Obiageli Ezekwesili says Nigerian army has committed human rights violations in the fight against Boko Haram

Obiageli Ezekwesili, co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, former Nigerian Minister of Education, and former World Bank vice president for Africa, tells Al Jazeera’s Head to Head that Nigerian armed forces have committed human rights abuses in their fight against the violent group Boko Haram in the north of the country. “It clearly does have instances where human rights violations have happened,” she says.

Chibok girls found? Nigerian troops find 200 girls and 93 women in Sambisa Forest

Nigerian troops just announced that they have found 200 girls and 93 women in Sambisa Forest, but haven't officially confirmed if the girls found are the same ones who were abducted from their school in Chibok community in April 2014. Hopefully, it's them. See more tweets after the cut...

Photo: Late Ojukwu with two of his children while in exile

This photo was taken in Ivory Coast during his exile years. See another photo after the cut...

Buhari bars AIT from covering his activities

Staff of Africa Independent Television, AIT, have been barred from covering all activities of  the President-elect, Gen. Buhari until issues bordering on ethics and standards against them have been addressed. AIT crew members were today escorted out of the Defence House where the president-elect currently resides. He was about to have a meeting with the Cuban and Switzerland ambassadors when the reporters were escorted out. Speaking on the development, the spokesperson of the Buhari campaign organization, Shehu Garba said family and security concerns necessitated it.

"AIT has been asked to step aside based on security and family concerns. In addition, Buhari has decided that they will have to resolve some issues relating to issues of standard and ethics. We will be talking with them to try and resolve the matter, but for now the station has been asked to stay aside because, like I said, there are some family and security concerns.

NNPC audit reveals double payment of subsidy on petrol & kerosene, spent N3.65trn without approval

The just released audit report by PricewaterHouse Coopers PWC on the financial management of the NNPC has revealed that there were many cases of duplicated subsidy payment by the NNPC to many oil marketers between 2012 and 2013.

According to the report, payment of subsidies for petrol (PMS) and kerosene (DPK) between January 2012 and July 2013 when investigated had a difference of $980 million (about N195 billion) due to duplicated payments.

“Our review of the subsidy documentation revealed that the subsidy due to NNPC between January 2012 and July 2013 on PMS and DPK import was $8.99billion compared to the $9.97 billion stated by the Reconciliation Committee.

Throwback pics of IBB, Gowon taking a ride with Queen Elizabeth

Here's a throwback pic of Gen Ibrahim Babangida taking a ride with the Queen in her carriage during his visit to England in 1989. See more photos after the cut...

FG names major streets & roads in Abuja after GEJ, Sambo, Atiku, El Rufai, others

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has revealed plans to rename some major streets and road in the FCT after some prominent Nigerians.

In a statement released today April 27th by his spokesperson, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the ministersaid those to be honored with street names include President Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, former Speaker of House of Representatives and Katsina State Governor-elect, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Dahiru Musdapha, Business moguls, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and several others.

21 killed by Boko Haram in Yobe today

21 persons are feared dead after suspected Boko Haram members ambushed them in Bultaram village in Gujba Local government area of Yobe state on Monday April 27th. Baba Nuhu, an official of the local government where the men were killed, said the victims, all male, had gone to their deserted village to see if they could collect some food when they were ambushed and shot dead by the sect members. According to AFP, the victims and their families had taken refuge in Damaturu the Yobe state capital after the sect members attacked their village some months back

"The men, 21 of them, were stopped at Bultaram (village) by gunmen we believe are Boko Haram who shot them dead," said Baba Nuhu

Gen Buhari signifies interest to probe alleged missing $20bn NNPC money

President-elect Gen. Buhari has signified interest to probe the alleged missing $20 billion from the coffers of the NNPC. Speaking with APC members from Adamawa state at the APC National headquarters in Abuja today April 26th, Gen Buhari queried the dismissal of Former CBN governor now Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II who raised alarm over the missing money.

"I heard that some people have started returning money; I will not believe it until I go and see for myself. Imagine a situation where the former CBN governor who by God ‘s grace would later become the Emir of Kano raised an issue of missing billions of money, not in Naira but in Dollars, $20 billion. What happened, instead of investigating to know whether it was true that the money was missing or not, they simply found a reason to remove him. So these are the issues we are talking about" he said in Hausa

7 die as pedestrian bridge collapses on taxi in Kano [PHOTOS]

Seven persons including a taxi driver and his passengers died this afternoon after an uncompleted pedestrian bridge at Dorayi quarters in Kano state collapsed on them at about 4.45pm today April 26th. According to reports, construction workers had warned the taxi driver and pedestrians not to pass under the bridge as it was still under construction but they ignored the warning and as soon as the taxi driver drove under the bridge, it caved, crumbling on the taxi killing the driver, its passengers and other pedestrians. The bodies of the victims have been deposited at a hospital mortuary

No mercy given as Indonesia prepares coffins for death row drug traffickers which include 4 Nigerians [PHOTOS]

 

Despite several pleas, the Indonesian government has insisted that these 9 men accused and convicted of drug trafficking will all be executed. The date for the execution is April 29 and the Government has enlisted the local funeral director in Cilacap, the nearest port to Nusakambangan, or Death Island, to inscribe the names of those to be shot by firing squad and the date of their deaths.

