Baby North West REVEALED!!!

Here she is for the first time ... the spawn of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

Kanye revealed the photo of baby North West on Kris Jenner's talk show moments ago, a last ditch effort to boost ratings before Fox decides whether to pick the show up for a full series ... something Kim's mother is desperately hoping for.

As we reported, Kim and Kanye had initially debated using the baby's first images to raise money for charity ... but they decided Kris' show was a more worthy cause.

Nigeria spends over N1trn in war against terror

BusinessDay- The Federal Government may have spent well over N1 trillion in the fight against the Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the country since 2009, BusinessDay checks have revealed.

The latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), based in Sweden, shows that in 2012, Nigeria ranked sixth highest spender on military in Africa, and this is because of the increase in insurgency across the country.

The war against terror in Nigeria raised military expenditure to a staggering $2.327 billion (N372.3bn) in 2012 alone, ranking Nigeria among countries at war in Africa, according to the report by SIPRI.

The report released recently shows that the country’s military spending is the sixth highest in Africa, competing with the expenditure of countries like Libya ($2.9bn), Morocco ($3.4bn), Angola ($4.1bn), South Africa ($4.4bn), and Algeria ($9.3bn).

Countries with relatively lower expenditure among the top 10 spenders on military in Africa include Cote d’Ivoire ($407m), Namibia ($407m), Tunisia ($709m), Kenya ($798m), and South Sudan ($964m).

Nigeria’s budget on defence has consistently been on the increase since 2009, when the Boko Haram insurgency began in Borno State, North East of the country.

In 2009, the budget allocation to defence was N233 billion, in 2010 it was N264 billion, 2011- N348 billion, in 2012 budget for security was N921.91 billion, and N348.91 billion in 2013.

Despite the official budgets, funds are said to have been mobilised from other sources for the same purpose.

Following the state of emergency declared by the Federal Government in May on three states of the North-Eastern Nigeria, Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, the security votes to the governors of the affected states were seized as part of funds to combat the insurgency.

Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monetary policy committee had recently warned that military operations against Islamic insurgents in the North could pose liquidity risks for the economy.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, governor, CBN, and chairman of the committee, had projected that the emergency rule declared in the three North-Eastern states might spur increased spending by government, with its attendant liquidity risks in the economy.

“The recent military action in the North-East will result in additional spending,” Sanusi said.

Shortly before the state of emergency declaration, President Goodluck Jonathan had set up a committee to look at the possibility of granting amnesty to the militants.

While the committee was consulting with the different insurgent groups, the insurgents’ attacks became deadlier, forcing government to approve their proscription and authorised the gazzetting of an order declaring the groups’ activities illegal and acts of terrorism.

Culled from BusinessDay

2 Chainz Arrested After Tour Bus Standoff - Now with Mug Shot

2 Chainz has just been released from jail, and flipped everyone off in the process. Being the businessman he is, he also told everyone to buy his album.

2 Chainz just tweeted, "This sh*t will make u go crazy, our bus gets pulled 1 a week and they always say I smell weed I need to search ur bus. Sh* gets tiring"

Law enforcement sources tell us, drugs WERE found on the bus ... but they wouldn't specify which, or how much.

Rapper 2 Chainz was on board the tour bus involved in a police standoff in Oklahoma last night ... and he's already been arrested in connection with the incident.

2 Chainz' tour bus was pulled over in OKC around midnight after police noticed its taillights were out. When they approached the vehicle, cops say they noticed signs of drug use and attempted to board the bus.

Wentworth Miller: I'm Gay

"Prison Break" star Wentworth Miller has just revealed he's a gay man ... in a statement that reads as a giant "F YOU" to Russia.

The 41-year-old actor fired off a letter to the director of the St. Petersburg International Film Festival -- rejecting its invitation for him to travel to the Motherland for the event ... and in the letter, WM went public about his sexuality for the first time.

"Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes. However, as a gay man, I must decline."

Miller continues ... "I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government."

"The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly."

He added, "If circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice."

Strange: Kenyan Granny Starts School

Wonder they say shall never end- A 78-year-old Mariana Ong’ango Ololo, a new pupil at Obambo Primary School, is not only the oldest pupil in her class, the grandmother is also the oldest pupil in the school.

Ololo, who hails from Siaya county, reportedly showed up at the school unannounced on 14 May, in a school uniform with a shaved head and accompanied by her 56-year-old son George.

The school principal Joseph Muloand told the Daily Nation, “It is a unique case. We have to lay down a strategy of handling such an elderly pupil.” Ololo has already missed classes on several occasions due to her poor health.

The Nation reports that she is a mother of eight and has been a widow since 2002. She reportedly started school because of an interest in politics and was inspired to do so by the election of Uhuru Kenyatta. She told the Daily Nation, "“Uhuru Kenyatta is not an old man, but took over as fourth President because he has got an education. That is a clear indicator that a person cannot rank highly in society without an education.”

Her story is very similar to that of Guinness World Record holder Kimani Maruge who enrolled in primary school at the age of 84. Maruge had a 2010 movie, called The First Grader, made about his experience.

Angelina Jolie's Aunt, Debbie Martin, Dies After Breast Cancer Battle

The relative of the actress passed away at a hospital on Sunday.

Angelina Jolie's aunt, Debbie Martin, died Sunday in an Escondido, Calif., hospital after a battle with breast cancer.


Martin's husband, Ron, told the network that he had been in touch with Jolie and that the actress's father, Jon Voight, had recently visited.


"Angelina has been in touch throughout the week and her brother Jamie has been with us, giving his support day by day," Ron said to E! News. "They both loved Debbie very much and although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support which was very nice."

Last month, Jolie revealed in an op-ed piece that she underwent a preventative double mastectomy surgery at Pink Lotus Breast Center to reduce her cancer risk.

The actress wrote in the New York Times about losing her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, to cancer six years ago at age 56 and outlined the steps she needed to take to ensure her own health. Debbie Martin was Bertrand's sister.

Chris Brown is releasing a new song with material from Aaliyah

Chris Brown's Aaliyah Song To Be Called 'They Don't Know'

Chris Brown has found a new collaborator in the late singer Aaliyah.

The 24-year-old singer announced Tuesday that the next single off of his upcoming "X" album will be "They Don't Know," a track which features unheard material from Aaliyah.

