Karim Benzema & Angel Di Maria: Arsenal target Real Madrid pair

Arsenal are working on deals to sign Real Madrid attacking pair Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria. The Gunners are prepared to pay £40m for 25-year-old France striker Benzema after missing out on Gonzalo Higuain and Liverpool's Luis Suarez. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also wants Argentina left-winger Di Maria, 25, and is understood to be chasing a keeper and a defender as well.

The Londoners won 3-0 at Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday. It means they are in control of the qualifying play-off tie heading into the second leg at Emirates Stadium on 27 August and should they reach the Champions League group stage for a 16th consecutive season, it could help attract transfer targets to the club. Wenger is a long-term admirer of Benzema, who joined Real from Lyon for an initial £30m in 2009, while Di Maria arrived at the Bernabeu from Benfica a year later. Arsenal's only summer signing to date is the 20-year-old French striker Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer from Auxerre, but it is thought they could spend close to £100m by the close of the transfer window at 23:00 BST on 2 September. Speaking after his side's win at Fenerbahce in their Champions League qualifying play-off first leg, Wenger admitted the pursuit of Suarez was over after Liverpool rejected two bids for their Uruguay forward and insisted he was not for sale. "Absolutely no chance of that," Wenger said about the chances of Suarez arriving at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have also had a £10m offer for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye turned down, but Wenger suggested the final 12 days of the transfer window would be busy. Arsenal lost at home to Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season and have suffered injuries to Mikel Arteta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Laurent Koscielny, while Abou Diaby remains sidelined and fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere is still returning to full match fitness. "Quality wise we do not need, but numbers wise we are short," Wenger continued. "We lost Arteta and Diaby. We are without three international midfielders. We will try and bring one in but we are working on that. What you have to understand is that there is still a long way to go. "The transfer market really starts now, a lot of activity will happen between now and 2 September. We have 12 days. A lot will happen. It starts now."

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been released from prison after appealing against his detention. He was flown out of Tora prison in Cairo by helicopter, but is now expected to be put under house arrest. Mr Mubarak, 85, still faces charges of corruption and complicity in the killing of demonstrators during the protests that toppled him in 2011. His release is seen by many as a sign that the military is rolling back the changes that flowed from the uprising.

Emergency law

On Thursday, a medical helicopter arrived at Tora, as dozens of Mubarak supporters - some waving flags - gathered outside the prison. Egypt's TV channel then showed the helicopter transferring Mr Mubarak to a military hospital in the capital. The ex-leader was seen being transferred from the aircraft into an ambulance outside the hospital, amid heavy security. This comes after a court ruled on Wednesday that the former leader must be released in a corruption case. The ruling came during the hearing on charges that the former president had accepted gifts from state-run publisher al-Ahram. The value of the gifts has since been repaid. The court said its decision was final and no appeal would be allowed. Prosecutors have previously brought new charges when courts have ordered Mr Mubarak's release - a move intended to keep the ailing ex-leader in detention. But shortly after the court ruling, the office of Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi said Mr Mubarak would be placed under house arrest after his release. "In the context of the emergency law, the deputy military commander issued an order that Hosni Mubarak should be put under house arrest," the office said in a statement.

Cases against Mubarak

• Killing of demonstrators in 2011, "influence-peddling" and profiting from the export of gas to Israel
• Illicit gain
• Allegations of appropriating for his family funds allocated annually for upkeep of presidential palaces
• Receipt of gifts from state-owned press institutions

EU response

Egypt is under a state of emergency amid the bloodshed which has accompanied the interim government's crackdown on Islamists opposed to the army's ousting of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi on 3 July. Hundreds of members of the Muslim Brotherhood - the movement from which Mr Morsi comes - have been detained, including its most senior leader Mohammed Badie, who was wanted over alleged incitement to violence and murder. Mr Mubarak was sentenced to life in jail last year for complicity in the killing of demonstrators, but a retrial was later ordered after his appeal was upheld. That retrial opened in May but Mr Mubarak has now served the maximum amount of pre-trial detention permitted in the case. Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers on Wednesday agreed to stop export licences on military equipment to Egypt and to reassess security co-operation in response to the clampdown. Arms are provided by individual countries rather than the EU as a whole, mostly by Germany, France and Spain. The UK has already suspended some of its military help. But the 28-member block's humanitarian aid to Egypt remains unaffected, despite calls from some EU politicians to cut the assistance after more than 900 people were killed in clashes last week. The violence erupted as security forces cleared two sit-ins in Cairo by people demanding the reinstatement of Mr Morsi.

Wiz Khalifa‘s Amber Rose Twerks In Her Wedding Dress!

Amber Rose was too excited about her wedding with the rapper, Wiz Khalifa‘s baby mama was twerking in front of her friends by showing her excitement a night before the wedding.

