits, June 1, for parties to adopt their motion before judgment is fixed.
In December last year, a YouTube video of Bishop Oyedepo viciously slapping a young lady who admitted that she was "a witch for Jesus" during an altar call went viral on the internet.
A second video that surfaced days later showed the bishop justifying his action adding that it is "his ministry to slap" and that "if he sees another witch, he'll slap."

Copied via =(Sahara Reporters)

Gunmen Shoot, Injure Police Officer In Kano

25/05/2012

 Unknown gunmen have struck again in Kano, attacking a police patrol late yesterday evening, .  

Police sources said one officer was critically injured when the militants shot at the patrol team on Court Road near the Teaching Hospital in the city.

Bankole’s EFCC trial case continues today 

The trial of former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole will continue today before an Abuja Federal High Court. Bankole was charged on 16 counts of contract fraud proffered against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He pleaded not guilty to all counts. Justice Donatus Okorowo had at the last sitting warned prosecuting counsel in the matter to handle the case promptly and in line with the rules of court.
He gave the warning after counsel to the EFCC, Oghenovo Otemu, who stood in for Festus Keyamo, asked for an adjournment to enable them assembles their witnesses.
Okorowo, who said it is not in the interest of justice for prosecution to hold the case for too long, also warned that he will not tolerate incessant adjournments.
He advised the EFCC counsels to discuss with their client so they can prosecute the matter properly.

(I PAID A BRIBE NIGERIA)

Road accidents reduced in Q1 - FRSC Kaduna

162 persons died while 975 were injured in the zone

 

One hundred and sixty-two persons died while 975 others were injured in various road accidents in the first quarter of the year 2012 in Kaduna.
This statistics was announced by the Zonal Commanding Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Samuel Obayemi, in Kaduna on Sunday after decorating four officers who were promoted to their next ranks in the zone.
Obayemi said that the analysis of accident statistics in the first quarter of the year, showed that 119 cases were recorded, as against 281 during the same period last year.
He said that the positive result was realised in spite of the various challenges of logistics and inadequate public awareness faced by the zonal command.
"The number of persons injured dropped from 1,996 in the first quarter of 2011 to 975 in the same period this year, showing a decrease of 1,021 or 51.2 per cent, while the number of vehicles involved in accident dropped reasonably within the period."
He listed other challenges facing the zone as the inability of the command to fully enforce the use of crash helmets by motorcyclists and over speeding by some segment of unregistered road transport workers.
The zonal commander appealed to the government to deploy more operational vehicles to the zone for effective patrol of the major roads.
The four officers who were decorated included the Deputy Corps Commander (DCC), Shehu Usman, who was promoted to Corps Commander (CC) and posted to Yobe as Sector Commander.
David Sayi, who was a Deputy Corps Commander, was made Corps Commander and posted to Kebbi as a Sector Commander, while Deputy Corps Commander Aliyu Umar, now Corps Commander, was posted to Jigawa as a Sector Commander.
Similarly, Macharch Jatau, who was Assistant Corp Commander, was elevated to Deputy Corps Commander and RS1 Kaduna Sector Head of Administration and Human Resources.
Obayemi, who was the Acting Commanding Officer of the Zone, was redeployed to the FRSC headquarters as Head of Command Administration and Strategy Operation Department.
 (DAILY TIMES NG)

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NLC Warns FG against total removal of subsidy

 The Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Kwara State, The Kwara State,  Mr. Faruk Akanbi and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Mr. Israel Adebisi; as well as  the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin chapter, Mr. Rafiu Balogun have unanimously reacted to the ongoing rumour that the FG may soon increase fuel price.

Their reaction was a total rejection of a complete removal of fuel subsidy when Nigerians are already facing difficulties as a result of the initial increment

In an interview with journalist today, Akanbi gave reasons why fuel price cannot be increased at the moment, he said  “Whatever is the decision of the NLC at the headquarters, that decision is binding on NLC in Kwara State. We also do not subscribe to removal of total subsidy because it will create more problems for Nigerians. We want to enjoin Nigerians to do everything lawful that will make the Federal Government see reasons why it must not add to the pains of Nigerians.”

“You know we said we suspended the strike, if they do it again, we will go back on strike. We will support whatever measure or decision our national body takes,” Adebisi said.

Balogun who warned the Federal against any further increment, stated that no increment woukd be possible until the rot in the oil industry is tackled in the most professional way.
According to him, “If the rumour of another increase in pump price of fuel is anything to go by, then our government is ill advised. What should be of paramount importance to government is the consideration and implementation of Faruq Lawan Committee’s report on fuel subsidy.”

