Happy Independence Anniversary to our great Nation.

Happy 53rd Independence anniversary to our beloved country Nigeria. May we continue to live together in peace and harmony. God bless the us all. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Apple overtakes Cocacola as world's number 1 most valuable brand

For thirteen years, Cocacola was the world's number one most valuable brand...but not anymore. In 2013, two brands took over - Apple and Google, leaving Cocacola at number three.

From New York Times

Apple is the new most valuable brand in the world, according to a closely followed annual report. The report, to be released next Monday, is from Interbrand, a corporate identity and brand consulting company owned by the Omnicom Group that has been compiling what it calls the Best Global Brands report since 2000. The previous No. 1 brand, Coca-Cola, fell to No. 3.

Not only has Apple replaced Coca-Cola as first among the 100 most valuable brands based on criteria that include financial performance, this is the first time that the soft drink known for slogans like “It’s the real thing” has not been No. 1.

Apple’s arrival in the top spot was perhaps “a matter of time,” Jez Frampton, global chief executive at Interbrand, said in a recent interview. Apple was No. 2 last year, climbing from No. 8 in the 2011 report.

“What is it they say, ‘Long live the king’?” Mr. Frampton asked. “This year, the king is Apple.”

The 2013 report begins: “Every so often, a company changes our lives, not just with its products, but with its ethos. This is why, following Coca-Cola’s 13-year run at the top of Best Global Brands, Interbrand has a new No. 1 — Apple.”

The report estimates the value of the Apple brand at $98.3 billion, up 28 percent from the 2012 report. The value of the Coca-Cola brand also rose, by 2 percent to $79.2 billion, but that was not sufficient to give Coca-Cola a 14th year as Interbrand’s most valuable brand.

Although “Coca-Cola is an efficient, outstanding brand marketer, no doubt about it,” Mr. Frampton said, Apple and other leading technology brands have become “very much the poster child of the marketing community.”

That is underscored by the brand in second place in the new report: Google, which rose from fourth place last year. In fact, of the top 10 Best Global Brands for 2013, five are in technology: Apple; Google; Microsoft, No. 5, unchanged from last year; Samsung, 8, compared with 9 last year; and Intel, 9, compared with 8 last year.

Samsung’s ascent followed the company’s adoption of a new brand strategy called the Brand Ideal, which includes “a greater focus on social purpose,” Sue Shim, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Samsung, said by e-mail. That reflected research indicating American consumers would switch brands to “one that was associated with improving people’s lives,” she added.

I.B.M. — No. 4 in 2013, down a notch from 2012 — is ranked as a business services brand. Otherwise, technology would account for six of the top 10.

“Brands like Apple and Google and Samsung are changing our behavior: how we buy, how we communicate with each other, even whether we speak with each other,” Mr. Frampton said. “They have literally changed the way we live our lives.”

Among other transformative technology brands that performed well in the new report was Facebook, which climbed to 52 from 69 last year, its first year on the list.

However, not all technology brands fared well. BlackBerry, which tumbled last year to 93 from 56 in 2011, has disappeared from the list. And Nokia, which dropped to 19 from 14 in 2011, finished this year in 57th place — “the biggest faller” among the 100, Mr. Frampton said.

Among nontechnology brands, a notable addition to the list was Chevrolet, at 89, the first General Motors brand to rank among the Best Global Brands.

“It feels good to hit the list for the first time,” Alan Batey, global head of Chevrolet at G.M., said in a telephone interview. “It’s a great first step, but we’ve got a long way to go. There are a lot of big brands in front of us.”

The milestone reflects how General Motors has been “making a conscious effort to globalize Chevrolet,” Mr. Batey said, selling the brand in 140 countries in ads that play up attributes like “value for money and designs that move hearts and minds.”

Commonwealth, the creative agency for Chevrolet, “played a key role” in helping the brand make the list, he added. Commonwealth is part of the McCann Worldgroup division of the Interpublic Group of Companies.

Last year, when Coca-Cola finished atop the Best Global Brands list for the 13th consecutive time, an executive at the Coca-Cola Company acknowledged the streak but noted that “nothing lasts forever.”