Recently Amber Rose posted a video via instagram with the title of: “Only bad bitches twerk the night before their wedding.”  She sure is one hell of a bad bitch!

World Championships: Bolt Become The Most Successful Athlete In history

26-year old Usain Bolt, has won total eight gold’s and two silvers medals after win the 4x100m gold to his 100m and 200m triumphs and now he makes the record as the most successful athlete in the history of the World Championships.

Bolt achieved all of the 10 medals which equals of the former world record owners Car Lews and Allyson Felix who achieved 8 gold medals, 1 silver medal and 1 bronze medal respectively. Recently Bolt share his thoughts In an interview He said that: “It is just great, I’ll continue dominating. I’ll continue to work hard. For me, my aim is to continue into the greatness thing.”

WORLD’S Longest Dreadlocks: Asha Mandela Hair!

Asha Mandela 50-year-old pull through 2 times heart attacks, cancer, and two strokes? About Her hair, she believes. “Cutting it would be equivalent to suicide. It would be like being a zombie,” the woman with the world’s longest dreadlocks told the Daily Mail. Check out the photos of her hair (Photo by Jason Braverman/Ladov)

Her hair is more than 16.764 meters long dreadlocks are longer than a bus. Despite being warned by doctors that her hair that weighs over 19 kilograms could paralyse her, Asha Mandela says she will never cut them. The mother-of-one from Atlanta, Georgia, states: “My hair has become part of me. It is my life. I will never cut it.” Mrs Mandela, 47, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest dreadlocks.

BBATheChase: Uti Nwachukwu Diss Bervely Osu! Pleads With Africa To Vote For Melvin Oduah

Uti Nwachukwu pleads that Africa should vote for Melvin Oduah, the Nigerian contestant of the Big Brother show, (BBA THE CHASE). Recently, Uti sent a BBM broadcast supporting Melvin and urging everyone to do likewise

Here was his broadcast on BB…..

"My name is Uti Nwachukwu, winner Big Brother Africa ALL STARS. Normally, I won’t do Bcs..(Broadcasts)…But for months now, I have been trying to get Africans to be positive and to reward good behavior. Big Brother Africa changed my life and it was all thanks to everyone who listened to God and voted for me. My victory has gone a long way to inspire so many Africans both young and old and has inadvertently led some on a path to their own victory. One such person is MELVIN ODUAH! (Text, “VOTE MELVIN” to 34350 or log on to www.bigbrotherafrica.com)."

What do you think about Uti's desperate plea? And who do you think stand a better chance of winning?

'I Want God To Bless Me with The Right Man & A Good Family'- Actress, Genevieve Nnaji

 Beautiful Nollywood actress, Genevieve bared it all in an interesting interview

How does it feel to have risen this far within so short a time?(Smiles) I’m trying to handle it as much as I can. It feels fulfilling. I feel I’m having the best of my time. I feel the Lord is with me. I feel I have been able to make an impact on people and I have a lot of fans and I’m enjoying my life. It feels good.

To what or whom do you owe all that?God’s gift, talent, determination, pride…

What do you mean by pride? They say it goes before a fall. And now you are saying it is responsible for your success?You have to have pride to be able to stand the crowd, you have to have pride to be able to stand the intimidation and arrogance of people. Especially people who feel you have to pay dues to get to where you are going. You have to have the pride and stamina to tell them boldly you know what you are doing; they didn’t bring you to the industry, you will leave when you want to and you leave because you want to.

Where do you want hope to be in the next 10 years?In the next 10 years, I know I will be married with kids. But I think it all depends on what God has fashioned out for me. I know I will still be in the entertainment industry or the fashion world or whatever.

What do you like most about stardom because it appears you don’t want to tell us about your love life? 

The fact that it opens doors for you is what I like most about it. You walk into a place and every other person is queuing up for one thing or the other, they just start to recognize you. Oh! come in, come in…It’s actually a door opener for us or for me. It has brought respect, especially when you do what you are doing well. What I hate most about it is the price that we get to pay for stardom – negative publicity, the untrue scandals; actually, the only thing I hate about it is the bad press.

What will you say is the worst story ever written about you in the press?So many bad things. But the one I hated most was the one of Fred Amata and I, which I don’t know where they got it from. It hurt me so much. It was not just fair.

How do you feel anytime you read negative things about your person in the media? 

Certainly, I don’t feel good.

What if the stories are true, but maybe you were not expecting it to be published? 

It’s rarely been the truth. Maybe a bit of it, but that’s not how it happened. The press never tells the story the way it is. It’s usually a bit from here and a bit from there. For a very long time, they have not written anything true about me.