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NDLEA arrests two female drug traffickers

 Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Monday arrested two female passengers for drug trafficking.
The arrests were made at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

The suspects are Onuoha Faith, a 24- year old hair stylist and Animashaun Sulikiatu Bisola Sunbo, a 25- year old London-based fashion designer.

Onuoha was caught with one kilogramme of methamphetamine hidden in her brazier and inner wear.

The second suspect, Animashaun was found in possession of three kilogrammes of cocaine, concealed inside packs of chocolates.

The Airport Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Hamza Umar, revealed that Onuoha was detected with the assistance of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.

“I must commend the officials of FAAN for their support and cooperation. Onuoha wanted to take a local flight to Abuja where she will connect another flight to Malaysia but was caught at the local wing of the airport.

“She packed 750 grammes of methamphetamine on her brazier and inner wear while 250 grammes were also ingested by her.

“Animasaun was arrested during screening of passengers on a British Airways flight to London. 30 sachets of cocaine weighing three kilogrammes were found inside two chocolates containers in her bag,” Hamza stated.

Animasaun told narcotic investigators that she was lured into the drug deal, saying her involvement was a big mistake.

“This was a very big mistake on my part. I hope I will be given the opportunity to right my wrongs. They promised me 3,000 pounds to take the packs of chocolates. Apart from the financial inducement, I should have resisted the temptation. It is a mistake that will never happen again,” she lamented.

 (ASCOLOGYNEWS)
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Dancehall Artiste, Timaya Welcomes First Child

 Nigerian singer, Enetimi Alfred Odom otherwise known as Timaya is now a proud father as he welcomed his first child.

Timaya’s girlfriend, who is yet to be identified, was delivered of a girl-child at the early hours of today.

  (LEAVE YOUR COMMENT BELOW)

PHOTONEWS: Suicide Attacker Arrested At Radio House In Abuja

 John Akpabu,  the would-be  suicide bomber of a ministerial briefing , arrested with 37 rounds of live ammunition and 3 hand granades and other explosives at the National Press Centre, Radio House in  Abuja today.

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BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 2012

 The winners of the 2012 Billboard Music Awards were announced on (May 20) the show was held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Justin Bieber won the first award of the night, taking home the prize for Top Social Artist thanks to his 22 million plus followers on Twitter and the 43 million ‘Likes’ he has on Facebook. Katy Perry was also honoured in the beginning of the 2012 Billboard Music Awards with the Spotlight Award for her record-tying No. 1 ‘Teenage Dream’ singles.

Katy Perry – WINNER!

Woman of the Year:

Taylor Swift – WINNER!

Top Artist:

Adele – WINNER!

Lady Gaga

Lil Wayne

Katy Perry

Rihanna

Top New Artist:

Bad Meets Evil

Big Sean

Foster the People

Scotty McCreery

Wiz Khalifa — WINNER!

Top Male Artist:

Justin Bieber

Chris Brown

Drake

Lil Wayne – WINNER!

Bruno Mars

Top Female Artist:

Adele – WINNER!

Lady Gaga

Nicki Minaj

Katy Perry

Rihanna

Top Duo/Group:

The Black Eyed Peas

Coldplay

Lady Antebellum

LMFAO – WINNER!

Maroon 5

Top Billboard 200 Album:

’21,’ Adele – WINNER!

‘Christmas,’ Michael Buble

‘Take Care,’ Drake

‘Born This Way,’ Lady Gaga

‘Tha Carter IV,’ Lil Wayne

Top Hot 100 Song:

‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Adele

‘Party Rock Anthem,’ LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett + GoonRock – WINNER!

‘Moves Like Jagger,’ Maroon Feat. Christina Aguilera

‘ET,’ Katy Perry Feat. Kanye West

‘Give Me Everything,’ Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer

Top Digital Songs Artist:

Adele – WINNER!

LMFAO

Bruno Mars

Katy Perry

Rihanna

Top Radio Songs Artist:

Adele – WINNER!

Katy Perry

Bruno Mars

Nicki Minaj

Rihanna

Top Touring Artist:

Bon Jovi

Taylor Swift

Take That

U2 – WINNER!

Roger Waters

Top Social Artist:

Justin Bieber – WINNER!

