14-Year-Old Ese Oruru Regains Freedom

Fourteen-year-old Ese Oruru is now in the custody of the Federal Government, eight months after she was abducted from Bayelsa State by one Yinusa.

Yinusa a longstanding customer of Ese’s mother, Mrs. Rose Oruru, had taken the girl to Kano, had her converted to Islam and forcefully married her.

Ese’s release followed the launch on Sunday of the “Free Ese” Campaign by PUNCH, which was embraced by Nigerians from across the country and beyond.

The success of the campaign and Ese’s release is down to the efforts by Nigerians who overcame the shock and anger the sordid story caused, demanded her release and spurred the relevant authorities into action.

Buhari Never Promised N5,000 Stipend to Unemployed Graduates — Presidency

The presidency has said that president Muhammadu Buhari never at any point during his 2015 presidential campaign made a promise of paying N5, 000 monthly stipend to the unemployed graduates in the country. 

It however stated that there was a provision of half a trillion Naira in the 2016 budget which was mapped out to execute six social safety net programmes. According to the presidency, one of the programmes was a conditional cash transfer where the federal government would pay N5,000 monthly to the vulnerable and extremely poor Nigerians. 

'POVERTY MENTALITY' Let's Not do it at the Expense Our Rare Gems - Daddy Freeze Comes for Olajumoke's Praise Singers

'POVERTY MENTALITY'

When are Nigerians going to celebrate real achievements? On the left is Mr. Ayodele Daniel Dada the first Nigerian to finish university with a perfect CGPA of 5.0 and on the left is Mrs. Olajumoke Orisaguna a 'former' bread seller.

Before Ayodele, no one had 'EVER' finished with a perfect CGPA in UNILAG!!! Since it was established in 1962, he made history by becoming the first to achieve such a commendable feat!

Now, so many questions come to mind. How come my dear friend Kunbi of 'April with Kunbi' hasn't styled him or recommended him for styling? How come CNN hasn't done a story on him? How come his life isn't documented on blogs daily? 

Photos of President Muhammadu Buhari's Arrival from Qatar and Saudi Arabia at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport,Abuja on arrival from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. FEB 29,2016...

Having a Deep Conversation with Someone Who Has a Brilliant Mind and Beautiful Soul is a New Way of Making Love - lynxxx Writes

As u grow as an individual..(in Character and Spiritually) U realize ur interests also change and evolve for the better. The more u work towards growth in all areas of your "Person" the less tolerant u become to "Meaninglessness". 

Before i engage in conversations or activities these days i find my self asking this same question, "how is this going to make me a better person? How is this food for my Spirit?" (Not saying i dnt have fun but) Intellectual and Spiritual lifting conversations have taken the the forefront of exciting me / Sparking my interests these days. 

What are the values of most conversations these days? Talking negative about people? Tearing others down? Judging and criticizing others? Or just worthless ego tripping conversations? -- ill pass

I HAVE MARRIAGE PHOBIA!!! Because So Many Women Have Sacrificed Their Career to be Perfect Wives - Amanda Chisom

I HAVE MARRIAGE PHOBIA!!!

A lot of people do, they may not share because they don't want anybody judging them or giving them aunty betty advices. I have severe phobia

# I like living alone so the thought of living with anybody permanently is giving me shivers.

‪#‎I‬ get disgusted easily. The slightest mishap can take me to disgust mood in ten seconds.

# If you as a man plans a life for me that has nothing to do with me that is how you get dumped ( sorry to those I did it to now you know why I ran away)

# I am afraid that a man will come and interfere with what God is doing in my Life.

You see, I once briefly dated this guy. He was such a nice person any woman would be lucky to be his wife not me sha. He has such grand plans for me. He will uproot me from my present life move me to his own life, get me a desk job somewhere and I come back in the evening, cook for him and have his children. Then he is promoted to a job in another country and I uproot myself again and move with him. 

Nigerians Carpet IG, Sanusi Over 14-Year-Old Ese’s Abduction and Forced Marriage in Kano

Nigerians have expressed outrage over the alleged abduction of 14-year-old Ese Oruru by one Yinusa, aka Yellow, who also forced her into marriage.

Nigerians, who read the story of the helpless minor on The PUNCH’s website on Sunday, took a swipe at the inactions of the authorities, saying the girl was abandoned to wallow in captivity.

Yinusa, a tricycle driver, took away the minor to Kano on August 12, 2015, from her mother’s shop in Opolo Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The mother, Mrs. Rose Oruru, had gone out on the day leaving Ese and her siblings in the shop. Yinusa seized the girl in her absence. Rose’s attempts to seek the release of the girl at the Emir of Kano’s (Sanusi Lamido’s) palace, where she was reportedly kept met a stiff resistance.