How did you come into the movie industry?
I have been acting since I was eight in Ripples. That was how I got into acting. For movies, I think that should be 1998 in Most Wanted. I met Torino (Emeka Ojukwu) in a bus and to my greatest surprise, he recognized me, from Ripples, when I was about eight, nine. He asked why I left the industry. He later invited me to this audition – Most Wanted. I got a role, a ‘waka-pass’ and that was it.

Your relationship with Kunle Coker
Kunle Coker was actually my boyfriend. But he did not bring me into the industry.

They said he was heartbroken when you deserted him. What led to the collapse of your relationship?
Well, relationships come and go.

Is it true that you dumped him for Fred Amata?
Fred Amata? I’ve never had anything to do with Fred Amata. In Ripples, I used to call Fred Amata uncle. So, I don’t see the reason why I should date Fred Amata. Fred Amata and I are just friends. I don’t have anything to do with him.

Are you now saying that apart from Kunle Coker, you have not dated any other person in the industry? 

I will not say that and I will not say anything on the contrary either. I don’t think it is your business. It’s my personal life.

What do you find most attractive in a man? 

The fact that a man will take me for who I am, not for what he hears or what he believes. I like people who take me for the me they see. That’s the most important thing. And have regard for me. And trust too.

What do you think is the biggest mistake that men make with women?
Everyone makes mistakes. But to me, I will not tolerate any man who hits women. To me, that’s evil.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe in infatuation at first sight. Love is a very strong feeling. It does not just come. People think infatuation is being in love. They are two different things. You don’t know anything yet until you get to meet the person and you begin to fall in love. Not just physically, but externally with the person.

Can you recollect the first time you fell in love?
Yes!

Tell us about it.
I think we met at a show. This was when I was in secondary school and we shared a lot of things in common – singing. It was a case of two compatible people who were so much in love with each other and Like I said, relationships must come and go. You can’t help everything that happens. Some things just happen for no reason.

What’s your definition of love?
Love has to be understanding, caring. Love, to me, is being with somebody for 24 hours without being bored. Love is catching your breath every time you see whoever you are in love with. Love is friendship, love is understanding and love is trust.

Do you believe in being faithful in a relationship?
Yeah! I’m very faithful.

 

Can you date a fan?
I’ve never dated a fan. And I don’t know if I can. But people come around to toast as per fans. But it’s a matter of nicely telling them off. There are different reasons why fans like or love artistes. So, it actually depends on why my fan loves me. It depends. I don’t think it is advisable to date a fan. The reason being that people are in love with what they see on the screen, not the real you.

What’s your idea of a sensual treat?
Quiet time in a place surrounded by nature, water, trees…less talk, more of feelings, let the feelings show instead.

What part of a man’s body do you like most?
A man’s chest, from the belly up.

What part of your own body do you like most?
I guess it’s my eyes. I think I like my eyes.

What’s your greatest wish?
That God continues to bless me. Especially with the right man and a good family.

It’s like you are too eager to get married?
No, no, no. The thing is just that there comes a time in your life where everything is going fine. And all you say to yourself is after this, what next? After everything, you have to get married as far as you are a woman.

Why have you not furthered your education? 

Life is not the same for everybody. Some people are so lucky, they come out of secondary school and they go straight to university because they have the back-up of people and it’s so easy. It looks simple…mine was different. But I’m determined. Definitely, I’m gonna go back to school. I wanted to make money, I love my money, I cherish my own money. So, I will go back when I’ve made enough. But even while I’m there, I won’t stop working.

What’s the greatest complement that has ever come your way? 

My complexion

Embarrassing-How Brandy performed for empty seats in SouthAfrica

Oh oh! Every musician's worst nightmare happened to Brandy when she was slated to surprise concert-goers at the FNB stadium in Soweto on Saturday for Mandela Sports And Culture Day. According to reports,Brandy found herself performing to about 40 people because concert-goers had left before she showed up.She performed two songs before getting angry and leaving. The stadium holds up to 90,000 people and had been packed throughout the day in celebration of the life of former president Mandela but since they didn't know she was to perform, they left after the end of the slated programs According to Guardian Newspaper, there were no more than 40 people there. South African Musician Kabomo also confirmed this by tweeting

'Brandy performed to an empty stadium. With the stadium lights on,'People didn't know there was a concert after the games. No one knew Brandy was around. Maybe a 40 people audience... She sulked after two songs and walked off.'

Other Twitter users tweeted:

I gave up the min I saw the empty stadium. Brandy performing for the chairs!'

And another user
'Well Brandy is going to perform for herself and Mbaks only. Stadium now empty.