Eminem

Lady Gaga

Rihanna

Shakira

Top Streaming Artist:

Lil Wayne

LMFAO

Nicki Minaj

Bruno Mars

Rihanna – WINNER!

Top Digital Media Artist:

Adele – WINNER!

Justin Bieber

Lady Gaga

Lil Wayne

Rihanna

Top Pop Artist:

Adele – WINNER!

Lady Gaga

LMFAO

Katy Perry

Rihanna

Top R&B Artist:

Beyonce

Chris Brown – WINNER!

Cee Lo Green

Miguel

Rihanna

Top Rap Artist:

Drake

Lil Wayne – WINNER!

LMFAO

Nicki Minaj

Wiz Khalifa

Top Country Artist:

Jason Aldean

Zac Brown Band

Lady Antebellum – WINNER!

Blake Shelton

Taylor Swift

Top Rock Artist:

The Black Keys

Coldplay – WINNER!

Foster the People

Foo Fighters

Mumford & Sons

Top Alternative Artist:

The Black Keys

Coldplay – WINNER!

Foster the People

Foo Fighters

Mumford & Sons

Top Latin Artist:

Mana

Pitbull

Prince Royce

Romeo Santos

Shakira – WINNER!

Top Dance Artist:

David Guetta

Lady Gaga – WINNER!

LMFAO

Rihanna

Britney Spears

Top Pop Album:

’19,’ Adele

’21,’ Adele – WINNER!

‘Christmas,’ Michael Buble

‘Born This Way,’ Lady Gaga

‘Under the Mistletoe,’ Justin Bieber

Top R&B Album:

’4,’ Beyonce – WINNER!

‘My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1),’ Mary J. Blige

‘F.A.M.E.,’ Chris Brown

‘I Remember Me,’ Jennifer Hudson

‘Talk That Talk,’ Rihanna

Top Rap Album:

‘Hell: The Sequel,’ Bad Meets Evil

‘Take Care,’ Drake

‘Watch the Throne,’ Jay-Z & Kanye West

‘Tha Carter IV,’ Lil Wayne – WINNER!

‘Sorry for Party Rocking,’ LMFAO

Top Rock Album:

‘Mylo Xyloto,’ Coldplay – WINNER!

‘Wasting Light,’ Foo Fighters

‘Torches,’ Foster the People

‘Sigh No More,’ Mumford & Sons

‘Here and Now,’ Nickelback

Top Alternative Album:

‘Mylo Xyloto,’ Coldplay – WINNER!

‘Wasting Light,’ Foo Fighters

‘Torches,’ Foster the People

‘Sigh No More,’ Mumford & Sons

‘Here and Now,’ Nickelback

Top Dance Album:

‘Nothing but the Beat,’ David Guetta

‘Born This Way,’ Lady Gaga – WINNER!

‘The Fame,’ Lady Gaga

‘Sorry for Party Rocking,’ LMFAO

‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,’ Skrillex

Top Digital Song:

‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Adele

‘Party Rock Anthem,’ LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett + GoonRock – WINNER!

‘Sexy and I Know It,’ LMFAO

‘Moves Like Jagger,’ Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera

‘E.T.,’ Katy Perry Feat. Kanye West

Top Streaming Song (Audio):

‘Without You,’ David Guetta Feat. Usher

‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Adele – WINNER!

‘How to Love,’ Lil Wayne

‘Party Rock Anthem,’ LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett + GoonRock

‘Super Bass,’ Nicki Minaj

Top Radio Song:

‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Adele

‘Party Rock Anthem,’ LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett + GoonRock

‘Moves Like Jagger,’ Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera

‘Give Me Everything,’ Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack + Nayer – WINNER!

‘We Found Love,’ Rihanna Feat. Calvin Harris

Top Streaming Song (Video):

‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Adele

‘Party Rock Anthem,’ LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett + GoonRock

‘Sexy and I Know It,’ LMFAO

‘The Lazy Song,’ Bruno Mars

‘Super Bass,’ Nicki Minaj – WINNER!

Top Pop Song:

‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Adele

‘Party Rock Anthem,’ LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett + GoonRock – WINNER!

‘Sexy and I Know It,’ LMFAO

‘Moves Like Jagger,’ Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera

‘E.T.,’ Katy Perry Feat. Kanye West

Top R&B Song:

‘She Ain’t You,’ Chris Brown

‘F–k You (Forget You),’ Cee Lo Green

‘Down on Me,’ Jeremih Feat. 50 Cent

‘Sure Thing,’ Miguel

‘Motivation,’ Kelly Rowland Feat. Lil Wayne – WINNER!