Coffins for all 9 have been ordered and all 9 convicts have been given their date of execution.

Photos of man trekking from Yola to Abuja in honour of Gen Buhari

This is Abubakar Duduwale, a supporter of Gen Buhari who has pledged to trek from Yola to Abuja in his honour and also so he can witness the inauguration ceremony. See another photo after the cut..

APC alleges GEJ's administration engaging in last minute dubious activities

The Leadership of the APC has alleged that members of Pres. Jonathan's administration are engaging in last minute dubious activities ahead of the May 29th handover. In a statement released by the publicity secretary of the party, Lai Mohammed, the party alleged that reports from the media as well as information gathered from reliable sources suggest the current administration is engaging in rushed contract awarding and staff recruitment.

"For example, the National Council on Privatisation, which is headed by the Vice-President, has just approved the financial bid opening for transaction advisers for the privatisation of the three development finance institutions in the country – the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry and Nigeria Commodity Exchange. Question is: What is the rationale for rushing this exercise with just weeks left for this administration?

Image of a newborn baby pictured next to gun, grenade and ISIS birth certificate sparks outrage

'This child will be a risk to you not just us' an anti-Islamic state activist wrote as he posted this photo on Twitter on Sunday night. The sick photo shows the newborn baby sleeping next to a handgun, hand grenade and an Islamic State birth certificate.

The image was posted through the twitter account of Abu Ward Al-Raqqawi an anti-Islamic State activist in Syria, in the hope of garnering attention to the international threat posed by ISIS.

The post said the newborn child is called ‘Jrah’, while his mothers name is ‘Om’ and his fathers name is ‘Abu.’ It also claimed the certificate next to the baby is an 'ISIS issued ID for a child'. The activist was trying to send a message but the photo has angered millions of people around the world.

Woman gives birth in a bathroom at work, seals the baby in a plastic bag, and hides it in a drawer

A 25-year-old Michigan woman Kim Pappas was charged with homicide after giving birth to a son in a bathroom stall at work. Kim didn't tell anyone she was pregnant. On Thursday last week, she went into labour while at work, went to the bathroom, had her baby, a boy, cut the umbilical cord with cuticle scissors, sealed the baby in a plastic bag, returned to her desk and hid her baby in a drawer, officials said during a court appearance on Friday.

Gen. Buhari (supposedly) reads riot act to family members

President elect, Gen Buhari has reportedly read the riot act to members of his family, warning them that they will face the full wrath of the law if they commit any crime while he serves as President.

According to Daily Trust, Gen Buhari read the riot act to members of his family in Daura, Katsina state recently. A Family source said he gathered all his children and family members together and advised them to seek meaningful ways to make a living, stressing that no family member of his will enjoy any preferential treatment. He also told them that non of them is welcomed to Aso Rock if they are not invited, adding that the Villa is a place for serious minded people and not for idle family members.

Graphic photo: Body dumped on 3rd Mainland bridge this evening

A mutilated man was just thrown from a car on 3rd Mainland Bridge this evening. A driver who witnessed it took a photo and it's horrific. See the photo after the cut *viewer discretion advised*

Man baths ex-lover with acid in Kogi state [GRAPHIC PIC]

25 year old Aladi Sule was attacked with acid by her ex-lover, Kazeem Abdullahi, a few weeks ago in Kogi state. According to the story told by Vanguard, Ladi and the man who attacked her had been lovers since secondary school. When she fell pregnant, the couple decided to live together but unfortunately the child died.

Then when they began to have problems, the man married someone else, prompting Ladi to leave the house. Then the man came begging but her family demanded that he marry her properly first before she moves back in with her.

Governorship results: Okorocha wins in Imo, Ikpeazu wins in Abia

Incumbent Governor Rochas Okorocha of APC has been declared winner of the governorship election in Imo state after beating his main rival, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha of PDP. Okorocha  polled 416,996 votes while Ihedioha got 320,705 in the re-run elections that held yesterday.

In Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of PDP won by beating APGA candidate, Dr. Alex Otti, former MD of Diamond Bank. Ikpeazu polled 264,713 votes to Otti's 180,882.

Patience Jonathan’s attitude & anti-gay bill made Jonathan lose the election - PDP chieftain

Bayelsa state PDP publicity secretary, Mr. Osom Makbere says international and local factors contributed to President Jonathan's defeat at the 2015 general elections. He blamed it most on the president's wife and the signing of the anti-gay bill

"Jonathan was a victim and target of international cum domestic esoteric codes and conspiracies. On the international level, the passage of the anti-gay legislation led to criticisms and face-off with the US, and the West. The strides made in the economic sphere, especially domestic rice promotion, calculated by the Jonathan administration to flip economic growth, and boost import substitution, also negatively alerted the West.

APC Taraba female governorship candidate loses rerun election to PDP candidate

Nigeria's dream of having the first elected female governor has been dashed after the APC Guber candidate in Taraba state, Aisha Alhassan, lost the governorship rerun election to the PDP governorship candidate, Darius Ishaku.

INEC this afternoon declared Mr Ishaku winner of the rerun election held yesterday April 25th. Mr Ishaku pulled a total of 369, 318 votes while Aisha Alhassan pulled a total of 275, 984.

Nigeria recalls High Commissioners to South Africa

Following the recent Xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Federal Government has summoned its high commissioners in South Africa back to Nigeria. In a statement issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the two high commissioners are Martin Cobham, acting high commissioner in Pretoria, and Uche Ajulu-Okeke pictured above, deputy high commissioner in Johannesburg.

Over 1500 killed in massive earthquake in Nepal yesterday [PHOTOS]

Over 1500 people died in a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Kathmandu region in Nepal this morning. Many buildings as well as historic sites were destroyed in the wake of the earthquake. This will be the second deadliest earthquake to strike Nepal since the one in 1934 which killed about 8,500 people. See photos from the disaster after the cut...

House On The Rock WC highlights

It has been a great time at the Word Conference, 2015 with life changing messages and utterances & powerful ministrations.

Join Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Bishop Tudor Bismark, Nathaniel Bassey and Micah Stampley, 8am at the special celebration service tomorrow live at the Rock Cathedral, 4th Roundabout, Lekki Expressway. Here are some quotes from the speakers at the event. Continue to see that...

Photo of the day

Nigerian children smile while standing in a UNICEF-provided tent classroom in Yola, Adamawa state.

2 soldiers confirmed dead as unserviceable ammunitions explode in Plateau earlier today

Two soldiers have been confirmed dead while one was seriously injured after some unservisable ammunition went off while being destroyed near the 3rd Armoured Division barracks at Bassa Local Government Area today April 25th.

Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Sani Usman said the unservicable ammunition were being destroyed near a bush when they went off. He debunked claims that the explosion was caused by members of the insurgency group, Boko Haram.

Photos from Presidential Breakfast Prayer session, Patience Jonathan absent

President Jonathan, CAN President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and his wife and some past leaders and government officials attended the 5th Presidential Breakfast Prayer session in Abuja this morning. First Lady Patience Jonathan was conspicuously absent at the prayer session which she always attended. More photos after the cut...

Mother of nanny who kidnapped Orekoya boys pleads for forgiveness

Prophetess Esther Adeyemi, mother of Funmilola Adeyemi, the nanny who kidnapped the Orekoya boys has called on the affected family and the general public to have mercy on her daughter and forgive her. Mrs Adeyemi in an interview with Saturday Sun, said Funmi, who is her first daughter left home 10 years ago and until she was arrested and shown in the media, she didn't know where her daughter was. Mrs Adeyemi who is a widow, says though she is ashamed of what her daughter did, she cannot abandon her. continue...

Anambra governor pays congratulatory visit to Buhari, solicits appointment for Igbos [PHOTOS]

Anambra state governor Willie Obiano who is an APGA party member paid a congratulatory visit to President elect, General Buhari in Abuja yesterday April 24th. According to Governor Obiano, he came to congratulate Buhari on his victory at the polls as well as ask him not to sideline the Igbos in the constitution of his cabinet. Governor Obiano denied speculations that his visit was a move for him to defect to the APC.

"It is not correct. I will remain with APGA and work very closely with Mr president. I came to congratulate His Excellencey the President -elect on his victory and I am also here to reassure him that Anambra and the south East would support him.

Bomb blast reported in Plateau

A bomb explosion occurred this morning around 9.45am at the Nigerian Army’s 3rd Armoured Division barracks at Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Casualty figure is yet unknown. More details later