Actor Accidentally Commits Suicide

This is really sad!

A Brazilian actor accidentally hanged himself during a scene in The Passion of Christ, in which he played Judas. A hospital in Brazil's Sao Paulo state confirmed on its website the death of 27-year-old Tiago Klimeck.  An autopsy is being performed on Monday following his death the previous day.

The actor had been in a coma since the accident on Good Friday earlier this month in the city of Itarare. Investigator Jose Victor Bacetti told the G1 news website Klimeck accidentally hanged himself during a scene in which his character Judas commits suicide. About four minutes passed before anyone noticed, believing he was playing his role.

Police are examining the security apparatus that was meant to support Klimeck during the scene. It's unclear if any charges will be filed.

UI Students Protest over Epileptic Power Supply

Pandemonium this morning erupted at the Nigeria’s premier university – the University of Ibadan, as students took to the streets within the university to register their grievances and dissatisfaction over the epileptic power supply both from the PHCN and the university maintenance section.

The protest led by the newly inducted Students’ Union Executives started around 7am resulting to the closure of the institution’s main gate and lecture halls. The protesters also barricaded  the Sango-Ojoo road opposite the varsity main gate. Motorists and other road users had to take alternative routes along Agbowo and Bodija road to their different destinations.

Meanwhile, anti-riot policemen and soldiers have been deployed outside the varsity main gate and on the Sango-Ojoo road to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Man Beheads Lover in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele in Ibadan have paraded two suspects who allegedly killed a 42-year old woman, Mrs. Sekinat Emiola. One of the suspects, Asimiyu Ayantayo the lover of the deceased allegedly beheaded her and cut off her two hands after making love with her.

But the suspect claimed that the deceased died as a result of the killer charm(magun)that was placed on her by another man.

According to him, after love-making with the deceased, she, possibly, under the spell of magun, somersaulted and died. But, when asked why he beheaded her after killing her, he said he never wanted to use her for rituals but to make it impossible for residents in the area to identify her.

- Vanguard

Rita Dominic, Phone Swap, Shine at AMAA

Rita Dominic - Best Actress

Majid Michel - Best Actor

Kunle Afolayan 

The African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) took place in Lagos yesterday, and it was a success. With A-list musicians like Tuface, Asa and Yinka Davies setting the awards ceremony on fire with their excellent performances, it was a special night for me because one of my favourite actors, Majid Michel, walked away with the best Actor award.

Please see the full list of winners below. As always, Nigeria proved to be the giant of Africa again. Congrats Rita Dominic, Kunle Afolayan and others.

Short Film--Braids On A Bald Head (Nigeria)

Best Documentary--African Election (Nigeria/Germany)

Best Diaspora Feature--Toussaint Louverture (France)

Best Documentary In Diaspora--The Education Of Auma Obama (Germany)

Best Diaspora(Short Film)--White Sugar In A Black Pot

Best Animation--The Legend Of Ngog Hills (Kenya)

Best Film By An African Living Abroad--Mystery Birds (USA/Nigeria. Drew Madueke)

Achievement In Production Design--Phone Swap (Pat Nebo)

Achievement In Costume Design--Adesuwa Iyen Agbonifo

Achievement In Make-Up--Shattered (Sarah Wanjiru)

Achievement In Soundtrack--Alero's Symphony (Chibuzor Orji {Face})

Achievement In Visual Effect--Adesuwa (Victor Ehi-Amedu)

Achievement In Sound--State Of Violence (South Africa. Jim Petrack)

Achievement In Cinematography-- Otelo Burning (South Africa {Lance Gewer})

Achievement In Editing--How To Steal 2 Million (South Africa {Mick Audsley})

Achievement In Screenplay--Ties that Bound (Ghana {Leila Djansi})

Best Nigerian Film--Adesuwa (Lancelot Imasuen)

Best Film In An African Language--State Of Violence (South Africa {DV8 Films})