Top Rock Song:

‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Adele

‘Someone Like You,’ Adele

‘Paradise,’ Coldplay

‘Pumped Up Kicks,’ Foster the People – WINNER!

‘Walk,’ Foo Fighters

Top Alternative Song:

‘Rolling in the Deep,’ Adele – WINNER!

‘Sail,’ Awolnation

‘Paradise,’ Coldplay

‘Pumped Up Kicks,’ Foster the People

‘The Cave,’ Mumford & Sons

Top Latin Song:

‘Bon Bon,’ Pitbull

‘Danza Kuduro,’ Don Omar & Lucenzo – WINNER!

‘Taboo,’ Don Omar

‘Corazon Sin Cara,’ Prince Royce

‘Promise,’ Romeo Santos Feat. Usher

Top Dance Song:

‘In the Dark,’ Dev

‘Without You,’ David Guetta Feat. Usher

‘Party Rock Anthem,’ LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett + GoonRock – WINNER!

‘Sexy and I Know It,’ LMFAO

‘Till the World Ends,’ Britney Spears

Top Rap Song:

‘Good Feeling,’ Flo Rida

‘Party Rock Anthem,’ LMFAO Feat. Lauren Bennett + GoonRock – WINNER!

‘Sexy and I Know It,’ LMFAO

‘Give Me Everything,’ Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack + Nayer

‘Super Bass,’ Nicki Minaj

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Three climbers die on Mt Everest 

 Three climbers have died while returning from the summit of Mt Everest, Nepali officials say.

The three are believed to be a South Korean, a German and a Nepali-born Canadian woman.
Conditions were favourable on Friday and Saturday morning but a wind storm swept the mountain later on Saturday, Mountaineering Department official Gyanendra Shresth told AP.

Two more climbers are currently missing, he added.
The Canadian woman was named by officials as Shriya Shah.
The South Korean climber died at The Balcony, an area near the top of the 8,848m (29,029ft) peak, Ang Tshering Sherpa of the Kathmandu-based Asian Trekking adventure agency told Agence France Presse.

Kanu congratulates Mikel Obi on Champions League medal

 Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has welcomed Mikel Obi to the league of Nigerians players who have won the UEFA Champions League.

Kanu joyfully announced, “Welcome to the club” moments after Didier Drogba calmly tucked away his penalty kick to give Chelsea their first ever Champions League title on Saturday.

Kanu was alluding to the fact that Chelsea’s 4-3 penalty kick victory over Bayern Munich at the in Munich meant that Mikel had become only the third Nigerian player to join the exclusive club of Champions League winners.

Seventeen years ago Kanu, along with fellow Super Eagles colleague, Finidi George, became the first Nigerian players to lift the coveted trophy when their Dutch side, Ajax upstaged Italian giants, AC Milan 1-0 in the final played in Romanian capital, Bucharest.

“I am very happy for him (Mikel) he really deserves it and I’m also proud that after all these years we (Finidi and I) have another Nigerian member of the Champions League winners club,” said the former Arsenal star who was one of the guests at the viewing of the Champions League final at the Hardley Suits and Apartments, Lagos.

The viewing, which also had Enyimba Chairman Felix Ayansi-Agwu in attendance, was part of the hotel’s special programme for the competition.

Mr. Ayo Gam-Ikom, the MD/CEO of the establishment, said Saturday’s event was only one of a number of programmes the hotel had lined up for its guests.

BOKO HARAM FUNDING: Nigeria may face international sanctions •Security beefed up in Benue as Boko Haram gives notice to strike

 

 THERE are strong indications that Nigeria may be blacklisted by international anti-money laundering watchdogs over its inability to track the source of funds of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram and curb terrorism financing in general.