Male prostítutíón causes rise in sale of pampers in Kenya

 The Police in Kenya said Tuesday said they were battling to contain a new trend of commercial séx tourism that targets young boys in the coastal towns of the country . The reports monitored  from a local radio station, quoted  Police as saying the trend had caused the rise in the sale pampers in the region due to the rising health problems among boys indulging in the act. Malindi sub county Deputy Police Commissioner, Joshua Nkanatha told Kenya local radio that boys from poor families were being lured into the trade by rich male tourists. The Police official said the situation had lead to an increase in number of cases of HIV/AIDS spread in the area. “A survey we conducted shows that boys engaging in séxual activities with male tourists are buying pampers because they can no longer hold their stool, “Nkanatha said. Nkanatha, who spoke during a Public Baraza at HGM primary school, Malindi said “male prostítutíón had become high in Malindi and contributing to increased cases of HIV and AIDS. He urged educated and concerned members of the public to take up the responsibility of enlightening the youths about the health risks of engaging in the vice. Malindai is a resort town on the outskirt of Nairobi, the Kenyan Capital which attracts Tourists from within and outside Africa. (NAN)

My Car Disgraced Me At Psquare’s Home – Teju Babyface

The comedian and host of popular Teju Babyface show  shared a quick but hilarious story with his fans. He narrated the story thus:

“In the year 2011, when I went to invite Peter and Paul of P-square to invite them to The Teju Babyface Show, they were very nice and quite cool with being on the show. After praising us for doing a good show so far, they escorted me outside.
Their mom (of blessed memory) was standing outside with a few friends and she was very warm to me as well. And so, in the sight of all of them (Peter, Paul, Jude, their dancers, mom and family), I entered my battered Honda Accord and started saying a silent prayer; ‘This car please do not disgrace me in the presence of these boys with all their Range Rovers, X6 and Hummer’.

And then I turned the ignition on. NOTHING! The silly car refused to start! I tried again and again, nothing! I wanted to enter the ground! So it was with a shamed face that I popped the hood and Peter helped me pull up the bonnet. I grabbed a stone from the ground and knocked the battery head with Paul saying to me ‘do not worry bro, it has happened to all of us’! Thankfully the car started after several bashings to the battery with the stone and I slowly crawled out of their close.”

Meet Cynthia Morgan, PSquare's Record Label Signs Her As Their First Lady

Cynthia Morgan is now part of Square Records family! Jude Okoye confirmed the news yesterday on twitter on his way to US. She is now officially their first lady. Big congrats to her.

"Olamide Is Not As Arrogant As You Are" - Fans Stone Wizkid, Damage His Porsche In Lagos

Being a celebrity comes with much responsibilities than one can envisage. Ayodeji Balogun a.k.a Wizkid was yesterday stoned by angry fans at the VFS Global Services, Lekki phase 1 over the Azonto Crooner's arrogant attitude and his refusal to part away with some naira notes despite the much accolades he got from the cheering crowd who were so elated to catch a glimpse of their Superstar.

Wizkid who was dressed in a White T-shirt and a Red Sofa Shoe without any cap or sunglasses came in a black coloured Porshce Cayenne with covered number plates, the starboi who must have been sneaked into the VFS Compund came out into the waiting hands of a large number of cheering fans who wanted to shake and snap pictures with Wizkid. Obviously they wanted some naira notes as well #TypicalNaijaWay. Continue...

We confirmed that Wizkid who must have had his mind made up came outside the VFS Compound where he had gone to submit travelling documents for Canada and shunned the cheering crowd. All efforts to get Wizkid to snap pictures, shake or even show "some love" financially to the cheering crowd fell on deaf ears as Starboi completely ignored everyone as he walked arrogantly into the waiting Porsche Cayenne.

A Correspondent who was at the scene confirmed that Wizkid's silence and arrogant attitude got the cheering fans pissed hence why they resulted into stoning the BET Award winner as he made to drive out. Unfortunately for Wizkid, one of the many stones caught his car side glass but the Pakurumo crooner never waited a second ***Escape Thingz***

The angry fans who complained bitterly placed a comparison between Wizkid and Durosoke Crooner, Olamide. They argued that Olamide would never ignore his fans as he constantly relates with the street hence why he's never been mobbed or attacked.  

List of Premier League unwanted Players

Players with hundreds of top flight games under their belt are among those desperate to find new clubs before the transfer window closes. A host of Premier League stars are either too far down their club's pecking order or simply unwanted. Sportsmail takes a look at the experienced players searching for pastures new before the transfer window slams shut.

EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR - Tottenham 

How much? £5million.

Why? Not enough goals, too expensive to keep.
Where to? Besiktas, Fenerbahce, CSKA Moscow would pay up.

Expensive: Besiktas, Fenerbahce and CSKA Moscow are all willing to sign Emmanuel Adebayor from Spurs

VICTOR MOSES - Chelsea
How much? £8m or loan.
Why? Too many ahead of him at his club.
Where to? Everton, West Brom, Stoke.