Best Child Actor--Tshepang Mohlomi (Ntwe) Otelo Burning (South Africa)

Best Young/Promising Actor--Ivie Okujaye (Alero) Alero's Symphony

Best Actor In A Supporting Role--Fano Mokoena (Man On Ground)

Best Actress In A Supporting Role--Terry Pheto (How To Steal 2 Million)

Best Actor In A Leading Role--Majid Mitchell

Best Actress In A Leading Role--Rita Dominic

Best Director--Charlie Vundla (How To Steal 2 Million)

James Ibori Bags 13-year Jail Sentence

The Southwark Crown Court 9 in London on Tuesday sentenced a former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, to 13 years in prison for money laundering and corruption.

Ibori has been standing trial before Judge Anthony Pitts for corruption and alleged theft of $250 million.

He had on February 27, 2012 pleaded guilty to 10 counts of 10 counts of fraud, money laundering and corruption involving the sale of Delta State Government shares in a defunct mobile phone firm, VMobile, as well as the illicit use of funds belonging to the state government.

The prosecution stated that as governor, he racked up credit card bills of $200,000 (£126,000) per month on a luxury lifestyle, including running a fleet of armoured Range Rovers.

He was trying to buy a plane for £12m at the time he was arrested.

Ibori admitted one count of conspiracy to launder money, five of money laundering and one of obtaining a property transfer by deception over the theft of more than £25m while he was governor.

He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to make false instruments, and one count of money laundering linked to a $37m (£23.3m) share fraud surrounding the sale of shares in VMobile.

Prosecutor Sasha Wass told the court Ibori had accepted he was involved in “wide-scale theft, fraud and corruption when he was governor of Delta State.”

Ibori admitted several money laundering charges and deception. He allegedly used a false date of birth when he ran for governor in 1999, to conceal previous convictions.

His previous criminal record would have excluded him from taking part in the election.

Ms Wass added, “Mr Ibori tricked his way into public office. He had tricked the Nigerian authorities and the Nigerian voters. He was thus never the legitimate governor of Delta State.”

Bobby Brown Arrested for Drunk Driving

Whitney Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown pleaded not guilty on Monday to a charge of drunk driving and driving on a suspended license in Los Angeles last month.

Brown, 43, a singer with the 1980s boy band New Edition, did not appear in court for Monday's hearing and his plea was entered by his lawyer. A pre-trial hearing was set for May 16.

The singer was arrested on March 26, about six weeks after the sudden death of Houston, when police pulled him over for talking on his cellphone while driving. He then failed a sobriety test, police said.

Brown has a string of arrests over the years for battery, drunk driving and parole violations. He was married to Houston for almost 15 years, and their relationship was marked by what the I Will Always Love Yousinger later described as heavy cocaine use and bizarre behaviour.

Houston drowned in a hotel bathtub on February 11 in an accident triggered by cocaine use and heart disease, a Los Angeles coroner's report said.

Anne Hathaway Postpones Wedding

Anne Hathaway has reportedly postponed her wedding because of her newly-cropped hair. The 29-year-old actress - who has had to lose weight and cut off her long locks to play dying prostitute Fantine in the film adaptation of Les Miserables - apparently wants to wait for her hair to grow back before tying the knot with fiancé Adam Schulman.

A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Anne's worried there won't be time to get back in shape and grow her hair for a summer wedding.

"She also has to promote her movie Batman. They are thinking about postponing until later this year or maybe 2013."

Postpone wedding cos of an ordinary hair? These oyinbos sef!

MTN presents the MTN Leadership Seminar with Dr Farrah Gray

In its continued commitment to empowering dreams and enriching lives, MTN in the last four years has brought in renowned speakers like Les Brown, Chris Gardner and David Plouffe to speak to Nigerians on topics bordering on entrepreneurship, strategy, motivation amongst others. Formerly tagged the MTN Motivational Series, the project has been revamped and repackaged as the MTN Leadership Seminar to bring more value to her customers and the general public. 

