NBC shuts down AIT, Ray Power FM indefinitely

The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has suspended indefinitely the license of Daar Communications Plc, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power.

The Director-General of NBC, Modibbo Kawu, who made this known to journalists this evening, said the ban is as a result of the broadcasting station's failure to abide by the broadcasting code.

Below is the statement from NBC

“Following monitoring reports and complaints from concerned Nigerians about the broadcast contents of Daar Communications Plc’s AIT/Raypower broadcast stations, the NBC have over the last 2 years summoned on several occasions management of the company to address issues regarding the operations of AIT/Raypower with the company, particularly, Political Platform and Kakaaki aired on AIT,” he said.

“In one of our meetings, held on 2nd June, 2017, the Commission expressed its disappointment with the way and manner Hate Speech, divisive and inciting comments are applied in discussion of national issues in breach of the provisions of the NBC Act and Broadcast Code.

“Again, on 15th August, 2017, it became imperative to invite the company for yet another meeting on almost same issues. Furthermore, while addressing another meeting on 7th February, 2018 we highlighted issues of concern to the Commission which indicated that the company had been breaching the provisions of Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of the broadcast Code. The company’s delegates in their response promised to abate the breaches and comply with the law.

“However, on October 18, 2018, the Commission was disturbed with the manner in which social media issues became part of the mainstream media unedited on AIT/Raypower, and was constrained to issue a generic letter to all broadcast stations on.

“Instead of making amends, the management of Daar Communications Plc resorted to the use of media propaganda against the regulator. Even the letters from the NBC were posted on social media platforms,” he said.

“Needless to state that Daar Communications have over the years turned themselves into a bad example of how a professional broadcast outfit should not be run.

“In their relationship with the NBC, Daar Communications carry on, as if it is beyond the regulatory direction of the Commission. They don’t pay their licence fees as and when due.

“Its broadcast is patently partisan and one sided and deliberately inciting and heating the polity. The management of the Company has created the habit of using the channel to fight its personal battles contrary to the statutory requirements of the law.

“Today the 6th of June, 2019, AIT/Rapower embarked on use of inflammatory, divisive, inciting broadcasts, and media propaganda against the government and, the NBC for performing its statutory functions of regulating the broadcast industry in Nigeria.

“Consequently, after several meetings with management of Daar Communications Plc and many letters of warning. The NBC, today 6th June, 2019 took a decision to suspend the licence of Daar Communications Plc for failure to abide by the Commission’s directives, the provisions of the NBC Act Cap N11

“The SHUT DOWN order is until further notice.” Kawu said

Earlier today, the chairman of the station, Raymond Dokpesi, held a press conference where he accused President Buhari of using the NBC to victimize him.

“I have it on strict authority and very assured information that the highest echelons of government, the Presidency, queried and challenged the NBC that they were not doing their jobs: ‘How on earth could they be hearing and seeing on AIT what they termed hate speech?’

“Any criticism of this government is hate speech. The NBC is acting under the authority of the President and Commander-in-Chief. The licensing fees in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world. There is no country in the world where you have this type of exploitative fees. I have appealed for a reduction because the payments cannot be sustained by private broadcasters in Nigeria.

“This economy has plummeted. This government has called this organisation unprintable names which has deterred several advertisers from patronising AIT. I sought an audience with the NBC DG. I called, sent letters and sent text messages to him, but he refused. In spite of the fact that we have to run generators 24-hours of the day, I remain committed to keeping the spirit of broadcasting alive,” Dokpesi said at the press conference

Attainable whereabouts of the kidnapped Chibok girls located - Nigerian Air Force

The Nigerian Air Force says it has located the possible location of the abducted Chibok girls. The Director of Public Relations at the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, told Channels TV that the Air Force is abstaining from attacking the area to make sure that the girls are not hit.

He explained that the latest aerial bombardment of Sambisa forest had been aimed at the logistics base of the Boko Haram sect and not areas where the Chibok girls could be located.
"We have no fears that the girls are not there because that particular location has been under surveillance for quite a while and we suspected maybe its a kind of ammunition depot or maybe a workshop that they are using as their logistics place. Once you take off the logistics base, of course you gradually weaken the resolve of the enemy to be able to prosecute any campaign," he said.
Explaining some of the tactics used by the Air Force to locate the girls, Famuyiwa said:
"The UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) has become a force multiplier for us because its cheaper to run these platforms, you are not putting men there (and) the risk of  losing human beings is greatly reduced. Again the UAVs have the capability to be airborne for up to eleven hours and its quite cheap to maintain. So, we have been able to employ the UAV to a great extent to carry out reconnaissance and surveillance basically for intelligence gathering on the activities of the Boko Haram."
He said that the UAVs have also helped the Air Force to understand the terrorists’ pattern of movement and "how to be able to counter them should they want to strike or spring any surprise".

Source: Channels TV

Bobbi Kristina's deathbed photo released by National Enquirer (Graphic)

It's been rumoured for a while now that a member of the family was actually going to give it out in exchange for money . TMZ did support that rumour by publishing it, well facts have it that the rumour was right. The "costly photo" was sold to the National Enquirer by an undisclosed family member and they released it on their front cover today. Here in this photo is Bobbi Kristina in her hospital bed before she died.Some type of family member that is ... see it up close below..
RIP Bobbi K

Boko Haram - At least 70 bodies found in mass grave by Nigerian and Chad Troops

A mass grave containing at least 70 bodies has been found in a town recently retaken from Boko Haram, soldiers from Niger and Chad say.

They say they found the bodies in Damasak in north-eastern Nigeria, a town they entered on Saturday, ending months of Boko Haram control.

Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan predicted all territory would be taken back from Boko Haram within a month.

"They are getting weaker and weaker by the day," he told the BBC on Friday.

The victims, many with their throats slits and some decapitated, may have been killed some time ago, reports suggest.

Chadian army Col Azem Bermandoa Agouna told AFP news agency that he had visited the grave and seen "about 100 bodies spread under a bridge just outside the town".

Together with the Nigerian army, forces from Chad, Niger and Cameroon are involved in an offensive against the Islamic militants who are controlling parts of north-eastern Nigeria.

Nigeria is preparing to hold presidential elections on 28 March after security concerns led to a postponement of the original date in mid-February.

Source - BBC
Image Credit - REUTERS

Boko Haram members impersonate traders and attack market in Borno, several Killed

These militants are really stepping up their attack strategies , causing insecurity to every nook and cranny of the state. Several traders are feared dead after Boko Haram militants disguised as traders attacked a market in Damasak town in the Mobar Local government area of Borno state this morning.

According to reports, the sect members arrived the fishing and farming community around 11am, moved into the middle of the market and opened fire on unsuspecting buyers and sellers.

RIP to Another fallen hero; Lt. Mudassir , killed yesterday by Boko Haram

Liuetenant A. Mudassir (Mudex) was killed in action by Boko Haram militants yesterday, 16th November. He and members of his troop were on their way to reclaim Chibok from Boko Haram when they were ambushed and was killed during the ensuing gun battle.

He was a 59RC gentleman officer from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). His bereaved friend, AS Aruwa shared his photos on twitter.  May his soup rest in peace. Lets all share a moment of silence.

Rosetta's probe - European scientists make space history by successfully landing probe on a comet after 10-year mission

It's been an exciting day today in the science/Astro world most especially the "European Space Agency"  ESA . A 10 year project finally was achieved today breaking records and making history. The 1st time there will be a landing on a comet moving at over 300m/h (an incredible speed) . Am glad to be a witness to this great event that will affect mankind inhopefully a positive way. Read the developing news below...
Rosetta's probe, Philae, has successfully landed on its comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. 

After a daring seven-hour descent, the probe has made space history by becoming the first ever craft to land on a comet.

In an emotional speech, Esa director general Jean-Jacques Dordain said: 'It's a big step for human civilization.'

Scientists hope data from the probe will help reveal how the solar system was first created 4.5 billion years ago.

The confirmation of the landing was relayed via Rosetta to Earth and picked up simultaneously by a ground station in Malargüe, Argentina and Madrid, Spain, before being confirmed in Darmstadt.

'Esa and its Rosetta mission partners achieved something extraordinary today,' said Dordain.

'Our ambitious Rosetta mission has secured another place in the history books: not only is it the first to rendezvous with and orbit a comet, but it is now also the first to deliver a probe to a comet's surface.'

Touchdown! Min nya adress: 67P! #CometLanding
— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014

At 08.35 GMT today, mission control in Darmstadt, Germany sent a command to release the Philae probe from Rosetta's grip. This picture shows the boulder-strewn neck region of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. It was captured around 4.8 miles (7.7km) from the surface of the comet

See the full news and imagery on Daily Mail

Prominent Man of God and preacher Myles Munroe and wife die in plane crash in Bahamas

The prominent gospel leader, transformational leader, business coach and author of many motivational books, Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife, Ruth Ann, died in a plane crash in the Bahamas yesterday Nov. 9th, how sad. The couple and 7 others (pictured above moments before boarding the plane) met their deaths the Lear 36 executive private jet they were traveling made impact with a crane at the grand Bahamas ship yard, as it approached for landing. The plane exploded on impact.

The plane which had nine people on board left the Lynden Pindling International Airport and was trying to make a landing at the Grand Bahama International Airport when it crashed. Everybody was killed.

Dr Myles Monroe was just 60 years old.

The group was on their way to the Global Leadership Forum, which was organized by Dr. Munroe and was scheduled for this week in Free-port.

Dr Munroe and wife were Senior pastors at the Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship, they are survived by their two kids, a daughter Charisa and a son, Chairo Myles Junior. May their souls rest in peace Amen. Such a sad end.

Boko Haram Bombs Bank in Azare, Kills 14, Scores Injured

Things just got even more nasty , as Bokoharam  insurgents have decided to take it out on Banking premises, this is a heightened sense of threat! Banks?! Ha! 

Read Thisdaylive's report below ...

what is clearly an escalation of its murderous activities, the terrorist sect, Boko Haram, on Friday carried out more attacks in the North-east targeting Azare, the headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State, bombing a first generation bank in the town. About 14 people were feared killed while scores were injured.

The bomb blast in Azare came on the same day the sect entered Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State and overran Gashala Village, killing four people in the process.

The tragic incident in Azare occurred in the early hours of Friday. Sources said customers believed to be mainly civil servants were on the queue at the bank’s ATM machine when a bomb was detonated by the suspected terrorists.

The source said 14 people died instantly while scores were critically injured.

An eyewitness added: “The hoodlums initially disguised as normal bank customers who had come to join the queue to withdraw money, but before we knew what was happening, the suspects detonated a bomb.”

The source added that the bombers came in a Hilux vehicle.

"As I am talking to you right now, I have counted about 14 corpses. 27 others are on the ground injured. There is no rescue team around,” a source told journalists by telephone few minutes after the attack.

The bomb blast caused pandemonium in the town, with several people running in different directions for safety.
Traders and shop owners hurriedly shut their shops while economic activities were grounded. Commercial vehicles also withdrew from the streets.

A source at the Federal Medical Centre confirmed that about 14 corpses were brought to the hospital while about 27 critically injured ones are currently under medication.

According to another source, some of the victims were civil servants from neigbouring states like Yobe and Jigawa who withdraw their salaries in Azare.

Azare town is about the busiest commercial area in Bauchi State aside Bauchi metropolis.

However, with the emergence of Boko Haram, the town had suffered untold hardship with series of attacks thereby reducing the number of banks in the town.

As at press time, the Bauchi State Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Mohammed Haruna, was not available for comments on the attack. The state’s government had equally not issued any official statement on the bomb attack.

Sect Enters Hong LG, Kills Four…
During the attack on Gashala Village in Hong Local Government Area, a retired engineer and three others were killed while residents were forced to flee.

A resident of Gashala who confirmed the attack said it took place from Thursday night to Friday morning. He said residents of the village had to flee to hill top and bushes.

He said the terrorists also touched several houses including that of the pastor of EYN Church.

Another resident of Gashala, Mr. Moses Abel said: “We got the signal of their coming but many people did not believe. Those who believed fled to the bushes and mountain before the terrorists struck.”

Another resident, Goni Joseph said: “Before the attack, four gunmen came to the town on two motorcycles and asked two young men they met on the farm to show them the houses of three retired generals and other prominent persons in the village but the young men said they were new in the community. They later went to the house of a retired engineer and shot him dead after asking him a few questions and warned other residents that they would return on Sunday. They said every member of our community who is not a Muslim should join their religion (Islam) or get killed as they claimed the area is under their control now.”

Ealier on Tuesday, the terrorists struck in Gombe State. A police station and Ashaka Cement Company in Nafada Local Government Area were attacked. Five military men and an Islamic scholar in the town were killed before looting its weaponry and setting the station on fire.

WHO officially declares Nigeria Ebola-free country

The World Health Organization, WHO, and the Federal Ministry of Health held a joint press conference in Abuja to formally declare Nigeria Ebola Virus Disease free. Yay! Our love and prayers go out to other nations still battling Ebola. God be with you.

Dan Nwomeh is the Special Assistant to the outgoing Minister of Health...

FG, Boko Haram Reach Ceasefire Agreement

In a landmark decision, the Federal Government has reached a ceasefire agreement with the Boko Haram terrorists.

This was announced friday by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh at the end of the two-day Coordinating Conference Cameroun-Nigeria Trans-Border Military Operations at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Headquarters, Abuja.

Badeh said that the latest ceasefire agreement with the terrorists will not affect the accord reached with Cameroun for joint security border operations.

He further directed all the military Service Chiefs to comply with the new ceasefire agreement, which was said to have been signed in far away Saudi Arabia.

He said: "Without any prejudice to the outcome of our three days interactions and the conclusions of this forum, I wish to inform this audience that a cease fire agreement has been concluded between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ahlul Sunna Li Daawa Wal Jihad.

"I have, accordingly, directed the Service Chiefs to ensure immediate compliance with this development in the field."

  Regarding the missing Chibok girls, their release and possible ceasefire. See more tweets below

 

Oby Ezekwesili reacted to this positive news see her tweets below

SOURCE - Thisdaylive

Joan Rivers , Comedian and Talk Show Host dies at at 81

Joan Rivers, talk show host, red-carpet critic and an actress, she rose to the top of the comedy's ranks and unapologetically tongue lashed everyone and everything that crossed her path. Joan was ( sucks to refer to her as past tense ) the commander in chief of the fashion police team that aired on E! She passed on today, Thursday , Sept 4th, 2014, in New York following complications from a medical procedure. She was 81 years old. Her daughter,Melissa confirmed this in a statement

.It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17 pm surrounded by family and close friends..

We miss her already , deeply saddened. ..RIP .. see more photos of Joan Rivers below

Tragic - Nasir El-Rufai loses son in Ghastly Motor Accident

Former FCT minister, Nasir-el-Rufai just lost his son in a ghastly car crash this morning . Hamza Rufai graduated from the University of Virginia last year..

"From Allah we came and to Him we shall return. Please join our family in praying for the repose of the soul of my son Hamza El-Rufai who died this morning in a motor accident in Abuja.
- Nasir El-Rufai

Just few months ago, he lost his daughter Zainab to sickle cell anemia. Really sad ..May he RIP .. Condolences to the Rufai Family

Breaking News - Bomb Blast rocks Emab Plaza, Abuja

News reaching us is that there has been an explosion in Emab Plaza , Banex are in wuse2 , Abuja . Casualty figures are yet to be confirmed but eye witnesses say no less than five people have been confirmed dead .. Still awaiting details . No one has so far claimed responsibility for this bombing ..

God help us all

Singer Kefee has passed on ,management releases official statement confirming her death

 

Kefee Obareki Don Momoh passed away this morning June 13th at the US hospital where she was taken to after she collapsed and went into coma. She never came out of the coma. Her international manager Adeline has confirmed her passing and Kefee's husband also confirmed to a Star FM staff, where he works. 

 Read the official statement from Kefee's UK publicist confirming her passing below.

On behalf of the family….It is with a great sadness but grateful hearts that we announce the passing to glory due to lungs failure this morning of our God’s mouth piece, chorus leader, daughter, wife, sister, friend Kefee Branama Queen … May her beautiful, gentle and precious soul rest in perfect peace. Amen!!

PS: In contrast to all earlier rumors and stories in circulation, I do state that Kefee wasn’t 6 months pregnant and neither did she have pre-eclampsia.

For the family
Adeline Adelicious Adebayo, (Kefee’s UK Manager)

 Kefee was in her mid 30s and went to the US 8 months ago to pursue her a career in video production and directing, those dreams never came through . So sad.. 
May her gentle and loving soul rest in peace  Amen 

BREAKING NEWS: Dora Akunyili Dies at age 59

We have heard several rumors about the former minister's death and always was glad to know they were false. But this time unfortunately she has passed on for real. Former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and ex minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili, has died according to a family source.
 Dr. Akunyili died in an India Hospital where she has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. She was aged 59. may her gentle soul rest in peace.

Mother of Abducted Chibok girl dies of Heart Attack . So Sad

Mary Paul Lalai,the mother of one of the abducted Chibok girls,suffered a heart attack and died .It was was confirmed by the member representing Chibok constituency in the State House of Assembly, Aimu Fona.
He told The Nation

" that on hearing the shocking news of the abduction of her daughter, she collapsed died"

The late Mary had since been buried according to Christian rites .Her husband  is still hoping two of his daughters abducted by Boko Haram would be released...

Is this how our end should be justified ?? Too much pain , too much blood being shed , to much tears. Hnmmmm unimaginable pain that these mothers will be going through. May her Soul rest in Peace. We owe it to her and her husband to ensure her kids get back home safe and sound , and grow up to be who their mother wished them to be .... So sad....

Two Bomb Explosions Kill At Least 200 People In Jos Market

 

Another menace , another sad day, more brutal killings , more innocent people dead . Sahara Reporters are reporting two big explosions rocked the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) area inside the Terminus Market near Murtala Mohammed way, in Jos city.

Eyewitness said the explosions shook the entire area causing major panic in the area.

The bombs were primed to inflict maximum casualties as they exploded few minutes apart.

Over 200 people were killed, up from the official 72 dead released earlier by government sources, as the two apparent car bombings had exploded 32 minutes apart.

The first vehicle to explode was a Peugeot J5 van, with the registration number XG 148 BLD. The second blast was carried out with a Toyota van, with a Gombe state license plate number.

An eyewitness told SaharaReporters that the second car, a Toyota Sienna van, had been abandoned since 6 AM Tuesday morning.

At least five residents had informed police officials, suspicious of the mysteriously van parked in their area, but no police arrived at the scene, and nothing was done until the car exploded some hours afterwards. Sources tell SaharaReporters the car “exploded,” after a beeping sound was heard from curious local residents.
 more graphic photos below .. (((

Breaking News! Bomb Blast Rocks Abuja this Morning Kills Over 100 people!! (Graphic Photos)

A Bomb explosion rocked the city of  Abuja this morning , Nyanya bridge bus stop area to be precise and over 100 people have been confirmed dead! And loads more are feared dead as more bodies are being recovered by the min .

According to eyewitnesses, the bomb blast occurred at 6:45am at Nyanya Elrufai Park. The source of the explosion was a car bomb. It is suspected that a Toyota Seina bus which was parked overnight was ladened with the bomb that went off this morning, knowing fully well that there would be so much more people at the bus stop this morning. Sound of the explosion at Nyanya (Under Bridge) was heard from far away Abacha Road in Mararaba.

Majority of the people killed in the Nyanya bus stop explosion were actually coming to the city centre to tend to their various jobs. NEMA ambulances were seen carrying corpses.

Continue to see pictures from the blast. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES. VIEWER'S DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED!!