In demand: Everton, Stoke and West Brom are all keen on securing Victor Moses' signature

SCOTT SINCLAIR - Man City
 How much? £5m or loan.
Why? Not used enough.
Where to? Southampton could buy, West Brom, Everton and Newcastle prefer to loan.

Permanent deal: Southampton are keen to buy Manchester City wide man Scott Sinclair

NICKLAS BENDTNER- Arsenal
 How much? £3m or loan.
Why? Not wanted, needs a fresh start.
Where to? Malaga, Trabzonspor, FC Basel willing to buy, Hull loan.

Arsenal flop: Nicklas Bendtner spent time on loan at Juventus last season but failed to score a single goal

MARTIN SKRTEL - Liverpool
 How much? £10m.
Why? Only cover now, he wants to play.
Where to? Napoli want loan, Arsenal and Manchester City to consider buying.

Cover: Liverpool rejected an offer from Napoli for centre back Martin Skrtel on Wednesday night

JERMAIN DEFOE - Tottenham

 How much? £6m.

Why? Only second fiddle to Roberto Soldado.
Where to? QPR, Stoke, West Brom and West Ham want subsidised loans, Rubin Kazan would buy.

Going back? Second-choice behind Roberto Soldado, Spurs striker Jermain Defoe is wanted by West Ham

GARETH BARRY - Man City

 How much? £3m or loan.

Why? Will not figure regularly and in last year of his contract.
Where to? Everton main runners and want a loan deal.

Man in the middle: Everton boss Roberto Martinez wants to sign Gareth Barry on loan from Man City

PHIL BARDSLEY - Sunderland
 How much? £2m.
Why? Ostracised after being suspended by Paolo Di Canio.
Where to? Fulham, Blackburn and Newcastle are all interested.

Frozen out: Defender Phil Bardsley has been suspended by Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio

DAN GOSLING - Newcastle Utd

 How much? £2m

Why? Only makes bench.
Where to? Crystal Palace and Cardiff City in the mix.

Benchwarmer: Dan Gosling only makes the Newcastle bench and is wanted by new boys Cardiff and Palace

HEURELHO GOMES - Tottenham

 How much? Free.

Why? Out of the picture as only third choice.
Where to? PSV and FC Twente are keen but need to sell first.

Lone figure: Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane

FEDERICO MACHEDA - Manchester United

 How much? £4m or loan.

Why? Has fallen behind United’s other strikers.
Where to? Parma, Fiorentina and even Doncaster Rovers fancy a loan deal.

Frotnman: Federio Macheda is being offered a route of Old Trafford by clubs in Italy and the Championship

NFF Rejects Stephen Keshi's 42-Man Eagles List For Malawi Match

 The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has told the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi to prune down the 42-man list sent to the Committee for the 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Malawi slated for Calabar on September 7, 2014.

The Nigeria Football Federation have told the Super Eagles coach to prune the released list to a manageable number. Paul Bassey who spoke of behalf of the Committee after their emergency meeting in Abuja yesterday (Tuesday) disclosed that they rejected the list because it was too bogus.

"We have looked at Keshi's list for Malawi match and we have decided that for now some of the home based players should be dropped from the list. "The list is bogus and we want a harmonized list for the World Cup qualifying match against Malawi on September 7, 2014. "We have told Keshi that we want the list of 22 players that will prosecute the Malawi Match for now. That's what we decided at the meeting and we will write him officially to do that," the NFF Technical Committee member said. Bassey argued that there is enough time between now and the period of African Nations Championship so Keshi should not call 42 players which is composed of 18 overseas-based and 24 home-based players with the excuse that he also wants to prepare for CHAN that would kick off in January 2014.

LIST OF HOME-BASED PROFESSIONALS

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC)

Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers); Yinka Adedeji (Sharks FC); Ganiyu Ogungbe (Kwara United

Midfielders: Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers); Solomon Jabason (Akwa United); Olufemi Oladapo (Shooting Stars); Etebo Oghene (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Moses Orkuma (Lobi Stars)

Forwards: Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars); Ifeanyi Edeh (Enyimba FC); Mbah Ezekiel (Akwa United); Barnabas Imenger (Lobi Stars); Izu Azuka (Sunshine Stars); Dimgba Stanley (Kwara United); Osadaiye Joseph (Warri Wolves)

LIST OF FOREIGN-BASED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Efe Ambrose Celtic FC, Scotland); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy);Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo, Netherlands)

SHEKAU'S DEATH: Residents Live In Fear Of Boko Haram's Revenge

 The Federal Government has placed some states in the North on a comprehensive security surveillance following intelligence reports that some members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect may avenge the death of their leader, Abubakar Shekau.