Oscar Winners 2016: the Full List of 88th Academy Awards Which Finally Honour Leonardo DiCaprio!

Chris Rock hosted 88th Academy Awards, which is Hollywood’s biggest night for the second time. The award show aired live on ABC from the Dolby Theater on Sunday, honouring the best of film from the past year. 

See below a full list of winners of the 2016 Oscars inside...

Alleged N676m Job Scam: Court Remands Ex-Interior Minister, Abba Moro in Kuje Prison

Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded the immediate past Minister of Interior, Abba Moro in Prison custody over his alleged complicity in a N676million job scam. Moro was remanded at Kuje prison after he pleaded not guilty to an 11-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. 

Equally remanded in prison custody was ‎a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. F. O Alayebami. However, Justice Chikere granted administrative bail to the 2nd defendant, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwobia, who was a former ‎Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior when the alleged fraud was committed. Mrs. Daniel-Nwobia who is nursing a baby, through her lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, persuaded the court to allow her to go home to take care of her baby. 

Alfa Promises to Turn N350,000 to N5m, Vanishes

The Maroko Police Division in the Lekki area of Lagos State has arrested a self-acclaimed Alfa, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahamido, for allegedly defrauding a trader, Sarah Moses.

Punch Metro learnt that Ahamido collected N350,000 from Moses, promising to boost her business by turning the money to N5m.

He was, however, alleged to have fled with the money, after giving his girlfriend, Hawa Musa, N100,000 to “renew their love”.

Ahamido was said to have boasted special powers that could make him multiply money after prayers.A source explained that the victim had been introduced to Ahamido sometime in December, 2015, in a restaurant in Lekki.

Glamorous Photos 2016 Oscars Red Carpet — Leo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Many More

The climax of awards season has arrived — the Oscars! and I've got photos of stars in glamorous gowns as they arrived for the 88th annual Academy Awards on Sunday. 

From Jennifer Lawrence to Leonardo DiCaprio to the biggest stars in Hollywood at the 2016 Oscars. See all the photos inside...

True Patriotism Will Encourage More Foreign Investment in Nigeria - President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Doha charged Nigerians to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and selfless service to encourage more foreign investment in the country. 

Speaking at a town hall meeting with members of the Nigerian community in Doha, the President assured them that the Federal Government would continue to create the enabling environment for investments in the country, anchored on peace and security.

``We have abundant natural and human resources in the country, including huge oil and gas deposit. 

``But the challenge is securing those installations and to persuade some of our countrymen to be more patriotic and stop sabotaging the installations.

First Photos from Darey Art Alade’s Star Studded 'Love Like A Movie 3' (#LLAM3) Concert in Lagos

Darey Art Alade’s Love Like A Movie 3 concert, is taking place now at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Lagos and its a star studded event. See more photos inside...

Comedian Ay and Wife Reconcile As Mabel Makun Denying any Alleged Marriage Separation Rumour

Few days ago, AY who was away in London was hit with the news that his wife Mabel Makun has packed all her belongings and left their home after they had a disagreement. 

AY got back and went after his wife debunking any divorce rumour, and am happy to report that the couple have decided to put their differences aside and make their marriage work.

Photos: APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Honoured with Doctor of Business Administration by University of Abuja

APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Honoured by University of Abuja on Saturday. He bagged Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa). See more photos inside...

Rev. King (Self-Styled “Little god”), The Law And King’s Supporters - Reuben Abati

In the case of the State and Rev. Chukwuemeka Kingsley Ezeugo, the Supreme Court a few days ago, upheld the rulings of the lower courts and ruled that the bearded, self-styled “little god”, “Jesus Christ of our time”, and founder of the Lagos-based Christian Praying Assembly (CPA), deserves to be hanged, for enacting a form of horror movie which resulted in the death in 2006 of Ms Ann Uzoh.  

The simple import of that ruling is that no man is a king before the law, and that the law is no respecter of persons including those who describe themselves as anointed men of God, and who on that account use religion to commit atrocities.

But the most bizarre development since that ruling last Friday has been the intervention of a group called the Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN).  The group says Nigeria has nothing to gain by shedding Rev. King’s blood and that President Muhammadu Buhari should grant the convicted murderer state pardon because “he is still a spiritual leader to many Nigerians.” The Ndigbo Society is indirectly saying that Rev King’s life should be spared because he is Igbo, and a religious leader.

Nigeria, Qatar Sign Agreements on Bilateral Air Service, Avoidance of Double Taxation

Nigeria and the State of Qatar on Sunday in Doha signed Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to pave way for direct flights between major cities of both countries.

Both countries also signed an agreement to avoid double taxation and tax evasion on the sideline of President Muhammadu Buhari's state visit to Qatar. 