“I got something special for my fans. It’s called ‘They Don’t Know,’”

Chris Brown is calling on an angel for his new single, “They Don’t Know.” The R&B superstar has announced that Aaliyah will be featured on the follow-up to “Fine China.”

The song contains never-before-heard vocals from the late singer. “I got something special for my fans. It’s called ‘They Don’t Know,’” Chris told reporters at the BET Awards 2013 press conference on Tuesday. “All new stuff that’s never been heard before.”

He shot a video for the song in L.A. over the weekend. “I shot it in the ‘hood. I went to 60th Street and Cedar Block,” he said, while explaining the concept.

“[I'm] bringing both worlds together and trying to uplift the poverty side of the community and show them where I’m from. I’m from Virginia, but everybody comes from a broken home or being broke—I remember when I was.”

“They Don’t Know” will appear on Chris’ sixth album X, due July 16. In addition to Aaliyah, the guest list includes Nicki Minaj and Kendrick Lamar, plus production from Timbaland, Polow Da Don, Danja, Pharrell, and Drumma Boy.

Listen to a snippet of the song from the video set below.

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“All new stuff that’s never been heard before.”

Brown already filmed the music video for the track, which is being heralded as a tribute to the late singer. Brown explained at the press conference that he filmed the video in Los Angeles last weekend. “I shot it in the hood," he said. "I went to the Cedar Block. Bringing both worlds together and trying to uplift the poverty side of the community and show them where I’m from. I’m from Virginia, but everybody comes from a broken home or being broke. I remember when I was.”

The controversial rapper isn't the only current artist who has featured Aaliyah on a track. Drake's recent single "Enough Said" also featured the vocals of Aaliyah, who died in 2001 at the age of 22.

Brown's "X" album, which also features Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, and production by Diplo, hits stores on July 16.

Celebrity Net Worths: Jaw-Dropping Figures For Some Of The World's Biggest Stars (TABLE)

Celebrities make more money than we simpletons do -- that isn't entirely new. But learning exactly how much they're worth? Now, that's sometimes hard to believe.

Take Julia Louis-Dreyfus, for example. She's a gifted comedian, no doubt, who managed to break "The 'Seinfeld' Curse," but did you know she's worth a whopping $3 billion, thanks largely to family money?

And did you know Keanu Reeves, he of "Matrix" fame, is estimated to be worth more than Bruce Springsteen and Ozzy Osbourne combined?

Below, find 24 celebrities whose immense wealth might just make your jaw drop:

Celebrity Occupation Estimated Net Worth

George Lucas Producer, Director $7.3 billion *
Julia Louis-Dreyfus Actress $3 billion
Oprah Media Mogul $2.8 billion
J.K. Rowling Author $1 billion
Larry David Comedian $800 million
Madonna Musician $650 million **
Bono Musician $600 million
P. Diddy Rap Mogul $580 million
Howard Stern Radio Host $500 million
Gloria Estefan Musician $500 million
Dolly Parton Musician $450 million
Mel Gibson Actor $425 million
Tyler Perry Producer, Director $400 million
Celine Dion Musician $400 million
Clint Eastwood Director, Actor $375 million
Dr. Dre Rap Mogul $360 million
Bill Cosby Comedian $350 million
Keanu Reeves Actor $350 million
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Actresses, Fashionistas $300 million
Will Smith Actor $200 million
Ryan Seacrest Media Mogul $200 million
Bruce Springsteen Musician $200 million
Ozzy Osbourne Musician $140 million
Ellen DeGeneres Comedian $105 million

Source: CelebrityNetWorth.com

* According to Forbes, Lucas is worth $3.9 billion, not $7.3 billion, because although Disney paid $4.05 billion to acquire LucasFilm, Lucas had said he will give most of the money to charity.

** A couple of months ago, it was reported that Madonna is now a billionaire thanks to earnings from her MDNA Tour. Forbes explains why that is inaccurate, due in part to the difference between gross earnings and net earnings.

Video: Will & Jaden Smith Address Emancipation Rumors!

There may be two budding stars in the Smith family ... but are they ready to go out on their own? On Wednesday, Will and Jaden Smith appear on the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and they're squashing a few of their family rumors. Earlier this week, the media went wild when word spread that Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith were going to let their 14-year-old son emancipate himself -- check out the clip above to see what Will and Jaden say about him leaving the nest. It doesn't look like the tiny "After Earth" star plans on going anywhere, anytime soon -- and we don't blame him! "The thing that people don’t get is everything at this house is free. So I can get anything and everything at his house, so I’m going to be there 20, 30 more years. He [Will Smith] says as soon as I have a movie that’s bigger than one of his movies I can get my own house," Jaden explains to Ellen. Sound like there's some friendly family competition! The pair also shared a special deleted scene from their new movie "After Earth" -- did you know Ellen was in the flick?

Lauryn Hill Sentenced To Prison For Failing To File Tax Returns

Singer Lauryn Hill was sentenced to three months in prison Monday for not paying taxes on more than $2.3 million in earnings over a five year period.

The eight-time Grammy winner faced up to three years in federal prison after after pleaded guilty in federal court in June 2012 to failing to file tax returns. The South Orange resident must also serve three months of home confinement.

During a three hour proceeding before Federal Magistrate Madeline Cox Arleo, Hill’s attorney Nathan Hochman argued that the former Fugee should receive probation with no period of incarceration or, at worst, home confinement.

Hill told the court that the burdens of fame complicated her efforts to earn money and that she had been thrust into a industry at a young age not fully understanding the consequences. Describing herself as “the child of former slaves,” Hill said she was forced to choose between her artistic integrity and the commercial demand to put out more hit music.

“I was ushered into a system I didn’t really understand the nature of, its violence, its need to squeeze every dime from a talent such as myself,” Hill said. “This industry creates an illusion of wealth and success that takes a toll on an individual.”

Hochman, in arguing for a “downward departure” from the sentencing guidelines, said Hill merely failed to pay taxes and did not submit a fraudulent return or attempt to conceal assets.

Hochman cited other high-profile defendants, such as singer Willie Nelson and actor Nicholas Cage, who did not serve jail time in tax cases. Hill has repaid all $900,000 in taxes she owed, Hochman said.

Hochman also cited Hill’s charitable work and her family obligations as a single mother of six in arguing for a reduced sentence.

“As the court is aware Ms. Hill is the primary caregiver of six children between the ages of 15 years and 21 months,” Hochman said.