A year later, the executive, Joseph V. Tripodi, executive vice president and chief marketing and commercial leadership officer, had this reaction: “Of course, we would like to remain on top of the list forever. That said, we are honored to continue to be included among such an esteemed group of global brands, and we congratulate Apple and Google, both valued partners of ours.”

“We’ve seen the value of technology brands rise as they create new ways for people to stay connected virtually,” Mr. Tripodi said by e-mail. “We understand this, as the lasting power of our brand is built on the social moment of sharing a Coca-Cola with friends and family.”

“Creating these simple moments and delivering on our brand promise each and every day remains our focus,” he added, “as we continue to grow the value of brand Coca-Cola for decades to come.”

If it is consolation, Coca-Cola remains far ahead of Apple and Google in likes on Facebook fan pages. Coca-Cola has 73.2 million, compared with 9.8 million for Apple and 15.1 million for Google.

It's finally happened. Khloe Kardashian drops Odom from her name

Khloe has removed her husband's name from her instagram page and now from her Twitter page. 5...4...3...2.. before they announce the divorce...

Meanwhile friends of Lamar insist he didn't send the Tweet that bashed his father for calling out the Kardashians. Sources told TMZ that Lamar Odom is holed up without Internet (by choice) and has no idea his father even gave an interview. So someone else must have sent that Tweet from his account

Banky W is single again + says Nigerian Ent. industry is more fame than fortune

In an interview with Nigerian Tribune yesterday, Banky W opened up about his relationship status. When asked if he was in a relationship, Banky replied 'Not at the moment.' Guess his relationship with Ghanaian beauty Andrea Giaccaglia has packed up...or maybe he just wants to get the blogs off his back. Lol. Anyway Mr Capable also reacted to the Forbes/Channel O list of the Top 10 Most Bankable African artists 2013where he was placed at No.10, Banky says the Nigerian entertainment industry is more fame than money. When asked how he felt about the list, Banky replied

I don’t believe very much in such things. Let’s be honest, the real wealthy people are the businessmen like Dangote and the politicians (some of whom got there by looting Nigeria). They’re the ones with real money. This entertainment business is too much hype. It is more fame than fortune. So I’m not thrilled by it and I don’t think any of us should buy into it too much. I’d rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke.

Read the full interview after the cut..

Banky spoke with Ibikun Akinyemi of Nigerian Tribune

What have you been up to recently?
I’ve been working hard, pretty much. On the music side, I’ve been working on collaborations with different artistes.I’ve recently completed really good songs for Black Magic, Sarkodie, MoCheddah, Lynxxx, Ketchup, Victoria Kimani and Vector. Internally (within EME), I’m contributing to Wizkid’s album, as well as projects for Skales, ShayDee and Niyola. Outside of all this, I’ve been giving speeches at various events, as well as working on a couple of potentially great movie projects.

How did the musical journey begin?
It really started when I was a kid. I sang everywhere. From Church, to school and neighbourhood street parties and in many groups. Professionally, it started in 2002/2003 while I was in the University. That’s when I actually recorded for the first time and set up the EME record label independently and started putting music out.

Having lots of hit songs, which song would you say brought you to limelight?
Most people think it all started with the release of ‘Ebute Meta’ (Umbrella Remix) but actually, it began with a song called “My Regret” that came out while I was in the United States of America. That is the song that brought me attention from people all over the world; I won the John Lennon songwriting award in R&B for that song.

What was the inspiration behind it?
Like the majority of my successful songs, the inspiration was drawn from a woman I was intimate with at the time, and the ups and downs of our relationship.

What were your greatest musical influences growing up?
R&B, Hip hop, and African Music. Jay-Z, R Kelly, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Fela and everyone in between.

What would you have been if not an artiste?
I studied engineering in University so I could have stuck with that. Or I would have been an Artist (drawing, painting etc), or a lawyer, or teacher.

Is Banky in a relationship?
Not at the moment.

