I’m not infected with COVID-19 — Lai Mohammed clarifies

December 27, 2021 | anaben

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has denied speculations that he had tested positive to COVID-19 and was being treated of the virus.

He observed the online publication, which had been “latched on to by some mainstream media, once again highlights the uphill task the government faces in our campaign to stamp out fake news and misinformation.”

A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Adeyemi, stated: “The attention of the office of the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has been drawn to a report making the rounds that he has contracted the COVID-19 virus and that he is now in isolation, where he is receiving treatment. For the record, the minister does not have COVID-19, hence he is neither in isolation nor receiving treatment anywhere. A journalism mantra says ‘when in doubt, leave it out.’ Also embedded in the code of ethics for journalists are the basic principles of truthfulness and accuracy, among others. The report in question did not meet those standards.”

He noted that his principal was at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday and the extraordinary version the day, and also witnessed the swearing-in of the Minister of State for Works and Housing on Friday.

“All these events took place at the Villa, where the correspondents of many media organisations are deployed. In fact, the minister coordinated the post-FEC press briefing on Wednesday and Thursday. Could he have done this from the imaginary isolation centre where he was consigned by a mischievous reporter”?

The media aide continued: “As a member of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, the minister has the added responsibility of leading by example, hence would not have hesitated to publicly announce his COVID-19 status if indeed he has contracted the virus.

After all, he is not only fully vaccinated, he has also taken the booster shot, a situation that offers him different layers of protection even if he contracts the virus. For those who contract the virus, they deserve our empathy and prayers, not stigmatisation.

“In the best tradition of journalism, we expect the online newspaper behind this fake news not only to retract the publication but also to apologise to the minister for causing him such embarrassment, especially in a season of joy.”

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I Have Never Heard Of An Arrest In A Mosque – Actress Chinonso Arubayi Reacts To Nwosu Arrests

December 27, 2021 | anaben

Nollywood actress, Chinonso Arubayi, has said that she has never heard of anyone being arrested in a mosque.

The mother of one said this in reaction to the arrest of former governorship candidate in Imo State, Uche Nwosu. Nwosu, the son-in-law of former Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha, who was arrested by security operatives at a church service at his home town, Eziama Obieri.

“I have never heard of an arrest in a mosque. Police shooting in a church during a post burial service of his mum?” Nonso wrote. “This is really sad. What’s the difference between security operatives and unknown gunmen? Why the hell is this country upside down.” she added.

Uche Nwosu Regains Freedom

Again, Chiwetalu Agu comes out in new ‘rising sun’ attire(PHOTO)

Again, Chiwetalu Agu ‘Mocks’ DSS, Army With New ‘Rising Sun’ Attire (PHOTO)

December 27, 2021 | anaben

Nollywood veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu who was once arrested by the Department of State Service, DSS, for wearing a Biafran outfit has come out with a new rising sun outfit.

Recall that the 65-year-old actor was arrested in Upper Iweka Bridge by soldiers in October while carrying out a charity activity, in Onitsha, Anambra State. He was, however, released but rearrested by the Department of State Services.

The actor had promised to come out with a new outfit of the rising sun. Now, he came out with a new attire that has the inscription ‘Rising sun’.

Recall also that while in detention, the comic actor said that the soldiers and DSS operatives treated him with respect.

He said: “It didn’t start well but God took control. I was only buying bread for the poor. Soldiers came in and started scattering things. They said they are calling me in the office but they did not tell me my offence. Because they did not tell me my offence, I refused to follow them.

“That drama that took place was important so that they will know that Igbo are here. That moment of Upper Iweka till the time we got to the army barracks close to Zik Mausoleum, to 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and to DSS office in Abuja, nobody touched me. They treated me with respect. “Every officer wanted to be involved in the case so that they can have the opportunity to interact with Chinwetalu Agu.” DSS released him following the intervention of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN.

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Uche Nwosu Regains Freedom

December 27, 2021 | anaben

The Imo state 2019 governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, Uche Nwosu has regained freedom, hours after his arrest in Imo state.