Also, National Mirror learnt last night that the action became necessary to forestall any breach of the peace by hoodlums who might want to perpetrate violent crimes in the name of the sect. “As I speak to you now, our men have been placed on the alert. Some states considered as flashpoints are also under strict surveillance because we know that some of the fleeing insurgents may want to launch more vicious attacks in order to restate their relevance,” said a senior operative of the State Security Service, SSS, who would not want his name mentioned. The Joint Task Force, JTF, in Maiduguri had on Monday said that Shekau might have died due to fatal injuries he sustained in a clash with government forces. Some of the states that are currently under renewed surveillance are those in the North-East and others, including Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger. Curiously, Kogi also made the list.

There has been no official confirmation of the emergency security measures as the police said such measures would be covert. Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, had in an earlier chat with journalists in Abuja stated that those strategies would not be disclosed. Apart from series of ongoing undercover operations involving most of the security agencies, there would also be an increased deployment of troops in the states under focus, “as their presence is likely to deter crime”.

Desperate Arsenal turn to Madrid's Benzema to solve striker shortage

 

Arsenal are set to turn their attentions to Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in their search for a new first-choice striker. Despite the fact Real Madrid have a shortage of recognised centre-forwards, manager Carlo Ancelotti will consider selling the France international. And the north London club have held high-level discussions with regards to a move for the striker. Wanted man: Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (right) is a target for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger Manager Arsene Wenger is a long term admirer of Benzema and has tried to sign the striker on several occasions before.

But Arsenal now look well placed to finally land the striker ahead of the September 2 transfer deadline. Wenger has found huge frustration in their attempts to land Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney, but landing Benzema would soften the blow of missing out on the Barclays Premier League duo. Arsenal have at least £70million to spend on new signings this summer, so affording Benzema will not be a problem for the London club.

 

On target: Benzema scored for Madrid against Real Betis on the opening day of the La Liga season But Wenger admitted defeat in his attempts to land Suarez. '(There is) absolutely no chance of that,' said Wenger when asked about Suarez. The Gunners boss, though, stressed he was looking to strengthen, especially in midfield, with Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby both also sidelined. 'We tried to bring one in, but we are working on that. You have to understand there is still a long way to go,' he said. 'The transfer market starts for me now and a lot of activity will happen between now and September 2.

 

Staying put: Luis Suarez will not be joining Arsenal this summer despite Arsene Wenger's interest 

'From August 21 until September 2 you have 12 days, so a lot will happen. It starts now.' Wenger continued: 'It is like a poker game. People hold their cards as long as possible and see what is happening out there. In the end, they go for decisions.

'First everybody goes on holiday and nobody wants to do anything, then in many clubs there are manager changes. They need to know the squad before they make a decision. Many, many things, but it is always like that.'

Family at War over Exhumed Corpse

The Chinwuba family of Umubele village, Awka in Anambra State are now in deep crisis, following the exhumation of the corpse of late Dr. Sunday Chinwuba who died recently. The late Dr. Sunday Chinwuba died at his Maryland residence in the United States of America while the body was flown to Nigeria by US officials who handed over the corpse to the immediate elder brother, Mr. Goddy Chinwuba, including all necessary documents relating to transfer of the corpse. Sources said on receiving the corpse and documents, the immediate elder brother, Goddy Chinwuba hurriedly buried it without consulting other family members.

It was gathered that after all arrangements, Mr. Goddy removed the corpse from the mortuary and buried it at the family compound in Awka. Few days later, the family head, Dr. Anieze Chinwuba and others, who claimed not to have been consulted, exhumed the corpse and took it to an unknown destination, pending formal burial. The source further said that when Goddy Chinwuba, discovered that the corpse had been exhumed, he reported the matter to the police who invited Aneze Chinwuba and five others for interrogation.

 Confirming the incident, Mr. Goddy Chinwuba said that the deceased’s only son, Master Chinwuba, had authorised him in writing to bury the corpse without consulting the family head, Dr. Aneze Chinwuba and other elders due to lingering family dispute. But in his reaction, the eldest of the Chinwuba family, Dr. Aneze Chinwuba said he exhumed the corpse because Goddy, had no right to effect the burial, without his consent.

 He said, “Goddy, my brother has no authority to bury our younger one without my knowledge, consent and participation of other family members. I am the head of the family and the custom and tradition of Awka do not permit any member to single handedly bury a corpse without reference to others in the family and myself in particular”. Dr. Chinwuba further stated that the deceased, Sunday Chinwuba had no son, adding that his eldest daughter, Nneka Chidoka authorised the chairman of the village meeting, Arch. Ifejika to take possession of the corpse on arrival at Awka pending full burial arrangements. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Emeka Chukwuemeka, said he was not aware of the incident, adding that he would make necessary inquiries on the actual position on the matter.