Tell us something no one knows about you.
I’m not sure how many people know this, but I shave my head and shape my beard myself. I’m my own barber. I’ve been doing it for years. It started when I was in University and didn’t have a lot of money, I learnt to maintain it myself so I didn’t need to spend money on it every week. And now I’m good at it so I’m my own barber. I will probably open a barbershop at some point.

What differentiate you from other artist?
I’d like to think it’s the totality of what I bring to the table, creatively and musically. There are better vocalists than me, for sure. But I not only sing.. I write, I rap, I produce, I entertain… I’m a motivational speaker and philanthropist, I act and I direct. It’d be hard to line up a lot of people who are able to do everything that I do… but of course, we give God the glory and the fans the thanks for letting me be myself.

Coming up at the 10th position of the Forbes rating, how did you feel?
I don’t believe very much in such things. Let’s be honest, the real wealthy people are the businessmen like Dangote and the politicians (some of whomgot there by looting Nigeria). They’re the ones with real money. This entertainment business is too much hype. It is more fame than fortune. So I’m not thrilled to it and I don’t think any of us should buy into it too much. I’d rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke.

As the CEO of EME, what challenges are you facing?
My official title is Chairman and Creative Director of EME. And I guess I’m facing the same challenges most label executives face… in that, you have a limited set of resources and a lot of people to look after. So you do the best you can to try and help each Artist achieve his/her dreams under your care.

What is your normal day like?
I try to pray but I definitely need to do a better job at that. At least three or four times a week, I try to put in work-out sessions with my personal trainer. After that it’s a mix of things; meetings, press obligations, social outings and performances or appearances that I’m booked to make.

Banky seems to be humble, what is the secret?
The truth is, the same people who love you and hail you today might be the ones crucifying you tomorrow, so you owe it to yourself to keep a level head. Don’t get too excited by the success, and don’t get too depressed by the failures. I just try to do the best job I can, and I remember my parents and how they raised me, and I surround myself with people that keep me in check (my manager, partners, etc). Some people make the deadly mistake of surrounding themselves with “Yes Men” the minute they become successful and the danger in that is there’s no balance. If everyone around you agrees with everything you do or say, and says you’re the best all the time, you’re taking a risk. Even the President of the USA, the most powerful man on earth, has a system of checks-and-balances in place, with congress and the Judiciary having the power to check him if his actions are too far out of line… how much more us?

How did you manage having a scandal free reputation?
I’d say probably the same reasons I stated above, plus, I carry myself the way I want people to see me and treat me. I’m no saint; trust me, not at all. But I am careful about how much I leave out there because people will use any and everything possible against you to bring you down.

How do you relax?
I try to sneak into the movie theatres occasionally, I hang out with friends and family, I read novels, and I love to travel and just go to places where less people know me so I can walk around and chill.

How do you feel when you are harassed by a fan?
There are times when it can be a lot to handle (like when you’re on a date, or with your parents, etc) but the truth is, it’s better that people want to harass you, or take pictures, or whatever. It’s worse if, as an artiste, you show up and no one notices or cares to disturb you at all. So it shows that you’re doing something right if people want to disturb you; so I definitely appreciate it, and I always try to make sure I honour every request by fans to take pictures or anything of that sort.

What is your take when people speak bad about you and Wizkid?
Jesus Christ was perfect, and people still spoke bad about him to the point that they killed him. How much less you, or me or Wiz? People will always want to say all kinds of things… and these days, people love bad news. And if you don’t give them the bad news, they start to create false bad news just because it’s more interesting. But there isn’t much you can do about it. You just try to be the best person you can be, and keep it moving.

You like hats a lot, why?
I have stopped wearing them a lot because people make too much of a big deal about it; my last CD cover, I went without it, and I do that a lot more these days. However, I really do like hats, and I think they add to my styling and make me stand out from the crowd.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
That is classified information. If I tell you I would have to kill you. (General laughter)

Any album in the making?
I’m actually working on a project now that will show my versatile side… people might not even believe it’s me when they first hear it. I will be doing more rap and more commercial sounding music… the purpose is just to show people that while I love to do R&B, they should never put me in a box and expect me to only do that. I’m versatile and I have a lot I want to show and prove. Stay tuned. I’m really excited about it. In the mean time we’re still pushing singles and videos from the R&BW album though.