Hill told the court that the period when she failed to file tax returns was a time when she was intentionally pulling back from the limelight for the sake of her family in order to live “underground.”

The government, represented by Assistant US Attorney Sandra Moser, countered that Hill always had ample funds to pay the taxes that she owed and that she had done almost no charitable work for years until her recent troubles with the IRS.

Moser also said that Hill had the resources to care for her large family if she were imprisoned, including support payments of $15,000 a month provided by Rohan Marley, the father of several of the of the children. Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley.

“The defendant does not deserve a get-out-of-jail card for deigning to pay what she owes,” Moser said.

Arleo rejected Hill’s request for no jail time, citing precedent and also expressing skepticism regarding Hill’s claim that her failure to file tax returns somehow stemmed from her self-imposed isolation from public life.

“[Paying taxes] can be done quietly and underground,” Arleo said.

But Arleo also noted that Hill had made restitution, had no prior criminal history and that her family obligations were still significant enough to warrant a much lighter sentence than the maximum allowed under guidelines.

Hill’s sentence is to begin by July 8. Arleo agreed to pass on a request from Hochman that Hill serve her time in a facility near her family.

Hill released a new song, "Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)" on Friday.

China executes 4 foreigners over Mekong murders

BEIJING (AP) -- China executed four foreigners on Friday for killing 13 Chinese sailors in an attack on the Mekong River, following a live nationwide broadcast showing them being led to their deaths that harkened back to the mass public execution rallies of past years.

The attack on the sailors on the Mekong highlighted drug smuggling and extortion rackets along the vital waterway and led to a major expansion of Chinese police powers in the region.

Accused ringleader Naw Kham and accomplices Hsang Kham, Yi Lai, and Zha Xiha were found guilty of the killings. The four are of Myanmar, Thai, Laotian, and unknown nationality.

In the unusual live broadcast, state-run CCTV showed the four being led in shackles and handcuffs from their cells at a jail in southwestern Yunnan province's capital of Kunming prior to their execution by lethal injection. Their deaths were announced two hours later by the Yunnan provincial police department.

China has mostly abandoned the once-common practice of parading condemned criminals before crowds in stadiums and through city streets on the way to execution grounds on the edge of cities.

The broadcast was a response to widespread Chinese outrage over the killings, as well as an attempt to emphasize the heinousness of the crime and the efficiency of China's police and courts in doling out justice, said Prof. Yu Guoming of Renmin University's School of Mass Media.

"The brutality of Naw Kham in the killing really got ordinary Chinese people riled up. It's no wonder that it has attracted such huge attention from the public," Yu said.

The gang was accused of ambushing two flat-bottomed Chinese cargo ships on the upper reaches of the Mekong River on Oct. 5, 2011, in Myanmar waters infested with gangs that make their living from protection rackets and the production and smuggling of heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs. The Mekong flows south from Yunnan through the infamous Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, and provides a vital trade and transportation route between southwestern China and Southeast Asia.

The ships were recovered downriver later that day by Thai police following a gun battle with gang members, and the bodies of the 13 victims, some bound by the hands before being stabbed and shot, were fished from the river over the following days. Methamphetamine was found on the boats, leading to speculation they had been hijacked as part of a drug smuggling plot.

However, gang members later testified the killings were in retaliation for the ships refusing to pay protection money and allowing themselves to be used by Thai and Laotian soldiers in attacks on warlord bases. They said the drugs were placed on board to make it look like there had been a struggle between smugglers.

China's Public Security Ministry made the case a top priority, forming a 200-officer special investigation group and working with Thai, Lao, and Myanmar authorities to gather evidence and track down the perpetrators. Naw Kham was arrested in Laos last April and turned over to China the following month along with the other defendants. Because the killings took place on board Chinese-flagged vessels, Beijing, whose massive economy and powerful military give it considerable sway over its smaller southern neighbors, ruled the trials should take place in China.

The four were sentenced to death in November in a two-day trial, and the judgment was upheld by China's Supreme People's Court in Beijing following an automatic appeal in accordance with Chinese law.

In their testimony, the four said they had conspired with renegade Thai soldiers, nine of whom were arrested in October 2011 in Thailand and charged with taking part in the killings. They have yet to be tried or extradited, and remain in Thai army custody.

Months after the killings, China established a multinational river patrol headquartered in Yunnan which Beijing says has been effective in clamping down on such incidents.

"The case set a precedent that China would vigorously pursue criminals who commit crimes against its nationals. That's led to an expansion of Chinese police powers into the neighboring region and a big boost in Chinese influence," said Jin Canrong, associate dean of Renmin University's School of International Studies in Beijing.

China has devoted increasing attention to the safety of its nationals abroad as the Chinese economy continues to expand overseas. In recent years, Beijing has used navy ships and air force planes to help evacuate Chinese workers from fighting in Libya, and its diplomats have worked to free kidnapped workers and resolve local disputes across Africa and parts of Asia.

___

Associated Press researcher Yu Bing in Beijing and writer Thanyarat Doksone in Bangkok contributed to this report

UNILAG students damage Davido’s car after concert

Dami Duro crooner, Davido, this evening, got more than he bargained for at the University of Lagos, after excited fans chased him in his car and ended up breaking one of the windows.

The HKN artiste, was in the institution to perform at the First Bank-sponsored Youth Excel Programme. After he held his audience captive with a great performance, the students refused to let him leave, trailing him to his car.

Davido, who just released controversy ridden single, ‘Gobe’, however took it in good faith.

He tweeted: “Damn they broke my car window at Unilag!! Still luv ma fans tho!! Bless yall!! Amazing show!”

Culled from Daily Post

“Django Unchained” star Jamie Foxx was upstaged on the red carpet by his stunning 19-year-old Daughter Corinne

“Django Unchained” star Jamie Foxx was upstaged on the red carpet by his stunning 19-year-old daughter Corinne, who was dressed in a strapless midnight blue gown with woven bodice.

The actor, who brought along the beauty – then just 11! – to the Oscars in 2005 when he won for “Ray,” gushed on the red carpet that he was “excited to show how beautiful my daughter has turned out.” Last September, Foxx told omg! that he takes the “homey” approach to raising both of his daughters (he’s also dad to much-younger Annalise). "Like with my oldest daughter, I say, 'Hey, if you're going to drink, pour your own drink, no drugs,’” joked Foxx. “You learn that it's all still the same parenting process, regardless if you're a celebrity or if you're just a person who's working nine to five.