The MTN Leadership Seminar is the first of its kind in Nigeria with the objective of:

-          Enabling MTN customers move on ahead in life and business

-          Inspiring the CAN-DO spirit in them.

-          Creating a conducive atmosphere for networking

-          Creating opportunities for budding entrepreneurs through the N30 Million Grant and a 6 month mentorship programme with Dr. Farrah Gray.

This year’s Seminar promises to be bigger and better and will feature Dr. Farrah Gray, a young American businessman, investor, philanthropist, author, syndicated columnist, and motivational speaker who became a millionaire at the tender age of 14. The seminar will hold from Tuesday, April 24, 2012 to Friday, April 27, 2012 in 2 locations in Nigeria. The theme of this year’s event is “Breaking the Success Myth”.

The MTN Leadership Seminar will also feature activities beyond talk and will include a first-of-its kind initiative called the MTN Budding Entrepreneur Business Grant. The initiative  will see  3 entrepreneurs go home with the sum of N20 Million for the best idea and N5 Million each for 2 and 3rd great ideas respectively in order to pursue their business ventures.  Avid social network faithfuls would  have noticed “If I had 30 million Naira” twitter hash-tag and Facebook question which served as a pre-cursor to the initiative with Nigerians of all works of life dropping their two cents on the topic   .

About Farray Gray

Farrah Gray is an American businessman, investor, philanthropist, author, syndicated columnist, and motivational speaker. At just 29, he has been able to put in more in a lifetime than most will. Dr. Farrah Gray was named as one of the most influential Black men in America by the National Urban League's Urban Influence Magazine and Ebony Magazine recognized him as an entrepreneurial icon, business mogul and best-selling author. Raised in the impoverished South side of Chicago, Dr. Gray defied the odds and became a self-made millionaire by the age of 14. At the age of 21, he received an Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters from Allen University. This was in recognition of his ingenious economic mind and distinguished commitment to the development of values such as leadership, integrity and scholarship. In his rise from poverty to national and international prominence as an entrepreneurial icon and pre-eminent power speaker, Dr. Gray has inspired millions around the world.

Date	Time	Location	Activity	Venue
24th April	9am	Lagos	Breakfast session with CEOs and MTN Platinum Plus members Theme: From Success to Relevance	Sky Lounge, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island
25th April	6pm	Lagos	Leadership Seminar Theme: Breaking the Success Myth	Harbour Point, 4 Wilmott Point Victoria Island
26th April	6pm	Port Harcourt	Leadership Seminar Theme: Breaking the Success Myth	The Atrium, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt
27th April	2pm	Lagos	Youth Seminar Theme: Breaking the Success Myth	Main Auditorium, University of Lagos

To register to get an invite visit www.mtnonline.com/leadership

To upload your business plan visit www.mtnonline.com/leadership

Fabrice Muamba Discharged from Hospital

Bolton midfielder, Fabrice Muamba, has been discharged from the hospital. The 24-year-old footballer was admitted last month, after he slumped on the pitch as a result of cardiac arrest.

Doctors battled to get his heart pumping again and was taken to London Chest Hospital, from where he was discharged yesterday.

Welcome back, bro.

INEC to Prosecute One million Suspects

At least one million suspects are to be prosecuted over offences arising from the 2011 voter registration and general elections, the Chairman, INEC Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Lai Olurode, has said.

Olurode, who is also National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Training and Research, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja that the prosecution had been ‘a big problem’ because of paucity of funds and manpower.

He said the Independent National Electoral Commission was collaborating with the Nigerian Bar Association to facilitate the prosecution at minimal costs, adding that Bauchi, Zamfara, Gombe and Bayelsa were among states with the highest number of suspects.

“In actual fact, some of those apprehended have been prosecuted and convicted but the number was just too small compared to those remaining,” he stated.

- Sunday Punch

One million suspects? Ogbele ooooooo!!!!!! Lolz.