What is the gadget you can’t do without?
My Samsung Galaxy S4 phone.

What is the most expensive thing in your wardrobe?
I’m honestly not sure. I don’t put too much value on material things like clothes and accessories.

Tell us your educational background
I went to Corona Primary School, Ikoyi; then Home Science Association Secondary School ,Alakuko, however I did my JSS2 year in Adrao in VI. I did 1 year in Colonie Central High School in Albany New York, and I got a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy New York.

Last word.
To the fans, thank you so much and God bless you all real good.

Genevieve Nnaji Threatens To Slap E.M.E Skales For Mentioning Her Name In A song?

This is hilarious!!! Geneveive Nnaji has threaten to slap EME singer, Skales If he mentions her name in his lyrics again.

EME rapper, Skales probably never saw this coming. Well incase you didn’t know Skales in a song titled “no time” said that genevieve was top on his list and he wants to give her the D, but now Skales might get the ‘S’.

The far from happy star actress issued a statement, and I quote:
“Can you imagine that boy telling me he wants to give me the D ..what does he know, is the D sef? ..that is by the way..the next time i hear him mention my name in his lyrics again, I’m gonna give him a dirty slap, he’ll never forget..what sort of nonsense, am I his mate? how much does he have?”

Banky W was contacted but all he could say was “I told Skales..upcoming artist don’t mention her name in songs…now we have to go and beg all together….Wizkid is already buying her gifts..we cant spoil EME’s name, A slap on Skales is a slap on the whole family”

Win an all expense paid wedding in the “My Big Nigerian Wedding Contest”

Imagine not having to worry about the huge expenses of organizing a wedding, and having the wedding of your dreams all the same? Yes, you can be that lucky!

In 2014, WED Magazine, Nigeria’s foremost wedding go-to magazine would be making the dream of one lucky couple come true with the “My Big Nigerian Wedding Contest” Season 1.  The winning couple would have their wedding sponsored to the tune of a whooping N15million at a destination in Lagos, Nigeria and win other mouth watering prizes. Continue...



WED Magazine in conjunction with a host of unique wedding vendors and sponsors will foot the entire bill for the wedding of the winning couple. The vendors for this wedding also known as the “Dream Team” would be drawn from the best in their fields. The winning bride and groom-to-be will be helped in their quest for the perfect wedding day by a whole host of experts including a professional wedding planner and stylist to help them achieve their dream wedding.
Couples who wish to enter for the contest have to register on www.mbnwedding.com. Entry is absolutely free. Voting would commence on October 2nd and is open to the general public. Nigerian couples living in any part of the world can enter.

Aside from the voting on the website, the general public can help their favourite contestants have a better chance of winning on various social media platforms. Couples whose pictures have the highest number of likes on Facebook and Instagram and whose Hashtags have the highest number of retweets also stand a better chance of getting shortlisted. Social media voting starts on November 2nd.

Every week, the Top 10 contestants with the highest number of votes would be published on MBNW’s media partners’ platforms. Also, webisodes of the contest will be broadcast to millions of viewers on WED Magazine YouTube Channel as well as top websites like Weddaily.com, Bellanaija.com, Naij.com, Bimbor.com and a host of TV shows, blogs, wedding and entertainment websites.

At each stage of the competition, the contesting couples would have the opportunity to make their dreams come true by gathering adequate votes in their favour. This would be until the Top 10 stage where voting would end and other criteria would be used in selecting the finalists.
The contest would be culminated in a Grand Finale at the WED Expo Lagos 2014 - Nigeria's Largest Wedding Exhibition which will be at The Haven, Ikeja Lagos. The final group of couples would partake in a game show at the venue of the WED Expo where the winner would be announced and cart away mouth watering gift prizes and the wedding of their dreams! Other runner-ups would win consolation prizes at the event.
 All contestants will be treated to special discounts from wedding professionals at the WED Expo where about 300 vendors would be exhibiting their products and services.