The main thing is staying really, really close to them and making them understand that you've been through things and you can help them, but don't try to live your life for them."

Court Denies Babalakin’s Plea To Sit Outside Dock

A Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo today denied the chairman of Bi-Courtney, Mr. Wale Babalakin his plea to sit outside the dock during the resumption of his trial over money laundering.

Justice Onigbanjo also ordered Mr. Babalakin to consolidate into one, two applications filed seeking to quash the charges against him.

Mr. Babalakin and 4 others are facing a 27-count charge of allegedly laundering about N4.7 billion on behalf of the convicted former governor of Delta State, James Ibori under the guise of purchasing a Challenger Jet Aircraft.

The judge’s ruling followed arguments from Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, the lead counsel to Mr. Babalakin, and Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, the counsel to the EFCC.

When the proceedings commenced, Mr. Fagbemi (SAN) made a peculiar request asking presiding Justice Onigbanjo to allow his client leave the dock and sit in or near the bar.

The counsel quoted Section 210 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos, 2011. The section provides that “where a defendant appears before the court on a summons, he may be required to enter the dock, stand or sit adjacent to it as may be ordered by the court”.

But the counsel to the EFCC, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Jacobs, opposed the request. For him, the section did not refer to sitting in the outer or inner bar with the other lawyers. The prosecution stressed that justice must be seen to be done to all and not to the status of one.

Justice Onigbanjo, however, held that the section of the law refers to a defendant who appears before the court on a summons and not one like Mr. Babalakin who appeared before the court on information.

The defendant was, therefore, ordered to remain in the dock.

On the arguments on the applications filed by Mr. Babalakin to quash the charges against him, Justice Onigbanjo noted that there were two of such applications seeking the same objective.

While the defence counsel, Mr. Fagbemi insisted that they had different grounds, the prosecution countered by saying that it was an abuse of court process and a move aimed at delaying the trial. He, therefore, urged the court to strike out one of the applications.

The arguments went back and forth for almost 30 minutes on the propriety of taking the two applications seeking the same relief.

After listening to the arguments and the submissions of other lawyers in the matter, Justice Onigbanjo ordered the defendants to consolidate their applications.

He then adjourned the case till the 27th of March.

Nigeria grants bail to Russian arms smuggling suspects

Fifteen Russian sailors charged with illegally bringing weapons into Nigeria last year were granted bail on Monday and released until a hearing in early April, a Lagos court ruled.

Nigerian authorities intercepted a ship and arrested its Russian crew on October 23 after they found several guns and around 8,500 rounds of ammunition aboard.

The Russian sailors have pleaded not guilty and the Moran Security Group, the Russian company that owns the confiscated vessel, has said the ship had permission to carry arms, calling the accusations "groundless".


"I'm glad that everybody - the court, the prosecution - they saw the need that the accused persons be granted bail. They've been in detention for months," defence lawyer Chukwuwike Okafor told Reuters after the hearing.

He said that, under the terms of the $500,000 (330,732 pounds) bail, the sailors were not allowed to leave Nigeria and were under the care of the Russian ambassador, who must ensure they return for the hearing in April.

Russia's Foreign Ministry, which has spoken out strongly against the charges, on Monday welcomed the ruling, calling it "the first positive turn in developments surrounding the Russian sailors", according to the RIA news agency.

It said Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru, had promised his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that the sailors would be given "a chance to return to their homeland" so as not to upset ties with Moscow.

Arms smuggling to and through Nigeria is rife. Demand for weapons is great because of an Islamist rebellion in the north, armed robbery and kidnapping by gangs in the south and oil theft and piracy in the southeast.

The country is also sometimes used as a conduit for shipping arms to other conflict-ridden parts of West Africa.

In 2010, a consignment of rocket launchers, grenades and other explosives from Iran was seized in Lagos, causing a diplomatic row between Nigeria and Iran. It also strained ties between Iran and Senegal, which accused Iranian security forces of trying to supply weapons to its Casamance rebels.

Online video claims radical Islamic group Boko Haram from Nigeria holding 7 French hostages Read more:

A video appearing to show seven French citizens, including four children, kidnapped in Cameroon last week has been posted on YouTube. In the video, one of the male hostages can be heard saying: "We have been taken by Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad," referring to the name in Arabic of Nigeria's Boko Haram militants. "They want the liberation of their brothers in Cameroon and their women imprisoned in Nigeria." The kidnapping on Tuesday of the seven French nationals in Cameroon's far north, near the border with Nigeria, highlighted the risk to French citizens in Africa since Paris sent troops into Mali to oust Islamists there. "The president of France has launched a war on Islam," said one of the apparent kidnappers, warning the hostages would be killed if their demands were not met. France's foreign ministry said it was still trying to verify the authenticity of the video. Cameroon's Communication Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said he could not comment because his government was not aware of the video.

Akon Sued for Stage Diving- He Crippled Me!!!

A concert worker says he's physically disabled right now now now ... and it's all Akon's fault -- after the singer allegedly stage dove right on top of the guy, causing him permanent injury. A man named Matthew Graham has filed a lawsuit against the singer, claiming he was working Akon's show at BayFest music festival in Alabama back in 2009 -- when Akon "negligently or wantonly leapt into the overcrowded mass of concertgoers" and struck him. See video below (scroll to 00:50). Graham says he sustained severe and permanent injury to his knee, back, head, and body during the incident -- and is now physically disabled. He doesn't specify the extent of his disability. Graham is suing for medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain and mental anguish -- demanding unspecified damages. He is also suing BayFest, Inc.

After-Party Madness -- Inside All the Hot Oscar Bashes!