Anita Hogan and Family

I am sure you still remember her story. Without doubt, she is doing wonderfully well - and I'm happy for her.
Lovely family photo

Jenifa Co-writer, Taiwo Bello, Dies

Few days after Prophet T.B Joshua's prediction about Nollywood losing one of its practitioners soon, producer and director, Taiwo Bello, has died after being bedridden for months. He died of cancer.

Taiwo co-wrote Jenifa with Funke Akindele, and directed a movie titled Omije Oju Mi. He was described as a hardworking, dedicated and focused individual. 

Taiwo died one month after his last birthday on earth. He was a year older on March 14.

May his soul rest in peace.

Hmmmm...... Pastor T.B Joshua has once again proved that his predictions are not to be joked with. But sir, when will Nigeria experience uninterrupted power supply? That's one prediction that will certainly gladden every Nigerian.

Bombings: NYSC May Relocate Corpers from Kano State

As a result of the recent bombings in Kaduna and Kano states, the National Youth Service Corps may relocate corps members from the states for security reasons.

The Deputy Director, Public Relations of the NYSC, Mr. Peter Atilola, told SUNDAY PUNCH that though there was currently no plan to withdraw corps members en masse from the two states, corps members serving in those states could apply individually to be relocated on the grounds of worsened security situation.

“For now, there is no plan for relocation of corps members from Kaduna and Kano states, but if any corps member feels he or she is not safe in these places, he or she can apply and would be relocated,” he said.

-Sunday Punch

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Engaged

After several years as a couple, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are engaged. Pitt's manager confirmed the news to The Associated Press in an e-mail on Friday.

Cynthia Pett-Dante said that there isn't a wedding date "at this time." She also said that the engagement "is a promise for the future".

Pitt and Jolie have three adopted children and three biological children.

Pett-Dante also said that "their kids are very happy".

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are arguably Hollywood's most celebrated unmarried couple. I hope this union won't go the 'Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston' way. Amen.

Rihanna Ends Interview in Annoyance

Rihanna "abruptly ended" an interview following a question about her love life. The 24-year-old star - who has recently been linked with Ashton Kutcher and ex-boyfriend Chris Brown - called time on her chat with Australian show Sunrise when asked about how "frustrating" it was to be linked to other Hollywood stars, even when she barely knows them.

Appearing annoyed, she replied: "Very frustrating. Almost as frustrating as being asked about it. I mean, what's the point?"

Defending the question, the reporter explained: "Well people are interested in you, you're a big star." 

Rihanna responded: "They are. And they're interested in a lot of things - a lot of things that don't matter. Or shouldn't."

Kanye Spends $30,000 on Holiday for Kim

Kanye West is planning to whisk girlfriend Kim Kardashian off on a £30 000 luxury Caribbean holiday. The Gold Digger rapper has hired a private bungalow at the exclusive Soufriere resort in of St Lucia, which comes complete with a private masseur and chef and a five-man security team. A source told The Sun newspaper: "Kanye knows Kim is used to staying in luxury but wanted to top everything she's experienced.

"Money is no object, he wants the best of everything. He's planning some romantic evenings and is relying on his chef to knock out some amazing seafood dishes to get them in the mood."

Hmmmmmm........... Is this love or another publicity stunt?

Oge Okoye Becomes UN Peace Ambassador

Nollywood Actress, Oge Okoye, has joined the list of UN Peace Ambassadors in Nigeria. With the new title, Oge is saddled with promoting world peace, a responsibility that comes with juicy perks.

Congratulations Oge!

Obesere Survives Car Crash

Popular fuji music crooner, Abass Akande, was involved in an accident on Easter Sunday. The fuji act, popularly called Obesere, was returning to Lagos from Ijebu Ode after a show when his car swerved off the road. 

Fortunately, none of the occupants of the car was seriously injured but the Lexus LX470 SUV was damaged. Obesere and the 3 other occupants- including his driver- have since been taken to, and released from the hospital.