 The Big Nigerian Wedding of the winning couple is scheduled to hold in July 2014. It would be one of the most anticipated weddings of the year. The event would be strictly by invitation and would be graced by top celebrities, entertainers and organized by some of the finest wedding vendors in Nigeria.

 This is an awesome opportunity for couples wishing to get married in 2014. So hurry, visit www.mbnwedding.com now to register and don’t forget to tell a friend.

 Exclusive radio partners of My Big Nigerian Wedding are Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info. Online media partners are Bimbor.com, BellaNaija.com, Naij.com and WedDaily.com
Are you interested in being a sponsor or partner or you are interested in taking part at Nigeria's Largest Wedding Exhibition? Call 07001111933, 08147790300, 08023188820, 08187357215 | Add BB Pin 2624124A | Email: wedexpo@thewedmagazine.com
The Production Company for the Reality Show is Riverside Productions.

P-Square, Wizkid, Mafikizolo, Fuse ODG nominated for MTV EMA

 

 

Nigerian superstars Wizkid and P-Square have been nominated for the Best African Act category alongside African acts, Mafikizolo, LCNVL and Fuse ODG at the “2013 MTV EMA. MTV made the announcement today. Big congrats to them! Rooting for my boy, Fuse. Can't get over his music. Hehe

Breakthrough artists Macklemore & Ryan Lewis lead the EMA nominations with five nods each, while Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke are each up for four awards.

The “2013 MTV EMA” will be broadcast live on MTV (DStv Channel 130) on Sunday 10 November at 22:00 CAT from the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam (official red carpet show starts at 21:00 CAT).
Find the full list of nominees -Here

Top 20 RICHEST NIGERIAN Billionaires!!!

The list of top 20 Richest Nigerian billionaires has been based on:

The value of their shares held in quoted companies, the size and market share of their companies, the number of companies they own and its assumed value, the market value of their company’s brand and the impact of their companies on the Nigerian economy.

Despite the harsh terrain and business challenges involved with starting a business in Nigeria; the successful entrepreneurs listed below held their ground and fought their way to the top.

In a country with a population of over 160 million inhabitants and millions of businesses; these 20 entrepreneurs diligently carved their names in the sands of time.

SEE the list below.

1. Alhaji Aliko Dangote – founder of Dangote Group, Richest man in Africa and Richest black man in the world.
2. Mike Adenuga – Conoil, Equatorial Trust Bank, Globacom.
3. Femi Otedola – ZENON Oil and Gas.
4. Orji Uzor Kalu – Slok Group.
5. Cosmos Maduka – Coscharis Group.
6. Jimoh Ibrahim – Nicon Insurance, Global Flee.
7. Jim Ovia – Zenith Bank, Visafone.
8. Pascal Dozie – MTN Nigeria, Diamond Bank.
9. Oba Otudeko – Honeywell Group Nigeria.
10. Alhaji Sayyu Dantata – MRS Group.
11. Umaru Abdul Mutallab – former Chairman First Bank Plc, Mutallab Group.
12. Prince Samuel Adedoyin – Doyin Group.
13. Dele Fajemirokun – Chaiman Aiico Insurance, Xerox Nigeria, Chicken Republic, Kings Guards etc.
14. Chief Cletus Ibeto – Ibeto Group.
15. Raymond Dokpesi – Daar Communication, AIT.
16. Tony Ezenna – Orange Group.
17. Chief Molade Okoya Thomas – Chairman CFAO Nig and other six french companies.
18. Ifeanyi Ubah – Capital oil and gas.
19. Leo Stan Ekeh – Zinox Computer.
20. Fola Adeola – GTBank

Hot or Tacky? Tiwa Savage's Outfit For 2013 Summer Jam Concert In Lagos

Pretty songstress Tiwa Savage rocked this yellow lacy outfit for her performance at the 2013 Summer Jam concert which held in Lagos, Oriental Hotel last Friday, September 13th.
Hot, S*xy or Tacky?