With the stress of winning off their shoulders, the biggest stars in Hollywood had one thing on their minds after the Oscars: Getting to an after-party! And there were plenty to choose from. As usual, the Vanity Fair bash was the most A-list event in town -- with winners like Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck and Daniel Day-Lewis all attending the Sunset Tower soiree. Inside the party, Jennifer Aniston was seen cuddling with fiance Justin Theroux, Catherine Zeta-Jones chatted up Ashley Olsen and Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr were seen talking with Halle Berry ... what a hot trio! Other stars at the party include Reese Witherspoon, Channing Tatum and preggers wife Jenna Dewan, Amanda Seyfried, Kate Becksinale and many, many more. See all the party pics above. The easiest event for the stars to get to was the Governor's Ball, which took place at the Hollywood & Highland center ... directly attached to the Oscars. Charlize Theron posed with Amy Adams and the adorable Joseph Gordon-Levitt ... and speaking of adorable, how great does Adele look with her little gold man? She was also seen hanging out with Barbara Streisand and Shirley Bassey. Talk about a vocally powerful group. Also at the bash: Jessica Chastain and her costar in "The Help," Octavia Spencer, John Travolta, George Clooney, Ang Lee and Quvenzhane Wallis ... who was dancing up a storm! And while there weren't any Oscar winners at Elton John's annual party, it was still the place to be seen for non-nominees. The bash, which was more of a viewing party for those not invited to the main event, was a who's who of celebrities. Britney Spears showed off her new brunette 'do, Heidi Klum flaunted some MAJOR cleavage and Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus and Kelly Osbourne all looked great in white. Elton also brought a special guest to the event: Adorable son Zachary, who was all dressed up in a suit as well. Other stars included Nicki Minaj, Steven Tyler, "Vampire Diaries" hotties Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley and Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Ryan Kwanten from "True Blood." Check out all the party pics above -- and some killer video from the Vanity Fair party below:

Nigeria first lady describes mystery illness

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria's first lady has described details of a mystery illness she had that the country's presidency refused to discuss.

Patience Jonathan, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, talked about the illness at a church service Sunday at Aso Rock, the nation's presidential villa.

Jonathan said she had her "intestine and tummy opened" and later fell unconscious for a week. She said she had "eight or nine" surgeries in all and some "sold my things off" because they thought she was dead.

The first lady said: "My doctors said all hope was lost."

In September, Jonathan disappeared from public view. Officials said she had "food poisoning" and was receiving medical treatment abroad. She returned in October visibly thinner.

Governor Amosun Commissions Farming Equipment

The governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun today commissioned some farming equipment worth about five hundred million naira at the Arcade ground, Oke Mosan,Abeokuta, the state capital.

In the pack are bulldozers, tractors and other implements meant to boost farming in the state.

Speaking at the commissioning which was witnessed by farmers and other stakeholders in the state, Amosun said the government decided to buy the equipment in order to make Ogun state the food basket of the nation and check rural urban migration.
According to him, “when our administration came on board in May 2011, the state could not boast of 10 functional tractors. The situation was further worsened by the non-availability of agricultural land breaking equipment, without which farm expansion is not possible, particularly considering the peculiarity of our vegetation in the South-Western part of our country. We equally realised that the high cost of land clearing is a major constraint to increased agricultural production,this is further compounded by the declining farm labour market in the rural areas”.

According to him, the multi-faceted problems, “consequently limited our farmers to subsistence level of production, thereby discouraging our youths from taking farming as a business. In addition to this, we also realised that there is an urgent need to tackle the challenge posed by ageing farming population and make farming attractive to the younger
generation. This will help to tame the current trend of Rural-Urban migration”.

The farming equipment will be rented out to the farmers at a moderate rate.The equipment include, four CAT bulldozers, 30 MF 275 Xtra tractors, 33 Baldan Disc Ploughs, 15 Baldan Disc Harrows, 2 Baldan Rotary Slashers, and 2
Baldan 4 Row–Planters.

“The rate for hiring this equipment for land clearing and preparation has been subsidised so as to create a relief to our farmers. I wish to further announce a 10% subsidy on the hiring rate of the equipment for the benefit of our farmers and also as part of our administration’s determination to sustain the operation of these equipment”, the
governor disclosed.

He further enumerated some of the steps taken by the present administration to resuscitate some of the farm settlements and
establishment of model farm estates.

“Model farm estate will commence soon in Owowo town in Ogun Central Senatorial District of the state. The first set of participants will be admitted before May 2013, provisions have also been made in this year’s budget for the replication of similar projects in the other two Senatorial Districts of the state”.

“Rehabilitation of three government owned fish farms located at Ilaro, Odeda and Ikenne has been completed. Prior to this rehabilitation, these farms had been abandoned. Presently, fish production activities on these farms have commenced,government has rehabilitated the state government Central Feed depot at Kotopo. The essence of this is to
stabilize the cost of livestock feeds in the market. Our Administration has equally disbursed agricultural loans to over a
thousand farmers in the state in the first phase of disbursement under the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme, we are about to commence the next phase of the scheme”,Amosun declared.
In her welcome address, the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Ronke Sokefun said the government decided to procure the equipment to bridge the gap and sustainably produce enough food for the growing population and industrial development.

The Commissioner said,”our Ministry will continue to make efforts towards achieving self- sufficiency in agricultural production by stimulating the production of food of both plant and animal origins through the production and distribution of improved seeds and seedlings, improved livestock breed, fish and fingerlings”.

While soliciting for the optimum use of the implements and the support from both the public and private sectors in the mission to rebuild the state agricultural sector, Sokefun boasted that,”we can generate market surplus and adequately feed the growing agro based industries in the country”.

Obama State of Union speech watched by 33.5 million on TV

Some 33.5 million Americans tuned in for President Barack Obama's economy-focused State of the Union speech live on television, just a slight drop from the TV audience for his 2012 address.

According to ratings data from Nielsen on Wednesday, Obama's speech on Tuesday night was carried live on 15 U.S. broadcast and cable networks and was tape-delayed on Spanish-language channel Univision.

In an assertive start to his second term, Obama urged the sharply divided U.S. Congress to raise the minimum wage and strive for economic fairness for Americans hit by unemployment and four years of recession.

The TV audience for Obama's annual State of the Union addresses has dropped off sharply since he was first elected, from 52.4 million in 2009 to 37.7 million in 2012.

The most-watched television event in the United States is the annual Super Bowl, which drew some 108.7 million viewers earlier in February.

The Nielsen figures do not take into account viewers watching online or on mobile devices.

Adenuga Splashes $1million on Super Eagles

Mike Adenuga Jr, the Nigeria's second richest man has made a surprise donation to Super Eagles for winning the newly concluded 2013 AFCON.

Super Eagles beat the Stallions of Burkina Faso 1-0 on Sunday at the finals in Soweto, South Africa to clinch the title of African champions. The Nigerian telecoms and oil tycoon announced the donation shortly after the team’s victory over Burkina Faso’s Stallions. Adenuga also gave the team’s coach, Stephen Keshi, $200,000 cash and offered to pay the coach’s $32,000 monthly salary from his pocket.