Recall that Nwosu was arrested yesterday at St Peter’s Anglican Church by security operatives. Reacting to his freedom, Chikezie Nwadike, his spokesperson in a statement said that Nwosu was never invited by anyone before his arrest yesterday.

Read the full statement below: “This is to inform the general public, friends and well-wishers, supporters and sympathizers that Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, who was abducted by security agencies while observing church service at St Peter’s Anglican Church Umunwokwe Village Eziama-Obaire Nkwerre LGA, has regained his freedom and released unconditionally. He never spent a night in their custody as every effort was put in place to get him out.

“Recall the ugly incident that took place yesterday, 26th December 2021, at St Peter’s Anglican Church as security operatives swooped him inside the church during the outing service of his mother’s burial and whisked him away amidst sporadic shootings and harassment of the congregation.

“I have spoken with him and he extended his greetings to all of us out there. While we await a Police report on the reasons for the abduction and arrest, we call on everyone to remain calm and focused because God is in charge of the whole situation.

“Ugwumba Uche Nwosu is a perfect gentleman who has a great deal of respect for constituted authorities and has never for once caught up in civil disobedience. There was never an invitation and if anyone says otherwise, let the person come forth with evidence.”

Uzodimma has no hand in Uche Nwosu’s disappearance —- Emelumba

I’ll take legal action after 24 hours – Okorocha says concerning Nwosu’s arrest

December 27, 2021 | anaben

The former governor of Imo state and the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Rochas Okorocha, has given the police 24 hours to disclose the offence of his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, who was arrested last Sunday.

Reacting in Owerre, Okorocha said that 24 hours was enough time legally for the police to make public the offence of Nwosu. He warned that if the police failed to do that, he (Okorocha) would take legal action to demand his release.

His words: “I am going to wait for 24 hours to know what Nwosu has done. We want to know his offences. 24 hours is enough for the police to do that which is legal. They should let the world know about his offences and failure to do that I will take legal action to demand his release.”

Nwosu’s supporters have also been expecting that their boss could have been granted bail based on personal recognition and his status in society.

According to Okorocha, “Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, my wife and daughter were at the church outing services, when a group of men armed and in police uniform rushed into the church and started shooting in the course of their activities they pushed down my wife and torn my daughter cloth.

“There was no invitation or warrant of arrest from the security and the way it happened it gave us the feeling of kidnap. In the process, many were injured. We watched Nwosu dragged into the bus carrying Imo govt number. My people identified them as the security agents from the government house.

“I got the state commissioner of Police who said Nwosu was arrested on the order of the IGP, what got us surprised was how Nwosu was dragged to the bus one still wonders what story the Imo state govt has framed up against Nwosu, and the IGP, I know could not have done that except for a high level of misinformation.

“Uzodimma has shown tremendous hate on me and my family why should any sane person arrest one in church outing service of his late mother.

“You recall last week Uzodimma said he was going to announce the names of those involved in insecurity in the state. Hope Uzodimma is the hating governor of Imo state that has deceived Abuja, IGP to go and arrest Nwosu. We wait for Uzodimma, on the 3rd of January to point out those who are involved in the insecurity.”

Also reacting, the Imo state government, through the state commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said: “Okorocha is in panic and trying to weep up sentiment. A man who looted the state dry. He should wait for due process to take place since he now knows it’s the security agencies that arrested Nwosu.

“Okorocha is indicting himself and his beginning to talk incoherently and it will not save him. There is no need to play politics with the arrest.

“The best advice I want to give him is that he should stop panicking and there is no need govt be involved in the arrest of Nwosu. The next thing Okorocha should do is to wait for the outcome of the police arrest.”

Uzodimma has no hand in Uche Nwosu’s disappearance —- Emelumba

Bandits kidnap over 20 women in Zamfara

December 27, 2021 | anaben

Bandits have reportedly attacked about 15 villages within the neighborhood of Gusau, Zamfara state, and abducted over 20 women.

BBC Hausa reported that some locals in Geba and Gidan Kaura villages,and others in communities within the Gusau Local Government Area, disclosed that the bandits invaded their communities, killed men and destroyed properties.