No Nigerian university makes world’s most influential list

The annual Global Universities' ranking by Quacquarell Symonds (QS), was released recently and no Nigerian university made the top 1, 000 most influential schools in the world. Seven universities in South Africa and six in Egypt were among the top 700. Sad for us. Check on it here

UNBELIEVABLE! MAN SELLS GOAT FOR $3.46 Million (560million naira)

A Goat Was Sold For $3.46 Million In Saudi Arabia (Photo After the cut) 

 

A Business man in Saudi Arabia recently sold a goat for 13million Saudi Riyals which is equivalent to (N560million). Sources say some special qualities were noticed in the goat hence the outrageous price.  So much for a million dollar goat.lol

The cheque that sealed the deal.

Could this be real?
Dont forget to share.

NBC bans radio stations from playing Wizkid's The Matter & Phyno's Man of the Year

According to Beatfm OAP Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi, The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has instructed them not to play two songs - Wizkid ft Maleek Berry - The Matter and Phyno - 'Man of the Year. Were they singing ashewo things in the songs?

Dont forget to share.

BBA winner Dilish gets brand new car as birthday gift from boyfriend

Dillish Pearl Munroe, the winner of the recently concluded Big Brother Africa The Chase celebrated her birthday yesterday and her family and friends came out to celebrate with her. In the mix was her boyfriend Steven (who bought her a brand new car as a birthday gift, pictured right), mum, siblings and her father, who she said on BBA she'd never met before. They finally met after she won the reality show. See more photos from the birthday party after the cut...

 

 Dillish and her father at her birthday party yesterday

 

Wait a minute, the war between Jay Z & Nas started over a woman?

Well, that is if you believe Nas' former girlfriend and baby mama, Carmen Bryan. She did a question and answer session with her fans on Twitter a few days ago, and spilled everything. She claimed the feud between Jay Z and Nas started after she dated and got pregnant for Jay Z. She said she later lost the pregnancy. The feud between Jay Z and Nas (from 2000/2005) was one of the most followed feuds in hip hop history.

Carmen also claimed Nas' ex-wife Kelis is bisexual and they once asked her for a threesome. See the tweets after the cut...

Fight breaks out at House of Reps as new PDP meets lawmakers

A meeting between the seven governors of the new Peoples Democratic Party faction, and members of the House of Representatives has ended after fighting broke out.

The governors, alongside the chairman of the faction, Abubakar Baraje, met first with senate president, David Mark. A follow up meeting at the House of Representatives with Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, and members of the House, degenerated into chaos with supporters of the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP jeering at remarks made by Mr Baraje.

The chaos soon escalated after two members, Dagogo Peterside and Henry Ofongo, from Rivers and Bayelsa states respectively, went up against each other.

Mr. Baraje told Mr. Mark that President Goodluck Jonathan must give up his ambition for a new term. 


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Eight Reasons You Are Still Single

You may be enjoying your freedom too much or simply be afraid of commitment.

1. Your standards are too high.

One of the most frequent reasons why some women are still single is because they set the bar too high. It’s great to have high standards. Under no circumstances should you settle for less than you deserve. However, make sure your standards are realistic.

2. You’re too negative.

Are you pessimistic or do you always find something to complain about? Such an attitude would certainly explain why you are still single. No man is going to want a relationship with a woman who is never pleased or who sees the world through dark-tinted glasses.

3. You’re going after the wrong guy.

It’s the old story. Many women are still single because they’re constantly going after the wrong guy. If you find yourself constantly drawn to the charming debonair type of man, bear in mind such men love the thrill of the chase and will definitely not be in it for the long haul.

4. You’re not a good listener.

Most of us don’t know how to listen. You should take in not only what people say, but also how they say it – body language, tone, eye contact, etc. More often than not, what is conveyed non-verbally is more important than what is actually said.

5. You don’t take care of yourself.

Trust us, men do care about this. We’re not saying you should look straight out of a photo shoot, but basic things like keeping fit, wearing nice clothes and a bit of makeup do help. If your usual look is a casual outfit and no makeup, don’t ask yourself why you’re still single.