D'Banj Replies Fan

Remember the the open letter a fan wrote to D'Banj? Well, he has replied! Below is a statement from his spokeswoman Vanessa Amadi of VA-PR.

Over the past few weeks Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D'Banj has experienced a series of vicious hacks on several of his social networking sites including his Facebook page and more recently, his Twitter of which his account name was wrongfully changed.

Unfortunately the hackers managed to carry out a number of hurtful, damaging activities directly aimed to deceive D'Banj's fans with false information. 

With the help of the security teams at both Twitter and Facebook, we have managed to regain full control of the said sites which are currently being operated personally by D'Banj.

Fans can continue to interact with D'Banj at his official Twitter handle @IamDbanj and his official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DBanj. Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo is known and celebrated worldwide for his originality and distinctive sound and is committed to staying true to that foundation.

D'Banj apologies for any inconvenience caused by the hacking and thanks his beloved fans for their continued support.

Hmmmmmmm.............

Cakes by Creamy Delight Cakes

An Open Letter to D'Banj

No be me write am oooo

 Old twitter handle

New twitter handle

Dear D’Banj,

I love your work, I really do, I think you’re one of the greatest musicians of your generation, but I must say, your new affiliation with G.O.O.D music seems to be getting to your head.

For years you’ve been known by your official name, Dapo Oyebanjo, even using it as part of your twitter handle. Well all good things come to an end, and your affiliation with your new label seems to have brought that particular chapter of your life to an untimely conclusion.

D’Banj you’ve now gone from ‘Dapo Oyebanjo’ to ‘Daniel Banjo’. All I can do is laugh, I mean, Daniel ‘Banjo‘ ? What are you, a country music star from Nashville?

I mean, I get it, Daniel provides the ‘D’ and Banjo provides the ‘Banj’, but negro please, you’re hustlin’ backwards. Why abandon the successful person you are to become a less successful version of what you’re not? You’re a Nigerian, not an American, and no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be one, so be yourself and have faith.

Plus, truth be told, based on a fan base, you’re the BIGGEST artist in the entire G.O.O.D music family other than Ye’ himself. You don’t need to become an Americanized version of yourself to fit in, not to knock their hustle, but I promise you, John Legend, Pusha T, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, Common and your other label mates wish they had as many rabid long-time fans as you do, they Don’t. You’ve accomplished something most of them will never get to do, they should be insecure around you, not vice versa.

Either way, Dapo Daniel I’m sure you still have people who can advice you. I’d suggest they step up and tell you to accept who you are and not try to be something you’re not. Truth be told, your music is what people are interested in, not the un-africanization / westernization of your name, heck, just go study the life of Tupac Amaru Shakur to see how having an ethnic name is immaterial to one’s success. Or go further back and study the work of one of your mentors, the late, great Fela Anikulapo-Kuti who actually went from his westernized “Ransome-Kuti” to the very Nigerianized ”Anikulapo”. Till today his name still rings out in all corners of the world, heck he was even immortalized with a show on Broadway.

Anyway, all I’m trying to say is people love those who keep it 100, please get back to that.

I’ve spoken my piece.

Deuces. 

Lindsay Lohan Sells Clothes to Raise Money

Parent Trap star, Lindsay Lohan has reportedly sold a ''truck load'' of clothes in a bid to make some money.

The 25-year-old Freaky Friday actress is apparently so cash-strapped following numerous stints in rehab that she has decided to sell off her designer clothes and accessories.

According to a source, Lindsay took a truck load of designer clothes, shoes and bags to Los Angeles' Crossroads Trading Company, who agreed a price of £8 770 for the lot.

However, she hopes to make a comeback with her role as Elizabeth Taylor in Lifetime movie Liz and Dick - and has even ruled out dating while she gets her career back on track.

I wish you the best, Lindsay. You are too young for all you've been through.