Colombia legalizes same-sex marriage

A top court in Colombia has officially legalized same-sex marriage in the country. Same sex couples who were already allowed to form civil partnerships, are now permitted to get married just like other heterosexual couples.
 This new law places Colombia as the fourth country in Latin America to legalize same sex marriages. Argentina was the first Latin American country to take the step in July 2010 before Brazil and Uruguay followed suit.

Nigerian Navy declares Charles Ekpemefumor wanted for alleged hijack of MT MAXIMUS

The Nigerian Navy has declared a man named Mr. Charles Ekpemefumor (pictured) - Wanted for the hijack of a Vessel named MT Maximus. In a statement released on their official website, Ekpemefumor was accused of being the mastermind of the pirate attack and hijacking of the vessel. After several unsuccessful attempts to invite him over for questioning on the allegations made, the Nigerian Navy officially declared him wanted. The statement reads,

“It was earlier reported that a vessel, MT MAXIMUS with 18 crew members and carrying 4,368.203MT of Gas Oil was hijacked on 11 February 2016 by a group of suspected pirates off Cote d’Ivoire waters. Consequently, the Nigerian Navy deployed for rescue operations. The vessel was eventually rescued on 19 February 2016 within Sao Tome waters 320 nautical miles (nm) off the Nigerian coast. During the rescue operation, 6 pirates were arrested, while one of them was killed. Some items were recovered from the pirates including weapons and mobile telephones.

However, in the course of investigations, it was revealed that one MR CHARLES EKPEMEFUMOR aka Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba is the mastermind of the hijack attack on the MT MAXIMUS.

Additionally, he was alleged to be responsible for the leasing of mother ship MT DEJIKUN used for the hijack from one Mr Mustapha Kenny Gani through a third party called Mr Steve Paul. In view of his involvement in the pirate attack and hijacking of MT MAXIMUS, a letter of invitation was sent to him on 15 April 2016 to enable him come for questioning on the allegation. Several attempts have been made to ensure his compliance but all efforts proved abortive.

Accordingly, Mr Charles Ekpemefumor alias Charles Parker is hereby declared wanted by the Naval Headquarters in order to unravel the circumstances of the hijack of MT MAXIMUS. Therefore, any person who sights him should report immediately to any naval formation, military or security agencies for prompt action.”

Report: Odion Ighalo is Watford's third highest earner with £30,000 per week salary

According to a report by the Daily Sports UK, Nigeria's Odion Ighalo is the third highest earning player in Watford FC of England. The highest paid player in Watford is Mario Suarez, who earns about £45,000, while team captain Deeney Troy pockets £35,000 a week. Ighalo is third in the club's salary rankings with earnings of £30,000 weekly. Ighalo has scored 14 league goals this season.

2face and his son Nino dapper in tuxedo (photo)

2face Idibia and his first son, Nino Idibia look so much alike. Another photo after the cut...

Benin Monarch announce the passing of the Oba of Benin

The Great Oba of Benin, Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I, has died. The monarch's death was announced by the Prime Minister and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, in company of other traditional Chiefs today April 29th.

“Osorhue Bunrun. Oba Erediauwa of Benin Kingdom, the Prince if Peace, Ebo, Ayemwirhe, emini mini mini, has returned with his ancestors. May he find perfect peace with God.”the Iyase said

The late monarch ascended the throne in March 1979. May his soul rest in peace... Amen.

Photos: Kim Kardashian and Naomi Campbell stun at her book signing

Kim Kardashian attended super model- Naomi Campbell's book signing on Thursday. Kim beamed as Naomi signed a copy of her new coffee table book at the Taschen bookstore in Beverly Hills, California.

The limited edition Naomi coffee table book comes with a sculpting of Naomi's boobs. Kim was spotted flipping through the thick book during its Los Angeles launch party. Singer Kelly Rowland was also at the signing as well as other celebrities.

Naomi recently talked to Vogue about her book...the Naomi Campbell book and said:

'I’ve been very candid. My life is an open book in many ways. I’m honest about who I am.'

 

Annie and 2face Idibia rock Agbada (photos)

Lovely couple. See another photo after the cut...

Nigerian man charged to court for alleged involvement in online scam in South Africa

A Nigerian man was charged before a court in Cape Town on Monday, April 25 for his involvement  in an online scam in which victims were falsely told that they had won a Chevrolet Spark.
Ikechukwu Chigbufue, 33, his address given in the charge sheet as Gordon Sands in Gordon’s Bay, appeared in the in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Bellville before magistrate Sabrina Sonnenberg.

Police arrested Chigbufue in December 2015 after a tip-off that he was on his way out from his rented apartment and has been in custody ever since. During Monday’s proceedings, prosecutor Juan Agulhas said negotiations for the plea and sentence agreement were "still on the table", and the State hoped to finalise the process one way or the other by May 12. Defence attorney Keith Gess said he also needed Chigbufue’s instructions about the “road ahead”, in the event of the negotiations collapsing.

The charge sheet alleges that Chigbufue belonged to a syndicate that falsely informed victims by SMS or WhatsApp Messenger that they had won a Chevrolet Promo Award, and that the prize was a Chevrolet Spark.

Victims were required to provide their names and surnames, residential addresses and codes, as well as their ID numbers and mobile telephone numbers. Once their winnings were "confirmed", the victims had to activate reference numbers and pay additional expenses such as registration fees, taxes, customs duties and courier services.

The victims were instructed to to pay ostensible expenses such as emergencies, and administrative costs, into bank accounts provided by the syndicate, to ensure the delivery of the vehicles.

According to IOL News, as part of the scam, Chigbufue and other members of the syndicate created fake online personalities that gave victims a false sense of security. The online personalities were portrayed as wealthy individuals who were able to repay monies advanced by victims.

The State alleges that Chigbufue used fake online profiles, including photographs and personal information, in order to bolster the veil of reliability and trust.

It is alleged that victims were targeted and befriended, on online dating sites such as Badoo.

Chigbufue faces 32 charges – 23 of fraud relating to the Chevrolet Spark scam, seven pertaining to the online dating leg of the scam, one that alleges a conspiracy to commit fraud, and a final count involving the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca).

Magistrate Sonnenberg adjourned the case to May 12, 2016.

Photo: Pres. Buhari receives British High Commissioner to Nigeria

President Buhari pictured receiving British High Commissioner to Nigeria - Paul Arkwright, at the State House, Abuja today April 29th.

MBGN 2015 Unoaku Anyadike begins her National Youth Service

'Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2015' - Unoaku Anyadike will be serving her nation during the Batch A 2016 service year in Lagos State. The Beauty Queen who's currently at camp, shared a photo of herself at the official swearing in program which holds today...