Adenuga’s gift comes a few days after Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, rewarded the Nigerian team with an $820,000 (N130 million) cash gift for making it to the finals of the competition.

Mike Adenuga, chairman of Globacom, Nigeria’s second largest mobile telecoms operator, has been one of the strongest financial pillars of Nigerian football. Last month his telecoms company signed a four-year title sponsorship deal with the Nigerian Premier League (NPL) for $16.5 million.

Kris Humphries Doesn’t Want to Speed Up Divorce Just Because Kim Kardashian Is Pregnant

Kris Humphries is reminding the world that he is no longer on Kim Kardashian’s timetable.

The divorce drama continues between the exes, who were married for just 72 days in 2011. While Kardashian quickly moved on – she’s expecting a baby with Kanye West later this year – Humphries is in no apparent rush to end the marriage, a fact he reiterated in a court filing on Monday.

According to the reports, lawyers for the Brooklyn Nets basketball star suggested Kardashian is trying to gain the upper hand in the divorce battle by trying to accelerate the proceedings – and baby Kimye is being dragged into the middle of it all.

"What is really going on here is that an 'urgency' in the form of an apparently unplanned pregnancy, something the Respondent had nothing to do with, is perceived by Plaintiff as an opportunity to gain a litigation advantage by trying to force this court to prematurely set this matter for trial,” Humphries’ attorney Marshall W. Waller states in the filing.

Explaining his reasoning for calling the pregnancy unplanned, he notes, "Indeed, why would the Petitioner plan to get pregnant in the midst of divorce proceedings?"

The attorney, who is trying to halt Kardashian’s request to put an immediate trial date on the books, suggests the other side is hiding something in their attempt to speed up the trial.

"Why don’t these people just give us the access we want?” Waller asks. "What are they hiding? What is there in the raw footage of this televised courtship, 72-day marriage and resultant breakup that they are so afraid of us discovering?"

The papers also note that Humphries wants to wait until his basketball season concludes – in mid-May or June – to continue with the legal matter. However it may not be up to him as a hearing regarding each side's readiness to go to trial is set for February 15.

Speaking of baby Kimye, Kardashian’s doctor supposedly thinks the reality TV star’s unborn child could be at risk because of the stress caused by the case, according to a TMZ report. A source tells the website that the mom-to-be recently suffered pains and was examined by her doctor, who suggested they were stress related.

Kardashian has been trying to put a positive spin on the situation – at least publicly. In a recent interview on “Late Show With David Letterman,” she said, "I can't speak for Kris, but I just want him to be happy and I want us to move on, and that's really what I want, is just to move on.”

Lagos White-Cap Chief Shot Dead

Some unidentified gunmen on Thursday shot dead a Lagos State prominent white cap chief, the Onimole of Lagos, Chief Kayode Adeshina.

The 73-year-old chief was shot at about 3am at his Onimole Palace, Iga Iduganran Street, Isale Eko on the Island.

It was learnt that as soon as the gunmen gained entrance to the palace, they went straight to Adeshina’s room where he was sleeping.

A daughter of the deceased, Oyinlola Ikuforiji, said, “My father was rudely woken up and a gun was pointed at him. He pleaded with the gunmen to spare his life but they demanded money. He was shot when he told them that he had no money.”

It was learnt that Adeshina was subsequently locked up in his room while the gunmen ransacked the palace. They reportedly carted away valuables including jewelries and phones belonging to the deceased.

The gunmen then locked up the entire house before making their escape. Adeshina was later rushed to a nearby hospital after the family members were able to break the doors open.

However, he was confirmed dead at the hospital.

The eldest daughter of the late chief, Mrs. Mosaku Aola, said the family could still not determine if what caused their patriarch’s killing was actually a robbery incident.

She said, “We cannot say for now if this is a murder or robbery. Subsequent investigation by the police should reveal that.”

The Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Metro.

She said, “Adeshina was killed by some gunmen who broke into his house earlier on Thursday. After shooting Adeshina, they seized the phone belonging to one of his sons who was with him at the time.

“Arrests have already been made and investigation is ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.”

But the Lagos State Government described the incident as unfortunate.

It wondered how the gunmen were able to carry out their mission successfully despite the security measures put in place across the state by government.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, said the government had urged the police command to fish out the killers.

He said, ‘This is unfortunate. It is a surprise that this incident happened now that we have relative peace and security in the state.

“The government will support the police’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of this evil act to book.”

Culled from Punch

Sullivan Chime Fails To Show Up At The Villa

Despite the reports that the much awaited Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, has returned to the country and the confirmation by his aides, Mr. Chime failed to show up at the Presidential Villa where he was expected to pay a courtesy call on the Vice President on Thursday.

State House correspondents waited for hours in anticipation of the visit which was not to be.

There were speculations that he was to visit the Villa at 10am but the time was shifted to 2pm. While normal activities and meetings in the Villa went on, the Enugu State governor was not seen anywhere near the State House.

The governor, who had been away from the country for over four months was reported to have returned to the country on Thursday.

The Enugu State Commissioner of Information, Chuks Ugwoke, confirmed the governor’s return to Channels TV but declined to reveal his whereabouts.

In a telephone interview with Channels TV, Mr. Ugwoke confirmed that the governor arrived in Abuja, Thursday morning aboard an early morning British Airways flight and went straight to the Enugu State Governor’s Lodge in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

However, a visit by Channels TV crew to the Governor’s lodge, which is situated in the Asokoro district, showed construction work was on-going in the premises and there is no activity to suggest that he is within the premises.

But the Governor’s failure to turn up at the Presidential Vila where he was eagerly awaited did not deter the day’s operations.

In one of the meetings, Vice President Namadi Sambo directed the Presidential Committee on Federal Government Intervention for Infrastructural Development of Peri-Federal Capital Territory (Peri-FCT) communities to fix a time frame for the development of the communities in the contiguous states.

He told the committee that the financial involvement of the federal government, the affected states and the local governments should be clearly stipulated, adding that time for the commencement and completion of the project should also be indicated in the recommendations.

Vice President Sambo noted that the idea of complimentary intervention of the Peri-FCT communities is not to build new towns but to develop the ghettos in the boundary communities to the FCT, urging the committee not to go beyond the communities surrounding the FCT.

In his presentation, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, noted that “a combination of factors particularly those associated with uncontrolled human population influx have created development challenges in the Peri-FCT communities of Niger, Nasarawa and Kogi States resulting in severe infrastructure gaps”.

He said the situation led the contiguous states and the FCT to appeal to the Federal Government for special intervention towards providing some relief for the affected communities.

Culled from Channels TV

Lil Kim- What Has She Done To Her Face Now?

Lil' Kim Shows Off Wild New Look at Music Video Shoot

Lil' Kim looks more than a lil' different.

We can't be the only ones who think the rapper looks like a completely refurbished person these days, right?

Over the weekend, the 38-year-old showed off her new face on two separate sightings -- looking like a mix between LaToya Jackson and infamous "Cat Lady" Jocelyn Wildenstein ... and nothing like the girl who sang "Lady Marmalade" in 2001.

For your reference, here she is preserving her modesty in a tasteful denim, zipper and pasty combination at the Source Hip-Hop Awards that same year:

Kim Kardashian Under Fire After Tweeting – and Then Deleting – Diamond-Encrusted Gun Photo

Does Kim Kardashian need to do a better job of practicing what she preaches?

The pregnant reality star reportedly tweeted a photo of a diamond-encrusted gun – and then immediately took it down after many of her 17 million followers gave her grief … but not before some media outlets were able to get a grab of the image and the outrage it evoked.

"You have too much influence to be this blind and ignorant,” wrote one commenter, according to ABC News. “Innocent children & people still die even if the gun is pretty.” Added another, “When everyone is debating gun control, this is what you post – as if it’s just a fun accessory?”

The post in question comes just weeks after Kardashian, 32, asked her fans to join her in signing a pledge to help reduce gun violence on the heels of the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

This isn’t the first time Kardashian has shown an interest in firearms. In November – weeks before the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre – she posted a photo on Instagram of herself shooting a gun at a gun range with the caption “Bang bang.” Previously, she uploaded a photo of a gun designed by Yves Saint Laurent in June … both times, without incident.

Kardashian’s rep declined omg!’s request to comment on the situation.

New York Prisoner Impregnates Guard

A federal prison guard was charged Tuesday with having an illegal affair with an inmate convicted in one of New York's most notorious police killings, later becoming pregnant with his child.

Nancy Gonzalez, 29, was arrested on charges she intentionally engaged in a sex act with Ronell Wilson while working the night shift at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. She became pregnant in June, a few months into the affair, according to court papers. Gonzalez appeared in court Tuesday visibly pregnant and crying, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, and was released on $150,000 bond.

"She's had a very tragic life," said her attorney, Anthony Rico. "She has long-term issues that affected her life and judgment."

Her family didn't comment as a swarm of photographers and television cameras surrounded them outside federal court. Gonzalez buried her head in Rico's shoulder while he spoke to reporters.

"These are very serious charges," he said, adding he wouldn't say whether Wilson pressured Gonzalez into the affair.

Gonzalez faces 15 years in prison if convicted.

Wilson, 30, was a young gang member on Staten Island when he was convicted in the point-blank shootings of undercover officers James Nemorin and Rodney Andrews in a 2006 illegal gun sting gone awry. The officers were both shot in the back of the head. Wilson was sentenced to death, but the sentence was thrown out in 2010 by an appeals court based on prosecutorial error.

Wilson could still face death; a new jury will decide his fate. But the replay of the trial's penalty phase has been put off as Wilson's lawyers seek to convince a judge that he's ineligible for the death penalty because he's mentally disabled.

In November, a hearing was held on the claim, and a decision from Judge Nicholas Garaufis is pending, though it's unclear if and how Gonzalez's arrest will affect the motion.

Wilson was moved to solitary confinement in August while reports of the relationship were investigated.

According to court papers, Gonzalez was seen by other inmates going in and out of Wilson's cell starting in March, meeting him in a vacant activity room next to his cell when other inmates were supposed to be sleeping.

"I took a chance because I was so vulnerable and wanted to be loved and now I am carrying his child," Gonzalez said, according to court papers.

She said she "kind of got sucked into his world," and that she "felt like, well, why not give him a child as far as giving him some kind of hope."

She confessed her relationship with Wilson to a different boyfriend, another inmate who had been under her supervision at the federal prison but is now housed at a state facility. She said it was over with Wilson, and that she was worried she would get into trouble.

After she became pregnant, Wilson's mother made contact, requesting a sonogram photo, according to court papers. Gonzalez said she was worried about the calls because she feared authorities would catch her.

"I know what's to come. I know what is going to be said about me," she said, according to court papers. "How am I going to explain this to this little boy? Mommy was in the military ... Mommy was a C.O., Mommy got wrapped up ... And then the opposite end is with a person who took lives. So how do you explain that?"

Burkina Faso shock Ghana to reach final after shoot-out

Minnows Burkina Faso overcame an embarrassing refereeing display to shock Ghana 3-2 on penalties to reach their first African Cup of Nations Final.

After a 1-1 draw in normal time, the Burkinabes dominated extra-time but could not find a breakthrough, with a clear penalty appeal rejected as Jonathan Pitroipa was shown a second yellow card for diving.

Rennes star Pitroipa had to watch from the stands but his team-mates won the shoot-out, with Ghana missing three of their kicks. It remains to be seen whether CAF will overturn his dismissal, but the rules state bookings can only be cancelled out for mistaken identity and he is set to miss the final.

Tunisian ref Slim Jdidi had awarded Ghana a soft penalty in the first half, which Mubarak Wakaso converted, having just rejected a Burkinabe penalty appeal with far greater merit.

He then disallowed Prejuce Nakoulma’s extra-time goal after the energetic winger hooked the ball beyond the keeper, deciding he had fouled John Boye in doing so.

The crowning glory came late in extra time, when Pitroipa was clearly fouled in the box by Boye, but Jdidi showed him a yellow card for diving, before sending him off as he had already been booked.

In fairness to Ghana, they were also on the end of some odd decisions, such as that to only book Paul Koulibaly after he kicked Asamoah Gyan in the groin.

And Burkina Faso ultimately should have won it in spite of the refereeing, with powerhouse striker Bance missing two good chances and seeing another cleared off the line by Harrison Afful.

However he was a hero in the end as his cheeky ‘Panenka’ penalty proved to be the winner, with Douda Diakite brilliantly saving from Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu to send the Stallions into their first final.

ACN, ANPP, APGA, CPC Governors Endorse Parties’ Merger Plan

The plan to unseat the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP)ahead of the 2015 general elections has thickened as 10 state governors from the different political parties and geo-political zones in the country on Tuesday met in Lagos and endorsed on-going merger talks by their various political parties.


The meeting which was hosted by the Governor of Lagos state, lasted for over four hours and a communiqué issued at the end revealed that the governors were concerned about the state of the nation and have all agreed to come together to rescue the nation, thereby endorsing the party merger talks.

Opposition parties; the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria People’s Party, (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are already involved in high level talks for the parties’ merger ahead of the 2015 general election.

The communique was read to journalists by the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima.

“As progressive and patriotic leaders of our people across party, religious and geo-political zones, we are extremely concerned about the state of the nation and we put our heads together in the interest of our people to deliberate on what can be done to rescue our country”, the communique stated.

It further adds that “as governors, we fully endorse the merger initiatives already commenced by our various political parties and we will put our full weight behind these efforts.”

Moving PDP Out

The Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulazziz Abubakar Yari while responding to a question on whether the merger talk is about unseating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said it is about how to fix Nigeria in the right perspectives.

He added that it is a question of asking if the people have been happy since 1999 till date when the PDP has been in power. “If the contrary has been the case then the leaders are duty bound to drive the people aright.”

“We believe that the PDP has not done enough. We have the idea, the knowledge and the progressive intention to move the country forward. So, if you say that we are going to move PDP out of power, yes we are ready to do that, God willing”, Governor Yari emphasized.

Speaking on the meeting, the host Governor; Mr Babatunde Fashola stated that the meeting was about making the country a better place because what the country is having now cannot be described as her best and that those at the meeting intend to deliver Nigeria’s best.

On scepticism by some people that the merger may not work, Mr Fashola said the commitment that the governors bring to the table will certainly override any scepticism.

“I am convinced here that the full weight of ten of us Governors and many more who unfortunately could not make it today is a much more stronger force and the underlying reason is clearly how to make this place a better place” , Governor Fashola stated.

Also speaking, the Governor of Ogun State, Mr Ibikunle Amosun said a lot of the other governors who were not present at the meeting will come on board when they see the sincerity of the participants.

He noted the sincerity explains the seriousness attached to the meeting, adding that the governors are determined and believes that with the support of all Nigerians the arrangement would work.

Responding to a question on what informed his attendance of the meeting, the Imo State Governor, of the All People’s Grand Allaince (APGA), Owelle Rochas Okorocha said the merger has become necessary to save the country and its democracy and the likelihood of its being turned into a one party state.

“I personally fully endorse this movement and merger. We are on a rescue mission here and the essence is about making Nigeria a better nation”, Okorocha added.

The state governors present at the meeting and their representatives are Borno- Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Imo- Chief Rochas Okorocha, Lagos-Mr Babatunde Fashola, Nassarawa, Alhaji Tanko Almakura, Ogun- Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Oyo- Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Osun-Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Abdulazziz Abubakar Yari and Yobe which was represented by Senator Jejere Alkali.

Gunmen kill two soldiers in Nigerian ambush- Army Spokesman

YENAGOA, Nigeria — Suspected pirates attacked an Indian-owned oil barge Tuesday, killing two soldiers and wounding two civilians in an ambush in Nigeria's oil-rich Bayelsa state, an army spokesman said.

Spokesman of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said: "I can confirm that some of our troops on board the Sterling Global Oil Resources Limited ran into an ambush along the Angiama-Etelibiri waterways ... of the state.

"There was a shoot-out between the unknown gunmen and our troops. Two of our men lost their lives and two other civilians (were) injured," he told journalists.

Local resident Ebilade Tuoyor claimed said that three soldiers and a civilian were killed in the gun duel, which lasted for about four hours.

Troops were deployed to the area and efforts were underway to find the gunmen, Nwachukwu said.

Officials at Sterling Global, a oil and gas exploration company in Lagos, could not be reached for comment on the attack.

Suspected oil thieves last September shot dead three employees of Nigeria's state oil firm NNPC in a village near Lagos.

The three technicians had been dispatched to the village of Arepo to repair a pipeline damaged by vandals.

Militant-related unrest declined sharply after a 2009 amnesty deal with oil rebels but groups who claim to be fighting on behalf of impoverished communities and gangs have persisted in attacking oil infrastructure and vessels.

Culled from AFP

Dangote, others wade into Jonathan, OBJ feud

Abuja - Investigation has revealed how ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo’s loyalists facilitated his visit to the Aso Rock Villa.

It was said that business mogul, Aliko Dangote, oil marketer, Femi Otedola and some other loyalists of the former president arranged the meeting between the president and Obasanjo.

Dangote and others were however, said to have received the blessing of Jonathan before they approached Obasanjo for a possible settlement.

Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa is set to return to the starting XI for Wednesday's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria after suspension

His replacement, Soumalia Diakite, will drop to the bench, despite saving two penalties in the quarter-final shoot-out win against hosts South Africa.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, who was sacked by Mali in 2010, has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Super Eagles midfielder Fegor Ogude is available after a one-match suspension.

Mali, who have never won the Cup of Nations, are aiming to better their third-place finish in the 2012 tournament by beating Nigeria in Durban.

Eagles forward Mamadou Samassa, the cousin of the goalkeeper with the name same, believes success for the 1972 runners-up can help bring joy to a country which is currently troubled by political unrest.

"Of course it is not nice to see what is happening, but we are hoping that we can make the people back home very happy," said the Chievo player. "We know that football can unite people and heal many things."

One of African football's heavyweight nations, the pressure on two-time winners Nigeria to succeed is always high from Super Eagles supporters.

But, with a relatively inexperienced side, they struggled through the group phase. However, expectations of a third trophy, following successes in 1980 and 1994, have been increased by their last-eight win against tournament favourites Ivory Coast.

Mali coach Patrice Carteron:

"The players have been taking it easy. We had a physically taxing match against South Africa, the players need time to recover.

"It's important for the players to focus on our next match. But first, we relax.

"The target for us has been to improve on what the team achieved last year and so far we are on course to doing so."

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi:

"Somehow, the Nigeria fans don't appreciate their players. But I know my team, I know their mentality. I know the boys I picked were right, I have confidence in them.

"Mali is a football nation, they have great talent. I have a lot of admiration for Mali's team, for the players.

"We respect every team in the competition, we intend to approach this game the same way we approach every game."