Man sets his 87-year-old mother on fire in Lagos

The Police in Lagos, yesterday, said they were on the trail of a man who allegedly burnt his 87-year-old mother to death in their Adekunle Yaba residence  in Lagos.

The fleeing assailant, 45-year-old Bamidele Bakare, was alleged to have set the building located on 16, Ishola Street ablaze in the early hours of Monday. Eye witnesses said before the building was set ablaze, Bamidele evacuated his five children and property from one of the rooms he occupied. While the building comprising eight rooms was on fire, occupants who were jolted from sleep reportedly scrambled out of their respective apartments for safety. Two of them who attempted to rescue the octogenarian identified as Folorunsho Bakare  who was fast asleep were reportedly prevented by Bamidele, whom they alleged threatened to set them ablaze too if they dared. Elder brother to the alleged assailant, Mr Olu Bakare, who reportedly rushed down from Jos, the Plateau State capital where he resides, expressed shock that his sibling could send their mother to her grave in such manner. He told a source yesterday: “As if the death of our mother was not enough, my brother  buried her charred remains without my consent.” Bakare said the burnt building was owned by him, adding that things fell apart between him and his younger brother after the latter allegedly stole documents of some of his property located in Jos and Lagos. Bakare said: “I took him to court and that was the beginning of his rift with me. I believe he set my mother on fire because of that. But what has that got to do with my 87-year-old mother? “When I heard the news, I took the next available vehicle to Lagos. I reported the matter to the Adekunle Police division, from where the Divisional Crime Officer and Inspector Crime followed me to ascertain the claim. “I was also asked to get two persons who saw when he was setting the building ablaze. I did and they attested to it. “They said when they wanted to rescue my mother, Bamidele told them to leave her to die, saying after all, she was his mother and that he was capable of burying her. After setting the building ablaze, he disappeared with his children.”

However, police sources said efforts were on to arrest fleeing Bamidele.

3 nabbed after attempt to abduct ex-Miss Nigeria

Three fake security operatives were arrested in Abeokuta, yesterday, after attempting to kidnap former Miss Nigeria, Feyi Sodipo.

The suspects who were two men and a woman were said to have claimed to be security operatives working for the organisers of Miss Nigeria beauty pageant. Vanguard gathered that the suspects who had been arrested by policemen attached to the governor’s office,  Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta reportedly took ex-Miss Nigeria in their car from Lagos to Abeokuta. It was further gathered that the suspects, who rode in a  Honda Shuttle car with number plate  LAGOS, KA 35 EKY were said to have ordered the former beauty queen to enter their car from Lagos to Abeokuta to retrieve her car gift, Hyundai with number plate LAGOS GGE 354 AJ  where she parked it. Attempt by the suspects to take  the car away from the Arcade ground of the Ogun State secretariat complex in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, however, met stiff resistance as the mother of the ex-beauty queen raised the alarm that attracted people to the scene. The suspects  who  reportedly claimed  to be police officers, however, failed to identify themselves  when security operatives attached to the office of the state governor intervened. Governor  Ibikunle Amosun’s security attaché with instruction from  the command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, consequently arrested the suspects and took them to the Ibara Police Divisional headquarters in Abeokuta. Speaking with newsmen over the development, former Miss Nigeria,  said the people  had  been chasing her  round the  place, asking  her to surrender the car gift she got from the Akwa Ibom State government. Narrating her ordeal, Feyi said: “Organisers of the programme made many promises that they didn’t keep and now they want to collect the car given to me by Akwa Ibom State government. “They want to collect this gift from me because Ogun State government has given me another car so I must surrender the one given to me by the Akwa Ibom State governmet.” Feyi further told newsmen that  there was no part of the contract she signed with the organisers that they will retrieve the car from her, stressing that the Hyundai car was registered in her name. Feyi’s mother, Mrs. Mary Sodipo, told newsmen that she decided to raise alarm so that the suspects who had coerced her daughter to take them to where she was keeping the car would not harm her. At press time, the three suspects were being detained at Ibara police station for onwards transfer to the command’s headquarters in Eleweran.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 5-Star Arsenal Crushed Fenerbahce

Arsenal sticks a strong foot in the 2013/2014 UEFA Champions league as they left Turkey with a precious 3-0 lead which has them on course for a 16th successive Champions League campaign.

Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and an Olivier Giroud penalty provided the away goals, all in the second half, that left the Gunners in a strong position to progress from this two-legged  play-off, but Arsene Wenger’s injury problems continued to pile up. Laurent Koscielny was forced off in the first half with a cut near his eye after being on the receiving end of a reckless high boot from Pierre Webo.  Arsenal physio Colin Lewin described it as a ‘horrible’ cut and one of the most ridiculous things he had seen but Webo escaped with a yellow card. Wojciech Szczesny left the field at the end with grazes down the side of his face and neck after a brave block at the feet of Moussa Sow while Per Mertesacker was elbowed by Bruno Alves who, like Webo, escaped with a booking. Even Gibbs, who played despite a head wound he picked up against Aston Villa on Saturday, disturbed the butterfly stitches in his brow during a frenzied goal celebration. Koscielny was already suspended from Saturday’s derby at Fulham following his red card against Villa but the squad is looking thin after so many fringe players left the club. Arsenal dominated last night against a disappointing Fenerbahce team, who did not wake up until they were two down.