The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, representing President Muhammadu Buhari, signed the air services agreement on behalf of the country while Qatar’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Jassim Bin Saif Alsulaiti, signed on behalf the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hammad Al-Thani.

Photos from ‘Stalker’ Movie Premiere in Lagos with Caroline Danjuma, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Ini Edo, Mbong Amata...

Nollywood actress Caroline Danjuma premiered her movie ‘Stalker’ yesterday in Lagos and top stars were spotted at the event. Here are the first photos from the premiere...

Buhari Plotting to Turn Nigeria into Islamic Country – Governor Ayodele Fayose

EKITI State Governor Ayodele Fayose has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government of plotting to turn Nigeria into an Islamic country.

Fayose described Nigeria as a free society and that would not be taken as an Islamic nation.

He stated that the All Progressives Congress deceived Nigerians to steal the inheritance of the people and maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party would reclaim the Presidency in 2019.

Fayose spoke on Saturday at the thanksgiving and Supreme Court victory celebration of Governor Nyesom Wike that was organised by the Rivers State Chapter of the PDP at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Actress Toyin Aimakhu Shares Stunning New Photos Rocking Pink Hair and White Outfit

Actress Toyin Aimakhu shared these photos on her Instagram page rocking pink hair and white outfit and she totally nailed it. See more photos inside...

EFCC Docks AMATA Chiefs for N3.5m Land Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 arraigned the quartet of Abdulaziz Dalha Musa, Abbah Muhammad Bello, Bala Mohammed Zakari and Salisu Yusuf Juji before Justice Faruk Lawan of Kano State High Court on a two count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.

The accused persons are all executive members of the Amalgamated Traders/Artisans Welfare Development Association, AMATA, Kano State Chapter.

The complainant, Alhaji Yusuf Yakubu Mika’il, a trader in Singa Market Kano alleged that, sometimes in February and September 2013 he was approached by the executives of the AMATA, Kano Chapter over some plots of land which they had for sale.

Oliseh’s Resignation a Blessing to Nigerian Football, Wikki Tourists FC Chairman Says

Isa Matori, the Chairman of Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi, says the resignation of Sunday Oliseh as Chief Coach of Super Eagles is a blessing to Nigerian football.

Matori told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Bauchi that the coach should not have been employed in the first place by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

``I expected his resignation a long time ago, because I believe that it was a mistake in the first place for the NFF to have appointed him to take care of the team.

``He may have the qualifications, no doubt about it, but he does not have the requisite experience, the exposure and courage to lead our team to success," he said.

As Far as We are Concerned, We are Still Glo Ambassadors – P-square

Rumours of P-square being dropped as Glo ambassadors may not be founded after all, as the twin group has said it has yet to receive any notification to that effect.

Unconfirmed reports during the week had speculated that the group might have taken this significant hit following an insult directed at the telecommunication company recently.

Endorsement deals from companies like Glo have been the mainstay of entertainers’ relevance in the country, which means that being dropped as an ambassador of the company would be a big deal for the group.

“I don’t know where those rumours are coming from. Reports I have read have sighted anonymous officials. Glo has not communicated with P-square on anything like that. We have a contract with Glo and I can confirm that P-Square are still Glo ambassadors,” he said.P-square’s publicist, Mr. Bayo Adetu, told Saturday Beats that as far as the group is concerned, their termination as Glo ambassadors is only ‘real in the imagination of bloggers.’

D’Banj 'Stole' My Beats for Emergency, All I Wanted was for Him to Give Me Credit – P Loops

Budding music producer, P Loops, has told Saturday Beats that contrary to widely held belief, he was only interested in getting due credit for producing D’Banj’s new single, Emergency, and not after financial benefits.

The Koko Master’s latest sound has been enjoying massive airplay and positive reviews since he first performed it during the gala ceremony of the Glo sponsored 2015 African Footballer of the Year Awards held in Abuja two months ago.

“When the song dropped, I didn’t know it was a beat I did and sent to Olu Maintain but I don’t know how it got to D’Banj. It is not as if I was originally contracted to produce the song for him.A lot of those who listened to the song had given credit to D’Banj’s in-house producer – Dee Vee, but the situation left the young P Loop a bit uncomfortable.

Supreme Court Okays Rev King To Die By Hanging

In a unanimous judgment this afternoon, a seven-man panel of Justices ‎of the apex court led by Justice Walter Onnoghen, upheld the death sentence that was earlier handed to the convicted General-Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Rev. King to die by

Consequently, the court in its lead verdict that was delivered by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, dismissed the appeal he had filed when a Lagos State High Court sentenced him to death.

Photos: Troops Intensify Rescue Operations Boko Haram terrorists, Rescue 17 Women and 28 Children

In continuation of the clearance operations by troops to mop up the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, troops have rescued 1890 persons held captives by Boko Haram terrorists at various locations within the last two weeks.

Those rescued include 800 Nigerians refugees that crossed to Cameroon that were brought back to Banki town in Nigeria by troops of 21 Brigade yesterday.

Troops of 121 Task Force conducted joint patrols with Cameroonian forces at Mararraba, Angwan Fada, Dale and Wizha Bokko Timit, Bokko Nasanu and Bokko Hidde up to Ngoshe in which they rescued 17 women and 28 children.

EFCC Arraigns Man for N1.3m Visa Scam in Kano

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 arraigned one Abdul-Aziz Abdullahi Eleyeye before Justice J. K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano on one count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.

Eleyeye, a graduate of Bayero University Kano was arrested on June 17, 2014 in Lagos following a complaint by one Khalid Ahmad Umar who alleged that the accused person defrauded him to the tune of N1.3m (one million, three hundred thousand naira).

The said amount was to be used for procuring America Visa for the victim.

Photos: Grammy Award Winner, Ciara Arrives Lagos to Headline Darey’s ‘Love Like A Movie 3’

Grammy Award winning singer, Ciara has arrived in Lagos, Nigeria today, February 26 2016 to headline Darey art Alade’s ‘Love Like A Movie 3‘ which will be taking place on Sunday at Eko Hotel and Suites.

See more photos  of Ciara at Lagos airport inside…

Photos of President Muhammadu Buhari Entering the Inner Room of Holy Ka'Abah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

President Muhammadu Buhari entering the inner room of Holy Ka'Abah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. See more photos inside...

Psquare: Paul Okoye Unveils Rudeboy Record's First Lady, Lucy in Stunning Bikini Photos

Paul Okoye debuted the sexy new addition, to his new record label, Rudeboy Records. The lady above is Lucy, who Paul calls 'Rudegirl' and she seems to be the first female artiste to be signed to the label.

He shared these photos on his Instagram page, with the caption:

"Now you know @lucycandymay #rudeboyrecordz."

Paul has since moved on after his twin brother Peter practically sacked their older brother and manager Jude via Twitter. See more photos of Lucy in bikini inside...

University of Ibadan Rusticates 97 Students Over Poor Performance Including Final Year Students

No fewer than 97 students of the University of Ibadan have been withdrawn by the Senate of the institution. According to the bulletin of the university, the withdrawal of the students, which has been approved by the Senate, failed to obtain the minimum academic requirements at the end of the 2014/15 session. 

The affected students were from seven faculties in the institution. Some of the students were in final year. The bulletin, which was signed by the Registrar, Olujimi Olukoya explained that three of the students voluntarily withdrew from the institution. It states, 

Omotola Jalade at the 2016 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon Red Carpet + Photos with Oprah and Top Hollywood Stars

Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde attended the 2016 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood awards luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 25, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. 

She took to her Instagram page to share selfies with Oprah and top Hollywood actors. See more photos inside...

Sunday Oliseh Resigns as Super Eagles Coach Claiming Lack of Support and Contract Violations by Nigerian Football Federation

Sunday Oliseh announced his resignation as Super Eagles Coach on Twitter early this morning.

The 41-year-old attributed the decision to lack of support and contract violations by the Nigerian Football Federation.

Former MBGN, Sandra Petgrave and Husband in Jail For Fraud in the United States

1992 MBGN, Sandra Petgrave and her husband are currently in jail in the US for fraud. The couple who have six children where arrested by the FBI for millions of dollars of fraud. Here’s how the official FBI website reports their story.

Chiedu “George” Chukwuka has been sentenced in connection with his lead role in a mortgage fraud ring that spanned five years and caused millions in losses. Chukwuka, along with his co-defendants and other co-conspirators, engaged in a massive property-flipping scheme resulting in over $5.8 million in actual losses to financial institutions between 2006 and 2011.

“At the height of the recent mortgage-fraud crisis, this property-flipping scheme caused scores of homes to fall into foreclosure, costing financial institutions millions of dollars in losses,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. 

President Buhari Welcomes Islamic Development Bank Financing Offer to Invest in Infrastructure in Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Mecca welcomed an offer by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to organize a financing roundtable in Abuja to mobilize more funds for investment and development of infrastructure in Nigeria.

The President of the IDB, Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ali made the offer at a meeting with President Buhari who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Ali assured President Buhari that the IDB will work with its traditional partners such as the Saudi Fund, the Kuwait Fund, Arab Bank for Development in Africa and the Abu Dhabi Fund, to increase the quantum of funding available to Nigeria.

Photo: Davido Gifts Two HKN Label Mates Special Spesh and Danagog with Multi-Million Naira Rolex Watches

Davido shared the photo on his Instagram tagging other HKN label mates Special Spesh and Danagog after rewarding them with Rolex watches for their loyalty.