6. You’re hung up on an ex.

A common reason why some women are still single is the fact they haven’t given up on an ex. Whether you’re still seeing him on and off or still fantasize about him, being hung up on an ex is preventing you from opening up to the promise of a new relationship.

7. You’re being judgmental and insecure.

Men do not feel at ease around women who are judgmental of other people. Such an attitude is usually an expression of insecurity, which is certainly not an appealing quality in either sex.

8. You don’t actually want a relationship.

Whether you admit it or not, you may actually be still single because, deep down, that’s how you prefer it. You may be enjoying your freedom too much or simply be afraid of commitment.




Dont forget to share.

Chika Ike Dazzles In New Photos

Isn't she Gorgeous?

2 Undergraduates, Others Arrested For Scamming Union Bank 2.05Billion Naira

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested two young men who claimed to be undergraduates of the University of Jos, Isaiah Friday and Azzaior Samuel, for an alleged N2.05bn fraud.

Two bureau de change operators, Salihu Mahmoud and Dan Ibrahim, were also arrested in connection with the alleged crime.

The suspects were also accused of being members of a syndicate that specialised in breaking into the computer data base of financial institutions to carry out dry posting of funds.

The Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspects were arrested in Lagos and Jos.


He said, “Their arrest comes on the heels of a petition which the commission received from Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Marina, Lagos, in January 2013, alleging that a criminal attack had been launched on its data base known as ‘Flexcube’, by yet-to-be-identified criminals who falsified the bank records and accounts and created unjustified huge opening balances in several accounts across the bank’s branches. They subsequently transferred funds from those accounts to several accounts in other banks.

“The petition, which was signed by one A.F Olufade, Head of Fraud Investigation at the bank, said cash withdrawals and electronic transfers totaling N2.05bn was involved in the scam.”

It was learnt that EFCC initial investigation showed that Friday, who was carrying out computer system maintenance services for one of the Union Bank branches in Jos, Plateau State, on a part-time basis, paved the way for the fraudsters to penetrate the bank’s database.

Uwujaren said, “Friday was traced and arrested. His arrest led to the arrest of Azaaior Samuel.
“Investigations further revealed that Samuel introduced Friday to Mahmoud, who is the mastermind of the fraud with others now at large.

“Mahmoud and other collaborators told Friday that they needed access to the bank’s database in order to carry out some postings. They promised to give Friday N.5m if the deal succeeded.”

It was gathered that Friday agreed. On the day the crime was committed, he told people at the bank that Samuel was his colleague who had accompanied him to work.

It was learnt that after the gang had succeeded in gaining access to the bank’s premises, it carried out the postings to six different company accounts domiciled in Union Bank’s Marina branch in Lagos.

Uwujaren said, “The accounts are Gona Bureau De Change Limited, Jaxmine Bureau De Change Limited, Dan Kawu Bureau De Change Limited, Godswill Great Communications, ZHG Services Limited and A and B Console Limited. The postings were carried out and the syndicate thereafter went to the bank to withdraw all the funds. Friday was paid as promised and other syndicate members now at large shared the remaining balance.”

The EFCC spokesman added that the commission had been able to recover $2,129,900 and another N134,542, from the fraudsters.

He said, “Other items recovered are furniture worth N10m from Salihu Liman’s one bedroom apartment in Yaba, Lagos; four vehicles, landed properties in Kano and Kaduna and a four-bedroom duplex worth N45m in Lagos.




Na wa o

Would You Rock This Male Leggings ( Meggings)

Ok... I think I'm beginning to have a problem with all these 'ings' fashion... First it was leggings, then jeggings and later treggings. You think it stops at that right? Wait till you hear about meggings!!! Meggings, as the name suggests, is supposedly a male version of Leggings/Jeggings. This is one virus I earnestly hope will not creep into the African society. Feel free to agree or disagree with me. What do you think about the trend? Crap or Spot On?

Photos: Justin Beiber Hangs Out With Obama’s Daughters

Last week Saturday saw teen global idol, Justin Beiber hangs out with both The United States President and his cute daughters…..More pics after the cut: