Ochade's Blog.. Welcome!

A new policy alert released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services under President Trump's administration, has cancelled automatic citizenship for the children of some US service members and US government employees living abroad and children of non-citizens born in the United States.  This announcement was made on Wednesday August 28. Under the new citizenship policy which will be effective from October 29, US citizens who gave birth to their children abroad are expected to apply for U.S. citizenship ahead of the child's 18th birthday. 

The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has disclosed that the agency is collating comprehensive data on the Nigerians indicted in the recently busted money laundering and cyber crime offences in the United States. Magu who spoke through the Head of the Ibadan zonal office, Friday Ebelo, during a press conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the massive data collection was part of the collaborative activities between the EFCC and FBI to ensure that criminal elements are exposed and made to pay for their crimes.

The Nigerian government on Tuesday August 26, dismissed report of  23 Nigerians awaiting execution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after being convicted for drug offences.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement which countered the report, said it has been in contact with the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia “and it has been confirmed that the story is false and should be disregarded.”

The United States Embassy in Nigeria says effective from Thursday, August 29th this year, Nigerians applying for tourism, student and business visas will pay an additional $110 (N40,700) to collect their visa if they are granted. This is asides the N59,200 visa application fee. This was made announced in a statement released by the Embassy today August 27th, applicants seeking the L1 Visa (work permit) will pay an extra N112,100 if given visas while those applying for H4 Visa (dependency/spousal) will pay an extra N66,600. The US Embassy adopted the rate of N370/$1 for Nigerians which is higher than both the official rate and the black market rate.

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Babatunde Fowler, has said that the agency will begin to impose value-added tax on Internet transactions both domestic and international with effect from January 2020. He made the revelation on Monday at the African Tax Administration Forum in Abuja. He said, “We have thrown it out to Nigerians. Effective from January 2020, we will ask banks to charge VAT on online transactions, both domestic and international.

According to reports, twenty three (23) Nigerians would be executed at anytime in Saudi Arabia, for drug-related offences. They were convicted for contravening the narcotic and psychotropic substances that are punishable by death. Saudi documents revealed that they were arrested between 2016 and 2017 at King Abdul-Aziz International Airport, Jeddah and Prince Muhammad bin Abdu- Aziz International Airport, Madinah having concealed the banned substances in their rectums.

The Kogi State National Assembly/State Assembly election tribunal has sacked Dino Melaye as the Senator representing Kogi west district. In a judgement delivered on Friday, the tribunal led by A.O. Chijiok ordered a fresh election in the district.

Some Nigerians have been arrested in what the FBI called one of the largest cases of fraud in US history.  It was revealed that they have scammed Americans to the tune of $1.1bn between January-July this year alone. The US Attorney’s Office said that most of the defendants are Nigerian citizens. After search warrants were executed at multiple locations across L.A. County on Thursday morning, federal prosecutors announced a 252-count indictment that accuses 80 people in the U.S. and Nigeria of participating in a “massive conspiracy to steal millions of dollars through a variety of fraud schemes.”

Rauf Aregbesola, the newly appointed Minister of Interior Affairs, and former Governor of Osun State has said he does not know anything about the Ministry. He was appointed as the Minister of Interior by President Buhari on Wednesday August 21st. Shortly after his portfolio was assigned to him, Aregbesola visited the headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja where he was welcomed by the staff, but told the staff that he knows next to nothing about the Ministry. The former governor told the staff that apart from stories about the ministry on the pages of the Newspaper, he had no idea about the operations and policies of the Ministry.

According to Forbes, ’The Rock’ was the highest paid actor for 2019, jumping from second place the year before.  This is despite his earnings of £73.6million being lower than the year before, when he raked in a staggering £98.1million. The last twelve months have seen Dwayne made huge profits from his films Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and its sequel Jumanji: The Next Level, as well as his TV show Ballers, where he reportedly picks up £573,972 per episode.

Liam Hemsworth has filed for divorce from wife Miley Cyrus, eleven days after the couple announced their separation after just seven months of marriage. The 29-year-old Hunger Games star cited 'irreconcilable differences' in paperwork filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles. The couple had a prenup so their individual earnings during the marriage will remain separate and there is no request for spousal support.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has declared its probe into the rape accusation by Busola Dakolo against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo inconclusive. PFN said the probe into the founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo rape allegation was inconclusive because he snubbed several invitation to meet the five-member investigating panel it set up on the case.

The Guild of Medical Directors of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh by declaring August 19 a national holiday every year in her honour. The Public Relations Officer of the Abuja chapter of the guild, Biodun Ogungbo, said this in a statement titled, Remembering Stella Adadevoh. It reads: 

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved new energy tariff for the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in the country. The commission made this known on Wednesday, August 21st in a series of publications tagged ‘2016-2018 minor review of the 2015 multi year tariff order’ (MYTO) for each DisCo. According to the documents, the order became effective from July 1, 2019. The DisCos had cited lack of cost-reflective tariff as its major challenge on the sector, which has also prevented them from investing in their networks.

The Federal Inland Service (FIRS) on Monday August 19, published a list of 19,901 accounts yet to update their tax status.  Owners of the 19,901 accounts were given 29 days to pay their tax or see it get deducted from their bank accounts. The notice read in parts;

President Buhari has assigned portfolios to the 43 Ministers sworn in this afternoon. See the Ministers and their portfolios below; Abia – Uchechukwu Samson Ogah: Minister of State Mines and Steel Delvelopment Adamawa – Mohammed musa Bello: Minister of Federal Capital Territory Akwa Ibom – God’swill Akpabio: Minister of Niger Delta Anambra – Dr Chris Ngige: Minister of Labor and Employment

The World Bank has blacklisted six Chinese companies currently operating in Nigeria over alleged fraud and corruption . The companies, according to an announcement published on the World Bank ’ s website , are CCECC Nigeria Railway Company Limited, CRCC Petroleum and Gas Company Limited and CCECC Nigeria Company Limited. Others are China Railway Construction ( International ) Nigeria Company Limited, China Railway 18th Bureau Nigeria Engineering Company Limited and CCECC Nigeria Lekki ( FTA ) Company Limited.

The Supreme Court has struck out an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.  A five-man panel led by Justice Dattijo Muhammad said the appeal was statute-barred The appeal marked SC/738/2019, had sought to quash an aspect of proceedings of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal where President Buhari’e re-election is being challenged. 

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are currently raiding the residence of Akinwumi Ambode, the immediate past governor of Lagos state. They stormed Ambode's Epe residence at about 9am to carry out a search of the house. EFCC spokesperson,  Tony Orilade  confirmed this to TheCable .

Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has nominated Seun Fakorede, a 27-year-old Engineering graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, as one of the three commissioner nominees for screening by the state House of Assembly. Fakorede, who hails from Idere area of Ibarapa Central local government, bagged a Civil Engineering degree from OAU in 2016 and currently runs an entrepreneur and consultancy outfit, and a non-profit outfit, Home Advantage Africa (HAA).

The Osun Government has declared Tuesday, August 20th as a public holiday to mark the 2019 Traditional Worshippers’ Day, also known as ‘’Isese Day.” Obawale Adebisi, the Supervisor for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism , announced this on Monday in Osogbo. Adebisi, however, appealed to traditional worshippers to be peaceful and law abiding in their conduct during and after the festive period.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has tied the knot with his longtime partner Lauren Hashian, who he has been together with  since 2007. The 47-year-old actor announced the good news on his Instagram page, to the surprise of his fans by uploading a series of stunning sunset pictures from his big day.

The Federal Government has lodged a complaint with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), on the live sex aired on the Big Brother Naija show. The complaint led to arrangement for launch of a modified reality show where the true Nigerian culture will be shown, Nigerian food will be eaten and Nigerian dresses worn.  The National Council for Arts and Culture Director-General Otunba Segun Runsewe, disclosed this when paid a visit by the President of the National Council of Women Societies Dr Gloria Shoda.  It is also expected that the NCAC will represent the 2008 Nudity Bill titled  ‘A Bill for an Act to punish and prohibit nudity, sexual intimidation and other-related offences in Nigeria,'  sponsored by the former chairperson, Senate Committee on Women and Youth, Eme Ekaette.

Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) on Friday said it has banned former Nigerian coach Samson Siasia for life on “all football-related activities” over allegations of match fixing. FIFA also said Siasia, has been fined CHF 50,000 ($51,051.66). FIFA said in a statement that the adjudicatory chamber of their independent Ethics Committee found that Siasia was “guilty of having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.”

An Irish-owned firm was today granted court permission to seize up to $9bn (£7.4bn) in assets from the Nigerian government. A British judge said that Process and Industrial Developments Ltd (P&ID) can take 20 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign reserves. The move will likely raise concerns among foreign investors. The case dates back to 2010, during Dr. Goodluck Jonathan's administration as Nigeria’s president. The Nigerian government, under Dr. Jonathan, had struck a deal with the Irish firm to supply gas to a processing plant built and run by P&ID in Calabar

Did you know that Nigeria has up to 317 tribes?  Well, below is a comprehensive list of all Nigerian Tribes and the States where they reside...

The Nigerian Government has notified the public of the change in name of its twitter handle effective  today, Thursday, 15th of August.  The name was changed from @AsoRock to @NigeriaGov. Disclosing the reason for this, the Government tweeted; “NOTIFICATION: Twitter Handle Change | From @AsoRock to @NigeriaGov, to more accurately reflect the fact that this handle represents, and exists on behalf of, the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

Burna Boy has launched his own bank, named ‘Burna Bank’. This was brought to life in collaboration with Spotify, a Swedish digital music service provider. The bank features a unique ATM machine, specially made to dispense Burna notes. The bank was inspired by the artwork of Burna Boy’s latest studio album, African Giant.

President Buhari has signed a bill changing the Nigeria Prison Service to Nigeria Correctional Service. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang who disclosed this to State House correspondents yesterday explained that the Correctional Service is made up of Custodial and Non Custodial Service.

The Borno State government has donated some part of Sambisa forest for the controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) programme. The governor of the state, Professor Babagana Umara, made the donation public when he hosted the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kanemi at his home. According to the Governor, the donation is to “encourage farming and herding activities across the state.”

Nicki Minaj revealed on Monday’s episode of her Queen Radio show that she and boyfriend Kenneth Petty will be married in “about 80 days.” The rapper explained that she and Petty “filed for the marriage  license and we still had to pick it up and I was traveling, by the time I came back, we had to renew it again.” “From that time, you have 90 days to get married. That was about a week ago, so now I have about 80 days,” Minaj shared.

Topshop heiress, Chloe Green has split from Jeremy Meeks after two years of dating, according to US Weekly. The publication reports that the heiress, 28,  and hot felon, 35 called it quits two months ago - before she was spotted with a new man aboard her dad Sir Philip Green’s super yacht. A source told US Weekly: “They split about two months ago, but are off and on still speaking.” It’s claimed that Jeremy who shares  son Jayden with Chloe was surprised to see pictures of Chloe with another man.

Last night, Burna Boy was a guest on The Daily Show hosted by Trevor Noah to promote his latest album 'African Giant’.  While on the show, he talked about his deal with Spotify to launch 'Burna Bank', his Afro-Fusion music, his album and how he met Trevor Noah on the show. He also serenaded Trevor Noah’s audience with his hit numbers, ‘Anybody’ and ‘Ye.

‘African Giant’, Burna Boy’s latest album, has become the highest ranking African album ever on UK albums chart. he debut was announced by Official charts through their official Twitter account. They wrote @officialcharts, “Check out this week’s Official Albums Chart, featuring the Top 40 debut of @BurnaBoy with African Giant.”

Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria, Mr Rachid Benmessaoudade, made this disclosure in Abuja on Thursday at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Portfolio Performance Award. He said the projects which this huge sum of money was spent on over the years were targeted at alleviating poverty and improving the lives of Nigerians. He described the World Bank’s financial commitment in Nigeria as being among the largest in the entire African continent with over 30 operational projects.

Jussie Smollett will not be returning for the final season of “Empire”. Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier confirmed the news at the TCAs on Wednesday. “As much as anything in cases like this, and they’re all so unique, you try gather all the information,” he said, according to TV Line. “You try to make a good decision at the time. Series creator Lee [Daniels] is right. There’s no plans for Jussie to return to ‘Empire’.” The actor was also written out of the final episode of the show’s fifth season this past spring after he was charged with staging a hoax hate crime attack against himself in Chicago.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), yesterday, gave all South African companies operating in Nigeria to shut down within seven days and move out of the country. The umbrella body of students in Nigeria specifically mentioned telecommunications giant, MTN, Multichoice and Shoprite. The ultimatum, which was issued at a joint press conference addressed by the leadership of NANS and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), came on the heels of incessant attacks and murder of Nigerians in South Africa.

A Federal High Court in Abuja as granted the request by the Department of State Services (DSS) to further detain the convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore for 45 days pending the conclusion of its investigation. Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in a ruling on Thursday on an ex-parte motion by the DSS, said e would allow the agency detain Sowore for 45 days in the first instance, which could be renewed upon and application, to enable the DSS complete its investigation.

Nollywood actor, IK Ogbonna and his wife, Sonia have been in the news for a while over speculations of a divorce even though they always dispel the rumors.  In March 2018, Sonia had  expressed her joy in an Instagram post that she and her husband didn’t resort to divorce despite considering the thought when times were harsh. According to the Colombian beauty, she had rediscovered herself and has fallen in love with him again.

Nigerian singer, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun known as Wizkid set to drop his next track in 5 years time. Wizkid had earlier listed all his scheduled shows and performances. He has now revealed there won't be any music from him till the next 5 years.

A 25-year-old Nigerian man identified as Uchenna Stanley Nnaji drowned in Lac des Sables in the Laurentian community of Ste-Agathe-des-Monts on July 13, two weeks after being granted assylum.  The deceased was on a boat cruise outing with his friends in Canada's Montreal. He was apparently not wearing a life vest and did not resurface after he jumped off the boat into the water to swim at about 11:50 a.m. His body was recovered the next day after firefighters and the SQ nautical team which included divers patrolled the area.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has disclosed that only N300 million remained in the three accounts operated by the Lagos State Government which the court ordered the commission to freeze on Tuesday. Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High Court, in Ikoyi, Lagos, had on Tuesday ordered the freezing of the sum of three accounts belonging to the Lagos State government over alleged N9.9 billion fraud. The alleged fraud was committed under the administration of immediate past Governor of the State, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the approval of the sum of N500,000 as bursary for every indigene of the state currently at the Nigerian Law School. The governor made the announcement when he received in his office some indigenes of the state currently in Law school. According to the governor, the decision was aimed at encouraging the students and assisting them to achieve greatness in their academic pursuit.

Zimbabwe will change its laws to allow farmers to grow industrial hemp for export, cabinet ministers said on Tuesday, adding that the government saw the plant as a future substitute for tobacco, the country's biggest export earning crop. Industrial hemp is a strain of a cannabis species that is grown specifically for industrial uses of its derived products. Its fibre is used in textiles and paper, and it also produces edible seeds.

Serena Williams tops Forbes' list of highest-paid female athletes for the fourth year in a row. The 23-time grand slam singles champion earned 29.2 million US dollars (approximately £24million) for the 12 months to June 1, only 4.2million dollars of which was in prize money. Naomi Osaka became just the fourth woman to earn more than 20million US dollars in a year after Williams, Maria Sharapova and Li Na. See full list below;

The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday – August 12 and 13 – as public holidays to mark the 2019 Eid-Al-Kabir celebrations. The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, declared this in a statement on Tuesday on behalf of the government. She made the declaration in a statement signed by Mohammed Manga, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the office.

Busola Dakolo has raised an alarm of being forced at gun point by the police to sign a letter countering her rape allegations against Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo.  She alleged that she was forced into a van by some armed men who ordered her to speak with their superior officer in Pidgin language. Busola who accused the Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) church of raping her when she was still a teenager in Ilorin, said the document she was forced to sign contained allegations of “criminal conspiracy, falsehood, mischief and threat to life” levelled against her and her husband.

Harland and Wolff, the 158-year-old shipyard in Northern Ireland that built the Titanic, is preparing for bankruptcy. The UK government named an administrator to oversee the company’s restructuring, a Harland and Wolff spokesman said. The case is expected to be in a UK court on Tuesday. The shipyard in Belfast employed about 35,000 at its pre-World War II peak in 1935. It has only 123 full-time employees today. It has not built a ship since 2003, when it built two ferries. Since then, Harland and Wolff has concentrated on renewable energy, including offshore wind and tidal turbines.

Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says the government will be making a mistake if it files charges against Omoyele Sowore. Sowore, who is the convener of #RevolutionNow movement, has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since Saturday.  The DSS had accused him of threatening public peace and safety with his planned nationwide protest. Speaking at an event organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on Tuesday, the senior lawyer who though did not mention President Muhammadu Buhari’s name directly, said Sowore had briefed him from detention that in the case he would be charged, his first witness would be someone in government who in 2011 also called for a revolution.

Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, ordered the freezing of the sum of N9.9bn belonging to the Lagos State government but linked to former Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. Justice Chuka Obiozor gave the order, following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The EFCC had prayed the court to freeze the account pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution of Adewale Adesanya, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Chief of Staff to Ambode.