 

Fine strike: Aaron Ramsey hit the second at the site of his first Arsenal goal in a 5-2 win against the same opponents in 2008

 

Letting fly: Ramsey unleashes from distance to double Arsenal's advantage

 

When they visited the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in a Champions League group game in 2008, Arsenal soon drew the sting from the noisy Fenerbahce fans on their way to a 5-2 win. Wenger was looking for the same last night. His team settled well and enjoyed good passages of early possession, with Tomas Rosicky, preferred again to Lukas Podolski, combining well with Theo Walcott on the right and Santi Cazorla prominent on the left. Walcott did much of the early damage five years ago and he was simply too fast for left back Michal Kadlec. Fenerbahce, who, like Arsenal, started their domestic season with a defeat, were sloppy in possession and were pressed into careless mistakes by Arsenal’s business. Fenerbahce coach Ersun Yanal has been criticised for being too gung-ho but his players seemed uncomfortable as they tried a more intricate passing game but, for all their early superiority, Arsenal failed to work goalkeeper Volkan Demirel. The most strenuous activity for the Fenerbahce keeper in the first 15 minutes was to field the ball as a clearance from Bruno Alves crashed into Giroud and rebounded towards goal. At least this was more involvement than Szczesny had at the other end. He was limited to claiming a couple of high crosses and set pieces. Demirel reacted well to dash from his line and deny Walcott as the England winger darted inside in an attempt to connect with a pass from Cazorla. Rosicky collected the loose ball and delivered it back into the penalty box, where Giroud leapt to glance a header narrowly wide of the far post.

 

Up in arms: Arsene Wenger appeals after Laurent Koscielny (floored) was kicked in the face by Pierre Webo. The Fenerbahce striker was latterly booked

 

High foot: Koscielny catches Webo's boot in the face

 

Injury concern: Koscielny was replaced by Carl Jenkinson as Arsenal were hit by another blow

 

It triggered a purple patch for the London club. Ramsey whipped another effort just wide and Giroud went close again. Wenger must have been wondering if he would regret his side’s failure to capitalise on this pressure when his injury problems diverted his mind.  Jack Wilshere had already given the manager one scare when he twisted his troublesome right ankle in a midfield tangle with Mehmet Topal. Wilshere clutched his right foot and shot the bench a look of panic but he was able to continue. Fifteen minutes later, Wenger was forced into a defensive reshuffle when Koscielny was forced off after being cut near his right eye by the boot of Webo.

 

Anxious moments: Jack Wilshere went down in the first-half after an innocuous-looking clash, but the midfielder ran off the injury

 

 

On the ball: Wilshere was back to his bustling best at the heart of Arsenal's midfield

He challenged for the ball but Webo’s control was so poor that he followed his first touch with an overhead kick, which caught the Arsenal centre half full in the face. Wenger’s arms shot up in protest. The Fenerbahce fans jeered as referee Gianluca Rocchi produced a yellow card for Webo but Koscielny left the field after three minutes of treatment with a blood-stained towel held to his face. Wenger sent on Carl Jenkinson at right back and moved Sagna into the centre of defence but the boss was far from impressed by the referee’s leniency, stalking around in his technical area and grumbling at the fourth official and assistant referee. Arsenal remained in control without finding an away goal in the first half. Joseph Yobo made an excellent challenge to block Ramsey as he looked poised to finish an incisive move down the right.

 

Successful mission: Wenger looks set for another Champions League campaign - his 16th in succession

 

Mixed emotions: Bacary Sagna and Mertesacker are relieved, but Mousa Sow can't believe his miss

 

Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt lashed a shot over the bar from 20 yards at the start of the second half and, within minutes, Arsenal were ahead with a goal inspired by the touch and vision of Ramsey. The Wales midfielder turned on the edge of the penalty area and slid a pass to Walcott. His low cross was perfect for Gibbs, who swept in his fourth goal for the club, his first since January and his first in Europe at the far post. There was a wonderful chance for Walcott, which slipped by, but Ramsey made it two with a brilliant run and drive from 25 yards out after 64 minutes. Keeper Demirel should have saved it but that will not worry Arsenal as they attempt to get their season up and running. Giroud made it 3-0 from the spot after 77 minutes following a trip by Kadlec on Walcott.