Feelers from Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard setter for measures to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, indicated that despite the earlier warnings to Nigeria on its non-compliance level, the country was yet to take any concrete step to stem the rising spate of financial crimes including terrorism financing, money laundering and corruption.
In its recent report, FATF listed Nigeria among the countries that have not made significant progress in addressing the lacunas in their Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) regimes. The agency advised the international financial community on the potential risks in the country.
Recent happenings, especially the activities of Boko Haram and startling revelations from various probes by the National Assembly, are putting Nigeria under global focus and scrutiny.
It will be recalled that on June 23, 2006, FATF decided to remove Nigeria from its list of Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories (NCCTs). Since July 2001 Nigeria has been on this shame list. The cost to the economy is incalculable: inflow/outflow of transactions to Nigeria has around it a cautionary flag to the rest of the world; numerous Nigerians operating outside the country have had their financial dealings cancelled/ monitored.
In the same vein, Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in its 2011 annual report released in Senegal in April clearly showed that the sources of money laundering, corruption, tax fraud, narcotics, trafficking and capital market related crimes were identified as the major challenges facing Nigeria.
The data from GIABA, an institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for facilitating the adoption and implementation of AML/CFT in West Africa, stated that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized 195, 283, 917 kilogrammes of various types of illicit drugs, mostly cannabis valued at over N140 million. The country also generated 8,725, 213 Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), 2,031 Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and 83 confirmed cases of money laundering in the reviewed period.
Commenting on the report, Director-General, GIABA, Dr Abdullahi Shehu, regretted that despite the support of GIABA, Nigeria still engages in predicate offences that assist the growth of money laundering.
“There are still gaps in the AML/CFT regimes that require priority attention. While arrests and prosecutions for money laundering offences have been increasing, they have not led to commensurate increase in conviction and deterring punishment,” he said.
In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, the Nigerian born GIABA boss said he had held various meetings with top government officials and was optimistic that the AML/CFT measures being currently put in place by the government would assist in fighting the scourges.
The GIABA boss listed counter-measures to include development of a National AML/CFT strategy and action plan 2011-2015; passage of money laundering prohibition Act (MLPA) 2011; AML/CFT compliance examination/inspection; registration  of DNFLs; gazetting of AML/CFT guidelines for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), and development of AML/CFT risk-based supervision framework.
Meanwhile, the implications of FATF delisting would be devastating for the already comatose economy.
It means Nigeria’s business environment is risky for foreign investment, an indication that the nation’s financial sector is no longer safe.
Furthermore, it will be difficult for Nigerians living overseas to open accounts, especially in branches of multinational financial institutions.
The financial offences watchdog recommends that financial institutions should give special attention to business relations and transactions with persons, including companies and financial institutions, from the “non-cooperative countries and territories.”
It will be recalled that Nigeria lost an estimated $25 billion in the four years that it was on the delisted list.
The loss refers to cash quantification of what would have accrued to the country’s treasury through direct foreign investments.
Meanwhile, there was fear in Otukpo, headquarters of Idomaland in Benue State, on Saturday, following a threat by the dreaded the Boko Haram sect to launch attack in the ancient town.
Consequently,security operatives went round the town to demonstrate their might and as well scare off members of the sect who had threatened to bomb the town.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that members of the notorious Islamic sect, last week, sent text messages to security agents alerting them to plans to bomb the police station in the town, the Otukpo Main Market, St Mary’s Church, among others.
The alert, according to a source, informed the moving around the town of the security operatives with security vehicles, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in company of vigilance members, commercial motor cycle riders and other well-meaning members of the town to denounce the threat.
The development has thrown the town and its surroundings into a state of uncertainty, as residents were said to have kept away from public gatherings, including church services on Saturday.
Sometime in January, the area was also thrown into similar security threat, when members of the sect were alleged to have visited the town and had gone round with the aid of commercial motor cyclists to locate their probable sites of bombing.
The police, using their plain-clothes detectives, were said to have gone into surveillance in order to identify members of this notorious sect or those that might have link with them.
To prevent entry into their premises, the police had placed a heavy iron at the gate, which made it difficult for anybody to gain entry.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Alaribe Ejike, when contacted, said he was yet to be informed about the development.

Jonathan lacks what it takes to stop Boko Haram – El Rufai

 Former Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nasir el-Rufai has affirmed that the presidency lacked what it takes to stop the Boko Haram menace, stressing that its fight against the Islamic fundamentalists have been “unorganised and fruitless”.

El-Rufai stated this while delivering a lecture, ‘The Challenge of Internal Security and Implications for National Development,’ organised by the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association on Saturday in Ile-Ife.

According to him, “It is now obvious that the more money the government throws at (solving) Boko Haram (menace), the more Boko Haram attacks.”

While attributing the sect’s insurgency to social and economic injustice, el-Rufai said provision of employment, education, hospitals and roads would help stop violence in the country.

He said, “The political class has distanced itself from the masses. There is mounting unemployment, rising poverty and social inequality.”

The former minister insisted that President Goodluck Jonathan lacked what it takes to solve the Boko Haram crisis.

 “A good government must not tell lies. The Federal Government has no such standards; it tells lies.”

He also condemned the FG’s recent attack on Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), who said the 2015 general election would be bloody if the Peoples Democratic Party rigs.

The former minister said said, “Gen Buhari made a conditional statement. If they are planning a good election, why are they worried? The PDP must not rig the 2015 election. If the 2015 election is rigged, there will be unintended consequences.”

 

 

French police to open inquiry into new allegations against Strauss-Kahn

 French prosecutors have widened an investigation into former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn's alleged participation in a prostitution ring.

Authorities said Monday that Lille police will open a preliminary inquiry into acts alleged to have taken place between 15 and 18 December 2010 in Washington D.C., which they believe could constitute gang rape.

The French newspaper Liberation reported earlier this month that the allegations stemmed from statements made by two women it describes as "escort girls," who were interviewed by Belgian police as part of an investigation into a prostitution ring run out of the Carlton Hotel in Lille, near France's border with Belgium.

The French newspaper Liberation reported Friday that the allegations stemmed from statements made by two women it describes as "escort girls," who were interviewed by Belgian police as part of an investigation into a prostitution ring run out of the Carlton Hotel in Lille, near France's border with Belgium.

According to the newspaper's account of the depositions, the women said they had accompanied two associates of Strauss-Kahn on a visit to Washington, where they had stayed at the W Hotel.

One of them alleged that Strauss-Kahn had used force against her during a sexual encounter at the hotel, despite her protests.

Strauss-Kahn's lawyers in Lille and New York both declined to comment on the Liberation report when reached by CNN.

In a statement issued by his attorneys to Agence France Presse, Strauss-Kahn denied the allegations.

Strauss-Kahn "absolutely contests having committed the slightest act of violence of any nature whatsoever," his lawyers Henri Leclerc, Frederique Baulieu and Richard Malka said after the newspaper report.

"The declarations made by these young women are contradictory," the statement said. Strauss Kahn's statement also said the women's testimony had been disclosed at an "opportune time," just before the final round of the French presidential election.

The prostitution investigation continues a string of sexual allegations against Strauss-Kahn. He has not been convicted of a crime.

Strauss-Kahn has been formally warned by French authorities that he is under investigation for "aggravated pimping" in connection with the prostitution investigation and has been released on 100,000-euro bail. He has pushed back against the accusations, saying he did not know young women at parties he attended were being paid for sex.

One of the sex scandals torpedoed his expected run for the French presidency this year. He stepped down from the top job at the International Monetary Fund after the May 2011 incident, in which a New York hotel maid accused him of sexual assault and attempted rape in May. He denied the accusation.

The case ultimately fell apart after prosecutors decided they could not be sure about the credibility of the alleged victim, despite forensic evidence that showed a sexual encounter had occurred.

The maid, Nafissatou Diallo, has since launched a civil action against the former IMF chief, alleging a "sadistic assault." This week a judge in New York rejected Strauss-Kahn's claim of diplomatic immunity.

Strauss-Kahn also faced allegations of attempted rape from a young French writer. Tristane Banon filed a complaint, alleging a 2003 attack, though it could not be pursued because of a statute of limitations.

He denied the allegations and has since filed a countersuit in France, alleging slander.

The newspaper did not specify how it obtained the statements. CNN could not independently confirm the report.

The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington said no sexual assault at the hotel was reported at that time.

Bee Gees Singer Robin Gibb Dead at 62

 

 

The Bee Gees' Robin Gibb died Sunday, his rep said in a statement to E! News. He was 62, and had been battling colon cancer.

SOURCE:E ONLINE

BURIAL CEREMONY OF GOV CHIME‘s MOTHER IN PICTURE

CHELSEA FC CELEBRATION PICTURES

BBA7: Tears as Ola and Chris depart

Friday, May 18, 2012, was a tear-filled day in the Big Brother house, as Ola and Chris, the Nigerian representatives in the star game, broke the news of their voluntary exit to fellow housemates.

The housemates, who initially didn’t believe the story, were shocked when it dawned on them that it wasn’t a joke. Almost immediately, everyone broke down in tears as Ola and Chris took turns to hug them, saying their final goodbyes.

Minutes earlier, the duo had told Biggie they wanted to quit the show based on the house doctor’s advice as regards Ola’s failing health.

29 year old Ola Bakare is an interior designer, while his friend and colleague, Chris is a fashion designer.