” The bandits kidnapped women and girls, took them away,” they said.

One of the locals said ” the bandits kidnapped 10 women in Kura,at Bayauri they kidnapped 9.They also entered a village called Gana and kidnapped 7 before proceeding to Duma and kidnapped another 7 .These happened before Sunday morning.”

Many villagers have fled their homes to the state capital, Gusau.

A local who was migrating to Gusau,said they’ve now ran away to the Damba community inside the Zamfara state capital,Gusau.

” We have women, children and the pregnant ones, there is no food. If you see where they sleep in this cold,as if there is no government,” a local residing in Damba community has alleged.

The Commissioner of Information in Zamfara state,Ibrahim Dosara, however,confirmed that the attack was in Geba.He added that shortly after the bandits attacked,security agents rushed to rescue the situation.

He said ” there are soldiers working in that zone,they went to Geba.They met 3 people injured,the soldiers dispersed the bandits.”

The Commissioner said it was not true that the over villages that were attacked,were not visited by security agents on rescue mission.

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“You’re a complete disappointment” — IK Ogbonna tells Shatta Wale

December 27, 2021 | anaben

Shortly after Ghanaian artiste, Shatta Wale threw shades at Nigerian artistes aftee recording success at selling out the biggest stadium in Ghana, actor IK Ogbonna and DJ Big N react.

Recall that Shatta Wale, in a viral video, said, “They said I won’t be able to fill my own stadiums, I don’t need any Nigerian artiste to sell out Ghana’s Stadium, F*** all Nigerian artistes”

In reaction, IK Ogbonna took to his Instagram handle and wrote,
“MR shattawalenima you are a total and complete disappointment. In a time where we should be growing together and helping each other through creative collaborations.

“You should appreciate the Nigerian artist coz a win for any Nigerian artist is a win for Africa. How do you promote unity with utterances like this. This is very weak from you … deal with ur complex issues and grow up.

“As an artist I have featured in a few ghana movies and I have also worked with amazing, adorable Ghanaians here in Nigeria …. You should totally apologize for this #hatespeech.”

On the other hand,
DJ Big N wrote,

“My Dear @shattawalenima, I watched this video more than once. I tried to see your point. We are not the enemy. You can’t Blaitanlty say “FxxK Nigerians” and think there won’t be any repercussions.

“We are not to blame that you are a local champion. Look at your counterpart @stonebwoyb He works smart. Stop this bickering and talk true. Naija man don collect your babe again Abi.”

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Uche Nwosu was arrested, not kidnapped

December 27, 2021 | anaben

A police source has revealed that the son-in-law of Former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, Uche Nwosu was arrested by police officials from Abuja.

Special Force Unit from the office of the Inspector General of Police arrested Uche Nwosu

Uche Nwosu were arrested on Sunday at St Peter’s Anglican church at Eziama Obieri in the Nkwerre Local Government Area of the state while he and his family members were on an outing service after the burial of their mother, Jemimah Nwosu.

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Uzodimma has no hand in Uche Nwosu’s disappearance —- Emelumba

December 27, 2021 | anaben

There was panic in Imo State on Sunday following the alleged kidnap of Uche Nwosu, the son-in-law to a former governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha. He was whisked away from a church service at his hometown, Eziama Obieri in the Nkwerre Local Government Area of the state.

Nwosu and his family were at St Peter’s Anglican church for a thanksgiving service when the gunmen, who operated in an Armoured Personnel Carrier and Hilux vans, invaded the area.

They shot indiscriminately, then proceeded to take their target away, while his security operatives watched without resisting the gun-wielding persons.

While some of Nwosu’s associates suspect that he was kidnapped, others speculated that his arrest was masterminded by the state governor, Hope Uzodinma.

However, the state commissioner for Information and strategy, Declan Emelumba, has denied the speculation that the governor had a hand in what happened.

He had no idea as to whether it was an arrest or a kidnap incident. He however maintained that it was “ridiculous” to allege that the governor had a hand in the disappearance of Nwosu.

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